Living Faithfully: The Power of Prayer and Holiness

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord, particularly through the testimony of Trevor and his family. We were reminded of the power of prayer and God's ability to restore what seems lost, as seen in the miraculous return of Trevor's children. This serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering love and mercy.

We delved into Psalms 119:1-16, which emphasizes the importance of living a blameless and holy life by adhering to God's laws. The scripture teaches us that true happiness and blessedness come from walking in the ways of the Lord and keeping His statutes. This aligns with our recent discussions on the end times, where we are called to persevere and prepare by living out our faith actively.

The essence of our faith is not just in professing it but in practicing and living it daily. Hebrews 12:14 reminds us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Therefore, our faith must be evident in our actions, reflecting a life of holiness and obedience to God's will. This is not about earning salvation through works but about living a life that honors the salvation we have already received through Christ.

We also discussed the misconception that the law is burdensome. Instead, the law of the Lord is perfect, trustworthy, and brings joy and light. It is not a curse but a guide to living a life that pleases God. Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, showing us that obedience to God's commandments is essential for a fruitful Christian life.

In conclusion, we are called to live our faith by walking in God's will, which is revealed through His laws. This is the path to true happiness and blessedness. Let us strive to be obedient children, living holy lives that reflect our faith in God.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Prayer and Restoration: The testimony of Trevor and his family highlights the miraculous power of prayer and God's ability to restore what seems lost. This serves as a reminder that no situation is beyond God's reach, and His timing is perfect. [03:05]

2. Living a Blameless Life: Psalms 119:1-16 teaches us that true happiness and blessedness come from living a blameless life by adhering to God's laws. This involves not just knowing the Word but actively walking in it, which brings joy and fulfillment. [07:21]

3. Holiness and Seeing God: Hebrews 12:14 emphasizes that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Our faith must be more than a profession; it must be lived out in holiness and obedience to God's will. This is essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. [15:47]

4. The Law as a Guide, Not a Burden: The law of the Lord is not a curse but a guide to living a life that pleases God. It is perfect, trustworthy, and brings joy and light. Jesus came to fulfill the law, showing us that obedience to God's commandments is essential for a fruitful Christian life. [33:03]

5. Faith in Action: Our faith must be evident in our actions. James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. Therefore, as believers, we must strive to live out our faith daily, reflecting a life of holiness and obedience to God's will. [56:27]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:29] - Testimony of Trevor's Family
[01:30] - Abby's Journey and Restoration
[03:05] - Power of Prayer
[04:08] - Opening Prayer
[07:21] - Reading Psalms 119:1-16
[10:01] - End Times Discussion
[11:24] - Call to Persevere and Prepare
[13:31] - Living Out Our Faith
[15:47] - Importance of Holiness
[20:30] - Pursuit of Happiness
[24:35] - Walking in God's Law
[33:03] - The Law as a Guide
[39:18] - Consequences of Disobedience
[56:27] - Faith in Action
[01:01:07] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Psalms 119:1-16
- Hebrews 12:14
- James 2:17

### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalms 119:1-16, what are the characteristics of a blameless life? How does one achieve this? [07:21]
2. What does Hebrews 12:14 say about the importance of holiness in seeing the Lord? [15:47]
3. How does the testimony of Trevor and his family illustrate the power of prayer and God's ability to restore what seems lost? [03:05]
4. What does James 2:17 say about the relationship between faith and works? How was this concept discussed in the sermon? [56:27]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does living a blameless life according to Psalms 119:1-16 lead to true happiness and blessedness? [07:21]
2. Why is holiness essential for seeing the Lord, as stated in Hebrews 12:14? How does this relate to our daily lives? [15:47]
3. In what ways can the law of the Lord be seen as a guide rather than a burden, as discussed in the sermon? [33:03]
4. How does the testimony of Trevor's family challenge or reinforce your understanding of the power of prayer and God's timing? [03:05]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of prayer in your life. How did it change your perspective on God's ability to restore what seems lost? [03:05]
2. Psalms 119:1-16 emphasizes living a blameless life by adhering to God's laws. What specific steps can you take this week to align your actions with God's statutes? [07:21]
3. Hebrews 12:14 states that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. What areas of your life need transformation to reflect holiness and obedience to God's will? [15:47]
4. The sermon discussed the misconception that the law is burdensome. How can you shift your perspective to see God's commandments as a guide to a fruitful Christian life? [33:03]
5. James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. Identify one area in your life where you can put your faith into action this week. What specific steps will you take? [56:27]
6. How can you incorporate regular prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with God and seek His guidance in your life? [04:08]
7. Reflect on the testimony of Trevor's family. How can their story inspire you to trust in God's timing and remain steadfast in prayer, even in seemingly hopeless situations? [03:05]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Restoration
Description: The testimony of Trevor and his family serves as a powerful reminder of the miraculous power of prayer and God's ability to restore what seems lost. Through persistent prayer and unwavering faith, Trevor witnessed the miraculous return of his children, a testament to God's perfect timing and boundless mercy. This story encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when situations seem hopeless, and to remain steadfast in prayer, knowing that God hears and answers in His perfect way. [03:05]

Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems beyond repair. How can you commit this situation to God in prayer today, trusting in His power to restore and redeem?

Day 2: Living a Blameless Life
Description: Psalms 119:1-16 emphasizes the importance of living a blameless and holy life by adhering to God's laws. True happiness and blessedness come from walking in the ways of the Lord and keeping His statutes. This involves not just knowing the Word but actively living it out in our daily lives. By doing so, we find joy and fulfillment, aligning our lives with God's will and experiencing His blessings. This passage calls us to examine our lives and ensure that our actions reflect our faith and commitment to God's commandments. [07:21]

Psalm 119:1-3 (ESV): "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!"

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to live according to God's laws. What practical steps can you take today to align this area with God's Word?

Day 3: Holiness and Seeing God
Description: Hebrews 12:14 reminds us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Our faith must be more than a mere profession; it must be lived out in holiness and obedience to God's will. This is essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. Holiness is not about earning salvation through works but about living a life that honors the salvation we have already received through Christ. By pursuing holiness, we draw closer to God and reflect His character in our lives, becoming a light to those around us. [15:47]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your daily habits and routines. What changes can you make to pursue holiness more intentionally in your everyday life?

Day 4: The Law as a Guide, Not a Burden
Description: The law of the Lord is not a curse but a guide to living a life that pleases God. It is perfect, trustworthy, and brings joy and light. Jesus came to fulfill the law, showing us that obedience to God's commandments is essential for a fruitful Christian life. The law serves as a roadmap, guiding us towards a life that honors God and brings true fulfillment. By embracing God's commandments, we find joy and purpose, understanding that they are given out of His love for us. [33:03]

Psalm 19:7-8 (ESV): "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."

Reflection: Consider how you view God's commandments. Do you see them as burdensome or as a guide to a fulfilling life? How can you shift your perspective to embrace them more fully?

Day 5: Faith in Action
Description: Our faith must be evident in our actions. James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. Therefore, as believers, we must strive to live out our faith daily, reflecting a life of holiness and obedience to God's will. This involves actively seeking ways to serve others, demonstrate God's love, and live according to His Word. By doing so, we not only grow in our own faith but also become a testimony to others, showing the transformative power of a life committed to Christ. [56:27]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: Think of one specific way you can put your faith into action today. How can you serve someone in your community or demonstrate God's love in a tangible way?

Quotes

1. "If we are to consider all the blessings that you have given us, it far outweigh the challenges. If we are to write all the good things that you are doing it for us, from the morning till the nightfall, Father God, kulang po ang isang pahena ng papel para isulat ang iyong kabutihan. And we thank you so much for that. Lord, nandirito kami. We are here for one purpose. And single purpose only. That is to worship you. That is to honor you. That is to give you praise and thanksgiving." [04:43] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When we are talking about end times, we are not just merely talking about the warnings of Jesus Christ. We are not just merely talking about the signs of the times and how to interpret them. Bakit po natin pinag-uusapan ng end times? Why are we talking Matthew chapter 24 and Matthew chapter 25? Jesus gave this warning to us. As Jesus gave these signs to us, sabi natin, my dear brothers and sisters, to prepare us. Ihanda po tayo. And just like our message last time, to prepare us to persevere. Amen? To prepare us for preparedness." [11:24] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Faith is not only something that we profess, that faith is not only something that we claim, katulad nung ginawa natin kanina, na sinabi natin, we profess that we have faith. We claim that we have faith. More than that, my dear brothers and sisters, the word of the Lord says, faith must be walk, mailakad natin. Amen? Faith must be practice, mai-apply natin. And most importantly, faith must be lived. In Tagalog, maisa pa muhay po natin. That's what it meant, my dear brothers and sisters. Amen?" [14:22] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If we say that the end times is the coming back of Christ, if we say that the end times is the reunion, the gathering of all the believers, for what purpose? Sa anong purpose? In what purpose? For us to meet with our Master. Amen, Church? For us to meet with our Master. That is the purpose of end times. The end times is not about the warning. The end times is not about the sign. We say that the end times is the return of Christ. Amen? And if Christ return, ano yung mangyayari? Ano ba? Ano ba yung pinaka-aasam-asam natin? What is it is that we have been after? That is to stand in the front of Christ." [16:12] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Blessed are those who are holy. Blessed are those who are pure in heart because they will see God. Amen, Church? Gusto nating makita ang Panginoon? Amen? Or contento na tayo na nakikita lang natin yung kabutihan ng Panginoon? Are we contented na yung kabutihan lang ng Panginoon ang ating nakikita? No, we should not. We should not aspire for the blessing. We aspire for the giver. Amen? We should not just simply aspire for the healing. We aspire for the healer." [20:30] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Happy are those, blessed are those, joyful are those. Amen? Blessed are those whose ways are blameless. Those whose ways are holy, pure, undefiled. Those ways are right. Yun po ang sabi ng Panginoon. Mapalad daw po tayo. We are blessed. Those ways are blameless. Amen? Those who walk according to the law of God. Amen, Church? Blessed are they who keep His statutes. Statutes is just a synonyms of laws, precepts. Amen, Church? And seek Him with all their heart." [21:39] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If you are walking actively in God, the Bible calls you holy. Amen, Church? Yes, our faith must be professed. Yes, our faith must be claimed. But so much so that our faith, sabi nga natin, must be practiced. Must be lived. Amen, Church? And if you are practicing your faith, if you are living your faith, does it mean? Sabi nga natin, you are actively walking in God. Amen, Church? Amen? If we live our faith, we are actively walking in God." [25:41] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The curse of the law because within our own strength, sa sarili nating kakayahan, we try our very best to keep it only to find out that we fail. That's the reason why that it is called the curse of the law. And the curse of the law, it is called because, my dear brothers and sisters, all or none, yes, you keep nine, but if you fail one, you fail it all. Yes, you keep 99%, and you fail 1%, you fail it all. My dear brothers and sisters, all or none law. If you disobey one, you disobey God. Because the law is the will of God." [34:43] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The message of the end time says, wake up. Stop what we are doing contrary to the Lord. Stop our disobedience if you hear this word. Do not harden your heart. Because hardening your heart is act of rebellion against God. Do you not imagine? Put your imagination and thought into it. Adam and Eve, they walked with the Lord. They stand face to face with the Lord. They spoke face to face with the Lord. But when they disobey God, all of those privileges were God." [36:26] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Yes, in the Old Testament, people follow the law to earn their salvation. Amen. But ngayon that we are under the grace of God, we follow the law not to earn salvation, we follow the law because we are already ready. Save. Amen, church. Diba? If you look at the Old Testament, this is how you do, do, do in order to earn the favor of God. Amen, church. In the Old Testament, wala pa tayong ginagawa, ibinigay na ang ating Panginoong Hisokristo to give us favor. Amen." [42:42] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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