Remembering Our Purpose: A Call to Praise and Prayer

In our gathering today, we reflected on the tendency of humanity to forget its origins and purpose, much like the generations in Israel who lost sight of their history and the blessings of God. This forgetfulness can lead to a resistance against openly praising God, as seen in the past and even in our present day. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people did not recognize what He could do for them, and similarly, many today do not realize the profound purpose and potential God has for their lives. God offers forgiveness and the removal of obstacles that separate us from Him, inviting us to become a blessing to others.

The stones of this university have witnessed the prayers and praises of believers for centuries. They have heard the cries of young people struggling with uncertainty about their future. Jesus declared that if people do not cry out in praise, the stones will. This is a call for us to lift our voices and praise God, refusing to let anything take our place in worship. We are called to be vocal and persistent in our prayers for a spiritual awakening in our generation, believing that God can bring about a transformation in our institutions and society.

We must not be silent or passive, but instead, actively seek God's presence and intervention. Despite the advancements and prestige of our institutions, God remains the ultimate authority, and Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. We are encouraged to pray fervently for a spiritual revival, asking God to visit our universities and communities once more. Let us join together in prayer, lifting our voices to God, and asking for His mercy and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to touch this generation.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Danger of Forgetfulness: Just as Israel forgot its history and purpose, we too can become complacent and forget the blessings and purposes God has for us. This forgetfulness can lead to a resistance against openly praising God, which breaks His heart. We must remain vigilant and remember the profound impact God can have in our lives if we acknowledge Him. [08:20]
• 2. God's Purpose for Our Lives: Many young people today are unaware of the incredible purpose and potential God has for them. God offers forgiveness and the removal of obstacles, inviting us to become a blessing to others. Understanding and embracing this purpose can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. [09:17]
• 3. The Witness of the Stones: The stones of our institutions have borne witness to the prayers and praises of believers throughout history. They remind us of the legacy of faith and the importance of continuing to lift our voices in praise and prayer, refusing to let anything take our place in worship. [11:09]
• 4. The Call for Spiritual Awakening: We are called to be vocal and persistent in our prayers for a spiritual awakening in our generation. Despite the advancements and prestige of our institutions, God remains the ultimate authority, and Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. We must actively seek God's presence and intervention. [13:11]
• 5. The Power of Collective Prayer: Joining together in prayer, lifting our voices to God, and asking for His mercy and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit can bring about a transformation in our institutions and society. We must pray fervently for a spiritual revival, believing that God can bring about a transformation in our time. [15:46]
  ** [15:46]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [08:20] - The Danger of Forgetfulness
• [09:03] - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
• [09:17] - God's Purpose for Our Lives
• [10:12] - The Temple's Lost Purpose
• [10:40] - Israel's Historical Fate
• [10:55] - The Witness of the Stones
• [11:39] - The Cry of the Stones
• [12:12] - A Call to Praise
• [12:40] - Refusing to Be Silent
• [13:11] - The Call for Spiritual Awakening
• [14:32] - Praying for Institutions
• [15:46] - The Power of Collective Prayer
• [16:28] - Lifting Our Voices
• [17:48] - A Prayer for Transformation

1. Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
2. Psalm 118:22-24 - The Stone the Builders Rejected
3. Acts 4:11-12 - Salvation in No Other Name

1. What was the reaction of the people in Jerusalem when Jesus approached the city, and how did it affect Him? [09:03]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the stones at the university, and what have they witnessed over the years? [11:09]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the current state of institutions and their original purposes? [10:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the potential impact of collective prayer on institutions and society? [15:46]

1. In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because they did not recognize the time of God's coming. What does this suggest about the importance of recognizing God's presence and purpose in our lives today?
2. The sermon mentions that the stones will cry out if people do not. What does this metaphor suggest about the importance of vocal praise and worship? [11:39]
3. How does the sermon interpret the role of Jesus as the cornerstone, as referenced in Psalm 118:22-24, in the context of modern institutions and society? [10:40]
4. The sermon calls for a spiritual awakening. What might this look like in practical terms for individuals and communities? [13:11]

1. Reflect on a time when you may have forgotten the blessings and purposes God has for you. How can you actively remind yourself of these in your daily life? [08:20]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of vocal praise. How can you incorporate more open praise and worship into your daily routine, even in public settings? [12:40]
3. Consider the potential God has for your life. What steps can you take to better understand and embrace this purpose? [09:17]
4. The sermon calls for collective prayer for a spiritual awakening. How can you participate in or organize a prayer group focused on this goal in your community? [15:46]
5. Think about the institutions you are part of, such as schools or workplaces. How can you contribute to aligning them more closely with their original purposes and values? [10:12]
6. The sermon mentions the power of prayer to transform society. What specific societal issue would you like to pray for, and how can you involve others in this prayer effort? [15:46]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is the only way to salvation. How does this belief influence your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? [14:19]