Revival Through Faith: Embracing God's Love and Authority

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound love of God and the call for revival in our nation. We began by acknowledging the challenges facing our country and the need for a spiritual awakening that transcends political leadership. The focus was on the heart of each individual, recognizing that Jesus is the true authority. We prayed for forgiveness, especially on Sanctity of Life Sunday, and sought healing for those in need, emphasizing the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit.

We delved into Luke chapter 12, where Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, likening it to yeast that spreads and affects everything it touches. This serves as a reminder that unbelief and faithlessness can be contagious, urging us to surround ourselves with people of faith who uplift and encourage us. The power of words was highlighted, with a caution that what we say in private will be revealed publicly. Our words have the power to bring life or death, and they play a crucial role in our salvation.

The sermon also addressed the fear of God, emphasizing that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather the One who holds our eternal destiny. This fear is the beginning of wisdom, acknowledging God's sovereignty over our lives. We were reminded of God's intimate care for us, knowing even the number of hairs on our heads, and His thoughts toward us are more numerous than the grains of sand.

Publicly acknowledging Jesus is vital for our salvation. Jesus promises to acknowledge us before the Father if we confess Him before others. This public declaration of faith is not just a ritual but a profound expression of our belief in Jesus as Lord. The role of the Holy Spirit was underscored, guiding us in truth and empowering us to defend our faith. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading us to a deeper relationship with Christ.

Finally, we were encouraged to submit to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead and guide us in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit equips us to speak boldly about our faith, even in challenging situations. We were reminded that if we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. This is a call to action for those who have not yet publicly declared their faith to do so and experience the transformative power of God's love.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Contagion of Unbelief: Unbelief and faithlessness can spread like yeast, affecting our spiritual health. Surrounding ourselves with people of faith who encourage and uplift us is crucial to maintaining a strong relationship with God. [51:37]

2. The Power of Words: Our words have the power to bring life or death, and they play a significant role in our salvation. What we say in private will be revealed publicly, so we must be mindful of our speech and its impact. [53:08]

3. Fear of God and Eternal Life: We should fear God, who holds our eternal destiny, rather than those who can harm the body. This fear is the beginning of wisdom, acknowledging God's sovereignty and the reality of heaven and hell. [55:38]

4. Public Acknowledgment of Jesus: Publicly confessing Jesus as Lord is vital for our salvation. This declaration is not just a ritual but a profound expression of our belief in Jesus and His saving grace. [01:04:14]

5. Submission to the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit guides us in truth and empowers us to defend our faith. By submitting to the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to lead us in our daily lives and equip us to speak boldly about our faith. [01:11:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [45:55] - Prayer for Revival
- [46:55] - Healing and Forgiveness
- [51:37] - The Contagion of Unbelief
- [52:12] - The Power of Words
- [53:08] - Words and Salvation
- [55:01] - Fear of God and Eternal Life
- [55:38] - Eternal Destiny
- [56:54] - The Narrow Gate
- [57:36] - God's Intimate Care
- [58:22] - Worth More Than Sparrows
- [59:25] - Public Acknowledgment of Jesus
- [01:04:14] - Confession and Salvation
- [01:11:52] - Submission to the Holy Spirit
- [01:13:07] - Defending Faith with the Holy Spirit
- [01:15:10] - Call to Publicly Declare Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 12:1-12
- Proverbs 18:21
- Romans 10:8-11

---

Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 12, Jesus warns against the "yeast of the Pharisees." What does He mean by this, and how does it relate to hypocrisy? [51:37]

2. According to Proverbs 18:21, what power do our words hold, and how does this align with the sermon’s message about the impact of our speech? [53:08]

3. What does Jesus say about fearing God in Luke 12, and how does this fear relate to wisdom and eternal life? [55:38]

4. How does Romans 10:8-11 describe the relationship between confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts for salvation? [01:04:14]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of unbelief being contagious challenge the way individuals choose their social circles and influences? [51:37]

2. In what ways can the power of words affect a person's spiritual journey, both positively and negatively? [53:08]

3. How does the fear of God, as described in the sermon, differ from other types of fear, and why is it considered the beginning of wisdom? [55:38]

4. What does it mean to publicly acknowledge Jesus, and why is this public declaration significant for one's faith journey? [01:04:14]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current social circle. Are there individuals who might be influencing your faith negatively? How can you seek out relationships that encourage and uplift your spiritual walk? [51:37]

2. Think about a recent conversation where your words may not have reflected your faith. How can you be more mindful of your speech in future interactions? [53:08]

3. Consider a situation where you might have feared human judgment over God's. How can you shift your perspective to prioritize God's sovereignty in your life? [55:38]

4. Have you publicly acknowledged your faith in Jesus recently? If not, what steps can you take to make this declaration in your community or social circles? [01:04:14]

5. How can you submit more fully to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? Identify one area where you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to change or grow. [01:11:52]

6. Is there a specific person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus? How can you share your faith with them in a loving and respectful way? [01:08:13]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you in a difficult situation. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:13:07]

Devotional

Day 1: The Contagion of Unbelief
Unbelief and faithlessness can spread like yeast, subtly infiltrating and affecting every aspect of our spiritual lives. Just as yeast causes dough to rise, unbelief can cause doubt and spiritual stagnation to grow within us. It is crucial to be vigilant about the influences we allow into our lives, as they can either strengthen or weaken our faith. Surrounding ourselves with people of faith who encourage and uplift us is essential to maintaining a strong relationship with God. This community of believers acts as a buffer against the spread of unbelief, helping us to remain steadfast in our faith. [51:37]

Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Reflection: Who are the people in your life that influence your faith the most? How can you intentionally seek out and spend more time with those who encourage and strengthen your belief in God?


Day 2: The Power of Words
Our words hold immense power, capable of bringing life or death, and they play a significant role in our salvation. What we say in private will eventually be revealed publicly, so it is vital to be mindful of our speech and its impact. Words can build up or tear down, and they reflect the condition of our hearts. By choosing to speak words of life, encouragement, and truth, we align ourselves with God's purposes and demonstrate our faith in action. This awareness of the power of words calls us to be intentional in our communication, ensuring that our speech reflects the love and grace of Christ. [53:08]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent conversation where your words may have had a significant impact. How can you use your words today to bring life and encouragement to someone in your life?


Day 3: Fear of God and Eternal Life
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives and the reality of heaven and hell. This fear is not about being afraid but about having a deep reverence and respect for God, recognizing His ultimate authority over our eternal destiny. We are reminded that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather the One who holds our eternal future. This understanding of God's power and care for us should lead us to live lives that honor Him, knowing that He is intimately involved in every detail of our lives. [55:38]

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV): "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to acknowledge God's sovereignty? How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily actions and decisions?


Day 4: Public Acknowledgment of Jesus
Publicly confessing Jesus as Lord is vital for our salvation. This declaration is not just a ritual but a profound expression of our belief in Jesus and His saving grace. Jesus promises to acknowledge us before the Father if we confess Him before others, highlighting the importance of our public witness. This acknowledgment is a testament to our faith and a powerful declaration of our allegiance to Christ. It challenges us to live boldly and authentically, allowing our faith to be evident in our words and actions. [01:04:14]

Matthew 10:32-33 (ESV): "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Have you publicly declared your faith in Jesus? If not, what steps can you take to make this declaration, and if you have, how can you continue to live out this confession in your daily life?


Day 5: Submission to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides us in truth and empowers us to defend our faith. By submitting to the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to lead us in our daily lives and equip us to speak boldly about our faith, even in challenging situations. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading us to a deeper relationship with Christ. This submission is an ongoing process of yielding to the Spirit's guidance, trusting that He will provide the wisdom and strength needed to navigate life's challenges. [01:11:52]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you practice yielding to His leading today, trusting in His wisdom and strength?

Quotes

Heavenly Father, we just know your spirit is working here. And Lord, I pray that there would be a spirit of illumination to know how much you love us. That you would tell each person here how real your love is for us. Father, our nation is in big trouble. California is on fire. Washington, D.C. is. Going to have a bunch of eyes on it this week, Father. And I pray that the body of Christ would understand that it's not who the president is, it's not who is in charge here on earth, but it's in the hearts of men and women that Jesus is on the throne. [00:44:49] (48 seconds)


Father, we pray for revival. We lift it up. That, Lord, the pulpits in the United States of America would be filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit today and in the days to come. And that there would be a revival and a call, Lord Jesus, that the voice of Jonah would go through the nation saying yet 40 days and there will be judgment. And that, Father God, we would understand that we have to be accountable to You. [00:46:03] (30 seconds)


Father, heal Your body. Guide us and direct us now. Father God, we ask You, Lord, to move in the power of Your Spirit. If you know somebody that needs healing today, mental, physical, mental, mental, mental, mental. physical, spiritual. Call their name out right now. Lord, I ask You to heal my friend Dan. To heal my friend Hondo. That Lord God, You would reach out and You would touch the sick and that they would be healed. It says if we lift them up, if we lay our hands on them, if we anoint them with oil, Lord, it says that our prayers will be effective. [00:46:34] (34 seconds)


The first point this morning unbelief is contagious listen to what Jesus says he says be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees what yeast hypocrisy and faithlessness they didn't believe they were against Jesus they were looking at him they saw him face to face they heard his words they saw him heal the sick they saw him cast out demons and yet they didn't believe he was the son of God and he was who he said he is and Jesus said beware of the yeast in them think about yeast you put it in dough and it spreads throughout the dough and it has an effect upon it and that unbelief and that faithlessness is contagious if you hang around with faithless people it will start to affect you. [00:51:02] (54 seconds)


Jesus said don't fear the one who can kill your body. Just think about that for a minute. You stop and you go, boy, that's kind of insensitive, Jesus. But He said don't fear the one that can take your life here on earth. He said, fear the one who decides where you're going to spend eternity? Who can put your soul in hell? He said, that's the one you should fear. You know, the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord, isn't it? But we should fear God because God has power over us. [00:55:11] (35 seconds)


It's so important, church, that you know there is a God who can do that. There is eternal life. There is a place called heaven. There is a place called hell. I remember my veterinarian, we had all these, and when we would work on our cows, we would have spiritual conversations. And he said to me one day, in a farm mentality, he said, well, he said, why would God just swing the gate on me and send me to hell? He looked at life as being in a cattle shoot. And when he died, God was going to swing the gate, heaven or hell. And isn't that what Jesus, he says, the gate that goes to heaven is what? It's narrow. [00:56:26] (37 seconds)


Jesus says if you acknowledge me before men the old king james says if you confess me before men he says i will confess you before my father in heaven in this text it says before the angels that are before my father in heaven and it says if you deny me if you if you won't acknowledge me publicly well pastor pastor my faith is very very private i don't talk about it i don't say anything about it i don't do anything about it as a matter of fact you don't even know it exists are you going to go to heaven well i'm sure no you're not. [01:00:51] (39 seconds)


And I have people say things to me like well that prayer that prayer won't get you to heaven you're right because the prayer that you speak with your lips has to come from your heart but i'm here to tell you that prayer is very important because jesus says that if you acknowledge me if you will speak my name and you will acknowledge me for who i am in public then he says and i will say to my dad did you hear that i i talk to guys who go through mount zion house their lives change drastically i watch them come in and i see them go out and years later i see them renewed relationships with family their lives on track and i ask them i say what changed you know what was it that made the difference in your life and so many of them will say to me the first day i came in i prayed a prayer and after i prayed that prayer my life changed. [01:01:45] (57 seconds)


The role of the Holy Spirit. He shines a light on Jesus and He makes you come to a place where you declare in your heart, through your lips, are you with Him or aren't you? Do you trust Him as your Lord and Savior? Romans 8 .14, those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. I just love that. Do you know He wants to lead you? Do you know He wants to guide you? Do you know He wants to speak with you? He's told me when droughts were coming. He has told me so many things, church. because He wants to lead us and He wants to guide us and He wants to walk with us. [01:10:27] (50 seconds)


Now, don't raise your hand, but I wonder if anybody's afraid of a hard question. Somebody asks you a question in Scripture and you can't have an answer. You don't know it in your intellect. I'm here to tell you, that God will give you the words to speak. It says, because when you're called before the authorities and before the Sanhedrin and you don't know what to say, Jesus says, it's not going to be you speaking, it's going to be my Father in Heaven. [01:12:17] (31 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 20, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?