Revival Through Service and Commitment to God
Summary
Welcome to November 2024, a time of anticipation and action as we prepare for the end of the year and the beginning of a new era. As we approach the elections, it's crucial to vote with the intention of aligning with God's plans for our nation, believing that our actions can usher in a revival. Our church is bustling with activities, from community events like the candy drop and pet services to upcoming initiatives like the turkey drop and "At the Movies" series. These events are not just about fun and service; they are opportunities to shine the light of Christ in our community and invite others to join us in worship and fellowship.
Today, we celebrate Baptism Sunday, a powerful testament to the decisions people are making to follow Jesus. Despite the rain, we are committed to worshiping and honoring these commitments. Our church is growing, and to accommodate this, we will be moving to two services starting in December. This growth is a testament to the vibrant community we are building, one that is full every Sunday, even in challenging weather.
The heart of our mission is service. We believe that God moves powerfully when we serve together, and we invite everyone to engage in this calling. Serving is not just about filling roles; it's about allowing God to work through us, transforming our lives and the lives of those we touch. We are called to be one, united in purpose, as we invite others into the kingdom of God.
Revival begins with us, with our commitment to God and each other. It is not about waiting for a wave to come to us but about dropping our pebble in the water, starting with our own hearts. We must avoid compromise, which can quench the Holy Spirit's movement in our lives. Instead, we are called to live authentically, to serve, and to disciple others, multiplying the effectiveness of the revival.
As we move forward, let us focus on prayer, unity, and the simplicity of God's love. Let us not rely on external forces but on the Holy Spirit to guide us. Our growth is not about numbers but about welcoming people into the kingdom of God, where they can experience true freedom. Each of us has a role to play, and by stepping into our calling, we can witness the transformative power of God in our lives and our community.
Key Takeaways:
- Voting with Purpose: As we approach the elections, it's essential to vote with the intention of aligning with God's plans for our nation. Our actions can usher in a revival, bringing about a new era of spiritual awakening. [23:09]
- The Power of Service: Serving is not just about filling roles; it's about allowing God to work through us, transforming our lives and the lives of those we touch. When we serve together, we create a powerful movement of God's love in our community. [30:55]
- Revival Begins with Us: Revival is not about waiting for a wave to come to us but about starting with our own hearts. By committing to God and each other, we can ignite a revival that spreads throughout our community. [35:53]
- Avoiding Compromise: Compromise can quench the Holy Spirit's movement in our lives. We must live authentically, serve, and disciple others, multiplying the effectiveness of the revival. [47:02]
- Prayer and Unity: Our growth is not about numbers but about welcoming people into the kingdom of God. Through prayer and unity, we can experience true freedom and witness the transformative power of God in our lives and community. [59:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:09] - Voting for a New Era
- [26:56] - Baptism Sunday
- [28:44] - Two Services Announcement
- [30:55] - The Power of Serving
- [32:33] - Testimony of Transformation
- [34:22] - Unity and Revival
- [35:53] - Revival Begins with Us
- [39:19] - Community Impact
- [40:50] - Avoiding Compromise
- [47:02] - The Cost of Compromise
- [49:32] - Faith Beyond Experience
- [51:15] - Correcting Problems
- [54:33] - Pastoral Needs
- [59:01] - Prayer and Unity
- [01:06:35] - Personal Walk with Jesus
- [01:18:02] - Commitment to Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:1 - "When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 - "Do not quench the Spirit."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the community events mentioned in the sermon that aim to shine the light of Christ? [23:09]
2. How does the pastor describe the role of service in the church community? [30:55]
3. What is the significance of Baptism Sunday as mentioned in the sermon? [26:56]
4. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between compromise and the movement of the Holy Spirit? [47:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "one accord" in Acts 2:1 relate to the idea of unity in the church as discussed in the sermon? [34:22]
2. In what ways might compromise quench the Spirit, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, and how does this relate to the pastor's message? [40:50]
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 align with the pastor's call to make disciples and avoid compromise? [58:25]
4. What does the pastor mean by saying revival begins with us, and how does this connect to the biblical passages discussed? [35:53]
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Application Questions:
1. As we approach the elections, how can you ensure that your voting aligns with God's plans for our nation? What steps can you take to pray and seek guidance before voting? [23:09]
2. Reflect on your current involvement in church service. Are there areas where you feel called to serve but have hesitated? What steps can you take to engage more fully in service? [30:55]
3. Consider a time when you may have compromised in your faith. How did it affect your spiritual life, and what can you do to live more authentically in your walk with Christ? [47:02]
4. How can you contribute to the unity of your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to foster a spirit of oneness and collaboration? [34:22]
5. Identify one person in your life who you can disciple or share your faith with. What practical steps can you take this week to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [58:25]
6. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit. How can you invite the Spirit to guide you in this area and avoid quenching His movement? [40:50]
7. How can you incorporate prayer and unity into your daily routine to experience the transformative power of God in your life and community? What specific prayer practices can you adopt? [59:01]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Voting with Divine Intent
As we approach the elections, it's essential to vote with the intention of aligning with God's plans for our nation. This is not merely a civic duty but a spiritual act that can usher in a revival, bringing about a new era of spiritual awakening. When we vote, we are called to consider how our choices reflect God's heart for justice, mercy, and truth. Our actions in the voting booth can be a catalyst for change, not just politically, but spiritually, as we seek to align our nation with divine purposes. [23:09]
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: As you prepare to vote, what specific issues do you feel God is calling you to prioritize? How can you ensure that your vote reflects His heart for justice and mercy?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Service
Serving is not just about filling roles; it's about allowing God to work through us, transforming our lives and the lives of those we touch. When we serve together, we create a powerful movement of God's love in our community. This service is a reflection of Christ's love and a tangible expression of our faith. By stepping into service, we open ourselves to be used by God in ways that can profoundly impact both our lives and the lives of others. [30:55]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Identify one area in your community where you can serve this week. How can you use your unique gifts to make a difference in the lives of others?
Day 3: Revival Starts Within
Revival is not about waiting for a wave to come to us but about starting with our own hearts. By committing to God and each other, we can ignite a revival that spreads throughout our community. This personal revival begins with a sincere commitment to live authentically and to seek God's presence in every aspect of our lives. As we do so, we become conduits of His love and power, sparking a transformation that can ripple through our communities. [35:53]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek personal revival? How can you begin to cultivate a deeper commitment to God in this area today?
Day 4: Living Without Compromise
Compromise can quench the Holy Spirit's movement in our lives. We must live authentically, serve, and disciple others, multiplying the effectiveness of the revival. Living without compromise means holding fast to our convictions and allowing God's truth to guide our actions and decisions. It requires courage and faithfulness, as we seek to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to those around us. [47:02]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise your values? What steps can you take to stand firm in your faith and live authentically?
Day 5: The Power of Prayer and Unity
Our growth is not about numbers but about welcoming people into the kingdom of God. Through prayer and unity, we can experience true freedom and witness the transformative power of God in our lives and community. Prayer is the foundation of our spiritual journey, and unity is the strength that binds us together as a community of believers. Together, they create an environment where God's presence can dwell and His power can be unleashed. [59:01]
Ephesians 4:3 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community this week? What specific prayers can you offer to support this unity and invite God's presence into your midst?
Quotes
1. "Welcome to November 2024. Can you believe it? Yes, we are already here. The end of the month is just a month away. The end of the year is just a month away. I just can't believe it. It's just crazy. Just a reminder, we got something big happening in just two days. Make sure that you have gone and voted. Amen? We need to vote for this country. We need to vote for whatever God is wanting to do, what God is wanting to work through. And so I believe that we are voting for a new era to begin." [00:23:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There's a method to what I teach and what I preach. And that is to get into your heart, to engage you to walk in the calling that's in your life. And I will keep doing it and always do it because I believe that's what the Lord has called me to do. Is to invite you. Is to invite you into his kingdom through Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. But just keep telling you to come on. Come on. Start serving. Start engaging. Start being part of what's going on. Because God wants a greater movement within our community. Amen. So we can go out and do more things." [00:31:12] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now, PDT, how could you possibly say that God's going to move greater if more of us serve? Because God wants you to work with him and for his people. By loving on them. Amen. He wants us to be serving him and serving his people. And that pours out love and people. And they go, hey, maybe this church isn't bad. Maybe I should try this out. Maybe I should check out what's going on there. Amen." [00:31:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want you to listen to me. If you're wondering where your relationship is with Jesus Christ and you're not taking a step forward to serve, you're missing out on the greatest opportunity for him to infect your life. Because he's called us all. He's called us all to do incredible things. And you can't do those things if you're not stepping out." [00:33:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And the Word tells us that in Acts 2 .1. It says, when the day of Pentecost came, when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. When the Holy Spirit pours out is when the church comes together as one and we're operating in God's will to invite people into the kingdom of God. Amen? And that's why all of you are important to serving and to loving and to being part of God's family. Amen?" [00:34:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The revival doesn't start as a wave coming to you. It starts out as you drop your pebble in the water. Amen. It starts within you. This says awakening you to have a commitment to God. God shows up and creates a revival. And when we're doing the same things together as a family, fellowshipping together, showing the love of Christ, people just start to come. I know why they're coming is because the Holy spirit is prompting them, but it's because we're doing the work of just gathering and being the body of Christ. And God will work." [00:37:52] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And how that begins is you taking a step of faith by serving and being part of the church body that you're in. Amen? And God will begin a revival that will start moving in all of us together. It's a powerful thing to think about. I think about this all the time because I know, as well as you know, that there are a lot of lost people out there." [00:38:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You can quench the movement of the Spirit. Isn't that weird? To think about? We can do that. We can quench him. We can prevent him from moving because of what we do or do not do, what we choose not to do. And you may have not thought about this before in quenching the Spirit, but this is what I want to share with you today, because it tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5 .19 to do not quench the Spirit. And so how do we not quench? The Holy Spirit. Prevent the Holy Spirit is because we don't have compromise in our relationship with Jesus." [00:40:06] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We quench the Holy Spirit with compromising our relationship with Christ. Compromising meaning maybe I'll do this part, but I won't do this part. Maybe I'll come to church, but I'm not going to serve. Maybe I'm going to be a light when I'm here, but at work, I'm not going to be that light because I don't like the people I work with." [00:40:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "God is the same today, tomorrow forever. He is the same. He doesn't change. He is God. Amen. God is love. He loves you. Listen to me. I need you to hear what I'm saying right now. God loves you. you. I don't care if you said you don't love yourself this morning. God loves you anyways, and he's speaking to you right now. If you would let him in, he is love. You know what the number one comment I hear about people that walk into this church, they say, I felt loved. I felt loved. That's not me. That's the body of Christ working together to love people when they walk in the place. God is love. It's simple." [00:53:25] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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