Seeing Clearly: A Journey of Faith and Vision
Summary
In this sermon, I shared my personal experiences from a mission trip to Kosovo, a country I served as a missionary in over 20 years ago. I discussed the devastation I witnessed during the conflict between ethnic Serbs and Albanians, and how it impacted my ministry. I also shared the story of ESAT Kisa, one of the first Christians I met in Kosovo, who is now a co-pastor of one of the only two churches in the town of Paya. I reflected on my initial disappointment and failure in my ministry, and how it led me to realize that my heart was not in the right place and that I needed a greater vision of God in my life.
I then delved into the story from Mark chapter eight, where Jesus heals a blind man in two stages. I explained that this story was not about Jesus' inability to heal, but about the disciples' imperfect vision and understanding of who Jesus was and what he was doing. I emphasized that the problem was not with Jesus' touch, but with the disciples' perception and understanding. I concluded the sermon by praying for the young church in Kosovo, asking for spiritual protection and encouragement for the believers and leaders there. I also prayed for our congregation, asking for a renewal of our faith and a reawakening to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of having a clear vision of God and understanding of His work in our lives. This understanding can help us overcome disappointments and failures in our spiritual journey. (#!!41:48!!)
- The story of Jesus healing the blind man in two stages serves as a reminder that our perception and understanding of God's work can be imperfect, and we may need a 'second touch' from God to see clearly. (#!!43:08!!)
- The need for spiritual protection and encouragement for young churches and new believers, especially in areas of conflict or hardship. (#!!01:08:43!!)
- The power of the Holy Spirit in renewing our faith and reawakening us to God's presence and work in our lives. (#!!01:09:25!!)
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of experiencing a renewal or revival in our faith, akin to a "second touch" from God, to see the world and our mission more clearly. This renewal is centered around the power and work of the Holy Spirit. [01:05:50]
2. The dynamics of the spiritual life, as outlined in the book of Acts, include deepening experience with the Word of God, sacrificial giving, dependence on prayer, and the rapid expansion of the Gospel message to spiritually lost people around us. [01:07:13]
3. The sermon highlights the story of the growth of Christianity in Kosovo, from a small beginning to a growing number of believers and churches. This story serves as an example of God's work in the world today. [57:26]
4. The sermon encourages us to see ourselves as the blind man in the story, someone who has experienced the touch of Jesus but may need a renewal of vision, a second touch, to see God, our own hearts, and the world more clearly. [01:03:31]
5. The sermon ends with a prayer for spiritual protection, encouragement, and depth in faith for the believers in Kosovo, and for a renewal of faith and spiritual revival in our own community. [01:08:43]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Acts 1-5
2. Mark 8
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 1-5, what are some examples of the early church experiencing a renewal or revival in their faith?
2. How does the story of the blind man in Mark 8 relate to the concept of needing a "second touch" from Jesus?
3. What are the dynamics of the spiritual life as outlined in the book of Acts?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the growth of Christianity in Kosovo illustrate the power and work of the Holy Spirit?
2. What does it mean to experience a "second touch" from Jesus, and why is this important for our spiritual growth?
3. How do the dynamics of the spiritual life as outlined in the book of Acts apply to our lives today?
Application Questions:
1. How can we apply the concept of needing a "second touch" from Jesus in our own spiritual journeys?
2. What are some practical ways we can deepen our experience with the Word of God, practice sacrificial giving, depend more on prayer, and expand the Gospel message to spiritually lost people around us?
3. How can we pray for and support the growth of Christianity in places like Kosovo, and how can we seek a renewal of faith and spiritual revival in our own community?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Spiritual Protection
The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual protection and the role it plays in strengthening our faith. It is a call to action for us to pray for spiritual protection and encouragement, not just for ourselves but for others as well. This is a crucial aspect of our faith journey that we need to incorporate into our daily lives. [01:08:43]
Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:11-13 - "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: How can you actively pray for spiritual protection for yourself and others in your daily life?
Day 2: The Danger of a Hard Heart
The sermon warns us about the danger of having a hard heart. It is a state of being that can lead to bitterness, indifference, and disbelief. It is a call to guard our hearts and to constantly check if our hearts are hardening. [47:06]
Bible Passage: Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: What are some signs that your heart may be hardening and how can you soften it?
Day 3: The Need for Spiritual Renewal
The sermon highlights the need for spiritual renewal in our lives and in our congregation. It is a call to experience a second touch of God in our lives and to open our eyes in a new way. [01:05:50]
Bible Passage: Psalm 51:10 - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Reflection: How can you actively seek spiritual renewal in your life?
Day 4: The Importance of Gospel Expansion
The sermon emphasizes the importance of expanding the Gospel message to spiritually lost people around us. It is a call to action for us to be part of the rapid expansion of the Gospel message. [01:07:13]
Bible Passage: Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the expansion of the Gospel message in your community?
Day 5: The Power of Curiosity about Jesus
The sermon highlights the power of curiosity about Jesus. It is a call to action for us to be ready to answer questions about Jesus and the Gospel. [59:18]
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to answer questions about Jesus and the Gospel?
Quotes
1. "I experienced some great disappointment and failure early on in my Ministry and discovered I had to discover that my heart was not in the right place. I was not really spiritually ready for the work that God had called me to do. I needed to have a greater vision of who God was in my life." - 41:48
2. "What these people needed was the first touch of Jesus. They immediately are not Christians. My sense is the vast majority of all of us here today listening to me, you're Christians. There's been a time in your life where Christ came into your life, he opened your eyes, you were dead in your trespasses and sins and he made you alive." - 01:02:17
3. "If I was ever going to be of any help to these people I needed to truly know who they were. I needed to care about what they cared about first before they were going to care about anything that I had to say." - 51:19
4. "I realized that my vision needed some correction, my heart needed some adjustment and really through this experience is why it's so resonant in my life all these years later. I, in a manner speaking, received a second touch, another opportunity for God to come into my life to humble my heart and clarify my vision about who God was about my own heart really where I was in the mission that he'd called me to serve." - 56:04
5. "I didn't come here looking to meet Jesus, I came here looking to serve Jesus. But I realized that my vision needed some correction, my heart needed some adjustment and really through this experience is why it's so resonant in my life all these years later." - 55:21
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