Seizing Moments: The Power of Faith Conversations

 

Summary

In today's message, I shared a personal story that highlights the importance of being aware of the spiritual dimensions of our lives and the opportunities we have to share the gospel. Inspired by Tony Evans' teachings on spiritual warfare, I have come to understand that our words and actions carry significant weight in the spiritual realm. This awareness was further deepened by reading "Watch Your Mouth," which emphasizes the power of our words and the responsibility we have to use them wisely.

During a family vacation, I had an unexpected encounter with Justin Bieber. While many were eager to meet him for selfies and autographs, I saw it as a unique opportunity to share the gospel. Our conversation revealed that he was reconnecting with his faith, and I was able to introduce him to the teachings of Dr. Tony Evans. This interaction reminded me of the profound impact we can have when we seize the moment to share our faith.

The experience reinforced the idea that we are always on a mission to advance God's kingdom. Every encounter is an opportunity to share the love and message of Christ. When we do so, we not only fulfill our purpose but also experience a deep sense of joy and satisfaction. This is a reminder that our ultimate goal is to live for God and to help others in their spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Words: Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and they carry spiritual significance. Being mindful of what we say can help us align our speech with God's will, ensuring that our words are a source of encouragement and truth. [01:00]

2. Seizing Opportunities: Every encounter is a potential opportunity to share the gospel. We must be vigilant and ready to speak about our faith, as God can use us in unexpected ways to touch the lives of others. [02:15]

3. Impact of Faith Conversations: Engaging in conversations about faith can have a lasting impact. Even a brief interaction can plant seeds of curiosity and spiritual growth in others, as seen in my conversation with Justin Bieber. [03:26]

4. Living on Mission: As Christians, we are called to live with a sense of mission, always ready to advance God's kingdom. This requires a mindset of readiness and willingness to act when opportunities arise. [03:52]

5. Joy in Serving God: There is immense joy and satisfaction in knowing that we have contributed to someone's spiritual journey. When we align our actions with God's purpose, we experience a profound sense of fulfillment. [03:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
- [01:00] - The Power of Words
- [01:25] - Encounter with Justin Bieber
- [01:51] - A Chance to Share the Gospel
- [02:15] - Discussing Faith with Justin
- [02:37] - Introducing Tony Evans
- [03:04] - A Memorable Impact
- [03:26] - The Importance of Mission
- [03:52] - Joy in Advancing God's Kingdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
2. Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
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 that I have commanded you."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 6:12 reveal about the nature of spiritual warfare and how it relates to our daily lives?
2. How does Proverbs 18:21 emphasize the significance of our words in both positive and negative ways?
3. In the sermon, what was the significance of the encounter with Justin Bieber, and how did it illustrate the concept of seizing opportunities to share the gospel? [02:15]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How can understanding the spiritual forces described in Ephesians 6:12 change a person's perspective on daily challenges and interactions?
2. In what ways does the power of the tongue, as described in Proverbs 18:21, influence relationships and personal growth?
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the idea of living on a mission and seizing opportunities to share one's faith? [03:52]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conversation where your words had a significant impact. How can you be more intentional about using your words to build others up in the future? [01:00]
2. Identify a situation where you missed an opportunity to share your faith. What can you do differently next time to be more prepared and willing to speak about your beliefs? [02:15]
3. Consider the people in your life who may be open to spiritual conversations. How can you initiate a meaningful dialogue with them this week? [03:26]
4. Think about a time when you felt a sense of joy and fulfillment from serving God. How can you create more opportunities for such experiences in your daily life? [03:52]
5. What steps can you take to become more aware of the spiritual dimensions of your life and the influence of your actions and words in the spiritual realm? [01:00]
6. How can you incorporate the teachings of spiritual leaders, like Tony Evans, into your personal spiritual journey to enhance your understanding and practice of faith? [02:37]
7. Reflect on the idea of living with a sense of mission. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to align more closely with this mindset? [03:52]

Devotional

Day 1: The Weight of Our Words
Our words have the power to shape the spiritual atmosphere around us. They can either build up or tear down, and they carry a significant spiritual weight. Being mindful of what we say is crucial in aligning our speech with God's will. When we speak words of encouragement and truth, we become vessels of God's love and grace. This awareness calls us to be intentional with our words, ensuring they reflect the heart of God and serve as a source of encouragement to others. [01:00]

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words could have been more uplifting. How can you intentionally use your words today to encourage someone in your life?


Day 2: Embracing Divine Opportunities
Every encounter we have is a potential opportunity to share the gospel. We must remain vigilant and ready to speak about our faith, as God can use us in unexpected ways to touch the lives of others. This requires a mindset of readiness and a willingness to act when opportunities arise. By being open to these divine appointments, we can become instruments of God's love and truth in the world. [02:15]

"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent encounter where you missed an opportunity to share your faith. How can you prepare yourself to seize such opportunities in the future?


Day 3: The Lasting Impact of Faith Conversations
Engaging in conversations about faith can have a profound and lasting impact. Even a brief interaction can plant seeds of curiosity and spiritual growth in others. These conversations are not just about sharing information but about inviting others into a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose for their lives. By being open to discussing our faith, we can help others on their spiritual journey and potentially change the course of their lives. [03:26]

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Consider someone in your life who might be open to a conversation about faith. How can you approach them with gentleness and respect to share your hope in Christ?


Day 4: Living with a Mission Mindset
As Christians, we are called to live with a sense of mission, always ready to advance God's kingdom. This requires a mindset of readiness and a willingness to act when opportunities arise. By living with this mission mindset, we align our lives with God's purpose and become active participants in His work on earth. This calling challenges us to be intentional in our daily lives, seeking ways to serve and love others as Christ did. [03:52]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can be more intentional about living on mission. What practical steps can you take today to align your actions with God's purpose?


Day 5: Finding Joy in Serving God
There is immense joy and satisfaction in knowing that we have contributed to someone's spiritual journey. When we align our actions with God's purpose, we experience a profound sense of fulfillment. This joy comes from knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves and that our efforts are making an eternal impact. By serving God and others, we not only fulfill our purpose but also experience the deep joy that comes from living a life of significance. [03:52]

"Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" (Psalm 100:2, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent act of service you performed. How did it bring you joy, and how can you continue to find joy in serving God and others?

Quotes


One of the books that I've really been impacted by of his is "Watch Your Mouth" because that book really helped me realize that everything that I'm saying is gonna be held against me and it helps my reputation. It's like I've got dynamite in my dentures, so I need to totally focus on everything I say being focused towards God and not be negative or crass or anything that is not pleasing to Him. [00:01:08]

And I thought, "This is a great opportunity for me as a Christian to go share the gospel with him." So I started to ask him about his faith and about his life, and I had heard recently that he had been getting back into some faith, so I asked him about that. He told me that he had, and that he was really into it now, and that he's been singing with Hillsong and that he was really starting to get back into it and really enjoying it. [00:02:24]

And we ended up having quite a conversation about it. And he asked me what preachers that I liked, and I, of course, decided to tell them about Dr. Tony Evans. And he's like, "Wow that sounds amazing. I'll have to look into him." And I said, "It was nice to meet you." And we high-fived and then I walked back to the hotel room. [00:02:49]

So I thought "This is such an awesome experience." And the next day, I saw him as we were heading up to our room, and he came over to me and he's like, "Hey man! How's it going?" I was like, "Good." And he's like, "I've been thinking, and I want to know the name of that preacher again, I forgot it." I was like, "Oh, it's Tony Evans." [00:03:08]

And he's like, "That so great man. I'm gonna have to look him up." And I saw him get his phone out so he can look it up. But I feel like he was just really impacted by it, because if he wasn't he would have just— The fact that he even remembered it and remembered it was me, it was just really powerful because I knew that I had had an impact. [00:03:19]

And he was so nice, and then he told me, "God bless you." And that was really amazing. And it really makes me aware that everywhere I go I'm on a mission and that I need to always seize the opportunity to share the gospel with someone. So when God uses you, it's like you feel this overwhelming sense of satisfaction, like you've completed some big task, because the only thing that we have to live for is God and advancing his kingdom, and we need to do that. [00:03:37]

And once you've done it, and once you've pleased God by that and you know that you've helped someone along in their walk, it's just this amazing feeling of satisfaction and joy. [00:03:52]

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