Seizing the Now: Faith in Action for Transformation
Summary
Dr. Wayman Ming Jr. delivered a compelling message focused on the concept of "The Now," emphasizing the importance of seizing the present moment to fulfill God's purpose. He began by outlining the ambitious goals for the Pentecostal Church of God (PCG) over the next decade, which include expanding its presence to 100 nations, nurturing 10,000 new next-generation leaders, and growing the community to one million disciples. These goals are not about numbers for their own sake but are a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love on cities and nations worldwide.
Dr. Ming Jr. stressed that the mission is not just for organizational growth but a call to action for individuals to move beyond themselves and reach the entire world for Christ. He challenged the audience to have the faith to see these goals accomplished and to have the audacity to play their part in this mission. He urged them to take action by inspiring their calling, impacting eternity, and investing in the mission. He also called for a commitment to prayer for a decade of harvest.
The message then shifted to the importance of getting outside the church walls to experience fullness in ministry. Dr. Ming Jr. spoke of a blank page before the PCG, indicating that the story of its second century is still being written, and now the pen is in the hands of the believers.
Dr. Ming Jr. referenced John's Gospel chapter 2, highlighting the power of expository preaching for spiritual transformation and relevance. He posed several "what if" scenarios, imagining the impact of seeing the deaf hear, captives set free, and the PCG's presence in numerous nations. He emphasized that God loves to use leaders who are willing to disturb the present for the sake of the future.
He shared a personal story from his childhood, where he felt called to preach the gospel to the nations, illustrating how God can change everything in one moment. Dr. Ming Jr. also discussed how Jesus, even before he was ready to start his public ministry, changed his timeline because his mother asked him to perform his first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
Dr. Ming Jr. then shared three key insights God placed on his heart: establishing a missional movement, creating a life-giving culture, and stewarding successors. He emphasized the importance of sharing faith, honoring relationships, and addressing the challenges faced by younger generations. He also spoke about the necessity of financial stewardship through tithing and the importance of establishing a global church that prioritizes the Great Commission.
The message concluded with a call to faith and action, encouraging individuals to believe that God has saved the best for now and to respond to God's promptings without delay. Dr. Ming Jr. invited those who have been saying "not now" to God's call to come forward and receive the outpouring of the Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- The pursuit of ambitious goals for the expansion of the church is not merely about numerical growth but serves as a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love on a global scale. This transformation is achieved through individual action and commitment to the mission, which requires faith and audacity from each believer. [01:20:34]
- The concept of "The Now" is crucial in the Christian walk. It is the idea that God can and does intervene in our lives in a single moment, changing our direction and purpose. This understanding encourages believers to be ready for God's timing and to be open to the possibilities that God can bring about instantaneously. [01:33:04]
- The importance of legacy and succession in the church is highlighted by the need to steward the next generation of leaders. Addressing the unique challenges and questions they face, such as issues of faith, identity, and scripture, is essential for the church's future. This stewardship ensures that the church remains relevant and impactful for generations to come. [01:47:36]
- Financial stewardship and the practice of tithing are presented as key to the church's vitality and obedience to God's word. This principle of giving is seen as a way to ensure that the church can continue its mission and support its various ministries effectively. [01:45:05]
- The message concludes with a powerful call to action, urging believers to respond to God's promptings without hesitation. The idea that "now faith" is the most important faith underscores the immediacy with which God wants His followers to live out their faith, embracing the present moment as the time for action and transformation. [01:52:31]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 2:1-11 (The Wedding at Cana)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the setting of Jesus' first miracle, and what problem did they encounter at the wedding? (John 2:1-3)
2. How did Jesus initially respond to His mother's request, and what was her reaction? (John 2:4-5)
3. What instructions did Jesus give to the servants, and what was the result of their obedience? (John 2:7-9)
4. According to Dr. Ming Jr., what is the significance of the phrase "saving the best for now"? [02:06:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to perform His first miracle at a wedding, and what does this tell us about His ministry? (John 2:1-11)
2. How does the concept of "The Now" challenge our understanding of God's timing and our readiness to act on His promptings? [01:33:04]
3. Dr. Ming Jr. emphasized the importance of faith and audacity in fulfilling God's mission. How can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives? [01:20:34]
4. What does it mean to steward the next generation of leaders, and why is this crucial for the church's future? [01:47:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God prompting you to act but responded with "not now." What held you back, and how can you overcome this hesitation in the future? [01:34:38]
2. Dr. Ming Jr. spoke about the importance of getting outside the church walls to experience fullness in ministry. What are some practical steps you can take to engage with your community and share your faith? [01:21:17]
3. The sermon highlighted the need for financial stewardship through tithing. How can you evaluate and improve your current approach to giving and supporting your church's mission? [01:45:05]
4. Consider the "what if" scenarios posed by Dr. Ming Jr. How can you apply this mindset to envision and pursue transformative changes in your personal life and church community? [01:29:33]
5. Dr. Ming Jr. shared a personal story about his calling to preach the gospel. Reflect on your own calling or sense of purpose. How can you take concrete steps to pursue it more fully? [01:33:04]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer for a decade of harvest. How can you commit to a regular prayer practice that aligns with this vision? [01:20:34]
7. How can you actively participate in establishing a life-giving culture within your church, focusing on honoring relationships and addressing the challenges faced by younger generations? [01:43:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformative Power of Active Faith
Active faith transforms lives and communities through God's love. Believers are called to be agents of change, not just in their personal lives but on a global scale. This transformation is not measured by numbers but by the depth of impact on individuals and societies. It requires a personal commitment to God's mission and the audacity to believe that one can contribute to this divine purpose. [01:20:34]
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection: How can you exercise active faith in your community to bring about transformation?
Day 2: Embracing God's Timing
God's interventions can be sudden and life-changing, urging believers to be ready at all times. Understanding "The Now" is about recognizing that God's timing may not align with our own, but His interventions are always perfect. This readiness can lead to significant shifts in direction and purpose, aligning with God's greater plan. [01:33:04]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to align with God's timing, and how can you be more open to His interventions?
Day 3: Legacy of Leadership
The future of the church depends on the nurturing and stewardship of the next generation of leaders. Addressing their unique challenges and questions is crucial for maintaining the church's relevance and impact. This legacy is not just about passing on traditions but also about empowering young leaders to forge new paths in faith. [01:47:36]
Psalm 78:4 - "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the development of future leaders in your church community?
Day 4: The Blessing of Giving
Financial stewardship and tithing are acts of obedience and faith that sustain the church's mission. Giving is not merely a duty but a blessing that allows believers to participate in God's work and ensure the vitality of the church's ministries. This principle of generosity reflects a heart aligned with God's priorities. [01:45:05]
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God believes a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How does your current practice of giving reflect your commitment to God's work, and what steps can you take to grow in this area?
Day 5: The Urgency of Now Faith
"Now faith" is about responding to God's promptings without hesitation, embracing the present moment as the time for action. This immediacy is a call to live out one's faith boldly and to believe that God has reserved the best for the present. It is a challenge to move from passive waiting to active participation in God's transformative work. [01:52:31]
James 4:17 - "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them."
Reflection: What is God prompting you to do right now, and how can you take immediate steps to respond to His call?
Quotes
1) "God loves to use leaders who are willing to disturb the present for the sake of the future." [01:31:09] (Download)
2) "Do you believe that God can change everything in one moment, that in one moment you can be saved and healed and delivered?" [01:33:04] (Download)
3) "Now Faith is your current address in the spiritual Realm. Now Faith is what brings Revival and transformation to your life." [01:52:31] (Download)
4) "God loves to fill things to the brim... God wants to fill you to the brim and he says fill the water pots with water." [01:50:15] (Download)
5) "God has something that he wants to release in you and your family through right now faith." [01:53:19] (Download)
6) "God loves to come in and change the now but Jesus almost missed it because he said to his mother... my hour or my now has not yet come." [01:33:50] (Download)
7) "God is the god of the now... God is hanging out in the right now of your life and your family and your church and your district and your nation." [01:58:36] (Download)
8) "God saved the best for now... those who feel like you maybe haven't hit your now yet, the best is for last, I've got a word, a right now word for you." [02:06:25] (Download)
9) "We've got to see a paradigm shift... that moves us from just being an organizational machine to a missional movement where every person is sharing their faith." [01:42:57] (Download)
10) "God's tithe is the key to perpetuity in the kingdom of God... I will declare that God's tithe is the key." [01:45:05] (Download)
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