Taking the First Step: Embracing God's Living Word
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of taking that first step towards God, whether it be during an altar call or in the quiet of your own space. This step is a courageous act of faith, a movement towards the living God who calls us to come as we are—thirsty, hungry, lonely, or abandoned. The journey of faith is not just about physical movement but a spiritual one, where we are encouraged to build a strong foundation through prayer, fasting, and engaging with the Word of God.
The Word is not merely a book; it is the living, breathing presence of God, encapsulated in the Bible. It is our blueprint for life, a divine guide that is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. The Word is Jesus, the living Word, who was with God from the beginning. Through Him, all things were made, and He continues to breathe life into us today. The scriptures are God-breathed, meant to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness.
We reflected on personal stories and testimonies, illustrating how the Word of God has been a source of encouragement and healing. Just as letters and cards from loved ones can uplift us, so too does the Word of God, reminding us of His presence and promises. In times of despair and hopelessness, we are called to put our hope in God, to praise Him, and to seek His presence, knowing that He is always with us.
The world is filled with lies and distractions, but the truth of God remains steadfast. We are reminded to renew our minds with His Word, to reject the lies of the enemy, and to embrace the truth that God is with us, that He is our healer, our rescuer, and our eternal hope. The testimony of a young child in our congregation serves as a powerful reminder that the Word is alive and relevant today, inspiring hope and guiding us on our spiritual journey.
As we prepare for the return of Christ, we are called to be living stones, a royal priesthood, ready to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Let us tune our hearts to His frequency, listen to His voice, and follow Him all the days of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Courage to Step Forward: Taking the first step towards God is an act of courage and faith. Whether in a public setting or in private, responding to God's call requires us to move beyond our fears and doubts, trusting that He is with us and will guide us. [02:13]
2. The Living Word: The Bible is not just a book; it is the living Word of God, active and powerful. It is our blueprint for life, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement. Engaging with the Word allows us to experience the presence of Jesus, who is the Word made flesh. [06:23]
3. Hope in Despair: In times of hopelessness and despair, we are called to put our hope in God. The Word of God offers comfort and assurance, reminding us that He is with us, that He hears our cries, and that He is our Savior and God. [24:33]
4. Rejecting Lies, Embracing Truth: The world is filled with lies, but God's truth remains steadfast. We must renew our minds with His Word, rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth that God is our healer, rescuer, and eternal hope. [30:31]
5. A Living Testimony: The testimony of a young child in our congregation reminds us that the Word is alive and relevant today. It inspires hope and guides us on our spiritual journey, encouraging us to be living stones, a royal priesthood, ready to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. [39:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:13] - The Courage to Step Forward
- [06:23] - The Living Word
- [08:42] - Personal Stories and Testimonies
- [11:10] - God’s Breath in Scripture
- [13:45] - The Power of the Word
- [17:01] - Jesus, the Living Word
- [24:33] - Hope in Despair
- [27:31] - Lies and Truth
- [30:31] - Renewing the Mind
- [37:19] - A Child’s Testimony
- [39:52] - Living Stones and Royal Priesthood
- [42:35] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-3 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
2. Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
3. 1 Peter 2:4-5 - "As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:1-3, what is the significance of the Word being with God and being God from the beginning?
2. How does Hebrews 4:12 describe the nature and power of the Word of God?
3. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, what does it mean for believers to be described as "living stones" and a "holy priesthood"?
4. What personal stories and testimonies were shared in the sermon to illustrate the impact of the Word of God? [08:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding Jesus as the living Word influence a believer's relationship with the Bible? [17:01]
2. What does it mean for the Word of God to be "alive and active" in the context of a believer's daily life? [13:45]
3. How can believers practically "renew their minds" with the Word of God to reject the lies of the world? [30:31]
4. What role do personal testimonies play in demonstrating the relevance and power of the Word today? [37:19]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to take a step of faith. What fears or doubts did you have to overcome, and how did you experience God's guidance? [02:13]
2. How can you incorporate the practice of engaging with the Word of God more deeply in your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week? [06:23]
3. In moments of despair or hopelessness, what practical actions can you take to put your hope in God and seek His presence? [24:33]
4. Identify a lie you have believed about yourself or your circumstances. How can you replace it with the truth of God's Word this week? [30:31]
5. How can you be a "living stone" in your community, offering spiritual sacrifices and being part of a holy priesthood? What specific actions can you take to serve others? [39:52]
6. Think of a child or young person in your life. How can you encourage them to engage with the Word of God and understand its relevance today? [37:19]
7. As you prepare for the return of Christ, what changes do you need to make in your life to align more closely with His teachings and be ready to offer spiritual sacrifices? [39:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Courageous Faith in Action
Taking the first step towards God is an act of courage and faith. It requires moving beyond fears and doubts, trusting that God is with us and will guide us. This step can be taken in a public setting, like an altar call, or in the quiet of one's own space. It is a spiritual movement towards the living God who calls us to come as we are—thirsty, hungry, lonely, or abandoned. This journey of faith is not just about physical movement but about building a strong foundation through prayer, fasting, and engaging with the Word of God. [02:13]
"For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" (Isaiah 41:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one fear or doubt that is holding you back from taking a step of faith today? How can you trust God to help you overcome it?
Day 2: The Living Word as Our Guide
The Bible is not just a book; it is the living Word of God, active and powerful. It serves as our blueprint for life, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement. Engaging with the Word allows us to experience the presence of Jesus, who is the Word made flesh. The scriptures are God-breathed, meant to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness. This divine guide is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and continues to breathe life into us today. [06:23]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the living Word of God into your daily routine to guide and encourage you?
Day 3: Hope in Times of Despair
In times of hopelessness and despair, we are called to put our hope in God. The Word of God offers comfort and assurance, reminding us that He is with us, that He hears our cries, and that He is our Savior and God. Personal stories and testimonies illustrate how the Word of God has been a source of encouragement and healing. Just as letters and cards from loved ones can uplift us, so too does the Word of God, reminding us of His presence and promises. [24:33]
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel despair? How can you actively put your hope in God today?
Day 4: Embracing Truth, Rejecting Lies
The world is filled with lies and distractions, but the truth of God remains steadfast. We must renew our minds with His Word, rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth that God is our healer, rescuer, and eternal hope. The testimony of a young child in the congregation serves as a powerful reminder that the Word is alive and relevant today, inspiring hope and guiding us on our spiritual journey. [30:31]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What lies or distractions are you currently facing? How can you renew your mind with God's truth today?
Day 5: Living Stones and a Royal Priesthood
As we prepare for the return of Christ, we are called to be living stones, a royal priesthood, ready to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. We are encouraged to tune our hearts to His frequency, listen to His voice, and follow Him all the days of our lives. This calling is a reminder that the Word is alive and relevant today, inspiring hope and guiding us on our spiritual journey. [39:52]
"You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live as a "living stone" today, offering spiritual sacrifices and being part of a royal priesthood?
Quotes
"You know, you get altar calls all the time, and it's a good thing, because what it is is the Spirit of the Lord moving on whoever is making the altar call for you to come forth. And sometimes you say in your seat a little shivering and quaking, not quite sure. And some of you may hear a little voice that say, you don't want to do that. You don't want to go up there. And there's a struggle. And sometimes you say, I'm going to stay right here. Well, the first step, the hardest step is when you come forward, when the Lord says, come." [00:00:01] (41 seconds)
"And he gives you the reason. Come. If you're thirsty, come. If you're hungry, come. If you're lonely, come. If you feel abandoned, come. And it's a step to move forward. It's a step to move forward. And sometimes you're not in a sanctuary. Sometimes you may be in your room. Those of you online, you might be online. And all he's saying to you is make a step. Make a step. Take a step. Take a step." [00:00:43] (25 seconds)
"You know, one thing's when you study about the word and you've heard messages on the word probably on the bible we're talking about the bible when you open up the word when you open up the bible to john 1 1 it says in beginning was the word it's a big capital w meaning that the word is not just a book anytime you take the word just and put it in front of something you're demeaning it it's not just a book you demean it you demean it it's more than a book it is god incarnate in the sense that the word is jesus living word you see you can't build without a blueprint and the believer's blueprint is the bible is the word in the beginning was the word and in the worship song it was talking about move upon us move upon us well in genesis 1 1 father was speaking and the holy spirit was bringing it was bringing it to life breathing life breathing life hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah and it says lord and you read the word lord who was there and the lord says in 126 let us who's the us make man in our image our image yes in the image of father son and the holy spirit they were all there they were the three in one okay we don't have multiple gods we have father the son the holy spirit the holy trinity god in one don't get confused" [00:02:35] (114 seconds)
"But when you look at scripture, it says, all scripture does God breathe and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Yes. This morning when I got up, I said, Lord, I want to deliver the words that you want your people to hear. my family, my family in Christ, my blood family, my friends who are so close to me, like John was to Jesus. We have friends like that. They're like brothers. So close. I just want you, Lord, to heal them, to encourage them. But most importantly, Lord, to give them what they need." [00:05:11] (63 seconds)
"And the thing about this is the word of God is like these letters and cards. They used to encourage, they used to help bring healing, they used to help us bring to mind. Amen. They help us to know that there is a living God who cares about me, who has put people in my path to encourage me. But most importantly, he has given me his word. He has spoken to me in many ways." [00:10:55] (38 seconds)
"And what the tendency it is that when the Lord speaks to us, we have a tendency to lock it up, to let it gather dust, to bring it out just when you are having a moment of despair, you know, to bring it out when you're beyond hungry, you're starving. You can't go another step. So the Father's heart was to breathe his word, to give it, to leave it. God -inspired means breathe his breath, the ruach." [00:11:33] (43 seconds)
"And sometimes you'll find yourself doing things that are inspired by the Holy Spirit. See, this wasn't by happenstance, especially the one from my father, because he and I really never had a relationship. And it took years for me to open this up and read it and realize that he was reaching out to me the whole time. And that's what the Heavenly Father does through his word, through his Son. All scriptures is God -breathed." [00:12:18] (37 seconds)
"It means that there's a passive voice here and that's something to be breathed out by God, but there's also an active voice in this word, breathe. It's God is breathing. It's in the now. He just wasn't breathing 2,000 years ago. It wasn't just when he became man and walked among us. No. He's still breathing and bringing life. Because you see, He's still breathing and bringing life." [00:12:54] (30 seconds)
"And when I looked at this particular, and I looked at this particular passage, not only is the God is living and powerful, the word is God, and therefore his word is just as powerful and alive. And, you know, when you get commissioned, you get equipped. Because in the moment, the Lord knows what you need. And that's why the word becomes alive. Because, you see, in the moment I read those, be still and know that I am God, is what I needed in that moment. He knew. He knew. And if your God is dead, he doesn't know what's happening with you from moment to moment." [00:13:45] (46 seconds)
"If he's alive, he knows what's going on with you every moment. In fact, he is the alpha, the omega, the beginning and the end. Meaning that he fashioned you before he put you in your mother's womb. That's the alpha from the very, very beginning. And then you were birthed. And then he continues to just give you and show you the way and be there with you and be present and walk through you. And he says, I will be with you always." [00:14:31] (27 seconds)
"And my friend who's right now in a bed. And I called her and I know without a shadow of a doubt that when the Lord calls her home, he's going to step into that room and he's going to, she's going to feel his presence. Because he says, I'm your alpha, your omega, which means I'll be present when it's time for you to go home. I'll be present and extend your hand and I will take you home. Because I said in my word in John, I have gone to prepare a place for you. Because where you are, that's where I'll be also." [00:14:58] (32 seconds)
"And the problem of the hopelessness and despair we have as I look around is that there are a lot of lies going on. There are a lot of lies. And you know, when Romans 12, 2 says, transform your mind. Don't conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. You see, the word of God renews your mind. And the world belongs to Satan himself." [00:27:54] (24 seconds)
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