The Finger of God: A Call to Repentance
Summary
### Summary
Glory to God, glory to God. Today, we delve into Luke chapter 11, focusing on the theme "The Finger of God." In verse 14, we see Jesus casting out a demon, resulting in a miraculous healing where a mute man begins to speak, leaving the people in awe. This miracle underscores the power and presence of God, yet it also highlights how far we have strayed from Him as a nation and as individuals. The recent events, such as the mockery of the Lord's Supper during the Olympic Games, serve as a stark reminder of our moral decline and the urgent need for repentance.
We have become a society that laughs at God, lives without fear of Him, and indulges in sinful behaviors without remorse. This is not limited to the secular world but extends to the church, where even preachers are guilty of moral failures. The finger of God, which once guided and protected us, has been lifted due to our collective disobedience and irreverence. Judgment is coming, and it will manifest in various forms, including incurable diseases and other calamities, as a consequence of our actions.
The passage also touches on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the Pharisees and Sadducees who attributed Jesus' miracles to Beelzebub, the god of flies. This blasphemy is not just a historical event but a present reality, as people continue to mock and question the works of God. We must recognize the miracles in our lives as the finger of God at work and not fall into the trap of skepticism and disbelief.
We are called to live with the awareness that the kingdom of God is upon us. This means embodying the principles of God's kingdom in our daily lives, conversations, and interactions. We must be fully committed to God, rejecting any form of lukewarm faith or half-hearted devotion. The finger of God is a powerful force that can transform lives, but it requires our full submission and obedience.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of God's Finger: The miracle of the mute man speaking in Luke 11:14 demonstrates the undeniable power of God's finger. This power is available to us today, but we must recognize and honor it in our lives. When we see miracles, we should not wonder or doubt but acknowledge them as the work of God. [01:15]
2. Moral Decline and Judgment: Our society has strayed far from God, as evidenced by the mockery of sacred events like the Lord's Supper. This moral decline invites judgment, which will manifest in various forms, including incurable diseases. We must repent and return to God to avoid these consequences. [05:00]
3. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit: The Pharisees and Sadducees' attribution of Jesus' miracles to Beelzebub is a form of blasphemy that continues today. We must be cautious not to mock or question the works of God, recognizing that such actions are serious offenses. [09:51]
4. Living in the Kingdom of God: The kingdom of God is upon us, and we are called to live as its citizens. This means embodying God's principles in our daily lives and interactions. We must be fully committed to God, rejecting any form of lukewarm faith. [25:35]
5. Full Commitment to God: There is no middle ground in our relationship with God. We are either fully committed to Him or against Him. This requires us to live with integrity, avoiding any form of compromise or sugar-coating of God's word. [27:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - The Miracle of the Mute Man
[02:02] - Prayer for Repentance
[03:08] - Moral Decline in Society
[05:00] - Judgment is Coming
[06:55] - Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
[08:21] - Recognizing God's Miracles
[09:51] - The Finger of God at Work
[11:31] - Comparing Jesus to Beelzebub
[13:24] - The Reality of Hell
[15:07] - Seeking Signs from Heaven
[16:54] - Moving with God
[18:19] - Concern for All Churches
[20:20] - The Romans Road to Salvation
[21:27] - Knowing the Thoughts of Others
[23:22] - A Divided Kingdom
[25:35] - Living in the Kingdom of God
[27:24] - Full Commitment to God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 11:14-20: "And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What miracle did Jesus perform in Luke 11:14, and what was the reaction of the people? ([01:15])
2. How did some people explain Jesus' ability to cast out demons, and what was Jesus' response to their accusation? ([10:47])
3. What recent event was mentioned in the sermon as an example of society mocking sacred Christian practices? ([03:08])
4. According to the sermon, what are some consequences of society's moral decline and disobedience to God? ([05:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the people were in awe when the mute man began to speak, and what does this reveal about their understanding of God's power? ([01:15])
2. How does the sermon describe the current state of society's relationship with God, and what are the implications for both individuals and the nation? ([04:11])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the seriousness of attributing Jesus' miracles to Beelzebub, and how does this relate to the concept of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? ([09:51])
4. How does the sermon define living in the kingdom of God, and what does it mean to be fully committed to God? ([25:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced a miracle. How did you respond, and did you recognize it as the finger of God at work? ([01:15])
2. The sermon mentions the mockery of the Lord's Supper during the Olympic Games. How do you react when you see sacred Christian practices being mocked or disrespected in society? ([03:08])
3. The sermon warns of judgment manifesting in various forms, including incurable diseases. How does this perspective influence your understanding of current global events and personal health? ([05:00])
4. Have you ever found yourself questioning or doubting the works of God in your life or others' lives? How can you cultivate a mindset of faith and recognition of God's miracles? ([09:51])
5. The sermon calls for full commitment to God, rejecting lukewarm faith. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to God and live out the principles of His kingdom in your daily life? ([27:24])
6. How can you ensure that your conversations and interactions reflect the principles of God's kingdom, as mentioned in the sermon? ([05:47])
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and returning to God. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? How will you take action on this? ([02:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Finger of God
The miracle of the mute man speaking in Luke 11:14 is a powerful demonstration of God's finger at work. This miracle is not just a historical event but a reminder of the divine power that is still available to us today. When we witness miracles, whether big or small, we should not be filled with doubt or skepticism. Instead, we should acknowledge them as the work of God and give Him the glory He deserves. Recognizing God's hand in our lives helps us to build a stronger faith and a deeper relationship with Him. [01:15]
Luke 11:20 (ESV): "But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."
Reflection: Think of a recent event in your life that you might have overlooked as a coincidence. Can you see the finger of God at work in that situation? How does recognizing God's hand in your life change your perspective?
Day 2: The Consequences of Moral Decline
Our society has strayed far from God, as evidenced by the mockery of sacred events like the Lord's Supper. This moral decline invites judgment, which will manifest in various forms, including incurable diseases and other calamities. It is a stark reminder that our actions have consequences, and we must repent and return to God to avoid these dire outcomes. The call to repentance is urgent, and it requires us to examine our lives, turn away from sinful behaviors, and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. [05:00]
Isaiah 1:4-5 (ESV): "Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you have strayed from God's teachings. What steps can you take today to repent and return to Him?
Day 3: Avoiding Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
The Pharisees and Sadducees' attribution of Jesus' miracles to Beelzebub is a form of blasphemy that continues today. We must be cautious not to mock or question the works of God, recognizing that such actions are serious offenses. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is not just a historical event but a present reality. It is essential to approach God's works with reverence and humility, acknowledging His power and presence in our lives. [09:51]
Matthew 12:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."
Reflection: Have you ever found yourself doubting or mocking a work of God? How can you cultivate a heart of reverence and humility towards the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom
The kingdom of God is upon us, and we are called to live as its citizens. This means embodying God's principles in our daily lives and interactions. We must be fully committed to God, rejecting any form of lukewarm faith or half-hearted devotion. Living in the kingdom of God requires us to be intentional about our actions, words, and thoughts, ensuring that they align with God's will and purpose for our lives. [25:35]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: In what ways can you better embody the principles of God's kingdom in your daily life? What changes can you make to live more intentionally as a citizen of God's kingdom?
Day 5: Full Commitment to God
There is no middle ground in our relationship with God. We are either fully committed to Him or against Him. This requires us to live with integrity, avoiding any form of compromise or sugar-coating of God's word. Full commitment to God means surrendering every aspect of our lives to Him and being willing to follow His guidance, even when it is challenging. It is a call to live a life of obedience, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion to God. [27:24]
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are holding back from fully committing to God? What steps can you take today to surrender that area to Him and live with full integrity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The last 48 hours has really opened my eyes to how far we have walked away from God as a nation. Walked away from God. Not only in the United States of America. But everywhere. We have walked away from God." [02:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Judgment is coming to America. Judgment is coming to America. Let me say that again. Judgment is coming to America. And it won't wait until you die. It will not wait until you die before you're judged. People are going to come down with sicknesses. And they already have. And there's going to be no. They're going to think there's a cure. There's going to be no cure. And they're going to suffer until they take their last breath. Because they walked away from God." [05:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to get back to the Bible people. We're so far from the Bible. We're in a mess today. They wondered. A child of God that knows the blood of Calvary's cross. Don't wonder when a miracle takes place." [09:51] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If God has given you one miracle. Celebrate that miracle. Celebrate that miracle in Jesus name. We just keep wanting and wanting. We are never satisfied. Because we want to walk in this flesh. Sooner or later the miracles run out. And you are going to die. Sooner or later. I am going to die. And I pray. I go up before death. Through the rapture. But if not one day. I am going to die." [15:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You're either in the boat today for Jesus Christ or you're sinking. You're sinking and dying and going to hell. You're either fully in the boat. There is no way you can hang on the boat. A little bit. That's hard to balance. Living in the world and trying to have the favor of God over your family and your life. It's hard to balance. I sure can't do it. You've got to be all into the favor of God. You've got to be all in for God. Hallelujah." [27:24] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need to keep the finger of God on the pulse of everything we do. We need to keep the finger of God in everyone we talk to. We need to keep the finger of God in every conversation. And I don't care how much they tell us they love us. You better watch them. You better watch them. Because we have gone to accepting everything is alright." [05:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I pray today. When the blind eyes are open in this tabernacle. I pray today. When those that cannot talk speak in this congregation. You don't go to wondering. You don't go to wondering. But you know it is the finger of God. It's the finger of God operating. How dare you wonder and guess at the work of God. How dare you take part in things that are not of God." [09:51] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is nothing good in David Ray. Let me slow down and share that with you. There is nothing good in me but God. There is nothing good in me but God. And I wanted to add that. But there has been four or five things. I can share with you. And I am not going to do it. And I may do it one day. That are going on now. It would never happen. If I hadn't stuck my feet in the water. If I hadn't stuck my feet in the water. If I hadn't stood my feet. And I wasn't scared to go where they were. And say something to them." [16:54] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of God has come upon us today. That miracle was done on earth. I take that that the kingdom of God is upon us right now. Do you live like the kingdom of God is upon you right now? Do you live like the kingdom of God? He did a miracle. He said the kingdom of God. That means I believe the kingdom of God is upon us in the Holy Spirit right now. Why don't we live like it? Yes Lord. Why don't we live like it? Hallelujah. This is powerful. This is no milk for beginning believers. This is meat from the word of God." [25:35] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you're a child of God. And I'm talking to you women. And you men. When you are a part of God. You know the thoughts of other folks. You know the thoughts of others. Hallelujah. Sometimes it gets a little. Whoa God. You're telling me too much on them. Father I can't handle much more. I told my wife some nights. Don't add them to me. Unless they want to come here. I'm not being ugly. They can watch this online. But don't add them to me. Because if they get my presence. I'm on them. And I'm not talking about in a good way. I ain't letting you go. Because I'm going to pray for you every day. If you ever walked in here. You're on my mind." [21:27] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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