The Power of Jesus' Name and Compassionate Evangelism
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound power and significance of the name of Jesus. When life overwhelms us and we don't know what to pray, simply calling out "Jesus" can be a powerful prayer. The name of Jesus brings healing, grace, and mercy. We are reminded that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This truth should bring us comfort and assurance, knowing that Jesus is our healer, counselor, and friend.
We also delved into the beliefs and practices of the Jehovah's Witnesses, highlighting their history, doctrines, and the challenges they face. Founded by Charles Taze Russell in 1872, the organization has a history of predicting the return of Christ, with each prediction proving false. Their doctrines diverge significantly from mainstream Christianity, particularly in their views on the Trinity, the nature of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. They believe in a performance-oriented salvation, which creates immense pressure and fear among its members.
Our response to Jehovah's Witnesses should be one of compassion and understanding. Instead of shutting the door on them, we should share the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We should be prepared to share our testimonies and the difference Christ has made in our lives. It's crucial to ask thoughtful questions that encourage them to think critically about their beliefs without being confrontational.
Ultimately, our goal is to show them the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which is not based on works but on grace. We must remember that God loves them and desires for them to come to repentance. As we continue to explore other belief systems in the coming weeks, let us be mindful of our mission to share the gospel with love and compassion.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Jesus' Name: In moments of confusion and despair, simply calling out the name of Jesus can bring peace, healing, and clarity. The name of Jesus is powerful and can break through any situation we face. This simple yet profound act of faith can transform our circumstances and bring us closer to God. [15:26]
2. Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses: The Jehovah's Witnesses have a complex history and a set of beliefs that differ significantly from mainstream Christianity. Their focus on predicting the return of Christ and their performance-based salvation creates a culture of fear and uncertainty. Understanding their background helps us approach them with compassion and knowledge. [40:33]
3. Compassionate Evangelism: When engaging with Jehovah's Witnesses, it's essential to approach them with love and respect. Sharing our personal testimonies and the peace that comes from knowing Jesus can open their hearts to the true gospel. Asking thoughtful questions can help them critically evaluate their beliefs without feeling attacked. [56:11]
4. The True Gospel of Grace: The gospel of Jesus Christ is based on grace, not works. Salvation is a free gift from God, and we cannot earn it through our efforts. This message of grace is liberating and stands in stark contrast to the performance-oriented beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Embracing this truth brings freedom and joy. [01:04:43]
5. Our Mission to Share the Gospel: As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to share the gospel with those who are lost or misguided. This includes Jehovah's Witnesses and others who may not know the true message of Jesus. Our goal is to be authentic witnesses of Christ's love, mercy, and grace, leading others to the truth. [01:19:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:26] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[16:23] - Prayer for Healing and Clarity
[17:19] - Seeking Change and Growth
[18:01] - Casting Our Cares on Jesus
[18:53] - Family Time and Announcements
[23:21] - Bolivia Mission Trip Offering
[24:13] - Teen Ministry Updates
[25:09] - Fall Harvest Party Plans
[26:53] - Fran-tastic Day
[28:19] - Worship and Offering
[36:31] - Hymn: On Christ the Solid Rock
[39:02] - Series Introduction
[40:33] - History of Jehovah's Witnesses
[45:08] - Failed Predictions of Christ's Return
[50:39] - Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses
[56:11] - Salvation According to Jehovah's Witnesses
[01:04:43] - The True Gospel of Grace
[01:19:08] - Our Mission to Share the Gospel
[01:22:16] - The Trinity and the Bible
[01:25:25] - Christ Plus Nothing
[01:27:25] - Personal Testimonies
[01:28:41] - Closing Remarks and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:10-11: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
2. Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
3. John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 2:10-11 say about the power and authority of Jesus' name?
2. According to Matthew 11:28, what does Jesus offer to those who are weary and burdened?
3. In John 14:27, what kind of peace does Jesus promise, and how is it different from the peace the world offers?
4. How did the sermon describe the impact of simply calling out the name of Jesus in times of need? [15:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the name of Jesus considered powerful according to Philippians 2:10-11, and how does this align with the sermon’s message about the power of Jesus' name? [15:26]
2. How might the promise of rest in Matthew 11:28 be particularly comforting to someone who feels overwhelmed by life's demands?
3. What does Jesus' promise of peace in John 14:27 imply about the nature of the peace He offers compared to worldly peace?
4. How does the sermon suggest we should approach Jehovah's Witnesses, and what biblical principles support this approach? [56:11]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed and called out to Jesus. How did that experience impact your faith and sense of peace? [15:26]
2. How can you incorporate the practice of calling out Jesus' name into your daily routine, especially during moments of stress or confusion?
3. Think about someone you know who might be burdened or weary. How can you share the promise of rest from Matthew 11:28 with them in a meaningful way?
4. In what ways can you demonstrate the peace of Christ in your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? [14:27]
5. How can you prepare yourself to engage in compassionate evangelism with Jehovah's Witnesses or others who have different beliefs? What specific steps can you take to share your testimony effectively? [56:11]
6. Reflect on the concept of grace versus works-based salvation. How does understanding salvation as a free gift from God change your perspective on your own faith journey and how you share it with others? [01:04:43]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about the true gospel of grace. What is one specific action you can take this week to share this message with them? [01:19:08]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Jesus' Name
In moments of confusion and despair, simply calling out the name of Jesus can bring peace, healing, and clarity. The name of Jesus is powerful and can break through any situation we face. This simple yet profound act of faith can transform our circumstances and bring us closer to God. When life overwhelms us and we don't know what to pray, simply calling out "Jesus" can be a powerful prayer. The name of Jesus brings healing, grace, and mercy. We are reminded that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This truth should bring us comfort and assurance, knowing that Jesus is our healer, counselor, and friend. [15:26]
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel overwhelmed. Can you take a moment today to simply call out the name of Jesus and invite His peace and clarity into that situation?
Day 2: Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses
The Jehovah's Witnesses have a complex history and a set of beliefs that differ significantly from mainstream Christianity. Their focus on predicting the return of Christ and their performance-based salvation creates a culture of fear and uncertainty. Understanding their background helps us approach them with compassion and knowledge. Founded by Charles Taze Russell in 1872, the organization has a history of predicting the return of Christ, with each prediction proving false. Their doctrines diverge significantly from mainstream Christianity, particularly in their views on the Trinity, the nature of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. They believe in a performance-oriented salvation, which creates immense pressure and fear among its members. [40:33]
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Reflection: How can you educate yourself about the beliefs of others in a way that fosters compassion and understanding rather than judgment?
Day 3: Compassionate Evangelism
When engaging with Jehovah's Witnesses, it's essential to approach them with love and respect. Sharing our personal testimonies and the peace that comes from knowing Jesus can open their hearts to the true gospel. Asking thoughtful questions can help them critically evaluate their beliefs without feeling attacked. Our response to Jehovah's Witnesses should be one of compassion and understanding. Instead of shutting the door on them, we should share the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We should be prepared to share our testimonies and the difference Christ has made in our lives. It's crucial to ask thoughtful questions that encourage them to think critically about their beliefs without being confrontational. [56:11]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a person or group you find challenging to engage with. How can you approach them with love and respect, sharing your faith in a way that invites dialogue rather than confrontation?
Day 4: The True Gospel of Grace
The gospel of Jesus Christ is based on grace, not works. Salvation is a free gift from God, and we cannot earn it through our efforts. This message of grace is liberating and stands in stark contrast to the performance-oriented beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Embracing this truth brings freedom and joy. Ultimately, our goal is to show them the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which is not based on works but on grace. We must remember that God loves them and desires for them to come to repentance. As we continue to explore other belief systems in the coming weeks, let us be mindful of our mission to share the gospel with love and compassion. [01:04:43]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on your own understanding of grace. How does knowing that salvation is a free gift from God change the way you live your daily life?
Day 5: Our Mission to Share the Gospel
As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to share the gospel with those who are lost or misguided. This includes Jehovah's Witnesses and others who may not know the true message of Jesus. Our goal is to be authentic witnesses of Christ's love, mercy, and grace, leading others to the truth. We must remember that God loves them and desires for them to come to repentance. As we continue to explore other belief systems in the coming weeks, let us be mindful of our mission to share the gospel with love and compassion. [01:19:08]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who does not know the true message of Jesus. How can you intentionally share the gospel with them this week in a way that is loving and compassionate?
Quotes
1. "We don't want this to be just a religious gathering where we come together on a Sunday and do our religious duty and then leave unchanged. Lord, I want to be changed when I leave this place. I want to grow today. I want to grow today. I want to learn today. I want to know, Lord, what it's like to be like you, and Lord, I want my needs met, Lord. I know it sounds selfish, but Lord, you said we could cast all of our cares upon you because you care for us. All of our cares, all of our needs, we can say, Lord, here they are. Too big for me to handle. I give them to you." [18:01] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Lord, I pray that that would be more than just a song, but that would be the reality of our relationship with You. Nothing else is going to be able to hold us up. Nothing else is going to be able to really help us during times of need. But Lord, when we stand on the rock, You the rock, Lord, then we can get through anything. And Lord, I thank You, Lord, that You are that solid rock that we can build our lives upon." [39:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, understand this, that any loss of zeal or any lapse in watchtower love, loyalty such as rejecting going door to door or any missed kingdom hall meetings, those kinds of lapses, they fill a Jehovah's Witness with fear of, oh no, I wonder if I've ever achieved, done enough to achieve the ransom of eternity. Have I done enough? Have I knocked enough? Have I passed out enough? And any lapse in that, they start to fear." [01:01:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friends, understand Jehovah's Witnesses know nothing about amazing grace. They really don't. They're not familiar with this idea of an unearned gift of eternal life which will settle the issue forever. They can't get that hardly through their minds. They only know about a performance-oriented system that results in this never enough feeling or not good enough feeling which explains their zeal." [01:05:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If people truly understood the gospel, I know I say this a lot, but I'm going to say it until I die. If people outside these walls, if they truly understood the gospel, they would want it. They would. Two stories I'll tell them briefly. My son Joshua, this week while on the job, him and his boss, they were somewhere. I didn't get where, but when they got out of the car, they heard somebody yell, call 911, call 911. They wondered what was going on. They found a lady that was laying in the street." [01:25:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Friends, let me tell you, all of those people, they desperately need to know that they matter to God. They've lost their way or they've never known their way. Their eyes have been blinded or more than likely, they've probably never really heard the gospel or had the gospel shared to them by millions. There's millions of Christians who fill churches every Sunday. We come and we sit and we take in and we feel good and we like each other and we pat each other on the back. But when we leave this place, are we being contagious?" [01:20:47] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Friends, let me just say in closing, I said in closing before, so this is the last time I'm saying in closing, but okay. There is only one God. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. We're not here to explain that today because the Trinity is kind of a little messy in our minds. One of the best illustrations that I can use to explain the Trinity is simply this. I'm a Trinity. You are too. You say, what do you mean? You're not saying I'm God. I'm not saying I'm a God. I'm saying I'm a Trinity. I'm a father, I'm a son, and I'm a friend. So I'm a Trinity too." [01:22:16] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "It's not Christ plus serving that gets you to heaven. It's not Christ plus being in the watchtower organization that gets you to heaven. It's not Christ plus involvement that gets you to heaven. It's not Christ plus giving that'll get you to heaven. It's not Christ but plus taking the sacraments that'll get you to heaven. When I go to heaven, it's Christ plus nothing that gets you there. Christ plus nothing gets you everything that you've been searching for." [01:25:25] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I want to tell Jehovah's Witnesses that the true God of the Bible has made the work of Jesus Christ available to them. Get this. It's available to them as a free gift. You mean I don't have to work for it? It's a gift that's offered as a token of God's love. It's a gift that's offered for unworthy people who've blown it. It's free. People who have lived the life of sin then we only need to receive." [01:04:43] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We got to remember this. Our goal is not just to convert them so we can get another notch on our belt. I always just smirk when people tell me what they've done. Let me tell you this. If you're looking for the applause of people, you're going to miss the applause of heaven. About anything. Well, I did this for the church. Okay, great. There's the applause for man, but the applause from heaven would be so much better if you just wait for that instead of looking for the applause of man." [01:13:33] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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