Transformative Encounters: Proclaiming Christ in Our Lives
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the importance of personal encounters with God and the transformative power of such experiences. I shared my personal experience of hearing God's voice during a worship song, where He urged me to "taste and see that the Lord is good" and to take refuge in Him. This encounter led me to leave my past life in a gang and commit to following Jesus. I also emphasized the importance of proclaiming Jesus and His teachings, rather than political or social movements. I stressed that our mission as followers of Jesus is to reshape the thinking, values, and beliefs of our communities by proclaiming Christ to them, as this is the only way to restore our world to the way God intended it to be.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal encounters with God can be transformative and lead to significant life changes. ( [53:16])
- As followers of Jesus, we are called to proclaim His teachings and reshape the thinking, values, and beliefs of our communities. ( [30:10])
- The only way to restore our world to the way God intended it to be is through Jesus Christ. ( [35:55])
- We should strive to present everyone fully mature in Christ, teaching them to obey all of His commands. ( [33:20])
- Our actions, words, and even our social media posts should consistently proclaim Christ. ( [37:25])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:10 #!!51:58!!#
2. Jeremiah 1:5 (implied from the sermon) #!!52:36!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 2:10 tell us about our purpose and identity in Christ?
2. How does the speaker's personal story illustrate the concept of being God's masterpiece, created for good works?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 2:10 connect to the idea of proclaiming Jesus in our everyday lives?
2. How does the concept of being known by God before formation in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5) influence our understanding of our purpose and value?
Application Questions:
1. How can you live out the truth of being God's masterpiece in your daily life?
2. What are some specific good works that you believe God has prepared in advance for you to do?
3. Can you think of a time when you felt God stirring something within you, similar to the speaker's experience? How did you respond?
4. How can you boldly proclaim Jesus in your sphere of influence this week?
5. What is one way you can demonstrate your faith through your actions to someone who doesn't yet follow Jesus?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Proclamation
Proclamation is not just about speaking, but about declaring something we believe is important with passion and emphasis. It's about standing up for our beliefs and using our voice to influence others. As Christians, we are called to proclaim the name of Jesus, not just in church, but in the flow of everyday life. ([24:27])
Bible passage: Acts 4:20 - "For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Reflection: How can you use your voice to proclaim Jesus in your everyday life?
Day 2: Living a Double Life
Many of us live a double life, not fully sold on Jesus, testing Him out. But God is patient, He works in us, stirring our hearts towards Him. This process may be slow, but it's part of our journey towards fully surrendering to Him. ([50:43])
Bible passage: James 1:8 - "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you living a double life and how can you surrender these areas to God?
Day 3: Proclaiming Jesus to Others
As followers of Jesus, we are called to proclaim Him to others. This involves warning and teaching everyone in our sphere of influence about Jesus, with the aim of presenting them fully mature in Christ. ([01:07:32])
Bible passage: Mark 16:15 - "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"
Reflection: Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear about Jesus and how can you proclaim Him to them?
Day 4: The Influence of Culture
Our culture can influence our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. But as Christians, we are called to influence our culture, reshaping its values and beliefs by focusing on Jesus and His message. ([27:21])
Bible passage: Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Reflection: How can you influence your culture for Jesus?
Day 5: God's Purpose for Us
We are God's masterpiece, created on purpose with a purpose. God has a plan for us, and it didn't start after we started paying attention to Him. This realization can stir something in us, opening us up to God in ways we've never done before. ([51:58])
Bible passage: Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are God's masterpiece created for a purpose change your perspective on your life?
Quotes
1. "Oh God, oh Jesus, we're asking do your work in us this morning. Eliminate anything that is in us that is not of you. Fill us with everything that is of you so that we can speak and declare your name out there in the flow of everyday life clearly, purely, boldly, powerfully. God, you want to use us to expand your kingdom here on Earth so prepare us this morning to go do that in your powerful life-changing transforming name we pray and ask amen."
23:52
2. "Go Proclaim Jesus, admonishing that his warning and teaching everyone that God has put in your sphere of influence with all God's wisdom so that you can present those people that you love that right now aren't following Jesus but they will be so you can present them fully mature in Christ on that great final day."
01:07:21
3. "I often didn't feel like I belonged in a world and I felt like the world would be better off if I was never born if I wasn't around. I did believe in Jesus but I doubted my value to God. I believe God loved me but only like a celebrity loves fans and and followers. I felt like God's love for me was a distant love, it was more of a superficial love."
47:29
4. "I went from being an active Chicago gang member to ministering to the very gang members I used to associate with. I went from being called the demon child with anger issues two being a Christian Mentor with a joy for encouraging others in Christ. God has even brought about healing and forgiveness and Restoration in a relationship with the family member who abused me."
58:25
5. "When you look at my life there is no doubt that it was transformed radically transformed but I want you to notice something it wasn't because of a politician or government program or social movement or famous scientists or philosopher or even a theologian. My life was transformed and saved by Jesus Christ Alone."
58:25
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