Transformative Encounters: Sharing God's Power in Our Lives
Summary
The sermon delivered by the speaker focused on the transformative power of personal encounters with God and the importance of sharing those experiences with others. The speaker began by encouraging the congregation to remember and share the significant moments when God has moved in their lives. They suggested making a list of these moments and involving family in the process, expressing gratitude for God's work, and sharing testimonies with others. The speaker shared their own journey of faith, which began with a group of missionaries who introduced them to the Bible and Jesus' teachings. This encounter led to a commitment to Jesus and a life dedicated to missionary work. They also shared the story of a long-time church member who had a recent transformation, emphasizing the reality of a personal relationship with Jesus.
The speaker drew parallels between the biblical stories of Elijah and Elisha and the disciples at Pentecost, highlighting the need to let go of personal plans to be used by God. They spoke of the gospel's power to transform communities and the significant impact a small percentage of Christians can have on the broader culture. The speaker also discussed the importance of embracing change and discomfort to allow God to work in our lives, suggesting practical ways to engage non-believers and the importance of listening to others' stories.
A key biblical narrative discussed was the healing of a blind man by Jesus, illustrating the man's willingness to be used by God for His glory, regardless of the method. The speaker shared a touching story of an 85-year-old blind woman in the church who looked forward to seeing Jesus' face as the first thing upon gaining sight. The sermon also recounted the story of a man named Paul, who made difficult choices to prioritize his relationship with God over lucrative job offers and family business opportunities.
The speaker emphasized that even a minority of Christians can change a culture if God is on their side and urged the congregation to let go of idols in their lives. They encouraged believers to shine their light before others to glorify God and to reach people in their own spheres of influence. The sermon concluded with stories of individuals who faced rejection and hardship for their faith but found a deeper relationship with Jesus, reinforcing the message that following Jesus is worth any cost.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal testimonies are powerful tools for witnessing and glorifying God. The speaker's own transformation after encountering a group of missionaries exemplifies how sharing one's journey can inspire others to seek a relationship with God. It's essential to recount and share the moments when God has intervened in our lives, as these stories can serve as modern-day parables that reveal God's character and work in the world. [49:16]
- The willingness to abandon personal ambitions for God's calling is a hallmark of true discipleship. The speaker's comparison of Elisha's decision to follow Elijah and the disciples' response at Pentecost serves as a reminder that God often calls us to leave behind our own plans to fulfill His greater purpose. This surrender can lead to the transformation of not just individuals but entire communities and cultures. [01:13:53]
- Encountering Jesus can lead to radical life changes, as seen in the story of the blind man and the personal testimony of the church member who recently deepened their relationship with God. These stories highlight that a genuine encounter with Jesus can break through years of superficial faith, leading to a life fully surrendered to Him. [51:39]
- The story of the blind man healed by Jesus teaches us about the humility and openness required to be used by God. The blind man's obedience, despite the unconventional method of healing, demonstrates a heart willing to serve God unconditionally. This challenges us to consider if we have set limits on how God can use us and if we are prepared to endure challenges for His glory. [54:52]
- The impact of a minority of Christians on a culture should not be underestimated. The speaker's assertion that with God on our side, we are in the majority, encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and let their light shine. By doing so, we can influence our workplaces, schools, families, and neighborhoods, transforming them with the love of Jesus. [01:15:49]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 9:1-12
- 2 Kings 2:1-14
- Acts 2:1-4
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 9:1-12, what was the disciples' initial question about the blind man, and how did Jesus respond to it?
2. How did the blind man describe his healing process to others in John 9:1-12?
3. What significant action did Elisha take in 2 Kings 2:1-14 to show his commitment to following Elijah?
4. According to Acts 2:1-4, what happened to the disciples at Pentecost, and how did it change them?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to heal the blind man in such an unconventional way (using mud and saliva)? How does this method challenge our expectations of how God works? [53:37]
2. What does Elisha's decision to burn his plowing equipment symbolize about his commitment to God's calling? How does this relate to the idea of abandoning personal ambitions for God's plans? [01:12:35]
3. How does the transformation of the disciples at Pentecost illustrate the power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to fulfill God's mission? [01:13:53]
4. In what ways does the story of the blind man in John 9:1-12 demonstrate the importance of personal testimony in witnessing to others? [51:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a significant moment when God intervened in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone this week? [01:18:14]
2. Are there any personal ambitions or plans you need to let go of to fully embrace God's calling? What steps can you take to surrender these to God? [01:12:35]
3. Think about a time when you experienced discomfort or change. How did it impact your faith? How can you embrace future changes as opportunities for God to work in your life? [01:20:20]
4. Identify one person in your life who is not a believer. What practical steps can you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation or share your testimony with them? [01:20:50]
5. Consider the story of the blind man who was willing to be used by God despite the unconventional method of healing. Are there any limits you have set on how God can use you? How can you remove these limits? [54:52]
6. How can you shine your light in your current sphere of influence, such as your workplace, school, or neighborhood? What specific actions can you take to glorify God in these areas? [01:15:49]
7. Reflect on the story of Paul, who prioritized his relationship with God over lucrative job offers and family business opportunities. Are there any areas in your life where you need to make similar difficult choices to follow God's calling? [01:00:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Testimonies Ignite Faith's Fire
Personal stories of encountering God have the power to inspire and ignite faith in others. Recalling and sharing these moments can serve as modern-day parables, revealing God's active presence in our lives. These narratives are not just personal milestones but also testimonies that can lead others towards a transformative relationship with God. [49:16]
Hebrews 13:7 - "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
Reflection: Who has been a spiritual leader in your life, and how has their testimony of faith influenced your walk with God?
Day 2: Surrendering to Divine Purpose
True discipleship involves the surrender of personal ambitions to embrace God's calling. This act of faith can lead to the transformation of individuals and communities, as it aligns one's life with God's greater purpose. It is a journey of trust, where one's own plans are laid down to pick up the mantle of God's mission. [01:13:53]
1 Kings 19:19-21 - "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen... Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him... Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant."
Reflection: What personal ambitions might you need to surrender in order to fully embrace God's purpose for your life?
Day 3: Radical Change Through Jesus
An encounter with Jesus can lead to profound and radical life changes. The story of the blind man and the deepened faith of a church member illustrate that an authentic encounter with Jesus can shatter years of superficial faith, leading to a life wholly surrendered to Him. Such encounters are pivotal, reshaping one's identity and purpose. [51:39]
Acts 9:17-18 - "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again."
Reflection: Can you recall a moment when encountering Jesus led to a significant change in your life?
Day 4: Openness to God's Work
The humility and openness to God's work, as demonstrated by the blind man healed by Jesus, challenge us to consider our own willingness to be used by God. It is a call to serve without conditions and to be prepared to endure challenges for His glory, trusting in His methods and timing. [54:52]
Isaiah 50:4-5 - "The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Lord God has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away."
Reflection: In what ways might you be resisting God's unconventional methods in your life, and how can you be more open to His work?
Day 5: Minority Influence with God
With God, even a minority can have a profound impact on culture. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith and let their light shine, influencing their surroundings with the love of Jesus. This influence can transform workplaces, schools, families, and neighborhoods, regardless of the number of Christians present. [01:15:49]
Daniel 3:16-18 - "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'"
Reflection: How can you actively shine your light in your current sphere of influence to reflect God's love and truth?
Quotes
"If there's anything that is off limits for God, it is an idol. If there's anything that he can't let you lay down or let go of, it's an idol." [01:15:06]
"Change is good for us...when we get uncomfortable, that's when God can really work." [01:20:20]
"I was a drug user, a drug dealer until I met the presence of God and I remember an experience... overwhelmed by his presence and said God I know that you're here I know that you're real will you deliver me from drugs and I knew that he would and he did." [45:41]
"Are we willing to be used by God if it means laying down a dream and picking up a different one if it means losing friends or family and moving into an eternal one?" [01:13:53]
"I'll never forget the story a pastor was saying there was an 85-year-old woman in his church and she was blind she'd been blind from birth and she was sick and he said I'm sorry sorry you know we prayed for you to get healed so many times and I'm sorry that your eyes were never open and she she just said oh honey you don't need to be sorry for me don't you understand the first thing that I ever see is going to be the beautiful face of my savior she says don't pity me." [54:17]
"He left the concept and walked into the reality, he's real, you can have a relationship with him." [50:29]
"Jesus said to him you have both seen him and it is he who is talking with you then he said Lord I believe and he worshiped him." #!!01:04:09!!#
"Paul knew and that's not for everybody but Paul had a call in on his life and he knew what it was you could be called to run a restaurant you could be called to be a teacher we're all called to make disciples right our vocation may change our job may change but we're all called to make disciples." #!!01:00:36!!#
"In the instance of this man they ask him well whose fault is it is it his parents fault or his fault and Jesus says no this happened for the glory of God." #!!53:37!!#
"But this man his eyes were open on Earth his life was changed but would we be willing to be blind for 30 years if it meant being used by God do we have limits do we want to be used by God but do we have limits on how he can use us right is he our helper or do we get to serve." #!!54:52!!#
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