Transformative Love: A Call to Consecration and Community
Summary
The gathering at Apostolic Church Dallas focused on the themes of fellowship, consecration, and the transformative power of love within the community. The message emphasized the importance of nurturing a deep relationship with God and understanding His covenant with His people. The congregation was encouraged to meditate on Psalm 25:10-15, which speaks of God's paths of mercy and truth for those who keep His covenant and testimonies.
The community is entering a season of consecration, a time dedicated to spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. This period involves increased prayer, fasting, reading the Word of God, and cutting out worldly distractions. The aim is not spiritual warfare but rather to foster a deeper love and connection with God. The community is encouraged to participate in this season of consecration by engaging in these spiritual disciplines and by reading recommended literature, such as "The Power of Consecration" by Jeremiah Johnson, to further guide their journey.
The message also highlighted the upcoming one-year anniversary of the church, which is seen not as a celebration of the church's achievements but as an acknowledgment of what God has done and will continue to do. The focus remains on Jesus Christ, who is credited with building the church and ensuring that it stands strong against all adversities.
A new initiative, Sunday school, was announced, which aims to provide strategic teaching to build up the body of Christ. This teaching will come from the five-fold ministry, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to edify the saints. The first session will focus on Apostolic Doctrine, particularly the Oneness of God and the new birth, and will include a Q&A session to delve deeper into these doctrines.
The core message of the gathering was the power of love and its ability to transform individuals and the community. Love is presented as the antidote to fear, pride, and bitterness. The community was reminded that love is not just a feeling but an action that requires intentionality and sacrifice. The love of God is what should mark the church, and it is through this love that fear is cast out. The community was encouraged to act out this love in tangible ways, such as giving generously and serving one another.
The message also addressed the issue of bitterness and pride, which can hinder spiritual growth and the flow of God's love. The community was called to release any bitterness and to forgive those who have wronged them, allowing God's love to flow freely through their lives. The importance of humility and the dangers of pride were underscored, with a call to live in a way that reflects God's love and righteousness.
In conclusion, the gathering was a call to action for the community to consecrate themselves to the Lord, to prioritize prayer and love, and to prepare for a season of spiritual growth. The community was encouraged to support one another in this journey and to be accountable to each other as they seek to deepen their relationship with God and embody His love in their daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Consecration is a time for the community to deepen its relationship with God, not through spiritual warfare but through love and devotion. This season is an opportunity to focus on prayer, fasting, and the Word, cutting out distractions to fall more in love with God. [01:56:29]
- The upcoming anniversary of the church is a moment to reflect on God's work rather than human achievements. It's a reminder that the foundation and growth of the church are attributed to Jesus Christ's actions and His continued presence in the community. [01:58:33]
- Sunday school is introduced as a means to strengthen the church through strategic teaching from various ministry roles. This initiative is designed to equip the community with a deeper understanding of foundational doctrines and to foster spiritual maturity. [01:59:28]
- Love is the defining characteristic of the community, not just towards those outside the church but within it as well. This love is active, sacrificial, and transformative, casting out fear and creating a space where God's presence is felt and His righteousness is pursued. [01:41:00]
- Bitterness and pride are obstacles to experiencing God's love and can prevent spiritual growth. The community is encouraged to let go of these hindrances, forgive those who have wronged them, and embrace humility to allow God's love to work through them. [01:45:00]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 25:10-15 - "All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net."
2. Colossians 3:12-14 - "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
3. Matthew 22:37-40 - "And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 25:10-15, what are the characteristics of the paths of the Lord? How does this passage describe the relationship between God and those who fear Him?
2. In Colossians 3:12-14, what virtues are believers instructed to "put on"? How is love described in relation to these virtues?
3. What are the two greatest commandments according to Matthew 22:37-40? How do these commandments summarize the Law and the Prophets?
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of love within the community. What specific actions were suggested to demonstrate this love? [01:41:43]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of steadfast love and faithfulness in Psalm 25:10-15 relate to the idea of consecration and deepening one's relationship with God as discussed in the sermon? [01:54:18]
2. Colossians 3:12-14 speaks about virtues that believers should embody. How do these virtues help in overcoming bitterness and pride, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:45:00]
3. The sermon mentioned that love is not just a feeling but an action that requires intentionality and sacrifice. How does this align with the teachings of Matthew 22:37-40? [01:43:37]
4. The sermon highlighted the transformative power of love within the community. How can the practice of love, as described in the Bible passages, lead to a stronger and more united church community? [01:41:00]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon called for a season of consecration involving prayer, fasting, and reading the Word. What specific steps can you take to participate in this season of consecration? [01:56:29]
2. Reflect on a time when you held onto bitterness or pride. How did it affect your spiritual growth and relationships within the church? What steps can you take to release these hindrances and embrace humility? [01:45:00]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of love in action. Identify one tangible way you can show love to a fellow church member this week. How can this act of love help in building a stronger community? [01:41:43]
4. The upcoming anniversary of the church is a moment to reflect on God's work. How can you personally contribute to the church's mission and growth in the coming year? [01:58:33]
5. The new Sunday school initiative aims to provide strategic teaching. How can you actively participate in these sessions to deepen your understanding of foundational doctrines and foster spiritual maturity? [01:59:28]
6. The sermon mentioned that love casts out fear. Think of a situation where fear has held you back. How can you apply the principle of love to overcome this fear and move forward in faith? [01:41:00]
7. The sermon called for the community to support one another in their spiritual journey. How can you be more accountable to your fellow believers and encourage them in their walk with God? [01:54:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing a Season of Consecration
Consecration is a sacred time to seek a closer relationship with God, setting aside distractions to focus on spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. It's a period to cultivate a deeper love for God, allowing His Word to shape hearts and minds. This intentional season is an invitation to experience God's presence in a more profound way. [01:56:29]
James 4:8 - "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What distractions can you eliminate from your daily routine to create more space for prayer and reflection on God's Word?
Day 2: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
The anniversary of the church serves as a milestone to reflect on God's faithfulness and the work He has accomplished through the community. It's a time to recognize that the church's foundation and growth are the results of Jesus Christ's sustaining power, not human effort. This reflection leads to a deeper appreciation of God's sovereignty and grace. [01:58:33]
1 Corinthians 3:7 - "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."
Reflection: How have you seen God's faithfulness in your own spiritual journey over the past year?
Day 3: Equipping Through Strategic Teaching
The introduction of Sunday school is a strategic step to equip the congregation with a solid understanding of core doctrines. This initiative aims to build up the body of Christ through teachings from diverse ministry roles, fostering spiritual maturity and unity within the community. It's an opportunity for growth and learning that will strengthen the church's foundation. [01:59:28]
Ephesians 4:11-12 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
Reflection: What foundational Christian doctrine do you feel you need a better understanding of, and how can you actively seek to learn more about it?
Day 4: Love as the Hallmark of Transformation
Love is the defining mark of the Christian community, a powerful force that casts out fear and transforms lives. This active, sacrificial love is a reflection of God's love for us and is meant to be demonstrated in tangible ways within and beyond the church walls. It's through this love that individuals and the community are changed, embodying the presence and righteousness of God. [01:41:00]
1 John 4:18 - "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate sacrificial love to someone in your community this week?
Day 5: Overcoming Bitterness and Pride
Bitterness and pride are barriers to experiencing God's love and can stifle spiritual growth. The call to release bitterness and forgive those who have wronged us is a step towards freedom and allows God's love to flow through our lives. Embracing humility is essential in living a life that reflects God's love and righteousness. [01:45:00]
James 3:14-15 - "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive to let go of bitterness, and how can you take the first step towards reconciliation today?
Quotes
1) "This season of consecration is for the bride to fall in love with her Groom. That's what this season is about." [01:56:50] (Download)
2) "The true righteousness of God is his nature and you cannot have love without righteousness and you cannot have God's righteousness without his love." [01:51:42] (Download)
3) "They will know you are my disciples by your love one toward another, not love toward people that don't know who I am." [01:40:16] (Download)
4) "The moment you get bitter is the moment you stop growing. You're wondering why God can't operate in your life and it's because of bitterness that you've held on to." [01:44:16] (Download)
5) "This will be a place that is marked by the love of God because it will be a House of Prayer but we will be disciples who are known for our love one toward another." [01:41:21] (Download)
6) "An end time Revival isn't going to come with a crazy explosion; it's going to come through love." [01:48:02] (Download)
7) "We've done nothing; we've just been faithful. The one who has done something is Jesus Christ who builds his church and the Gates of Hell will not prevail against it." [01:58:33] (Download)
8) "We are going to be focusing on the apostles Doctrine on Apostolic Doctrine, namely the Oneness of God and the new birth." [01:59:28] (Download)
9) "We cannot pray away what it is that we are called to do in action. So I am praying right now that an impartation of the love of God fills us." [01:41:43] (Download)
10) "We are going to pray that God begins to uproot those things. We release the person we release the people who have done wrong to us." [01:48:43] (Download)
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