Transformative Power of Faith and the Holy Spirit
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gather with hearts full of gratitude and praise for the Lord. Reflecting on my journey from a Buddhist upbringing in Thailand to serving the Lord for 33 years, I am reminded of the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Thailand, predominantly Buddhist, has a deep spiritual hunger that only the true love and power of Jesus can satisfy. I shared the miraculous story of Sister Nam, who, through faith and the Holy Spirit, brought a mute and deaf young woman to speak and hear again. This testimony underscores the importance of believing in every scripture and the power of the Holy Ghost.
We must remember that we are not alone; angels are dispatched to assist us in our spiritual battles. The Lord's presence is palpable, and we can call upon Him to send His angels to fight for us. Our mission is to serve and spread the gospel, especially in places where hope and forgiveness are scarce. The story of the young woman healed by Sister Nam is a testament to the power of faith and the Holy Spirit.
We are called to love people more than things, to see beyond their faces and into their souls, recognizing their eternal worth. The power of the Holy Ghost enables us to perform miracles, speak in tongues, and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. We must shake off spiritual lethargy and stir up the gifts within us, believing that with God, nothing is impossible.
In conclusion, I encourage everyone to seek the Holy Ghost, repent, and embrace the transformative power of Jesus. The Holy Ghost will guide and change us, making us willing servants of the Lord. Let us use our gifts to command and pray with faith, leading others to repentance and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This is our mission and our calling.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of Jesus: Reflecting on my journey from Buddhism to Christianity, I am a living testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This transformation is available to everyone, regardless of their background. The Holy Spirit can change lives, bringing hope and forgiveness where there was none. [07:59]
2. The Role of Angels in Our Lives: Angels are dispatched to assist us in our spiritual battles. We can call upon the Lord to send His angels to fight for us, especially in critical times. This divine assistance is a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles. [13:07]
3. The Importance of Faith and the Holy Ghost: The story of Sister Nam and the young woman she healed highlights the importance of believing in every scripture and the power of the Holy Ghost. Faith can bring about miraculous changes, enabling us to perform miracles and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. [17:22]
4. Loving People Over Things: We are called to love people more than things, recognizing their eternal worth. This love should drive us to see beyond their faces and into their souls, understanding that they are valuable in the eyes of God. [23:50]
5. Stirring Up Spiritual Gifts: We must shake off spiritual lethargy and stir up the gifts within us. With the power of the Holy Ghost, we can perform miracles, speak in tongues, and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Believing that with God, nothing is impossible, we are called to use our gifts to lead others to repentance and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. [27:22]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [07:04] - Gratitude and Honor
3. [07:59] - Journey from Buddhism to Christianity
4. [08:45] - Feeling the Presence of God
5. [10:37] - Calling Upon Angels
6. [13:07] - The Role of Angels
7. [15:42] - Testimony of Sister Nam
8. [17:22] - Power of Faith and Holy Ghost
9. [20:45] - Miraculous Healing
10. [23:50] - Loving People Over Things
11. [25:24] - Stirring Up Spiritual Gifts
12. [27:22] - Believing in God's Power
13. [28:54] - Commanding the Rain
14. [29:43] - Teaching the Youth
15. [31:02] - Power of Prayer
16. [33:26] - Observing and Listening
17. [36:15] - Encouragement to Seek the Holy Ghost
18. [38:23] - Seeing Beyond Faces
19. [41:28] - Call to Repentance
20. [44:04] - Receiving the Holy Ghost
21. [46:33] - Using Your Gifts
22. [49:55] - Leading to Repentance
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
2. Hebrews 1:14 - "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
3. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the miraculous event involving Sister Nam and the young woman? ([17:22])
2. How does the sermon describe the role of angels in our lives? ([13:07])
3. What are some of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the sermon that believers can operate in? ([25:24])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of loving people over things? ([23:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Sister Nam and the young woman illustrate the power of faith and the Holy Spirit? ([17:22])
2. In what ways can believers call upon angels for assistance, according to the sermon? ([13:07])
3. What does it mean to "stir up the gifts" within us, and why is it important? ([25:24])
4. How does the sermon suggest we should view and treat people, especially in terms of their eternal worth? ([23:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How has the transformative power of Jesus impacted your life? Are there areas where you still seek transformation? ([07:59])
2. Have you ever felt the presence of angels or divine assistance in your life? How did it affect your faith and actions? ([13:07])
3. Think about a time when you witnessed or experienced a miraculous event. How did it strengthen your belief in the power of the Holy Spirit? ([17:22])
4. How can you actively love people more than things in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to see beyond their faces and into their souls? ([23:50])
5. Are there spiritual gifts within you that you feel have been dormant? What can you do to stir them up and use them for God's glory? ([25:24])
6. How can you incorporate the practice of calling upon the Lord for angelic assistance in your prayer life? ([13:07])
7. What specific actions can you take this week to lead someone to repentance and the infilling of the Holy Ghost? ([49:55])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Jesus
Reflecting on the journey from Buddhism to Christianity, one can see the profound impact of Jesus Christ's transformative power. This transformation is not limited by background or past beliefs; it is available to everyone who seeks it. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious and powerful ways, bringing hope and forgiveness where there was none. The story of a mute and deaf young woman who was healed through faith and the Holy Spirit is a testament to this power. It shows that believing in every scripture and the power of the Holy Ghost can lead to miraculous changes in our lives. [07:59]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Think about a time when you experienced a significant change in your life. How did your faith play a role in that transformation? Can you identify areas in your life where you still need the transformative power of Jesus?
Day 2: The Role of Angels in Our Lives
Angels are divine beings dispatched to assist us in our spiritual battles. They are sent by the Lord to fight for us, especially in critical times. This divine assistance is a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles. We can call upon the Lord to send His angels to help us, providing us with the strength and support we need to overcome our challenges. The presence of angels in our lives is a testament to God's unwavering support and love for us. [13:07]
Psalm 91:11-12 (ESV): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt an inexplicable sense of protection or guidance. Do you believe it could have been the work of angels? How can you become more aware of and open to the presence of angels in your daily life?
Day 3: The Importance of Faith and the Holy Ghost
The story of Sister Nam and the young woman she healed highlights the importance of believing in every scripture and the power of the Holy Ghost. Faith can bring about miraculous changes, enabling us to perform miracles and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. This story serves as a powerful reminder that with faith and the Holy Ghost, nothing is impossible. We are called to believe wholeheartedly in the power of the Holy Ghost and to use our faith to bring about positive changes in our lives and the lives of others. [17:22]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Think about a situation in your life that seems impossible to change. How can you apply your faith and the power of the Holy Ghost to this situation? What steps can you take today to strengthen your faith?
Day 4: Loving People Over Things
We are called to love people more than things, recognizing their eternal worth. This love should drive us to see beyond their faces and into their souls, understanding that they are valuable in the eyes of God. By loving people more than material possessions, we fulfill our mission to serve and spread the gospel. This love compels us to act with compassion and empathy, seeing the true value in every individual we encounter. [23:50]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who may need to feel valued and loved. How can you show them God's love today? What practical steps can you take to prioritize people over material possessions in your daily life?
Day 5: Stirring Up Spiritual Gifts
We must shake off spiritual lethargy and stir up the gifts within us. With the power of the Holy Ghost, we can perform miracles, speak in tongues, and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Believing that with God, nothing is impossible, we are called to use our gifts to lead others to repentance and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This requires us to be proactive in seeking and using our spiritual gifts, trusting in God's power to work through us. [27:22]
1 Timothy 4:14-15 (ESV): "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress."
Reflection: What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you? How can you actively use these gifts to serve others and glorify God? What steps can you take today to stir up and develop your spiritual gifts?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Thailand is 99.9% Christian. Less than that. Like, less than 1%. They're mostly Buddhism. I was born and raised in Buddhism. Home. Buddhism home. I am going on 33 years serving the Lord. God save me. I am a miracle. Are you a miracle?" [07:59] (34 seconds)
2. "The most wonderful thing is the Holy Ghost. They said, really? Thai people so hungry and thirst for the true love because I know when I was born and raised, we never get a hug, we never get kisses, we never get parents that I love you, no just obey them, that's sure you love them." [16:15] (30 seconds)
3. "You don't mess with me. I am a child of the king. You don't mess with me. I have the word. I have the name of Jesus. The three, that's good enough for me." [41:28] (22 seconds)
4. "When you pray that's when you talking to God. When you talk to God, don't just think about it. You know why, cause God said after let there be light and the darkness have to go we taught them that so they don't just don't just do this enemy it's not a be afraid of you." [31:02] (38 seconds)
5. "You can have it. You can have it, sir. You can have it. You can have it. Because the promise is unto you. God never changed his mind. When he said, you can have it. You can have it. All you have to do is asking for forgiveness. Repent." [44:04] (34 seconds)
### Quotes for members
1. "I wanted to share this and I believe this is the confirmation hallelujah God when I walk into this church and this morning when I woke up honestly I didn't sleep all night last night I can't sleep I'm like okay I've been never been here our first time to travel in America I live in America before all that just but you know what I I don't even feel sleepy tonight I mean this morning I would just like all on fire I only think drink a cup of coffee hallelujah god jesus i love coffee before besides jesus that's my coffee hallelujah god coffee water and fruit god jesus." [08:45] (48 seconds)
2. "I love to praise. I love to worship. I love to praise. That's my life. My life is prayer anxiety or concern about anything. When I walk in here I was worship the lord immediately I felt the angel of the lord right here right here the angel of the lord." [10:37] (34 seconds)
3. "You guys remember The Bible The Bible The The Tao of Babel They don't even The Holy Ghost Liberless Guess what If those people Can just build that thing They don't even speak The same language Until they're disobedient You know, and then God Make them confused If they can build that big town You've been baptized Your conviction The condemnation is gone It's out of Jesus You have to build that big town And you have the power." [28:02] (67 seconds)
4. "When you are the leaders you have to just like you said if you are you own the business you have to work harder than your employee when we lead away the building in the morning hard-working woman i clean house a 10 year in florida i work all my life anyway i'm sorry rabbit tail please when you pray don't just do this if you are new in the lord don't do this if you have the holy ghost today who does whoever don't have the holy ghost yet have not washed away your sin yet i am encouraging you to do that." [36:15] (56 seconds)
5. "You have to look past to that faith the american i love because you are hooky oh i love you oh kiss you oh so nice the asian decide so because okay that's it how are you i'm good okay what else should i say they're like that that's right so you get the holy ghost and you pass people face they look so mean at the market they look so mean but i told our people said like look through their soul they're gonna go to hell they're going to be in there and they cannot come out from it look in their soul that's what i tell them and i want to encourage you have the most wonderful do you are can do you believe that you have the most wonderful right now about phil stand up come on you have the most wonderful gaming shirt very exciting about it come out here head up front." [38:23] (114 seconds)