Transformative Power of the Cross in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the profound message of the cross and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. We begin by acknowledging that we are a new people, born out of adversity, and often we don't know how to handle it. This is a recurring theme throughout our journey of faith. We are constantly reminded that our identity in Christ is forged through trials and tribulations, and it is through these experiences that we grow and mature spiritually.
We then move to the importance of evangelism and the call to reach out to those who have been rejected by society. Jesus' parable of the banquet invites us to go beyond the cities, to the hedges and highways, to find those who are often overlooked—the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. These individuals are hard to find and even harder to convince to come to the banquet because they feel unworthy. Yet, it is our mission to compel them to come, to show them that they are loved and valued by God.
Next, we discuss the power of prayer and fasting, exemplified by Anna, the prophetess. Anna's life was marked by continuous prayer and fasting, which allowed her to witness the Messiah. Her dedication serves as a model for us, showing that a fervent prayer life can lead to great spiritual insights and contributions, even in our weakest moments. Anna's story teaches us that prayer gives power to our witness and preserves us through life's challenges.
We then reflect on the Apostle Paul's teachings, particularly his emphasis on the cross of Christ. Paul reminds us that our interest in the world has been crucified, and what truly matters is our transformation into a new creation. This transformation is not about external rituals but about an internal change that aligns us with God's will. Paul's words challenge us to live by the principle of being a new creation, experiencing the outpouring power of Christ's resurrection daily.
Finally, we revisit the true message of the cross. The cross is offensive because it directly confronts the evil in the world. It is a symbol of sacrifice, love, and redemption. Billy Graham, in his last sermon, emphasized the importance of the cross and how it brings people to tears, realizing their distance from God. The cross compels us to confront our sins and accept the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Born Out of Adversity: We are a new people, born out of adversity, and often we don't know how to handle it. This adversity shapes our faith and character, reminding us that our identity in Christ is forged through trials. Embracing this truth helps us grow spiritually and rely more on God's strength. [04:07]
2. Evangelism Beyond Comfort Zones: Jesus calls us to go beyond our comfort zones, to the hedges and highways, to reach those who have been rejected by society. These individuals often feel unworthy and are hard to find, but our mission is to compel them to come to the banquet of Christ. This requires a spirit of boldness and a fervent prayer life, trusting that God will work through us to bring them in. [35:12]
3. Power of Prayer and Fasting: Anna, the prophetess, exemplifies the power of continuous prayer and fasting. Her dedication allowed her to witness the Messiah and make significant spiritual contributions even in her weakest moments. This teaches us that a fervent prayer life can lead to great spiritual insights and preserve us through life's challenges. [53:56]
4. Transformation Through the Cross: The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our interest in the world has been crucified through the cross of Christ. What truly matters is our transformation into a new creation, which is an internal change aligning us with God's will. This transformation is not about external rituals but about experiencing the outpouring power of Christ's resurrection daily. [01:10:32]
5. Confronting Evil with the Cross: The cross is offensive because it directly confronts the evil in the world. It is a symbol of sacrifice, love, and redemption. Billy Graham's last sermon highlighted the importance of the cross in bringing people to tears, realizing their distance from God. The cross compels us to confront our sins and accept the transformative power of Jesus Christ. [01:11:53]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:07] - Born Out of Adversity
[35:12] - Evangelism Beyond Comfort Zones
[53:56] - Power of Prayer and Fasting
[01:10:32] - Transformation Through the Cross
[01:11:53] - Confronting Evil with the Cross
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 14:23 (NIV) - "Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full."
2. Luke 2:36-38 (NIV) - "There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."
3. Galatians 6:14-16 (NIV) - "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 14:23, where does the master instruct his servant to go, and why? ([33:49])
2. What was Anna's lifestyle and dedication as described in Luke 2:36-38? ([53:56])
3. In Galatians 6:14-16, what does Paul say has been crucified through the cross of Christ? ([01:10:32])
4. What are the characteristics of the people Jesus calls us to reach out to, as mentioned in the sermon? ([35:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes going to the "roads and country lanes" to compel people to come to the banquet? What does this say about the inclusivity of God's invitation? ([33:49])
2. How does Anna's continuous prayer and fasting contribute to her spiritual insights and witness? What can we learn from her dedication? ([53:56])
3. Paul speaks about being a new creation in Galatians 6:14-16. How does this concept of internal transformation challenge the focus on external rituals? ([01:10:32])
4. The sermon mentions that the cross is offensive because it confronts evil directly. How does this understanding of the cross impact our approach to evangelism and personal faith? ([01:11:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How did it shape your faith and character? How can you embrace adversity as a means to grow spiritually? ([04:07])
2. Jesus calls us to reach out to those who feel unworthy and rejected. Identify someone in your life who might feel this way. What specific steps can you take to show them God's love and invite them to the "banquet"? ([35:12])
3. Anna's life was marked by continuous prayer and fasting. What changes can you make in your prayer life to seek deeper spiritual insights and contributions? ([53:56])
4. Paul emphasizes the importance of being a new creation. What areas of your life need transformation to align more closely with God's will? How can you experience the power of Christ's resurrection daily? ([01:10:32])
5. The cross compels us to confront our sins and accept Jesus' transformative power. Is there a specific sin or struggle you need to confront in your life? How can you seek God's help in overcoming it? ([01:11:53])
6. Evangelism often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. What fears or hesitations do you have about sharing your faith? How can you overcome them and be more bold in your witness? ([35:12])
7. How can you cultivate a spirit of boldness and a fervent prayer life to effectively reach out to those who have been rejected by society? ([49:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Born Out of Adversity
Our identity in Christ is forged through trials.
Adversity is an inevitable part of the Christian journey. It is through these trials and tribulations that our faith and character are shaped. As believers, we are reminded that our identity in Christ is not formed in times of ease but in moments of struggle and hardship. These experiences teach us to rely more on God's strength and less on our own abilities. Embracing this truth helps us grow spiritually, understanding that every challenge we face is an opportunity for God to work in us and through us.
When we face adversity, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to handle it. However, it is in these moments that we must remember that we are a new creation in Christ, born out of adversity. Our trials are not meant to break us but to build us up, to refine our faith, and to draw us closer to God. By trusting in His plan and leaning on His strength, we can navigate through life's challenges with confidence and hope. [04:07]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think about a recent trial you have faced. How did it shape your faith and character? How can you rely more on God's strength in future challenges?
Day 2: Evangelism Beyond Comfort Zones
Reaching out to the overlooked and rejected.
Jesus calls us to step out of our comfort zones and reach those who have been marginalized by society. The parable of the banquet illustrates this call, urging us to go beyond the familiar and seek out the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. These individuals often feel unworthy and are hard to find, but our mission is to compel them to come to the banquet of Christ. This requires a spirit of boldness and a fervent prayer life, trusting that God will work through us to bring them in.
Evangelism is not just about sharing the gospel with those who are easy to reach; it is about extending God's love to those who feel forgotten and rejected. It means going to the hedges and highways, to the places where people are often overlooked. By doing so, we demonstrate the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and show that everyone is valued and loved by Him. This mission challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and embrace the call to be Christ's ambassadors in a broken world. [35:12]
Luke 14:21-23 (ESV): "So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.'"
Reflection: Who in your community or social circle feels overlooked or rejected? How can you reach out to them and show them God's love today?
Day 3: Power of Prayer and Fasting
Continuous prayer and fasting lead to spiritual insights.
Anna, the prophetess, exemplifies the power of continuous prayer and fasting. Her life was marked by dedication to prayer, which allowed her to witness the Messiah and make significant spiritual contributions even in her weakest moments. Anna's story teaches us that a fervent prayer life can lead to great spiritual insights and preserve us through life's challenges. Her example encourages us to cultivate a habit of prayer and fasting, trusting that God will reveal His will and strengthen us in our journey.
Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that connect us with God and align our hearts with His purposes. They are not just religious rituals but means of deepening our relationship with the Lord. Through prayer and fasting, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's guidance and experience God's presence in profound ways. Anna's dedication serves as a model for us, showing that even in our weakest moments, we can make significant spiritual contributions through a life devoted to prayer. [53:56]
Luke 2:36-38 (ESV): "And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more prayer and fasting into your daily routine? What specific spiritual insights or breakthroughs are you seeking from God?
Day 4: Transformation Through the Cross
Internal change aligns us with God's will.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our interest in the world has been crucified through the cross of Christ. What truly matters is our transformation into a new creation, which is an internal change aligning us with God's will. This transformation is not about external rituals but about experiencing the outpouring power of Christ's resurrection daily. Paul's words challenge us to live by the principle of being a new creation, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and hearts continually.
Transformation through the cross is a profound and ongoing process. It involves dying to our old selves and embracing the new life that Christ offers. This internal change is marked by a shift in our priorities, values, and desires, aligning them with God's will. It is not about adhering to religious rituals but about experiencing the transformative power of Christ's resurrection in our daily lives. As we surrender to God's work in us, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and grace to the world. [01:10:32]
Galatians 6:14-15 (ESV): "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience transformation through the cross? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and heart today?
Day 5: Confronting Evil with the Cross
The cross confronts evil and compels us to accept Christ's power.
The cross is offensive because it directly confronts the evil in the world. It is a symbol of sacrifice, love, and redemption. Billy Graham's last sermon highlighted the importance of the cross in bringing people to tears, realizing their distance from God. The cross compels us to confront our sins and accept the transformative power of Jesus Christ. It is through the cross that we find forgiveness, healing, and the strength to overcome the darkness in our lives.
Confronting evil with the cross means acknowledging the reality of sin and its impact on our lives and the world. It requires us to face our own shortcomings and seek God's forgiveness and redemption. The cross is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the depth of His love for us. It calls us to a life of repentance and transformation, embracing the new life that Jesus offers. By accepting the power of the cross, we can overcome the evil in our lives and live in the freedom and victory that Christ provides. [01:11:53]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: What sins or struggles do you need to confront and bring to the cross today? How can you embrace the transformative power of Jesus Christ in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The pain and anguish have overtaken them and they have been rejected by the other people and people of God because they are not approachable. They smell and they stink and they are lame. He said, go to the hedges and highways and compel those who have been rejected to come to the banquet. He said, there's some more seats that need to be filled in my house. So when someone feels rejected, it's hard to win them. They're not going to trust you. And if you knew better, you wouldn't be upset with because they don't know how to trust you. They've been rejected." [37:48]
2. "We are the unwanted. We've been rejected. I've been in the presence of the Lord at a different level. Compel means this. It's so divine that I'm teaching this now because last week I had said to Tashana, she's been talking, witnessing to someone for over at least, was it two months? Has she done the center prayer that you offer her? This is what Tashana loves, what she do. She order her a Bible, had the Bible to give to She says, no. I said, what? It's been two months. See, but Tashana, she know me. She's trying to develop and pardon, explain, but look, the window is closing." [40:15]
3. "The true message. The scarred bloody cross. And which no man can be saved. Except through Jesus Christ. He concluded, all of these things that I have seen and heard, there's only one message that can change a person's life and heart. I want to tell people the meaning of the cross. Y'all work me. You work me today. You work me today. To God be the glory. The true message revisited. Amen." [01:13:19]
4. "He said, go to, go beyond the cities and go to and find a people. And he said, this people is a people who've been rejected. The least of these. He said, go and get them. He said, because look, evangelism, he said, they're not easy to find. The ones in this city, as many, and they've heard about me. And they'll give you, look, and they'll give you a conversation. He said, but it's the ones in the hedges. And look, in the hedges of the highway, it wasn't a highway. It was basically a beaten road and path where many did not travel. Go where many don't travel. He said, because those who have been rejected are there. And they're hard to find." [35:12]
5. "You beg. You persuade. Be reconciled to God. You are exerting a command. Be reconciled to God. You are giving them the ability to have the will to say yes. Because before they had no will to say yes. You give them the ability to say yes. Be reconciled to God. He said come. Compel them to come. What does come mean? Come means to advance and arrive at a state or condition. It means, look, it's time to advance. I come to you for you to advance. Now be reconciled unto God." [47:08]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So, we were walking. You were in front of me. Yeah, you were in front of me. So, this is when we're in the hallway. We're coming in, service, right? And Frida's walking in front of me, and what do you do, Frida? Do you remember what you said? I can say what you said if you don't remember what you said. She feels something, but I didn't say anything. So, this shows you, look now, how much more intimate you are with me. I said, what happened? I said, What happened is this. She felt the outpouring of what I was going to pour into you all. I said, you are experiencing my intentional focus. What God is doing with me right now. She said, it's so strong. That she felt this is how we should be. That, look, what you're going through, because, look, I experienced the outpouring from the resurrection of Christ. I'm able to experience your spirit, because we're all born of Christ." [01:06:32]
2. "You're right in the teaching. So, when we experience his resurrection on a daily, look, we are continually being transformed. On a daily. We're continually being transformed. You are continually advanced, advanced, advanced, advanced. He said, come up here where I am. Look up here where I am. Go ahead. I'm sorry, minister. own. I'm trying to. This is my long life goal, is to grasp, understand, comprehend this outpouring power of his resurrection. Even me." [01:09:25]
3. "To advance and change their form. You're giving them the opportunity to be hungry and thirsty for something they never hungered for. And you will cause them to believe that this is a true offer. And yes, I will come. This is a true offer. Hmm. We're talking. So the challenge is you're asking them to come on behalf of Jesus for he's the host of the banquet. So they don't know the host. This is why they're kind of leery about coming. I don't know nothing about God. And you think you got to explain all the things. No, you don't. You just have to look. Have a fervent prayer life and the spirit of boldness will come over you and who you are as an ambassador of Christ. And when you say do you want to take, receive the invitation to the banquet for Christ is the host he's waiting for you. Your present. It's desired." [49:18]
4. "Prayer gives power to the witness. Her prayer preserved her. It allowed Anna to make her greatest contribution at her weakest condition. Yeah, she was a widow. Which means that she was poor. They had no one to take care of her. Look, she is a model of healthy Christian discipleship. Fasting, continuing prayer and sharing the good news with everyone. She kept going and saying that Messiah is here. She was sharing the good news. Everybody! Everybody she saw she told them the Messiah." [56:14]
5. "He said, go, and what he's saying here, Luke is saying, first of all, this is about, and it's lacking to when he says to, to the bride, come. Hear me. It's lacking to the passage when he says, bride, come. But he was speaking to us as to prepare to say yes. Be prepared when you say yes. And so this is an invitation to Jesus' banquet. Jesus himself is the host. And the hedges and highways is not, Lord, help us, Jesus, remove all the erroneous ideas and concepts and images that we had. Look, we're going to defrag all that out, y'all. We're going to flesh it." [33:01]
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