Trusting God's Power in a Countercultural World

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound truth that nothing is too hard for God. We began by acknowledging the devastation in Western North Carolina and the incredible work being done through Disaster Relief USA, which has brought hope to many, both Christians and non-Christians. This tangible expression of God's love has led some to seek Him more earnestly, illustrating the power of being the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.

We delved into Genesis 18, where God promises Abraham and Sarah a child despite their old age, emphasizing that nothing is impossible for God. This story serves as a reminder that God is still in the miracle-working business, ready to exceed our expectations and meet our needs. We were encouraged to bring our burdens to God, trusting in His ability to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can imagine.

As we continued, we explored the concept of breaking the rules of the new norm, recognizing that as believers, we are called to be countercultural. We discussed the influence of spiritual warfare, noting that every decision is influenced by either God or demonic forces. The Corinthian church serves as a mirror for us today, highlighting the need to guard against cultural infiltration into our lives and the church.

We examined the spirit of Asherah, which promotes the idea of "if it feels good, do it," leading to a life driven by fleshly desires. This spirit, along with the spirit of Baal, which encourages covenant-breaking and wrong alignments, is prevalent in our society. We were challenged to recognize these influences and choose to serve God wholeheartedly, rejecting the gods of this world.

Finally, we were reminded of the importance of walking the ancient paths of righteousness, loving God with all our heart, and living a life that reflects our faith. We were encouraged to denounce the spirit of Baal and embrace a covenant relationship with God, finding rest for our souls in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Miraculous Power: The story of Abraham and Sarah reminds us that nothing is too hard for God. In our lives, we must trust that God can do the impossible, exceeding our expectations and meeting our deepest needs. [14:47]

- Countercultural Living: As believers, we are called to live differently from the world. This means rejecting cultural norms that contradict God's Word and embracing a life that reflects our faith in Christ. [51:15]

- Spiritual Warfare Awareness: Every decision we make is influenced by spiritual forces. We must be vigilant, discerning whether our choices align with God's will or are swayed by demonic influences. [48:50]

- Rejecting the Spirit of Baal: The spirit of Baal encourages covenant-breaking and wrong alignments. We must denounce this spirit, choosing instead to walk in covenant relationship with God and uphold His standards in our lives. [57:10]

- Walking the Ancient Paths: True success is found in knowing and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. By walking the ancient paths of righteousness, we find rest for our souls and live in alignment with God's will. [01:28:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:30] - Update on Disaster Relief Efforts
- [2:15] - God's Miraculous Power
- [5:00] - Prayer and Thanksgiving
- [14:47] - Nothing is Impossible for God
- [20:00] - Breaking the Rules of the New Norm
- [30:00] - Spiritual Warfare and Cultural Influence
- [48:50] - The Spirit of Asherah
- [51:15] - Choosing Whom to Serve
- [57:10] - The Spirit of Baal
- [01:03:29] - Workaholism and Spiritual Influence
- [01:11:50] - The Ancient Paths of Righteousness
- [01:28:11] - Finding Rest for Your Soul
- [01:31:50] - Denouncing the Spirit of Baal
- [01:37:25] - Closing Blessing and Assignment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Genesis 18:10-14
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
- Jeremiah 6:16

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 18, what was Sarah's initial reaction to the promise of having a child, and how did God respond to her disbelief? [14:47]

2. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, how does Paul describe the message of the cross to those who are perishing versus those who are being saved?

3. What does Jeremiah 6:16 encourage believers to do, and how does this relate to the concept of "walking the ancient paths"?

4. How did the sermon describe the influence of cultural norms on the Corinthian church, and what warning does this serve for us today? [51:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18 illustrate the theme that "nothing is too hard for God"? What implications does this have for our faith in God's promises? [14:47]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers are called to live counterculturally, and how does this align with the message in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25? [51:15]

3. The sermon discusses the spirit of Baal and its influence on covenant-breaking. How does this concept relate to the challenges faced by believers in maintaining their faithfulness to God? [57:10]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of spiritual warfare in our daily decisions, and how can believers discern between influences from God and demonic forces? [48:50]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you felt something was impossible. How can the story of Abraham and Sarah encourage you to trust in God's miraculous power? [14:47]

2. Identify a cultural norm that contradicts your faith. How can you actively choose to live counterculturally in this area, as encouraged by the sermon? [51:15]

3. The sermon challenges us to denounce the spirit of Baal. What specific steps can you take to ensure that your alignments and covenants are with God rather than worldly influences? [57:10]

4. Consider the concept of spiritual warfare discussed in the sermon. How can you become more vigilant in recognizing and resisting demonic influences in your daily decisions? [48:50]

5. Jeremiah 6:16 speaks of walking the ancient paths. What does this look like in your life, and how can you ensure that your actions align with God's will?

6. The sermon mentions the importance of not sacrificing our children to the age of this world. How can you actively teach and guide the younger generation in your life to follow God's path? [29:53]

7. Reflect on the idea of finding rest for your soul in God. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize spiritual rest and renewal? [01:28:11]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Trusting in God's Miraculous Power
In the story of Abraham and Sarah, we see a profound demonstration of God's ability to do the impossible. Despite their old age, God promised them a child, illustrating that nothing is too hard for Him. This narrative encourages us to bring our burdens and seemingly impossible situations to God, trusting that He can exceed our expectations and meet our deepest needs. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded that God is still in the miracle-working business today, ready to intervene in our lives in ways we cannot imagine. [14:47]

Genesis 21:1-2 (ESV): "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him."

Reflection: What is one situation in your life that seems impossible? How can you bring this to God today, trusting in His miraculous power?

Day 2: Living Counterculturally
As believers, we are called to live in a way that is distinct from the world around us. This means rejecting cultural norms that contradict God's Word and embracing a life that reflects our faith in Christ. In a world that often promotes self-indulgence and moral relativism, we are challenged to stand firm in our convictions and live out our faith authentically. By doing so, we become a light in the darkness, pointing others to the hope and truth found in Jesus. [51:15]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to conform to the cultural norms around you? How can you intentionally choose to live counterculturally this week?

Day 3: Awareness of Spiritual Warfare
Every decision we make is influenced by spiritual forces, whether divine or demonic. This awareness calls us to be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that our choices align with God's will rather than being swayed by negative influences. The Corinthian church serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding against cultural infiltration and spiritual deception. By staying rooted in God's Word and prayer, we can navigate the spiritual battles we face and remain steadfast in our faith. [48:50]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: What is one decision you are facing today? How can you seek God's guidance to ensure it aligns with His will?

Day 4: Rejecting the Spirit of Baal
The spirit of Baal encourages covenant-breaking and wrong alignments, leading us away from God's standards. In a society that often promotes self-serving desires and broken commitments, we are called to denounce these influences and choose to serve God wholeheartedly. By embracing a covenant relationship with God, we uphold His standards in our lives and experience the fullness of His blessings. This commitment requires intentionality and a willingness to reject the gods of this world. [57:10]

1 Kings 18:21 (ESV): "And Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.' And the people did not answer him a word."

Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you are tempted to compromise your commitment to God? How can you reaffirm your covenant relationship with Him today?

Day 5: Walking the Ancient Paths
True success is found in knowing and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. By walking the ancient paths of righteousness, we find rest for our souls and live in alignment with God's will. This journey requires us to love God with all our heart and live a life that reflects our faith. As we embrace these ancient paths, we discover the peace and fulfillment that comes from living according to God's design. [01:28:11]

Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’"

Reflection: What does walking the ancient paths of righteousness look like in your daily life? How can you intentionally pursue this path today?

Quotes

1. "How many of you know God's still in the miracle working business? Amen He's still doing things that we can't He's still making a way where there is no way In Genesis chapter 18 Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent Which was behind him And Abraham and Sarah were already very old And Sarah was past the age of 18 Of childbearing So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought After I'm worn out and my Lord is old Will I now have this pleasure? Then the Lord said to Abraham Why did Sarah laugh and say Will I really have a child now that I am this old. Verse 14 is a very important verse that we all ought to get a hold of this morning. Here's what the Lord said. Is anything too hard for the Lord?" [14:47] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So this morning, whatever your needs are today, can I just tell you that our God's greater than any need that you might have? Come on, somebody praise him right now. That whatever your heart is being broken over right now, nothing is too hard for our God. And I'm going to just tell you, not only is it not too hard for him, but he's here today and he's willing to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you could ever think or imagine." [14:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Listen to me look at your neighbor and tell them God's not done with you yet Come on tell them God's not done with you yet God's not done with you yet Father I thank you today that you're still working miracles through the lives of your people and Lord that you don't throw us out to pasture but you revive us and you renew us great are your mercies every day from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same Lord your name shall forever be praised I'm grateful to know today that you're not done with us yet Lord even when we might count ourselves out you come along and you encourage us to continue to carry forth this glorious message of this gospel of Jesus Christ that is life giving so Lord we praise you in this house today" [14:47] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I want to talk to you today again about look at your neighbor and tell them you're odd and some of you are having too much fun with that amen you've been waiting for that moment husband amen you've been waiting for that moment wife so we'll do counseling marriage counseling on Thursday if you need it after that but I'm kidding but hey listen we're not part of this normal culture anymore once we're born again and I think we need to realize that and we need to understand and appreciate that and walk that out in our lives today we in this series of breaking the rules we're discussing the idea of this culture that we're behind" [48:50] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Joshua says, choose you this day whom you're going to serve. Whether the gods of your fathers, the ones that they served in the region. Beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. That's culture. Do you understand what I'm saying? He's laying out the culture for you. In other words, you're going to serve the culture or either you're going to be a countercultural individual. And the only way you can be a countercultural individual is to be born again. And the world is trying to eat you up and make you into a cultural person. Look at your neighbor and tell them you're odd. You're starting to get it. You're starting to get it now. Amen. This is a good definition over you. That you're not like the world. So we have to represent that." [51:15] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Pre -pandemic numbers tell us that 62 % of Americans are feeling burned out. Because that we are chasing after power. Promotion and advancement. And Satan is dangling his version of success in front of us like a carrot. And we're chasing the wrong thing. And many are serving the wrong little G God of power and pride and prestige. Watch this. Let me help you identify. Again, if I'm here and should be there, watch out. Something's going on if that's a constant wrestle for you." [01:03:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You want to know how to defeat Baal and stop breaking covenant with God and walk in covenant with God so that these things don't get in your life? You want to know how to get the dirt out of your house? Listen, you walk the old path. You walk the old paths of righteousness. You love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Listen to me. You choose this day whom you will serve. Compromise is no longer an option. Compromise is no longer an option. God and only God will I serve." [01:28:11] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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