Unity in Faith: Building for Eternity Together
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the miraculous works of God and the unity of His people. It's a joy to be among fellow believers, sharing in the faith of our Creator, who has crafted the wonders of the universe, like the moon that remains constant no matter where we are in the world. This is a testament to the miraculous nature of God's work, and we are blessed to live in a world filled with His miracles. Greetings were shared from our brothers and sisters in Tanzania, who are well-acquainted with our community here at Seneca Creek.
Our partnership with the church in Tanzania has been a testament to the power of unity in God's work. Through financial support and mission trips, we've contributed to various ministries, including clinics, schools, and radio stations. This collaboration exemplifies that God's work is not a solo endeavor but a collective effort to glorify Him. As we lift Jesus high, He draws all people to Himself, reminding us of the importance of working together to build His kingdom.
We are reminded that our time on earth is temporary, and our true home is in the new heaven and new Jerusalem that Jesus is preparing for us. Our focus should be on building for eternity rather than earthly pursuits. As believers, we must ask ourselves what we have accomplished for God, as He has done so much for us. The call to action is clear: preach the gospel, bring others to faith, and prepare for Jesus' return.
Reflecting on Matthew 9, we see Jesus' compassion for the harassed and helpless, emphasizing the need for more workers in His harvest field. Jesus came with a purpose, not for leisure, but to bring good news and hope to the world. He empowered His disciples to continue His work, and that same power and authority are available to us today. We are called to focus on what God is doing, rather than the works of the devil, and to exercise the authority given to us to cast out evil and proclaim God's miracles.
In our worship, we are encouraged to express our joy and gratitude for what God has done in our lives. Just as people cheer passionately at sports events, we should bring that same enthusiasm to our worship, celebrating the goodness and miracles of God. Let us be bold in our praise, sharing the joy and peace that God has brought into our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in God's Work: The work of God is a collective effort, not a solo endeavor. By uniting in purpose and action, we can accomplish great things for His glory. This unity is essential in building God's kingdom and spreading the gospel to all corners of the earth. [42:47]
2. Eternal Perspective: Our focus should be on building for eternity, not earthly pursuits. Jesus is preparing a new heaven and new Jerusalem for us, and our actions should reflect our anticipation of His return. We must ask ourselves what we have accomplished for God, as He has done so much for us. [47:34]
3. Empowerment and Authority: Jesus has given us the same power and authority He gave His disciples to continue His work. We are called to focus on what God is doing today and to exercise the authority given to us to cast out evil and proclaim God's miracles. [50:18]
4. Joyful Worship: Our worship should be filled with joy and enthusiasm, reflecting the goodness and miracles of God in our lives. Just as people cheer passionately at sports events, we should bring that same energy to our worship, celebrating what God has done for us. [52:32]
5. Purposeful Living: Jesus came with a purpose, not for leisure, but to bring good news and hope to the world. We are called to live with purpose, sharing the gospel and bringing others to faith, preparing for Jesus' return. Our lives should reflect the hope and faith that Jesus brings. [55:44]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Greetings and Fellowship
[02:15] - God's Miraculous Works
[04:00] - Partnership with Tanzania
[06:45] - Unity in God's Work
[09:20] - Eternal Perspective
[12:00] - Preparing for Jesus' Return
[15:30] - Empowerment and Authority
[18:10] - Focus on God's Works
[21:00] - Joyful Worship
[24:30] - Purposeful Living
[27:00] - Expressing Gratitude
[30:00] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 9:35-38: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
- Matthew 10:1-5: "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the miraculous works of God mentioned in the sermon, and how do they reflect His nature? [42:47]
2. How does the partnership with the church in Tanzania illustrate the concept of unity in God's work? [42:47]
3. According to Matthew 9:35-38, what was Jesus' response to the crowds, and what did He instruct His disciples to do?
4. What authority did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 10:1-5, and how is this relevant to believers today?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of unity in building God's kingdom, and what role does the church community play in this? [42:47]
2. What does it mean to have an eternal perspective, and how does this influence a believer's priorities and actions? [47:34]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest believers can exercise the authority given to them by Jesus? [50:18]
4. How does the sermon encourage believers to express joy and gratitude in worship, and why is this important? [52:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in church or community activities. How can you contribute to the unity and collective effort in God's work? [42:47]
2. Consider your daily priorities. How can you shift your focus from earthly pursuits to building for eternity? What specific changes can you make this week? [47:34]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you can exercise the authority given to you by Jesus. How will you approach this situation differently now? [50:18]
4. Think about your worship experience. How can you bring more enthusiasm and joy into your worship, similar to the passion seen at sports events? [52:32]
5. Jesus came with a purpose to bring hope and good news. How can you live with purpose this week, sharing the gospel with someone in your life? [55:44]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt harassed or helpless. How can you use that experience to show compassion to others, as Jesus did in Matthew 9:36?
7. What is one specific way you can prepare for Jesus' return, focusing on what you have accomplished for God? [47:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in God's Work
The work of God is a collective endeavor that thrives on the unity of His people. When believers come together with a shared purpose, they can achieve remarkable things for the glory of God. This unity is not just about working together but about aligning hearts and minds with God's mission to spread the gospel to all corners of the earth. The partnership with the church in Tanzania exemplifies this unity, as financial support and mission trips have contributed to various ministries, including clinics, schools, and radio stations. This collaboration shows that God's work is not a solo effort but a collective mission to glorify Him. As we lift Jesus high, He draws all people to Himself, reminding us of the importance of working together to build His kingdom. [42:47]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think of a community or group you are part of. How can you contribute to fostering unity and collective purpose in that group to further God's work?
Day 2: Eternal Perspective
Our time on earth is temporary, and our true home is in the new heaven and new Jerusalem that Jesus is preparing for us. This eternal perspective should shape our actions and priorities, focusing on building for eternity rather than earthly pursuits. As believers, we are called to reflect on what we have accomplished for God, considering all He has done for us. This perspective encourages us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, preparing for Jesus' return and ensuring that our lives reflect our anticipation of His coming kingdom. [47:34]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one earthly pursuit you can let go of to focus more on eternal values? How can you start making that shift today?
Day 3: Empowerment and Authority
Jesus has given us the same power and authority He gave His disciples to continue His work. This empowerment is not just for the early church but is available to us today. We are called to focus on what God is doing, rather than the works of the devil, and to exercise the authority given to us to cast out evil and proclaim God's miracles. This authority is a gift that enables us to participate in God's mission, bringing hope and healing to a world in need. By embracing this empowerment, we can be effective workers in His harvest field, just as Jesus intended. [50:18]
Luke 10:19-20 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to exercise the authority given to you by Jesus? How can you begin to do so with confidence and faith today?
Day 4: Joyful Worship
Worship is an expression of joy and gratitude for what God has done in our lives. Just as people cheer passionately at sports events, we should bring that same enthusiasm to our worship, celebrating the goodness and miracles of God. This joyful worship is not just about singing songs but about living a life that reflects the joy and peace that God has brought into our lives. By being bold in our praise, we can share the joy of the Lord with others, inviting them to experience His goodness and love. [52:32]
Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV): "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!"
Reflection: How can you incorporate more joy and enthusiasm into your worship this week? What specific actions can you take to express your gratitude to God more fully?
Day 5: Purposeful Living
Jesus came with a purpose, not for leisure, but to bring good news and hope to the world. As His followers, we are called to live with purpose, sharing the gospel and bringing others to faith, preparing for Jesus' return. Our lives should reflect the hope and faith that Jesus brings, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of His love. By living purposefully, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, pointing them to the hope and salvation found in Christ. [55:44]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live more purposefully for Christ this week? How can you align your daily actions with the mission of sharing the gospel and bringing hope to others?
Quotes
"It's good to be God's children and to have faith in God the creator, the God who did all this, what we see. We see the moon. If you come out there, you look through the sky, you see the moon. You travel all day, all day to Africa. You look out, the moon is right here. It doesn't crawl away. So it's miracle. It's God's work. And God's work is miracle. And so we live in miracle world because God is God of miracle." [00:38:18] (45 seconds)
"And so the work of God is not the work of one man show. It's the work of unity, and also in doing together, we can accomplish something that will bring the glory to God, because he said, if we lift Jesus high, he will draw all men unto him. Amen. And so today, we have to know that we have to work together, and also unite to build the army of God, and also to preach the gospel, so that many people will know about Christ, because Jesus is coming, and this world is coming to an end. Amen. Amen. Amen. We are not going to live here forever. Amen. Thank you." [00:41:27] (64 seconds)
"Okay, let me tell you this. Jesus is building a home, heaven and Jerusalem, new Jerusalem, a new heaven, a new world. Now, what are you building? You don't need to build much of anything here. Because Jesus is building for you. Okay, I don't think you are really happy. I think what you want is to build your world here or Jesus building your world there. Which is your choice? There. There. There. There. There. Can you say there? There. Not here. Not here. Not here. Amen? Amen." [00:42:41] (60 seconds)
"So, that's why we have to preach the gospel and bring people into the mind of Christ and bring them to the faith, believe in God and also to believe that Jesus is coming one day. And so, when he comes, what have you done? What have you accomplished for God? That's the question that you and me have to answer that question. That is Christian, as a believer, you have to answer that question. When Jesus comes, you have to say, this is what I did for you." [00:43:37] (50 seconds)
"When Jesus came to this world, he came with purpose. He didn't just come to enjoy. He didn't come in vacation. He didn't say, I'm going to America for vacation. He said, I'm coming to America to bring good news. And good news is the power of God. And that's why Jesus came to this world. He came for a purpose. And that purpose, you can see, he healed the sick. And good news. And also, people who have lost hope of life. That's why Jesus came. So they can have hope in life and faith that there is something good in this life." [00:47:29] (61 seconds)
"And so that's why Jesus Jesus came to bring hope in the world. Amen. And so when he came, and then preached the gospel, heal the sick, and also cast out the demons, and all those good works, he was with his disciples. And the purpose was to teach them to do themselves. That's why he came and choose the 12. And then work with them. And then he said one day that, okay, now I'm going to send you. I am not going with you. Go yourself and do it." [00:48:24] (45 seconds)
"Now, the secret here is God is giving us what He has. Which is His power and authority. We see that now I send you. If He said, I send you, means that He gave us what He has and the power that He was using to heal, then you can heal and you can be healed because there's power of God working in the world today. Many people are talking about the devil all the day long. Oh, the devil has done this. The devil has done that. But you know, we have to see what the Lord is doing. Amen. And what He can do. Amen." [00:49:32] (63 seconds)
"And what He has done to you. That's the testimony that this is what God has done to me. And this is what God can do today. Not 2,000 years ago. Today. Not just a hundred years ago. Not with the apostles. Not with the apostles. But with you. With us. Today. In this present time. That God is doing something. He's doing miracle. And He can do miracle. With you. With us. Today. With the church. We have hope." [00:50:36] (51 seconds)
"We don't have to give up. We don't have to feel sorry. Because the devil is doing something. But we have to feel the presence of God. And to take the authority that God has given us. And then cast out the devil. Amen. And say you have no authority. Amen. You know, that's all you have to say. You don't have to do anything. Just say it. Just speak it. And God will do it for you. That's where the power is of the church, brother. We must do it. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [00:51:55] (49 seconds)
"When you come to church, you need to shout a little bit. A little bit. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. You need to be happy and to show that something good has happened in your life. Amen. And God has done something good. You know, um, my friend Pastas is asking me, okay, now, you can come up here well now? I say, yeah. You know why? Because last time, I was going like this. Okay, brothers, how are you? But now I can go this way. Right? Because God has done something in my life. And I have to show that God is good. Good." [00:54:54] (69 seconds)
"I have to tell friends, the neighbors, and the world that God is good. And He's not the same like the people. God is not people. God is God. God of miracle. God of authority. God of higher place. God who loves. God who cares. And He cares for you. And that's why today we must shout and praise God. And so that we are not sad when we come to the house of the Lord. We have joy. We have peace. And God has done many things in our life. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hallelujah." [00:56:12] (64 seconds)
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