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June 8 2025 The Christian Life Series Part 6 The Pentecost and The Church Pastor Ray

by Second Baptist Church Boulder
on Sep 11, 2025

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June 8 2025 The Christian Life Series Part 6 The Pentecost and The Church Pastor Ray

Devotional

Day 1: Living Under God’s Promises

As believers, we walk each day under the covering of God’s promises—declarations of His gifts and deeds that He will bestow upon us. From the earliest pages of Scripture, God has made and kept promises: to save, to bless, to be present, and to give us new hearts. These promises are not just ancient words but living realities for us today. We can rejoice knowing that God is faithful, and every promise He has made, He will fulfill in His perfect timing. Let your heart be encouraged that you are not forgotten or overlooked; you are living under the blessings of a God who keeps His word. [01:07:10]

Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to cling to today, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill it even if you cannot yet see how?

Day 2: The Power and Priority of Prayer

Prayer is not just a religious duty but the very breath of the Christian life—a living, ongoing conversation with our Creator. God expects us to talk to Him, not only when we are in need, but as a continual relationship of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Prayer bridges the gap between our needs and God’s abundant resources, and it is through prayer that we acknowledge our dependence on a God who is higher than we are. Let us not neglect this precious gift, but instead, let us seek to deepen our communication with the One who loves us most. [01:13:08]

Genesis 4:26 (ESV)
To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.

Reflection: When was the last time you truly poured out your heart to God in prayer, not just for your needs, but simply to be with Him and acknowledge who He is?

Day 3: Conditions for Answered Prayer

Jesus promises that if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us. But this promise comes with conditions: our requests must be made in Jesus’ name (aligned with His will and character), we must have a living relationship with Him, and His words must dwell in us, shaping our desires and actions. God is not obligated to answer prayers that are rooted in selfish motives or sin, but He delights to answer the prayers of those who are surrendered to Him. Examine your heart and motives as you come before God, trusting that He hears and responds to those who seek Him in truth. [01:35:36]

John 15:7 (ESV)
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Reflection: Is there a prayer you’ve been waiting for God to answer? Take time today to ask if your request aligns with Jesus’ will and if your heart is truly abiding in Him.

Day 4: The ACTS of Prayer—A Guide for Our Hearts

Prayer is more than asking for things; it is a rhythm of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. When we adore God, we acknowledge His greatness and holiness. In confession, we humble ourselves and seek His forgiveness. Through thanksgiving, we recognize every good and perfect gift comes from Him, and in supplication, we bring our desires and needs before Him, trusting that He alone can bring change. This pattern helps us keep our prayers God-centered and honest, reminding us that prayer is about relationship, not just requests. [01:15:01]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Which part of the ACTS pattern do you most often neglect in your prayers—adoration, confession, thanksgiving, or supplication? How can you intentionally include it in your prayers today?

Day 5: The Blessing of Answered Prayer and Community

Answered prayer is a gift that strengthens our faith, deepens our relationship with God, and unites us as a community. When God answers our prayers—whether for ourselves or for others—it brings comfort, gratitude, and a sense of shared joy within the body of Christ. Even when the answer is not what we expected, we can trust that God knows what is best. Let us celebrate together the testimonies of answered prayer, support one another in collective prayer, and encourage each other to keep trusting in the God who hears and responds. [01:44:49]

1 John 5:14-15 (ESV)
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

Reflection: Who in your church family or community can you encourage today by sharing a testimony of answered prayer or by praying with them for their needs?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus—a victory not earned by our own strength, but graciously given by our King through His mercy and faithfulness. We were reminded that every breath, every blessing, and every opportunity to worship is a gift from God, and that our lives are lived under the canopy of His promises. As we reflected on Psalm 67, we praised God for His saving power and the joy that comes from knowing Him, and we prayed for His continued guidance, comfort, and provision for our church family, our community, and the world.

Central to our time together was the truth that the Christian life is marked by two great privileges: living under God’s promises and the gift of prayer. We explored the depth and breadth of God’s promises throughout Scripture—from the promise of a Savior in Genesis, to the new heart and Spirit given in Ezekiel, to the assurance of Christ’s presence and the indwelling Holy Spirit. These promises are not abstract; they are the foundation upon which we stand, and they shape our daily walk.

We also considered the essential role of prayer in the believer’s life. Prayer is not merely a religious duty, but the very breath of the Christian—our ongoing dialogue with the Creator. We discussed the ACTS model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) as a helpful guide, but more importantly, we examined the conditions Jesus gives for answered prayer in John 15:7: abiding in Him, having His words abide in us, and asking in His name. These are not empty formulas, but invitations to deeper relationship, obedience, and alignment with God’s will.

We were challenged to examine our motives in prayer, to ensure we are not asking out of selfish desires, but seeking God’s glory and purpose. We were encouraged by the assurance that God hears and answers the prayers of those who are in Christ, and that even when prayers seem unanswered, God’s wisdom and timing are perfect. Finally, we were reminded that the greatest prayer God always answers is the cry of a repentant heart seeking salvation in Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. Living Under God’s Promises: Every believer walks daily beneath the shelter of God’s promises—promises that span from the earliest pages of Scripture to the words of Jesus Himself. These promises are not just for the past; they are living realities that sustain, guide, and give hope to us today. To meditate on God’s promises is to anchor our souls in His unchanging faithfulness. [67:10]
2. Prayer as the Breath of the Christian Life: Prayer is not an optional add-on, but the very lifeblood of our relationship with God. Just as breath is essential to life, so is prayer to the Christian. Neglecting prayer is like starving our souls of oxygen; cultivating a vibrant prayer life is essential for spiritual health and intimacy with God. [73:08]
3. Conditions for Answered Prayer: Jesus teaches that answered prayer is not a blank check, but is conditioned on abiding in Him, having His words abide in us, and asking in His name. To pray in Jesus’ name means aligning our requests with His will and character, not merely attaching a phrase to our petitions. This calls us to self-examination and a heart that seeks God’s purposes above our own. [88:20]
4. The Transforming Power of Prayer: Prayer bridges the gap between our insufficiency and God’s sufficiency. It is through prayer that we acknowledge our dependence, seek God’s intervention, and invite His transforming work in our lives and circumstances. True prayer not only changes situations, but it changes us—shaping us into the likeness of Christ. [84:05]
5. The Community and Testimony of Answered Prayer: When God answers prayer, it strengthens not only our individual faith, but also the faith of the community. Testimonies of answered prayer unite us, foster gratitude, and encourage collective intercession. The shared experience of God’s faithfulness builds up the body and points a watching world to the reality of a living, loving God. [104:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Song and Psalm 67
[02:30] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[07:00] - Announcements and Community Acknowledgements
[13:15] - Affirmation of Faith
[23:50] - Testimony: Sharing the Gospel
[25:37] - Youth Day and Ministry Thanks
[27:52] - Community Service and Volunteer Recognition
[30:16] - Upcoming Events and Prayer
[37:15] - Special Announcements and Funeral Service
[49:17] - Offering and Prayer of Thanksgiving
[51:36] - Scripture Reading: John 15:5-7
[58:56] - The Christian Life: Promises and Prayer
[63:53] - God’s Promises in Scripture
[70:48] - The Conditions of Answered Prayer
[73:08] - What is Prayer? Definitions and ACTS Model
[78:40] - Thanksgiving and Supplication in Prayer
[84:05] - Prayer Bridges the Gap
[88:20] - Praying in Jesus’ Name
[95:36] - Abiding in Christ and the Word
[99:50] - Motives and Unanswered Prayer
[102:07] - Why Answered Prayer Matters
[104:49] - The Power of Community Prayer
[112:54] - Closing, Benediction, and Fellowship Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 15:5-7 (ESV) — > “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Observation Questions

According to John 15:7, what are the conditions Jesus gives for answered prayer?
In the sermon, what are some examples of God’s promises found throughout Scripture? ([01:07:10])
How does the pastor describe the role of prayer in the Christian life? ([01:13:08])
What is the ACTS model of prayer, and what does each letter stand for? ([01:15:01])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect “abiding in Him” and “His words abiding in us” with answered prayer? What does this say about the relationship between obedience and prayer? ([01:26:17])
The sermon says that prayer is “the very breath of the Christian.” What does this mean for someone who neglects prayer? ([01:13:08])
The pastor mentions that not all prayers are answered the way we want. According to the sermon, what are some reasons prayers might go unanswered? ([01:39:50])
How does sharing testimonies of answered prayer impact the faith of the church community? ([01:44:49])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to examine our motives in prayer. Think about your recent prayers—were they more focused on your own desires or on God’s will and glory? How can you shift your focus this week? ([01:28:20])
The ACTS model includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Which of these do you tend to skip or rush through? What is one practical way you can be more intentional in that area this week? ([01:15:01])
The pastor said, “Neglecting prayer is like starving our souls of oxygen.” What are some distractions or habits that keep you from regular prayer? What is one step you can take to prioritize prayer in your daily routine? ([01:13:08])
The sermon highlights that God’s promises are not just for the past, but for us today. Is there a specific promise from Scripture you need to cling to right now? How can you remind yourself of it daily? ([01:07:10])
When was the last time you shared a testimony of answered prayer with someone else? How did it affect you and the person you shared with? Is there a recent answer to prayer you can share with the group tonight? ([01:44:49])
The pastor encouraged us to pray not just for ourselves, but for our church, community, and the world. Who is one person or group outside your immediate circle you can commit to pray for this week? ([01:30:16])
The sermon reminds us that the greatest prayer God always answers is the cry of a repentant heart seeking salvation. If you have experienced this, how has it changed your approach to prayer? If not, what questions or hesitations do you have about it? ([01:44:49])