| Sermon Summary by Pray Eucha |
Witnessing Christ’s resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit to a world that runs after material gains.
We live in a world where people seek after material gains. Even as Christians, we have a similar mindset. But, God calls us to witness Christ's resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit to this world that is consumed by material gains. We require a changed perspective based on the word of God that challenges the world's priorities.
The model of the Early Church
The disciples and Paul initially had worldly ambitions before their transformations. Their understanding dramatically changed when they were filled by the Holy Spirit.
The early church had a different view of material things from which we can learn from to witness effectively in the present world
They gave up their possessions (Acts 4:34)
They endured suffering willingly (Acts 5:41)
They looked forward for eternal reward (2 Corinthians 4: 16 to 18)
We as those purchased by the blood of Christ, do not belong to ourselves. We belong to Christ and we are called to put on the mind of Christ and crucify our desires of the flesh. (Gal 5:24)
The Model of Christ
Christ gave up his heavenly privilege and humbled himself , even to the point of death (Phil 2: 5 to 11)
Christ was forsaken by God as He became sin to reconcile us, while disciples were never forsaken when they suffered for Christ.
Christ endured the cross for the joy of reconciliation with us human beings (Heb 12:2, Luke 15:5-7).
We have difficulty giving up our worldly things for a God who gave up his heavenly privileges.
The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing
We have an inherent need to possess everything
A.W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God" discusses the blessing of being "poor in spirit" and not being ruled by possessions.
We are called to have dominion over things but we are ruled by earthly things - Christ's call to deny the world is a call to liberation from this bondage and restoration to have dominion over all things.
God asks us to lay down our every thing under His feet, like Abraham gave up even Isaac.
Conclusion - To live is for Christ and to die is gain
Missionary examples like Dr. David Livingston gave up everything for God.
Have we given up everything for God? Are we willing to suffer for God? Do we have an eternal perspective?
Only Christ can satisfy the human heart, serving God as stewards, and standing as witnesses to the world despite opposition is the way to live as Walking Gospels.
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