Hey Y’all.
Here’s today sermon. I hope it blesses you.
From Apathy to Zeal: Cultivating a Dynamic Faith
Awakening to a Vibrant Relationship with God
Reference Scripture: [Rev 3:15-16 NLT] 15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
Second text: [Dan 5:12-14, 29-31 NKJV] 12 "Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation." 13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, "[Are] you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? 14 "I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God [is] in you, and [that] light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. ... 29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and [put] a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. 30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. 31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, [being] about sixty-two years old.
Opening Statement
In a world where spiritual indifference often goes unnoticed, the clarion call to vibrant, dynamic faith challenges us to awaken from spiritual slumber. It's a divine invitation to experience the fullness of life in Christ, breaking free from the chains of complacency.
TL;DR Overview
Embark on a transformative journey from lukewarm faith to a dynamic, deeply-rooted relationship with God. This sermon explores the shifts necessary to awaken our spiritual lives, calling us into active, intentional discipleship.
There is power in language
Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit"
Words can help shape our world.
It’s been said…Words are the wealth of the wealthy. Knowledge is the power of the words.
Please note this sermon is a gamer changer because we’re going beyond the binary of bad and good but average which often slips into mediocrity and excellence.
In the Kingdom of God there’s an enemy called average.
I’m not saying be obsessive. The Good enough principle is great most of the time but we must steward open doors of favor. We must keep our eyes on the greater as we live day by day
Defining Our Terms
Nominal Christian: "Christian in name only." These believers are like the seeds that fell on rocky soil—they sprout quickly but have no deep roots (Matthew 13:20-21 NLT).
Apathetic Christian: "Indifferent believers." They hear the call but, like the rich young ruler, walk away from Jesus, unwilling to make a change (Mark 10:21-22 NLT).
Luke Warm Christian: "Neither hot nor cold." They are believers who sit comfortably in their faith, neither fully engaged with God nor completely disengaged (Revelation 3:15-16 NLT).
Carnal Christian: "Led by worldly desires." These believers live in spiritual immaturity, allowing their human desires to dictate their faith journey (1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT).
Shallow Christian: "Surface-level faith." Like the seed that fell among thorns, they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature (Luke 8:14 NLT).
Nominal vs. Dynamic Disciple: "Faith in name vs. faith in action."
Apathetic vs. Kingdom Minded Person: "Indifference vs. purpose-driven living."
Shallow vs. Deep Christian: "Superficial beliefs vs. foundational truths."
Lukewarm vs. Person with Zeal for the Father's House: "Passivity vs. passionate engagement."
Carnal vs. Dynamic Disciple: "Worldly focus vs. spiritual depth."
Dynamic Disciple: A Dynamic Disciple is empowered by the 'dunamis' aspect of the Holy Spirit, manifesting the dynamism of divine power through active faith and transformational living, radiating the strength and energy of God in every action.
Kingdom Minded Person: A Kingdom Minded Person possesses a meta, big-picture perspective, always aligning their thoughts, actions, and purposes with the expansive vision of God's kingdom, understanding their role in the eternal narrative God is weaving.
Deep Christian: A Deep Christian is one who has deep roots in God's Word and exhibits depth of character, steadfastly grounded in scripture and spiritual maturity, weathering life's storms with unshakeable faith.
Person with Zeal for the Father's House: A Person with Zeal for the Father's House is passionately committed to building up God's house through words that stir up, build, and cheer up, marked by generosity and a protective love for the koinonia (fellowship), actively nurturing the community of faith.
Pillar: A Pillar is a faithful person who upholds the church's mission and its people with their presence and presents, embodying power in the pews through steadfast support, guidance, and the spiritual strength that anchors the church community.
Power in the Pews
Daily Communion vs. Occasional Attendance
Scripture: [Psa 1:2-3 NLT] 2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
Spiritual richness is cultivated through persistent devotion, not passive participation. True engagement with God's Word transforms our minds and spirits, leading to a life that flourishes.
Active Pursuit vs. Passive Dreaming
Scripture: [Jas 1:22 NLT] 22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Dreams without action remain dreams, while actions fueled by faith ignite lasting transformation. Being doers of the Word propels us from the sidelines into the heart of God’s purpose.
Foundation vs. Crutch
Scripture: [1Co 3:11 NLT] 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have--Jesus Christ.
True strength is built on a steadfast foundation of faith, not as a temporary crutch but as the enduring cornerstone of our lives.
Church as a base vs. Service Provider
Scripture: [Eph 4:11-12 NLT] 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
The church is not just a place to receive but a community to contribute to and grow with. It's a forge where faith is tempered, and believers are equipped for service.
Simplicity in Faith vs. Complexity
Scripture: [Mat 11:29-30 NLT] 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
Spirituality is embracing the simple, profound relationship with Jesus at the center. In Him, we find clarity and peace, a stark contrast to the world’s complexity.
TL;DR Recap
Shift from passive to active, superficial to foundational, embodying a dynamic relationship with God. Let's cultivate a faith that is not just believed but truly lived out every day.
Sermon Summary in 33 Words
Transition from lukewarm faith to fervent discipleship, embracing daily communion, active pursuit, and the church's transformative role. Cultivate a vibrant, living faith that actively shapes our lives and the world.
Closing Prayer
Lord, stir our hearts from complacency to passionate pursuit, transforming us into vessels of Your dynamic love and grace. Awaken us to the beauty of a life fully surrendered to You, thriving in the richness of Your presence and the joy of Your service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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