Pastor Libin discusses the concept of revival, defining it as a season of breakthrough in Word, deed, and power. He emphasizes that revival occurs when God intervenes in desperate situations, citing historical examples like the 18th-century English revival and the Welsh Revival. Libin highlights the importance of human helplessness in inviting God's intervention, using the biblical story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones to illustrate this. He calls for the church to stand united and be sent on mission, emphasizing the need for both the prophetic word and the Holy Spirit's breath for true revival.
Pastor Libin introduces a five-week series on revival. He highlighted positive signs of revival, such as a 22% increase in Bible sales, increased church attendance among Gen Z, and significant baptisms in various locations. He cited the Asbury revival's impact on college campuses and the Passion conference's attendance. Libin emphasized that revival involves a breakthrough in Word, deed, and power, leading to a new normal of Kingdom experience and fruitfulness. He encouraged the congregation to seek revival personally and collectively, focusing on love as the central element.
Pastor Antwuan Malone discusses the concept of being in a "twilight zone" spiritually, drawing parallels to the Israelites' experience in Exodus 20:18-21. He emphasizes that God often leads believers into wilderness periods following deliverance to reset, redirect, and refine them. Pastor Malone highlights that these wilderness experiences are not punishments but opportunities for spiritual growth. He explains that God's presence in the wilderness and darkness is meant to test and discipline believers, fostering trust and obedience. Pastor Malone encourages embracing discipleship despite its risks and challenges, trusting in God's plan for personal transformation.
Libin's sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving Jesus as a tangible gift, drawing parallels between children eagerly unwrapping presents and the significance of experiencing Jesus' presence. He highlights the story of Simeon, who, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Messiah and experienced peace upon holding Him. Libin underscores that Jesus' mission extends to all people, not just Israel, and that true peace comes from having Christ, not necessarily from having all answers. He invites listeners to receive Jesus, trusting in His salvation and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Pastor Libin recounts a pivotal encounter in 2009 that led him to Fuller Seminary in Houston, where he met his wife. He draws parallels to the shepherds' encounter with angels in Luke 2, highlighting the prophetic, purposeful, and personal nature of their meeting. The shepherds, considered outcasts, were chosen to receive the news of Jesus' birth, symbolizing God's inclusivity. Libin emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and calls for believers to offer continuous praise and worship, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate Savior and Lord.
Libin discusses Zechariah's song from Luke 1, emphasizing it as a message of hope for the waiting. He draws parallels between the impatience of modern society and the long wait for the Messiah, highlighting the 400 years of silence from God. Libin narrates Zechariah and Elizabeth's story of unanswered prayers and their eventual blessing with John the Baptist. He underscores the importance of waiting on God, noting that what God does in us during the wait is more significant than what we are waiting for. Libin concludes by encouraging faith and attentiveness to God's presence and promises.
Libin discusses the significance of Christmas carols, particularly those about the Savior, during the Advent season. He notes the church had 24 memorial services this year, highlighting personal losses and challenges faced by many. Libin emphasizes the importance of songs about the Savior for those experiencing grief and loss. He introduces Mary's song from Luke, detailing her humble circumstances and the prophetic nature of her words. Mary's song reflects God's might, holiness, and mercy, and it underscores the reversals in God's kingdom where the humble are exalted and the needy are filled. Libin encourages the congregation to carry Christ in their hearts and to live out the values of humility and mercy.
JoAnn Hummel reflects on a family gathering in Ocean City, New Jersey, where a tense moment led to a crucial conversation. She draws parallels to the biblical story of David and Nabal, emphasizing Abigail's wise intervention. Abigail's actions—pausing to assess, preparing to approach, and addressing David with humility and respect—are highlighted as key to resolving conflict. JoAnn encourages the congregation to apply these principles in their own crucial conversations, advocating for love, self-control, and peacemaking. She concludes with a call to spiritual preparation and humility in communication.
Pastor Steve Frissell highlights Nehemiah's efforts to restore Jerusalem, the challenges faced, and the ultimate need for Jesus to bring true transformation. He draws parallels between Nehemiah's actions and Jesus' mission, emphasizing the importance of a "holy burden" or calling to act on injustices and bring God's love to the world. Frissell shares his personal journey of adopting a child with Down syndrome, illustrating how recognizing and responding to a holy burden can lead to significant impact.
Libin shares personal memories of his grandparents, highlighting the impact of Alzheimer’s on his grandmother’s memory and identity. He draws parallels to the Israelites in Nehemiah, who, after rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, faced the challenge of rediscovering their story and identity. Libin emphasizes the importance of understanding and obeying God’s Word, as exemplified by the Israelites’ celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. He encourages us to cultivate a fresh desire for God’s Word, seek understanding, repent, and obey-leading to true spiritual renewal and joy.
Libin recounts an unexpected interaction with Charlie Sheen, who sought $200 under the guise of needing help for a church member. Libin, initially moved by the potential for spiritual outreach, later realized it was a scam. He then draws parallels to Nehemiah's challenges in Nehemiah 6, highlighting distractions of opportunity, false accusations, and compromise. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as Nehemiah did, despite external pressures. He concludes by encouraging the congregation to trust in God's strength and to persevere in their respective missions.
Libin discusses the transition from external opposition to internal injustice in Nehemiah 5, highlighting the famine, high taxation, and debt that led to severe oppression among the people of God. Nehemiah's response is characterized by righteous anger, careful consideration, and courageous confrontation. The solution involves correction, accountability, and personal commitment to justice. Dr. Darrell Bock emphasizes the biblical roots of justice, rooted in God's character and the gospel. He stresses the importance of empathy, listening, and understanding in fostering justice and mission. The church's role in caring for the vulnerable and promoting justice is celebrated, with specific examples of local outreach and individual efforts.
Libin's sermon focuses on Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem's wall despite opposition. Nehemiah faced public ridicule from Sanballat and Tobiah, who questioned the Jews' ability to rebuild. Despite this, Nehemiah prayed and persevered, leading the people to build the wall to half its height. He also took precautions, stationing guards day and night. Internal discouragement arose, but Nehemiah reminded the people of their purpose and the Lord's protection. Libin emphasizes the importance of prayer and action, drawing parallels to modern-day challenges and encouraging perseverance in faith.
Libin emphasizes the importance of teaching our children how to handle emotions and problems healthily. Libin draws parallels to Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem, highlighting the need to "close the distance," start from rest, assess the need, gather a team, and work the mundane. He stresses the significance of ordinary actions, citing Nehemiah's repair of the pool of Siloam, which later became crucial in Jesus' ministry. Libin concludes by encouraging faithful daily obedience and rest, inspired by the example of Lois Han, who prayed for the youth and diversity in her church.
Libin Abraham discusses the human struggle of finding purpose and the importance of discovering one's "why." He emphasizes that true purpose is found in knowing Jesus, as outlined in Ephesians 2:10. Abraham uses the story of Nehemiah to illustrate the journey of finding and acting on one's calling, highlighting the need for waiting, courage, and preparation. He notes that waiting is not wasted and that courage is found in prayer and dependence on God. Libin also points out that calling often involves conflict, which should be embraced as an affirmation of one's purpose.
Libin shars a story of a missionary's work in war-torn regions, highlighting the conversion and subsequent betrayal of a spy. Despite challenges, the missionaries were instructed to continue their work, leading to the establishment of a Ministry Center on the Gaza border. Libin emphasizes the global brokenness, citing 60,000 children dying weekly from hunger, 2.5 billion without clean water, and rising suicide rates in America. He calls for active engagement in missions, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's journey, urging the congregation to question, lament, and pray for God's guidance and restoration.
Ed Stetzer dives into the four commissions that Jesus gave his disciples between his resurrection and ascension, emphasizing their importance for Christians. He shares his personal journey from working at Lifeway to focusing on global and local faith-sharing. The first commission is "We are sent," highlighting that all believers are missionaries. The second is "To all different kinds of people," stressing the need to reach diverse communities. The third is "With a message," underscoring the gospel's centrality. The fourth is "Empowered by the Spirit," urging believers to be witnesses globally. We are called for a renewed focus on missions and evangelism.
Libin discusses the divisive nature of modern society, drawing parallels to childhood tug of war. He highlights the cultural, racial, and political tensions that divide the Church and society. He emphasizes Paul's message in Colossians 3:11, urging unity in Christ regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic status. He explains the historical context of first-century relationships, advocating for mutual submission, love, and respect within marriages, parent-child dynamics, and slave-master relationships. He underscores the transformative power of faith in fostering unity and love, calling for the church to embody these virtues.
Libin contrasts our visible, temporary selves with the invisible, eternal selves hidden in Christ. Using the story of a hidden copy of the Declaration of Independence found at a flea market, he illustrates the unseen value of the soul. Drawing from Colossians 3, he urges believers to seek things above, live from their true identity in Christ, and grow in discipleship by practicing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness.
Caleb Willis teaches on the early Christian church in Colossians, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the faith and not being deceived by false teachings. Willis stresses the significance of gratitude, noting its frequent mention in Colossians and its role in deepening one's relationship with God. He concludes by urging the congregation to express gratitude and align their practices with their position in Christ.