Dante Gebel #874 | Otro aburrido congreso de pesca

Live Broadcast from El Salvador

Global Connection and Community Engagement

• The event is being streamed globally, connecting audiences from various continents including Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. Flags from multiple countries are displayed to represent the diverse audience.

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the global audience's connection and acknowledges the kindness of viewers tuning in from different parts of the world.

• Emphasizes that many people contribute to their local congregation by sending offerings and seeds, highlighting a sense of community even when physically apart.

Reflections on Recent Travels

• The speaker shares experiences from a recent visit to El Salvador, noting the significant presence of Salvadorans abroad and how it was a blessing to connect with them.

• Discusses past invitations received from political leaders, emphasizing discernment in accepting such invitations based on genuine intentions rather than political convenience.

Political Context and Spiritual Responsibility

• Reflecting on previous interactions with President Nayib Bukele during his candidacy five years ago; highlights discussions about addressing violence and insecurity in El Salvador.

• Stresses that blessings come with conditions; emphasizes that true divine favor requires humility and repentance from God's people.

Prayer for National Leadership

• A prayer is offered for national leaders including President Bukele, calling for reverence regardless of individual beliefs or affiliations.

• Quotes biblical principles regarding humility and seeking God’s face as prerequisites for healing a nation.

Promises of Blessings

• Reiterates promises made by God to His people if they obey His commandments; includes assurances of prosperity and protection against adversaries.

Salvador: A Blessing for the People

Divine Promises and Abundance

• The speaker emphasizes that God will bless Salvador with admiration, numerous offspring, and abundant livestock. All agricultural endeavors will yield plentiful harvests due to divine intervention.

• A quote from an Irish blessing attributed to St. Patrick is shared, wishing prosperity, warmth, and longevity for the people of Salvador.

• The speaker expresses gratitude for life's beautiful moments and invokes blessings upon the natural resources of Salvador, including rivers, volcanoes, and lakes.

Conditional Blessings

• The speaker asserts that if Salvador's people obey God's commandments and avoid false idols, they will become one of the most significant nations in the world.

• Emphasizes that God's blessings are conditional; true devotion requires humility and repentance from sins to receive divine favor.

Hope vs. Superstition

• The speaker warns against placing hope in sorcery or luck instead of faith in God. He believes reliance on such practices leads to failure while faith brings blessings.

Metaphor of Fishermen

• A metaphorical story about a group calling themselves "Fishermen" illustrates how they focus on discussions about fishing without actually engaging in it.

• Despite organizing congresses on fishing techniques and building training centers, these self-proclaimed fishermen never catch any fish.

Critique of Inaction

• The narrative critiques those who talk extensively about their mission (fishing), yet fail to take action or produce results.

• A young individual decides to go fishing despite criticism from others who have never fished but claim expertise. This act symbolizes taking initiative over mere discussion.

Conclusion on Productivity

The Parables of Lost Things

Introduction to the Audience

• Jesus spoke to two distinct groups simultaneously: a marginalized audience and a group of religious leaders. This duality reflects the eclectic nature of his listeners, comprising various political and social perspectives.

The Groups Present

• Among the crowd were societal outcasts, such as prostitutes and tax collectors, who felt accepted by Jesus. In contrast, Pharisees and religious figures observed with disdain, unable to comprehend Jesus' love for those they deemed unworthy.

The Hostility of Religious Leaders

• The religious leaders expressed contempt for the outcasts, struggling with the idea that God could love those they personally rejected. This highlights a common human tendency to wish ill upon others while grappling with divine grace.

The Context of Jesus’ Teachings

• Aware of his mixed audience—those fascinated by him and those hostile—Jesus chose to share three parables about lost items: a sheep, a coin, and a son (the Prodigal Son). Each story culminates in joy upon recovery.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

• One parable describes a woman who loses ten silver coins (representing significant value) and searches diligently until she finds them. This illustrates how people react when they lose something valuable; their desperation mirrors spiritual loss.

Joy in Recovery

• Upon finding her coin, the woman rejoices and invites friends to celebrate her discovery, symbolizing communal joy over individual redemption—a parallel drawn by Jesus regarding angels celebrating each sinner's repentance.

Significance of Redemption

• The underlying message is that lost souls (represented by the sheep, coin, or son) are precious in God's eyes; their recovery brings immense joy not just on earth but also in heaven among angels—emphasizing the value placed on every individual soul.

Responsibility of Religious Leaders

The Value of Lost Souls

The Urgency of Recovery

• The speaker reflects on the contrasting reactions to Jesus' message, where one group finds joy while another feels anger towards those who are lost.

• A personal anecdote is shared about losing a wallet in a parking lot, highlighting the desperation felt when something valuable is lost.

• The speaker recalls the anxiety experienced while searching for the wallet, emphasizing cultural differences regarding lost items and their recovery.

• Upon reporting the loss to a cashier, there was skepticism about whether someone would return a wallet to lost and found.

• To the speaker's surprise, the wallet was returned intact with cash inside, leading to an overwhelming sense of relief and joy.

The Significance of Souls

• This experience serves as a metaphor for how we should feel about lost souls; urgency in seeking them out and joy in their recovery is essential.

• The speaker references Mark 8:36, questioning what profit it is to gain the world but lose one's soul, stressing that no material possession compares to a single soul's value.

• Emphasizes that every person holds immense worth in God's eyes—more than all earthly riches combined.

• Illustrates that even those deemed forgettable have greater value than all wealth; this perspective challenges societal views on worthiness.

Parental Love and Spiritual Responsibility

• Discusses parental love by comparing children’s value; no child is less important than another regardless of number or circumstances.

• Raises questions about our concern for lost souls—are we actively thinking about reaching them?

Impactful Testimonies

• Shares insights from Carlos Anacondia's family life; despite his absence due to ministry work, his children grew up loving God rather than resenting him.

• One child recounts how they were impacted by witnessing their father praying for lost souls regularly—a practice that left a lasting impression on them.

• Contrasts this with modern distractions like binge-watching shows instead of focusing on spiritual responsibilities toward others’ salvation.

Call to Action

Understanding the Heart of God and Our Purpose

The Connection Between God's Heart and Ours

• The pain that breaks God's heart also breaks ours; we share in His suffering.

• Jesus emphasizes the value of the human soul, warning against shame for His message during sinful times (Mark 8:38).

Living for God, Not Ourselves

• Paul reminds us in Romans 14:7 that our lives are not our own; we live and die for Him.

• Our gifts, time, and resources should be used to fulfill God's purpose—saving others.

The Call to Action: Seeking the Lost

• Fundamental to the Gospel is actively seeking out the lost rather than passively inviting them.

• Cultural shifts have led to a focus on invitations instead of searching for those who need salvation.

Reassessing Church Priorities

• We must prioritize finding lost souls over merely congregating or attending events without impact.

• Engaging with people often requires getting our hands dirty, akin to searching through trash for something valuable.

Time Allocation and Spiritual Engagement

• Many dedicate only two hours a week to God amidst 168 total hours available, highlighting a misalignment in priorities.

• During pandemic closures, some panicked about losing their service opportunities tied solely to church attendance.

Reforming Church Practices

• A call for reform suggests returning to original models of church engagement rather than simply increasing services.

• True reform involves revisiting foundational principles as exemplified by Martin Luther's return to scripture.

Defining the Church's Role

• The church exists primarily as a search team dedicated to finding what is lost while also addressing spiritual hunger.

Avoiding Subculture Mentality

• The church should not become an insular subculture but rather engage with the world as agents of change.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Mission

The Importance of Spiritual Growth and Outreach

Accountability Before God

• The speaker reflects on the day they will stand before God, emphasizing that God's inquiry will focus on the impact made in bringing wounded souls to Him rather than superficial church metrics like choir size or facilities.

• A critical question posed is how many broken individuals were sought out and brought home, highlighting the responsibility bestowed upon believers to use their gifts for outreach.

Active Participation in Faith

• The speaker warns against a passive approach to church life, stressing that merely attending services without active engagement leads to spiritual stagnation.

• Growth is likened to natural expectations of living beings; just as plants grow, so should members of the church actively contribute and develop spiritually.

Church's Purpose and Effectiveness

• Citing Ephesians 4:1, the speaker notes that proper functioning within the church body leads to growth in love and effectiveness in ministry.

• The analogy of Harvard graduates working at McDonald's illustrates that education (or spiritual training) should yield significant outcomes; similarly, church members should be equipped for impactful service.

Expectations from Church Members

• The expectation is set for church members to mature into effective agents of change who actively seek out others in need of salvation.

• The goal is not just attendance but growing "to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ," indicating an ongoing journey towards spiritual maturity.

Evaluating True Goodness

• The speaker challenges listeners by questioning whether their presence in church translates into tangible results—specifically, how many lives have been positively impacted through their actions.

• Emphasizing production over mere existence within a congregation, it’s noted that churches must focus on what comes out rather than just filling seats with attendees.

Love as a Defining Characteristic

• A call is made for believers to embody love so profound that it astonishes those around them; this includes reaching out even to marginalized individuals.

• There’s recognition that true love may lead one into uncomfortable situations but emphasizes its necessity for genuine faith expression.

Misconceptions About Righteousness

• The notion that having a well-behaved family equates to being righteous is challenged; good behavior alone does not signify true goodness or divine favor.

• Examples are given illustrating that moral uprightness can exist outside Christian circles, suggesting that absence of wrongdoing does not equal active goodness or righteousness.

Historical Context and Reflection

Avivamiento y la Nueva Alemania de Hitler

Reflexiones sobre el pasado y el presente

• El orador menciona cómo Hitler quemó libros corruptos y erradicó la pornografía en Alemania, destacando su oposición a la sensualidad y promoviendo la modestia en las mujeres.

• Se cuestiona qué trivialidades nos obsesionan hoy en día, sugiriendo que a menudo pasamos por alto cuestiones de misericordia y amor.

• Se critica la percepción moderna de lo que significa ser "bueno", sugiriendo que las apariencias pueden ser engañosas, como en el caso de personas que aparentan felicidad en redes sociales.

La Iglesia y su Propósito

• Se plantea una reflexión sobre cómo se ha perdido el significado del nacimiento de Jesucristo durante la Navidad, convirtiéndose en una celebración superficial.

• El orador advierte que no todas las iglesias son verdaderamente vivas; algunas pueden parecerlo externamente pero están muertas espiritualmente (referencia a Apocalipsis 3:1).

• Se enfatiza que tener credenciales religiosas no garantiza un verdadero conocimiento o relación con Dios.

La Llamada a Actuar

• Se discute cómo los cristianos pueden volverse inactivos por miedo a contaminarse con el mundo, perdiendo así su propósito original.

• El orador critica la tendencia de los cristianos a aislarse entre sí, sugiriendo que deben salir al mundo para cumplir con su misión evangelizadora.

La Misión Apostólica

• Las preguntas comunes entre nuevos cristianos suelen centrarse más en lo permitido dentro del club religioso que en cómo alcanzar a otros perdidos.

• Se recuerda cómo Jesús envió a sus discípulos a predicar activamente después del Pentecostés, resaltando la importancia del movimiento constante en el ministerio.

Un Nuevo Enfoque hacia el Avivamiento

• El concepto de "mover de Dios" implica acción y movimiento continuo; no debe limitarse solo al tiempo dentro del edificio eclesiástico.

• Critica la idea contemporánea de esperar un avivamiento limitado al tiempo de culto, argumentando que debe extenderse más allá del servicio dominical.

Understanding Our Relationship with God

God's Terms vs. Our Terms

• We approach God on His terms; He does not conform to our expectations or schedules.

• The idea that God "visits" us is misleading; He desires to dwell within us permanently, rather than just making occasional appearances.

The Illumination of Darkness

• Comparing bringing a candle to a stadium's night game illustrates the futility of relying solely on small gatherings for spiritual illumination when darkness prevails outside.

• Large religious events may create an illusion of light but fail to address the real darkness in the world beyond their walls.

The Call to Action

• Christians often become complacent with their own salvation and neglect the mission of reaching out to those who are lost.

• Isaiah 61 emphasizes the need for believers to rise and shine, as true glory comes from God amidst widespread darkness.

The Power of Light

• A single light can significantly impact a dark environment, akin to how one committed individual can influence corrupt systems or communities.

• David’s confrontation with Goliath exemplifies that faith in God provides strength against overwhelming odds, highlighting that divine support constitutes true majority power.

Redefining Church and Worship

• Christians must break free from cult-like mentalities surrounding church buildings as sacred spaces; worship should extend beyond physical locations into daily life interactions with others.

• Jesus instructed His disciples to spread the message of God's kingdom actively rather than confining it within church walls, emphasizing outreach over institutionalization.

The True Nature of the Church

• Believers are collectively the church; it is not defined by physical structures but by individuals filled with God's spirit wherever they gather.

The Role of Christians in Society

The Presence of God in Gatherings

• The speaker emphasizes that God's presence is felt when believers gather, regardless of the physical location, highlighting the importance of community over mere comfort.

Engaging with the World

• Christians are called to engage with society and share the gospel everywhere, not just within church walls. This includes interactions at schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

Avoiding Isolationism

• There is a critique of Christians who seek only to associate with other believers (e.g., hiring Christian plumbers or barbers), which can lead to isolation from non-believers.

Misconceptions about Christianity

• The speaker argues against the notion that certain media or services must be labeled as "Christian" for them to hold value. True faith transcends labels and should not confine believers.

Being Light in Darkness

• Jesus sends his followers into darkness to be light and salt; this mission requires active engagement rather than retreating into safe spaces.

Understanding Evangelism

Everyday Evangelism

• Evangelism isn't limited to formal preaching but involves living out one's faith daily, demonstrating love and grace in everyday interactions.

Conviction in Faith

• A personal conviction about one’s beliefs is crucial for effective evangelism; if individuals do not genuinely believe in their message, they will struggle to share it convincingly.

The Nature of Sin

• The speaker stresses that people are not merely misguided but are sinners needing salvation. This perspective shapes how Christians approach evangelism.

Signs Following Believers

• Miraculous signs accompany those who preach the gospel actively; these signs affirm their message and demonstrate God's power through action rather than passive waiting for confirmation.

Perception of Christians by Non-Believers

Attitudes Towards Non-Believers

• There is a concern about how non-believers perceive Christians—whether they see condemnation or love. Genuine relationships can break down barriers between groups.

Media Representation

• The speaker shares experiences from media interactions where negative portrayals of Christians exist, emphasizing the need for authentic representation amidst hostility.

Overcoming Hatred

Understanding the Heart of Outreach

The Challenge of Communication

• The speaker expresses concern about how people perceive the church, particularly when controversial figures are involved. This raises questions about the church's approach to outreach and acceptance.

• There is a disconnect between preaching a message of love while exhibiting hate or judgment, which undermines the credibility of Christian outreach efforts.

Resources for Evangelism

• The speaker emphasizes that modern resources (books, internet, travel) provide unprecedented opportunities for spreading the gospel globally, urging believers not to remain passive.

• Individuals attending church need to self-reflect on their commitment to Christianity—are they active participants in evangelism or merely attendees?

Authenticity in Faith

• The call for Christians to "come out of the closet" refers not only to sexual orientation but also to openly sharing their faith and engaging with non-believers.

• Genuine relationships with non-believers are essential; one cannot lead others to Christ without first knowing and loving them.

Embracing All People

• The speaker reflects on past experiences at religious gatherings where he felt unproductive; true ministry happens outside these circles among those who need it most.

• Jesus' example shows that being like Him means embracing those society deems undesirable, demonstrating love rather than condemnation.

Love Over Judgment

• Proselitizing can push people away; instead, showing unconditional love can break down barriers and foster genuine connections.

• Moral codes should follow an experience of God's love rather than precede it; transformation comes from feeling loved by God.

Understanding Jesus' Compassion

• Jesus had profound insight into people's hearts and healed many regardless of their past actions or future intentions.

• Healing was offered freely by Jesus even to those who might misuse it later; His compassion transcended human judgment.

Reflecting on Human Nature

• Many who received healing from Jesus later turned against Him, illustrating the fickle nature of human gratitude and loyalty.

• A reminder that societal pressures can lead individuals away from faith despite having experienced divine intervention.

Accountability in Blessings

• Believers must consider how they use blessings received from God; neglecting gratitude can lead to spiritual decline.

The Value of an Soul and Compassion in Service

Understanding Jesus' Perspective on Souls

• Jesus recognized the intrinsic value of a soul, regardless of its past, present, or future. This perspective emphasizes unconditional love and acceptance.

• The disciples were initially dismissive of the crowd's needs, suggesting that they should send them away to eat after being taught and healed.

• Jesus challenged the disciples by instructing them to feed the multitude, which they found insulting. His compassion for the people outweighed their frustrations.

The Importance of Serving Others

• True fulfillment comes from serving others, even when it involves personal discomfort or sacrifice. The speaker reflects on how serving can lead to a deeper sense of purpose.

• Questions arise about why family and friends may not be interested in faith; often it's due to witnessing a diluted version of Christianity that lacks commitment.

Authenticity in Faith

• Many people prefer secular activities over church because they perceive little difference between believers and non-believers. A genuine relationship with God creates a compelling influence on others.

• When one's faith is authentic, it radiates positivity and draws others in. This divine influence is most potent outside traditional religious settings.

Impact Beyond Church Walls

• The speaker recalls a powerful figure whose funeral attracted diverse attendees—believers and non-believers alike—demonstrating his inclusive approach to relationships.

• This pastor's ability to connect with everyone stemmed from his love rather than preaching alone; he engaged with people through acts of kindness and support.

Reflecting on Personal Influence

• The speaker contemplates what kind of diversity will be present at their own funeral, questioning whether their life will impact a wide range of individuals or remain homogenous.

• There’s an emphasis on welcoming all kinds of people into one’s life rather than only associating with those who share similar beliefs or backgrounds.

Embracing Diversity in Relationships

• The speaker expresses joy in having more friendships with non-believers than believers, highlighting a shift towards inclusivity within their community efforts.

Pescadores: Un Llamado a la Acción

La Importancia de Ser Pescadores

• Se hace un llamado a la audiencia para que el aplauso se escuche en varios países, enfatizando la unidad y el propósito de ser "pescadores" de almas.

• Se invita a salir más allá de las fronteras ideológicas y morales, buscando a los perdidos sin importar sus diferencias políticas o pensamientos.

• Se ora por aquellos que están dispuestos a perder el miedo a la contaminación del mundo, recordando que los cristianos son llamados a ser luz y sal en medio de la oscuridad.

Preparación y Entrenamiento

• Se menciona un plan de entrenamiento donde se dedicarán 2 horas para prepararse antes de salir durante 166 horas para "pescar".

• El concepto del "escuadrón de búsqueda" es introducido, destacando su misión de rescatar almas perdidas.

Bendiciones y Proclamaciones

• Se bendicen las actividades diarias y se profetiza que junio será un punto de inflexión hacia victorias espirituales.

• La oración concluye con una bendición sobre el cuerpo, alma y espíritu, reafirmando la identidad como benditos en Cristo.

Reflexiones Personales

• Una reflexión sobre cómo Jesús sana heridas emocionales y carga con nuestras preocupaciones, resaltando su amor incondicional.