Pr. Cristian Plaza - "La obediencia que abre camino en el desierto" - 07/12/2025

Introduction and Opening Remarks

Welcoming the Congregation

• Que Dios les bendiga. The speaker expresses gratitude and encourages a strong response of praise to God, emphasizing that all glory belongs to Him.

• Acknowledges the presence of pastors Carlos and Sergio, thanking them for the opportunity to share God's word.

Joy in Gathering

• The speaker references Psalm 122:1, expressing joy in coming together as a community to receive God's message.

• Highlights the dual nature of God's word, which can cut both ways, indicating its powerful impact on hearts.

Importance of Receiving God's Word

Prayer for Fruitfulness

• Invites the congregation to raise their hands in prayer, thanking God for the moment and asking for His word to bear fruit in their lives (30, 60, or even 100-fold).

• Emphasizes belief that God's word never returns void but produces powerful results in believers' lives.

Principles for Life

• Introduces two key principles or pillars from Acts chapter 8 that are essential for incorporating into daily life. Asks if attendees feel they were brought there by God to receive direction today.

• Stresses that receiving God's word requires emotional engagement and spiritual connection for it to yield fruitfulness.

The Power of Obedience

Biblical Example: Fishing Miracle

• Shares a story from Luke chapter 5 about Jesus instructing fishermen who had caught nothing all night; upon following His command ("Cast your nets on the right side"), they experienced an overwhelming catch. This illustrates the importance of obedience to God's word.

• Highlights that true value lies not just in hearing but also in acting upon what is received through teachings and scripture study within church activities like growth groups and discipleships.

The Call of Philip

Divine Direction

• Begins reading from Acts 8:26 about an angel directing Philip towards a desert road leading south from Jerusalem to Gaza, emphasizing divine guidance even when it seems counterintuitive (going into a desert).

Profile of Key Figures

• Describes Philip as one of seven deacons chosen by apostles for service; he was filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom—qualities necessary for effective ministry work (referencing Acts chapter 6).

Disposition and Direction

Importance of Readiness

• Discusses how Philip was called away from a successful ministry campaign filled with miracles to go into a desolate area—highlighting themes of readiness and willingness to follow divine direction despite circumstances.

Desert Experiences and Divine Guidance

The Nature of Life's Deserts

• Life can present "desert" moments characterized by aridity and challenges, symbolizing processes and delays that one must navigate.

• Despite feeling lost in these deserts, the message is to persevere; God moves alongside those who take action.

• Acknowledges the struggle of understanding during difficult times but emphasizes faith in God's promises for eventual resolution.

The Importance of Obedience

• Emphasizes that obedience is crucial for connecting with God's blessings, referencing Deuteronomy 28 as biblical support for this principle.

• When obedient, blessings will naturally come without needing to seek them out actively; they will align with one's life.

Direction Through Disobedience

• Highlights that even when clarity is lacking, obedience provides direction; God often calls individuals into seemingly barren places for growth.

• Encourages listeners to make necessary changes in their lives, including distancing from harmful relationships or environments that hinder divine purpose.

Commitment to God's Will

• Stresses the importance of surrendering personal desires to fulfill God's will; true direction comes from a strong connection with Him.

• Reminds believers that once they commit their lives to God, they are no longer in control—it's about following His guidance.

Promises and Purpose

• Asserts that being connected to God ensures one won't lack direction; walking in His purpose leads to victory despite life's challenges.

• Concludes with a reminder of God's unwavering presence and support for those who love Him, reinforcing the belief that all things work together for good.

Conversion and Obedience: The Story of Saul

The Transformation of Saul of Tarsus

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of being connected to God, using Saul's conversion as a pivotal example. Saul, later known as Paul, was initially a fierce persecutor of Christians.

• God's intervention in Saul's life is highlighted; he fell from his horse during a divine encounter that redirected his purpose from destruction to service.

• After falling, Saul asks God what He wants him to do, illustrating the theme of obedience as essential for fulfilling God's plans.

The Importance of Obedience

• The speaker notes that God often reveals His plans step-by-step rather than all at once, emphasizing that obedience is crucial in following His guidance.

• A call to the congregation is made regarding their willingness to serve God and be obedient in their lives moving forward.

Philip’s Willingness to Serve

• Philip's readiness to follow God's command is discussed; he approaches an Ethiopian official as directed by the Spirit.

• The term "juntarse" (to join or come together) is explored in its original Greek context, signifying putting oneself at service.

Being Close to Those Who Need Help

• Emphasizes the necessity of being close enough to others so they can hear the message one has; proximity allows for meaningful connections and sharing one's faith.

• Encouragement is given for individuals to prepare themselves with knowledge and understanding of Scripture so they can effectively share their faith when opportunities arise.

Power of Prayer and Scripture

• The speaker stresses that prayer and scripture are powerful tools against spiritual challenges. They assert that it’s not human arguments but divine words that hold power over adversities.

• A reminder is given about how Jesus used scripture during temptation, reinforcing the idea that believers should invest time in learning God's word.

Sharing Faith with Others

• Philip engages with the Ethiopian man reading Isaiah, highlighting how God brings people into our lives who need encouragement or guidance.

• There’s an emphasis on overcoming excuses when sharing faith; biblical figures like Moses and Jeremiah had doubts but were reassured by God’s promise to equip them with words.

Conclusion: Purposeful Living

• A call for congregants to recognize their purpose within God's plan as they move forward into a new week filled with potential for service.

• Reflecting on personal testimonies encourages believers not only to receive blessings but also share them actively within their communities.

Revival and the Call to Action

The Importance of Sharing the Message

• A significant revival occurred in Decapolis, where ten cities received a message from an unlikely messenger. This emphasizes that anyone can share God's word, regardless of their perceived qualifications.

• The urgency to preach the gospel is highlighted, especially as discussions about the end times arise. The speaker encourages participation in spreading the message.

Personal Accountability Before God

• Each individual will stand alone before God and be asked what they did with His gifts. Excuses are not acceptable; everyone is called to bear fruit.

• Reference to John 15 stresses the importance of producing much fruit and sharing one's testimony with others.

Spiritual Sensitivity and Service

• There is a call for spiritual awakening within the church, urging members to recognize their role in helping those who are spiritually lost or in danger.

• A proverb is cited about rescuing those on the brink of death, emphasizing that many people are unaware of their perilous state.

The Role of Servants in God's Plan

• Servants possess unique insights into situations that others may overlook. Their willingness to serve allows them to witness miracles firsthand.

• An example is given of a young girl serving Naaman, illustrating how even those who seem insignificant can play crucial roles in God's plan.

Faith and Divine Provision

• The narrative shifts back to Naaman's story, highlighting how divine intervention often comes through unexpected channels.

• Encouragement for believers to step out from being mere spectators into active service within their communities.

Baptism and Transformation

The Significance of Baptism

• Discussion on baptism arises when an eunuch questions what prevents him from being baptized after hearing Philip’s teachings.

• Emphasis on belief as a prerequisite for baptism; true faith leads one towards this important step in their spiritual journey.

Finding Purpose Along Life's Journey

• Assurance that those following God's purpose will find what they need along their path. Miracles happen for those who remain obedient and faithful.

• Encouragement for servants and collaborators within the church community; divine provision awaits those actively seeking it.

Conclusion: Trusting God’s Timing

• A reference to Saul's story illustrates how God orchestrates events ahead of time, reinforcing trust in His timing and plans for each believer's life.

The Importance of Seeking and Finding

The Kingdom First Principle

• The speaker emphasizes that seeking the kingdom of God first leads to finding what one truly needs, highlighting a spiritual principle that prioritizes divine pursuits.

• A quote from Charles Spurgeon is referenced: "When something is important to you, you will find a way to do it," suggesting that personal importance drives action.

• The speaker expresses optimism for the year 2026, predicting it will be a time of great harvest and multiplication for individuals and families involved in faith-based activities.

Overcoming Excuses

• There is an encouragement to leave behind excuses and align actions with God's established plans, reinforcing the idea of commitment in faith.

• A call for gratitude towards God is made, urging attendees to acknowledge their needs while also believing in divine intervention amidst challenges.

Building Faith Together

• The atmosphere during the gathering is described as powerful, inviting participants to engage actively with their faith through worship and commitment.

• The speaker reassures those feeling lost or in difficult situations that they will emerge victorious, emphasizing this message as more than mere motivation but as a heartfelt belief.