¿Eres Hijo o Molde? - 19/02/2023

Welcome and Introduction

Opening Remarks

• Salutations to the community, expressing gratitude for reconnection. The speaker acknowledges both in-person attendees and online viewers.

• Acknowledgment of a successful marriage conference held the previous night, thanking all participants and support teams involved.

Church Growth Initiatives

• Announcement regarding progress in church projects, specifically mentioning contributions towards local church initiatives. Encouragement for special offerings to support ongoing and future projects.

• Emphasis on reinforcing children's ministry areas as part of church growth efforts, highlighting the need for structural improvements to accommodate increasing attendance.

The Process of Going: Key Teachings

Scriptural Foundation

• Reference to Matthew 28:19-20 as a foundational scripture for making disciples, stressing the importance of self-examination before outreach efforts.

• Discussion on ensuring that what is shared with the world reflects spiritual health and glorifies God, emphasizing personal readiness in various aspects (mental, emotional, spiritual).

Steps in Spiritual Growth

• Outline of a three-step process involving an encounter with God, listening to His voice, and taking action based on divine guidance. This includes being blessed as children of God who are sent out into the world.

• Importance of continuous feedback loops in spiritual development; learning from experiences at each life stage while applying teachings received from God.

Identity: Are You a Child or a Copy?

Exploring Identity in Christ

• Introduction of a thought-provoking question regarding identity: "Are you an original or a copy?" referencing John 1:11-12 about receiving authority to become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Response to God's Call

• Discussion on two common responses when encountering God's call:

• Initial excitement leading to sincere actions but potentially followed by comparison with others and justification of personal shortcomings.

• Warning against criticism stemming from unmet expectations or lack of deeper experiences with God after initial enthusiasm fades away.

Understanding the Impact of Personal Convictions on Faith

The Dangers of Conforming to Traditions

• Individuals may limit their experience of God by relying solely on personal intelligence and reasoning, leading to a narrow view of faith.

• This reliance can result in adopting others' convictions and living under societal expectations, fostering fear of judgment from others.

• Such experiences often lead to a mechanized faith that resembles mere religious practice rather than genuine spirituality.

The Need for Personal Encounter with God

• A call for a reconnection with God is emphasized, referencing recent spiritual movements like the one at Asbury University.

• Many sincere individuals close themselves off from the gifts of the Holy Spirit due to preconceived notions about how these should manifest in their lives.

Embracing Individual Spiritual Journeys

• There are those who have authentic encounters with God, understanding that their spiritual journey may differ from others'.

• These individuals walk by faith, allowing God's voice to guide them towards transformation and growth.

The Samurai's Path: A Metaphor for Discipleship

The Art of Crafting Arrows

• The process of creating arrows by samurai warriors serves as an analogy for discipleship; each arrow represents an individual disciple.

• Warriors meticulously select materials and refine each arrow through repeated trials, symbolizing the dedication required in spiritual development.

Quality Over Quantity in Spiritual Growth

• Unlike modern methods that prioritize speed over quality, true discipleship requires patience and attention to detail in one's spiritual formation.

• Each disciple must undergo unique processes tailored to their personal convictions while adhering to core biblical teachings.

Listening for God's Guidance

• It is crucial for individuals to seek God's voice personally rather than conforming strictly to established patterns or traditions within church settings.

The Process of Becoming a Child of God

Understanding Our Identity in Christ

• The speaker compares believers to arrows, with God's voice as the fire that shapes and calls them. Jesus is likened to a Samurai warrior who guides and chooses individuals for His purpose.

• The process of spiritual growth begins with an encounter with God, where trials serve to strengthen faith through obedience, referred to as the "process of being a child."

• This process involves repeated refinement; believers are tested and returned for further shaping until they become more effective in their faith journey.

• God desires transformation within individuals and the church, but this requires willingness to undergo the process of becoming His children.

• Cultural misconceptions exist about salvation; while all have the right to be called children of God, not everyone actively walks in that authority.

Steps in the Process of Being a Child

• The speaker outlines four key steps in becoming a child of God: revelation/affirmation, mission, confirmation process, and obedience/application.

• An encounter with God leads to personal revelation about sinfulness and acceptance into God's family through repentance and faith.

• Emphasizing persistence, this journey is ongoing; one must first be a disciple before taking on roles like pastor or missionary.

• Each step builds upon the last—understanding one's identity in Christ is foundational for fulfilling one's mission.

• Biblical support is provided through examples such as Saul's transformation into Paul, illustrating how encounters lead to affirmations of identity.

Revelation and Affirmation

• A genuine encounter with God results in both revelation (recognizing one's sinful nature) and affirmation (accepting oneself as God's child).

• Romans 8:15 highlights that God's Spirit liberates believers from fear by adopting them into His family, allowing them to call Him "Abba Father."

• This adoption signifies a shift from living independently to embracing one's identity as a beloved child under divine authority.

Example from Jesus' Life

• The speaker reflects on Jesus’ upbringing; He was aware from an early age of His divine identity through stories shared by His parents about His miraculous birth.

• These narratives likely shaped Jesus' understanding of His purpose and mission long before He began His public ministry.

Revelation of Identity and Sonship

Understanding Jesus' Baptism and Divine Affirmation

• At the age of 12, Jesus preached with authority in the temple, indicating a process of understanding His identity as the Son of God.

• During His baptism by John the Baptist, an audible voice from God declared Jesus as His beloved Son, marking a significant public affirmation of Jesus' divine sonship.

• The speaker emphasizes that individuals must recognize their acceptance as children of God, moving past feelings of condemnation due to sin.

Embracing Identity as Children of God

• The Holy Spirit confirms believers' identities as children of God, emphasizing that they are no longer orphans but part of God's family.

• This revelation transforms one's approach to faith; instead of religious obligation, believers express themselves with a heart aligned with their identity as children.

Humility and Submission in Relationship with God

• Understanding one’s position in Christ leads to humility and submission under God's mighty hand, which is essential for receiving His protection and blessings.

• The relationship between humility before God and receiving His care is highlighted; those who humble themselves will be exalted at the right time.

Obedience Reflecting True Sonship

• The speaker shares personal experiences where obedience led to greater blessings in life; true sons and daughters naturally obey their parents and authorities.

• Grace is available to all, but God's specific blessings are reserved for obedient children who understand their identity in Him.

Natural Affection Towards Serving God

• A child’s natural inclination towards serving reflects their understanding of being part of God's family; it should not feel burdensome but rather instinctive.

• True sonship is demonstrated through behavior—serving joyfully without needing constant reminders or discipline from parents or leaders.

Personal Journey Towards Ministry

• The speaker recalls his early desire to serve God voluntarily from a young age, illustrating how familial influence can inspire spiritual commitment.

• He reflects on his upbringing where he was not forced into spiritual practices but felt compelled by his love for God and desire to serve alongside his father.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Ministry Journey and Spiritual Growth

Early Experiences in Ministry

• The speaker reflects on their early involvement in ministry, starting at the age of ten and recording music with their father at sixteen.

• Emphasizes the importance of faith in decision-making and submission to spiritual leaders, highlighting a personal journey of growth.

Submission and Confirmation

• Discusses the process of seeking confirmation from spiritual leaders regarding one's calling, emphasizing that individuals cannot act alone.

• References Acts 13:2, illustrating how Paul was set apart for God's work through communal recognition by church leaders.

Obedience and Leadership

• Describes a virtuous cycle where obedience leads to blessings; as one walks by faith, they are sent out into ministry.

• Highlights Paul's continuous return to his roots for guidance and affirmation throughout his ministry journey.

Identity Crisis in the Church

• Identifies a crisis of identity within the Christian community today, noting many know about God but do not truly understand their identity in Christ.

• Encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and recognize their true identities as children of God.

Call to Action

• Invites attendees both online and in-person to engage spiritually, offering prayers for those seeking deeper understanding or wishing to accept Jesus as Savior.

• Concludes with an emphasis on transformation from a hardened heart to one receptive to God's will.

Return to the Father

The Journey of a Son

• The speaker reflects on the experience of being a son, emphasizing the importance of returning home after straying from the intended path.

• A plea for forgiveness is expressed, highlighting a desire to reconnect with divine guidance and recognize God's voice in one's life.

• The metaphor of an arrow is used to illustrate the journey; it signifies going out into the world and then returning transformed by experiences.

• There is an emphasis on personal transformation through encounters with God, suggesting that these moments ignite a burning passion within one's heart.

• The speaker desires continuous growth and change, indicating that each encounter with God leads to deeper transformation as a child of God.