LA FE ES LA MAYOR SENAL | SERIE: VIVIENDO COMO JESUS | RUAKH

Preparing for a Complex Message

Introduction to the Message

• The speaker acknowledges that today's message is complex and aims to teach in a more instructional manner rather than purely preaching. They encourage attendees to take notes as they will explore multiple passages from the Bible.

• The goal of the session is to leave participants feeling encouraged and possibly with answers to their questions, addressing common doubts many face.

Importance of Understanding God's Will

• Emphasis is placed on understanding and digesting the word being shared, highlighting that faith should be based on who God is rather than solely on what He provides. This underscores the importance of living out one's faith actively.

• The speaker stresses that this message isn't just for Sunday but should resonate throughout the week, encouraging practical application of biblical teachings in daily life. Without this, faith risks becoming stagnant or "dead."

The Anxiety of Waiting

Experiences in Waiting Rooms

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about waiting rooms, particularly referencing experiences at places like DMV and dental offices, which often evoke frustration and anxiety among people. They relate these feelings back to spiritual waiting periods in life.

• There’s a humorous yet relatable depiction of how waiting can feel interminable when one’s number isn’t called promptly, drawing parallels between mundane waits and deeper emotional or spiritual waits we experience in life.

Emotional Responses During Wait Times

• The discussion transitions into how waiting can also invoke fear or anxiety—especially when it involves significant life events such as medical emergencies or counseling sessions where individuals seek guidance for marital issues or personal struggles.

• The speaker reflects on moments when Christians find themselves anxiously awaiting news about loved ones' health, emphasizing that while they may have faith in God's control, it doesn't always align with their expectations or timing. This creates tension between belief and reality.

Reflections on Pastoral Experience

Personal Journey as a Pastor

• Sharing his background growing up as a pastor's child, the speaker expresses gratitude for his calling into pastoral work despite its challenges; he finds joy in serving God through leadership roles within the church community.

• A poignant story illustrates an early serious experience where he was called to visit a critically ill church member—a moment that deepened his understanding of pastoral care and responsibility towards others’ well-being.

Pastoral Care and the Emotional Burden of Ministry

The Connection Between Pastors and Their Congregation

• Pastors experience a deep emotional connection with their congregation, feeling joy and sorrow alongside them, despite not being their biological parents.

• The privilege of being present during significant life events, such as births and funerals, highlights the pastoral role in both joyous and painful moments.

Navigating Grief in Ministry

• A personal anecdote illustrates the challenge of maintaining composure in emotionally charged situations; witnessing a beloved member's suffering can evoke strong emotions.

• The pastor shares wisdom on coping with grief: over time, one becomes accustomed to these experiences as part of the pastoral calling.

Providing Comfort Amidst Despair

• In times of crisis, pastors are called to be voices of peace and encouragement for families filled with despair or uncertainty about their loved ones' health.

• An example is given where a young congregant expresses faith in God's healing power despite an impending loss, showcasing the tension between hope and reality.

Faith Challenges During Trials

• Reflecting on how Christians reconcile faith when faced with unexpected outcomes; even those who have witnessed miracles may struggle when prayers seem unanswered.

• The speaker references Mark 16:17-18 to emphasize Jesus’ commission to His disciples regarding miracles, highlighting the expectation that believers will perform signs.

Understanding Authority in Faith

• Jesus empowers His followers to act in faith by performing miracles; this authority is central to living out one's Christian beliefs.

• Despite experiencing miraculous healings through prayer, there remains a human struggle within pastors regarding doubt and fear when facing illness or death among congregants.

Questioning Faith Amidst Doubts

• The speaker acknowledges personal struggles with doubt while serving as a pastor; questioning one's faith is seen as a natural part of spiritual growth.

• Encouragement is offered for those grappling with similar doubts—serving God allows for honest questions about faith and its implications during difficult times.

Understanding the Complexity of Faith and Miracles

The Demand for Miracles

• Jesus faced demands from religious leaders like the Pharisees and Sadducees for miracles, but He refused to perform on command, emphasizing that He would not be treated as a performer.

The Paradox of Serving God

• While God promises to fulfill desires, understanding His will is crucial. Jesus sometimes withdrew from towns due to their lack of faith, highlighting that miracles are not guaranteed.

Cultural Reflections on Faith

• Many attend church seeking personal gain (jobs, miracles), yet miss the deeper relationship with God. Receiving blessings without true faith leads to spiritual loss.

Misunderstanding Relationships

• People often equate marriage with physical intimacy or pursue jobs solely for money, neglecting the importance of growth and experience in relationships.

The Challenge of True Faith

• Believing in God's ability to perform miracles is easy; trusting Him when miracles don't happen is where true faith lies. Discipleship requires patience and love amidst challenges.

The Nature of True Faith

Signs vs. Genuine Belief

• It takes little faith to witness miraculous events; however, sustaining belief through trials is more challenging. Historical examples show that witnessing miracles does not guarantee lasting faith.

Life as a Journey

• Life is portrayed as a waiting room; believers are reminded that this life isn't the end but a journey towards something greater promised by God.

The Essence of Obedience

• Miracles are gifts from God, but obedience should be the ultimate goal for believers. Following God's will reflects true discipleship rather than seeking signs alone.

Critique of Modern Ministry Practices

Questioning Motivations Behind Ministries

• There’s skepticism about modern ministries focused on spectacle rather than genuine healing or service. Questions arise about why those with healing gifts do not serve in hospitals without fanfare.

Human Desperation and Spirituality

• People often resort to extreme measures (financial sacrifices) in hopes of receiving divine intervention, which raises concerns about manipulation within ministry practices.

Paul's Example of Humility

• Paul illustrates humility despite receiving divine revelations; he was given a "thorn" to prevent pride, showing that struggles can accompany spiritual gifts and insights.

Understanding God's Will and Our Weakness

The Nature of God's Connection with Us

• God is willing to send us challenges, even from adversarial forces, to connect us more deeply with Him.

• Paul addresses accusations against him by the Corinthians regarding his credentials compared to others like Apollos, emphasizing that he will boast in his weaknesses rather than achievements.

Embracing Weakness for Strength

• Paul shares that despite pleading with God to remove his weaknesses, he learned that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness.

• The essence of faith lies not in controlling God but in trusting Him; believers are encouraged to ask each other about their trust in God.

The Role of the Church and Miracles

• There’s a tendency within Pentecostal and charismatic circles to believe that declarations and fasting can manipulate divine outcomes, which misrepresents our authority as believers.

• Living like Jesus means accepting life's hardships without expecting miracles at every turn; true faith acknowledges God's love and grace regardless of circumstances.

Maturity in Faith Amidst Trials

• The focus should shift from seeking miracles to fostering spiritual maturity within the church community, where believers glorify God irrespective of personal outcomes.

• True character is revealed when individuals maintain faith during suffering, recognizing that ultimate healing awaits beyond this life.

Simplicity of the Gospel Message

• Christianity does not equate to surrendering hope; instead, it involves waiting for miracles while acknowledging the greatest miracle—salvation through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

• Jesus sends out disciples (over 70), who return excited about their experiences. However, He redirects their joy towards humility and understanding their names are written in heaven rather than focusing solely on miraculous signs.

Understanding True Joy in Faith

• It’s human nature to rejoice over witnessing miracles or conversions; however, Jesus cautions against letting these experiences define one's faith journey.

• Jesus reminds His disciples not to find joy merely in supernatural occurrences but rather in their salvation—a profound truth often overlooked amidst a desire for visible signs.

Living Like Christ: Faith, Healing, and Understanding God's Will

The Nature of Faith and Healing

• Living like Christ involves understanding that signs and wonders will continue; obedience and prayer for the sick are essential, but one must also recognize their limitations as humans.

• Acknowledging one's inability to heal is crucial; faith should be united with God's will rather than attempting to manipulate divine outcomes.

• The speaker shares personal experiences of witnessing miracles in their life, emphasizing that belief in miracles remains strong despite evolving interpretations of faith.

• The message encourages believers to ask God for miracles while understanding that faith is not about controlling God but trusting His plan.

Instructions from Scripture

• James 5:14-16 provides clear instructions on how to address sickness within the church community through prayer and anointing by elders.

• There is power in collective prayer; unity among believers can influence spiritual realms, reinforcing the importance of communal faith practices.

Addressing Doubts and Grief

• The speaker reassures the congregation that Satan has been defeated, encouraging them to remain steadfast in prayer even when healing does not occur as expected.

• It’s natural to feel doubt or grief when prayers for healing go unanswered; however, turning to scripture offers comfort during difficult times.

Understanding Suffering Through a Christian Lens

• Romans 8:28 highlights that all things work together for good for those who love God; this promise comes with conditions applicable only to believers.

• The speaker reflects on personal experiences with loss, emphasizing the hope found in knowing loved ones are with God after death.

Embracing Hope Amidst Trials

• Funerals for Christians differ from secular ones because they embody hope rather than despair; there is a belief in reunion beyond death.

• Accepting Jesus opens up access to God's promises, including comfort during life's trials. This acceptance leads to a deeper understanding of life’s purpose amidst suffering.

The Role of the Church in Times of Grief

The Comfort of Community

• The speaker reflects on personal experiences with loss, emphasizing that one of the greatest gifts after salvation is the church, which provides support during difficult times.

• Nostalgia can arise from memories associated with lost loved ones, but it should be a grateful acknowledgment rather than bitterness or resentment towards God.

• The church's role is highlighted as essential during crises; true discipleship is shown through love and support for one another in times of need.

Understanding Faith and Expectations

• Many leave the church when their expectations from God are not met; this causes pain to pastors who see them missing out on community and spiritual growth.

• The speaker discusses the challenge of waiting for God's answers, noting that silence from God can be particularly distressing.

Embracing God's Will

• Jesus' example illustrates the struggle between human desire for alternatives and spiritual acceptance of God's will.

• Even amidst silence, believers are encouraged to maintain trust in God because their names are written in the book of life.

A Call to Prayer and Hope

• The speaker shares a recent experience involving a church member's health crisis, highlighting communal support during such times.

• Despite uncertainty regarding outcomes, there is hope rooted in faith; prayer is emphasized both for miracles and for family members coping with loss.

Life's True Miracle: Salvation

• Ultimately, the most significant miracle isn't material wealth or health but salvation; believers are reminded to seek God while they can.

• An invitation is extended for those needing prayer or healing to come forward, reinforcing community support within faith.

Prayer for Healing and Faith

Invocation of Divine Power

• The speaker emphasizes that medicine is not the ultimate solution, invoking God as the creator who empowers believers to heal and spread the Gospel.

• Acknowledgment that anyone can be used by God, not just biblical figures like Paul or Peter, highlighting the importance of obedience in faith.

Request for Miracles

• A heartfelt plea for a miracle in the life of Mara Luisa, expressing belief in God's capability to heal and restore her fully.

• The speaker requests preparation for both Mara Luisa's family and the church community to provide emotional and spiritual support during challenging times.

Strengthening Faith Amidst Trials

• Encouragement for individuals seeking prayer at the altar to maintain their faith regardless of circumstances, emphasizing that true faith should not rely solely on signs or blessings.

• A reminder that faith should be rooted in a personal relationship with God and His sacrifice on Calvary rather than transactional expectations.

Generosity as an Expression of Faith

• The speaker blesses cheerful givers, stating that giving stems from gratitude rather than a desire for miracles, reinforcing a culture of generosity within the community.

Community Support and Celebration

• An invitation to enjoy communal activities (like watching the Super Bowl), while also appreciating life’s blessings and preparing spiritually for future gatherings.

• Closing remarks express love for the congregation and an open invitation for those needing prayer to come forward.