Visión 2023 (parte2)- No Vayas Solo 15/01/2023
Celebrating 17 Years of Family at La Roca
Introduction and Celebration
- The speaker introduces the celebration of 17 years as a family at La Roca, expressing gratitude for each member's connection to the community.
- Acknowledgment is made for both online and in-person attendees, emphasizing the importance of gathering as a church family.
- The history of La Roca is briefly recounted, highlighting its beginnings in 2005 and the vision God placed for families in León and Bajío.
Foundation on Strong Principles
- Reference to Matthew 7:24-25 illustrates the importance of building one's life on solid foundations, likening it to families being strong amidst challenges.
- The speaker emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ provides stability during life's storms, reinforcing the idea that obedience to His word is crucial.
Mission Statement: "Go and Make"
- The theme for this year is introduced with a focus on "Go and Make," derived from Matthew 28:19-20, which calls Christians to make disciples.
- The speaker reflects on how these verses have been revisited through different translations to gain fresh insights into their meaning.
Understanding Discipleship
- Emphasis is placed on understanding what it means to "go" and "make" disciples; these are seen as interconnected commands from Jesus.
- The necessity of both actions—going out into the world and making disciples—is compared to two wings of an airplane; one cannot exist without the other.
Church Attendance vs. Evangelism
- Discussion shifts towards church attendance, questioning whether gatherings are primarily for believers or if they should also serve as outreach opportunities for non-believers.
- A challenge is posed regarding cultural assumptions about church attendance being solely for evangelism, prompting reflection on biblical perspectives surrounding this practice.
Understanding the Purpose of Church Gatherings
Emphasis on Equipping Believers
- The focus of church meetings is not solely on evangelism but rather on equipping believers to be active participants in the church and to reach out to the world for Christ.
- Paul emphasizes that while it’s not wrong for unbelievers to attend church, the primary purpose of gatherings is for Christians to receive instruction.
Role of the Holy Spirit
- When an unbeliever enters a church, they may experience conviction from the Holy Spirit, recognizing their sins through the works and miracles occurring during worship.
- The presence of the Holy Spirit in gatherings helps individuals understand who God is, reinforcing that church attendance should be about receiving guidance rather than merely fulfilling a commandment.
The Great Commission
- Jesus provided five ministry roles (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) to equip believers for fulfilling the Great Commission: "Go and make disciples."
- Wisdom comes from obedience; those who act upon God's will are likened to wise builders as per Matthew 7:24.
Eternal Perspective
- John reminds us in 1 John 2:17 that worldly desires fade away; only those who do God's will endure forever.
- The transient nature of worldly things contrasts with eternal life found in doing God's will.
Importance of Biblical Teaching
- Investing time in biblical teaching equips believers with wisdom and understanding necessary for navigating life's challenges.
- Seeking God during difficult times often leads individuals back to His teachings; however, sometimes God expects proactive obedience rather than immediate intervention.
Walking by Faith
- Faith involves taking steps without seeing solid ground—trusting that God will provide stability as one moves forward.
- Personal challenges can arise when attempting new spiritual disciplines like reading through the Bible within six months; discipline is essential for growth.
Insights from Scripture
- Reflecting on Moses' journey through Exodus reveals lessons about obedience and faith amidst challenging circumstances.
The Call to Action: Marching Forward
God's Instructions to Moses
- God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to march forward, emphasizing His command and guidance in their journey.
- The Israelites are at the Red Sea, feeling threatened by the Egyptians pursuing them, leading them to cry out for help.
- God responds by telling Moses to raise his staff over the sea, promising that He will divide the waters so they can cross on dry land.
Divine Assurance and Guidance
- The angel of God moves from leading the camp of Israel to protect them from behind, demonstrating divine intervention during their escape.
- The speaker identifies this angel as a pre-incarnate Jesus, highlighting His role in guiding and protecting His people.
Obedience and Authority
- God commands Moses to use his staff as a symbol of divine authority; obedience is crucial for witnessing miracles.
- Personal reflection on how feelings of discomfort often stem from not following God's last command; fulfilling God's instructions leads to provision and miracles.
The Importance of Community in Mission
Walking Together in Faith
- Emphasizes that believers should not undertake missions alone; community is essential for support and accountability.
- Jesus sends His disciples two by two for their first mission, illustrating the importance of companionship in ministry.
Biblical Foundations for Partnership
- The speaker explores why Jesus established local churches with pairs working together based on biblical principles.
- Citing Deuteronomy 17:6 and Matthew 18:16, he explains that having multiple witnesses validates testimonies and actions within ministry.
Legal Validity Through Witnesses
- According to biblical law, matters must be confirmed by two or three witnesses; this principle underlines the necessity of partnership in ministry work.
- Jesus' understanding of these laws reinforces why He sends disciples out in pairs—validating their mission through shared testimony.
Experiencing God's Presence Together
Assurance of Christ's Presence
- When believers gather in pairs or groups for ministry, Jesus promises His presence among them (Matthew 18:20), providing comfort and strength.
- The church operates effectively through teamwork; various leaders contribute collectively rather than relying on individual efforts.
This structured approach highlights key themes such as obedience, community involvement in faith-based missions, and reliance on divine guidance throughout challenges faced by believers.
Understanding the Authority of Jesus in Spiritual Warfare
The Importance of Unity in Faith
- Jesus emphasizes that His presence is among those gathered in His name, highlighting the power of collective faith and agreement in prayer and action.
- The speaker discusses the necessity of joining with family, fellow pastors, and other congregations to amplify faith and fulfill God's calling.
Confronting Evil Spirits
- Reference to Mark 6:7 where Jesus sends out His disciples two by two, granting them authority over unclean spirits.
- Matthew 10:1, 7-8 is cited as a key verse for 2023, illustrating the empowerment given to disciples to heal and cast out demons while preaching the Kingdom of Heaven.
Understanding Unclean Spirits
- The speaker plans to delve deeper into what constitutes an unclean spirit, stressing its significance for fulfilling God's will.
- A clear definition is provided: an unclean spirit embodies wickedness or anything contrary to God’s standards.
Cultural Influences on Believers
- Various manifestations of unclean spirits are discussed, including addictions and cultural behaviors that oppose biblical teachings.
- The speaker notes a rising influence from societal pressures and cultural norms that challenge Christian values.
Discernment Against Unclean Spirits
- There is a warning about how unclean spirits have infiltrated the Church, leading believers away from humility towards pride and greed.
- Emphasis on discernment; without it, Christians risk being influenced by these spirits rather than living according to God’s Word.
Continuous Repentance and Connection with God
- Acknowledgment that while humans may falter, there should be continuous repentance and purification through connection with God.
- The importance of recognizing one’s identity in Christ is stressed as essential for maintaining spiritual integrity against influences contrary to biblical teachings.
Awareness of Antichrist Spirit
- Reference to 1 John 4:3 regarding the spirit of Antichrist already present in the world serves as a reminder for vigilance against such influences today.
Authority to Expel Unclean Spirits
Understanding the Authority Given to Believers
- The speaker emphasizes that both the audience and himself have been given authority to expel unclean spirits, referencing Matthew 10:1, which states that Jesus empowered His followers for this purpose.
- The term "expel" is explained as a military term in Greek, indicating a forceful removal of what is impure or not belonging. This highlights the seriousness of the authority believers possess.
- The church's role is described as one of purification and territory claiming, asserting that believers should not live under the influence of unclean spirits but instead take action to cleanse their paths.
Responsibilities of Believers
- Mark 16:17 reinforces that every believer has the responsibility and ability to exercise this authority actively, rather than passively inviting people to church gatherings.
- The speaker clarifies that Jesus did not seek out demons; instead, He declared God's kingdom wherever He went. This approach encourages believers to focus on proclaiming truth rather than hunting for evil.
Walking in Faith and Authority
Embracing Mission with Confidence
- A reference from a recent episode of "The Chosen" illustrates how Jesus sends His disciples with confidence, expecting them to return with testimonies from their mission work.
- The speaker urges attendees to actively engage in preaching, healing, and establishing God’s kingdom where it does not exist while strengthening it where it already does.
Reflection on Personal Relationship with Jesus
- Attendees are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with Jesus during the meeting. They are invited to confess sins and place faith in Him as the only way to salvation through His sacrifice.
Empowerment Through Prayer
Seeking Guidance from the Holy Spirit
- An invitation is extended for individuals who do not know Christ yet to open their hearts and lives for guidance by the Holy Spirit after acknowledging their need for salvation.
- Participants are encouraged to surrender any anxieties or fears they may have during prayer sessions, emphasizing reliance on God’s strength rather than personal capability.
Boldness in Proclaiming Faith
- A call for boldness among all members is made so they can declare God's word without fear across various aspects of life—workplaces, schools, neighborhoods—wherever they hold influence.
- The speaker prays against any cultural barriers or spiritual strongholds hindering outreach efforts while affirming believers' authority over such challenges through Christ.
God's Blessings and Grace
Invocation of Blessings
- The speaker invokes God's protection and blessings, asking for His love to be extended and favor shown.
- A similar invocation is repeated, emphasizing peace and divine favor upon the audience.
Generational Blessings
- The speaker emphasizes blessings extending through generations, mentioning families and children receiving grace.
- There is a call for God’s presence to accompany individuals wherever they go, filling them with joy and love.
Affirmation of Faith
- The speaker declares the strength found in faith, stating that with Jesus, all things are possible.
- They affirm that despite weaknesses, God's glory accompanies believers, reinforcing the idea that "the best is yet to come."