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08 Dec 2024

The World’s Greatest Untapped Power

Overview

The World’s Greatest Untapped Power is a believer because they: 1. Are Created in the Image of God. Genesis 1:27-28. 2. Have the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16, Romans 8:9, Matthew 3:16, Acts 10:38. 3. Are Guided by the Word of God. Psalm 119:105. Though we all know we should ‘Know, Grow, Go’, many of us do not ‘Go’ because Satan: a. Deceives. b. Distracts. c. Discourages. d. Disunites. These tactics keep us from going forth as we are called to do. We need to be equipped and empowered to ‘Go’ and make disciples of the nations! The main thing is to make the main thing the main thing!

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Slides

Sermon Transcript

Pastor Paul emphasizes the need for Christians to stop complaining and instead use their potential as the world's greatest untapped power to address global issues. He argues that being created in God's image grants humans a unique purpose and power through the Holy Spirit. The speaker criticizes the church for failing to equip and empower its members effectively, calling for a reality check and urging believers to actively make disciples. He highlights the importance of practical training and encourages the establishment of a two-year Master of Ministry program to better prepare and mobilize church members for outreach.
 
Outline
 
The World's Greatest Untapped Power: Introduction and Context
* Pastor Paul describes the current state of the world as messy, citing issues like climate change, corrupt leaders, and global conflicts.
* He humorously suggests that complaining is a natural instinct but encourages the audience to avoid it.
* The concept of the world's greatest untapped power is introduced, suggesting that the audience has the potential to fix the world's problems.
 
The Image of God and Human Potential
* Pastor Paul explains that being created in the image of God means more than just physical resemblance; it confers a unique potential and purpose.
* The creation story in Genesis is referenced to highlight that only humans were created in the image of God, giving them a special role.
* The mandate given to humans at creation is to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and have dominion over it, spreading blessings throughout the world.
* He emphasizes that humans have both the potential and the purpose to make the world a better place.
 
The Power of the Holy Spirit
* Pastor Paul discusses the concept of the Holy Spirit living in believers, empowering them to fulfill their purpose.
* The story of Jesus' baptism is used to illustrate the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering individuals to do good and heal.
* Pastor Paul explains that Jesus, as both God and man, needed the Holy Spirit to function on earth, highlighting the power available to believers.
* The analogy of uranium's potential power is used to illustrate the untapped power within believers.
 
The Role of the Church and Personal Responsibility
* Pastor Paul criticizes the church for not equipping and empowering its members to fulfill their mission.
* The concept of "grow and go" is introduced, emphasizing the need for intentional growth and action.
* He highlights the natural tendency to blame others for not going and the importance of personal responsibility.
* The need for the church to provide practical training and support for its members to effectively share the gospel is stressed.
 
Equipping and Empowering the Saints
* Pastor Paul calls for a reality check within the church, questioning the effectiveness of current programs and practices.
* The importance of equipping and empowering believers to make disciples is reiterated.
* He shares personal experiences and examples of how the church can better support its members in their mission.
* The introduction of a new training program for local believers is announced, aiming to equip them for effective ministry.
 
The Importance of Making Disciples
* Pastor Paul emphasizes that making disciples is the primary mandate given by Jesus.
* The concept of Christianity as a call to leave comfort zones and serve others is highlighted.
* He criticizes the tendency of the church to become complacent and encourages a return to the church's original mission.
* The potential impact of effectively making disciples is illustrated through a personal story of a large family serving God together.
 
Conclusion and Call to Action
* Pastor Paul concludes with a call for the church to take a reality check and refocus on its mission.
* The importance of personal sacrifice and service in fulfilling the great commission is emphasized.
* He encourages the audience to pray and seek God's guidance in their mission.
* The sermon ends with a prayer, asking for God's help in equipping and empowering the church to fulfill its mission.