Overview
Guest preacher Robert Madu delivered a sermon at Elevation Church, focusing on the biblical story of Jael in Judges 4, illustrating that God can use anyone and that the necessary resources for victory are already present within reach.
Elevation Nights Announcement
- Elevation Nights tour will visit eight cities from October 21–30.
- Full worship and a message from Pastor Steven Furtick are included in the event.
- Tickets can be purchased at elevation.com.
Honoring Leadership and Introduction
- Robert Madu acknowledged the faithful 20-year leadership of Pastors Steven and Holly Furtick.
- He introduced himself and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to preach.
- Madu attended with his daughter, highlighting a family connection.
Main Scripture and Message Foundation
- The sermon centered on Judges 4:1–9 and 17–22, the story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael.
- The main point: You don't get to choose who God will use; God will use whoever He wants.
Key Sermon Points
- God’s sovereignty means He can use anyone, regardless of background, status, or ability.
- God can use unlikely people and even enemies to fulfill His purposes.
- The Israelites were trapped in a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
- Deborah, the only female judge and prophet, led Israel during this period.
- Deborah encouraged Barak to have faith despite being outnumbered and outmatched.
- God’s military strategies often defy human logic, exemplified by rain incapacitating iron chariots.
- Jael, not a warrior but a housewife, defeated the enemy using tools already within her home.
- Regular, seemingly insignificant tasks can prepare us for crucial moments.
- Sin must be decisively defeated, not tolerated or played with.
- Jael’s actions foreshadow Christ’s decisive victory over sin.
Practical Applications and Encouragement
- Be who God created you to be; comparison limits effectiveness.
- Trust that God has already provided the needed resources ("the weapons are in the house").
- God can use everyone, regardless of their perceived qualifications.
Invitation and Closing Prayer
- A call was made for attendees to surrender their lives to Christ.
- Emphasis that salvation is about what Christ has already done, not personal merit.
Recommendations / Advice
- Stop disqualifying yourself; God wants to use you as you are.
- Utilize what is already within your reach for the challenges you face.
- Break negative cycles and defeat issues oppressing your life decisively.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Reflect on what “weapons” or resources are already present in your own life that God may use.
- Consider what ordinary tasks could be preparation for a larger purpose.