Sermon Notes: Cancel the Funeral
Key Scripture: Acts 20:7-12
- Context: Paul speaks to the people on the first day of the week.
- Event: A young man named Eutychus falls asleep during Paul's long sermon.
- Incident: Eutychus falls from the third loft and is presumed dead.
- Miracle: Paul revives him, stating "his life is in him."
Sermon Theme: Cancel the Funeral
- Encouragement to have faith in seemingly lost causes.
- Directive: "Cancel the funeral," a metaphor for renewing hope in situations presumed dead.
Book of Acts: Acts of the Holy Spirit
- Common Misconception: Often referred to as Acts of the Apostles.
- Argument: More appropriately the Acts of the Holy Ghost.
- Importance: The necessity of the Holy Spirit in spiritual assignments.
Spiritual Assignments
- Challenge: Cannot do spiritual work with "arm of flesh."
- Advice: Avoid involving carnal-minded individuals in spiritual decisions.
Holy Ghost
- Necessity: Essential for spiritual life and tasks.
- Benefits: Provides power, gifts, discernment, and spiritual vitality.
- Misconceptions: Having a position or role does not equate to having the Holy Ghost.
Church Culture and Technology
- Balance: Embracing new, diverse worship expressions while maintaining foundational truths.
- Warning: Do not move away from foundation due to exposure to new cultural ideals.
Spiritual Discernment
- Requirement: Spiritual things need to be spiritually discerned.
- Caution: Avoid engaging those not spiritually inclined in important church matters.
Cultural Shifts in Worship
- Historical Context: Limited modes of worship expression in the past.
- Current Trends: Increased diversity in how people express worship.
Revival and the Holy Ghost
- Need for Revival: A generation needs to seek the Holy Ghost actively.
- Comparison: Past church culture emphasized the need for seeking the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2: Pentecost
- Unity: Importance of being in "one accord."
- Manifestation: The arrival of the Holy Ghost as a mighty wind.
- Result: Empowerment to witness and spread the gospel.
Challenges in Ministry
- Spiritual Warfare: Ministers face opposition and spiritual attacks.
- Perseverance: Importance of continuing ministry despite challenges.
Leadership and Service
- Humility in Service: Serving without needing to lead.
- Support for Leaders: Encouraging and praying for church leaders.
- Shared Vision: Achieving church goals through unity.
Conclusion
- Encouragement: Rely on the Holy Ghost in all aspects of life and ministry.
- Faith and Resilience: Emphasizes the importance of showing up and remaining faithful.
- Hope and Revival: The promise of renewal and restoration through faith.
This sermon underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit in spiritual pursuits, the importance of unity and faith in church communities, and encourages believers to trust in the reviving power of God even when situations seem dead or hopeless.