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All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to the One we follow. Do you believe that God, who was working in and through Paul, is the same God working in and through us?

As the Good News about Jesus is proclaimed, Spiritual awakening happens when:

1. God chooses to display His extraordinary power (vs. 11-16)

- Never overestimate yourself or underestimate the power of God

- Although God may not grant us the miracles we ask for, it does not change the truth that “nothing is impossible with God” (cf. Lk. 1:37) and that “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (cf. Rom. 8:38-39)

- Every adopted child of God has experienced the greatest miracle – the miracle of new birth in Christ (cf. Eph. 2:4-7)

Like Paul, we need to recognize that we are simply vessels, used by God, to display His glory and power so that people throughout Durham Region and beyond will hear the word of the Lord (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7). Is it evident to those around you that the extraordinary power of God is working in and through you (cf. Eph. 1:18-20)?

2. God graciously gives people the gift of faith to believe and they repent (vs. 17-20)

- Living missionally requires magnifying the name of Jesus in both word and deed (cf. Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 10:31)

- The process of sanctification begins immediately after receiving the gift of faith to believe in Jesus Christ, and continues until we are reunited with Christ (cf. 1 Thess. 4:3a; Php. 1:6, 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:21)

- Genuine repentance recognizes that the evil of sin must be forsaken and that the person and work of Jesus must be totally embraced (cf. Heb. 12:1-2a)

As we seek to live missionally for the long haul, as Paul did (fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith - cf. 2 Tim. 4:7), we must not grow cold in our love and adoration of Jesus our Saviour. We must continue to cultivate our love for Him by confessing our sins and forsaking ungodly practices (cf. Rev. 2:5). Love His Word and remember that He is our greatest good and our highest joy (cf. Gal. 2:20).

3. What is false is exposed by truth (vs. 21-41)

- As believers who make up the church, we must ALL uphold, guard, and proclaim God’s revealed truth in the world (cf. Mt. 10:27; Eph. 4:15)

- In the midst of disturbances, Christ is still building His church and the power of physical death and evil will not overcome it (cf. Mt. 16:18)

- Weapons, force, and violence are not how we advance the Kingdom of God (cf. Eph. 6:12; Zech. 4:6)

In love, are you sharing the truth and light of God’s Word with those walking in darkness, exposing what is false (cf. Jn. 17:17)? Living missionally in a city and region filled with idols means we must not underestimate the power of the Gospel (cf. Rom. 1:16). It is truth that will set people free (cf. Jn. 8:32).

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