This sermon explores the biblical promise that the smallest church can accomplish the greatest mission through God's power. Drawing on examples from Isaiah, Gideon, and the apostles, it emphasizes the importance of commitment, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the miraculous works believers are called to perform, including healing and raising the dead. The message encourages faith, willingness to receive the latter rain, and trust in God's ability to work through His people.
The speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to worship at the Brooksville SDA Church and shares the joy of experiencing the vibrant energy of the congregation, especially the children. The message centers on the theme: "The smallest church with the biggest job."
The foundation of the sermon is based on Isaiah 60:22, which promises that "a little one shall become a a thousand." This verse assures believers that God will multiply the efforts of even the smallest church exponentially. The speaker emphasizes that this growth is not by human effort but by God's power.
The speaker acknowledges that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is small compared to other denominations like the Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and Church of God in Christ. Despite this, God promises to do great work through this small group.
The current membership of the church is around 150 to 200, and according to the promise, this could grow to 150,000 through God's outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The speaker draws a parallel with the biblical story of Gideon from the Book of Judges. Gideon started with 32,000 men, but God reduced the number to 300 to accomplish the mission. This was to ensure that the victory was clearly attributed to God's power and not human strength.
This story is used to illustrate why mega-churches, despite their large numbers, have faced moral, ethical, and financial problems leading to collapse. Examples include the Crystal Cathedral in California and the ministries of prominent televangelists who faced scandals.
The key lesson is that God desires committed and consecrated individuals rather than just large crowds.
The speaker reminds the congregation of the mission given to the twelve apostles by Jesus Christ: to preach the gospel to all the world. After Pentecost, the church grew rapidly, reaching thousands.
Today, the mission remains the same: to take the gospel to every nation, city, and tongue, despite opposition, threats, and hardships.
Referencing Matthew 10, the speaker highlights that Jesus gave His disciples power over unclean spirits, to heal sickness, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. This power was not limited to the apostles but is intended for all disciples today.
The speaker shares personal testimonies of healing and even instances where people were raised from the dead after being anointed with oil, as instructed in the Book of James.
The message is clear: all believers are called to perform the same works as the apostles.
The speaker acknowledges the seeming impossibility of this mission but assures that God does not need humans to accomplish His work; He can do it alone. However, God chooses to work through willing individuals.
Examples from the Bible include:
These examples illustrate that believers are instruments through which God works.
Psalm 110:3 is cited: "God's people shall be willing in the day of His power." The speaker emphasizes the importance of being willing to receive the latter rain, a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit necessary for the church's growth and mission fulfillment.
Believers must ask God to pour out His Spirit to empower them for the work ahead.
The sermon closes with encouragement to keep faith and look up to God, who remains unchanging and faithful. Despite challenges, believers are urged to trust in God's promises and power to accomplish the greatest work through the smallest church.
The final blessing is offered in the name of Jesus.
This message inspires believers to embrace their calling, rely on God's power, and be willing instruments for His work, assuring that even the smallest church can achieve the biggest mission through faith and the Holy Spirit.
