13 Sep The Big Reveal | Mehdi Chniouli
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The Big Reveal!
Key Verse: Ephesians 3
Paul’s Apostolic Ministry Teach US:
- We are positioned by God for His purposes
Ephesians 3:1-5 (ESV) For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
What is Paul’s calling teaching ME?
- a. There is power in dedication
//Banker, Amazon driver , Lawyer //
Paul was a prisoner for Christ!
Q: What role/gift in your life are you using in dedication to God? OR what should you be using for dedication to God? You are not insignificant, everyone has a role for Christ, what is yours?
- b. Being Chosen by God trumps Being Appointed by anyone
Galatians 1:15-17
- c. Trust God’s timing. It’s ALWAYS Perfect
Q: What are you waiting for that you are getting impatient with that you’re not trusting in God’s timing?
Q. Can you talk about a time in your life when you realized the timing was perfect only after looking back on the situation?
- We are included just as we are
Ephesians 3: 6-9 (ESV)
“In Christ, Both Jews and gentiles are co-heirs in the promise Through the Gospel”
What is the Gospel?
The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for our sins and rose again, eternally triumphant over death, hell & Satan so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe, but only everlasting joy.
Sometimes we try to fit God into our narrative and put Him in a box. Do not limit God to rituals and religiosity.
Mehdi’s story: Mehdi told a story about a mentor pastor who invited him to go to a conference focusing on how to bridge the gospel to Muslims. A man came to Mehdi to share his ideas of how to reach Muslims in other countries. Essentially this man’s ideas were basically hiding and watering down the gospel so it would not offend anyone. Mehdi explained to the man that when he was soul searching the gospel did offend him. Every translation of the Bible was offensive to him as a Muslim. So he decided to stop being offended, put down his pride and started a faith journey and learn from a different perspective and he received a revelation of the gospel of Jesus. Mehdi received the gospel because the Holy Spirit did the work and it didn’t need to be changed. Conclusion: Don’t water down the gospel. It is the working of the Holy Spirit. There is power in Jesus’ name! Do not limit God.
Q: Share a time where you shared the gospel to someone? Have you ever felt like you tried to water down the gospel to reach someone?
OR
Q: Share a time when you first heard about the gospel? OR Who can you share with the gospel with tomorrow?
The Gospel + NOTHING = EVERYTHING
Jesus+ ANYTHING= RUINS EVERYTHING
- We are the Tool Not the Target
Ephesians 3:10-12 ESV
Mehdi had an illustration comparing the church as a diamond:
Each side of the diamond displays a unique, beautiful and different light that shines on it. That is the church. We are one body, the church is made of different angles/sides/different people. Jesus is the light that shines through us and we can display unique colors with our own gifts. God uses these differences to beautify His church.
Q: How have you seen this diamond illustration in our own church body and/or small group?
**Angels Know God as Creator. We know God as a Creator and a Redeemer**
- We are the Reflection of His wisdom
Ephesians 3: 13 (ESV)
Q: When have you experienced pain and suffering and realized it was used for God’s glory?
The wisdom of the Cross is this: Jesus asks us to pick up our crosses & demonstrate to Satan and his demon that we treasure Christ more than any human comfort.
Sermon in a sentence:
Here is what Paul’s Big Reveal means to you: As soon as you give your Yes to Him, God Can and Will use every bit of Your Story for His Glory
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