May 4, 2025 - Truth, Spirit, and Discipline: Reclaiming the Church’s Identity

Opening Remarks and Bible Reading

• The service began with a call to stand and show reverence to the word of God.

• Participants were instructed to open their Bibles to the book of Acts, specifically chapter 5, verses 1 through 16.
• Those without a Bible were encouraged to share with a neighbor or follow along on a TV screen.
• The passage from Acts 5:1-16 was read, detailing the story of Ananias and Sapphira.

Discussion on the Early Church

• The speaker emphasized the importance of returning to the original design of the church as taught by Jesus.

• It was noted that Jesus focused on teaching the kingdom of God rather than deliverance or prosperity.
• The current state of the church was critiqued for losing its identity and essence, leading to a lack of power and unity.
• The dangers of denominations and how they separate people from God were discussed.
• The necessity of the Holy Spirit in the church and the attributes of God were highlighted.

Attributes of a True Disciple

• True disciples were described as having discipline, humility, and unity.

• The importance of obedience, a life of prayer, and studying the Bible was stressed.
• The speaker cautioned against hypocrisy and the love of money, using the story of Ananias and Sapphira as an example.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit's role in guiding, teaching, and empowering believers was discussed.

• The speaker shared personal practices of seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance and protection.
• The importance of depending on the Holy Spirit for direction and blessings was emphasized.

Jesus' Teaching and the Disciples

• Jesus' method of teaching and training his disciples was described, focusing on the kingdom of God.

• The disciples' transformation and the revelation of Jesus' identity to them were highlighted.
• The speaker discussed the character of Jesus and how it should reflect in his followers.

False Prophets and Teachers

• The presence of false prophets, teachers, and churches was acknowledged.

• The importance of examining the fruit and motives of those professing to be of the Lord was stressed.
• The speaker warned against being distracted from God's will and the dangers of pride and insecurity.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

• The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit were listed, with a focus on the word of wisdom, faith, and discerning of spirits.

• The speaker explained the importance of these gifts in serving and building the church.
• The need for believers to be connected with the Holy Spirit and to discern between the Holy Spirit, the devil, and the human spirit was emphasized.

Returning to the Original Design of the Church

• The speaker called for a return to the original design of the church to experience the power and unity of the early church.

• The importance of discipline, prayer, and prioritizing God in one's life was reiterated.
• The speaker warned against neglecting one's relationship with God in favor of worldly activities and distractions.

Key Points

• The meeting begins with a call to reverence for the word of God and an invitation to read from Acts chapter 5, verses 1 through 16.
• The story of Ananias and Sapphira is recounted, highlighting the consequences of lying to the Holy Spirit and the importance of sincerity in giving to the church.
• The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original design of the church, focusing on obedience, submission, discipline, humility, and unity.
• The dangers of denominations and how they separate believers from God's true intentions for the church are discussed.
• The necessity of a life of prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking God in spirit and truth to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit is highlighted.
• The importance of reverence and focus during prayer and gatherings in the name of God is stressed.
• The need for discipline in one's life, as evidenced by punctuality, financial management, and interpersonal relationships, is discussed.
• The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and teaching believers, as Jesus prepared his disciples, is emphasized.
• The importance of character and moral integrity in one's relationship with God and in the use of spiritual gifts is highlighted.
• The dangers of distraction and self-promotion in ministry are discussed, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will.
• The story of Ananias and Sapphira is revisited to underscore the importance of sincerity and wholehearted giving to God.
• The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed, with an emphasis on the word of wisdom, faith, and discerning of spirits as crucial for believers.
• The importance of getting back to the original design of the church and prioritizing God in one's life is reiterated.
• The need to develop a life of prayer and to avoid neglecting one's relationship with God in favor of worldly activities is stressed.
• The dangers of false prophets and witchcraft in the church are warned against, emphasizing the importance of true faith and reliance on God.