The sermon referred to John 12:32, which states, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." The sermon emphasized the importance of having the right attitude, perspective, and worship in order to lift Jesus above our challenges and allow Him to have His way in our lives.
The sermon mentioned how Jesus spoke in parables and plain language to help people understand His mission and identity. It highlighted the significance of Jesus being the Son of God and the need to lift Him above our feelings and troubles. The sermon stressed that Christian worship is not limited to specific days or practices but should be a daily lifestyle.
The sermon shared an illustration about a committee organizing for a presidential visit, explaining how the team had to align everything according to the president's standards. Similarly, as believers, the sermon encouraged lifting Jesus higher, understanding His needs, and allowing Him to transform our lives.
The sermon emphasized that when we lift Jesus up through praise and worship, God takes His habitation among us. It mentioned Psalm 22:3, which states, "But you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." The sermon emphasized that when God fills our lives through praise, we experience joy and strength.
Additionally, the sermon referred to Psalm 84:4-7, which speaks about the joy of dwelling in God's house and finding strength in Him. It emphasized the importance of valuing the basics of faith, such as prayer, studying the Word, witnessing, and worship, as they contribute to growing stronger in faith.
Furthermore, the sermon used the analogy of a device called a "turbocharger" in a vehicle's engine, which enhances power and speed. Similarly, when we lift Jesus higher, it precedes victory and empowers us in spiritual battles.
The sermon encouraged the congregation to lift up the name of Jesus, to allow Him to have His way in their lives, and to find strength and joy through praise and worship. It highlighted the transformative power of Jesus and the need to prioritize the fundamentals of faith.
We are a jolly congregation that started as a feeding program for less fortunate children and grew into a family of believers.