The Hidden Power of Love: Transforming America Through Faith
In a compelling sermon, Pastor Bill Brannan shares how rebuilding authentic Christian community can restore the nation’s faith and hope. By emphasizing love as the foundation for transformation, he highlights the vital role each believer plays in this divine mission.
Rebuilding the Altar of God in America
To truly rebuild the altar of God in America, we must first acknowledge our roots. The foundation of this nation was laid by those who sought to honor God and spread His message. Their commitment to faith was unwavering, and it set a precedent for generations to come. Today, we face a critical juncture where we must return to those original values.
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Rebuilding the altar means creating spaces where God is honored and worshipped. It calls for a collective effort to restore faith at both individual and community levels. This involves not just physical spaces but also a spiritual revival that awakens hearts to the call of Christ.
As we gather to pray and seek God’s guidance, we will witness transformation. Our prayers must echo the cries of our forefathers who sought divine intervention during times of need. Like them, we must be willing to humble ourselves, confess our shortcomings, and return to God with fervent hearts.
Forsaking Socialism
America’s history provides us with a lesson on the dangers of socialism. Early settlers believed in shared resources, yet they quickly discovered that such systems often lead to disillusionment and despair. When personal incentives were removed, productivity dwindled, and communities suffered.
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The shift from socialism to individual ownership marked a turning point. It ignited a passion for hard work and personal responsibility. As people cultivated their own land, they flourished, both materially and spiritually. This change underscores the importance of personal investment in our communities and lives.
American Exceptionalism
American exceptionalism is not merely a phrase; it embodies the unique principles upon which this nation was built. It signifies a commitment to ideals of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness, deeply rooted in Christian values. These principles set America apart and have been a beacon of hope for many.
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However, this exceptionalism must be understood within the context of responsibility. It is not about superiority but about stewardship. We have inherited a rich legacy, and it is our duty to uphold and pass it on. This requires a genuine faith that influences every aspect of our lives and society.
Who Shall We Serve
The pivotal question for America today is: Who shall we serve? In a time of division and uncertainty, we are called to choose our God and stand firm in that decision. Our loyalty must lie with the God who empowers us to love, serve, and uplift one another.
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This choice will define our actions and shape our communities. We must align our hearts with God’s purpose and strive to be vessels of His love. By doing so, we can counter the negative influences that seek to divide us.
Rebuilding the Church
Rebuilding the church is crucial for restoring faith in America. The church must become a place of refuge, healing, and empowerment. It should be a community where individuals are encouraged to grow in their faith and equipped to serve others.
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This process involves active participation from every member. Each person brings unique gifts and talents that contribute to the body of Christ. When we embrace our roles, we create a powerful force for change in our communities.
Motivated by Faith, Hope, and Love
Authentic Christianity is motivated by faith, hope, and love. These elements should drive our actions and interactions with others. Fear and despair have no place in a community rooted in Christ.
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When we operate from a foundation of love, we reflect the heart of Christ. This love compels us to reach out to those in need, share the Gospel, and demonstrate compassion in our daily lives. It is through love that we can transform our communities and the world.
Love and Compassion
Love and compassion are at the core of our mission as believers. Jesus exemplified these qualities throughout His ministry, and we are called to do the same. Our actions should mirror His love, reaching out to the marginalized and broken-hearted.
In practicing love and compassion, we not only fulfill the Great Commission but also become a living testimony of God’s grace. Each act of kindness can ripple through our communities, igniting hope and faith in others.
Reproducing the Life of Christ
The ultimate goal of our faith is to reproduce the life of Christ within ourselves and those around us. This involves a deep commitment to discipleship, where we guide others in their journey of faith. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we naturally reflect His character and values.
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Reproducing the life of Christ means nurturing a culture of love and service. It requires intentionality and a willingness to invest in others. When we prioritize this mission, we create a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves.
Motivated by Love, We Pray
Prayer is the lifeblood of a vibrant faith. It is through prayer that we connect with God, allowing His presence to fill our hearts. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Romans 8:26-27, where he reveals how the Spirit intercedes for us, especially in our weaknesses. This divine communication is not just a ritual; it’s an encounter with the living God.
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When we pray, we are motivated by love—not guilt or obligation. This love compels us to lift others before God, longing for their hearts to encounter His grace. It is a powerful act that can lead to transformation, both for ourselves and those we pray for.
The Heart of Intercession
Intercession is a profound expression of love. It involves standing in the gap for others, crying out for their needs, and desiring their deliverance from bondage. Paul illustrates this through his own anguish for the lost, showcasing the depth of his love for God and humanity.
In our prayers, we must convey genuine concern for those who are lost and broken. It is not enough to merely recite words; we must engage our hearts and souls. This is the essence of effective prayer, driven by a desire for others to know Christ.
The Battle for America’s Destiny
The fate of America rests heavily on the shoulders of the Church. We are called to be the light in the darkness, championing truth and love amidst a culture that often strays from these values. Our mission is not just to survive but to thrive and impact the world around us.
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As believers, we must recognize the urgency of this battle. It is not a physical war but a spiritual one, fought through prayer, love, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Each of us plays a crucial role in this endeavor, and together, we can influence the destiny of our nation.
Awakening the Church
To reclaim America’s destiny, the Church must awaken to its purpose. This awakening involves embracing a genuine relationship with Christ and reflecting His love in our communities. It requires us to be bold in our faith, speaking truth with grace and compassion.
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When the Church rises up, it can inspire change at every level of society. We must be the voice of hope and reason, advocating for justice and mercy. This battle is fought on our knees, in our communities, and through our actions.
Rejoice in the Lord
In Philippians 3:1, Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Him. When we rejoice, we declare our trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty over our lives.
Rejoicing is a powerful weapon against despair. In a world filled with chaos, our joy shines brightly, drawing others to the hope we have in Christ. It is an invitation for others to experience the love and grace we have received.
The Power of Praise
Praising God shifts our focus from our problems to His greatness. It reminds us of His faithfulness and encourages us to trust Him more deeply. This act of worship is not just for us; it also impacts those around us.
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As we rejoice, we create an atmosphere of faith that can inspire others to seek God. Our lives become testimonies of His goodness, leading many to want to know the source of our joy.
Knowing Him
Knowing Christ is the foundation of our faith. It is not merely about knowing facts or doctrines but experiencing Him personally. This relationship transforms us from the inside out, shaping our character and guiding our actions.
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Paul’s desire to know Christ was profound. He longed for an intimate relationship that transcended mere knowledge. This is the call for every believer: to seek a deeper understanding of who Christ is and what He has done for us.
The Journey of Discovery
Knowing Christ is an ongoing journey. It involves daily encounters with Him through prayer, Scripture, and community. Each moment spent in His presence reveals more of His heart and purpose for our lives.
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As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we become more equipped to share His love with others. Our understanding of God’s character empowers us to live boldly and to encourage those around us in their faith journeys.
Deliverance from Bondage to Corruption
The world is in desperate need of deliverance from corruption. This bondage manifests in various forms, from moral decay to spiritual blindness. As the Church, we have a responsibility to confront these issues with love and truth.
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Through Christ, we are offered freedom from this corruption. His sacrifice on the cross breaks the chains that bind us, offering a new life filled with hope and purpose. Our role is to proclaim this message of deliverance to a world that needs it desperately.
Proclaiming Freedom
To effectively proclaim freedom, we must first experience it ourselves. This requires a deep understanding of the transformative power of the Gospel. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we can boldly share this freedom with others.
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Our testimonies of deliverance can serve as powerful tools in drawing others to Christ. When people see the change in us, they will be curious about the source of our hope and freedom.
Restoring the Fear of the Lord
Restoring the fear of the Lord is essential for spiritual revival. This fear is not one of dread but of reverence and awe for God’s holiness. It calls us to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His character.
As we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, we become more aware of our actions and their impact on our relationship with Him. This awareness leads to repentance and a desire to align our lives with His will.
Living in Reverence
Living in reverence means acknowledging God’s authority in our lives. It requires us to submit to His guidance and allow His Word to shape our values and decisions. This submission is vital for the health of our communities and the Church.
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When we restore the fear of the Lord, we can expect to see transformation in our lives and the world around us. It is the foundation for a life that honors God and serves others.
Final Prayer
As we conclude our reflections, let us come together in prayer. We ask for God’s guidance as we seek to fulfill His mission for our lives and communities. May our hearts be stirred with love for others, and may our prayers be filled with passion and purpose.
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Lord, we thank You for the gift of prayer and the privilege of knowing You. We ask for Your Spirit to empower us as we seek to be vessels of Your love. Help us to be bold in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel and to live in a way that reflects Your heart.
We pray for America, that Your light would shine brightly in the darkness. May the Church rise up to fulfill its calling, bringing hope and healing to a hurting world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Rebuilding the Altar of God in America
(Preaching Outline)
1) Last Week – The Calling and Destiny of America
a) Thankful for America and Western Civilization, but thankful for Jesus and the cross.
b) For Thanksgiving – Pursuing Christ’s inheritance as a community, moving into the calling and destiny of God.
c) I see we are moving in the right direction because Ephesians 4 is becoming a reality: Ephesians 4:15–16 (NKJV) — 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
d) We have to decide whether we will be Jacob or Esau.
e) Rebuilding the Altar of God in America – Elijah – Body Life
f) Authenticity not forms.
g) Dreaming of what life and the world can be through Jesus Christ!
2) Transform the Church, Transform the World! – Saving nations one person at a time!
a) I suggest that the greatest need for the church of Jesus Christ today is to be motivated by faith, hope and love rather than fear! Once we get this right, we will fulfill the call to storm the gates of hell and set at liberty the captives.
b) The secret of Paul’s incredible impact: Romans 9:1–3 (NKJV) — 1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,
c) Dreaming the Dream birthed in love – Romans 8:18–21 (NKJV) — 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
d) Many Christians see the sin and the brokenness in the world and respond in fear, judgmentalism and self-righteousness – the salt has lost its saltiness and the light is hidden under a bushel.
e) I want us to make an important connection from Romans 8 – How the world is delivered.
i) Motivated by love we pray – Romans 8:26–27 (NKJV) — 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
ii) Reproducing the Life of Christ – Romans 8:28–29 (NKJV) — 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
iii) Faith, hope & love motivation
3) The image of God in man – humanity is at stake.
a) The whole gospel motivation is connected to this.
b) Why we teach about fear motivation
i) The pyramid
ii) Fatalism
iii) Witchcraft – Intimidation, manipulation, domination and disapproval.
iv) Seen when we tell people rather than persuade people. We might be right but we are abusing the image of God in man. – a form of judgmentalism and accusation.
c) Humans are not resources.
d) Great moves in history come about when people become com-passionate about liberty.
i) Why I love Vishal Mangalwadi – my shameless plug for our Tuesday book club
ii) Motivating Christians to read the bible for the right reasons.
iii) In 1520, a Roman Catholic monk, Martin Luther, had in three books presented the biblical case for justice, equality and freedom. The peasants’ revolt applied those principles to their daily experience of humiliation, oppression, and exploitation. Luther and Zwingli had awoken them. Reformers believed that Europe’s exploitative and enslaving culture needed to change.[1]
iv) St. Gallens voting to make the bible the final authority in public and private life – The city knew perfectly well that their vote to seek and live by God’s truth would annoy some religious authorities…Why did citizens make a decision that risked war? Reading the Bible convinced them that Europe’s brutal religious and political power structures needed to change. Human authorities, political, intellectual, and ecclesiastical, needed a light purer than their own; an authority higher than humans, yet open to critical investigation. The Bible had fired their love for freedom and justice, for a reasonable faith.[2]
4) The battle for the destiny of America rests with the church of Jesus Christ becoming truly authentic.
a) Philippians 3:1–9 (NKJV) — 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
5) I am thankful to be part of a move of God that will bring deliverance from bondage to America.
[1] Mangalwadi, Vishal; Alexander, Ashish; Taylor, Jenny. This Book Changed Everything: The Bible’s Amazing Impact on Our World (pp. 28-29). Kindle Edition.
[2] Mangalwadi, Vishal; Alexander, Ashish; Taylor, Jenny. This Book Changed Everything: The Bible’s Amazing Impact on Our World (p. 42). Kindle Edition.
