WORD OF THE WEEK - SURVIVE - 11/24/24

Definition: Survive means to remain alive or in existence. It can also mean to continue to function or prosper

Scriptures:Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.1 Corinthians 3:16 - Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?Luke 5:37-39 - And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.  No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’”

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Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition: Survive means to remain alive or in existence. It can also mean to continue to function or prosper

Scriptures:Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.1 Corinthians 3:16 - Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?Luke 5:37-39 - And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.  No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’”
THOUGHT
This week’s Word of the Week is not about the church building where we gather to praise and worship God. It is for The Church—the individuals described in Acts 2:42: “[They] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”
You are The Church—the temple where God’s Spirit dwells, as stated in 1 Corinthians 3:16.
In Luke 5:36-37, Jesus uses the analogy of new wineskins to describe the church under the New Covenant, contrasting it with old wineskins, which represent those who cling solely to the Old Covenant. Throughout Scripture, Christian believers are referred to as the church, the body of Christ, and sometimes, as old or new wineskins. These terms can be applied interchangeably in this context.
Recently, I have had conversations with individuals expressing anger, frustration, and concern about the future. Since the United Stated replaced Britain as the predominant global power many geo-political structures stabilized.  Recently, however, changing world leadership, wars, unpredictable weather, and economic instability have many questioning humanity’s readiness to manage such rapid change. Many people are asking, “How can I survive this chaos?”
•  Are you reminiscing about “the good old days,” often saying, “I remember when…”?•  Are you hesitant to embrace your purpose, feeling as if the world is too chaotic for     God’s plans to prevail?•  Has your witness to others about God’s goodness faded because of your own struggles with disappointment?•  Do you feel your prayers are ineffective, as the outcomes have not aligned with what you’ve asked for?•  Is it becoming harder to “hang in there”?
Where is your faith?
In Luke 5:37-39, Jesus says:“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out, and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.”
Your wineskin may be empty, brittle, or unable to hold the new wine God is preparing to pour out. Old wineskins—rigid, unyielding mindsets—cannot accept fresh revelations or transformations. They crack under the pressure of change, leaving us discouraged and spiritually stagnant.
But do not despair! An old wineskin can be renewed and made ready to receive new wine. The renewal process involves:
1. Washing – Cleansing with water and mild soap.2. Drying – Thoroughly drying to prevent impurities like mold.3. Soaking – Reconditioning with oil to restore flexibility.
In the same way, our wineskin must be renewed to receive the new wine that God is preparing. The church’s renewal also requires:
1. Washing in the Word of God: Regularly reading and studying Scripture cleanses your mind and heart, removing doubt and discouragement.2. Drying through Worship and Fellowship: Gathering with other believers and hearing God’s Word strengthens and guards you against the impurities of fear and isolation.3. Soaking in the Holy Spirit: Through prayer and meditation, the Holy Spirit restores your strength and guides you into alignment with God’s will.
The renewal of wineskins is for survival and transformation. When renewed, the body of Christ becomes flexible and ready to align with God’s will and purpose; The church becomes ready to receive a new direction, calling, purpose or new people.A renewed church does not just survive—it thrives, as it begins creating new wineskins prepared to be filled with God’s blessings.God is ready to pour out His new wine. Will your wineskin be ready to receive it?
GOD BLESS YOU!!
ORINE OUT!!


CHALLENGE
Are you willing to commit to the renewal process?
How can you intentionally wash yourself in God’s Word this week?
Are you prioritizing worship, fellowship, and prayer to recondition your spirit?