Worship & Word: Sunday at Empowerment Temple- with Rev. Dr. Robert Turner

Main message: Following Jesus requires dying to self and embracing the costly, sometimes messy work of discipleship — falling into the ground like a seed so you can bear much fruit. God covers and uses imperfect people; don’t stay safe in the “jar” when God calls you to get your hands dirty for others.

Key points:

• True calling carries sacrifice: you must be willing to lose comforts, celebrity, control — even “die” to your old life (John 12:24 image).
• A seed must fall into the ground to produce fruit; where you fall (in the ground vs. on the surface) determines whether you’re dormant or fruitful.
• Don’t stay in the safe, clean “jar” (comfort zone/church spectator role); go outside, get dirty, and minister where people are.
• Your “suit” (God’s covering) may be dirty from service, but it shows sacrifice and testimony — God chooses and cleanses people even while they’re imperfect.
• Falling and failure are part of the journey; get up, press toward the high calling, and let God transform the husk into fruit.

Scriptures mentioned: John 12:24, Genesis (fig leaves), references to Jesus’ wilderness temptation and Gospel narratives (e.g., Lazarus, Peter’s denial)