Active Faith: Embracing Divine Entry Points for Miracles
Summary
In the discourse delivered by Rev. Taylor Fish, the central theme revolves around the concept of "divine entry points," which are moments or opportunities presented by God for individuals to experience a breakthrough or a miracle. The message emphasizes the importance of active participation and response in one's faith journey, rather than passivity or mere observation.
The narrative begins with an anecdote about a man who, despite attending church services regularly, felt like a prisoner to his pew because he had become complacent and unresponsive in his worship. This story sets the stage for the broader message that simply being present in a place of worship is not enough; one must actively engage and respond to God's presence to experience transformation.
Rev. Fish draws from the biblical account in Mark chapter 3, where Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. He highlights the distinction between two types of people present in every church: watchers and worshipers. Watchers are those who attend services out of routine or curiosity, while worshipers are those who actively engage with God through praise, worship, and response. The message underscores that miracles and changes are not for the spectators but for those who participate and respond to God's call.
The preacher shares personal experiences from his ministry, recounting times when individuals responded to God's presence with faith and received miracles. He tells of a woman who was bedridden for months and was healed, and of an elderly man who, after years of spiritual coldness, was refilled with the Holy Ghost because he chose to respond and break free from his complacency.
Rev. Fish explains that divine entry points are opportunities that God provides for individuals to step into a realm of the miraculous. However, these opportunities require a response from the person. He emphasizes that God can do anything, but there is a part that individuals must play. The response to God's presence and the willingness to act in faith are what lead to breakthroughs and miracles.
The message also touches on the concept of "flipping the switch," a metaphor for sudden, transformative experiences with God. Rev. Fish encourages the congregation to believe that God can instantly change circumstances, heal diseases, and provide miracles. He calls for a radical response from the congregation, urging them to step out in faith, pray, and seek God's intervention in their lives.
Throughout the message, there is a call to action for those in need of a miracle or a touch from God. Rev. Fish invites the congregation to come forward, pray, and believe for their healing and breakthrough. He speaks words of faith over the congregation, declaring that God is ready to perform miracles and urging them to respond with praise and worship.
In conclusion, the message delivered by Rev. Taylor Fish is a powerful call to active faith and participation in one's spiritual journey. It challenges individuals to move beyond passive attendance and to engage with God through worship, prayer, and a willingness to respond to divine entry points.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine entry points are moments where God presents an opportunity for a breakthrough, but they require an active response from the individual. Just as Jesus called the man with the withered hand to step forward, we too must be willing to move in faith when God prompts us. This response is the key to unlocking the miraculous in our lives. [26:12]
- Worship is not a passive activity but a dynamic interaction with the divine. It is through worship that we can break free from spiritual stagnation and complacency. When we worship with sincerity and passion, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to His transformative power. [21:41]
- Miracles are not reserved for biblical times; they are a present reality for those who believe. The testimonies shared by Rev. Fish remind us that God is still in the business of healing, delivering, and performing wonders. Our faith and expectancy play a crucial role in experiencing these miracles today. [10:15]
- The concept of "flipping the switch" speaks to the instantaneous nature of God's intervention. Just as a light switch can change a room from darkness to light in a moment, God can change our circumstances in an instant when we respond to Him with faith. This encourages us to expect and believe for sudden breakthroughs in our lives. [13:18]
- The importance of a radical response to God cannot be overstated. Sometimes, what is required is a physical act of faith, such as stepping out of one's comfort zone or lifting hands in worship. These acts can serve as catalysts for a radical response from heaven, bringing about change and miracles in our lives. [29:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 3:1-5 (KJV)
> "And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the man Jesus encountered in the synagogue, and what did Jesus ask him to do? (Mark 3:1-3)
2. How did the Pharisees and scribes react to Jesus' actions on the Sabbath? (Mark 3:2)
3. What was the result of the man's response to Jesus' command to "stretch forth thine hand"? (Mark 3:5)
4. According to Rev. Fish, what are the two types of people present in every church, and how do they differ? [15:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to heal the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath, despite knowing the Pharisees were watching? (Mark 3:2)
2. How does the concept of "divine entry points" relate to the story of the man with the withered hand? [26:05]
3. What does Rev. Fish mean by "flipping the switch," and how does this concept apply to our faith journey? [13:27]
4. How can the distinction between watchers and worshipers impact the spiritual atmosphere of a church service? [15:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like a "watcher" rather than a "worshiper" in a church service. What steps can you take to become more actively engaged in worship? [15:45]
2. Have you ever experienced a "divine entry point" in your life? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [26:05]
3. Rev. Fish shared stories of miraculous healings that occurred when individuals responded in faith. How can you cultivate an atmosphere of faith and expectancy in your daily life? [10:15]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of a radical response to God. What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone in your spiritual practices this week? [29:06]
5. Think about an area in your life where you need a breakthrough. How can you actively seek God's intervention and "flip the switch" in that situation? [13:27]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to move from passivity to active participation in their faith journey? [15:45]
7. Rev. Fish mentioned that sometimes a physical act of faith, like lifting hands in worship, can serve as a catalyst for a miracle. What physical act of faith can you commit to this week to demonstrate your trust in God's power? [29:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Engage with Divine Opportunities
Divine entry points are unique moments where God invites individuals to step into a new level of faith and experience. These are not mere coincidences but orchestrated opportunities that require a deliberate and active response. Recognizing and seizing these moments can lead to profound spiritual breakthroughs and miracles in one's life. [26:12]
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent moment that may have been a divine entry point? How did you respond, and what can you do to be more receptive to such moments in the future?
Day 2: Worship as Dynamic Engagement
Worship is an active, living exchange with God that goes beyond routine. It is in the heartfelt moments of worship that individuals can break free from spiritual complacency and connect deeply with God's purpose. True worship requires full engagement of the heart, soul, and mind, and it is through this that one can experience God's transformative power. [21:41]
Psalm 95:6-7 - "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
Reflection: How does your current worship practice reflect an active engagement with God? What changes can you make to deepen your worship experience?
Day 3: Expectancy in the Miraculous
The belief in the miraculous is not just for the stories of the past but is a vibrant part of the believer's present reality. Expectancy is a key component of faith that opens the door to witnessing God's power in healing, delivering, and performing wonders today. Holding onto faith and expectancy allows one to be a conduit for the miraculous in the world. [10:15]
Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Reflection: What miracle are you believing God for right now, and how are you nurturing your expectancy for this miracle to manifest?
Day 4: Instantaneous Divine Intervention
The concept of "flipping the switch" illustrates that God's intervention can be sudden and transformative. Just as darkness is dispelled instantly with the flick of a switch, God can swiftly alter circumstances in response to faith. Believers are encouraged to expect these immediate changes and to trust in God's timing for their lives. [13:18]
Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: Have you ever experienced a sudden change or breakthrough that you attribute to God's intervention? How does this shape your faith in His ability to work instantaneously in your life now?
Day 5: Radical Response to God's Call
A radical response to God often involves stepping out in faith beyond one's comfort zone. It is through these acts of faith—whether it's a physical act like raising hands in worship or a step of obedience—that one can trigger a powerful response from heaven. Such actions can be the catalyst for change and the gateway to experiencing God's miracles. [29:01]
2 Kings 5:14 - "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy."
Reflection: What radical act of faith might God be calling you to take as a response to His presence? How can you step out in faith today to meet this call?
Quotes
"I've learned a long time ago, if I can convince somebody to respond, they can get a miracle. Something's about to change and God's about to flip the switch in your life." [23:42] (Download)
"We're on the edge of a major breakthrough for somebody. But you've held your peace too long. This is your day." [25:07] (Download)
"When Jesus told the man with the withered hand stand forth, he was saying stand in two. What you do next is going to get you through that doorway." [26:12] (Download)
"Oh, somebody, you've got to get a hold of a yes tonight. All you've been hearing is no. The doctor told you no. The lawyer told you no. Your family's told you no. Somebody's got to get on your feet and say, yes, I can have a miracle." [14:09] (Download)
"I have not come to preach against chairs or pews. But what I have come to tell you is you can come to church every Sunday morning and be a prisoner." [20:29] (Download)
"Lazy Boy Church ain't going to get you what you want. It's when you kick back. I'm not come to kick back. I've come to kick the devil in the face." [21:41] (Download)
"God's ready to flip a switch in somebody's life. Somebody's about to walk out drastically different here tonight." [32:29] (Download)
"I've got to take ownership and say, God, he can do anything, but I've got to do something. He can do anything, but there's something that I have to do. It matters what we do in our time of trouble." [27:42] (Download)
"There's a power in a response. How many times have we found ourselves so discouraged by our situation and we slumped down into the position of a spectator? Oh, God, if we would learn to worship in the pain." [29:01] (Download)
"A radical response from earth will bring a radical response from heaven. Sometimes, sometimes that response is a run, a shout or a dance, but it's always something." [29:01] (Download)
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