Breaking Down Spiritual Fences for Deeper Connection
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! It's a joy to be here with you today, and I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone joining us online and at our various campuses. Today, we continue our series called "Fences," but with a twist. While previous messages have focused on earthly perspectives, today we will explore the concept of fences from a heavenly viewpoint. Whether you're new to faith or have been a believer for years, this message is for you.
In our relationship with God, there should be no fences or barriers. God is excellent at tearing down these fences, as demonstrated by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between us and God. This act allows us to have a direct, personal relationship with Him.
However, many of us still feel disconnected from God. This disconnection often stems from spiritual fences we've unknowingly built, such as shame, guilt, and fear. These fences can prevent us from fully receiving what God has for us. One of the most significant ways to break down these fences is through prayer. Prayer is not just talking to God but also receiving from Him. It's a two-way communication that deepens our relationship with Him.
To grow in receiving from God, we must start with belief. Belief in who God is and who He says we are. Psalm 139 reminds us that God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Recognizing these attributes helps us trust Him more. Additionally, we must grow in humility, acknowledging that we don't have it all figured out and that we need God. Lastly, gratitude is the key. By thanking God for what we have, we open ourselves up to receive even more from Him.
Let's commit to tearing down these fences and fully embracing the relationship God offers us. As we do, we'll find that our lives are enriched in ways we never thought possible.
### Key Takeaways
1. No Fences in Heaven: In our relationship with God, there should be no barriers. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross tore down the veil, symbolizing the removal of any separation between us and God. This act allows us to have a direct, personal relationship with Him. [32:47]
2. Prayer as Two-Way Communication: Prayer is not just about talking to God but also about receiving from Him. This two-way communication deepens our relationship with God and allows us to experience His presence more fully. [41:04]
3. Belief in God's Attributes: To receive from God, we must start with belief in who He is. Psalm 139 reminds us that God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Recognizing these attributes helps us trust Him more and tear down the fences we've built. [54:39]
4. Humility is Essential: Growing in humility is crucial for receiving from God. Humility acknowledges that we don't have it all figured out and that we need God. It allows us to be open to His guidance and blessings. [58:30]
5. Gratitude Opens Doors: Gratitude is the key to receiving more from God. By thanking Him for what we have, we open ourselves up to receive even more. This attitude of gratitude helps us recognize God's blessings in all circumstances. [01:03:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:23] - Introduction and Campus Greetings
[30:01] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
[30:29] - Praising God for His Works
[31:03] - Series Introduction: Fences
[31:39] - A Heavenly Perspective on Fences
[32:47] - No Fences in Our Relationship with God
[33:06] - Personal Story: The Broken Fence
[34:54] - God Breaks Down Fences
[35:12] - The Gospel and Jesus' Sacrifice
[36:39] - The Torn Veil and Our Connection to God
[38:07] - Feeling Disconnected from God
[39:01] - The Importance of Prayer
[41:04] - Prayer as Two-Way Communication
[42:04] - Receiving from God
[45:05] - The Shema: Listening and Acting
[47:24] - Living for the Lord
[50:12] - Personal Testimony
[51:37] - Spiritual and Relational Fences
[54:18] - Belief in God's Attributes
[58:30] - Growing in Humility
[01:03:42] - Gratitude is the Key
[01:05:21] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 27:50-51: "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split."
2. Psalm 139:1-4: "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely."
3. James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event happened when Jesus died on the cross according to Matthew 27:50-51?
2. According to Psalm 139, what are some attributes of God that help us trust Him more?
3. How does James 1:17 describe the nature of God's gifts to us?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the tearing of the temple curtain symbolize in our relationship with God? [36:39]
2. How does recognizing God's omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence (Psalm 139) help us in tearing down spiritual fences? [54:39]
3. Why is gratitude considered a key to receiving more from God, as mentioned in James 1:17? [01:03:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from God. What spiritual fences (e.g., shame, guilt, fear) might have contributed to that feeling? How can you begin to tear them down? [38:07]
2. How can you incorporate the practice of two-way communication in your prayer life this week? What steps will you take to not only talk to God but also listen and receive from Him? [41:04]
3. Psalm 139 highlights God's intimate knowledge of us. How does this understanding impact your trust in Him? What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to His omniscience?
4. Humility is essential for receiving from God. Can you identify a situation where pride has hindered your spiritual growth? How can you practice humility in that area this week? [58:30]
5. Gratitude opens doors to receiving more from God. List three things you are grateful for today. How can you make gratitude a daily practice to enhance your relationship with God? [01:03:42]
6. The sermon mentioned that God wants to meet and bless each of us personally. How can you create space in your daily routine to be more receptive to God's presence and blessings? [38:40]
7. The Shema prayer emphasizes listening and acting. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your love for God with all your heart, soul, and strength? [45:05]
Devotional
Day 1: No Barriers in Our Relationship with God
In our relationship with God, there should be no barriers. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross tore down the veil, symbolizing the removal of any separation between us and God. This act allows us to have a direct, personal relationship with Him. However, many of us still feel disconnected from God. This disconnection often stems from spiritual fences we've unknowingly built, such as shame, guilt, and fear. These fences can prevent us from fully receiving what God has for us.
To break down these fences, we must first recognize that they exist and understand that they are not from God. God desires an intimate relationship with us, free from any barriers. By acknowledging and addressing these spiritual fences, we can begin to experience the fullness of God's love and presence in our lives. [32:47]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: What spiritual fences have you unknowingly built that are preventing you from fully receiving God's love? How can you begin to tear them down today?
Day 2: Prayer as Two-Way Communication
Prayer is not just about talking to God but also about receiving from Him. This two-way communication deepens our relationship with God and allows us to experience His presence more fully. Many people view prayer as a one-sided conversation where they present their requests to God, but true prayer involves listening and being open to what God wants to communicate to us.
By approaching prayer as a dialogue, we can grow in our understanding of God's will and experience His guidance in our lives. This requires us to be still and attentive, creating space for God to speak to us. As we practice this two-way communication, we will find that our relationship with God becomes more intimate and transformative. [41:04]
Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV): "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
Reflection: How can you create more space in your prayer life to listen to God? What steps can you take to make your prayer time a two-way conversation?
Day 3: Belief in God's Attributes
To receive from God, we must start with belief in who He is. Psalm 139 reminds us that God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Recognizing these attributes helps us trust Him more and tear down the fences we've built. When we understand that God knows everything about us, is always with us, and has the power to do anything, we can approach Him with confidence and faith.
Belief in God's attributes is foundational to our relationship with Him. It shapes our perspective and influences how we respond to life's challenges. By meditating on God's character and attributes, we can strengthen our faith and trust in Him, allowing us to receive His blessings more fully. [54:39]
Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Which attribute of God do you find most challenging to believe in? How can you grow in your understanding and trust of this attribute?
Day 4: Growing in Humility
Growing in humility is crucial for receiving from God. Humility acknowledges that we don't have it all figured out and that we need God. It allows us to be open to His guidance and blessings. When we approach God with a humble heart, we recognize our dependence on Him and our need for His wisdom and strength.
Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but about thinking of ourselves less. It involves surrendering our pride and self-sufficiency, allowing God to work in and through us. As we cultivate humility, we become more receptive to God's leading and more willing to follow His will for our lives. [58:30]
James 4:6-10 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride? How can you practice humility and surrender these areas to God?
Day 5: Gratitude Opens Doors
Gratitude is the key to receiving more from God. By thanking Him for what we have, we open ourselves up to receive even more. This attitude of gratitude helps us recognize God's blessings in all circumstances. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we shift our perspective from what we lack to what we have been given.
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform our hearts and minds. It helps us to see God's hand at work in our lives and to trust in His provision. As we cultivate a habit of gratitude, we become more aware of God's presence and more open to receiving His blessings. [01:03:42]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today? How can you express your gratitude to God and others in a tangible way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The good news is this Is that you're going to start With I believe A leg up Because you're already Going to know Man as I start This relationship with Jesus I'm already going to have An idea of how Not to allow fences These heavenly fences To grow up Between my relationship With the Lord Because the one thing That I want you to capture today The one thing I want you To understand Is that in the heavenly realm In our relationship with God There is no place for fences." [32:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God has an incredible way Of breaking down fences And I utilize this video To make that point That maybe there are fences In our lives That God is willing And ready to break down And there are moments Where he will come in And he will do that In order to be better Connected to you And really there's no Better evidence of this Than the gospel Than of Jesus Dying on the cross." [34:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe that God In all of His power And mercy And grace And ability Is still working miracles today But often times Again We have a fence That's built up That keep us from seeing Those miracles from us Not hearing them Not hearing about those moments Because we As human beings We try to grasp And understand No It's got to be a coincidence And I want to tell you There are no coincidences With God." [42:48] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that when we begin to acknowledge What God has done We praise Him We take delight in Him And we just thank Him I believe that these walls These fences That keep us from receiving Even more from Him Come crashing down." [01:05:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Receiving from God Friends Is how we even have salvation Like we could not be saved Unless we would receive What Christ did on the cross So receiving from Him Something that we ourselves Could not do on our own We receive it from God And therefore We now have salvation It's also how We receive it from God And how healings take place." [42:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I believe receiving from God Is recognition of who He is But it's so much so That we choose to do something with it It's kind of like looking at it like this Because of what God has done Now we get to do Because of what God has done Through Christ on the cross And how we have received the Holy Spirit To lead God and direct us in our lives Now we get to do." [47:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I honestly believe That if the church would have a perspective Of that I get to live for the Lord I get to worship Him I get to live out a calling on my life Rather than I have to Just being real There are people probably in this room Or watching wherever you are at That feel like today Was a have to You felt the pressure from somebody inviting you You feel the pressure when somebody around you Is raising their hands Like do I raise my hands Do I not I don't know what to do And I want to tell you That if we had this perspective shift To say you know what Because of what God has done in my life I now then get to praise Him." [47:53] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that there's also people Maybe in this room And listening That maybe it's going to be more of a process for you You're going to walk through seasons of life Where you're going to have to grow In tearing down these fences spiritually In order for you to receive from God And so what I want to do For the remainder of our time Is I want to share with you Really three ways that you and I can grow In relationship to God In receiving from the Lord the first one is this Is that it begins with belief." [53:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I love what Isaiah 55 Really the emphasis of this He says My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts Says the Lord And my ways are far beyond anything That you could imagine For just as the heavens are higher than the earth So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts are higher than your thoughts God helps us to recognize Man he's trying to give us a heads up Listen you're probably going to be in an environment Where you are going to try to boast And elevate yourself But guess what You ain't all that yet." [59:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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