Embracing Authenticity: Experiencing the Real Jesus

 

Summary

As we look forward to 2025, we find ourselves amidst a whirlwind of change, with technology like AI becoming increasingly prevalent. Yet, amidst these advancements, there's a pressing need to discern what is real from what is fake. This challenge is not just technological but spiritual, as many have experienced a sense of religious fakeness in the church. The call for 2025 is to embrace authenticity in our faith, to be real with ourselves, with God, and with the world around us. Jesus is not just a distant concept or a religious figure; He is alive and desires to transform lives in our community.

Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that God is doing something new, even amidst the remnants of the past. This newness is not about novelty but about returning to the core of our faith—experiencing the real presence of Jesus. The invitation is open to all, not just the religious elite, but to those who feel overlooked and broken. The parable in Luke 14:16-24 illustrates this beautifully, showing that the invitation to God's banquet is extended to everyone, especially those who society might deem unworthy.

The story of the former drug dealer turned pastor exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Jesus. It is a testament to the reality that miracles, healing, and life change are not just historical events but present-day realities. As a church, we are called to be witnesses of this reality, sharing our testimonies and inviting others to experience the living God.

In 1 Corinthians 14:22-25, Paul speaks of the supernatural signs that accompany believers, serving as evidence of God's presence. When people encounter the realness of God, their lives are changed, and they proclaim, "God is really among you." This is the essence of our mission for 2025—to be a community where the realness of God is evident, where lives are transformed, and where the invitation to experience Jesus is extended to all.

Key Takeaways:

- Embrace Authenticity: In a world filled with artificiality, the call is to be real with God, ourselves, and others. Authentic faith is not about religious rituals but about a genuine relationship with Jesus, who is alive and transformative. [06:00]

- God is Doing Something New: Isaiah 43:18-19 speaks of God doing a new thing, inviting us to move beyond past hurts and embrace the newness He offers. This newness is rooted in the reality of Jesus' presence and power in our lives. [07:29]

- The Invitation is for All: The parable in Luke 14 illustrates that God's invitation is open to everyone, especially those who feel marginalized. The church is called to extend this invitation, welcoming all to experience the realness of God. [11:09]

- Transformation Through Encounter: The story of the drug dealer turned pastor highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Miracles and life change are not just historical but available to us today. [16:17]

- Supernatural Evidence of God's Presence: 1 Corinthians 14 emphasizes that supernatural signs accompany believers, serving as evidence of God's real presence. When people encounter this reality, they are drawn to worship and proclaim, "God is really among you." [24:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:13] - Real or AI?
- [03:47] - The Challenge of Discernment
- [06:00] - Embracing Authentic Faith
- [07:29] - God is Doing Something New
- [09:38] - The Real Thing: Jesus
- [11:09] - The Invitation to All
- [12:21] - Unexpected Guests at the Banquet
- [14:58] - A Story of Transformation
- [16:17] - Miracles and Life Change
- [18:00] - 2025: A Year of Real Encounter
- [19:03] - The Open Invitation
- [20:34] - Be a Witness
- [22:23] - Supernatural Signs
- [24:18] - God is Really Among You
- [26:34] - Experiencing the Real Together
- [29:09] - The Search for Real Fire
- [31:08] - Signs of a Believer's Life
- [32:14] - Stepping Out in Faith
- [33:20] - Invitation to Encounter
- [36:17] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 43:18-19
- Luke 14:16-24
- 1 Corinthians 14:22-25

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God promise to do, and how does this relate to the idea of moving beyond past experiences? [07:29]

2. In the parable from Luke 14:16-24, who are the initial invitees to the banquet, and what reasons do they give for not attending? [11:09]

3. How does the story of the former drug dealer turned pastor illustrate the transformative power of encountering Jesus? [14:58]

4. What does 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 say about the role of supernatural signs in the church, and how do they serve as evidence of God's presence? [22:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might it mean for God to be doing "something new" in our lives today, as described in Isaiah 43:18-19? How can this newness be both a return to the core of our faith and an invitation to experience Jesus' presence? [07:29]

2. How does the parable in Luke 14:16-24 challenge our understanding of who is invited to experience God's kingdom? What implications does this have for how we view and treat those who feel marginalized or overlooked? [11:09]

3. In what ways does the story of the former drug dealer turned pastor challenge our perceptions of who can be transformed by Jesus? How does this story encourage us to share our own testimonies? [14:58]

4. How do supernatural signs, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:22-25, impact the faith of believers and the perception of unbelievers? What role do these signs play in the mission of the church? [22:23]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel stuck in the past? How can you embrace the newness God offers, as described in Isaiah 43:18-19? [07:29]

2. Consider the people in your community who might feel overlooked or marginalized. How can you extend an invitation to them to experience the realness of God, as illustrated in the parable from Luke 14:16-24? [11:09]

3. Think about a time when you experienced a significant transformation in your life. How can sharing this testimony encourage others to encounter Jesus? [14:58]

4. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a supernatural sign that strengthened your faith? How can you be open to such experiences and share them with others? [22:23]

5. In what ways can you be more authentic in your faith, moving beyond religious rituals to a genuine relationship with Jesus? What steps can you take this week to deepen this relationship? [06:00]

6. How can you be a witness to the realness of God in your everyday interactions, whether at work, school, or in your neighborhood? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share God's love with someone. [20:34]

7. Reflect on the idea of stepping out in faith, like Peter walking on water. What is one area in your life where you feel called to take a bold step of faith? How can you prepare for this step? [33:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Genuine Faith
In a world increasingly dominated by artificiality, the call to embrace authenticity in faith is more pressing than ever. Authentic faith is not about adhering to religious rituals or traditions but about cultivating a genuine relationship with Jesus, who is alive and transformative. This authenticity requires being real with God, ourselves, and others, acknowledging our struggles and seeking a deeper connection with the divine. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the challenge is to discern what is real and to hold fast to the truth of Jesus' presence in our lives. [06:00]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to be authentic with God or others? How can you take a step towards greater authenticity today?


Day 2: Embracing New Beginnings
Isaiah 43:18-19 speaks of God doing a new thing, inviting us to move beyond past hurts and embrace the newness He offers. This newness is not about novelty for its own sake but is deeply rooted in the reality of Jesus' presence and power in our lives. As we look forward to 2025, we are reminded that God is continually at work, transforming our lives and communities. The challenge is to let go of the past and open our hearts to the new possibilities that God is creating, trusting in His guidance and provision. [07:29]

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: What past hurts or failures are you holding onto that might be hindering you from embracing the new things God wants to do in your life? How can you begin to let go and trust in His new work?


Day 3: The Universal Invitation
The parable in Luke 14 illustrates that God's invitation is open to everyone, especially those who feel marginalized or unworthy. The church is called to extend this invitation, welcoming all to experience the realness of God. This inclusivity challenges us to look beyond societal norms and prejudices, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of His love and grace, extending the invitation to His banquet to all, regardless of their background or status. [11:09]

"And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'" (Luke 14:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might feel overlooked or marginalized? How can you extend God's invitation of love and acceptance to them today?


Day 4: Transformation Through Encounter
The story of the former drug dealer turned pastor exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Jesus. It is a testament to the reality that miracles, healing, and life change are not just historical events but present-day realities. When we encounter Jesus, our lives are transformed, and we are empowered to share our testimonies with others. This transformation is not just for our benefit but serves as a witness to the world of God's love and power. [16:17]

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant transformation in your life through your faith. How can you share this testimony with someone who might need encouragement today?


Day 5: Evidence of God's Presence
1 Corinthians 14 emphasizes that supernatural signs accompany believers, serving as evidence of God's real presence. When people encounter this reality, they are drawn to worship and proclaim, "God is really among you." This is the essence of our mission—to be a community where the realness of God is evident, where lives are transformed, and where the invitation to experience Jesus is extended to all. As believers, we are called to live in such a way that others can see the evidence of God's presence in our lives. [24:18]

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the evidence of God's presence in your daily life? How can you be a living testimony of His power and love to those around you?

Quotes



"And yet the Lord comes to the prophet Isaiah and he says, forget past events. Don't remember. Pay no attention to the things of old because there's a message coming. Look, I'm doing something new. Even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make. A way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." [00:08:13] (19 seconds)


"It goes so much more than just a group of people gathering together and enjoying God, but it's an invitation to a city to experience the realness of God, the God who is alive and well and does wonders. The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, that there is forgiveness and life change and healing and wonders in heaven available for anyone who will call on the name of Jesus." [00:10:10] (30 seconds)


"The master sends out this invite to the people who are welcome and they all with excuse turned down the invite to the banquet. Now in the context of what Jesus is talking about, the people who turned down the invite to the banquet were the Jewish people that he was bringing the message to. And it's actually talking about how the good news of Jesus, is going to go beyond just the Jewish people, but to the whole world and the whole world is going to come in." [00:11:40] (30 seconds)


"The hurting, the broken, the lame, the people who don't feel they're perfect enough, good enough, whatever else. The message of Jesus is available. And it's something real that you can have. It is real. Miracles are real. Jesus is real. And he does want to change your life. And he wants to change the lives of people in our city. That's why we invite them." [00:16:33] (17 seconds)


"Still there was room. Verse 23, it says, Then the master told the servant, Go out into the highways and the hedges and make them come so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, not one of those people who were invited will enjoy my banquet. And so he sends him out to go invite more of the highways, the hedges, the byways. Whoever would say yes is welcome into the banquet. Because God says he wants his house full. He wants his kingdom full. And there's always room." [00:17:05] (29 seconds)


"And as a result, he will fall down on his face and worship God, proclaiming God is really among you. Isn't that good? What's happening? The person is invited into what's real. And when they encounter encounter what's real all the stuff that they the hurt and the pain and the things and the secrets of their heart the things they suppress and keep kept in the back closet god begins to work into that and begins to reveal that they don't understand how you know those things how the church knows those things how is that even possible the secrets of their heart are" [00:23:04] (44 seconds)


"Even this past week, week of prayer and fasting, we saw miracles, we saw people getting healed. Actually, we had one of my favorite nights, we had a night where we got everybody praying for everybody for healing and then the testimony started rolling in of people getting healed, people with back pain, knee pain, numbness going, whatever else it could be as the people were praying for people and people who'd never seen a miracle before were seeing miracles and healings. Why? Because that's all real and it's all available." [00:26:34] (27 seconds)


"People got baptized in the Holy Spirit this week, people got set free this week. It was so good because God is alive and well and he's still on the throne and he's not asleep. He's absolutely not asleep. I think about this prophet in the Old Testament, Elijah, and he has this contest with the prophets of Baal and there's 400 of them and Baal was this other deity from, I can't remember which culture he was a part of, but Israel adopted it from Canaan and they were worshiping him and so the prophets of Baal meet the one prophet of Elijah." [00:27:01] (33 seconds)


"Well, when you think about 2025, when you think about our church, when you think about what can happen, when you think about what God can do, remember one simple thing. When we say come up for prayer, when we say there's a prayer wall back there, when we say we're all gathering, whatever it could be, remember one simple thing, that what we're saying is this is real. This is real. I think about Peter, the Apostle Peter, when they were in the storm, and Jesus is walking on water." [00:32:14] (36 seconds)


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Transcript
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