Embracing Repentance: A Call to Spiritual Awakening
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered in a spirit of repentance and humility, seeking a fresh visitation from the Holy Spirit. We began by acknowledging the prophetic word spoken over us, that something was about to break, and indeed, it was our own hearts breaking before God. We have been fasting and praying for spiritual awakening and revival in America, and we believe this is the beginning of that movement. We set aside our agendas and messages to focus solely on God, recognizing that we need His goodness and presence more than anything else.
We confessed our sins corporately, acknowledging that we have walked in worldly wisdom and allowed our personal preferences and opinions to hinder our relationships with God and others. We admitted that we have been our own worst enemies by not dealing with the internal wars that rob us of peace. We invited Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to reign in our hearts and lives, confessing Him as our personal Lord and Savior.
We also confessed that our focus on worldly distractions has prevented us from flourishing spiritually. We asked God to remove these distractions and to reignite the lamp of our first love for Him. We humbled ourselves before God, submitting to His heavenly wisdom and asking Him to use our lives for His glory. We ended by praying for each other’s surrender, asking God to remove any mountains standing in the way of our "yes" to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Repentance and Humility: We must continually repent and humble ourselves before God, recognizing that our own wisdom and ways lead us astray. True spiritual awakening begins with a broken and contrite heart that seeks God's presence above all else. [35:46]
2. Rejecting Worldly Wisdom: Walking in worldly wisdom makes us earthbound and unspiritual, opening doors to demonic influences. We must reject this wisdom and seek heavenly wisdom, which calls us to live above the line, as the head and not the tail. [37:55]
3. Peace Through Christ: Many of us lack peace because we seek it in the wrong places. True peace comes only from Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We must turn to Him and accept His invitation to bring peace to the wars within us. [42:18]
4. First Love and Devotion: Our focus on worldly distractions has dimmed the lamp of our first love for God. We need to remove these distractions and renew our devotion to Him, ensuring that our affections are solely placed on Jesus. [46:48]
5. Surrender and Submission: True spiritual growth and freedom come from complete surrender and submission to God. We must give Him our "yes" in every area of our lives, allowing His heavenly wisdom to guide us and His glory to fill us. [48:00]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:46] - Prophetic Word and Repentance
[37:55] - Rejecting Worldly Wisdom
[42:18] - Seeking Peace Through Christ
[46:48] - Renewing Our First Love
[48:00] - Surrender and Submission
[54:09] - Call to Surrender
[59:23] - Praying for Each Other's Yes
[01:03:46] - Removing Mountains
[01:06:18] - Closing and Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. James 3:13-18 - "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
2. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
3. Revelation 2:4-5 - "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
### Observation Questions
1. According to James 3:13-18, what are the characteristics of heavenly wisdom compared to worldly wisdom?
2. In Philippians 4:6-7, what are we instructed to do instead of being anxious, and what is promised as a result?
3. What does Revelation 2:4-5 say about the importance of maintaining our first love for God?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon’s call to reject worldly wisdom and seek heavenly wisdom align with James 3:13-18? [37:55]
2. What does it mean to experience the peace of God as described in Philippians 4:6-7, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on finding peace through Christ? [42:18]
3. How can the warning in Revelation 2:4-5 about forsaking our first love be applied to the distractions mentioned in the sermon that prevent us from flourishing spiritually? [46:48]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the need for repentance and humility. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own wisdom instead of seeking God’s guidance. How did that impact your relationship with God and others? [35:46]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to reject worldly wisdom and embrace heavenly wisdom in your daily life? Consider specific areas where you might be influenced by worldly thinking. [37:55]
3. The sermon mentioned that many of us lack peace because we seek it in the wrong places. Identify one area in your life where you have been seeking peace outside of Christ. How can you turn to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to find true peace in that area? [42:18]
4. Reflect on the distractions that have dimmed the lamp of your first love for God. What specific distractions can you remove or minimize this week to renew your devotion to Him? [46:48]
5. The sermon called for complete surrender and submission to God. What is one area of your life where you have been hesitant to give God your "yes"? How can you take a step of faith to surrender that area to Him this week? [48:00]
6. Think about a time when you experienced a spiritual awakening or revival in your life. What were the key factors that contributed to that experience, and how can you cultivate a similar environment for spiritual growth now? [35:46]
7. The sermon ended with a call to pray for each other’s surrender. Identify someone in your small group or community who might be struggling with surrendering to God. How can you support and pray for them this week? [59:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Repentance and Humility
True spiritual awakening begins with a broken and contrite heart that seeks God's presence above all else. We must continually repent and humble ourselves before God, recognizing that our own wisdom and ways lead us astray. This means acknowledging our sins, both individually and corporately, and turning away from them. It involves a deep sense of sorrow for our wrongdoings and a sincere desire to change. When we humble ourselves before God, we open the door for His grace and mercy to flow into our lives, bringing healing and restoration.
Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process. It requires us to examine our hearts regularly and to be honest about the areas where we fall short. Humility, on the other hand, is about recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His will. It means setting aside our own agendas and desires and seeking to align our lives with His purposes. As we do this, we will experience a deeper sense of His presence and a greater measure of His peace and joy. [35:46]
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
Reflection: What specific sins or areas of pride do you need to confess and repent of today? How can you cultivate a heart of humility before God?
Day 2: Rejecting Worldly Wisdom
Walking in worldly wisdom makes us earthbound and unspiritual, opening doors to demonic influences. We must reject this wisdom and seek heavenly wisdom, which calls us to live above the line, as the head and not the tail. Worldly wisdom is often characterized by self-reliance, pride, and a focus on material success. It leads us away from God and towards a life that is centered on our own desires and ambitions. In contrast, heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Rejecting worldly wisdom involves a conscious decision to turn away from the values and priorities of the world and to embrace the values and priorities of God's kingdom. It means seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, rather than one that is focused on pleasing ourselves or others. As we do this, we will find that we are able to live with a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, and that we are able to experience the peace and joy that comes from walking in God's ways. [37:55]
James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on worldly wisdom in your decisions and actions? How can you begin to seek and apply heavenly wisdom in your daily life?
Day 3: Peace Through Christ
Many of us lack peace because we seek it in the wrong places. True peace comes only from Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We must turn to Him and accept His invitation to bring peace to the wars within us. Often, we look for peace in our circumstances, relationships, or achievements, but these things can never provide the lasting peace that our hearts long for. True peace is found only in a relationship with Jesus, who offers us His peace that surpasses all understanding.
To experience this peace, we must be willing to surrender our anxieties, fears, and burdens to Him. This involves trusting Him with every aspect of our lives and allowing Him to take control. As we do this, we will find that His peace begins to fill our hearts and minds, bringing a sense of calm and assurance even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens and to find rest for our souls. [42:18]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: What areas of your life are currently lacking peace? How can you invite Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to bring His peace into those areas today?
Day 4: First Love and Devotion
Our focus on worldly distractions has dimmed the lamp of our first love for God. We need to remove these distractions and renew our devotion to Him, ensuring that our affections are solely placed on Jesus. When we first come to faith, our hearts are often filled with a passionate love for God and a desire to know Him more. However, over time, the cares and concerns of this world can begin to crowd out that love, causing it to grow cold.
Renewing our first love involves a deliberate effort to refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus. This means setting aside time each day to spend in His presence, reading His Word, and seeking His face in prayer. It also means being intentional about removing any distractions or idols that have taken His place in our hearts. As we do this, we will find that our love for Him begins to grow and flourish once again, and that we are able to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from a deep and intimate relationship with Him. [46:48]
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV): "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."
Reflection: What distractions or idols have taken the place of your first love for God? How can you begin to remove these distractions and renew your devotion to Him today?
Day 5: Surrender and Submission
True spiritual growth and freedom come from complete surrender and submission to God. We must give Him our "yes" in every area of our lives, allowing His heavenly wisdom to guide us and His glory to fill us. Surrendering to God means letting go of our own plans and desires and trusting Him to lead us in the way that is best. It involves a willingness to obey His commands and to follow His guidance, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
Submission to God is not about losing our freedom, but about finding true freedom in Him. When we submit to His will, we are able to experience the fullness of His love and grace, and we are able to live a life that is marked by peace, joy, and purpose. As we surrender to Him, we will find that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, and that His plans for us are far greater than anything we could ever dream of. [48:00]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We've been praying as a church We've been fasting and praying all week For spiritual awakening and revival in America And church I believe this is the beginnings of what it looks like Just coming to him Putting our agendas aside Listen putting the message aside For just a moment And just saying God All we need is you God we don't need any more good messages We don't need any more good preachers God we need a good God We need a good God We need a good God" [36:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You've been looking for peace Peace with God Peace with men You don't have any peace Because you're looking everywhere Except to the priesthood Prince of peace The only one who can get it to you And he's here today He's been extending an invitation All morning long He's been reaching out to people And saying do you want my peace Come on do you want the prince of peace Do you want to accept Jesus Christ" [42:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He wants our first love He wants our hearts back He wants our affections back He wants every part of you Not just some of you He He doesn't just want your soul He doesn't just want your body He wants the whole you Everything about you Even the parts you don't like Even though the parts you don't think Are good enough He offers us to come this morning And offer yourself up to him" [44:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We say yes to you, God. every hand lifted, come on, just say more of your glory, God. More of your glory, God. We need more of your glory, God. need more of your glory. Let your glory fill this place, God. Come on, let your glory fill this place, Lord. fill this place, Lord. every vacant heart, let your glory fill this place, Lord. Jesus, we need more of you." [59:23] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you need a miracle listen our prayer ministers will be walking around if you need healing in your body I'm just saying there's an anointing to heal in this place if you need peace of mind listen there's an anointing for peace in this place listen if you need to get delivered and rescued from some stuff listen you can get delivered today I believe there's an anointing called in the room listen that will take care of some things that maybe you've been struggling with" [01:06:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God we point the fingers at us today And we say God we've had enough God we've had enough of playing church God we've had enough God Of just coming in a routine way God Lord we need a fresh visitation Of the Holy Spirit in our lives God And we repent God Of walking In worldly wisdom God in hopes That we can walk God in a heavenly wisdom" [38:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "My personal preferences And my point of view Can get in the way of getting along With God's people God forgive me For allowing worldly wisdom God to get in the way Of my life Of my relationship with you And my relationship with others God I repent of wrong opinions God I repent of wrong perspectives Ideas I cast every high thing down That exalts itself against the name of Jesus" [41:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Together My focus on the world Has prevented me From flourishing God we want you to be our Affection so To do that God I pray that you would take away The distractions Jesus Let my devotion be pure Let my devotion be uninterrupted God let my devotion God Devotion God be one God That is steadfast before you God That doesn't give in God To the to-do list Or the phone Or whatever distractions there are But God My affections are solely Placed on you Jesus" [46:48] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God, I pray that whatever is standing in the way of their yes, God, that you would move it. God, that you would move it in Jesus' name. God, whatever mountain is standing in the way of their purpose. God, whatever mountain is standing in the way of your plan in their life. God, whatever mountain is standing in the way of the promises in their life. God, whatever mountain is standing in the way of your plan in their life. God, we say, remove it in the name of Jesus." [01:04:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God, I pray for supernatural strength. God, to break addictions. God, I pray that you would set people free. God, from addictions that have had them, earthbound. God, unspiritual, opening the doors to darkness. We pray in Jesus' name for deliverance for their yes, God. God, we pray for healing. God, mental, emotional, physical. We pray for healing for people's yes, God. God, whatever is. Hindering our yes. Our brothers, our sisters, yes. God, we pray, God, that you would make a way. God, where there's no other way." [01:05:37] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 22, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?