Embracing the Supernatural: A Call to Radical Faith
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the urgent need for a radical shift in the church, emphasizing the importance of embracing the supernatural aspects of our faith, such as dreams, visions, and prophetic encounters. We began by expressing a deep hunger for God to move beyond the limitations we often place on Him. We acknowledged that many churches have minimized or ignored these supernatural elements, but we are called to seek them earnestly. The Bible promises that both young and old will experience dreams and visions, and we should actively cry out for these manifestations.
We also discussed the necessity of prophetic revelation for the church's mission. Without it, we are merely having human-driven meetings. The prophetic brings clarity, direction, and power, enabling us to fulfill God's plans effectively. We shared personal testimonies of how prophetic words have guided significant decisions in our lives, illustrating the transformative power of hearing from God.
Furthermore, we addressed the issue of presenting a watered-down gospel that focuses on what people can get rather than what they are to give. True salvation requires death to self, surrender, and commitment to God's plans. We must repent for emphasizing personal gain over sacrificial giving. The church should be a place where people come to die to themselves and live for Christ, not a place where they seek comfort and affirmation without true transformation.
Finally, we challenged ourselves to examine our level of surrender and openness to the Holy Spirit's intensity. Are we truly willing to die to self and embrace the fullness of God's call, even if it means stepping out in fear and facing giants? The call to radical obedience and genuine revival requires us to move beyond our comfort zones and fully trust in God's goodness and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the Supernatural: The church must actively seek and promote dreams, visions, and prophetic encounters. These supernatural elements are not just for a select few but should be a normal part of our spiritual lives. Crying out for these experiences can lead to profound revelations and guidance from God. [04:33]
2. The Importance of Prophetic Revelation: Prophetic words are crucial for the church's mission. They provide clarity, direction, and power, enabling us to fulfill God's plans effectively. Without prophetic revelation, we risk having human-driven meetings devoid of divine guidance. [08:46]
3. Repent for a Watered-Down Gospel: The church must repent for presenting a gospel that focuses on personal gain rather than sacrificial giving. True salvation requires death to self, surrender, and commitment to God's plans. We must call people to a deeper level of commitment and transformation. [23:32]
4. Extravagant Giving: We must shift our focus from what we can get to what we can give. Entering the church with the expectation of making a sacrifice and giving an offering aligns us with God's heart. Extravagant giving breaks the spirit of the rich young ruler and leads to spiritual and financial freedom. [27:57]
5. Radical Obedience and Revival: Genuine revival requires a cross-carrying people who are dead to self and fully surrendered to God. We must be willing to step out in fear, face giants, and embrace the fullness of God's call. Radical obedience leads to profound experiences of God's love and power. [44:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:33] - Addressing Criticism and Embracing Reformation
[03:11] - Revolution in the Church
[04:33] - Embracing Dreams, Visions, and Prophetic Encounters
[06:12] - Crying Out for Supernatural Experiences
[07:24] - Authenticity in Prophetic Revelation
[08:46] - The Necessity of Prophetic Guidance
[10:11] - The Power of Praying in the Spirit
[11:33] - The Depth of Spiritual Encounters
[13:01] - The Challenge of True Revival
[14:38] - The Importance of Prophetic Words
[16:09] - Living a Prophetic Life
[17:37] - Personal Testimony: Moving to Kansas City
[20:16] - The Role of Prophetic Words in Major Decisions
[22:02] - The Impact of Prophetic Obedience
[23:32] - Repenting for a Watered-Down Gospel
[24:59] - The Cost of True Discipleship
[26:32] - Emphasizing Sacrificial Giving
[27:57] - The Heart of Extravagant Giving
[29:07] - Breaking the Spirit of the Rich Young Ruler
[30:24] - The Dangers of Using God for Personal Gain
[31:36] - Personal Testimony: Bold Faith at Work
[32:52] - The Cost of True Salvation
[34:00] - The Severity of the Call to Follow Jesus
[35:18] - The Need for Radical Shift in the Church
[37:12] - The Challenge of Aligning with Other Churches
[39:02] - The Resistance to the Holy Spirit in the Church
[41:03] - Personal Testimony: Confronting Reality in Thailand
[42:57] - The Call to Radical Obedience
[44:50] - Stepping Out in Fear and Facing Giants
[46:19] - Examining Our Level of Surrender
[47:00] - Closing Worship and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV): "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
2. 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NIV): "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues."
3. Mark 10:21-22 (NIV): "Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Joel 2:28-29, what are the promised manifestations of the Spirit being poured out on all people?
2. In 1 Corinthians 14:39, what two specific actions does Paul encourage the believers to pursue?
3. What was the rich young ruler's reaction to Jesus' command in Mark 10:21-22, and why did he react that way? [23:32]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how prophetic words have guided significant decisions in the pastor's life? [16:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Joel 2:28-29 challenge the current state of the church's engagement with the supernatural? [04:33]
2. Why is prophetic revelation considered crucial for the church's mission according to the sermon? [08:46]
3. What does the rich young ruler's story in Mark 10:21-22 teach us about the cost of true discipleship and the dangers of a watered-down gospel? [23:32]
4. How does the pastor's personal testimony about moving to Kansas City illustrate the importance of living a prophetic life? [17:37]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual life. Are you actively seeking dreams, visions, and prophetic encounters as described in Joel 2:28-29? What steps can you take to cultivate this aspect of your faith? [04:33]
2. How can you create an environment in your small group or church that encourages and embraces prophetic revelation and speaking in tongues, as suggested in 1 Corinthians 14:39? [08:46]
3. The sermon emphasizes the need for repentance from a watered-down gospel. In what ways have you personally focused more on what you can get from your faith rather than what you can give? How can you shift this focus? [23:32]
4. Consider the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:21-22. What is one area of your life where you feel God is asking you to surrender something valuable? How can you take a step towards obedience this week? [23:32]
5. The pastor shared a testimony about radical obedience and moving to Kansas City. Is there a decision in your life where you need to seek God's prophetic guidance? How will you go about seeking that guidance? [17:37]
6. The sermon challenges us to examine our level of surrender and openness to the Holy Spirit's intensity. What fears or comfort zones are holding you back from fully embracing God's call? How can you confront these fears? [44:50]
7. How can you practice extravagant giving in your daily life, not just financially but also in terms of time, energy, and love? Identify one specific way you can give extravagantly this week. [27:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Supernatural
The church must actively seek and promote dreams, visions, and prophetic encounters. These supernatural elements are not just for a select few but should be a normal part of our spiritual lives. Crying out for these experiences can lead to profound revelations and guidance from God. Many churches have minimized or ignored these supernatural elements, but we are called to seek them earnestly. The Bible promises that both young and old will experience dreams and visions, and we should actively cry out for these manifestations.
Embracing the supernatural means moving beyond the limitations we often place on God. It involves a deep hunger for God to move in ways that transcend our understanding. By seeking dreams, visions, and prophetic encounters, we open ourselves to the fullness of God's revelation and guidance. This pursuit is not about seeking sensational experiences but about desiring a deeper connection with God and His purposes for our lives. [04:33]
Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."
Reflection: Are you actively seeking and open to experiencing dreams, visions, and prophetic encounters from God? How can you create space in your daily life to listen for His supernatural guidance?
Day 2: The Importance of Prophetic Revelation
Prophetic words are crucial for the church's mission. They provide clarity, direction, and power, enabling us to fulfill God's plans effectively. Without prophetic revelation, we risk having human-driven meetings devoid of divine guidance. The prophetic brings clarity, direction, and power, enabling us to fulfill God's plans effectively. Personal testimonies of how prophetic words have guided significant decisions in our lives illustrate the transformative power of hearing from God.
The necessity of prophetic guidance cannot be overstated. It is through prophetic revelation that we gain insight into God's specific plans and purposes for our lives and our communities. This guidance helps us navigate challenges, make important decisions, and align ourselves with God's will. Without it, we are left to rely on our limited human understanding, which can lead to confusion and misdirection. [08:46]
1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV): "On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."
Reflection: How have you experienced prophetic guidance in your life? What steps can you take to seek and recognize prophetic words that provide clarity and direction for your journey?
Day 3: Repent for a Watered-Down Gospel
The church must repent for presenting a gospel that focuses on personal gain rather than sacrificial giving. True salvation requires death to self, surrender, and commitment to God's plans. We must call people to a deeper level of commitment and transformation. The church should be a place where people come to die to themselves and live for Christ, not a place where they seek comfort and affirmation without true transformation.
Repenting for a watered-down gospel involves acknowledging where we have prioritized personal comfort and gain over the true call of discipleship. It means returning to the core message of the gospel, which is about dying to self and living for Christ. This repentance is not just about words but about a genuine shift in how we live and what we prioritize. [23:32]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you embraced a watered-down version of the gospel? How can you commit to a deeper level of surrender and transformation in your walk with Christ?
Day 4: Extravagant Giving
We must shift our focus from what we can get to what we can give. Entering the church with the expectation of making a sacrifice and giving an offering aligns us with God's heart. Extravagant giving breaks the spirit of the rich young ruler and leads to spiritual and financial freedom. True discipleship involves a heart of generosity and a willingness to give sacrificially.
Extravagant giving is not just about financial contributions but about a lifestyle of generosity. It means being willing to give of our time, resources, and talents for the sake of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. This kind of giving reflects the heart of God and breaks the hold of materialism and selfishness in our lives. [27:57]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you practice extravagant giving in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to align your heart with God's generosity and break the spirit of materialism?
Day 5: Radical Obedience and Revival
Genuine revival requires a cross-carrying people who are dead to self and fully surrendered to God. We must be willing to step out in fear, face giants, and embrace the fullness of God's call. Radical obedience leads to profound experiences of God's love and power. This call to radical obedience is not for the faint of heart but for those who are willing to trust in God's goodness and love completely.
Radical obedience involves stepping out of our comfort zones and fully trusting in God's plans, even when it means facing challenges and fears. It is through this kind of obedience that we experience true revival and the transformative power of God's love. This journey requires a deep level of surrender and a willingness to follow God's leading, no matter the cost. [44:50]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What areas of your life require radical obedience to God's call? How can you step out in faith and trust in God's goodness and love, even when facing fears and challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We don't want to limit you God, we don't want to limit you. We want you to do everything that you have planned. We're hungry God. I pray that you would stretch every last soul in this place, stretch them, cause them to have bigger faith, bigger expectancy. Lord, I'm asking you put a put some dissatisfaction in their spirit Lord where they cannot stay where they are." [01:33] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We must again embrace dreams, visions, praying in the holy spirit and extreme encounters with God. So much of the church has shut this down or has minimized it, has ignored it, is afraid of it, doesn't understand it. You know, whatever the reason we see in the church today that this is not typically normal. Now of course some churches it is, it is normal. We want to see it more and more normal." [04:33] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to hear what God is saying. We need the revelation. We need that. When we have that, things get better. There's more power. There's more strength. You know, every one of you in this, in this place, the prophetic, revelation that you should have, right, benefits what God, what God is doing." [14:38] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to see the gospel returned to the church again. What are the benefits of this? Authentic salvations that will result in a powerful church, a true remnant church, right? The rich young rulers won't be affirmed and the truth won't be compromised. We need to see this shift coming to the church." [26:32] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to root out this false gospel that's really landed in so many churches to where we just casually connect with God and presume all is well. We got to root that out. We got to understand the severity of this, the intensity of it. God, as we do this, I know, I know that the goodness of God will be revealed. I know that the love, Jesus will overwhelm us. I know it." [44:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We must repent for presenting a watered down, socially acceptable gospel. Salvation requires death, surrender, and commitment to the plans of God. It's the whole idea is we're, we don't want you just kind of cruising in here trying to figure out what you get out of Revival X, but we really want you to come on in and just die. We want this, we want to be a place where, where this is a place of surrender, death to self, taking up our life." [23:32] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We must repent for emphasizing what people can get instead of what they are to give. To enter a church with the expectation of leaving with more than you entered with is to embrace the same spirit the money changers did. They went into the temple with the expectation of leaving with more than they entered with, right? Using the temple, using God's, using God's for personal gain." [26:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to see the prophetic come through. We've got to see tongues, I mean, just erupt again, you know, even around here. It's funny. I, I believe we've tapped into maybe 5% of what we're called to do, what God wants us to do even today. I believe today we're at about 5% in terms of praying in the spirit and groaning in the spirit and kicking into that realm of, of really what we could be stepping into." [10:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to see the gospel returned to the church. We need to see that we could trust God. I believe God knows what he's doing. And if he can tell the rich young ruler, nope, you're not ready. If he can overtake and turn the tables of the money changers, if he can deal, if he can deal with those false ideas, we can trust that the gospel is powerful enough to save. We can trust that God knows what he's doing." [35:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to hear what God is saying. We need the revelation. We need that. When we have that, things get better. There's more power. There's more strength. You know, every one of you in this, in this place, the prophetic, revelation that you should have, right, benefits what God, what God is doing. You know, that's why we have this whiteboard up here. Someone wrote, I have a plan for you. Stop with the excuses. I love that. Step out afraid. Do not let the giant stop you. Look to me to take your promised land." [14:38] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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