Embracing Unity, Surrender, and the Holy Spirit in 2025

 

Summary

As we step into 2025, I am filled with anticipation and faith that this year will be our best yet, both as a church and individually. The foundation of this belief is rooted in putting God first in all aspects of our lives. Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us that when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him. This year, let us passionately pursue God and prioritize His kingdom and righteousness above all else.

Reflecting on the past, we have seen God move in miraculous ways. In 2024, our focus was on the word "wonder," acknowledging God as the one who performs wonders and miracles. As we move forward, I feel God is calling us to embrace not just one word but several: wonder, more, unity, and surrender. These words are not just themes but calls to action. God is not done performing wonders; He desires to do more—more miracles, more healings, more deliverance, and more salvations. However, to experience this, we must be unified and fully surrendered to His will.

Unity is essential for us to move forward. We must come together as a body, supporting one another and aligning with God's vision for our church. This year, I plan to host vision nights to foster this unity, where we can pray, seek God, and anoint each other for the journey ahead. Surrender, on the other hand, requires us to set aside our plans and align with God's. It is about yielding control to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide our actions and thoughts.

The Holy Spirit is central to our journey. We are a Spirit-filled church, and we must not shy away from this identity. The Holy Spirit is not the forgotten God; He is our advocate, teacher, and guide. We must cultivate a relationship with Him, allowing His gifts and fruits to manifest in our lives. This year, our midweek gatherings will focus on deepening our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, equipping us to live Spirit-led lives.

Moreover, we are called to be a church that believes in deliverance. We must address the root causes of our struggles, not just the symptoms. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is key to breaking the yoke of bondage and setting captives free. It is through His anointing that we can heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and restore sight to the blind.

As we embark on this journey, let us be unified, surrendered, and filled with the Spirit. Let us lay our lives on the altar, trusting that God will show up in incredible ways. May this year be marked by more wonder, more unity, and more surrender to His will.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pursuing God First: This year, prioritize seeking God with all your heart. When God is first, everything else falls into place. Let us passionately pursue His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will lead us into our best year yet. [01:56]

2. Unity and Surrender: Unity and surrender are essential for experiencing God's wonders. As a church, we must come together, aligning with God's vision and surrendering our plans to His will. This alignment will position us to witness more miracles and wonders. [06:56]

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Embrace the Holy Spirit as our advocate and guide. Cultivate a relationship with Him, allowing His gifts and fruits to manifest in your life. The Holy Spirit is not the forgotten God; He is central to our journey. [12:59]

4. Deliverance and Anointing: Address the root causes of struggles, not just the symptoms. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is key to breaking the yoke of bondage and setting captives free. Seek His anointing for healing and deliverance. [21:13]

5. Living with Purpose: Align your life with God's purpose and vision. The anointing brings recovery of sight to the blind, restoring vision and direction. Live with intentionality, seeking God's plan for your life and walking in His freedom. [28:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:56] - Seeking God with All Your Heart
- [03:49] - Words for the Year: Wonder, More, Unity, Surrender
- [06:56] - The Importance of Unity
- [07:52] - Understanding Surrender
- [09:44] - Heart Posture and Spiritual Growth
- [12:59] - Embracing the Holy Spirit
- [14:02] - Gifts and Fellowship with the Spirit
- [16:20] - Spiritual Tools and Gifts
- [18:39] - Midweek Focus on the Holy Spirit
- [20:19] - Tithing and Worship
- [21:13] - Deliverance and Freedom
- [22:14] - Anointing and Its Cost
- [25:15] - Proclaiming Good News and Healing
- [28:32] - Restoring Vision and Purpose
- [30:45] - Aligning with God's Vision for 2025

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
2. Ephesians 5:18-20 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Luke 4:18-19 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jeremiah 29:13 say about the conditions for finding God? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on passionately pursuing God? [01:56]
2. In Ephesians 5:18-20, what are believers encouraged to do instead of getting drunk on wine? How does this relate to the sermon’s focus on being Spirit-filled? [10:35]
3. According to Luke 4:18-19, what are the roles of the anointing of the Spirit? How does this passage connect to the sermon’s message on deliverance and anointing? [21:13]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of seeking God with all your heart in Jeremiah 29:13 challenge the way individuals prioritize their spiritual lives? [01:56]
2. What might it mean to be filled with the Spirit as described in Ephesians 5:18-20, and how can this influence a believer’s daily interactions and worship? [10:35]
3. In what ways does the anointing described in Luke 4:18-19 empower believers to address both personal and communal struggles? [21:13]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you need to seek God more passionately? What steps can you take this week to prioritize seeking God with all your heart? [01:56]
2. Consider your relationship with the Holy Spirit. How can you cultivate a deeper fellowship with Him in your daily life? What practical changes can you make to be more Spirit-led? [12:59]
3. Unity and surrender were highlighted as essential for experiencing God’s wonders. How can you contribute to greater unity within your church community? Are there personal plans you need to surrender to align with God’s will? [06:56]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of addressing root causes of struggles. Is there a recurring issue in your life that you need to confront at its root? How can you seek God’s anointing for deliverance in this area? [21:13]
5. How can you intentionally live with purpose and align your life with God’s vision? Identify one area of your life where you need to seek God’s direction and take a step towards aligning with His purpose this week. [28:32]
6. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit as an advocate and guide. How can you be more open to His guidance in your decisions and actions? What is one specific area where you need His wisdom and insight? [14:02]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of having a heart posture open to the Holy Spirit. How can you ensure your heart is receptive to His leading? What might be hindering this openness, and how can you address it? [09:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing God's Kingdom in Our Lives
In 2025, the call is to prioritize seeking God with all our hearts. This means putting God first in every aspect of our lives, trusting that when we do so, everything else will fall into place. The promise of Jeremiah 29:13 assures us that when we seek God wholeheartedly, we will find Him. This year, let us passionately pursue His kingdom and righteousness, believing that He will lead us into our best year yet. By aligning our lives with His will, we open ourselves to the blessings and guidance that come from a deep relationship with Him. [01:56]

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." (1 Chronicles 16:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prioritize seeking God first in your daily routine?


Day 2: Unity and Surrender as Pathways to Miracles
Unity and surrender are essential for experiencing God's wonders. As a church, we are called to come together, aligning with God's vision and surrendering our plans to His will. This alignment positions us to witness more miracles and wonders. Unity requires us to support one another and work towards a common goal, while surrender involves yielding control to God and allowing Him to guide our actions and thoughts. By embracing these principles, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. [06:56]

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." (1 Peter 3:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community this week?


Day 3: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Role in Our Lives
The Holy Spirit is our advocate, teacher, and guide, and we must cultivate a relationship with Him. As a Spirit-filled church, we are called to embrace this identity and allow the gifts and fruits of the Spirit to manifest in our lives. The Holy Spirit is not the forgotten God; He is central to our journey. This year, our focus is on deepening our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, equipping us to live Spirit-led lives. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's presence and power in our daily walk. [12:59]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit this week?


Day 4: Seeking Deliverance and Anointing for Freedom
We are called to address the root causes of our struggles, not just the symptoms. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is key to breaking the yoke of bondage and setting captives free. By seeking His anointing, we can experience healing and deliverance in our lives. This involves allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, bringing freedom and transformation. As we pursue deliverance, we are empowered to heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and restore sight to the blind. [21:13]

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." (Isaiah 61:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's deliverance and anointing today?


Day 5: Living with Purpose and Intentionality
Aligning our lives with God's purpose and vision is essential for living with intentionality. The anointing brings recovery of sight to the blind, restoring vision and direction. By seeking God's plan for our lives and walking in His freedom, we can live with purpose and intentionality. This involves being open to His guidance and allowing Him to shape our path. As we align with His vision, we are empowered to live out our calling and make a meaningful impact in the world around us. [28:32]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your life more closely with God's purpose and vision for you?

Quotes


I believe with all of my heart that this year is going to be our best year as a church. I believe with all of my heart that it's going to be your best year, your best year, personally. You've heard me say this before, but if God is not first, then nothing in life is in the right order. [00:01:08]

The word seek, you will seek and find me, when what, you seek me with all your heart, that means to passionately pursue him. Like, I hope that 2025, we passionately pursue him, and we actually do what Matthew talks about, but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. And I do believe it's gonna be your best year, our best year ever. [00:02:06]

do the same word like you know but he is the god who does wonders or he is the god who does miracles let me tell you he's not done doing wonder he's not doing done doing miracles i actually think we're positioned in a place to even have more wonders and more miracles uh in store in the other word i felt like he said was more more means more more quantity like more like more more miracles more healing more deliverance more freedom more salvations just more like it's not a season to go backwards we're going forward we're going to see god do more wonder the other words i felt like he gave me was the word unity and the word surrender and as i was sitting in my office and i was just kind of praying i really felt like he was saying to have more wonder we as a body have to be more unified and we have to more surrender to whatever he says so that we can see more wonder [00:04:16]

Surrender means that I surrender, I set aside my own plans, and I eagerly seek God's plans. What does God want? What does God say? What is God speaking? What's his will? I set aside mine, and I come into alignment with his. Did you know this, that God's will is not always accomplished? [00:07:28]

And when we give our life to Jesus and there's greater levels of surrender, it brings us closer into intimacy with the Lord and we surrender more areas of our life. In Ephesians 5 .18, it talks about being filled with the Holy Spirit and instead be filled with the Spirit. That means I make room and I say yes to whatever he's speaking so that there's more of him. [00:09:06]

It says to be filled. That means essentially yielding control to the Spirit and allowing Him to guide your actions and thoughts and aligning your life to His will. And so I hope that we surrender. And I want to remind us, because I said this a lot last year, I think it's just a continual theme of what He's doing, but every single time in the Bible someone placed on the altar what God had asked for, every single time, God, showed up. [00:11:03]

When you talk about Holy Spirit, I feel like for a lot of people, he is the forgotten God. We have God the Father, God the Son, and then, oh, God the Holy Spirit. We treat him like the weird uncle, so we don't really want him showing up at the party because we don't know what he's going to say or do, so we just pretend like he doesn't exist. [00:13:05]

John 14, 26, but the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. If the Father sent the Holy Spirit, he must think that he's pretty important. And one of his primary functions is relationship, fellowship with you and I. [00:13:23]

And when you think of the gifts of the Spirit, what I really want you to think of is God has given you a tool belt that is filled with all of the tools you need to accomplish everything that he has for you. Why would we not want his gifts? Why would we not want to use the tools he's given to us? [00:15:14]

I just want you to think of this. If you walked into a house and there was a bunch of cobwebs there and you're like, oh, that's kind of gross. And so you remove all of the cobwebs and then you leave the house and you come back a week from now, you want to know what you're probably going to walk into? More cobwebs. Why? Because you're removing what the outward, but never getting to the source, which is causing the cobwebs. [00:20:45]

I believe God can heal. He is Jehovah Rapha. He is the Lord that heals, and he can heal instantly, just in a moment, just like that. I've seen it. I've been a part of that. God has moved, but the word in this situation actually is more of a progressive healing. The anointing of the Lord comes along, so those who have been trampled on emotionally, you can take them through a process of healing. [00:26:43]

I don't, maybe there's some churches that don't have any vision. I know some, you know, like maybe they're people that have no vision. Vision, people lose vision for their marriage, for their finances, for their kids, for their life. They've lost vision. And the anointing, what it does is the devil has deliberately removed the vision so they spend their whole life, you know, oh, I'm doing all this stuff, but I can't even see and I'm not moving anywhere and there's no direction and there's no purpose, there's no plan, like, but I'm just living my life. And then the anointing comes along and it recovers sight to the blind where that person now gets vision for their life. [00:29:15]

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Transcript
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