Empowered Restoration: Embracing Grace for Transformation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of restoration and empowerment through the grace of God. We began by acknowledging the battles and lies that the enemy may whisper into our lives, but we were reminded that greater is He who is within us than he who is in the world. We declared peace, life, and restoration in the name of Jesus, emphasizing that God is in the business of restoring the years that the locusts have eaten. This restoration is not an instant fix but a process that ultimately reflects the image of Christ in our lives.
We then transitioned into the sacred act of communion, reflecting on the significance of the Lord's Supper. This act is a powerful reminder of the new covenant established through the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is a call to examine ourselves, align with His covenant, and allow His healing touch in every aspect of our lives. Communion is not just a ritual but a supernatural encounter with the grace of God.
As we look forward to 2025, we declared it to be a year of empowering grace. Grace is not merely unmerited favor but the power of God that enables us to live supernaturally. We were encouraged to plant seeds of thoughts, words, and actions that align with God's will, as our harvest in 2025 will be determined by the seeds we sow. Empowering grace allows us to overcome challenges, transform our lives, and live in a realm of impossibility where God calls us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own.
We also discussed the concept of overcoming grace, which enables us to triumph over the world through faith. This grace is not just about forgiveness but about empowering us to give grace to others and to overcome the adversities we face. We were reminded that our identity in 2025 should be defined by being called, chosen, and faithful, not by our past or pain.
Finally, we touched on transforming grace, which renews our minds and aligns us with God's perfect will. We were encouraged to be good stewards of the blessings we receive and to prepare for both prosperous and challenging times. This grace transforms us from glory to glory, shaping us into the image of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Restoration Through Christ: Embrace the process of restoration, knowing that God is working to restore the years the locusts have eaten. This journey may not be instantaneous, but it will ultimately reflect the image of Christ in your life. Trust in His promise of restoration and call out to Jesus for healing and wholeness. [09:47]
2. The Power of Communion: Communion is a sacred act that reminds us of the new covenant through Jesus' sacrifice. It is a time to examine ourselves, align with His covenant, and allow His healing touch in our lives. This act is not just a ritual but a supernatural encounter with God's grace. [18:06]
3. Empowering Grace for 2025: As we enter 2025, let it be a year defined by empowering grace. This grace enables us to live supernaturally, planting seeds of thoughts, words, and actions that align with God's will. Our harvest in 2025 will be determined by the seeds we sow today. [29:49]
4. Overcoming Grace: Overcoming grace empowers us to triumph over the world through faith. It is not just about forgiveness but about empowering us to give grace to others and overcome adversities. Let your identity in 2025 be defined by being called, chosen, and faithful. [48:04]
5. Transforming Grace: Transforming grace renews our minds and aligns us with God's perfect will. Be good stewards of the blessings you receive and prepare for both prosperous and challenging times. This grace transforms us from glory to glory, shaping us into the image of Christ. [56:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:11] - Embracing Restoration
[08:56] - Calling Out to Jesus
[09:47] - The Process of Restoration
[15:27] - Preparing for Communion
[16:53] - The Significance of the Lord's Supper
[18:06] - Remembering Jesus
[18:56] - Examining Ourselves
[19:45] - Aligning with His Covenant
[20:48] - Prayer of Alignment
[21:23] - Applying the Blood
[22:22] - Worship and Reflection
[28:18] - Empowering Grace for 2025
[29:49] - Planting Seeds for the Future
[32:54] - The Power of Thoughts, Words, and Actions
[33:46] - Becoming Sons of God
[34:46] - Grace and Truth
[36:27] - Receiving Grace for Grace
[38:07] - Empowering Grace Explained
[39:29] - Witnessing Through Empowering Grace
[41:30] - Overcoming Distractions
[43:49] - Living in the Realm of Impossibility
[45:41] - Overcoming Grace
[46:19] - The Victory of Faith
[48:04] - Overcoming with the Lamb
[48:54] - Called, Chosen, and Faithful
[50:08] - The Power of Words
[51:00] - Overcoming by the Blood and Testimony
[53:14] - Speaking Life Over Challenges
[54:25] - Family and Faith
[55:07] - Transforming Grace
[56:23] - Renewing the Mind
[57:40] - Wisdom for 2025
[58:50] - The Story of Joseph
[01:00:36] - Stewardship and Prosperity
[01:01:40] - Transforming into His Image
[01:03:49] - Closing Prayer and Offering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 John 4:4 - "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
2. Joel 2:25 - "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten..."
3. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon say about the process of restoration and how it reflects the image of Christ in our lives? [09:47]
2. How is the act of communion described in the sermon, and what significance does it hold for believers? [18:06]
3. According to the sermon, what role does empowering grace play in our lives as we look forward to 2025? [29:49]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between grace and our identity in 2025? [48:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of restoration in Joel 2:25 relate to the personal battles and challenges mentioned in the sermon? [09:47]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that communion is more than just a ritual? How does it serve as a supernatural encounter with God's grace? [18:06]
3. How does the sermon define empowering grace, and what implications does it have for living a life aligned with God's will? [29:49]
4. What does the sermon imply about the transformative power of grace in renewing our minds and aligning us with God's perfect will? [56:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need for restoration in your life. How can you embrace the process of restoration through Christ today? [09:47]
2. How can you prepare your heart and mind to experience communion as a supernatural encounter with God's grace rather than just a ritual? [18:06]
3. As we approach 2025, what specific seeds of thoughts, words, and actions can you plant now to align with God's will and experience a supernatural harvest? [29:49]
4. In what areas of your life do you need to apply overcoming grace to triumph over challenges and adversities? How can you extend grace to others in these situations? [48:04]
5. How can you actively renew your mind to align with God's perfect will, and what practical steps can you take to be a good steward of the blessings you receive? [56:23]
6. Consider your identity in 2025. How can you ensure it is defined by being called, chosen, and faithful, rather than by past experiences or pain? [48:54]
7. What specific distractions or patterns in your life need to be transformed by grace to better reflect the image of Christ? How can you address these in the coming weeks? [56:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Journey of Restoration
In the journey of restoration, God works to heal and renew the years that have been lost or damaged. This process is not instantaneous but unfolds over time, reflecting the image of Christ in our lives. Restoration involves acknowledging the battles and lies that may have been whispered into our lives, yet holding onto the truth that greater is He who is within us than he who is in the world. As we call out to Jesus for healing and wholeness, we trust in His promise to restore us, knowing that each step in this journey is a step towards becoming more like Him. [09:47]
Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the need for restoration? How can you invite Jesus into this process today, trusting in His promise to restore?
Day 2: Communion as a Supernatural Encounter
Communion is a sacred act that goes beyond ritual, serving as a powerful reminder of the new covenant established through the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is a time to examine ourselves, align with His covenant, and invite His healing touch into every aspect of our lives. This act of communion is a supernatural encounter with the grace of God, calling us to reflect on the significance of the Lord's Supper and the profound grace it represents. As we partake, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus and the new life we have in Him. [18:06]
1 Corinthians 11:28-30 (ESV): "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died."
Reflection: As you prepare for your next communion, what specific areas of your life need alignment with God's covenant? How can you approach this sacred act with a heart open to His healing grace?
Day 3: Planting Seeds of Empowering Grace
As we look forward to 2025, we are called to embrace a year defined by empowering grace. This grace is not merely unmerited favor but the power of God that enables us to live supernaturally. By planting seeds of thoughts, words, and actions that align with God's will, we prepare for a harvest that reflects His purpose in our lives. Empowering grace allows us to overcome challenges and live in a realm of impossibility, where God calls us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. [29:49]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: What seeds of thoughts, words, or actions can you plant today that align with God's will for your life? How can you rely on His empowering grace to nurture these seeds into a fruitful harvest?
Day 4: Triumphing Through Overcoming Grace
Overcoming grace empowers us to triumph over the world through faith. It is not just about forgiveness but about empowering us to extend grace to others and overcome adversities. Our identity should be defined by being called, chosen, and faithful, not by our past or pain. This grace enables us to live victoriously, overcoming the challenges and distractions that come our way, and standing firm in our faith as we journey through life. [48:04]
1 John 5:4-5 (ESV): "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
Reflection: In what ways can you extend grace to someone in your life today? How can you let your identity be defined by being called, chosen, and faithful, rather than by past hurts or failures?
Day 5: Transforming Grace and Renewing the Mind
Transforming grace renews our minds and aligns us with God's perfect will. As we receive this grace, we are called to be good stewards of the blessings we receive and to prepare for both prosperous and challenging times. This grace transforms us from glory to glory, shaping us into the image of Christ. By allowing our minds to be renewed, we open ourselves to the wisdom and guidance of God, enabling us to navigate life's journey with faith and purpose. [56:23]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "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 mind that needs renewal today? How can you invite God's transforming grace to align your thoughts and actions with His perfect will?
Quotes
"I speak peace. I speak life. Come on now, somebody help me. I speak restoration. In the name of Jesus. It said that the Lord is restoring the years that the locust has attempted to eat in your life. Hallelujah. So, wherever you're at, however you're at, that whenever you're at, call out to Jesus. Call out to Jesus. He restores. He makes whole." [00:07:05] (39 seconds)
"The word of God says, without the shedding of blood, there's no remission of sin. So I've got good news for you this morning. He shed his blood. Amen. Sin is in remission. Amen. And then he said, as often as you do this, do it to remember me. On this last Sunday of the year, 2024, let's remember Jesus. Amen. I've had a lot of good. I've had some bad, a little bit of ugly. Well, a whole lot of ugly. Maybe a little too much in the mirror." [00:17:51] (39 seconds)
"May your 20, I'm speaking, may your 2025 be different by empowering grace. your 2025 be defined by empowering grace. And the word was made flesh. Amen. And lived among us. Amen. And we beheld his glory. The glory is of the only begotten of the Father, full of what? Grace and truth. When we beheld his glory, think, I want to preach for seven hours. I just want to. If I can't, I want to. When we beheld him, when we began to look at him for who he really is, and look at it for the way it really is, we saw that he is full of grace and truth." [00:34:20] (76 seconds)
"talking about a grace that empowers you but you shall receive power Jesus said after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you I'm talking about an empowering grace that empowers you to do the impossible and let me tell you something God is calling you He's calling you absolutely into the realm of impossibility Amen, I'm going to call you to do something that you can accomplish on your own He's calling you into the realm of impossibility because if He calls you into the realm of the possible you look back, thank you, did it right" [00:42:23] (39 seconds)
"Pray to the king of kings and the Lord of lords that these attributes. And I'm just going to go ahead and say it. That these attributes are going to define you in 2025. Come on. You're going to be called. Hallelujah. You're going to be chosen. Hallelujah. You're going to be called. I'm not bringing up your past. I'm not talking about your past. I'm not talking about your hurt. I'm not talking about your pain. I'm not talking about what sister Bertha better than you did 50 years ago. No. I'm talking about who you're going to be in 2025." [00:49:34] (30 seconds)
"The grace that empowers you, grace that allows you to overcome, is also a grace that will transform you. Listen, I don't want to hear what you used to be. Somebody come around me talking about how you used to be or what you used to be. I ain't got time for you. I ain't got time for that. I'll invest into who you are and who you are. Once you're, once you're in the right place, I'm talking about transforming grace because let me tell you something when grace really hits you when grace really gets inside of you you're going to transform it cannot reside in the same old wineskin that you've always resided in it can't work it won't happen Jesus told us it can't so when Jesus comes in he's going to change this old wineskin that I have this earth suits going to change that I have it I'm not just talking about the physical body I'm talking about the mind and the spirit and the soul and yes to the physical body" [00:56:23] (65 seconds)
"Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed how? By the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. I'm talking about three phases of the will of God all the way. He's talking about the good and acceptable and the perfect will of God. That's what it is. That's what the will of God is." [01:01:17] (23 seconds)
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