Encountering God's Power: A Journey of Surrender
Summary
In today's gathering, we experienced a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, inviting us to encounter God's presence and power. We began with a call to prayer, inviting those who needed healing or a touch from God to come forward. The atmosphere was charged with expectancy as we prayed for healing and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This was a moment to experience God's power and glory, to be touched and transformed by His presence.
We then shifted our focus to the invitation of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of committing our lives to Him. This is not just a one-time decision but a continual journey of surrender and relationship. Jesus invites us to come to Him, to be forgiven, and to receive His Spirit, becoming part of God's family. This decision is life-changing, offering a new beginning and a deeper connection with God.
The heart of our time together was centered on knowing Jesus intimately. Drawing from Philippians 3, we explored the surpassing value of knowing Christ, not just intellectually but relationally. This kind of knowing transforms every aspect of our lives, influencing how we live, love, and serve. It's about moving beyond superficial acquaintance to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, where He becomes the center of our lives.
We also addressed the burdens we carry—our anxieties, pains, and disappointments. Jesus invites us to cast these burdens on Him, to offload them at the foot of the cross. This act of surrender is crucial for experiencing the freedom and rest that Jesus offers. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we recognize that our burdens are His, and we trust Him to carry them for us.
As we prepare for the upcoming Firefall event, we are encouraged to come with hearts free from burdens, ready to encounter God in a fresh and powerful way. This is a time to let go of the past, to be healed from disappointments, and to embrace the new things God has for us. Let us come with expectancy, ready to receive all that God has prepared for us.
Key Takeaways:
- Encountering God's Power: The presence of God is transformative, inviting us to experience His power and glory. This encounter is not just for healing but for a deeper relationship with Him. We are called to respond to His invitation and be open to His work in our lives. [42:30]
- Commitment to Christ: Committing our lives to Jesus is a life-changing decision. It involves surrendering our past, receiving forgiveness, and becoming part of God's family. This commitment is ongoing, requiring us to continually choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior. [48:28]
- Intimacy with Jesus: Knowing Jesus is more than intellectual knowledge; it's a deep, personal relationship that influences every aspect of our lives. This intimacy requires time, communication, and a willingness to be transformed by His presence. [01:23:03]
- Casting Our Burdens: Jesus invites us to cast our burdens on Him, recognizing that He is our Lord and burden-bearer. This act of surrender frees us from anxiety and allows us to experience His peace and rest. [01:38:00]
- Preparation for Firefall: As we prepare for Firefall, we are encouraged to come with hearts free from burdens, ready to encounter God in a fresh way. This is a time to let go of past disappointments and embrace the new things God has for us. [01:50:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [42:30] - Invitation to Prayer and Healing
- [48:28] - Call to Salvation
- [55:21] - Healing Testimonies
- [01:00:14] - Prayer for Physical Healing
- [01:23:03] - Knowing Jesus Intimately
- [01:27:06] - The Value of Relationship with Christ
- [01:38:00] - Casting Burdens on the Lord
- [01:42:26] - Understanding Jesus as Lord
- [01:50:46] - Surrendering at the Cross
- [01:55:00] - Preparing for Firefall
- [02:00:00] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:7-11
2. 1 Peter 5:6-7
3. Matthew 11:28-30
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Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 3:7-11, what does Paul consider as loss compared to the value of knowing Christ? How does this reflect the sermon’s emphasis on intimacy with Jesus? [01:23:03]
2. According to 1 Peter 5:6-7, what are believers instructed to do with their anxieties, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about casting burdens on Jesus? [01:38:00]
3. In Matthew 11:28-30, what invitation does Jesus extend to those who are weary, and how does this align with the sermon’s call to surrender burdens at the foot of the cross? [01:42:26]
4. During the sermon, what was the significance of the "knapsack" metaphor, and how did it illustrate the act of surrendering burdens to Jesus? [01:50:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul’s view of his past achievements as "rubbish" in Philippians 3:8 challenge common perceptions of success and value in today’s society? [01:23:03]
2. What does it mean to humble oneself under God’s mighty hand, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:6-7, and how can this humility lead to spiritual growth? [01:27:06]
3. In what ways does Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to take His yoke upon us offer a different perspective on dealing with life’s challenges? [01:38:00]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of knowing Jesus intimately. How does this deeper relationship with Christ influence a believer’s daily life and decisions? [01:23:03]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. What steps can you take to move from a superficial acquaintance to a deeper, more intimate connection with Him? [01:23:03]
2. Identify a specific burden or anxiety you are currently carrying. How can you practically cast this burden onto Jesus this week, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:7? [01:38:00]
3. Consider the areas of your life where you may be holding onto control. How can you practice surrendering these areas to Jesus, acknowledging Him as Lord? [01:42:26]
4. As you prepare for the upcoming Firefall event, what past disappointments or burdens do you need to let go of to fully embrace the new things God has for you? [01:50:46]
5. How can you cultivate a heart of expectancy and openness to God’s transformative power in your life, as discussed in the sermon? [42:30]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s healing or presence in a powerful way. How can you share this testimony to encourage others in your small group? [55:21]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your commitment to Christ is an ongoing journey of surrender and relationship, rather than a one-time decision? [48:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Experiencing God's Transformative Presence
In moments of prayer and worship, we are invited to encounter the transformative presence of God. This encounter is not just about seeking healing but about opening ourselves to a deeper relationship with Him. When we come before God with expectancy, we allow His power and glory to touch and transform us. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of being shaped by His presence. As we respond to His invitation, we become more attuned to His work in our lives, experiencing His love and grace in profound ways. [42:30]
Isaiah 64:1-2 (ESV): "Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil—to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence!"
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to intentionally seek and experience God's presence in a transformative way?
Day 2: The Ongoing Journey of Commitment to Christ
Committing our lives to Jesus is a decision that goes beyond a single moment; it is a lifelong journey of surrender and relationship. This commitment involves letting go of our past, receiving forgiveness, and embracing our identity as part of God's family. As we continually choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are invited into a dynamic relationship that shapes our lives. This ongoing commitment requires us to daily surrender our will to His, trusting in His guidance and love. [48:28]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to renew your commitment to Christ today? How can you take a step towards deeper surrender in that area?
Day 3: Cultivating Intimacy with Jesus
Knowing Jesus is not merely about intellectual understanding; it is about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. This intimacy with Jesus influences every aspect of our lives, shaping how we live, love, and serve. It requires time, communication, and a willingness to be transformed by His presence. As we draw closer to Jesus, we move beyond superficial acquaintance to a relationship where He becomes the center of our lives. This kind of knowing is life-changing, offering us a new perspective and purpose. [01:23:03]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus and make Him the center of your life?
Day 4: Surrendering Our Burdens to Jesus
Jesus invites us to cast our burdens on Him, recognizing that He is our Lord and burden-bearer. This act of surrender is crucial for experiencing the freedom and rest that Jesus offers. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we trust Him to carry our anxieties, pains, and disappointments. This surrender frees us from the weight of our burdens, allowing us to experience His peace and rest. As we lay our burdens at the foot of the cross, we open ourselves to the healing and renewal that only He can provide. [01:38:00]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: What burden are you carrying today that you need to surrender to Jesus? How can you practically lay it down at His feet and trust Him to carry it for you?
Day 5: Preparing Our Hearts for a Fresh Encounter with God
As we prepare for the upcoming Firefall event, we are encouraged to come with hearts free from burdens, ready to encounter God in a fresh and powerful way. This is a time to let go of past disappointments and embrace the new things God has for us. By coming with expectancy, we open ourselves to receive all that God has prepared for us. This preparation involves a willingness to be healed, transformed, and renewed by His presence. Let us approach this time with open hearts, ready to experience the fullness of His love and grace. [01:50:46]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart to encounter God in a fresh way this week? What past disappointments do you need to let go of to embrace the new things God has for you?
Quotes
Jesus is so awesome because He doesn't force you to come to Him. It's an invitation. And we respond to that invitation. He forgives us of sin, but He does something very special. He puts His Holy Spirit into your spirit. And the Bible says when that happens, you are born again, not physically, but spiritually. And at that moment in time, you become a part of the family of God. You become a child of God. [00:46:32] (35 seconds)
God, today I choose to live for you and I confess you as my Lord and as my Saviour. I give you today the controls of my life. Jesus, thank you. I receive now your Holy Spirit into my Spirit that I might be born again by the Spirit of God. Thank you, Jesus. I am now a part of the family of God. I am saved and I'm ready to live my life for you. I live my life for you. In Jesus' name. Amen. [00:50:16] (50 seconds)
More than that, I count all things to be lost in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and I count them all but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ, and may be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I might know him. [01:22:04] (35 seconds)
And verse 8 and verse 10 speaks about knowing him, to know him. And it's more than just an intellectual knowledge of him. It's more than just like knowing somebody that's in your sports club. I mean, I go to America all the time, and I ask a question like, do you know Bishop this or Pastor that or whatever? And of course, everybody says, yes, I know them. But in America, they don't know them at all. [01:23:43] (30 seconds)
You've got to really know them. And there's a great glimpse of Apostle Paul when he speaks here, and he says this amazing statement. He says, more than that, I count all things to be lost in view of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ, my Lord, for whom I've suffered the loss of all things, and I might count them but rubbish that I might gain Christ. I have meditated on that passage, that verse, probably thousands of times, that everything in my life is rubbish when I compare it to knowing Jesus Christ, my Lord, like knowing him intimately. [01:25:34] (46 seconds)
And I want to know him like that. I want my relationship with Jesus to be more than just an acquaintance. I want my relationship to Jesus to actually infiltrate every aspect of my life. And I believe this is how it's meant to be. Now, when we think about that, I want to read to you some scriptures for a moment because I want to apply that for a few seconds, for a few minutes. In 1 Peter 5, 6 to 7, he says, therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. Now, that's a good statement. You need to humble. Some people say, oh, Lord, please make me humble. [01:27:36] (40 seconds)
And then he says this amazing statement, casting all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you. Casting all your anxiety on him. Now, Psalm 55, verse 22. Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you and he will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Now, in the Amplified Bible, it says it this way. It's absolutely awesome. Cast your burden on the Lord relating, releasing the weight of it. See, we all carry weight, negative weight so often. [01:29:18] (42 seconds)
Release the weight of it and he will sustain you. He will never allow you consistently righteous to be moved, made to slip or fall. I mean, I just love that. Casting the weight. And I wonder this morning, what is the weight? The worry, the hurt, the pain, the disappointments that you're carrying. And we're going to do something in a few minutes because I want us to come into firefall free of all that stuff so that we can be free to encounter Jesus in an intimate and fresh way. Then, of course, Matthew tops it off chapter 11, verse 28 to 30. He says, come to me. [01:29:56] (50 seconds)
What we're really saying is, Lord, my burdens are not mine. This is so important. My sorrows are no longer mine because I'm owned by him. I'm under his lordship. I'm under his control. I'm under his command. So therefore, everything that I have that's negative, even positive, is actually his. Now, this is really important because if you don't get this, you won't get what intimacy with Jesus is really about. So when I am in pain and in sorrow, that's actually his pain and sorrow because he's the Lord. Get it? It's his pain. It's his pain. What you are facing is his when he's your Lord. It's not yours. [01:41:03] (58 seconds)
And so therefore, when we talk about casting our burdens upon the Lord, upon God, we're basically saying, Lord, this problem that I've got is not my problem. It's actually your problem. This grief that I've got right now is actually not my grief. It's your grief because you're the Lord. This pain that I'm facing is actually not my pain. It's your pain. So you need to come and deal with it. [01:42:19] (36 seconds)
I used to do this In Seeking God camps many years ago And I want to do it this morning But I want you to imagine All of your burdens All of your sorrows All of your griefs In what we call a knapsack You know you see them It's a stick And it's got a piece of cloth And you put the stick over your shoulder And the cloth has got all your belongings in it And you walk with your knapsack But you see the problem is That many of us are carrying a knapsack Just like that But it's grief It's pain It's burdens It's sorrows And I'm going to suggest to you this morning You imagine if you've got griefs and sorrows And burdens and pains This morning You're going to carry those burdens and pains To the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ And what's going to happen to you this morning And what's going to happen is I'm going to draw I'm drawing it right now An imaginary line Up the front here And you're going to walk up the front Carrying the knapsack That is full of your burdens and pains and sorrows And when you walk across the line You're walking up And imagine that up the front here is the foot of the cross of Jesus And you offload the knapsack Into the blood That is dripping down From the cross of Jesus And you watch Your burdens Get flooded over By the blood of Christ [01:43:34] (122 seconds)
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