Encounters with Christ: Healing, Service, and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Servanthood in Simplicity

True servanthood is not about the scale of the task but the heart behind it. It's in the small, often unnoticed acts of service that one's willingness to serve Christ is truly demonstrated. This echoes the story of Amy Simple McPherson, who showed that no act of service is too small when it's done in Jesus' name. It's a reminder that servanthood isn't about seeking recognition or performing grand gestures, but about embodying the love and humility of Christ in every action, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:4-7)

Reflection: How can you embody Christ's servanthood today in a way that goes unnoticed by others but known to God? [05:21]

Day 2: Disillusionment as Divine Guidance

Disillusionment can be a spiritual tool, used to strip away illusions and lead into a deeper relationship with Christ. It's in the shattering of false beliefs and expectations that the true substance of faith is found. This divine guidance is not to be feared but embraced, as it directs away from the superficial and towards the authentic, substantial relationship with Jesus that sustains and fulfills.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)

Reflection: What current disillusionment might God be using to draw you closer to Him, and how can you respond to His guidance? [37:55]

Day 3: The Living Narrative of Scripture

The Bible is not just a historical record; it's a living narrative that invites believers to partake in the divine nature. As one feeds on the Word, transformation occurs, and the divine nature of Christ becomes a lived experience. This is a call to move beyond mere knowledge to a deep, personal encounter with God's presence, allowing the Scriptures to shape and guide daily life.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively allow the living Word to transform your daily experiences and interactions? [23:42]

Day 4: Recognizing Jesus in the Mundane

Encountering Jesus in both the mundane and the miraculous is essential for spiritual growth. Recognizing Him in the simple yet profound moments of life, like the folded napkin in the tomb, speaks volumes about His resurrection and ongoing presence. This recognition of Jesus in everyday life strengthens faith and deepens the relationship with Him.

"And they said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'" (Luke 24:32)

Reflection: What 'folded napkin' moments have you experienced recently that reveal Jesus' presence in your life? [35:13]

Day 5: Healing Through His Wounds

Jesus' wounds are not just historical marks; they are present for our healing. Encountering the risen Christ and finding peace through His wounds invites believers to embrace His healing presence in every area of life. This revelation calls for a personal response, to seek and accept the healing that Jesus offers through His enduring love.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

Reflection: How can you seek healing through the wounds of Christ for an area of brokenness in your life today? [01:07:04]

Sermon Summary

In my sermon, I began by acknowledging the significance of names, particularly the name of our church, Encounter Church, which reflects the profound encounters we have with God and how He encounters us. I expressed gratitude for this sacred space where we experience the divine presence and prayed for God to feed us with spiritual sustenance.

I then shared my appreciation for the opportunity to be in the house of God and the privilege of witnessing the church's outreach efforts. I emphasized the importance of serving the marginalized, as Jesus did, and reminded the congregation that we are all in need of God's grace. I recounted the story of a camp meeting where a woman named Amy Simple McPherson demonstrated her willingness to serve in any capacity, illustrating the heart of true servanthood.

I spoke about the current cultural climate of uncertainty and stress, highlighting the staggering statistics of anxiety and depression across all age groups. I pointed out that our disillusionment is the work of the Spirit, leading us away from illusions that lack substance in Christ. I emphasized the need for genuine encounters with Jesus, rather than being satisfied with entertainment Christianity.

I then delved into the history of the Pentecostal movement, focusing on the story of Brother Seymour, who, despite facing racial discrimination, sought the move of God for his people. I highlighted the true evidence of the Holy Spirit's baptism as love that transcends racial divides.

I discussed the importance of recognizing Jesus in the Scriptures and in our daily lives, stressing that the Bible is not a textbook but a living story that reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I encouraged the congregation to feed on the Word and to see Jesus in the text, which would enable them to see Him in their experiences.

I shared a personal encounter with Jesus, where He reassured me that He is the artist of my life, capable of addressing all my flaws and stains. I then spoke about the road to Emmaus as a metaphor for the church's journey from doubt to enlightenment through the Scriptures.

I addressed the issue of unfinished business in our lives, urging the congregation to understand that Jesus did not die to fix us but to heal us as unique, unrepeatable masterpieces. I invited those in need of healing to come forward and receive prayer.

I concluded by reflecting on the resurrection story, where Jesus appears to His disciples, showing them His wounds as a testament to His enduring love and commitment to healing humanity. I encouraged the congregation to slow down to the speed of revelation, to feed on Jesus, and to allow His story to become intertwined with ours.

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Luke 24:36-49, what were the disciples' initial reactions when Jesus appeared to them? How did Jesus address their fears and doubts?
According to Isaiah 61:1-3, what are some of the specific missions of the Messiah? How do these missions reflect Jesus' ministry?
In John 20:11-18, what was Mary Magdalene's initial reaction when she saw the empty tomb? How did she recognize Jesus when He spoke to her?

Interpretation Questions

How does the story of Jesus appearing to His disciples in Luke 24:36-49 illustrate the importance of recognizing Jesus in both Scripture and our daily lives? ([54:51])
What does Isaiah 61:1-3 reveal about the heart of Jesus' ministry, especially in relation to serving the marginalized and the brokenhearted? ([02:49])
How does Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus in John 20:11-18 demonstrate the personal and transformative nature of encountering the risen Christ? ([39:06])

Application Questions

Reflecting on Amy Simple McPherson's willingness to serve in any capacity, what small acts of service can you commit to this week to serve Jesus and others? ([05:21])
The sermon mentioned that our disillusionment can be a divine tool to strip away false beliefs. What illusions or false expectations about your faith might you need to let go of to deepen your relationship with Christ? ([37:55])
How can you make a habit of recognizing Jesus in the mundane moments of your life, similar to how the folded napkin at the tomb symbolized His ongoing presence? ([35:13])
Jesus' wounds are a testament to His enduring love and commitment to our healing. In what areas of your life do you need to embrace His healing presence? ([01:07:04])
The sermon emphasized the importance of feeding on the Word and seeing Jesus in the Scriptures. What practical steps can you take this week to engage more deeply with the Bible and recognize Jesus in your daily experiences? ([23:42])
Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can the story of Jesus' resurrection and His appearance to the disciples provide you with hope and encouragement in your current situation? ([36:36])
The sermon highlighted the significance of Jesus' resurrection and His ongoing presence with us. How can you slow down to the speed of revelation and allow Jesus' story to become intertwined with yours? ([01:08:45])

Sermon Clips

1. "Jesus didn't die to fix you. You're not a machine. You're a human being. Stop saying, I need to be fixed. You can say, I need to be healed, but you're not a mechanical robot. You're a human. You don't need to be fixed." [01:14:47]( | | )

2. "We feed a thousand families, a week. Now, this last year, we broke all records, and gave away, a million dollars, worth of dry goods, meat, food, clothing, and we're believing, this year, for twice as much." [17:10]( | | )

3. "Beloved, if you can't see him in the text while you're feeding, you won't see him in the context of your life. So then you think if I show up at church, Jesus will show up. Jesus never shows up. How can God be anywhere?" [43:07]( | | )

4. "And he goes to the depths of hell. And he peeks in and there is his infernal majesty. But he's wounded. He's got a hand. He's got a stake that was driven through Jesus' feet but went all the way through his skull." [50:58]( | | )

5. "I'm not who I used to be but I'm not who I'm going to be. Deep theological answer. They've taken away my Lord. Now that term Lord doesn't just mean some Chief Petty Officer. If he's the Lord, who can take the Lord away?" [49:08]( | | )

6. "The Scriptures are the inspired story of a God who reveals himself as Father, Son, and Spirit progressively until God the Father says, this is beloved Son. Hear ye. All the Father talks about is Jesus." [30:36]( | | )

7. "The reason I serve the crucified God is because Vishnu didn't die for me. Krishna didn't die for me. Buddha didn't die for me. I have read the Vedantic scriptures. I have read Hindu philosophy." [46:10]( | | )

8. "And the first thing he says because they think they see a ghost is they're frightened. They're terrified. But they're having an encounter with the holy and they don't know what to do with that." [01:05:48]( | | )

9. "And while you are now in a new era and a new chapter of your life, that diligent heart and these diligent hands have been graced for such a time as this. The spirit of anointed industry." [01:30:42]( | | )

10. "But if you want to know, the story of Pentecost, it's the man, who buried his head, in a milk crate, and cried out, for a baptism, of the Holy Spirit, that was marked, by a love, that knew, no boundaries." [15:11]( | | )

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Were there any personal stories shared?