Fasting and Prayer: A Call to Spiritual Renewal
Summary
As we embark on this significant season of fasting and prayer, it is crucial for us as leaders and elder couples to be fully engaged and committed. This is not merely a scheduled event but a deliberate and fervent pursuit of God. Throughout the history of New Life Community Church, every major breakthrough has been preceded by such seasons. This year, our international congregations in Spain, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Cuba, and Chile are joining us in this spiritual endeavor, highlighting the unity and shared purpose across our global community.
We are witnessing encouraging signs of spiritual awakening, both within our church and across the nation. Over the past two years, more than 1,000 individuals have come to Christ, been mentored, and baptized—a testament to the Spirit of God moving among us. This awakening is not confined to our church; it is a broader movement, with sparks of revival igniting across the country. As believers, we are called to live filled with the Spirit, regardless of the cultural climate, and to pray for an extraordinary move of God that transcends the walls of the church.
James chapter 4 provides a roadmap for spiritual renewal, emphasizing the importance of humility and grace. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride is a subtle yet deadly sin that can repel the grace of God. As we enter this season, we must examine our hearts, ensuring we are not repelling God's grace through pride. True spiritual authority and power come from submission to God, and fasting serves as an intensifier of prayer, reminding us of our weakness and dependence on God.
Drawing near to God requires repentance, a willingness to acknowledge and release the sin in our lives. As we approach the light of God's presence, the darkness within us is exposed, compelling us to seek cleansing and renewal. This process is essential for revival, as history shows that true revival is always preceded by repentance and humility. As we consecrate ourselves for the next 21 days, let us press in with intentionality and fervor, seeking God's presence above all else.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in Fasting and Prayer: Our global congregations are joining us in this season, emphasizing the power of unity in seeking God. This collective effort is not just a ritual but a profound spiritual pursuit that has historically led to breakthroughs. [01:16]
2. Signs of Awakening: We are witnessing a spiritual awakening, with over 1,000 people coming to Christ in the past two years. This movement is not isolated to our church but is part of a broader national awakening, driven by the Spirit of God. [03:31]
3. The Role of Humility: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride is a subtle sin that can repel God's grace, and as we enter this season, we must examine our hearts to ensure we are drawing God's grace, not repelling it. [17:27]
4. The Power of Submission: True spiritual authority comes from submission to God. Fasting intensifies our prayer life, reminding us of our dependence on God and aligning us with His will. [22:00]
5. Repentance and Revival: Drawing near to God requires repentance, as the light of His presence exposes the darkness within us. True revival is always preceded by repentance and humility, as we seek God's presence above all else. [28:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:16] - Unity in Fasting and Prayer
- [01:59] - Global Participation
- [03:31] - Signs of Awakening
- [05:12] - Testimonies of Transformation
- [06:41] - Living Filled with the Spirit
- [08:48] - The Call for Extraordinary Moves
- [10:12] - Insights from James Chapter 4
- [11:56] - Understanding Grace
- [13:46] - Grace and Sin
- [14:41] - The Danger of Pride
- [17:27] - Examining Our Hearts
- [19:22] - The Power of Submission
- [22:00] - Fasting as an Intensifier
- [24:20] - Drawing Near to God
- [28:45] - The Necessity of Repentance
- [31:00] - The Light of God's Presence
- [34:33] - Consecration for the Fast
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- James 4:6-10
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#### Observation Questions
1. What role does humility play in receiving God's grace according to James 4:6? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on humility? [14:41]
2. In the sermon, it was mentioned that over 1,000 people have come to Christ in the past two years. What does this signify about the current spiritual climate within the church and the nation? [03:31]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between fasting and prayer, and what is its intended effect on believers? [22:00]
4. What are the signs of spiritual awakening mentioned in the sermon, and how are they evident in the church's recent experiences? [05:12]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble (James 4:6) challenge common perceptions of self-sufficiency and pride in today's culture? [17:27]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of unity in fasting and prayer. How might this unity contribute to spiritual breakthroughs and awakenings? [01:16]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that repentance is a necessary precursor to revival? How does this align with the teachings in James 4? [28:45]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the power of submission to God, and what practical steps can believers take to align themselves with God's will? [22:00]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where pride might be repelling God's grace? How can you cultivate humility to draw closer to God? [14:41]
2. The sermon calls for a collective effort in fasting and prayer. How can you actively participate in this season, and what specific steps will you take to engage more deeply? [01:16]
3. Consider the recent spiritual awakenings mentioned in the sermon. How can you contribute to this movement within your own community or church? [05:12]
4. What does submission to God look like in your daily life? Identify one area where you can practice greater submission and align more closely with God's will. [22:00]
5. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of repentance for revival. Is there a specific sin or habit you need to repent of to experience personal renewal? [28:45]
6. How can you support others in your church or community who are seeking spiritual awakening or renewal? What role can you play in fostering a supportive environment for them? [06:41]
7. As you engage in this season of fasting and prayer, what specific prayer or spiritual goal will you focus on, and how will you measure your progress? [35:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Global Spiritual Pursuit
In this season of fasting and prayer, the unity of our global congregations in Spain, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Cuba, and Chile underscores the power of collective spiritual pursuit. This is not just a ritual but a profound journey towards God, historically leading to significant breakthroughs. As we join together, we are reminded of the strength found in unity, as our shared purpose amplifies our prayers and deepens our spiritual impact. This unity is a testament to the body of Christ working together, transcending geographical boundaries to seek God's presence and guidance. [01:16]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of our global church community during this season of fasting and prayer?
Day 2: Witnessing a Broader Spiritual Awakening
We are in the midst of a spiritual awakening, with over 1,000 individuals coming to Christ in the past two years. This movement is not confined to our church but is part of a broader national awakening, driven by the Spirit of God. As believers, we are called to live filled with the Spirit, regardless of the cultural climate, and to pray for an extraordinary move of God that transcends the walls of the church. This awakening is a reminder of God's power and presence, calling us to be active participants in His work. [03:31]
"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." (Joel 2:28, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the spiritual awakening happening around you?
Day 3: Embracing Humility to Receive Grace
James chapter 4 provides a roadmap for spiritual renewal, emphasizing the importance of humility and grace. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride is a subtle yet deadly sin that can repel the grace of God. As we enter this season, we must examine our hearts, ensuring we are not repelling God's grace through pride. True spiritual authority and power come from submission to God, and fasting serves as an intensifier of prayer, reminding us of our weakness and dependence on God. [17:27]
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What areas of pride in your life might be hindering you from receiving God's grace, and how can you address them today?
Day 4: The Power of Submission and Fasting
True spiritual authority comes from submission to God. Fasting intensifies our prayer life, reminding us of our dependence on God and aligning us with His will. This practice is not about deprivation but about creating space for God to work in our lives. As we submit to Him, we open ourselves to His guidance and power, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. This season of fasting is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and to seek His will with renewed fervor. [22:00]
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use fasting as a tool to deepen your submission to God and align with His will?
Day 5: Repentance as a Pathway to Revival
Drawing near to God requires repentance, as the light of His presence exposes the darkness within us. True revival is always preceded by repentance and humility, as we seek God's presence above all else. This process is essential for spiritual renewal, compelling us to seek cleansing and renewal. As we consecrate ourselves for the next 21 days, let us press in with intentionality and fervor, seeking God's presence above all else. [28:45]
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What specific sins do you need to repent of today to draw nearer to God and experience personal revival?
Quotes
"We are witnessing encouraging signs of spiritual awakening, both within our church and across the nation. Over the past two years, more than 1,000 individuals have come to Christ, been mentored, and baptized—a testament to the Spirit of God moving among us. This awakening is not confined to our church; it is a broader movement, with sparks of revival igniting across the country." [00:02:59]
"As believers, we are called to live filled with the Spirit, regardless of the cultural climate, and to pray for an extraordinary move of God that transcends the walls of the church. My prayer is that God would bring about an extraordinary move of God, so that we would see extraordinary things of God outside of the walls of the church." [00:06:41]
"James chapter 4 provides a roadmap for spiritual renewal, emphasizing the importance of humility and grace. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride is a subtle yet deadly sin that can repel the grace of God. As we enter this season, we must examine our hearts, ensuring we are not repelling God's grace through pride." [00:09:35]
"True spiritual authority and power come from submission to God, and fasting serves as an intensifier of prayer, reminding us of our weakness and dependence on God. When I fast, I'm very aware of my hunger and my weakness. And there's a reminder that the longer the fast goes, the weaker I feel." [00:22:00]
"Drawing near to God requires repentance, a willingness to acknowledge and release the sin in our lives. As we approach the light of God's presence, the darkness within us is exposed, compelling us to seek cleansing and renewal. This process is essential for revival, as history shows that true revival is always preceded by repentance and humility." [00:28:45]
"Repentance is the acknowledgment of wrong and ugliness in my heart that is exposed by the presence of God, and I'm willing to release because my desire is to get close to the Father. And unless I go through the doorway of repentance, the willingness to acknowledge that it's wrong, the willingness to confess it and release it, and leave it behind, then I get stuck at the doorway because closeness to the Father requires repentance." [00:28:45]
"As you draw close to God, he convicts, he exposes, he points out, he shows you. And the closer you draw to the light, the clearer your sin becomes. So that we cry with Isaiah, woe is me, I'm undone, cleanse me, Lord. That's what the presence of God does. By the way, that's what revival does." [00:32:11]
"Revival and awakening is a new manifestation of the presence of God that draws us deeper into a realization of his holiness and the brokenness of our sinfulness. And it causes us to deal with sin. In the Welsh revival, that nation was shaken by a move of God. So many people were saved and turned around and convicted in this mining little country that they had to close bars down because people stopped going to drink." [00:32:11]
"We can have major blind portions in our life without even batting an eye at them, yet they are grievous to God. But when God breaks sin, when we start to seek God, when the presence of God becomes powerful, when the light starts to shine us, it is impossible to ignore our sin." [00:34:33]
"Those things that we would minimize before, now they become huge things in the sight of God that we have to deal with, that we're compelled to deal with. We can't give little lies anymore because they convict us. We can't let our heart get full of bitterness or jealousy or pride because we're not able to live in the presence of God." [00:34:33]
"We dedicate these next 21 days to the seeking of God. As New Life Community Church, we consecrate ourselves to press in in intentional, fresh, intense ways. We consecrate ourselves to listen to your voice. We consecrate ourselves, Lord, until the fast ends. To press even when our bodies are tired, even when our flesh wants us to give in, we press in God." [00:35:29]
"Religion can pacify us to the presence of God. It can nullify us and numb us to even the sins of our own heart. We can live immune to our sin, especially if we have closed out the voice of the Holy Spirit." [00:34:33]
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