Flowing Grace: Baptism and God's Life-Giving Presence
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound act of baptism, a public declaration of faith and surrender to Jesus Christ. This act symbolizes the beginning of a journey filled with God's grace, a grace that is freely given and available to all who believe. The essence of our faith is not about cleaning ourselves up before coming to God, but rather accepting His invitation to be filled with His presence and love. This morning, we were reminded of the vision of Freshwater Church, which is rooted in experiencing the manifest presence of God and then taking that presence into the world.
Our exploration of Ezekiel 47 highlighted the metaphor of God's presence as a river flowing from the temple into the world. This river symbolizes the Holy Spirit, which fills us and then flows out to bring life to barren places. Just as the river in Ezekiel's vision transforms the Dead Sea into fresh water, we are called to bring God's life-giving presence to the lifeless areas of our world. This is the true Christian life: to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to let His presence overflow into the world around us.
We are challenged to not hoard these encounters with God but to actively share His love and grace with others. Jesus exemplified this by spending time with those who were far from God, bringing hope and healing to the broken. We are called to do the same, to go into the dead places of our world and bring the life of Christ. This mission requires humility, recognizing that the power is not ours but God's, and seeking His guidance for our specific assignments.
As we embark on a church-wide fast, we are invited to deepen our intimacy with God, seeking His presence and power to be effective in our mission. This fast is an opportunity to clear the clutter from our lives and hear from God in fresh ways. Together, as a community, we are being sent out to be the fresh water of God to the world, empowered by His Spirit to bring life and healing wherever we go.
Key Takeaways:
1. Baptism as Surrender: Baptism is a powerful act of surrender and public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the beginning of a journey filled with God's grace, which is freely given to all who believe. This grace invites us to come as we are, without needing to clean ourselves up first. [47:23]
2. The River of God's Presence: Ezekiel 47 illustrates God's presence as a river flowing from the temple into the world. This river, representing the Holy Spirit, fills us and then flows out to bring life to barren places. We are called to let God's presence overflow from us into the world, transforming lifeless areas with His love and grace. [58:24]
3. Following Jesus' Example: Jesus spent time with those far from God, bringing hope and healing to the broken. We are called to do the same, to go into the dead places of our world and bring the life of Christ. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and intentionally engage with those who need God's love. [01:02:02]
4. Humility and God's Power: To be effective in our mission, we must recognize that the power is not ours but God's. We need to humble ourselves, admitting our dependence on Him, and seek His guidance for our specific assignments. This humility allows us to be vessels of His power and presence. [01:16:12]
5. Fasting for Intimacy and Power: As we embark on a church-wide fast, we are invited to deepen our intimacy with God, seeking His presence and power to be effective in our mission. Fasting clears the clutter from our lives, allowing us to hear from God in fresh ways and receive greater authority for His kingdom work. [01:28:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [47:23] - Invitation to Grace
- [48:53] - Prayer for New Faith
- [49:31] - Heart for the World
- [51:15] - Vision of Freshwater Church
- [51:54] - Prayer for God's Presence
- [52:55] - The Ferrari F40 Analogy
- [54:48] - Called to Take God's Presence
- [56:13] - Ezekiel 47: The River of God
- [57:00] - The River Leaves the Temple
- [58:24] - The River of the Holy Spirit
- [59:15] - Bringing Life to Dead Places
- [01:00:42] - Jesus' Ministry to the Outcasts
- [01:02:02] - Following Jesus' Example
- [01:03:16] - Personal Story of Influence
- [01:05:48] - Engaging with the World
- [01:07:01] - Sharing the Gospel
- [01:08:11] - Called to the Dead Places
- [01:09:08] - Freshwater Church's Mission
- [01:10:20] - The Healing Power of God's Presence
- [01:11:37] - Spirit-Filled Restoration
- [01:12:48] - Where is God Calling You?
- [01:13:56] - Empowered to Bring Life
- [01:14:51] - Feeling Weak and Ineffective
- [01:16:12] - Humility and God's Power
- [01:17:54] - The E-Bike Analogy
- [01:18:50] - The Power is Not Yours
- [01:19:20] - Simon's Lust for Power
- [01:21:52] - Repentance and Humility
- [01:22:38] - Receiving to Give
- [01:23:47] - Looking for Spiritual Opportunities
- [01:24:42] - Holy Spirit-Given Assignments
- [01:25:24] - Obedience to God's Call
- [01:26:19] - Growing in Authority
- [01:27:32] - Prayer and Fasting
- [01:28:36] - Church-Wide Fast
- [01:29:10] - Joining the Fast
- [01:30:27] - Untapped Kingdom Potential
- [01:31:14] - Unlocking the Mission
- [01:32:29] - Reflection and Prayer
- [01:33:48] - Questions for Reflection
- [01:36:00] - Empowerment for the Mission
- [01:36:53] - Commissioning the Church
- [01:38:09] - Influence and Impact
- [01:38:56] - Go and Be Freshwater
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ezekiel 47:1-12
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Observation Questions:
1. In Ezekiel 47, what is the significance of the river flowing from the temple? How does this relate to the presence of God? [56:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the act of baptism, and what does it symbolize in the life of a believer? [47:23]
3. What example from Jesus' life does the sermon highlight to illustrate how we should engage with those far from God? [01:02:02]
4. According to the sermon, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, as illustrated by the river in Ezekiel's vision? [58:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of the river in Ezekiel 47 challenge the way believers view their role in the world? [59:15]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between humility and God's power in our mission? How can this understanding impact our approach to ministry? [01:16:12]
3. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to follow Jesus' example of engaging with those who are far from God? What might this look like in a modern context? [01:02:02]
4. How does the concept of fasting, as discussed in the sermon, serve as a tool for deepening intimacy with God and increasing spiritual authority? [01:28:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the areas of your life where you might be "hoarding" God's presence. How can you begin to let His presence overflow into the world around you? [54:48]
2. Consider the "dead places" in your community or personal life. What steps can you take to bring the life-giving presence of God into these areas? [01:09:08]
3. The sermon emphasizes humility in recognizing that the power is God's, not ours. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions and ministry efforts? [01:16:12]
4. As you think about the upcoming church-wide fast, what specific distractions or "clutter" in your life do you need to clear to hear from God more clearly? [01:28:36]
5. Identify someone in your life who is far from God. What practical steps can you take to intentionally engage with them, following Jesus' example? [01:02:02]
6. How can you actively seek out "spiritual wadis" or opportunities where God might be calling you to pour out His presence? [01:23:47]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to be the "fresh water" of God to the world. What specific actions can you take this week to live out this mission in your workplace, school, or community? [01:38:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as the Beginning of Grace-Filled Journey
Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a profound act of surrender and a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It marks the beginning of a journey filled with God's grace, which is freely given to all who believe. This grace invites us to come as we are, without the need to clean ourselves up first. It is a reminder that our faith is not about our efforts to reach God but about accepting His invitation to be filled with His presence and love. As we embrace this journey, we are called to live in the reality of God's grace, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. [47:23]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: The Overflowing River of God's Presence
Ezekiel 47 presents a powerful image of God's presence as a river flowing from the temple into the world. This river, representing the Holy Spirit, fills us and then flows out to bring life to barren places. Just as the river in Ezekiel's vision transforms the Dead Sea into fresh water, we are called to let God's presence overflow from us into the world, transforming lifeless areas with His love and grace. This is the essence of the Christian life: to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to let His presence overflow into the world around us. [58:24]
Isaiah 44:3 (ESV): "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."
Reflection: Identify a "barren place" in your life or community. How can you intentionally bring God's life-giving presence into that area this week?
Day 3: Following Jesus' Example of Reaching the Outcasts
Jesus spent time with those who were far from God, bringing hope and healing to the broken. We are called to do the same, to go into the dead places of our world and bring the life of Christ. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and intentionally engage with those who need God's love. By following Jesus' example, we become conduits of His grace and love, bringing transformation to those who are lost and hurting. [01:02:02]
Luke 5:31-32 (ESV): "And Jesus answered them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is far from God. How can you reach out to them this week in a way that reflects Jesus' love and compassion?
Day 4: Humility and Dependence on God's Power
To be effective in our mission, we must recognize that the power is not ours but God's. We need to humble ourselves, admitting our dependence on Him, and seek His guidance for our specific assignments. This humility allows us to be vessels of His power and presence, acknowledging that it is through His strength that we can bring life and healing to the world. By embracing our dependence on God, we open ourselves to be used by Him in ways beyond our imagination. [01:16:12]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to admit your dependence on God? How can you practice humility in this area today?
Day 5: Fasting for Intimacy and Spiritual Authority
As we embark on a church-wide fast, we are invited to deepen our intimacy with God, seeking His presence and power to be effective in our mission. Fasting clears the clutter from our lives, allowing us to hear from God in fresh ways and receive greater authority for His kingdom work. This spiritual discipline is an opportunity to align our hearts with God's purposes and to be empowered by His Spirit to bring life and healing wherever we go. [01:28:36]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "'Yet even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: As you consider participating in the fast, what is one specific area where you desire to hear from God? How can you prepare your heart to receive His guidance and power during this time?
Quotes
"And all you have to do is place your faith in him for the forgiveness of your sins and you can receive that relationship this morning. And it's a free gift that he offers you that he lays right before you and all you have to do is take it. That's all you have to do and say, God, I believe in you through your son, Jesus Christ, to pay for my sins. And he dwells in you. He comes and he dwells in you. And that offer is right there for the taking this morning. Will you take it?" [00:48:03] (23 seconds)
"The Holy Spirit will fill you and his presence will rush out of you like a river flowing. The Holy Spirit is flowing and soaking and nourishing everything and everyone around you. Scripture is teaching that the natural result when we encounter God is we want to give him away. The natural result of encountering God, of experiencing his manifest presence is we want to give it away. Are you giving him away?" [00:58:43] (23 seconds)
"See, some will think that God is only at church. He's only there when we're doing spiritual things. So he's in my car with me when I listen to worship music or when I hang out with my Christian friends, God is there. Or when I do a spiritual thing like a Bible study or something, God is there. He is there. But God's presence, his heart, his desire is that his spirit would flood out into the places that are barren and bitter parts of our world." [01:00:19] (24 seconds)
"We see this very clearly in the ministry of Jesus. This is beautiful. I love this story. Jesus, we know, didn't hang out in the temple all day. It wasn't the place that he spent a lot of his time. In fact, he didn't cluster with his synagogue friends. He didn't go into the safe place where he could have his Beth Moore Torah study, you know, or have his private prayer meetings." [01:01:02] (19 seconds)
"Why would I not go see students? I would imagine that if Jesus was in your school, he would be sitting at the lunch table with the most broken and hurting and troubled students in your class, Christian. If Jesus was at your office, he would be spending time with the opposite and atheists that all atheists, that all the other Christians are avoiding because they're afraid." [01:07:05] (21 seconds)
"Every Christian is empowered and commissioned to bring the healing of God's presence into the world. And you may say, man, I want to be used like that, but I just don't see it in my life. It's hard. You know, I go into places like that and I feel weak and ineffective. I feel like the dead places impact me more than I impact them. I get around a group of people and I get sucked into old ways or I go into that place and it drags me down or I get in that environment and I can't help myself." [01:14:38] (28 seconds)
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