From Graves to Gardens: Embracing God's Renewal

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God turns graves into gardens, transforming our most desolate situations into places of life and beauty. We began by acknowledging the struggles and traumas that many face, feeling broken or even dead inside. Yet, we are reminded that God is bigger than any challenge we encounter. Through the story of Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones, we see a powerful illustration of God's ability to bring life where there is none. Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy to the dry bones, and as he spoke the Word of God, the bones came together, and life was restored. This narrative teaches us the importance of speaking God's Word into our own lives, especially in times of trial and dryness.

We delved into the significance of God's breath, which brings life and transformation. Just as God breathed life into Adam, He breathes life into us, turning our dry bones into living beings. This breath is not just a physical act but a spiritual renewal that fills us with His Spirit, enabling us to overcome the world. We are encouraged to prophesy to our own situations, to speak life and truth, and to believe in the power of God's Word to change our circumstances.

Furthermore, we discussed the concept of repentance and baptism as steps toward receiving the Holy Spirit, the breath of God that empowers and renews us. This process is not just about a one-time experience but a continual journey of transformation and renewal. We are called to live in the fullness of God's Spirit, allowing His breath to flow through us like rivers of living water.

As we concluded, we were reminded that God's promise of life and renewal is for everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. We are invited to leave behind the grave and embrace the garden that God has prepared for us, living in the abundance of His Spirit and grace.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Transformative Power: God has the power to turn our graves into gardens, transforming our most desolate situations into places of life and beauty. This transformation requires us to trust in His ability to bring life where there is none. [01:02]

- The Power of Speaking God's Word: Just as Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones, we are called to speak God's Word into our own lives. This act of faith can bring about profound change and renewal, even in the driest of circumstances. [06:07]

- The Breath of God: God's breath is a symbol of His life-giving Spirit. It is through His breath that we are renewed and empowered to overcome the challenges we face. This spiritual renewal is available to all who seek it. [12:02]

- Repentance and Renewal: Repentance and baptism are essential steps in receiving the Holy Spirit, which is the breath of God that empowers and renews us. This journey of transformation is ongoing, inviting us to live in the fullness of God's Spirit. [31:12]

- Living in Abundance: God's promise of life and renewal is for everyone. We are invited to leave behind the grave and embrace the garden, living in the abundance of His Spirit and grace. This new life is marked by the overflow of His Spirit, bringing joy and peace. [37:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:02] - God Turns Graves into Gardens
- [02:17] - Ezekiel's Vision of Dry Bones
- [06:07] - The Power of Speaking the Word
- [09:05] - The Breath of God
- [11:03] - God's Creative Power
- [12:02] - The Mystery of Life
- [14:23] - Breathing the Name of God
- [17:00] - Prophesying to Dry Situations
- [18:22] - The Expectation of Renewal
- [20:11] - Holding the Breath of Life
- [21:25] - Belief and Transformation
- [27:01] - God's Promise of Resurrection
- [28:44] - Invitation to New Life
- [31:12] - Steps to Spiritual Renewal
- [34:38] - Embracing God's Life-Giving Spirit
- [35:40] - Altar Call and Closing Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Genesis 2:7
- John 7:38

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Observation Questions:

1. In Ezekiel 37, what was the initial condition of the bones in the valley, and what did God instruct Ezekiel to do with them? [02:17]

2. How does the sermon describe the significance of God's breath in the story of Ezekiel and in the creation of Adam? [12:02]

3. What role does speaking God's Word play in the transformation of dry bones according to the sermon? [06:07]

4. How does the sermon connect the concept of God's breath with the idea of spiritual renewal and empowerment? [09:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the transformation of dry bones into living beings in Ezekiel 37 symbolize in the context of personal spiritual renewal? [02:17]

2. How does the sermon suggest that believers can apply the principle of speaking God's Word into their own lives during challenging times? [06:07]

3. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the ongoing journey of transformation and renewal through repentance and baptism? [31:12]

4. How does the sermon explain the connection between God's breath and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? [12:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "valley of dry bones." How did you or how can you invite God's transformative power into that situation? [02:17]

2. The sermon emphasizes the power of speaking God's Word. What specific scriptures or promises can you speak over your current challenges to bring about change and renewal? [06:07]

3. Consider the concept of God's breath as a source of life and renewal. How can you create space in your daily routine to invite the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into you? [09:05]

4. Repentance and baptism are described as steps toward receiving the Holy Spirit. If you have experienced these, how have they impacted your spiritual journey? If not, what steps can you take to explore these practices further? [31:12]

5. The sermon invites us to leave behind the grave and embrace the garden. What are some "graves" in your life that you need to leave behind, and how can you actively pursue the "garden" God has prepared for you? [37:38]

6. How can you cultivate a mindset of living in the abundance of God's Spirit and grace, especially in areas where you feel lack or dryness? [28:44]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of holding onto the breath of life. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are continually filled with the Holy Spirit and not just relying on past experiences? [20:11]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Transformative Power in Desolate Places
In the midst of life's most challenging and desolate situations, God has the power to transform them into places of life and beauty. This transformation is not just a change in circumstances but a profound renewal of the heart and spirit. The story of Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones illustrates this truth vividly. Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy to the dry bones, and as he spoke God's Word, life was restored. This narrative reminds us that no matter how broken or lifeless we may feel, God is capable of bringing new life and hope. We are called to trust in His ability to turn our graves into gardens, believing that He can bring beauty from ashes. [01:02]

Ezekiel 37:4-6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.'"

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that feels desolate or hopeless. How can you invite God to transform this "grave" into a "garden" today?


Day 2: The Power of Speaking God's Word
The act of speaking God's Word into our lives is a powerful tool for change and renewal. Just as Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones, we are encouraged to speak life and truth into our own circumstances. This requires faith and a deep belief in the power of God's Word to bring about transformation. In times of trial and dryness, it is essential to declare God's promises and truths over our lives, trusting that His Word will not return void. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and open the door for His life-giving power to work within us. [06:07]

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: What specific promises from God's Word can you speak over your life today to bring about change and renewal?


Day 3: The Breath of God as Spiritual Renewal
God's breath is a symbol of His life-giving Spirit, which brings renewal and empowerment. Just as God breathed life into Adam, He breathes life into us, transforming our dry bones into living beings. This spiritual renewal is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that fills us with His Spirit, enabling us to overcome the challenges we face. We are invited to seek this renewal continually, allowing God's breath to flow through us like rivers of living water. By doing so, we experience the fullness of His Spirit and the abundant life He promises. [12:02]

Job 33:4 (ESV): "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience the renewing breath of God today? How can you invite His Spirit to fill you anew?


Day 4: Repentance and Renewal through the Holy Spirit
Repentance and baptism are essential steps in receiving the Holy Spirit, which is the breath of God that empowers and renews us. This journey of transformation is not just about a one-time experience but a continual process of turning away from sin and embracing the new life God offers. As we repent and seek His Spirit, we are invited to live in the fullness of His presence, allowing His breath to flow through us and bring about lasting change. This ongoing renewal is a testament to God's grace and His desire for us to live abundantly in His Spirit. [31:12]

Acts 2:38-39 (ESV): "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'"

Reflection: What steps can you take today to embrace repentance and seek the renewal of the Holy Spirit in your life?


Day 5: Living in the Abundance of God's Spirit
God's promise of life and renewal is for everyone, inviting us to leave behind the grave and embrace the garden He has prepared for us. This new life is marked by the overflow of His Spirit, bringing joy, peace, and abundance. We are called to live in the fullness of God's Spirit, allowing His grace to transform every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we experience the abundant life He promises, characterized by the fruits of the Spirit and a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. This invitation is open to all, regardless of past or present circumstances, as God desires for us to live in the richness of His love and grace. [37:38]

John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Reflection: How can you actively embrace the abundant life God offers today? What changes can you make to live more fully in His Spirit and grace?

Quotes

"But I want you to know today, God turns graves into gardens. Whatever the situation, whatever it is that you're going through, whatever the feeling is that the enemy has tried to place within your heart, I want you to realize something today. God is bigger. God is bigger. Many times we face issues in our life that they cause our flesh, our mind to just, we freak out internally. Can I say that?" [00:19:24]

"I want to tell you about a God that can restore hope, that can make dry bones in your life, breathe, and not just breathe, but have flesh upon those bones again. I want you to know today that our God turns graves into gardens. We sang about it. Now we're going to talk about it. If that's okay with you. That's all right." [00:86:36]

"Ezekiel speaking, he says, The hand of the Lord was upon me and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord. And He sat me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones. And He caused me to pass by them about and behold there were many in the open valley and lo they were very dry come on somebody there were many dry bones in this valley but he doesn't just say that that there were bones but he goes on to say they were very dry." [00:149:48]

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. This, my friend, is what separates you from the jackrabbit. Everything else. And it's good. He speaks good. Speaks good. Good. Speaks good. Humanity. Dirt. He breathes into dust. And dust takes form. Dust becomes humanity. And the breath of God comes into life." [00:722:41]

"This suggests that with every breath a person takes, they're unconsciously speaking the name of God. I think it's interesting that in therapy and counsel, a lot of the times they tell you, hey, let me give you a trick. Calm down do this with me breathe in hold it and release let's do that if you talk not us but I'm saying that's what they say I don't want anybody pass out on me get a bad comment online like I followed your directions I didn't find freedom instead I would hit my head." [00:880:56]

"Sometimes it's slow sometimes it's slow sometimes it's fast sometimes it's anxious and sometimes it's broken but no matter what even when the driest of times they're speaking way way way in this miracle that takes place the first thing he does is something that doesn't make a bit of sense brother Smith is something that doesn't quite add up he says prophesy to the body and then he breathes I don't think you're getting it yet I'm saying your situation looks deader than a dry bone your situation looks like it can't hold an ounce of God but I serve a God that has it in his name that has breath of life in his name that no matter what you're going through no matter the test no matter the trial if you just." [00:950:41]

"It doesn't matter what your lungs feel like it doesn't matter what your prayer life feels like he's become your salvation and he will breathe life into you and when I beheld low the sinews of the flesh came upon them and the skin covered them above but there was no breath in them you see he breathes life he speaks to bones they come together but he doesn't expect you to stop with the first holy ghost goose bump can I just preach he does not expect you to come into the house of God and sit on a pew and say I felt that song yeah day stars shine through me graves into gardens he doesn't expect us to just get a little touch or get a little hope and then say wow." [00:1109:40]

"He's here. He's ready. He wants to breathe life into you again. He wants to do it. This breath has become our salvation. And John 7 .28 says, He that believeth on Me is the Scripture, the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. He that believeth on Me. That's important. Why? Because I'm going to get a little Pentecostal for a moment, if that's alright." [00:1256:14]

"Therefore prophesy and say unto them thus saith the lord god behold my people you know what you're not ready for that verse yet you may say he's just talking to israel he's just talking about what happened in 1948 when he brought them back and breathed life into a nation he's talking about that brother smith you're getting old testament and new testament mixed up you're mixing you're mixing up cultures no no we are the adopted we are the ones who have been grafted in to this so when he's speaking this yes he's speaking prophetically to a nation of what's going to happen but he makes sure that you and me understand that he will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves and bring you into the land of israel and you shall know that i am the lord when i have opened your graves all my people and brought you up out of your graves and i shall put my spirit in you and you shall live and i shall you in your own land then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it and performed it saith the Lord now if he was only talking about a nation coming together why would he talk about opening up graves correct me if I'm wrong but I just I haven't googled it but I don't believe there's any news reports from 1948 that when Israel became a nation." [00:1476:18]

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee. And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned. Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. And then verse 18, Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth. Shall ye not know it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers. In the desert. Oh, as we come to a close, I want you to realize that there is life for you today." [00:1679:28]

"Therefore we do not lose heart but though our outer man is decaying yet our inner man is being renewed day by day for momentarily momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal. For the things which are not seen are eternal." [00:1766:04]

"Lord, don't let anyone leave this place feeling like they're unfit for your kingdom. But God, I pray that you would touch every heart. Every mind, Lord, that you would draw them closer to you this week. Lord, I pray that they would begin studying your Word. That they would just open up a chapter extra today. Or if they've never opened it up, that they would begin that walk. God, help us to talk to you more. Help us to have you as our closest friend." [00:2795:55]

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Transcript
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