Living Fully Submerged in the Power of the Spirit

The invitation today is to move beyond the shallow waters of faith and step fully into the river of God’s presence, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, fill, and empower us for transformation—not just in our own lives, but in the world around us. Jesus models this for us: after being baptized and filled with the Spirit, he returns “in the power of the Spirit” and proclaims the good news, sets captives free, and brings healing and restoration wherever he goes. This is not just about personal salvation, but about cultural renewal—wherever the Spirit is, there is life, and the world begins to look a little more like heaven.

We are called to be people of his presence, carrying the authority and compassion of Jesus into every environment. The kingdom of God is not a distant hope, but a present reality breaking in through ordinary, Spirit-led people. Jesus proclaims, empowers, demonstrates, and multiplies his work through his followers. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us, inviting us to participate in God’s ongoing mission of renewal. This means being open to divine interruptions, stepping out in faith to pray, serve, and bless others—even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Living as people of the kingdom means embracing both the “now” and the “not yet.” The decisive victory has been won at the cross, but we still live in contested territory, facing battles and setbacks. Yet, we are the resistance—announcing that the rightful King has already won, and pressing on in prayer, worship, and acts of love. The kingdom comes as we make space for outsiders, lift shame, restore dignity, and extend peace. It’s about surrender—moving from ankle-deep faith to full immersion, trusting God with every part of our lives.

The challenge is to let the narrative of Scripture fill our imagination, replacing fear with faith, and to walk in the authority and freedom Christ has given us. As we do, we become agents of blessing, bringing heaven to earth in our homes, workplaces, and communities. The call is to surrender afresh, to die to ourselves so that much fruit may come, and to remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. Let’s not just talk about it—let’s walk it out, carrying his presence wherever we go.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Move from shallow faith to full surrender God invites us to move beyond comfortable, manageable faith and step fully into the depths of his presence. True transformation and impact come when we surrender every part of ourselves, trusting the Spirit to lead us into the unknown. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to die to self and live for Christ. [01:40]
• 2. The kingdom is both personal and cultural Jesus’ mission was not just to save individuals but to restore systems, heal communities, and bring heaven’s reality to earth. Our calling is to carry his presence into every sphere, seeking not only personal renewal but also the renewal of our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society. The Spirit empowers us to be agents of justice, peace, and blessing wherever we go. [04:02]
• 3. Embrace divine interruptions and small obediences Much of Jesus’ ministry happened in the interruptions—on the way, in the ordinary, and often when it was least convenient. Faithfulness in small, Spirit-prompted acts—praying for a stranger, listening deeply, serving with compassion—can bear great fruit. God works through our availability, not our perfection. [08:53]
• 4. Live in the tension of “now and not yet” We live between the decisive victory of the cross and the final restoration to come. This means we will experience both miracles and mystery, breakthrough and disappointment. Our hope is anchored in Christ’s finished work, and we are called to persevere in faith, prayer, and resistance against evil, knowing the war is already won. [22:38]
• 5. Make space for outsiders and the marginalized Wherever Jesus went, those who were excluded found belonging, dignity, and peace. The kingdom begins when we intentionally include those who least expect to be invited—lifting shame, restoring hope, and extending the welcome of Christ. Our calling is not just to host services, but to host the very presence of Jesus for the sake of the world. [35:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:40] - Jesus Led by the Spirit
• [04:02] - The Kingdom: Personal and Cultural
• [05:59] - Doing the “Jesus Stuff”
• [08:53] - Practical Steps: BLESS
• [11:00] - Jesus’ Ministry: Power and Authority
• [12:14] - Greater Works Through the Spirit
• [13:22] - Paul’s Transformation and Mission
• [14:45] - Imagination Shaped by Scripture
• [15:38] - Freedom and Authority in Christ
• [16:59] - Replacing Fear with Faith
• [18:29] - The Kingdom: Now and Not Yet
• [22:38] - Living in Contested Territory
• [24:41] - Surrender and Dependence on God
• [29:56] - The Kingdom for Outsiders
• [35:56] - Making Space for the Marginalized
• [37:51] - Surrender and Fruitfulness
• [38:31] - Walking It Out This Week

Bible Reading

Luke 4:14-21 (ESV) — > And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
> And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
> “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
> because he has anointed me
> to proclaim good news to the poor.
> He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
> and recovering of sight to the blind,
> to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
> to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
> And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Ezekiel 47:1-12 (ESV) [selected verses] — > Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east...
> ...And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.”

Observation Questions

1. In Luke 4, what does Jesus say is the purpose of the Spirit being upon him? What specific things does he say he is anointed to do?
2. According to the vision in Ezekiel 47, what happens wherever the river flows? What does the river represent in this vision?
3. The sermon described Jesus as being “led by the Spirit, filled by the Spirit, and then in the power of the Spirit.” What is the difference between these stages, and how did Jesus demonstrate them? [01:40]
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus’ ministry was often marked by interruptions and unexpected moments. Can you recall a story from the Gospels or the sermon where this happened? [08:53]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus connect the work of the Spirit with proclaiming good news, setting captives free, and bringing healing? What does this reveal about the heart of God for people and communities?
2. The river in Ezekiel’s vision brings life wherever it goes. How does this image help us understand what it means to be “people of his presence” in our everyday lives? [01:40]
3. The sermon says, “The kingdom of God isn’t just about personal transformation. It’s cultural renewal.” What does it look like for the kingdom to impact not just individuals, but whole communities or systems? [04:02]
4. The preacher talked about living in the “now and not yet”—the victory of Jesus is won, but we still face battles. How should this shape our expectations and our prayers? [22:38]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to move from “ankle-deep” faith to full surrender. What is one area of your life where you feel you are only ankle-deep? What would it look like to go deeper with God in that area this week? [01:40]
2. Jesus was open to divine interruptions—he often stopped for people in need, even when it was inconvenient. Think about your daily routine: where might God be inviting you to be available for an interruption this week? [08:53]
3. The “BLESS” practice was mentioned as a way to live out the kingdom: Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, and Share your story. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which is most challenging? How could you intentionally practice one of these steps this week? [08:53]
4. The sermon said, “The kingdom begins when we make space for people who don’t expect to be invited.” Who in your life or community might feel like an outsider? What is one practical way you could include or bless them this week? [35:56]
5. When fear or anxiety starts to fill your imagination, what is one truth from Scripture or the sermon that you can use to replace fear with faith? How can you remind yourself of this truth in the coming days? [16:59]
6. The preacher described the tension of seeing both miracles and disappointments as we wait for the full coming of God’s kingdom. How do you personally handle disappointment or unanswered prayer? What helps you keep persevering in faith? [22:38]
7. The sermon ended with the reminder that “the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.” How does this truth change the way you see your own ability to bring blessing and renewal to your home, work, or neighborhood? [38:31]