Living Transformed: Embracing God's Presence and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone! I hope you're all feeling good this morning. If you're new here, I'm Russ, and I'm excited about today's message. We recently wrapped up a fascinating series called "The End," which delved into the end times, the Book of Revelation, and what God says about the end of time. Today, I want to have an unofficial spinoff conversation about how we should live in light of eternity and the teachings of Revelation.
Have you ever been concerned about someone in your life who is going down a destructive path? My friend Colt and I experienced this with our friend Ray in high school. Ray had a rough background and started making destructive choices. We tried everything to bring him back to church, but nothing worked. Finally, we decided to convince him that the rapture had taken place and that he had been left behind. We laid out clothes on the bed, played a news report about people disappearing, and had friends call to freak him out. Ray was terrified, but it didn't change his behavior. It wasn't until he had a real encounter with God's presence that his life began to change.
This brings me to the core of today's message: the transformative power of God's presence. No matter how screwed up you may feel, as long as you're breathing, you have the power to write a different ending to your story by the power of God. Some things in life are set by God, but your future is not one of them. If you're a follower of Jesus, your future is set up for you, and you have all of heaven leveraged in your favor. The only question is, will you step into what God has set up for you?
Many of us struggle with depression and anxiety, and while medication and counseling can be helpful, the greatest cure is purpose. The number one holistic cure to depression is having a reason to wake up in the morning. Engaging fully with life and stepping into your God-given purpose can bring back your energy and zest for life. When you realize that you are a witness to the greatest news the world has ever heard, it marks you with a deep purpose and God's presence.
The disciples were ordinary, unschooled people, but they turned the world upside down because they were marked by God's presence. After Jesus ascended to heaven, they went to Jerusalem, prayed, and fasted for the power of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in different languages, reaching people from every nation. This marked the beginning of their powerful witness to the world.
Jesus told his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power is not just for doing witnessing but for being a witness. When the Spirit of God marks you, you are filled with a unique perspective, deep purpose, and God's presence. This transforms how you see people, your problems, and your life.
In closing, I want to share what happened with Ray. After a terrifying encounter where he was held at gunpoint, Ray came to live with my family. One day, he asked to go to church, and during a retreat, he had a powerful encounter with God. A woman, who knew nothing about his situation, told him that God had just saved his life. This encounter changed Ray's life forever.
So, I encourage you to seek more of God's presence in your life. If you're going through a painful trial, you may not receive more of the plan, but you can receive more of God's presence. If you want to be drenched in the Spirit of God, lift your hands and ask for more of His power and anointing. Let's be marked by God's presence and make a difference in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Transformative Power: No matter how messed up you feel, as long as you're breathing, you have the power to write a different ending to your story by the power of God. Some things in life are set by God, but your future is not one of them. If you're a follower of Jesus, your future is set up for you, and you have all of heaven leveraged in your favor. The only question is, will you step into what God has set up for you? [01:17:47]
2. Purpose as a Cure for Depression: While medication and counseling can be helpful for depression and anxiety, the greatest cure is purpose. The number one holistic cure to depression is having a reason to wake up in the morning. Engaging fully with life and stepping into your God-given purpose can bring back your energy and zest for life. When you realize that you are a witness to the greatest news the world has ever heard, it marks you with a deep purpose. [55:47]
3. The Power of God's Presence: The disciples were ordinary, unschooled people, but they turned the world upside down because they were marked by God's presence. After Jesus ascended to heaven, they went to Jerusalem, prayed, and fasted for the power of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in different languages, reaching people from every nation. This marked the beginning of their powerful witness to the world. [01:03:39]
4. Being a Witness: Jesus told his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power is not just for doing witnessing but for being a witness. When the Spirit of God marks you, you are filled with a unique perspective, deep purpose, and God's presence. This transforms how you see people, your problems, and your life. [45:55]
5. Seeking More of God's Presence: If you're going through a painful trial, you may not receive more of the plan, but you can receive more of God's presence. If you want to be drenched in the Spirit of God, lift your hands and ask for more of His power and anointing. Let's be marked by God's presence and make a difference in the world. [01:18:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:23] - Introduction and Series Recap
[33:19] - Concern for a Friend
[34:40] - The Rapture Prank
[35:15] - Setting the Scene
[35:53] - The Aftermath
[37:20] - Last Conversation with Jesus
[38:13] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
[39:03] - Jesus Breathes on His Disciples
[39:49] - The Disciples' Reaction
[40:37] - End Times Curiosity
[41:22] - The Disciples' Pain
[42:13] - Jesus' Honest Response
[43:11] - Personal Testimony
[43:58] - The Need for a Plan
[44:20] - Receiving Power
[45:17] - The Word "Witnesses"
[45:55] - Being a Witness
[46:56] - Jury Duty Experience
[48:54] - The Church's Need for Witnesses
[50:27] - Doing vs. Being a Witness
[51:42] - Unique Perspective
[52:30] - Fresh Perspective of Jesus
[53:27] - Seeing Problems Differently
[54:13] - Deep Purpose
[55:00] - Mental Health Awareness
[55:47] - Purpose as a Cure for Depression
[57:32] - God's Presence
[58:16] - Supernatural Wisdom
[59:38] - Personal Story from Israel
[01:00:25] - Baptism in the Jordan
[01:01:58] - Moses and God's Presence
[01:02:56] - Marked by God's Presence
[01:03:39] - The Disciples' Transformation
[01:04:32] - The Upper Room
[01:05:15] - Pentecost Sunday
[01:06:20] - Speaking in Different Languages
[01:07:01] - Spirit of Fear vs. Spirit of God
[01:07:34] - Making Room for People
[01:08:09] - Peter's Response
[01:08:42] - The Prophet Joel
[01:09:16] - From Fearful to Courageous
[01:09:53] - The Last Days
[01:10:28] - Partnering with God's Spirit
[01:11:05] - Witness vs. Jury
[01:11:50] - Having Vision
[01:12:50] - Ray's Story
[01:13:29] - A Vision for Ray
[01:14:13] - Ray's Encounter with God
[01:14:45] - The Power of God's Presence
[01:15:18] - Ray's Transformation
[01:15:52] - Becoming a Witness
[01:17:03] - Prophetic Illustration
[01:17:47] - God's Transformative Power
[01:18:24] - Receiving God's Presence
[01:18:59] - Seeking More of God's Presence
[01:19:46] - Prayer for Healing and Anointing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:4-8 (NIV)
> "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"
2. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
> "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
3. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)
> "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to his disciples in Acts 1:4-5 regarding the Holy Spirit? [37:20]
2. How did the disciples react to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4? [01:05:15]
3. According to Joel 2:28-29, what are some of the signs that God will pour out His Spirit on all people?
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of the prank involving Ray and the rapture? [34:40]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized waiting for the Holy Spirit before the disciples began their mission? [37:20]
2. How does the event of Pentecost in Acts 2 demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? [01:05:15]
3. What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus, as described in Acts 1:8 and the sermon? [45:55]
4. How does the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 relate to the events described in Acts 2 and the sermon’s message about being marked by God's presence? [01:09:16]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Acts 1:8, how can you actively seek the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily life to be a witness for Jesus? [45:55]
2. The sermon mentioned that purpose can be a cure for depression. What steps can you take to discover or engage more deeply with your God-given purpose? [55:47]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life, especially during challenging times? [01:18:24]
4. The disciples were ordinary people who turned the world upside down because they were marked by God's presence. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are living a life marked by God's presence? [01:03:39]
5. In what ways can you be more intentional about being a witness rather than just doing witnessing? How can this change your interactions with others? [50:27]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of having a unique perspective and deep purpose. How can you shift your perspective to see your problems and people around you differently through the lens of Jesus? [52:30]
7. If you are going through a painful trial, how can you seek more of God's presence rather than just seeking answers or a plan? [44:20]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Transformative Power
No matter how messed up you feel, as long as you're breathing, you have the power to write a different ending to your story by the power of God. Some things in life are set by God, but your future is not one of them. If you're a follower of Jesus, your future is set up for you, and you have all of heaven leveraged in your favor. The only question is, will you step into what God has set up for you?
God's transformative power is available to everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or current struggles. The story of Ray, who was on a destructive path, illustrates this beautifully. Despite his rough background and poor choices, Ray's life began to change only after he had a real encounter with God's presence. This encounter was the turning point that allowed him to rewrite his story. Similarly, no matter how far you feel from God or how many wrong turns you've taken, as long as you are alive, you have the opportunity to change your future with God's help.
The key is to step into what God has set up for you. This means actively seeking His presence, being open to His guidance, and trusting that He has a plan for your life. Your future is not predetermined by your past; it is shaped by your willingness to embrace God's transformative power. So, take a step of faith today and allow God to work in your life. [01:17:47]
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck or hopeless? Can you ask God to help you see the potential for transformation in that area today?
Day 2: Purpose as a Cure for Depression
While medication and counseling can be helpful for depression and anxiety, the greatest cure is purpose. The number one holistic cure to depression is having a reason to wake up in the morning. Engaging fully with life and stepping into your God-given purpose can bring back your energy and zest for life. When you realize that you are a witness to the greatest news the world has ever heard, it marks you with a deep purpose.
Many people struggle with depression and anxiety, feeling as though they have no reason to get out of bed in the morning. While professional help is important, finding a deeper purpose can be a powerful remedy. When you understand that you are a witness to the greatest news the world has ever heard—the message of Jesus Christ—it gives you a profound sense of purpose. This purpose can reignite your passion for life and give you the energy to face each day with hope and determination.
Engaging fully with life means stepping into the unique calling that God has for you. It means recognizing that your life has meaning and that you have a role to play in God's plan. This realization can be a game-changer, helping you to overcome feelings of despair and hopelessness. So, take time to seek God's purpose for your life and allow it to fill you with renewed energy and joy. [55:47]
Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can engage more fully with your God-given purpose today? How can this bring more meaning and joy to your life?
Day 3: The Power of God's Presence
The disciples were ordinary, unschooled people, but they turned the world upside down because they were marked by God's presence. After Jesus ascended to heaven, they went to Jerusalem, prayed, and fasted for the power of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in different languages, reaching people from every nation. This marked the beginning of their powerful witness to the world.
The power of God's presence is transformative. The disciples, who were ordinary and unschooled, became powerful witnesses to the world because they were marked by God's presence. After Jesus ascended to heaven, they obeyed His command to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. They prayed and fasted, seeking the power of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost Sunday, their prayers were answered, and the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to speak in different languages and reach people from every nation.
This event marked the beginning of their powerful witness to the world. It was not their education or social status that made them effective; it was the presence of God in their lives. When you are marked by God's presence, you are filled with a unique perspective, deep purpose, and the power to make a difference. Seek more of God's presence in your life, and allow it to transform you into a powerful witness for Him. [01:03:39]
Acts 2:1-4 (ESV): "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Reflection: How can you make more room in your daily life for God's presence? What specific steps can you take to seek the power of the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Being a Witness
Jesus told his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power is not just for doing witnessing but for being a witness. When the Spirit of God marks you, you are filled with a unique perspective, deep purpose, and God's presence. This transforms how you see people, your problems, and your life.
Being a witness for Jesus is not just about doing witnessing activities; it is about embodying the message of Christ in every aspect of your life. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and this power would enable them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This means that the Holy Spirit empowers you to live in a way that reflects God's love, grace, and truth.
When the Spirit of God marks you, it changes your perspective. You begin to see people through God's eyes, with compassion and love. Your problems no longer seem insurmountable because you know that God is with you. Your life takes on a deeper purpose as you realize that you are part of God's plan to reach the world. Embrace the power of the Holy Spirit and allow it to transform you into a true witness for Christ. [45:55]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you embody the message of Christ in your daily interactions? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform your perspective on people and problems?
Day 5: Seeking More of God's Presence
If you're going through a painful trial, you may not receive more of the plan, but you can receive more of God's presence. If you want to be drenched in the Spirit of God, lift your hands and ask for more of His power and anointing. Let's be marked by God's presence and make a difference in the world.
During difficult times, it is natural to seek answers and a clear plan for the future. However, sometimes God does not reveal the entire plan to us. Instead, He offers us something even more valuable—His presence. When you are going through a painful trial, you may not receive more details about the plan, but you can receive more of God's presence. This presence provides comfort, strength, and guidance, helping you to navigate through the challenges.
To seek more of God's presence, you need to be intentional. Lift your hands in prayer, ask for His power and anointing, and be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. When you are drenched in the Spirit of God, you are equipped to make a difference in the world. God's presence marks you and sets you apart, enabling you to fulfill your purpose and impact those around you. [01:18:59]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek more of God's presence in your life today? What specific actions can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power and anointing?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Maybe you're in the room and you struggle deeply with depression, deeply with anxiety. And maybe medication is needed for a time. Or maybe there's a chemical imbalance. You need to see a counselor. And we have all these resources. Pastor Jesse will talk about that. You know, last summer we did a 10-week mental health campaign. But you know what every mound of research is showing now? Not just Christians. Every secular study and statistic is showing that the number one holistic, cure to depression is purpose. The greatest cure for I don't want to wake up in the morning is a reason to wake up in the morning." [55:47]
2. "See, you know one of the most beautiful things about God's word? It's filled with so much supernatural wisdom that even if you don't believe in God, if you apply the principles of God, it will make your life elevated. There are people that don't believe in God that apply the book of Proverbs to their life. I mean, even if you don't believe in science. It's not going to affect your relationship with gravity. I mean, principles are principles. They work, whether you believe in them or not. And one of the confusing things to people, but one of the most powerful things about life is even if you don't believe in God, if you apply the principles of God that are time-tested and are stood the test of time, it will make your life better. If you apply the principles of God, it will make you succeed. But only the presence of God will make you stand out." [58:16]
3. "I want you to think about it. This group of 11 ragtag disciples, they were not. They were not schooled. They were not educated. They had no political clout. They had no influence. They had not a lot of social media followers. They didn't have a lot going for them. But scripture says in the course of a few years, they turned the world upside down. How? They had power. They had the presence of God marking them." [01:03:39]
4. "When the spirit of God moves, here's how you can know. You don't make less room for people, you make more room for people. I love the fact that when the spirit of God moved, they weren't exclusive and they weren't prejudiced, but people from every tribe, every tongue, every nation, every background, every ethnicity, people that knew God, people that didn't know God, people that were crazy and people that were normal, people with no church background and somebody that may be sitting, like, in this room today thinking, I am the worst of the worst, you don't know what I've done. But when the spirit of God moves, it moved towards all of humanity, not a few religious elites." [01:07:34]
### Quotes for Members
1. "No matter how screwed up you may feel, the pen, as long as you're breathing, is still in your hand to write a different ending. By the power of God. By the power of God. See, there are some things that God has sovereignly decided will happen. They're already set. But when it comes to your future, I heard somebody say it this way. There are some things God has set. Your future isn't set. But if you're a follower of Jesus, it is set up. You have all of heaven leveraged in your favor. The only question is, will you step into what God has set up for you?" [01:17:47]
2. "What you need is not more rest. What you need is to fully engage with life again. What you need is to step back into purpose. What you need is a reason to get up in the morning. What you need is to activate the gifts. God has put on your life and in your life and go serve the world and make a difference. And when you do the thing you least feel like doing the energy is going to return and your zest for life is going to come back. And there is not a lot of purpose that comes from putting. Blood moon charts up. Up on the wall. But there's a lot of purpose that comes when you realize I've been a witness to the greatest news that the world has ever heard. And with that news weighing on my soul, I'm going to step into the world with a smile and love and faith and change the spirit of every room I walk into. It marks you with a deep purpose." [56:36]
3. "When the Spirit of God marks you as a witness, you are marked with a unique perspective, a unique perspective. See, the reason that somebody is asked to be on a witness stand is because they've seen something that few people have seen. The reason they're asked to testify is because they've caught a glimpse of something that is real. And so they're put on a stand to talk about it. And I think one of the most beautiful things that can actually happen, this is what happened to Peter. I mean, think about this. Peter was around Jesus for years. But remember the moment, there was a moment where all of a sudden, even though he'd been in church for years, Peter's eyes were open. And he said, wow, I get it now. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus said, flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my Father has revealed this to you. He caught a perspective." [51:42]
4. "And so he tells them, it's not for you to know the times and seasons, but you will receive. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses. And I just got to be honest. I know I'm not supposed to say this, but that word witnesses, to me, makes the verse a little anticlimactic. Because the rest of the verse is so epic, right? You're going to receive power. To the ends of the earth, you're going to do this thing. But maybe it's just growing up. Anybody else like me, I just got to be honest, when I hear the word witnesses, I just, like I picture going door to door, like, do you know if you die today? Like, that's what I picture. I'm like, that. I don't know. I'm not down for that. I mean, thank God for them." [45:17]
5. "And so he says this to the disciples, and their reaction is hilarious, as it often is, when he says, I'm going to fill you with the Holy Spirit. It says, so when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom? I've said this before, but I just think this is us so often, isn't it? That we keep trying to change the topic. We keep trying to change the topic of the conversation God wants to have to the conversation we want to have. And have you ever felt like, maybe you feel like this now, like I don't know what your faith background is, but you ever feel like you hear like a really spiritual talk, and you're like, that sounds awesome, but how does this actually apply to the pain that I'm walking through? How does this actually apply to what I'm going through? And so the disciples are like, Jesus, that sounds awesome, but when will you restore the kingdom in Israel?" [39:49]
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