Rekindling the Fire of God's Unwavering Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we began by lifting up our hearts in prayer for the family of our presiding bishop, Tim Coulter, whose wife, Kelly, passed away. We also prayed for those in our community who are battling illness, asking for God's healing and comfort. As we move through life's challenges, we are reminded of God's unwavering love and grace, which remain constant regardless of our circumstances. This love is a powerful force that breaks through barriers, much like a parent rushing to aid their child. God's love is relentless and transformative, urging us to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit within us.
Reflecting on a personal story about trying to burn a stubborn piece of wood, I drew parallels to our spiritual lives. Just as the wood needed to be dry to burn, our hearts must be open and receptive to the Holy Spirit to truly ignite with God's fire. Many of us have settled for a flickering ember rather than a consuming flame, and it's time to challenge ourselves to burn brightly for God's kingdom. This requires a deep examination of our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to consume every part of us, not just the surface.
We explored the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, who were initially unable to recognize Jesus. Their hearts burned within them as He explained the scriptures, illustrating the power of God's Word to ignite our spirits. This encounter reminds us of the importance of staying connected to God's Word, which fuels our spiritual fire and guides us through life's trials.
As we strive to live out our faith, we must prioritize our relationship with God above all else. This means allowing His presence to consume our daily lives, bringing peace and transformation. When we testify of His goodness and live as His disciples, we invite His peace into every situation we face. Let us commit to being consumed by His Word and Spirit, allowing His fire to burn brightly within us and through us.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Unwavering Love: God's love is relentless and transformative, breaking through barriers to reach us. No matter our circumstances or failures, His love remains constant and unconditional, urging us to draw closer to Him. [37:46]
2. Rekindling the Spiritual Fire: Many believers settle for a flickering ember instead of a consuming flame. To truly ignite with God's fire, we must examine our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to consume every part of us, not just the surface. [49:16]
3. The Power of God's Word: The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrates the power of God's Word to ignite our spirits. Staying connected to His Word fuels our spiritual fire and guides us through life's trials. [01:05:17]
4. Prioritizing Our Relationship with God: We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else, allowing His presence to consume our daily lives. This brings peace and transformation, enabling us to live as His disciples. [01:12:50]
5. Testifying of God's Goodness: When we testify of God's goodness and live as His disciples, we invite His peace into every situation we face. Let us commit to being consumed by His Word and Spirit, allowing His fire to burn brightly within us and through us. [01:11:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:40] - Prayers for the Sick
[08:11] - Announcements and Offerings
[36:54] - God's Unconditional Love
[37:46] - Breaking Through Barriers
[39:00] - Personal Story: The Stubborn Wood
[47:32] - Spiritual Fire and Pruning
[49:16] - Rekindling the Fire of God
[50:28] - Consumed by the Holy Spirit
[51:39] - Beyond Sunday Worship
[52:46] - Spiritual Nourishment
[54:57] - The Road to Emmaus
[56:00] - Recognizing Jesus
[57:33] - From Hoping to Believing
[01:05:17] - The Importance of God's Word
[01:12:50] - Inviting God's Peace
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 24:13-35: The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, where they encounter the risen Jesus but do not recognize Him until He breaks bread with them.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples discussing as they walked to Emmaus, and how did Jesus join their conversation? ([54:57])
2. How did the disciples' perception of Jesus change during their journey, and what event led to their recognition of Him? ([01:05:17])
3. What was the reaction of the disciples when they realized it was Jesus who had been with them? ([01:05:17])
4. How does the sermon describe the process of rekindling the spiritual fire within us? ([49:16])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of being open and receptive to the Holy Spirit in our spiritual lives? ([49:16])
2. How does the story of the road to Emmaus illustrate the power of God's Word to transform and ignite our spirits? ([01:05:17])
3. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to move from a state of hoping to believing in their faith journey? ([57:33])
4. How does the sermon interpret the concept of God's unwavering love breaking through barriers in our lives? ([37:46])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to rekindle your spiritual fire and draw closer to Him this week? ([49:16])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's Word in our lives. How can you incorporate more time for Bible reading and reflection into your daily routine? ([01:05:17])
3. Consider the barriers in your life that may be preventing you from experiencing God's love fully. What practical steps can you take to overcome these barriers? ([37:46])
4. How can you prioritize your relationship with God in your daily life, ensuring that His presence consumes your actions and decisions? ([52:46])
5. Think of a situation where you can testify of God's goodness to others. How can you share your experiences of His love and peace with someone this week? ([01:11:08])
6. Identify an area of your life where you have settled for a flickering ember rather than a consuming flame. What changes can you make to allow the Holy Spirit to fully consume and transform that area? ([49:16])
7. How can you ensure that your faith journey moves from merely hoping for change to actively believing and living out the transformation God promises? ([57:33])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Love Breaks Through Barriers
God's love is a relentless force that transcends all obstacles to reach us, no matter our circumstances or failures. It is a love that remains constant and unconditional, urging us to draw closer to Him. This love is akin to a parent rushing to aid their child, breaking through any barriers that stand in the way. In our lives, we often encounter challenges and hardships that can make us feel distant from God, but His love is always there, waiting to envelop us and bring us back into His embrace. [37:46]
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a barrier in your life that feels insurmountable. How can you invite God's love to break through this barrier today?
Day 2: Igniting a Consuming Spiritual Fire
Many believers settle for a flickering ember instead of a consuming flame in their spiritual lives. To truly ignite with God's fire, one must examine their life and allow the Holy Spirit to consume every part, not just the surface. This requires a willingness to be vulnerable and open, letting go of anything that hinders the Spirit's work. Just as a piece of wood must be dry to burn, our hearts must be receptive to the Holy Spirit to truly ignite with God's fire. [49:16]
"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you have settled for a flickering ember. What steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to ignite a consuming fire in that area?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of God's Word
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrates the power of God's Word to ignite our spirits. As Jesus explained the scriptures to them, their hearts burned within them, showing how the Word can fuel our spiritual fire and guide us through life's trials. Staying connected to God's Word is essential for spiritual growth and transformation, as it provides the wisdom and strength needed to navigate challenges and remain steadfast in faith. [01:05:17]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to ensure it fuels your spiritual fire?
Day 4: Prioritizing God's Presence in Daily Life
To live out one's faith, it is crucial to prioritize the relationship with God above all else, allowing His presence to consume daily life. This brings peace and transformation, enabling believers to live as His disciples. By inviting God's presence into every aspect of life, one can experience His peace and guidance, even in the midst of trials and uncertainties. This commitment requires intentionality and a willingness to let God's presence shape every decision and action. [01:12:50]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." (1 Chronicles 16:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can prioritize God's presence in your daily life this week?
Day 5: Testifying of God's Goodness
When believers testify of God's goodness and live as His disciples, they invite His peace into every situation they face. This testimony is not just in words but in actions that reflect God's love and grace. By committing to being consumed by His Word and Spirit, believers can allow His fire to burn brightly within and through them, impacting those around them and drawing others to His love. [01:11:08]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that needs to hear about God's goodness? How can you share your testimony with them this week?
Quotes
"I thank you that you continue to love each and every one of us through all of life's circumstances, through all the trials and troubles and all the things in which we have failed. Father, thank you for chasing us down. Thank you for finding us. Thank you for redeeming us. And thank you that no matter what has happened, you always welcome us back in with open arms. Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for your grace that has poured out for us. Father, we love you this morning." [00:36:18] (37 seconds)
"He goes through spiritual walls. He goes through things that it doesn't matter what the enemy has tried to barricade us in, He's going to break through those things so that He can find you and so that He can hold you and He can love on you. What an amazing God we serve. Let me pause. Thank you." [00:38:16] (24 seconds)
"That's why the Scripture this morning is very important that we understand that the fire of God needs to burn again inside of our lives. But something has to happen. Something has to take place. There are moments as I did yesterday. I sat down at my desk with my pencil in hand and I began to read the Word of God." [00:49:03] (29 seconds)
"God desires that His people burn with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Not just smolder in mediocrity. Fire produces fruitfulness. But many believers and churches have settled for a flickering ember instead of a consuming flame. This morning I want to challenge us to rekindle the fire of God in our lives and bear lasting fruit for His kingdom." [00:50:06] (32 seconds)
"Here's what I question us this morning is, has just the outward layer of us been what has been consumed? Or have we really allowed the Holy Spirit to move through our lives and inspect the things that we're doing? the things that we're saying, the things that we're thinking, the things that we're watching, the things that we're saying to others in gossip or whatever else, has we really allowed Him to examine us and allow His Holy Spirit to infiltrate us so that He consumes us?" [00:51:21] (39 seconds)
"Spiritually, we need nourishment again. You say, well, what are you going to do when the revival's over? You go find you another job, I guess. Because what's important to us? Well, my job's important to me. My home. My bills. I'm consumed. You, me, we're consumed by everything else that dictates the presence of God. God, you've got 20 more minutes to show up and do what you need to do this morning because we're leaving at noon." [00:52:58] (33 seconds)
"And here's the problem in Christianity today is a lot of us, we talk about the things of God. We talk about the things God used to do but we ain't experienced the things of God. Amen. The little miracles or the little things we call miracles or the little moments that we experience are nothing compared to being consumed by the presence of God and witnessing the lame walk again and the dead be raised again. We ain't seen those things. We haven't experienced God." [00:56:57] (36 seconds)
"Were not our hearts burning within us while he was speaking to us on the road while he was explaining the scriptures to us? This is the importance of the word of God in our lives. And I'm telling you this at the beginning of 2025. If you hadn't been in the word of God you need to get yourself back in the word of God because it is what connects you to the words of our father." [01:05:17] (31 seconds)
"Charles Spurgeon said, There's no living for Christ without the fire of the Holy Spirit. A man may struggle and strive, but without the fire he'll never truly burn for God. Verse 33 And they got up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying the Lord has really risen and He has appeared to Simon. And they began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread." [01:10:27] (41 seconds)
"Find scriptures that we deny Him. He denies us. I'm going to tell you something. When we start testifying of the goodness of God everywhere we go, we start living out who He is in our life everywhere we go. We start representing Him. We start being disciples of Him. We're consumed by His Word in praying and worship. Our time is consumed by Him. You go to work. You go home. You recognize Him in all those things. Guess what happens? He shows up in your life and He says peace." [01:12:16] (33 seconds)
"You're dealing with your family issues and your family sees Jesus in you and you walk into a room. The room atmosphere changes. Because Jesus is who consumes you. What happens in the midst of all your family drama? Jesus shows up and says y 'all gonna repeat it with me. Peace. Are you hearing me? Find Him again. Burn for Him again. Be consumed by Him again. Start testifying of Him again. It breathes life. It's oxygen that's breathing life into the fire and Jesus' shows up once again in your life and He brings peace." [01:13:03] (45 seconds)
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