The Transformative Power of Jesus' Blood
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound significance of the blood of Jesus and its transformative power in our lives. We began by acknowledging the distractions of our daily lives and the importance of focusing on the spiritual reality that transcends our physical existence. We are reminded that as spiritual beings, we are called to see beyond the natural and recognize the supernatural work of God in our lives. The central theme of our discussion was the power of the blood of Jesus, which is not merely a traditional concept but a profound spiritual truth with both scientific and spiritual implications.
The blood of Jesus was shed in seven distinct instances, each representing a specific area of redemption and restoration. From the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus' sweat became like drops of blood, to the piercing of His side on the cross, each act of shedding blood was purposeful, addressing different aspects of the curse brought by sin. The blood of Jesus redeems our will, heals our bodies, renews our minds, empowers our work, guides our walk, restores our hearts, and heals our internal wounds.
We explored the necessity of not only recognizing the shedding of Jesus' blood but also applying it to our lives. This application is akin to the Old Testament practices where blood was applied to signify cleansing and protection. Today, through communion, we internalize this truth, acknowledging that the blood of Jesus covers every aspect of our lives, offering us abundant life and freedom from the curse of sin and death.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Focus: In a world full of distractions, it's crucial to focus on the spiritual reality and the work of God in our lives. By doing so, we open ourselves to the supernatural joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. [00:01:00]
- The Significance of the Blood: The blood of Jesus is not just a symbol but a powerful agent of redemption and healing. Each instance of Jesus shedding His blood addresses a specific area of our lives, offering restoration and freedom from the curse of sin. [01:03:08]
- Application of the Blood: It's not enough to acknowledge the shedding of Jesus' blood; we must apply it to our lives. This application brings transformation and allows us to experience the fullness of God's promises. [01:30:16]
- Redemption and Restoration: Jesus' sacrifice was not just about securing our place in heaven but about restoring us to God's original intent. This includes healing, provision, and purpose in every area of our lives. [01:24:19]
- Communion as a Declaration: Through communion, we declare the power of Jesus' blood over our lives, recognizing its ability to cleanse, heal, and protect us. This act of faith aligns our hearts with God's truth and releases His life into every area of our existence. [01:39:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Focusing on the Spiritual
- [00:03:00] - The Power of the Blood
- [00:05:00] - Understanding Blood Work
- [00:10:00] - The Garden of Gethsemane
- [00:15:00] - The Scourging Post
- [00:20:00] - The Crown of Thorns
- [00:25:00] - Piercing of the Hands
- [00:30:00] - Piercing of the Feet
- [00:35:00] - Piercing of the Side
- [00:40:00] - Internal Bruising
- [00:45:00] - Applying the Blood
- [00:50:00] - Communion and Transformation
- [00:55:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Leviticus 17:11 - "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement."
2. Hebrews 9:22 - "And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."
3. Luke 22:44 - "And being in agony, He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground."
Observation Questions:
1. What are the seven instances in which Jesus shed His blood, and what specific areas of redemption do they address? [01:08:43]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the blood of Jesus in both scientific and spiritual terms? [01:03:08]
3. What Old Testament practices are mentioned in the sermon that relate to the application of blood for cleansing and protection? [01:30:16]
4. How does the sermon explain the connection between the Garden of Eden and the shedding of Jesus' blood? [01:03:08]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the blood of Jesus as a "powerful agent of redemption and healing" challenge traditional views of sacrifice and atonement? [01:03:08]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the blood of Jesus offers restoration and freedom from the curse of sin? [01:24:19]
3. How does the sermon interpret the act of communion as a declaration of the power of Jesus' blood over our lives? [01:39:13]
4. What does the sermon imply about the necessity of applying the blood of Jesus to our lives, and how does this relate to experiencing the fullness of God's promises? [01:30:16]
Application Questions:
1. In a world full of distractions, what specific steps can you take this week to focus more on the spiritual reality and the work of God in your life? [01:01:00]
2. Reflect on an area of your life where you feel the curse of sin is most evident. How can you apply the power of Jesus' blood to seek redemption and restoration in that area? [01:03:08]
3. Communion is described as a declaration of faith. How can you make your next communion experience more meaningful and aligned with the sermon’s teachings? [01:39:13]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of applying the blood of Jesus to our lives. What practical actions can you take to internalize this truth and experience transformation? [01:30:16]
5. Consider a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can the understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and the power of His blood bring you peace and empowerment in similar situations? [01:24:19]
6. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take to minimize this distraction and enhance your spiritual focus? [01:01:00]
7. Think of a person in your life who might benefit from understanding the power of Jesus' blood. How can you engage them in a conversation about this transformative truth this week? [01:03:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Focus
In a world filled with distractions, it is essential to focus on the spiritual reality that transcends our physical existence. By doing so, we open ourselves to the supernatural joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. This focus allows us to see beyond the natural and recognize the supernatural work of God in our lives. As spiritual beings, we are called to prioritize our spiritual growth and relationship with God, which in turn transforms our daily lives. By intentionally setting aside time to connect with God, we can experience His presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives. [00:01:00]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific distractions in your life are preventing you from focusing on your spiritual growth? How can you create a daily routine that prioritizes your relationship with God?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Jesus' Blood
The blood of Jesus is not just a symbol but a powerful agent of redemption and healing. Each instance of Jesus shedding His blood addresses a specific area of our lives, offering restoration and freedom from the curse of sin. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross, each act of shedding blood was purposeful, addressing different aspects of the curse brought by sin. This profound spiritual truth has both scientific and spiritual implications, reminding us of the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on our lives. [01:03:08]
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to experience the redemptive power of Jesus' blood? How can you invite Him to bring healing and restoration to that area today?
Day 3: Applying the Blood of Jesus
It's not enough to acknowledge the shedding of Jesus' blood; we must apply it to our lives. This application brings transformation and allows us to experience the fullness of God's promises. Just as in the Old Testament, where blood was applied to signify cleansing and protection, we are called to internalize this truth through practices like communion. By doing so, we acknowledge that the blood of Jesus covers every aspect of our lives, offering us abundant life and freedom from the curse of sin and death. [01:30:16]
"For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively apply the power of Jesus' blood to your daily life? What specific steps can you take to experience His transformation and promises?
Day 4: Redemption and Restoration in Christ
Jesus' sacrifice was not just about securing our place in heaven but about restoring us to God's original intent. This includes healing, provision, and purpose in every area of our lives. Through His blood, we are redeemed and restored, allowing us to live in alignment with God's will and experience His blessings. This restoration is a continuous process that requires us to surrender our lives to Him and trust in His plan for us. [01:24:19]
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:10, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life needs restoration and alignment with God's original intent? How can you surrender this area to Him and trust in His plan for your life?
Day 5: Communion as a Declaration of Faith
Through communion, we declare the power of Jesus' blood over our lives, recognizing its ability to cleanse, heal, and protect us. This act of faith aligns our hearts with God's truth and releases His life into every area of our existence. By participating in communion, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. It is a powerful declaration of our faith and a reminder of the abundant life we have in Him. [01:39:13]
"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach communion with a renewed sense of faith and gratitude? What does it mean for you to declare the power of Jesus' blood over your life through this sacred practice?
Quotes
"And I just want you to wipe away all of your preconceived ideas, what you think you know about the power of the blood of Jesus, the power of his resurrection. And I want you to approach scripture today with a clean slate. The Bible says the worst thing we could do is take a traditional mindset and approach the things of God with it. It actually says that the traditions of men make God's word of no effect. That means if you want to see the power of this word, don't just think, well, it's Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday. I know about this message. I want you to hear the gospel today like it's the first time you heard it." [00:50:42] (39 seconds)
"The blood of Jesus has work. It has power. It has effectiveness in our lives. And I want to explain the power of blood through scripture today so that you can recognize this isn't just a tradition. It doesn't just simply mean, well, sacrifice, you know, blood. And so, you know, when you sacrifice something, there's blood and that means that, you know, God forgives or there's life there. There's actually scientific and spiritual principles behind the power of blood. I want to ask you all questions as we get started. How many of you can agree with this statement that sometimes it's the smallest things that cause the biggest disruption in our life, right?" [00:51:33] (37 seconds)
"Some of us has been through crisis, different things in our life. Well, when you are cut through trauma or through pain or through sin or anything in our life, the blood of Jesus is still the first line of defense. It's also how God heals us. And so if we don't recognize the power of his blood, then we will ignore the very thing that we need to understand to receive what Jesus died to give us. And once you understand the power of blood, you'll understand how to receive from God. Do you know, I say this a lot because it shocks people, but Jesus' primary reason for dying on the cross, defeating death for us, was not simply just so that we can go to heaven for an eternity." [00:56:13] (44 seconds)
"Perfect fellowship between God and man. Walking with God in the cool of the day. It's sin that came in and brought separation and caused the fall. And so the blood is not just to cover things, but it's to heal, protect, and begin a restoration process, a redemption process. When you accepted Christ in your heart, if you're saved, that moment was the beginning of salvation, not the end of salvation. It's not like, oh, I'm saved now. I'm just waiting for Jesus to come back. No, your salvation starts at the moment you accept Christ. But there is a redemption process, spirit, soul, and body that God takes you through in your life." [00:59:19] (40 seconds)
"Once you understand the power of the blood, then whatever is a result of the curse of the garden cannot exist where the power of the abundant life of God is revealed. You can't have life and death anymore. When God's life shows up, death flees, just like you can't have darkness and light cohabitating. They immediately bring separation there. So if the life's in the blood, then life had to be released. And the only way to release the life or the blood is for the skin or the flesh to be pierced. The flesh has to be broken so that the blood can rush to that place. And then the blood is released from the body." [01:05:35] (39 seconds)
"The blood of Jesus was shed seven different times in scripture. And each time blood or life was released from God in the flesh, it was for a specific area of the curse that had come to restore back what had been lost in the garden. Why? Because Jesus said, I have come, I know my purpose, and it's to die on the cross, but it's first to shed blood to totally eradicate every curse that was brought to the earth through Adam and Eve in every area of the lives of man and woman. So he is now looking for a process of releasing the life. I thought this was so interesting." [01:07:46] (43 seconds)
"Adam and Eve before Christ, we were all born into sin. We had no choice and we would die in sin and death. But Jesus now in the garden is releasing blood the first time that he shed his blood and he's redeeming the human will at this moment, the inner agony or the turmoil. And he's saying, I'm going to empower you to restore. I'm restoring power to you to choose the will of God, to say yes to God's will in spite of anything. He's saying, whatever Adam and Eve gave into, I am restoring the power to reject the same thing that they fell for." [01:09:30] (36 seconds)
"So overriding as a believer, sin is fought right here. The battle, Jesus already beat sin on the cross. Now your mind has to be renewed. So Jesus shed his blood in the garden of Gethsemane, number two, at the scourging post. They whipped him 39 times with a cat of nine tails. They had nails like this that were attached to these leather strips on this cat of nine tails. And each one of the strips had nails and shards of glass and almost like razor blade sharp metal objects, anything that could dig into flesh and rip flesh. So when they were whipping Jesus with a Roman cat of nine tails, it wasn't just meant as a leather whip." [01:13:52] (44 seconds)
"The Bible says in Hebrews 9, as you're getting your cups and your crackers, listen to this verse. Verse 12 says, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, he entered the most holy place once and for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled the unclean sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, then how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience, your inside now, inside from dead works to serve the living God. He said, if animals' blood was effective, how much more effective is the son of God's blood that was shed for you and I?" [01:37:46] (45 seconds)