Transformative Encounters: Experiencing God's Presence Together

 

Summary

One encounter with God can change everything. This truth is foundational to our vision as a church, encapsulated in the words: encounter, equip, and empower. These words guide our actions, values, and the way we operate. Encountering God is about meeting Him face-to-face, experiencing His love, intimacy, presence, healing, and restoration. It's about being filled with His love and power, which we can experience through worship, reading scripture, and other unique ways God relates to us.

In today's digital age, communication has become more complex, often lacking the depth of face-to-face interaction. This is true in our relationships with others and with God. Meeting face-to-face allows us to truly understand and connect, not just through words but through expressions and emotions. This is why encountering God is so vital; it is about experiencing His presence in a personal and intimate way.

The Bible is full of stories where God encounters individuals, changing their lives and destinies. From Adam and Eve to Abraham, Enoch, Moses, and even Saul, each encounter was unique and transformative. These stories remind us that no one is beyond God's reach, and He can use anything to encounter us—nature, art, music, or even the mundane aspects of life.

Living a lifestyle of encounter requires us to be open, aware, intentional, and yielded. Being open means having a childlike wonder and being thankful for others' breakthroughs. Awareness involves recognizing the Holy Spirit's presence in us and the potential for encounters everywhere. Intentionality is about creating time and space to meet with God, while being yielded means submitting to His influence and being fruitful.

As we step into a new year, let's be open to encountering God in new ways. Whether through an encounter night or in our daily lives, let's seek His presence and allow Him to transform us. Remember, one encounter with God can change anything.

Key Takeaways:

1. Encountering God Face-to-Face: True communication and connection happen face-to-face, allowing us to experience God's presence intimately. This encounter is foundational to our faith, shaping our identity and purpose. [03:59]

2. Unique Encounters with God: Each person is uniquely created, and God relates to us in ways that resonate with our individuality. This diversity in encounters enriches our understanding of God and His love for us. [06:24]

3. Biblical Examples of Transformation: Stories of biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and Saul illustrate how encounters with God can radically change lives and destinies. These stories remind us that no one is beyond God's reach. [11:10]

4. Living a Lifestyle of Encounter: To live a lifestyle of encounter, we must be open, aware, intentional, and yielded. This involves being receptive to God's presence, creating space for Him, and submitting to His influence. [44:26]

5. God's Reach and Love: No one is beyond the reach of God's love and grace. He encounters people in diverse ways, using anything from nature to art to speak to our hearts and draw us closer to Him. [31:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:46] - Vision: Encounter, Equip, Empower
- [02:21] - The Importance of Face-to-Face Encounters
- [03:59] - Communication in the Digital Age
- [04:53] - Unique Ways We Relate to God
- [06:24] - Learning from Each Other's Encounters
- [08:00] - Adam and Eve's Encounter with God
- [09:24] - God's Grace in the Garden
- [10:11] - Abraham's Transformative Encounter
- [11:10] - Enoch's Intimate Walk with God
- [14:07] - Moses and the Burning Bush
- [16:19] - The Tent of Meeting
- [18:54] - Joshua's Choice to Remain
- [20:11] - Moses' Dialogue with God
- [22:30] - God's Promise to Moses
- [25:12] - Being Glory Carriers
- [28:22] - Saul's Encounter and Transformation
- [31:25] - Diverse Ways God Encounters Us
- [33:01] - Encountering God Through Arts and Nature
- [34:09] - Queen of Sheba's Encounter with Solomon
- [37:16] - Living a Lifestyle of Encounter
- [38:49] - Being Open to God's Encounters
- [42:57] - Awareness and Intentionality
- [44:26] - Yielding to God's Influence
- [46:03] - A New Year of Encounters
- [47:40] - Invitation to Encounter Night

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:8-10
2. Exodus 33:7-11
3. Acts 9:1-9

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 3:8-10, what was Adam and Eve's reaction after their encounter with God following their disobedience? How did God respond to their actions? [09:24]

2. Describe the significance of the "tent of meeting" in Exodus 33:7-11. How did Moses' practice of meeting with God influence the people around him? [16:19]

3. In Acts 9:1-9, what was Saul's initial reaction to his encounter with God on the road to Damascus? How did this encounter begin to change his life? [28:22]

4. According to the sermon, what are some unique ways people can encounter God in their daily lives? [31:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 illustrate the human tendency to hide from God after failure? What does this reveal about God's character in seeking them out? [09:24]

2. What does Moses' face-to-face communication with God in Exodus 33 suggest about the nature of intimacy with God? How does this relate to the concept of being "glory carriers"? [25:12]

3. How did Saul's encounter with God on the road to Damascus redefine his understanding of God's purpose for his life? What does this teach us about the transformative power of divine encounters? [30:10]

4. The sermon mentions that God can use anything to encounter us, from nature to art. How does this broaden our understanding of how God communicates with us? [33:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to be more open to encountering Him in your daily life? [38:49]

2. Moses created a specific space to meet with God. How can you intentionally create time and space in your routine to encounter God more deeply? [44:26]

3. Saul's encounter with God led to a complete transformation. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to change? How can you respond to this call? [30:10]

4. The sermon emphasizes being aware of God's presence in everyday moments. What are some practical ways you can increase your awareness of God's presence throughout your day? [42:57]

5. How can you cultivate a childlike wonder and openness to God's encounters, especially when you see others experiencing breakthroughs in their relationship with God? [39:41]

6. Consider the diverse ways God encounters people, as mentioned in the sermon. Which of these resonates most with you, and how can you explore this further in your spiritual journey? [31:25]

7. The sermon encourages us to be "glory carriers." What specific actions can you take this week to reflect God's goodness and love to those around you? [25:12]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Experiencing God Face-to-Face
Description: Encountering God face-to-face is about more than just communication; it is about a deep, personal connection that transforms our identity and purpose. In a world where digital communication often lacks depth, meeting God in a personal way allows us to experience His love, presence, and healing. This encounter is foundational to our faith, as it shapes who we are and how we live. By seeking God's presence through worship, scripture, and prayer, we open ourselves to a transformative relationship that goes beyond words. [03:59]

Exodus 33:11 (ESV): "Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent."

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt truly connected to someone. How can you seek a similar depth of connection with God today through intentional time in His presence?


Day 2: Embracing Unique Encounters with God
Description: Each person is uniquely created, and God relates to us in ways that resonate with our individuality. This diversity in encounters enriches our understanding of God and His love for us. Whether through nature, art, music, or the mundane aspects of life, God uses various means to reach us. By being open to these unique encounters, we can experience God's love and power in ways that are deeply personal and transformative. This understanding encourages us to appreciate the different ways God speaks to each of us. [06:24]

1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."

Reflection: Reflect on the unique ways God has spoken to you in the past. How can you be more open to recognizing His voice in unexpected places today?


Day 3: Transformation Through Biblical Encounters
Description: The Bible is full of stories where God encounters individuals, changing their lives and destinies. Figures like Abraham, Moses, and Saul experienced transformative encounters that altered their paths and purposes. These stories remind us that no one is beyond God's reach, and He can use any situation to draw us closer to Him. By studying these biblical examples, we can find encouragement and hope in knowing that God desires to transform our lives as well. [11:10]

Acts 9:3-6 (ESV): "Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.'"

Reflection: Consider a biblical figure whose story of transformation inspires you. How can their journey encourage you to be open to God's transformative work in your own life?


Day 4: Living a Lifestyle of Encounter
Description: To live a lifestyle of encounter, we must be open, aware, intentional, and yielded. This involves being receptive to God's presence, creating space for Him, and submitting to His influence. By cultivating a heart of childlike wonder and thankfulness, we can recognize the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives and the potential for encounters everywhere. Intentionality in our spiritual practices and yielding to God's guidance allows us to live fruitfully and in alignment with His will. [44:26]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to create space for God in your daily routine? How can you be more intentional in seeking His presence?


Day 5: God's Unfailing Reach and Love
Description: No one is beyond the reach of God's love and grace. He encounters people in diverse ways, using anything from nature to art to speak to our hearts and draw us closer to Him. This truth reassures us that God's love is all-encompassing and that He desires a relationship with each of us. By being open to the various ways God may choose to encounter us, we can experience His love and grace in profound and life-changing ways. [31:25]

Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can you remind yourself of His unfailing presence and love in your life today?

Quotes

One encounter with God can change anything. One of the keys to opening up a lifestyle of encounter is just to be open. Mike and I were talking a few weeks ago just about leaning into this year and kind of maybe what the Lord's speaking. Who wants a word from the Lord for the year? [00:00:00] (15 seconds)


But this word encounter is interesting. When you look it up, like some of the definitions of that word are kind of on the negative side a little bit. But there's one definition that I think is why we use this word. And it's to meet face-to-face. [00:01:33] (16 seconds)


And so this whole idea of, like, meeting face-to-face is really important. You know, how many of you know, like, when you have something difficult to say, do you just text it, or is it probably more important that you get together face-to-face? Why does it matter? Because it really matters that you can not only hear the words that I'm saying, but the way that I say it, the, the look on my face. [00:03:23] (26 seconds)


And so, we talk about encounter God. We mean his love, intimacy, presence, healing, and restoration, and we're filled with his love and power. We do that through a lot of ways. I'd say worship is one of the ways that we're encountering God. I think when we open up the scriptures and we, we read his word, that's another way of encountering God. [00:04:24] (21 seconds)


And yet, here's what strikes me about that story. In failure, they chose to hide their face from him. He did not. Like, if humanity could actually get that, like, where does humanity get the idea that when I fail, I need to hide from him? Is it just, in our nature, is it, what is that? [00:09:08] (26 seconds)


And so, it says he never hid his face from them. He didn't abandon them. Here's the part I love. He clothed them. In the place of their nakedness, he actually clothed them. He made a covering for them and clothed them. It was the beginning of this journey to say, I mean, just right in the moment, he begins the journey of restoration. [00:10:11] (23 seconds)


And so, you know, we have these coming home, like we're expecting people to come home. How does that happen? It happens through encountering God. And we see Moses with this burning bush, right? He's just going along. He's doing his thing. He's kind of gone off the rails a little bit and he sees this burning bush. And what does he do? He's intrigued by it. He turns, he goes to the bush. And from that place, God speaks to him and encounters him and gives him this purpose. [00:15:43] (28 seconds)


Inside the tent of meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face as one speaks to a friend. Afterward, Moses would return to the camp. But the young man who assisted him, Joshua's son, the son of none. He's not a son of a none. He's Joshua's son of none. None was a person. Okay, I just, I wanna be clear here. He would remain behind in the tent of meeting. [00:18:32] (27 seconds)


And so we have the opportunity to be glory carriers that wherever we go, God's goodness is seen, that it leads them into an encounter with Jesus. We have this David, Psalm 1715. He says, because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied. [00:25:56] (23 seconds)


Nobody is beyond the reach of God. You know, all these names. I came in this week and just. Praying over these names that have been on our heart, that we've been praying for to come home. Nobody is beyond the reach of God. No matter how far they've strayed, what's going on. No matter how it seems today. [00:30:55] (20 seconds)


And I just feel like, like God is wanting to encounter us. He's, he's wanting to open that up. And, and even if you feel like I've never encountered him, I've never heard him, like all it takes is just opening yourself up and having some faith in that. Having more faith in his ability to speak to you and encounter you than in your own ability. [00:46:23] (26 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?