Transformative Worship: Pursuing God's Presence and Restoration

 

Summary

In a powerful gathering at Oasis Church, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and faith as the congregation came together to worship and seek a deeper encounter with God. The service was a profound experience of praise, worship, and the pursuit of God's presence, marked by a series of declarations, prayers, and prophetic utterances that stirred the hearts of all present.

The service began with a declaration of faith in the greater things that God has in store for His people. The lyrics of the opening song set the tone for the night, affirming that as long as we are alive, God is not done working in and through us. The congregation was reminded that their best days are ahead, and that by the grace of God, their stories have been rewritten from death to life.

As the worship continued, the congregation was called to their feet to enter into God's presence with praise. The repeated chorus, "We enter it with praise," became a rallying cry, uniting the voices in the room in a powerful declaration of worship to King Jesus. The focus then shifted to the resurrection power of Christ, celebrating the victory that is found in His rising from the dead. The repeated affirmation, "He is risen," served as a reminder of the transformative power available to believers through the resurrection.

The service took a moment to address personal restoration, particularly within families. A poignant call was made for forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing that restoration is possible, but it requires action—forgiveness and apologies. This was a powerful reminder that God desires to heal and restore relationships, but it often requires a step of obedience from us.

The desire for more of God was a recurring theme throughout the night. The congregation passionately sang, "Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, I can't control. I want more of you, God." This was a heartfelt plea for a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit, reflecting a hunger for a more profound experience of God's presence and power.

The service also included a prophetic dimension, with declarations about the coming of Jesus and the need to prepare the way for the Lord. The repeated phrase, "People get ready, Jesus is coming," served as a call to spiritual readiness and anticipation for Christ's return. The imagery of valleys being raised and mountains made low, along with the lion of Judah roaring, painted a vivid picture of the transformative power of God that flattens obstacles and heralds His coming kingdom.

The worship experience was interspersed with moments of healing and testimonies of God's miraculous power. Individuals testified to physical healings, describing the warmth and absence of pain as evidence of God's touch. These testimonies served to build faith and expectation for what God could do in the lives of others.

The service concluded with a focus on God's holiness and the continuous worship that surrounds His throne in heaven. The congregation joined with the heavenly beings in declaring God's holiness, recognizing that there is no one like Him. This was a powerful reminder of the transcendence and majesty of God, inviting the worshippers to join in the eternal song of praise that never ceases before the throne of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The pursuit of God's presence is a transformative journey that leads from death to life, and it is marked by an unwavering belief in the greater things God has planned for His people. This journey is not just about personal fulfillment but about being part of God's redemptive story for the world. [03:10:17]

- True worship is an act of entering God's presence with praise, regardless of circumstances. It is a declaration of faith that lifts up the name of Jesus and aligns the hearts of believers with the reality of His victory and resurrection power. [07:02]

- Forgiveness and reconciliation are not optional in the kingdom of God; they are essential for personal restoration and the healing of relationships. It is a divine mandate that requires humility and obedience to God's prompting to forgive and seek forgiveness. [02:27:54]

- The hunger for more of God is a holy discontentment that drives believers to seek a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit. It is a recognition that there is always more to experience in God, and it is a desire that He delights to fulfill. [02:38:00]

- The anticipation of Christ's return should be a central focus of the believer's life, prompting a lifestyle of spiritual readiness and active preparation. The prophetic call to "prepare the way of the Lord" is a charge to live in such a way that reflects the imminent return of Jesus. [03:07:24]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 11:25-26 (NIV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
2. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV): "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
3. Matthew 3:3 (NIV): "This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus declare about Himself in John 11:25-26, and how does this relate to the theme of resurrection power in the sermon? [07:02]
2. According to Ephesians 4:32, what are believers instructed to do, and how was this reflected in the call for forgiveness and reconciliation during the service? [02:27:54]
3. How does Matthew 3:3's call to "prepare the way for the Lord" connect with the prophetic declarations made during the service about Jesus' return? [03:07:24]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the resurrection power of Christ, as mentioned in John 11:25-26, provide hope and transformation for believers today? [07:02]
2. In what ways does the act of forgiveness and reconciliation, as instructed in Ephesians 4:32, contribute to personal and communal restoration within the church? [02:27:54]
3. What does it mean to "prepare the way for the Lord" in our current context, and how can believers live in anticipation of Christ's return as described in Matthew 3:3? [03:07:24]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the declaration that "greater things are still to come," what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God for greater things? How can you actively pursue His presence in these areas? [00:00]
2. The sermon emphasized entering God's presence with praise regardless of circumstances. How can you cultivate a habit of praise in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [05:20]
3. Forgiveness and reconciliation were highlighted as essential for restoration. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? What steps will you take this week to initiate that process? [02:27:54]
4. The congregation expressed a deep hunger for more of God. What practical steps can you take to seek a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit in your life? [02:38:00]
5. The anticipation of Christ's return was a central theme. How can you live in a state of spiritual readiness and actively prepare for Jesus' coming? What changes might this require in your daily routine or priorities? [03:07:24]
6. Testimonies of healing were shared during the service. Have you experienced or witnessed God's miraculous power in your life or others? How can sharing these testimonies encourage and build faith within your community? [02:16:19]
7. The service concluded with a focus on God's holiness. How can you incorporate a greater awareness of God's holiness into your worship and daily life? What specific practices can help you maintain this focus? [03:22:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Transformative Journey
The journey with God is one of transformation, a passage from death to life, where each step is taken with the assurance of His grand design for our lives. This transformative journey is not solely for personal gain; it is an integral part of the larger, redemptive narrative that God is weaving throughout humanity. As believers, we are called to trust in the promise of greater things to come, things that surpass our understanding and expectations. This trust is not passive; it is active and alive, propelling us forward into the future God has ordained. The belief in a rewritten story, from death to life, is a powerful motivator that fuels perseverance and hope in the face of life's challenges. It is a belief that sustains us, reminding us that our best days, under God's grace, are always ahead. [03:10:17]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the new thing God is doing in your life, trusting that He is leading you to greater things?

Day 2: The Act of Worship as Faith's Declaration
True worship is an act of faith, a deliberate step into the presence of God with a heart full of praise. It is in worship that we lift high the name of Jesus, aligning ourselves with the truth of His victory and the power of His resurrection. Worship is not contingent upon our circumstances but is a constant, a declaration of who God is and who we are in Him. As we enter His presence with praise, we join a chorus of believers who, through every season, proclaim the goodness and sovereignty of our King. This act of worship is a testament to our faith, a faith that sees beyond the temporal and into the eternal, celebrating the risen Christ and the life He offers. [07:02]

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."

Reflection: What are some ways you can make worship a more integral part of your daily life, even outside of church gatherings?

Day 3: The Mandate of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Forgiveness and reconciliation are not merely suggestions in the kingdom of God; they are commands that reflect the heart of the Father. These acts are essential for personal restoration and the mending of relationships. It is through forgiveness that we find freedom from the chains of bitterness and through reconciliation that we experience the healing of broken bonds. This divine mandate calls for humility and obedience, prompting us to extend and seek forgiveness, even when it is difficult. The kingdom of God is built on the foundation of restored relationships, and as followers of Christ, we are to be active participants in this process of healing and renewal. [02:27:54]

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Who do you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from, and what steps can you take today to initiate that process?

Day 4: The Pursuit of More of God
The pursuit of God is marked by a holy discontentment, a yearning for a deeper encounter with the Holy Spirit. This desire for more of God is not born out of lack but out of the knowledge that there is always more to discover in Him. It is a plea for a greater infilling of His presence, a recognition that our souls are restless until they find their satisfaction in Him. This hunger is a sign of spiritual vitality, reflecting a heart that is not content with the status quo but is constantly seeking to draw nearer to the divine. It is in this pursuit that we find the fullness of life and the joy of intimacy with our Creator. [02:38:00]

Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper desire for God in your daily routine?

Day 5: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
The anticipation of Christ's return should be a defining aspect of a believer's life, shaping our actions and attitudes. This prophetic call to prepare the way for the Lord is not just about looking forward to a future event; it is about living in a manner that reflects the imminence of His coming. As believers, we are to be vigilant, ready, and actively involved in the work of the kingdom, ensuring that our lives are a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. The call to readiness is a call to live with purpose and urgency, recognizing that each day is an opportunity to align ourselves with God's will and to make His love known to a waiting world. [03:07:24]

1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you live more intentionally in light of the anticipation of Christ's return?

Quotes

1) "Greater things are still to come. Oh, I believe. If I'm not dead, you're not done. Greater things are still to come." [03:44] (Download)

2) "We enter it with praise. We enter it with praise. Lift up the name of Jesus tonight. We enter it." [07:02] (Download)

3) "There's at least one family, probably many. You want restoration with your children. But you won't forgive them. And you won't apologize." [02:27:54] (Download)

4) "Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, I can't control. I want more of you, God." [02:38:00] (Download)

5) "People get ready, Jesus is coming. People get ready. Jesus is coming. We're ready for you, Lord." [03:07:24] (Download)

6) "Let your fire fall, let your wind blow. Let your glory come down, come down." [02:45:38] (Download)

7) "There is no one like you, you are holy. Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty." [03:24:20] (Download)

8) "He's not staying in heaven forever. He's alive. He's alive. So people get ready. Jesus is coming." [03:10:17] (Download)

9) "Oh valley, be raised up, oh mountain, be made low. Let the lion roar, let the lion roar." [03:17:36] (Download)

10) "I want more of you, God. Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, I can't control." [02:38:44] (Download)

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