Finding What We Seek in Christ Together
In his sermon, Pr. Bill Brannan explores the profound impact of encountering Jesus within a community of believers. He emphasizes that true transformation comes not from external attributes of a church, but from personal and collective experiences of God’s love and presence.
Introduction: Community and Encounter
In the heart of every vibrant church community lies the essence of encounter. It’s not merely about gathering; it’s about experiencing the presence of God together. When individuals come together with a shared longing to encounter Jesus, something powerful happens. This collective experience fosters deeper connections, not only among members but also with God himself.
As we seek God, we find that our motivations shift from self-centered desires to a communal pursuit of His presence. This transformation is essential to understanding the true nature of fellowship. It is in these moments of shared worship and prayer that we witness the miraculous unfold, as lives are changed and hearts are ignited.
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The Lifeblood of Fellowship
Fellowship is more than just a gathering; it is the lifeblood of the church. It thrives on shared experiences and mutual encouragement. When believers come together, they create an atmosphere where faith can flourish. In this environment, the love of Christ binds us, allowing us to support one another in our spiritual journeys.
True fellowship is marked by authenticity. It invites vulnerability, allowing individuals to share their struggles and victories. As we bear one another’s burdens, we grow stronger together, reflecting the unity that Christ desires for His body. This connection becomes a source of strength, enabling us to face challenges with a renewed spirit.
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Personal Responsibility and Grassroots Revival
Revival begins within the hearts of individuals. Each person must embrace their role in the body of Christ, taking personal responsibility for their spiritual growth. This grassroots approach fosters a culture of accountability and encourages active participation in the mission of the church.
When believers take ownership of their faith, they become catalysts for change. This empowerment leads to a collective awakening, where the church rises to fulfill its purpose. As we engage with our communities, we not only share the gospel but also demonstrate the love of Christ through our actions.
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Awakening and the Great Awakening
History is filled with accounts of great awakenings, movements of God that transformed societies. These awakenings are often sparked by ordinary people who are deeply passionate about their faith. As they seek God earnestly, they become instruments of His power, leading others to experience His presence.
Todays’ church stands on the brink of another great awakening. The call is clear: we must rise up and seek God with fervor. As we pursue Him collectively, we can expect to see lives transformed and communities changed. The foundations for a new revival are laid when individuals commit to prayer, worship, and service.
Scriptural Foundations: Ask, Seek, Knock
The scriptures provide a roadmap for our pursuit of God. In Luke 11:9-13, Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. This triad of action emphasizes the importance of persistence in our prayer life. Each step signifies a deeper engagement with God, moving from simple requests to seeking His presence and ultimately knocking on the doors of heaven.
Asking is our initial step, an acknowledgment of our needs. Seeking implies a deeper desire to understand God’s will and His ways. Knocking represents a boldness in approaching God, trusting that He will respond to our yearning hearts. Together, these actions form a powerful cycle that deepens our relationship with the Father.
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The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the dynamic force that empowers believers to live out their faith. He equips us with gifts, ignites our passions, and guides us in truth. It is through the Holy Spirit that we experience the fullness of God’s presence in our lives.
When we ask for the Holy Spirit, we invite transformation. The Spirit’s work in us not only impacts our personal lives but also reverberates through our communities. As we yield to His leading, we become vessels of His love, grace, and power, demonstrating the reality of God to a world in need.
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Personal Testimonies of Encounter
Testimonies of personal encounters with God are powerful tools for encouragement. They remind us of God’s faithfulness and the realities of His presence. When believers share their experiences, they inspire others to seek their own encounters with the Lord.
Each story of healing, provision, or divine intervention serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for others. These encounters are not just for the individual; they are meant to be shared, creating a ripple effect of faith and expectation within the body of Christ.
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The Importance of Daily Encounters
Daily encounters with God are essential for spiritual vitality. Each moment spent in His presence transforms our hearts and minds, renewing our spirits. These encounters are not just for the extraordinary; they are for the everyday believer seeking a deeper relationship with Christ.
As we pursue daily encounters, we open ourselves to His guidance and wisdom. This consistent communion with God fosters a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are part of a larger narrative of faith. When we prioritize these moments, we become vessels for His love and grace in our communities.
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Elijah’s Journey: A Parallel to Our Own
Elijah’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the highs and lows of spiritual life. After experiencing a monumental victory on Mount Carmel, he found himself in despair, threatened by Jezebel. This drastic shift illustrates how even the most passionate believers can face moments of doubt and discouragement.
Elijah’s need for a fresh encounter with God mirrors our own. When we feel overwhelmed, it’s crucial to remember that God is waiting to meet us in our brokenness. Just as He provided for Elijah in the wilderness, He offers us sustenance for our souls to reignite our passion for Him.
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Seeking Together: The Role of Faith
Faith grows in community. When we seek God together, we encourage one another to step out in trust and boldness. This collective pursuit fosters a culture where miracles can happen, and lives can be transformed.
As we share our experiences and testimonies, we build a foundation of faith that inspires others to seek their own encounters with God. This shared journey strengthens our resolve and deepens our understanding of His promises.
Experiencing God in Community
Community is where we can truly experience God’s love in action. As we gather, worship, and pray together, we create an atmosphere ripe for divine encounters. These moments not only deepen our faith but also serve as a testament to the world of God’s transformative power.
In community, we find support and encouragement that help us navigate life’s challenges. When we witness God’s work in each other’s lives, our faith is bolstered, and we are reminded of His faithfulness. This shared experience is vital for sustaining our spiritual journeys.
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The Impact of the Holy Spirit on Community
The Holy Spirit is the catalyst for change within the body of Christ. His presence ignites a passion for worship and service, empowering believers to act as agents of love and healing in their communities. When we invite the Holy Spirit to move among us, we can expect remarkable outcomes.
As the Spirit fills our gatherings, we become more attuned to God’s voice and direction. This sensitivity allows us to respond to the needs of others, fostering an environment where healing and transformation can take place. The Holy Spirit unites us, reminding us that we are all part of God’s family.
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Conclusion: We, the People
Ultimately, our pursuit of God is a communal journey. We are called to be a people who seek Him together, encouraging one another to embrace the fullness of His presence. As we do so, we become a powerful force for change in our communities.
Let us not settle for mere existence but strive for daily encounters that transform us and those around us. Together, we can ignite a passion for God that transcends our individual experiences, creating a movement of faith that impacts the world.
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Preaching Outline
Finding What We Seek in Christ Together
(Preaching Outline)
1) When people tell me about their church:
- a)Normal answers – worship, preacher, community, for their kids
- b)Potential answers – we are a people who have encountered God, love Jesus and are committed to seeing His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Wisdom vs. Folly, Heaven vs. Hell, WLM)
- c)Suggest – Encounter, mission and vision – Upon which Christ builds His church.
- d)1 John 1:3–4 (NRSV) — 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
- e)Luke 11:9–13 (NRSV) — 9 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
2) Emmaus Encounter
- a)Luke 24:13–16 (NRSV) — 13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
- b)(Fill in context – they were walking sad – even though some told of his resurrection – a fresh encounter)
- c)Luke 24:30–32 (NRSV) — 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”
- d)Reminds me of Elijah
3) God rewards those who seek Him
- a)Hebrews 11:6 (NRSV) — 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
4) Do we dare to seek what we find in Scripture?
- a)PETER’S SHADOW – Acts 5:12–16 (NRSV) — 12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16 A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
- b)THE GOSPEL INVADES SAMARIA: Acts 8:4–8 (NRSV) — 4 Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7 for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
- c)BAPTISED BELIEVERS STILL NEEDED THE HOLY SPIRIT: Acts 8:14–19 (NRSV) — 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
5) Finding What We Seek Together
- a)1 Corinthians 14:1 (NRSV) — 1 Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.
- b)Can we be a community that seeks the Lord?
- c)Psalm 24:6–10 (NRSV) — 6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah 7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
