Point of Grace Worship 10.12.25 “Experience Jesus. Really.” Part 2
Jesus is our Refuge – As we experience His Presence, Truth and Love we experience His Refuge
“Finding Refuge, Strength and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God”
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 62:5-8
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
We need refuge.
John 15:4-11
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
How?
We get to:
- Actively engage the refuge God has already given. Notice the verbs.
- Relearn the lost art of lingering… linger in prayer … linger over His Word… linger in His presence.
- Set the table with an opening prayer like,
“Jesus, I give you everyone and everything… “(repeat several times naming people and things to relinquish)
Restore my union with You, Jesus, restore our union.
Come Holy Spirit, fill me afresh.”(Ask the Holy Spirit for His presence and help as you pray.)
- Linger with Jesus, repeating declarations of His Truth and His Love while listening and receiving the refuge of His Presence.
Our heart and soul are restored through union with Christ – as we take refuge in Him.
It is our greatest need in the hour we now live.
In October we are invited into a deeper experience of Jesus.
- Four weekly sermons and themes
- A daily guided prayer experience (am and pm)
Download the “One Minute Pause” app and go to the “Experience Jesus” program
- Read the book, “Experiencing Jesus. Really.”
- Some of our Grow Groups are taking this journey in community.
WHO I AM IN CHRIST – Taking Refuge in the Truth and Love of God
I AM ACCEPTED...
• I am a lavishly loved child of God. (John 1:12, 1 Jn 3:1)
• As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. (John 15:15)
• I have been justified (declared righteous). (Romans 5:1)
• I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
• I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
• I am a member of Christ's body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
• I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. (Ephesians 1:3-8)
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
• I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:9-10)
• I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
I AM SECURE...
• I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
• I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. (Romans 8:28)
• I am free from any condemnation against me and cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:31-39)
• I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
• I am hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-4)
• I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. (Philippians 1:6)
• I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
• I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:10)
• I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18)
I AM SIGNIFICANT...
• I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. (John 15:5)
• I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
• I am God's temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
• I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6)
• I am God's workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
• I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
• I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
(adapted from the book by Neil Anderson, Victory in Christ)