THE IMPORTANCE OF ENCOUNTER

(2 Corinthians 3:16-17 Message) “Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it!” 

 We need power not just words.


(1 Corinthians 2:3-5) “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”


 We need an experience not just an explanation. 


(John 9:17, 25) Finally they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him?” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” 


 We need presence not just practice. 


(Acts 2:28) “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” 


PREPARING FOR ENCOUNTER 

(Matthew 13:14-15) In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” 

(Hosea 10:12) “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” 


1. Desperation: Wanting God’s way. (Matthew 5:6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” 

2. Humility: Wanting God’s will. (Luke 22:42) “…yet not my will, but yours be done.” 


3. Repentance: Wanting God’s work. (Psalm 51:10-13) “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then  I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."

Video

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/encounters-god

Discussion Guide

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/files/groups/guides/02-20-11.pdf

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands