Point of Grace – 4.28.24 Sermon Notes – “… with the Risen Jesus” – Loving Jesus Back
“10 Days for Prayer and Fasting (lite)” Point of Grace Church May 9-19, 2024 - Ascension to Pentecost
Acts 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I (Luke) wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)
What do you suppose they were thinking and praying?
God is calling us as individuals and as a church to “intentionally” go Deeper into His presence for 10 days.
As a Church:
May 9 Worship and Prayer Night
10,11 Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)
12 Sunday Worship – Mother’s Day – Praying for Families
13-14 Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)
15 Worship and Prayer Night
16-18 Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)
19 Pentecost Sunday Worship
As Individuals: Special edition of the Daily Pause – 10 Days straight
Additional Prayer and Fasting Resources available at pog.church
A word about “fasting”–lite:
- Biblical fasting refers to going without food for spiritual purposes
- In the spirit of “fasting” we may choose to refrain from some things to make more room for connecting with God and encountering His Presence. (screens, devices, social media, talking, other activities etc.)
“The Biblical principle of fasting is a process of forgoing something (primarily food) in order that we might to turn our gaze on to God in a more intense and focused way.” From “Prayer Tool: How to Fast” - prayercourse.org
Websites: prayercourse.org /toolshed
24-7Prayer.com
practicingtheway.org … for a deeper dive
Books: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
Can you Imagine…..
Jesus has been getting us ready.
John 21 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”
He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
What is Jesus focusing on in His relationship with Simon…. and the other disciples?
Is this a DTR moment? Why three times?
Why is “expressing love”…. “publicly owning the love relationship” so important?
“SEEK GOD’S FACE, NOT JUST HIS HAND - SURRENDER IN PRAYERFUL DEPENDENCE UPON HIM”
Pastor Mike