Lecture Notes on Faith and God's Presence

Opening Prayer and Worship

• Acknowledgment of God's presence and the power of Jesus' name.
• Praise for Jesus being a source of salvation, forgiveness, and power.
• Encouragement for participants to engage wholeheartedly in worship.
• Emphasis on the importance of faith and recognizing God's work.

Introduction to 2025

• Introduction of catchy phrases for the year:
  • "Survive in 25"
  • "Thrive in 25"
  • "Dead things come alive in 25"
• Announcement of new music releases and church expansions.
• Gratitude for the congregation's generosity, contributing over $10 million.

Sermon Focus: 2 Kings 6:1-7

• Main Topic: Where do you meet with God?
• Scripture Reference: 2 Kings 6:1-7
• Context:
  • The company of prophets needed more space due to growth.
  • They sought permission to expand their meeting place.

Key Message

• Problem Identification: The current meeting place is too small.
• Solution: Not just complaining but planning and taking action.
• Invitation to Create: Every complaint is an opportunity to create change.
• God's Permission: God is often waiting for us to take steps.

The Importance of God's Presence

• Inviting God into every aspect of life, not just during challenges.
• God's presence should not be confined to physical locations.
• Encouragement to make everyday places spaces for meeting with God.

Building with God's Presence

• Using the metaphor of building a larger meeting place for God.
• Verse 3 Insight: The importance of asking for God's presence in every endeavor.
• Plan “Be” Concept: God's presence as a fallback in unpredictable situations.

Personal Reflection and Application

• Personal Testimonies: Examples of needing God's presence.
• Practical Steps: Bringing God into daily routines and challenges.
• Invitation for God to Accompany: Asking God to come along in all aspects of life.

Conclusion

• God's Willingness to Help: Encouragement to invite God into broken places.
• Action Point: Reach out and lift what God reveals.
• Prayer of Salvation: Invitation to accept Jesus into one's life.
• Closing with a call to celebrate new beginnings in faith.