Elevation Church Lecture - February 16, 2025

Speaker: Steven Furtick

Opening Remarks

• Expression of gratitude for life's blessings.
• Announcement of the upcoming Elevation Nights tour in various cities (Fort Worth, Tulsa, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Detroit, Hartford, Newark, Washington, D.C.).
  • Event details: February 25 - March 6.
  • Tickets available at elevationnights.com.
• Encouragement to listen to and sing the song "I Know a Name" available on streaming platforms.

Sermon Focus: Luke 22:31-34

• Scriptural Context: Jesus speaks to Simon Peter, predicting his denial before the rooster crows.
• Core Message:
  • The importance of prayer, specifically "The Prayer That Repairs."
  • Emphasis on understanding God's voice amidst life's noise.
  • The concept of pivotal moments and small adjustments leading to significant changes.

God's Attention & Pivotal Moments

• Naming Twice: Instances in the Bible where God calls someone's name twice.
  • Examples: Saul, Moses, Samuel, Martha, Abraham, Jacob.
  • Purpose: To signify pivotal moments and get attention.

Happiness and Heaviness

• Coexistence: Addressing how happiness and heaviness often occur simultaneously in life.
• Prayer's Role: Helps to find happiness despite heaviness.

Pivotal Moment for Simon Peter

• Sifting by Satan: Simon Peter's faith tested, leading to denial of Jesus.
• Jesus' Assurance: "I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail."

Types of Prayer

• Prayer that Prevents: Prevents certain events; illustrated by examples from Moses' intercessions.
• Prayer that Prepares: Strengthens and prepares for incoming challenges.
• Prayer that Repairs: Restores faith and alignment after failure or challenge.

Personal Story and Illustration

• Steven's Childhood Anecdote: His father telling him he went to various "schools" to fix minor injuries.
• Message: God knows and understands us better, providing comfort and restoration.

Peter's Denial and Restoration

• Faith vs. Satan's Attack: Highlighting that it's not about personal strength but about Jesus' prayer.
• Savior's Prayer: Jesus prays for Simon Peter, illustrating the continuous support and restoration.

Conclusion and Invitation

• Invitation to Prayer: Inviting the congregation to pray for strength and restoration.
• Call to Faith: Encouraging a commitment to faith and embracing Jesus' prayer.

Final Remarks

• Acknowledgment: Celebrating new beginnings for those who prayed the commitment prayer.
• Anticipation for Future Sermons: Potential topics like "Abraham, Abraham" or "Moses, Moses."
• Encouragement: Repairing and preparing for life's challenges.