Experiencing the Fresh Water of God
The vision for Freshwater Church comes from Ezekiel 47, where an angel of the Lord gives the prophet Ezekiel a vision of a river filling the temple and then flowing out to bring life wherever it goes. Pastor Jake revisited this passage Sunday morning and reminded us that Ezekiel’s vision is a picture of God’s life-giving presence.
Our focus as a church is not about the perfection of our programs or the eloquence of our sermons, but about the tangible movement of God among us. We are called to seek transformation, healing, and spiritual awakening in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Jake emphasized the importance of moving from shallow experiences to deeper immersion in the fresh water of God’s Spirit. This requires a heart posture of desperation and submission, leaving behind distractions that hinder our relationship with God.
Jesus, in John 4:13-14, speaks of a living water that satisfies our deepest thirst, a metaphor for the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. This isn’t a one-time experience but a continual flow that refreshes and empowers us.
This week, what does it look like to seek deeper intimacy with God, allowing His living water to flow through us and refresh our spirits? Remember, the Holy Spirit is like a never-ending spring, and we must continually seek that fresh inflow to avoid stagnation in our spiritual lives.
Let’s be a church that is desperate for His presence, willing to leave behind our idols and distractions. May we be a people who long for more of God, not just for ourselves but for our community and the world around us.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on your personal spiritual journey. Are you currently experiencing God’s presence in an “ankle-deep,” “knee-deep,” or “fully submerged” way? What steps can you take to seek a deeper immersion?
- Jake emphasized the importance of cultivating God’s presence through prayer and worship. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize these practices?
- Consider the idols in your life that might be hindering your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take to remove these idols and submit more fully to the Holy Spirit?
- Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What factors contributed to this feeling, and how can you address them to prevent spiritual stagnation in the future?
- How can you encourage others in your church or small group to seek the manifest presence of God? What role can you play in fostering a community that prioritizes His presence?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from January 5
- “Holy Spirit”
- “The Blood”
- “The Dove” (after the message)
- “On Earth as in Heaven” (after the message)