Revive Church KC Vision 1: Encounter God
Encounter God | Meet God as He is, unfiltered.
Powerful experiences defined the ancients. Adam and Eve encountered God in the cool of the evening. They walked with Him face-to-face (Genesis 3:8).
As Israel wandered through the wilderness, they heard magnificent stories about God. Mothers told stories about the spectacular lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to their children.
God gave Abraham a son miraculously, though his wife was barren.
And the Lord provided a sacrifice in the place of Isaac.
Jacob encountered a ladder where angels ran up and down.
Key Story
During the time of Moses, God made it clear that He wanted all the children of Israel to have a direct encounter with Him. He intended for everyone involved in the Exodus to experience him on the mountain.
“And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people’” (Exodus 19:10-11).
While the Lord wanted them to be consecrated and focused on Him, He didn’t plan to hold anything back. Through this magnificent encounter, He was going to make them like sons and daughters—intimately knowing Him.
“Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So, Moses went up and the LORD said to him, "Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the LORD and many of them perish. Even the priests, who approach the LORD, must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them." (Exodus 19:17-22)
There was a great stirring—lightning, fire and a great trembling. God sent Moses down to give guidance to the people on how they should come up. But the idea of this kind of encounter frightened them.
“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.’…The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was”(Exodus 20:18-21).
God still wants His people to encounter Him. Many years ago, Pastor Steve Gray said, “Everyone deserves a chance to experience God.” People deserve a chance to gaze upon the majesty and power of Jesus.
Application
Having encounters with the Lord—experiencing His power and might—are vital. But how do we experience them? Here are a few suggestions.
Change your mindset about the power and works of the Lord.
Believe in present-day miracles and works of power.
Open your life to the remarkable things the Lord does.
During times of worship at church, go all-in with your heart, mind, and emotions.
Paul warned members of the Corinthian church, “You are restricted in your own affections” (2 Corinthians 6:12 ESV).
Receive prayer in church services as often as you can.
When the altars are open come down and receive.
Worship and pray at home, keeping your life open to the work of the Spirit.
Play some powerful worship music on your phone.
Take a morning or evening and turn your affection to the Lord.
Intercede before services, creating an atmosphere for others to have encounters.
Create environments for others to be impacted by the Lord.
