ENCOUNTERING GOD IN A NEW WAY

SERMON TITLE: ENCOUNTERING GOD IN A NEW WAY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 43:19
Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:1-6, Genesis 32:24-30, Acts 9:1-6

INTRODUCTION:
God desires that we continually grow in our knowledge and experience of Him. An encounter with God transforms lives, brings new revelations, and sets us on a fresh path of purpose. Throughout the Bible, those who encountered God in new ways were never the same. These encounters brought about divine shifts, clarity of purpose, and empowered them to fulfil their destinies. Today, God is still in the business of revealing Himself in new and dynamic ways to those who seek Him.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ENCOUNTER GOD IN A NEW WAY?

a) A fresh revelation of God's nature: Encountering God in a new way often means seeing a dimension of His power, love, or holiness that we have never seen before.

b) A personal experience: It's more than hearing about God; it’s a personal, life-changing meeting with Him.

c) A shift in perspective: Divine encounters change how we see God, ourselves, and our circumstances.

d) A call to deeper relationship: Every encounter with God invites us to go deeper in our walk with Him.

e) Biblical Example: Moses encountered God through the burning bush, which transformed his life and launched him into his divine calling (Exodus 3:1-6).

2. WHY DO WE NEED A NEW ENCOUNTER WITH GOD?

a) To break spiritual stagnation: New encounters with God break us out of spiritual routine and stagnation.

b) To receive fresh direction: Just as Jacob wrestled with God and received a new name and direction (Genesis 32:24-30), we need divine encounters for clarity of purpose.

c) To be empowered for the next level: Divine encounters often come before major breakthroughs or transitions in life.

d) To experience deeper intimacy with God: The more we encounter God, the more we long for Him and experience deeper fellowship.

e) Biblical Example: Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed his life, turning him from a persecutor to a preacher (Acts 9:1-6).

3. HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR A NEW ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

a) Seek God with all your heart: God reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

b) Create an atmosphere of worship: Worship opens the heavens and brings us into the presence of God.

c) Spend time in prayer and fasting: These spiritual disciplines help us disconnect from distractions and tune in to God’s voice.

d) Hunger for more of God: Just like the psalmist in Psalm 42:1, our souls must long for God more than anything else.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s persistent prayer and fasting led to divine encounters that gave him revelations about the future (Daniel 10:1-12).

4. THE IMPACT OF ENCOUNTERING GOD IN A NEW WAY

a) Transformation of life: Encounters with God bring about personal change, moulding us into His image.

b) Empowerment for destiny: Divine encounters equip us for our divine assignments.

c) Renewal of strength: Encounters with God renew our spiritual strength and passion for His work.

d) Revival and restoration: Personal encounters often lead to revival in our hearts, ministries, and communities.

e) Biblical Example: The disciples on the day of Pentecost had a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to turn the world upside down (Acts 2:1-4).

CONCLUSION:
God desires to encounter us in new and fresh ways. Every new encounter brings us closer to Him and empowers us for the next phase of our lives. Like Moses, Jacob, and Paul, when we encounter God, our lives are transformed, and we are equipped to fulfil our divine purposes. Let us seek God earnestly, positioning ourselves to experience Him in ways we have never imagined before. May we all encounter God in a new way in this season.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I desire to encounter You in a new and deeper way.

2. Father, break every spiritual stagnation in my life.

3. Lord, give me a fresh revelation of Your power and love.

4. Father, open my eyes to see You in a new way.

5. Lord, let my life be transformed by a fresh encounter with You.

6. Father, empower me for my divine purpose through Your presence.

7. Lord, renew my strength and passion for You.

8. Father, create in me a deep hunger for more of Your presence.

9. Lord, remove every distraction that hinders my encounter with You.

10. Father, let Your presence bring revival and restoration in my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will encounter God in a new and life-changing way.

2. Every spiritual stagnation in your life is broken by the power of God.

3. You will receive fresh direction and clarity for your life’s purpose.

4. May the power of God rest upon you, equipping you for the next level.

5. You will walk in deeper intimacy with God in this season.

6. Every obstacle preventing your encounter with God is removed.

7. Your life will be a testimony of God’s transforming power.

8. May you experience revival and restoration in every area of your life.

9. You are empowered to fulfil your destiny by the grace of God.

10. I decree that you will be a carrier of God’s presence and glory.