Brief Summary
Pastor James Levesque discusses the importance of actively pursuing miracles and creating space for God to work in our lives. He emphasizes that simply believing in miracles or knowing about them is not enough; one must hunger for righteousness, demonstrate faith through action, and be deliberate in seeking God's presence. The sermon encourages listeners to make room for God in their lives through prayer, worship, and service, so they can experience the fullness of His blessings and see incredible things happen.
- Miracles require active pursuit and creating space for God.
- Faith must be demonstrated through action, not just belief.
- Hunger for righteousness and deliberate seeking of God's presence are essential.
- Make room for God through prayer, worship, and service to experience His blessings.
Introduction to Miracles
Pastor James introduces the topic of miracles, emphasizing that Christianity is inherently connected to the miraculous. He critiques the idea of a "dead religion" that separates God from His nature of performing miracles. He encourages listeners to prepare for incredible things to happen and highlights the importance of positioning oneself to receive miracles.
The Importance of Response
Pastor James shares an anecdote about someone suggesting preaching was the most important aspect of a service, to which he responded that the congregation's response to the message is actually the most important thing. He stresses that faith requires action and personal engagement, not passive observation. He illustrates this point by contrasting the active pursuit of God with the passive expectation of receiving blessings without effort.
Making Room for the Miraculous
Using the story of the Shunammite woman from 2 Kings 4, Pastor James explains that she recognized Elisha, a holy man of God, was passing by her house regularly. She persuaded her husband to create an Upper Room for him. The woman's actions demonstrated a desire to make room for the miraculous in her life. He emphasizes that simply knowing about miracles or hearing about them is not enough; one must actively pursue and invite God's presence into their lives.
Passing By Isn't Enough
Pastor James shares personal experiences from his early Christian life, illustrating how he actively pursued God's presence and prophetic words. He contrasts this with others who passively listen to prophetic words without integrating them into their lives. He uses the analogy of someone with many keys but only using one, to describe Christians who collect prophetic words without acting on them. He stresses that merely declaring something over your life is insufficient; dwelling in God's presence and allowing it to transform you is essential for experiencing miracles.
The Necessity of Wanting to Be Well
Pastor James references Luke 18:37, Luke 19:1, Mark 6:48 and 2 Kings, noting that Jesus was often "passing by" in the scriptures. He emphasizes the difference between conceptually believing in Jesus's healing power and actively seeking and believing for miracles. He uses the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda to illustrate that a need alone is not enough; one must genuinely desire to be healed and take action to receive it.
Hunger and Honesty
Pastor James shares stories of individuals who experienced life-changing encounters with God due to their hunger, passion, and honesty. He recounts the story of Richard, who, after crying out to God, began performing miracles. He also uses the story of Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus, to illustrate how hunger and a desire to see God can change one's life. He stresses that God notices and rewards those who genuinely seek Him.
Changing Course for Hunger
Pastor James shares the story of the woman with the issue of blood, emphasizing that Jesus changed course because of her hunger and faith. He contrasts her genuine desire with the casual touch of the disciples. He laments that in today's distracted world, people are less willing to give everything for the call of Jesus. He shares a story about Brian Simmons, who, despite being unwell, was eager to preach a message he received, illustrating the burning desire to share the gospel.
Climbing Trees and Crying Out
Pastor James encourages listeners to "climb trees" and seek a glimpse of Jesus, which can dispel depression, anxiety, and fear. He uses the story of blind Bartimaeus, who cried out to Jesus despite being told to be quiet, to illustrate the importance of persistent faith. He highlights a detail about Bartimaeus, that he was crying out from when they entered Jericho to when they exited and got a miracle. He emphasizes that Jesus often stops for those who cry out to Him.
Jesus Would Have Passed Them By
Pastor James shares a story of Jesus watching his disciples in a boat struggling against the wind and waves. He emphasizes that Jesus is always watching, even when we don't feel His presence. He then references Mark 6, noting that Jesus came to them walking on the sea and would have passed them by. He stresses that salvation is free, but receiving the full benefits requires a desire and effort.
Deliberate Faith
Pastor James explains that people hate the idea that salvation is free, but everything else will cost you. He explains that you're not receiving the full benefits without a desire for them. He emphasizes that danger and despair are not enough; there must be an expectation and deliberate faith. He contrasts this with a Christianity exempt from any relationship with God. He encourages listeners to love Jesus enough to pursue everything He has for them, even in the midst of life's storms.
Clear Communication with God
Pastor James uses humorous anecdotes about Canadian culture to illustrate the importance of clear communication. He explains that Jesus is not going to see the need and assume. He stresses that there is no path where you're not doing anything. He emphasizes the importance of asking God for what you need and not holding Him hostage to unasked requests.
Making Room for God
Pastor James reiterates the importance of making room for God, inspired by the Shunammite woman who built a room for Elisha. He shares a personal story about removing old hymnals from a church, only to later find profound inspiration in their lyrics, particularly their focus on the blood of Jesus. He encourages listeners to seek God in their struggles and to not be content with Him merely "passing by."
The Prophet's Reward
Pastor James concludes by emphasizing that the Shunammite woman's act of making room for the prophet led to resurrection in her own life. He reveals that the son she laid on the bed was the prophet Habakkuk, whose name means "hug." He urges listeners to make room for God in their lives, whether in their prayer, worship, or daily living, so that He will not pass them by. He calls for a move away from religious services where God is passing people by, and towards a hunger for righteousness and a determination to catch the wind of God's spirit.
Making a Room
Pastor James encourages listeners to make a room for God in their lives through prayer, worship, and service. He emphasizes that taking care of God's house benefits us, and seeking first the kingdom benefits us. He shares a story of someone who was invited to church by Richard, illustrating how one connection can change someone's life forever. He urges listeners to prepare for incredible miracles in the coming weeks and to position themselves to benefit from God's presence.
