Francis Chan: We Are Church - Church Together, November 2016

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in our midst, particularly in church gatherings. The speaker encourages believers to approach their faith with a sense of dependence on God's guidance, rather than relying solely on human effort or planning. By acknowledging God's sovereignty and love, we can experience true freedom from insecurity and performance-based living.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 1:15-18 - Paul prays for the Ephesian believers to have their eyes enlightened so they may know the hope to which God has called them. This passage highlights the need for spiritual illumination, enabling us to grasp God's plan and purpose.
• 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 - The Bible warns against spiritual blindness, where people are unable to see the truth of Scripture due to the god of this world blinding their minds. This passage underscores the importance of prayer for spiritual awakening.
• 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - The apostle Paul lists various supernatural gifts given by God, emphasizing the need for believers to seek these gifts earnestly. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep desire for God's presence and power in our lives.
• Hebrews 10:19-22 - The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to approach God with confidence, knowing they have been made holy through Christ's sacrifice. This passage reminds us that our relationship with God is built on faith, not performance or earning His love.
• Ephesians 1:3-5 - Paul celebrates the Ephesian believers' faith and love for all saints, expressing gratitude for their spiritual heritage as children of God. This passage highlights the richness of our inheritance in Christ and the importance of cultivating a deep understanding of His love.

Practical Application

This message encourages us to:

1. Recognize God's presence in our midst, particularly in church gatherings.

2. Approach faith with dependence on God's guidance, rather than relying solely on human effort or planning.

3. Pray for spiritual illumination, enabling us to grasp God's plan and purpose (Ephesians 1:15-18).

4. Seek supernatural gifts given by God, cultivating a deep desire for His presence and power in our lives (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

5. Approach God with confidence, knowing we have been made holy through Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-22).

By embracing these principles, we can experience true freedom from insecurity and performance-based living, and deepen our understanding of God's love and plan for us.