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2015: Dead Things Coming Back to Life

Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church Visalia
Episode • Jan 18, 2015 • 26m

Scripture References: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Intro:

  • January: a time for reflection and anticipation of God's work.
  • Ezekiel 37: a vivid picture of God's power to restore.
  • God's desire to bring life to dead places in our lives and church.

Key Points:

  • The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-3):
    • Ezekiel's vision: a desolate valley filled with dry bones.
    • God's question: "Son of man, can these bones live?"
    • Ezekiel's humble response: "Sovereign Lord, you alone know."
    • God's power, not our strength: our response should be humility and dependence.
  • Prophecy and Partnership (Ezekiel 37:4-8):
    • God's command: "Prophesy to these bones."
    • Ezekiel's obedience: speaking God's word.
    • The rattling and coming together of bones: a picture of restoration.
    • Tendons, flesh, and skin: visible signs of life, but no breath.
    • God invites us to partner with Him: our role is to follow His lead.
  • Breath and Transformation (Ezekiel 37:9-14):
    • God's command: "Prophesy to the breath."
    • Ezekiel's obedience: speaking life into the seemingly alive.
    • Breath enters: true life from the inside out.
    • The bones become a vast army: a picture of collective restoration.
    • God's desire to bring us up to bring us back: restoring past areas of life.
    • Specific areas: creative vision and broken relationships.
    • Personal and corporate transformation: interconnected lives within the church.
  • Response and Action:
    • Rising to our feet: a posture of action and partnership with God.
    • Fasting: a call to seek God and confront our comforts.
    • Moving towards God: turning to Him for comfort and strength.
    • Praying for our city: seeking God's kingdom to expand.
    • Expecting breakthrough: churches planted, prodigals returning, lost found, disciples made.

Conclusion:

  • God desires to bring life to dead places in our lives and church.
  • Restoration comes through partnership with God and obedience to His word.
  • God wants to bring us up to bring us back: restoring past areas for future impact.
  • Transformation is both personal and corporate, leading to action and impact in our community.

Call to Action:

  • Stand in trust: acknowledge God's sovereignty and power.
  • Identify dead areas: creative visions or broken relationships.
  • Partner with God: speak His word and obey His commands.
  • Participate in the fast: seek God and confront your comforts.
  • Pray for our city: expect breakthrough and kingdom expansion.
  • Grab a pamphlet: plan to join the fast and break it together as community.

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