Why Couldn't We?
Feb 2, 2025
Pastor Fred Bruner
Pastor Fred Bruner
Summary
This sermon explores the concept of breakthrough in God's kingdom, emphasizing that true spiritual growth and power come not from formulas or methods, but from an intimate relationship with Jesus. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical insights to illustrate how believers can move beyond their limitations and experience God's power in their lives. The message encourages listeners to embrace the impossible, cultivate faith, and deepen their connection with God through prayer, fasting, and surrendering to His will.
Key Points:
Scripture Reference:
Key Points:
- Breakthrough in the kingdom starts with an intimate relationship with Jesus, not a method
- The Christian life is not difficult; it's impossible without God's power
- Believers are called to do greater works than Jesus did
- Fasting and prayer are like "date nights" with God, fostering intimacy and focus
- We must uproot lies and plant seeds in the soil of belief, not unbelief
- God invites us into experiences beyond what we can ask, think, or imagine
- Surrendering to God's will and wearing His "ring" symbolizes full commitment to Him
Scripture Reference:
- Mark 9:14-29 (The healing of the boy with an evil spirit)
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Limitless Love Reading
Ephesians 3:14-21
Today's passage reminds us that God's love surpasses all human understanding. Just as the speaker emphasized "more than your greatest more," we are called to dive deeper into God's infinite love. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be limiting God's love. Are there places where you feel unworthy or beyond reach? Remember, God's love is "more than your farthest more." Take time to invite God's presence, saying "Father, come" and "Holy Spirit, welcome." Allow His love to break through any barriers of unworthiness or fear. Today, challenge yourself to receive and extend God's limitless love in a new way.
Today's passage reminds us that God's love surpasses all human understanding. Just as the speaker emphasized "more than your greatest more," we are called to dive deeper into God's infinite love. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be limiting God's love. Are there places where you feel unworthy or beyond reach? Remember, God's love is "more than your farthest more." Take time to invite God's presence, saying "Father, come" and "Holy Spirit, welcome." Allow His love to break through any barriers of unworthiness or fear. Today, challenge yourself to receive and extend God's limitless love in a new way.
Day 2: Overcoming Unbelief Reading
Mark 9:14-29
The father's cry, "I believe; help my unbelief!" resonates with many of us. Like the speaker mentioned, we often have two soils in our hearts - one of belief and one of unbelief. Today, examine the areas where doubt has taken root. What experiences or disappointments have led to this unbelief? Remember, Jesus doesn't condemn the father for his honesty but meets him in his struggle. Pray for God to uproot lies you've believed and to strengthen your faith. Consider fasting from something today as a way to focus on deepening your trust in God's power and willingness to work in your life.
The father's cry, "I believe; help my unbelief!" resonates with many of us. Like the speaker mentioned, we often have two soils in our hearts - one of belief and one of unbelief. Today, examine the areas where doubt has taken root. What experiences or disappointments have led to this unbelief? Remember, Jesus doesn't condemn the father for his honesty but meets him in his struggle. Pray for God to uproot lies you've believed and to strengthen your faith. Consider fasting from something today as a way to focus on deepening your trust in God's power and willingness to work in your life.
Day 3: Living from Intimacy, Not Formula Reading
John 15:1-11
Today's passage emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ. The speaker reminded us that "breakthrough in the kingdom doesn't start with a method, but with an intimate relationship." Reflect on your own spiritual practices. Have they become mere formulas, or do they flow from a place of intimacy with Jesus? Consider how you can make your time with God more relational today. Perhaps start by simply sitting in His presence, or having an honest conversation with Him about your day. Remember, just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, our spiritual growth and effectiveness come from staying connected to the vine - Jesus Himself.
Today's passage emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ. The speaker reminded us that "breakthrough in the kingdom doesn't start with a method, but with an intimate relationship." Reflect on your own spiritual practices. Have they become mere formulas, or do they flow from a place of intimacy with Jesus? Consider how you can make your time with God more relational today. Perhaps start by simply sitting in His presence, or having an honest conversation with Him about your day. Remember, just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, our spiritual growth and effectiveness come from staying connected to the vine - Jesus Himself.
Day 4: Embracing the Impossible
Matthew 19:16-26
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." These words of Jesus challenge us to live beyond our own capabilities. The speaker encouraged us to "welcome a life where you can't do it" because the Christian life is not just difficult, it's impossible without God. Today, identify an area in your life that feels impossible. It might be a relationship, a habit, or a dream that seems out of reach. Instead of relying on your own strength, invite God into that impossibility. Pray for eyes to see beyond your limitations and for the courage to step out in faith, trusting in God's power to do the miraculous.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." These words of Jesus challenge us to live beyond our own capabilities. The speaker encouraged us to "welcome a life where you can't do it" because the Christian life is not just difficult, it's impossible without God. Today, identify an area in your life that feels impossible. It might be a relationship, a habit, or a dream that seems out of reach. Instead of relying on your own strength, invite God into that impossibility. Pray for eyes to see beyond your limitations and for the courage to step out in faith, trusting in God's power to do the miraculous.
Day 5: Belonging Before Believing
Luke 15:11-32
The parable of the Prodigal Son beautifully illustrates God's heart for belonging. The speaker emphasized creating a "non-judgment zone where we receive people, where they don't have to live up to our standards to be welcome and to belong." Reflect on how you view others, especially those different from you or those struggling in their faith. Are you quick to judge, or do you extend the same grace and belonging that God offers you? Today, look for an opportunity to make someone feel they belong, whether in your church, workplace, or community. Remember, it's often through belonging that people come to believe. Let your actions reflect the welcoming heart of the Father who runs to embrace His children, no matter how far they've strayed.
The parable of the Prodigal Son beautifully illustrates God's heart for belonging. The speaker emphasized creating a "non-judgment zone where we receive people, where they don't have to live up to our standards to be welcome and to belong." Reflect on how you view others, especially those different from you or those struggling in their faith. Are you quick to judge, or do you extend the same grace and belonging that God offers you? Today, look for an opportunity to make someone feel they belong, whether in your church, workplace, or community. Remember, it's often through belonging that people come to believe. Let your actions reflect the welcoming heart of the Father who runs to embrace His children, no matter how far they've strayed.
Posted in Devotional