Topics – Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, Imagination
This sermon addresses three specific questions as a follow-up to the Animate series. The first relates to the dangers of opening oneself up to the spirit realm. The second is about how we know what we sense in our imagination is from God. And the third questions whether imaginative prayer that focuses on Jesus alone is actually limiting.
Focus Scripture – Philippians 1:21HIDESHOW
For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Practical Applications (homework)HIDESHOW
There were many questions generated by our recent Animate series. Today’s sermon addressed 3 questions. The first related to the dangers of opening oneself up to the spirit realm. The second was about how we can be sure that what we sense in our imagination is from God. The third questioned whether imaginative prayer focused on Jesus alone is actually limiting. Below are exercises that can steer you in the right direction:
- Set aside time to connect with God. Find the “place” in your imagination where you meet with Jesus. Read Luke 11:9-13 and simply tell Jesus that you trust him. If you have fear about opening up your imagination to the spirit realm, simply tell Jesus how you feel. If thoughts come to mind that are distracting or not of God, set them aside and let Jesus talk them away.
- Test what you are hearing or seeing as you encounter the Spirit against the Scriptures. Does it reflect the heart of Jesus? Does it line up with the Bible? One of the best ways to do this is to share what you are sensing with a friend or two. Ask them to give you feedback and share their perspective on what the Bible has to say about what you are sensing.
- Take some time to reflect on how you see God differently now after having gone through the Animate series and these two follow-up sermons. Go to your “place” in your imagination and tell Jesus how it has changed. Even if there are things around which you struggle regarding imaginative prayer, simply tell Jesus what is going on and then spend some time listening.