Sermon: Gravitational Energy
Series: Get Energized
Opening:
Video - open with Song = Gravity video
Insert You Tube video of Shawn McDonald singing Gravity live (time - 4:24)
Explanation of video and its lyrics:
Pastor Mike comes up reads the lyrics to the song have on power point – Gravity (5 minutes)
“Gravity” – Shawn MacDonald
The ways of this world are grabbing a hold
Won’t let me go, won’t let me fly by
It’s taking its toll down on my soul
‘Cause I know what I need in my life
Don’t let me lose my sight of You
Don’t let me lose my sight
Chorus:
I don’t want to fall away from You
Gravity is pulling me on down
I don’t want to fall away from You
Gravity is pulling me to the ground
This world keeps making me cry
But I’m going to try, going to try to fly, gotta fly high
Don’t want to give into the sin, want to stay in You ‘til the end
Don’t want to lose my sight of You
Don’t want to lose my sight
Chorus
I want to fly
Into the sky
Turn my back on this whole world and
Leave it all behind
This place is not my home
It’s got nothing for me
Only leaves me with emptiness
And tears in my eyes
Chorus
T.S. – Shawn shares his heart in our next video about what the Lord has helped him to fly high over. Listen to his story!
Video Illustration: Shawn McDonald’s testimony - You Tube – talks about his troubled childhood - (time 3:46)
Thesis: We need to tap into the power of Jesus through the Holy Spirit so that we can defy the pull of this world.
Introduction:
Gravity is a powerful force of energy.
Definition: fromhttp://www.howstuffworks.com/question232.htm: How does gravity work?
Every time you jump, you experience gravity. It pulls you back down to the ground. Without gravity, you'd float off into the atmosphere -- along with all of the other matter on Earth.
You see gravity at work any time you drop a book, step on a scale or toss a ball up into the air.
Hands on illustration: Drop things around the pulpit: A book, a ball, and then have someone jump off the stage. Skate
It's such a constant presence in our lives, we seldom marvel at the mystery of it -- but even with several well-received theories out there attempting to explain why a book falls to the ground (and at the same rate as a pebble or a couch, at that), they're still just theories. The mystery of gravity's pull is pretty much intact.
So what do we know about gravity? We know that it causes any two objects in the universe to be drawn to one another. We know that gravity assisted in forming the universe, that it keeps the moon in orbit around the Earth, and that it can be harnessed for more mundane applications like gravity-powered motors or gravity-powered lamps.
As for the science behind the action, we know that Isaac Newton defined gravity as a force -- one that attracts all objects to all other objects. We know that Albert Einstein said gravity is a result of the curvature of space-time. These two theories are the most common and widely held (if somewhat incomplete) explanations of gravity.
Although many people had already noted that gravity exists, Newton was the first to develop a cohesive explanation for gravity, so we'll start there.
The force of gravity acting on an object is also that object's weight. When you step on a scale, the scale reads how much gravity is acting on your body. The formula to determine weight is [source: Kurtus]:
weight = m * g
Gravity is a fascinating law created by God. Without gravity, the world would not exist as it we know it. I believe the Scripture text is true “In Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)
What is gravities importance to all of us?
Joseph Rogers put together the following facts from sermoncentral.com, in his sermon “Psalm 19:” To remind us how amazing our earth and solar system is:
1. If the earth were 1 degree closer to the sun, we’d fry.
2. If we were 1 degree further, we’d freeze.
3. If the moon was any closer or larger, the tides would destroy the coast lines.
4. If any smaller/further away – oceans would die from a lack of nutrient movement.
5. If our distance from Jupiter were any greater, asteroids and comets would peeper the earth.
6. If we were any closer our orbit would be unstable.
7. If the earth’s crust were any thicker, it would absorb too much of our oxygen. We would not be able to breathe.
8. If it was any thinner, the earth would move and shake beneath our feet and would make life impossible.
9. If earth’s surface gravity was any stronger, it would retain too much ammonia and methane gas and then we could not breathe.
10. If it were any weaker, earth’s atmosphere would lose too much water and we’d be without the adequate amount of water we so desperately need.
Without Gravity:
1. Apples could not fall on our heads.
2. We would have a hard time drinking a glass of water.
3. The ocean water would flood our coastlines.
Another Song – I remember from Science.
There’s a force,
There’s a force,
That’s all around
Pulling things down
To the ground.
And what goes up
Must come down
And we call it gravity.
Isaac Newton made a discovery
When he saw an apple fall from a tree.
So he told the world of the force we can’t see
And we call it gravity.
Gravity, it’s all around the universe.
Gravity, we just can’t see.
Gravity, it’s holding you and me.
Gravity, gravity, gravity.
Gravity’s a force that’s out in space
Holding all the planets in their place.
Gravity here, all around everywhere,
And we call it gravity.
And we call it gravity.
T.S. –We must all admit that gravity is a powerful energy force in this world but it’s amazing to me that Jesus defied the laws of gravity two times in Scripture.
I. Jesus had the power and the energy to overcome even the natural law of gravity.
a. Scripture texts: Jesus defied gravity two times that I see in Scripture.
i. Matthew 14:22-33:
1. Jesus Walks on the Water
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.
23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24but the boat was already a considerable distance£ from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.
35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him
36and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
2. Peter’s experience of defying gravity:
a. Did you notice Peter walked on the water too – yes - for a little bit!
b. Jesus enabled him to defy gravity.
c. Would you not like to do the same – defy the gravity of this world on your life?
i. To resist the pull on walk out on the water?
3. This week I looked at many pictures which talked portrayed people defying gravity!
a. Many people want to but they do not have the power or the energy to do so!
b. Jesus and Peter are the only two people I know who defied gravity.
c. Still amazes me – it amazed the disciples too!
i. Mark 6:51 “…They were completely amazed…”
4. Did you notice Peter was able to defy gravity as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus? But when he started looking at the wind and waves of the sea he started to sink.
a. Why, fear gripped him – he realized “I cannot walk on water!” I am going to sink and he did!
i. Maybe he thought, “I must be crazy to be out here on this stormy sea!” “What have I done to myself, I am doomed! Jesus!”
b. Fear steals our ability to fly high in life:
i. A four letter word – but a real energy force.
ii. It keeps people from flying high, walking on water and even stepping out in faith.
iii. Max Lucado says, “Fear is the perceived loss of control, I will try to control it, control others, control something, and that leads to nothing but anxiety.”
iv. He adds, “Fear filled people are not great witnesses and testimonies for Christ.”
5. The key to flying high and beating the world’s pull is to not take our eyes off of Jesus.
6. So do you want to defy gravity? Keep your eyes on Jesus not on the storms in life that blow in and out.
b. Acts 1:7-11: Jesus ascends to Heaven
i. 7He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
1. Jesus Ascended in heaven once again defying the law of gravity to make a point to us that he is superior to the natural laws of this world.
a. He has overcome this world!
b. Both physically and spiritually! We can too!
2. Jesus ascended into Heaven to paint a picture for us today. We are told in Ephesians 5:1 that we are imitate Jesus and I believe the best way to fly high in the Spirit for Jesus is to learn from the Acts New Testament Church about how to fly high in the way of the Spirit.
a. We fly high by allowing the Holy Spirit to live in us and to direct us in the things of the Lord. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to empower us for the work of the ministry, and to be witnesses for Jesus Christ all over this world.
b. Horton notes: The book of Acts begins by drawing attention to the fact that the work of Jesus was continued by the Spirit first through the apostles. But the apostles are not really dominant in the Book of Acts. The Holy Spirit is. Jesus dominates the Gospels, and in comparison, little is said about the Spirit. But in the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is indeed another Comforter, Helper, and Teacher. Everything in the lives and preaching of the apostles and early believers still centered in Jesus as their living Savior and exalted Lord. The program to extend the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth is Christ’s program (1:8). The power to do it is the power of the Spirit, and this is not different from the power of Christ. Yet, there is running throughout the Book a new awareness of the Holy Spirit. It came, not only from their initial Pentecostal experience, but from daily consciousness of the presence, guidance, and fellowship of the Spirit and from many special manifestations of His power. Their baptism in the spirit never became a mere memory of something that happened in the distant past. It was an ever-present reality (135)…From the Day of Pentecost on we see the Holy Spirit active in the life of the church-in teaching, in miracles, in further fillings, and new baptizing, but above all in the work of spreading the gospel and establishing the Church (148).
3. Jesus promised us his followers the power to overcome this world. He gave us this power through the Holy Spirit!
a. But we have to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to fly high and not be pulled down by this world’s fallen spiritual gravitational pull!
c. 4). Too be able to fly high in the Spirit we must obey the words of Jesus (Acts 1:4; 2:4).
i. We need listen.
ii. We need do what Jesus says to do.
iii. We need to pray about what He tells us to do.
iv. We need to be patient and not quit praying but be persistent in our communication with Jesus.
v. We need be ready when His Spirit comes to minister to us and when he says it’s time to “Go!” we must go.
vi. You have to follow his command and do what he says to do.
vii. Obedience is a key step in being able to fly high in the spiritual realm.
T.S. – Jesus defied gravity and he enabled Peter to do the same so why can he not help us to defy the gravitational pull of this world and enable us to fly high with him through our lives?
II. Would you not like the power to overcome the pull of this world?
a. Did you notice in Matthew 14: 28, 29 what Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, it it’s you, “Peter replied,” tell me to come to you on the water.” “”Come,” he said.
i. Do you see it?
1. Do you want to defy the gravity of this world, the pull of this world?
a. See Jesus defying gravity and ask him if you can come join him!
b. If he says, “Come” get out of the boat and defy gravity! Walk on the water!
2. The power to defy gravity, the power to walk on the water comes from Jesus and it’s connected to the Holy Spirit. Remember he is the one with power and ability not you! He empowers – he energizes us to walk on water!
a. The spiritual point is in Jesus and by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit you can overcome the pull of this world downward and in the end you can fly high above it.
b. Jesus promised us the power in Acts 1:8
i. “8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
1. This power is demonstrated throughout the book Acts.
2. Just read the book of Acts see the power – see the energy force at work in the world!
a. It transformed the world and it still is transforming the world!
ii. The church fly’s high in Acts and many ordinary men and women did extraordinary things to reveal the power of the Holy Spirit and of Jesus.
1. People are healed, delivered and set free from sin.
2. Jews and Gentiles get empowered with the Holy Spirit and go do miraculous things for the Kingdom of God.
3. Churches are started.
4. Christianity spreads like wild fire even while some are martyred for their faith.
c. Romans 12:21
i. 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1. We have the power – the energy force necessary to overcome in this world – to soar above it:
a. It’s the Holy Spirit!
b. It’s found in God’s Word!
c. It’s available to all who ask for it!
ii. 1 John 5:3-5
1. 3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
a. Key again in this text “Obedience to His commands, not the worlds commands.”
T.S. – We should want to fly high over this world because in the end there is a great reward waiting for those who do.
III. What do the overcomer’s (the one’s who defy gravity) of this world get according to Scripture?
a. Revelation 2:7:
i. 7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
b. Revelation 2:11
i. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.
c. Revelation 2:17
i. 17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
d. Revelation 2:26
i. 26To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
e. Revelation 3:5
i. 5He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
f. Revelation 3:12
i. 12Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
g. Revelation 3:21
i. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
h. Revelation 21:7
i. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Conclusion:
When you dive into the book of Acts you see why the New Testament Acts church grew daily? It was empowered to fly high above the pull of this world. When you read it you see the power that Jesus possesses and you see that He gives that same power to his followers to overcome the pull of this world? Not only does he give it the power he promises more blessings in revelation for those who do fly high above the pull of this fallen world.
Would you not like to be a part of a church where supernatural events like this are happening daily?
Then you must yield yourself to the leading and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. You must obey the Word of God. You need to give Him all of you! Let Him refresh your spirit today. Let him empower you to fly high in the Spirit! Then get ready for the blessings at the end of your life.
Horton states, “The outpouring of the Spirit following Christ’s death and resurrection can therefore be characterized as latter rain. Palestine has a long rainless summer. In the fall, the former rains come in connection with plowing and planting. In the spring the latter rains come to prepare the crop for harvest. In this sense, God’s coming and pouring out His Spirit beginning with Pentecost is as the latter rain. The harvest began 3,000 converted and it has continued through the church age. The current outpouring of the Spirit and His gifts is bringing many more thousands to Christ all over the world” (page 77).
How many here will commit to helping create a New Testament Acts type church here at Christian Hills? How many want to be a part of the next great out pouring of the Holy Spirit in Orland area?
Then let’s all pray and invite the Holy Spirit to come in power and to use us as His loyal and faithful servants. Help us Lord to defy gravity and the pull of this world!
Beth closes singing “Gravity”
