STEP ONE: ENCOUNTER
BY PASTOR JADY GRIFFIN
WHEN THE HEAT OF LIFE HITS
I've always been drawn to risky activities, so I've signed many waivers in my life. A few years ago, my wife, parents, and I visited Leavenworth, Washington, a picturesque mountain town. During our trip, my dad and I stumbled upon a hot sauce store. Being spice enthusiasts, we were thrilled. One sauce required signing a waiver, which we both found amusing. I sampled a few drops, confident in my spice tolerance.
Within seconds, my body betrayed me. Pain enveloped my tongue, my insides screamed, and sweat trickled down my face. In desperation, I recalled that milk helps with spicy food, so I raced to an ice cream shop, dove into a massive bowl of ice cream, and finally found relief.
i used to laugh and judge watching YouTube videos of people consuming extremely spicy foods. Now, I watch them with understanding and compassion. I’ve been there.
Encountering something all-consuming alters how we view it for the rest of our lives.
ENCOUNTERED & EMPOWERED
In Acts 3, two of Jesus’ apostles, Peter and John, prayed for a disabled man begging at the temple gate, and he was miraculously healed. This caught everyone's attention and led Peter to preach boldly:
"You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong" (Acts 3:12-20).
Jesus’ followers faced opposition from religious leaders, but their encounter with Him empowered them to stay strong. They prayed for boldness and were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:23-26, 29).
POSITION, PURSUIT, & PASSION
To encounter Jesus and deepen our relationship with Him, we must focus on our position, pursuit, and passion:
Position
Peter and John's close relationship with Jesus allowed them to receive blessings. By surrounding yourself with a community of believers, you create an atmosphere to encounter God. Attend worship, join a Lifegroup, and engage in activities that foster spiritual growth.
Pursuit
In Acts 4, the disciples pursued Jesus through prayer and worship despite facing adversity. Develop a daily rhythm of reading your Bible, worshiping, and praying. This consistent practice will create stability in your inner world and deepen your relationship with Jesus.
Passion
Acts 4:32-33 illustrates a passionate community united in faith and sharing God's grace: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”
At Antioch, we aspire to be passionate about Jesus, allowing His love to penetrate every aspect of our lives. As you grow, you'll find yourself filled with hope, joy, and excitement for the future.
Encountering Jesus is the beginning of everything.
TAKE A STEP
Set aside 15 minutes to encounter God by reading Psalm 103. Read it slowly and intentionally, allowing the words to resonate with you. By doing so, you'll begin your journey towards spiritual growth and transformation.
Encounter Jesus today and let Him set you on the path towards a deeper relationship and a life full of hope, joy, and purpose.