Sermon

Summary

This sermon focuses on the miraculous power available through properly receiving communion. Dr. John teaches from 1 Corinthians 11:23-32, emphasizing that communion is more than just a memorial – it’s an encounter with God that carries supernatural power. He explains that when communion is received dishonorably, it can bring weakness, sickness, and death, but when received with proper reverence and honor, it releases strength, healing, and life. Dr. John challenges believers to approach God with reverence rather than casualness, explaining that honoring God’s presence is essential to experiencing His miraculous power.

Intro Prayer

Father God, we come before You tonight with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You are holy and worthy of all honor. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to speak to us through this discussion. Help us to approach You with reverence and faith, knowing that You desire to meet with us and transform our lives. Prepare our hearts to honor Your presence and to receive the miraculous power You want to release in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one tradition or meal that your family has during Thanksgiving that you look forward to the most each year?

Key Verses

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
• Isaiah 40:31
• Psalm 103:2-3
• John 6:54

Questions

• How does understanding communion as more than just a memorial change your perspective on this sacred practice?
• What does it mean to approach God with proper honor and reverence in our daily lives, not just during communion?
• Dr. John mentioned that dishonoring God can lead to weakness, sickness, and death. How can we ensure we’re honoring God in all areas of our lives?
• In what areas of your life do you need God’s strength right now? How can you ‘wait upon the Lord’ to receive that strength?
• The sermon emphasized that God takes our commitments and attitudes toward Him personally. How does this truth impact how you approach your relationship with God?
• What does it look like practically to reject a ‘casual approach’ to your walk with God?
• How can we maintain an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving toward God, especially during difficult seasons?
• Dr. John spoke about people feeling ‘dead inside’ despite functioning normally. How can communion and honoring God’s presence bring life back to those areas?

Life Application

This week, commit to approaching God with intentional reverence and honor in one specific area of your life. Whether it’s your prayer time, worship, service commitments, or daily devotions, choose to treat that time as sacred and give God the honor He deserves. Before each interaction with God, pause and acknowledge His holiness and worthiness, then watch for how He responds to your reverent heart.

Key Takeaways

• Communion is more than a memorial – it’s a powerful encounter with God that can bring strength, healing, and life when received with proper honor
• God takes our attitudes and commitments toward Him personally, and dishonoring Him can have serious consequences
• Approaching God with reverence and making Him truly first in our lives releases His miraculous power
• God wants to give us strength to do what He’s called us to do, healing for our bodies, and life to restore what feels dead
• We must reject casual approaches to our relationship with God and instead honor His presence as holy and worthy

Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection on Your Word. We are grateful for the reminder that You are holy and worthy of our highest honor and reverence. Help us to carry this truth with us throughout the week, approaching You not casually but with the respect and awe You deserve. We ask for Your strength where we are weak, Your healing where we are broken, and Your life where things feel dead. May we honor Your presence in every area of our lives and experience the miraculous power that comes from walking in right relationship with You. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.