**"Encounter with the “I AM”**
An Encounter with God Changes Lives
**Intro Scripture Reference:**
**Matthew 18:6**:
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
**Sermon Anchor Scripture**
**Romans 12:2**:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
“The deepest encounter isn’t just knowing about God, or even seeing His works—it’s meeting Him personally, in His presence, and being changed forever.”
**1. An Encounter is the Beginning of Transformation**
* Before Pentecost, Peter and the disciples struggled.
Scripture Reference:
**Matthew 14:31**:
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
* Greek word distazo = hesitation or mental uncertainty, wavering between two perspectives.
Before the cross, disciples argued over greatness. At the cross, they ran in fear.
At Pentecost, Peter stood with authority and spoke boldly.
Key Takeaway:
“An encounter with God turns fear into faith and hesitation and doubt into action.”
**2. An Encounter Equips You to Be a Witness**
True encounters don’t end at the altar—they send us into the world.
**Acts 1:7-8**:“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’”
* Knowledge of the timing of Christ’s return is God’s alone.
* True encounters create disciples who act, not just wonder.
Key Takeaway:
“A true encounter with the Holy Spirit doesn’t make you curious about the timeline—it makes you committed to the mission.”
**3. An Encounter Doesn’t Need Social Media Validation**
Transformation is for God’s glory, not likes, shares, or status.
**John 15:8:**
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
**Colossians 1:10**:
“Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
* Avoid manipulative displays or false prophecy.
* True encounters produce visible fruit:
Reflection Questions:
**Has my encounter changed me?
**Has it led me to help others?**
**Does my life reflect God’s work, not my own?**
Closing Key Takeaway:
“An encounter with God changes everything—it removes hesitation, sends us on mission, and produces fruit that glorifies Him.”