‎Text: Genesis 32:24-30, Exodus 19:10-11, Isaiah 6:1-8

‎Introduction:

‎Every encounter with God changes destiny. Jacob was a cheater until he had an encounter and became Israel. Isaiah was ordinary until the encounter made him a prophet. God does not just meet people anyhow – there is preparation before encounter. Today God wants to encounter you!

‎WHAT IS AN ENCOUNTER?

‎An encounter is a divine meeting between man and God that leaves you never the same again. Exodus 3:2-5.

‎Bible Examples:

‎- Moses – Burning Bush (Exodus 3)

‎- Jacob – At Peniel (Genesis 32:24-30)

‎- Isaiah – In the temple (Isaiah 6:1-8)

‎- Paul – On the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6)

‎PART 1: WHY DO WE NEED PREPARATION?

‎1. God is Holy

‎- Leviticus 11:44, Isaiah 6:3  We cannot approach a Holy God carelessly.

‎- Joshua 3:5  Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

‎2. Encounter requires expectation

‎- Psalm 62:5, Hebrews 11:6* – God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

‎3. Preparation positions you for preservation

‎- Exodus 19:10-11 God told Moses to sanctify the people for 2 days before He came down. Without preparation, His glory can consume.

‎PART 2: HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ENCOUNTER – 7 KEYS

‎*1. SANCTIFICATION & PURIFICATION*

‎Cleanse your heart and life.

‎- 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 24:3-4, Isaiah 1:18-19

‎- Confess sins, forgive others, drop bitterness.

‎- _Prayer: Lord, wash me and make me clean to see Your glory.

‎*2. CONSECRATION – Set Yourself Apart*

‎- *Exodus 19:10, Joshua 3:5, Romans 12:1*

‎- Separate from distractions. Fast, reduce noise, spend time alone with God like Jesus in Mark 1:35

‎*3. HUNGER AND THIRST FOR GOD*

‎- *Psalm 42:1-2, Matthew 5:6, Jeremiah 29:13*

‎- Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

‎- No hunger, no encounter.

‎*4. INTENSE PRAYER AND WORSHIP*

‎- *Jeremiah 33:3, Acts 2:1-2, Psalm 100:2-4*

‎- The upper room was a place of prayer before Pentecost came. Worship brings His presence.

‎*5. THE WORD OF GOD*

‎- *John 1:1, Psalm 119:105, Joshua 1:8*

‎- God encounters us through His Word. Study, meditate, and obey the Word.

‎*6. FAITH AND EXPECTATION*

‎- Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:24

‎- Come expecting! Don’t come to church as routine. Come expecting God to speak.

‎*7. OBEDIENCE AND SACRIFICE*

‎- 1 Samuel 15:22, Genesis 22:1-18 Abraham prepared an altar and got an encounter that changed his lineage.

‎*PART 3: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE AN ENCOUNTER?*

‎1. Your Name Changes Genesis 32:28  Jacob to Israel

‎2. Your Purpose is Revealed  Isaiah 6:8, Jeremiah 1:5

‎3. Power is Released Acts 1:8, Luke 4:18

‎4. Your Story Changes Mephibosheth 2 Samuel 9:7-13

‎2 Corinthians 3:18  We are changed from glory to glory

‎Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

‎CONCLUSION

‎Today, God wants to encounter someone. But are you prepared? Your encounter is waiting for your preparation.

‎Exodus 33:18-23, Psalm 27:4

‎PRAYER POINTS

‎1. Prayer of Sanctification

‎Father, in the name of Jesus, wash me with the blood of Jesus and make me worthy of Your encounter. Psalm 51:2

‎2. Prayer for Hunger

‎O Lord, give me a fresh hunger and thirst for Your presence. I refuse to be lukewarm. Matthew 5:6

‎3. Prayer for Divine Visitation

‎Lord, visit me today like you visited Jacob at Peniel. Let this day mark a turning point in my life. Genesis 32:30

‎4. Prayer for Transformation

‎Father, let this encounter change my name, my story and my destiny. Let men see Your glory upon me. 2 Cor 3:18

‎5. Prayer for Restoration  For the theme

‎O God of Restoration, restore my glory, my virtues, my wasted years. Joel 2:25-26

‎6. Prophetic Declaration

‎I receive power, I receive fire, I will not remain the same in Jesus mighty name! Amen.

‎Archbishop Prof. Israel Juliet Olufunmiwa is of Efficient Christian Centre, Omi Adio, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.Telephone:+234 806 313 1989

‎Note Please: Sunday Sermon is a new introduction on the staple of DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS for media evangelism. Interested Pastors, General Overseers, and Ministries/ Churches should contact the Managing Editor on +234 8052903275 or on email: babalolatunde2002@gmail.com; decencyglobalnews2020@gmail.com

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