Knowing Christ In Prayer
Doug Small emphasizes that true Christian faith centers on knowing Christ experientially through prayer, contending for the faith, and living a transformational, missional life amidst a shifting church landscape.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity among different denominations and believers, focusing on the need to prioritize core theology over tribal theology. It highlights the significance of building up faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and centering oneself in the love of God. The message calls for a revival that transcends denominational boundaries and unites believers in a common mission centered on Christ.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Importance of Contending for the Faith
- The faith is a set of non-negotiable truths about Jesus Christ
- Removing any part of the faith unravels the entire belief system
- Believers must actively defend and uphold these truths
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II. The Reality of an Unhealthy Church and the Remnant's Role
- The church faces apostasy and moral decline
- A faithful remnant must build themselves up in holiness and prayer
- The remnant is called to show mercy and rescue others
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III. The Call to Know Christ Experientially
- Confidence should not be in heritage, morality, or ritual
- The goal is to know Christ intimately and experientially
- This relationship empowers believers to live transformed lives
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IV. The Church at a Seismic Shift
- History shows major shifts every 500 years impacting the church
- We are currently entering a new apostolic era requiring prayer and mission
- The church must embrace transformation, not return to old patterns
Key Quotes
“You should get together and build yourself up on your most holy faith or a faith that makes you grow in holiness.” — Doug Small
“The goal is to know Him, epignosis, experiential knowledge. It's not knowing from the left side of your head. It's knowing in your heart.” — Doug Small
“You don't have to lose your victory. You don't have to lose your peace. You don't have to lose your song in the middle of all this hell that's breaking loose around you, even in the church.” — Doug Small
Application Points
- Commit to deepening your personal relationship with Christ beyond rituals and heritage.
- Engage regularly in prayer and spiritual disciplines to build up your faith and holiness.
- Be part of the faithful remnant by showing mercy and helping others turn from sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'contend for the faith'?
It means to actively defend the core, non-negotiable truths of Christianity against false teachings and cultural compromise.
Why is knowing Christ experientially important?
Because true Christian life is not about rituals or heritage but about a personal, Spirit-led relationship that transforms from the inside out.
What is the role of the remnant in the church today?
The remnant builds themselves up in holiness, prays in the Spirit, guards God's love, and works to rescue others from spiritual decline.
How does the sermon describe the current state of the church?
The church is described as experiencing apostasy and moral challenges, but also as entering a new era of transformation and mission.
What should believers put their confidence in according to Paul?
Believers should put their confidence in knowing Christ personally and the power of His resurrection, not in heritage, morality, or religious rituals.