Going Deeper to Move Forward

Over the past few weeks, we have been talking about moving forward in our walk with God. We have explored how sometimes, in the kingdom of God, going backward is actually moving forward—allowing God to take us back to unlearn, to heal, and to prepare us for what’s ahead. We have also discussed going higher, expanding our capacity, and stretching beyond our perceived limits. But today, we focus on another essential dimension: going deeper to move forward.

 A Call to Depth in Christ
Many in our congregation have expressed a hunger to grow deeper in their faith, to understand spiritual gifts, prophecy, and deliverance. This hunger is a sign that God is stirring something in His people. The church is not just a place where we come to receive salvation and wait for heaven—it’s a place where we are equipped with spiritual tools to walk out the full image of Christ. We are called to love, forgive, and be generous, but also to operate in healing, deliverance, and prophecy, just as Jesus did.
 
As we step forward into deeper spiritual growth, we will explore ways to equip ourselves and others through prophetic schools, healing ministries, and deliverance training. These are essential elements of walking in the authority God has given us. But before we pursue the gifts, we must ensure our hearts are rooted in Him.

 The Foundation: A Heart After God
Going deeper in God is not just about operating in spiritual gifts—it starts in our hearts. 1 Corinthians 12 speaks about the gifts of the Spirit, but it is followed by 1 Corinthians 13, which teaches us that without love, all these gifts mean nothing. If we are casting out demons, prophesying, and healing the sick, yet our hearts are not anchored in love and relationship with Christ, we are missing the point.
 
We cannot build our faith on what we do for God—we must build it on who we are in Him. Our first calling is not to be miracle workers, but to be lovers of God. In Luke 10:20, Jesus said, "Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Our greatest joy should be our relationship with Christ, not just what we can do in His name.

 The Three Orthos: A Balanced Faith
To truly grow deeper, we must develop three key areas of our faith:
 

1. Orthopathy (Heart): Loving God and others with the right emotions, affections, and spiritual alignment.
2. Orthodoxy (Mind): Having correct doctrine, understanding, and knowledge of God’s truth.
3. Orthopraxy (Hands): Living out our faith through action, service, and obedience.

 
If we neglect any of these, our faith becomes unbalanced. We must know the Word, have a heart full of love, and serve others actively.

 Rooted in Love
In Ephesians 3:17-19, Paul prays that we would be "rooted and established in love," so that we may grasp the vastness of Christ’s love and be filled with His fullness. Our roots must go deep into the love of God, drawing from His strength, grace, and wisdom.
 
If we want to see God move in greater ways in our lives, we must ask ourselves:
 

1. How is my relationship with Jesus?
2. Am I closer to Him today than I was before?
3. Am I worshiping and loving Him with all my heart, or have I allowed routine and busyness to take priority?

 
Five Ways to Cultivate a Deeper Relationship with God

1. Communication (Prayer & the Word): Prayer is our lifeline to God. It’s not just about presenting requests but about communing with Him—speaking and listening. Reading Scripture is another way we hear from Him, allowing His Word to shape and guide us.
2. Quality Time (Presence & Worship): Just like in any relationship, we need time with God. Worship and being in His presence allow us to connect with His heart.
3. Acts of Service (Serving the Church & Others): Serving is an expression of love. Whether it’s volunteering in church, helping a neighbor, or feeding the hungry, acts of service align our hearts with God’s mission.
4. Touch (God’s Presence & Community): Experiencing God’s presence through worship, prayer, and the love of the church community reminds us that Christianity is meant to be lived in relationship, not isolation.
5. Gifts (Generosity & Sacrifice): Giving—whether it’s our time, talents, or finances—is a tangible expression of our love for God. Where we invest, our hearts follow.

 
Moving Forward with a Rooted Faith
As we continue to grow as a church, we celebrate the healthy foundation God has built in us. Calvary Orlando is not just about big events and productions—it’s about a people walking closely with God every day.
 
This week, let’s take time to assess our hearts. Let’s not just be people who serve and study—we must be people who love. We move forward by going deeper in our relationship with Jesus, ensuring that everything we do flows from that deep, abiding love.
 
Are you ready to go deeper? Take time this week to connect with God in a fresh way. Worship, pray, and spend time in His presence. The deeper we go, the stronger our foundation, and the further God will take us.
 
Let’s move forward—together.

Pastor Kevin's Sermon Notes:
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