Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes the necessity of seeking God's presence over chasing results. He discusses how faith and healing flow from being in proximity to God, using biblical examples to illustrate the transformative power of divine presence in our lives.
In a recent sermon series, Pastor Jeremy Eastman explored the theme of desperation for God and the significance of seeking His presence. He emphasized that in our pursuit of faith, healing, and breakthroughs, we often chase after results rather than the source of those results—God Himself. This blog post delves into the key points from his message, highlighting the transformative power of being in God's presence.
Pastor Eastman began by stressing the need for a shift in our hearts—a desperation for God that transcends our desire for answers, blessings, or miracles. He pointed out that true fulfillment comes from seeking God’s presence above all else.
He reminded the congregation of the importance of returning to our first love, which is God. This return is not just about seeking what He can provide but about desiring a relationship with Him. The pastor quoted Exodus 33:15, where Moses expresses his unwillingness to move forward without God’s presence, illustrating the necessity of being in sync with God’s spirit.
Pastor Eastman highlighted a common pitfall: chasing after faith, healing, or financial breakthroughs as goals in themselves. Instead, he urged the congregation to focus on seeking God’s presence, as everything else—faith, healing, and blessings—flows from that relationship.
He explained that being in close proximity to God naturally leads to growth in faith and healing. Just as being near a source of power is essential for tools to function, being near God is crucial for spiritual vitality.
The pastor referenced Romans 10:17, which states that faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. He emphasized that faith does not come from trying harder but from being close enough to hear God’s voice.
Using the example of Peter stepping out onto the water, Pastor Eastman illustrated that faith rises when we respond to Jesus’ call. The closer we are to Him, the more we can hear His voice and trust in His guidance.
Pastor Eastman shared several biblical accounts to demonstrate how healing often occurs as a byproduct of being in God’s presence. He recounted the story of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment in Mark 5:27-29, emphasizing her desperation to reach Him despite the crowd. Her healing was immediate, showcasing the transformative power of proximity to Jesus.
He also discussed the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:12-19, where healing occurred as they obeyed Jesus’ command to show themselves to the priests. Only one returned to thank Jesus, illustrating the importance of recognizing and honoring God’s work in our lives.
Pastor Eastman made a compelling argument that God’s presence must come before His power. He referenced the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, where the presence of God filled the room before the apostles began to preach and perform miracles.
He challenged the congregation to prioritize seeking God’s presence over seeking power or results. In a world hungry for power, he called for a return to the foundational truth that God’s presence is what truly transforms lives.
To cultivate a deeper relationship with God, Pastor Eastman offered practical suggestions:
Pastor Jeremy Eastman’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God’s presence in our lives. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we open ourselves to the growth of faith, healing, and transformation. As we become presence seekers, we can trust that everything else will follow. Let us strive to cultivate a heart posture that says, "Lord, I want You more than anything else."
