On Paul Washers Spirit Baptism Experience (Clip)
Shane Idleman passionately recounts Paul Washer's intense spiritual encounter, emphasizing the transformative power of God's presence that reveals sin and ignites a genuine hunger for revival.
This sermon emphasizes the intense desire to truly know God and experience His presence, moving beyond mere knowledge and seeking a personal encounter with Him. It highlights the transformative power of God's presence, which can be overwhelming and convicting, leading to a deep revelation of one's sinfulness and need for Him. The speaker shares a personal testimony of encountering God's glory and power, illustrating that such encounters are profound and life-changing.
Full Transcript
I was screaming, God, I must know you. You must come. I can't live like this anymore.
I can't just live like this and read books that talk about you. I need to experience you. I can't just hear about revival.
I want revival. And nothing happened. Another several weeks passed, and one night God came down into my heart.
I was thrown down on the ground, and I didn't know how long, covering my head, thinking God's gonna come to kill me. D.L. Moody felt the same way. See, the presence of God is not for the faint of heart.
The presence of God came down and revealed my sin, revealed my need, and His glory and His power were revealed.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Desperate cry for God’s presence
- Inability to live without experiencing God
- Yearning for true revival beyond mere knowledge
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II
- The long wait and continued seeking
- Sudden overwhelming encounter with God
- Fear and awe in the presence of God
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III
- God’s presence reveals sin and need
- Manifestation of God’s glory and power
- Comparison to D.L. Moody’s similar experience
Key Quotes
“I was screaming, God, I must know you. You must come. I can't live like this anymore.” — Shane Idleman
“The presence of God is not for the faint of heart.” — Shane Idleman
“The presence of God came down and revealed my sin, revealed my need, and His glory and His power were revealed.” — Shane Idleman
Application Points
- Seek God earnestly and persistently in prayer until you experience His presence.
- Be prepared for conviction and transformation when encountering God’s holiness.
- Desire genuine revival that goes beyond knowledge to a heartfelt experience of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Paul Washer’s initial reaction to God’s presence?
He was thrown down and fearful, thinking God might come to judge or kill him.
Why is the presence of God described as 'not for the faint of heart'?
Because encountering God’s holiness brings deep conviction and awe that can be overwhelming.
What did God reveal during the encounter?
God revealed Paul Washer’s sin, his need for Him, and displayed His glory and power.
How long did Paul Washer wait before experiencing God’s presence?
Several weeks of intense seeking and crying out to God.
What is the significance of revival in this testimony?
Revival is portrayed as a genuine, powerful experience of God’s presence that transforms the heart.