Wherever the River Flows

Sermon Title: “Wherever the River Flows”

Text: Ezekiel 47:9 “And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.” NKJV Theme: Life, healing, and restoration follow the presence of God.

Introduction:

The book of Ezekiel paints a prophetic picture of a river flowing from the threshold of the temple. But this is no ordinary river—it represents the life-giving presence of God. Ezekiel 47:9 says, “Wherever the rivers go, everything will live.” This is a vision not only of physical restoration but also spiritual renewal, healing, and abundance. It’s a reminder that the flow of God's Spirit brings revival to dead places, healing to broken hearts, and salvation to lost souls.

Illustration: In 1960, a small Welsh chapel experienced revival. It began with a few youth praying late into the night. As the presence of God increased, the spiritual atmosphere changed—not only in the church, but in the surrounding city. Crime dropped, conversions skyrocketed, and lives were radically changed. Why? Because the river of God—the Holy Spirit—was flowing freely. This is what happens wherever the river flows.

Point 1: The River Brings Life to Everything It Touches

Text: Ezekiel 47:9 “...every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live...”

The presence of God awakens dead things.

Marriages, ministries, and spiritual callings come alive when they touch the river.

Supporting Scriptures:

John 7:38 – “He who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

Romans 8:11 – “...He who raised Christ... will also give life to your mortal bodies...”

Illustration: A man in Florida, suicidal and addicted, wandered into a church during worship. As the people praised, he felt waves of life and joy. He was instantly delivered—because the river touched him.

Application: If your life feels dry, get under the flow of the Spirit. Where He moves, life follows.

Point 2: The River Transforms Dead Regions into Living Waters

Text: Ezekiel 47:8 “...When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed.”

The Dead Sea represents dead places, but the river heals even the most hopeless regions.

No place is too broken for God’s touch.

Supporting Scriptures:

Isaiah 35:1 – “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad...”

Joel 2:25 – “I will restore to you the years...”

Illustration: A pastor in Detroit purchased a condemned building in a crime zone. After months of prayer and outreach, the neighborhood turned. Drug houses shut down. Families were restored. The river was flowing.

Application: Pray over your family, city, and community. The river can transform dry deserts into gardens of life.

Point 3: The River Brings Abundance and Multiplication

Text: Ezekiel 47:9 “There will be a very great multitude of fish...”

Fish represent souls, provision, and growth.

Where the Spirit flows, there is no lack.

Supporting Scriptures:

Luke 5:6 – “They caught such a large number of fish...”

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God shall supply all your need...”

Illustration: During a revival service in Kenya, a small church of 40 people prayed for souls. The next Sunday, 500 people showed up. Why? The river of God brought a great catch.

Application: Expect increase when you’re in the flow. Ministries will expand. Souls will come. Miracles will break out.

Point 4: The River Heals and Restores What Was Broken

Text: Ezekiel 47:9 “...for they will be healed...”

The river heals spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Healing flows from His presence, not performance.

Supporting Scriptures:

Malachi 4:2 – “...the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.”

Acts 10:38 – “...Jesus... went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed...”

Illustration: A woman battling cancer came to a worship meeting. As the river of worship flowed, she began weeping. A week later, her scans came back clear. Doctors were baffled—but heaven wasn’t.

Application: Healing flows where the river flows. Create space for God’s Spirit in your life.

Point 5: The River Does Not Avoid the Barren

Text: Ezekiel 47:11 “But its swamps and marshes will not be healed...”

The river can pass by areas that resist it.

Hardened hearts and unrepentant spirits remain untouched.

Supporting Scriptures:

Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts...”

Isaiah 59:2 – “Your sins have hidden His face...”

Illustration: A church resisted the move of the Holy Spirit to preserve "order." While others grew in power, they declined. Why? The river passed by because of their refusal to open the gates.

Application: Don’t just visit the river—immerse yourself. Yield completely and let God flow freely.

Point 6: The River Carries the Presence of God from the Throne

Text: Ezekiel 47:1 “The water was flowing from under the threshold of the temple...”

The river begins at God’s throne and flows outward.

It is not man-made revival—it’s God-initiated movement.

Supporting Scriptures:

Revelation 22:1 – “...a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God...”

Psalm 46:4 – “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God...”

Illustration: During the Brownsville Revival, no marketing drew the crowds—it was the throne-room presence of God flowing like a river, calling people from every nation.

Application: Seek the source, not just the sensation. Live close to the throne. The deeper your intimacy, the stronger the flow.

Point 7: The River Brings Fruitfulness and Constant Nourishment

Text: Ezekiel 47:12 “...their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

The river-fed trees never cease bearing fruit.

Those who stay in the flow live in a constant cycle of nourishment and usefulness.

Supporting Scriptures:

Psalm 1:3 – “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water...”

Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

Illustration: A missionary couple in Southeast Asia faced drought and persecution, yet their ministry bore consistent fruit. Villages were transformed. Churches were planted. Why? They lived near the river.

Application: Abide in the river and let God produce fruit in you—fruit that lasts and heals others.

Conclusion:

Wherever the river flows, everything will live. It doesn't matter how dry, how barren, or how broken something is—if it encounters the river of God, it will be revived. Let’s invite the flow of the Spirit into every part of our lives: our hearts, families, churches, and communities.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the river of Your Spirit. Let it wash over every dry and barren place in our lives. Revive what is dead. Heal what is broken. Restore what the enemy has stolen. May we stay near Your presence and never resist the flow of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Altar Call:

If you’re here today and you feel dry, distant, or desperate for more of God—step into the river. The Spirit is flowing. Don’t harden your heart. Let God heal you, revive you, and fill you again. Come now—whether it’s for salvation, healing, or just to be renewed—everything will live wherever the river flows. Come into the flow of His Spirit today!

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