Active Faith: Centering Our Lives on Jesus

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of active faith and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our lives. We began by acknowledging that God is always present and pursues us, but we must also actively seek Him through worship, thanksgiving, and rejoicing. This reciprocal relationship with God requires us to take steps to activate our faith.

We then delved into the dangers of nostalgia and the progress trap. Nostalgia can trap us in the past, making us believe that nothing today can be as good as it was. This mindset prevents us from dreaming and moving forward into what God desires for us now. Conversely, the progress trap makes us think that everything old is outdated and irrelevant, which is equally dangerous. Both traps can hinder our spiritual growth and our ability to live a life centered on Jesus.

The core of the message was about the importance of having Jesus at the center of our lives. Using a visual aid, we demonstrated how life becomes chaotic and unbalanced when Jesus is not at the center. We discussed the need for dedication, commitment, and effort in our spiritual lives. This includes regular church attendance, daily prayer, Bible reading, and serving others. These practices are not about legalism but about cultivating a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus.

We also touched on the concept of "cheap grace," which is the idea of accepting God's grace without allowing it to transform us. True discipleship requires effort and a willingness to be changed by Jesus. We must avoid the pitfalls of thinking we can drift into heaven without actively participating in our spiritual growth.

Finally, we emphasized the importance of being disciples, making disciples, and raising disciples. This involves a commitment to living a life that reflects Jesus in all aspects, not just as a part of our lives but as the center. We concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to evaluate their lives and make the necessary changes to put Jesus at the center.

### Key Takeaways

1. Active Faith Requires Effort: Our relationship with God is reciprocal. While He is always present and pursues us, we must also actively seek Him through worship, thanksgiving, and rejoicing. This active pursuit strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. [30:06]

2. The Dangers of Nostalgia and Progress Traps: Nostalgia can trap us in the past, making us believe that nothing today can be as good as it was, while the progress trap makes us think that everything old is outdated. Both mindsets can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from experiencing what God has for us now. [55:22]

3. Jesus at the Center: Life becomes chaotic and unbalanced when Jesus is not at the center. We must prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, making Him the focal point around which everything else revolves. This requires dedication, commitment, and effort. [01:09:23]

4. Avoiding Cheap Grace: True discipleship requires effort and a willingness to be transformed by Jesus. Accepting God's grace without allowing it to change us is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called "cheap grace." We must actively participate in our spiritual growth and not just rely on a one-time prayer of salvation. [01:26:03]

5. Commitment to Discipleship: Being a disciple of Jesus involves a lifelong commitment to growing in our relationship with Him. This includes regular church attendance, daily prayer, Bible reading, and serving others. We must also focus on making and raising disciples, ensuring that the next generation is rooted in strong faith. [01:34:24]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[30:06] - Activating Our Faith
[30:47] - Pursuing God in Worship
[31:30] - Thanksgiving and Rejoicing
[32:52] - Greeting and Announcements
[33:08] - Welcoming Guests
[33:42] - Women's Ministry Event
[34:17] - Upcoming Men's Event
[34:36] - Annual Church Picnic
[35:48] - Friends Day Celebration
[36:35] - Small Group Semester Kickoff
[37:39] - Judges 2:10-15 Reading
[38:27] - Crisis of Faith
[39:09] - Next Generation Ministry
[40:03] - Middle School Breakout
[41:19] - Young Adults Ministry
[42:49] - Importance of Discipleship
[43:05] - Tithes and Offerings
[45:01] - Prayer for Heather
[46:34] - Farewell to Ellen and Randy Tyler
[47:51] - Grief Share Program
[48:05] - Return to the Pulpit
[49:04] - Old Time Religion Series
[55:22] - The Nostalgia Trap
[59:11] - The Progress Trap
[01:09:23] - Jesus at the Center
[01:26:03] - Avoiding Cheap Grace
[01:34:24] - Commitment to Discipleship
[01:41:18] - Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Judges 2:10-15
2. Isaiah 43:18-19
3. Colossians 1:15-20

### Observation Questions
1. What does Judges 2:10-15 describe about the new generation of Israelites and their relationship with God? [37:39]
2. According to Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God instruct us to do regarding the past, and what is He promising to do? [57:27]
3. In Colossians 1:15-20, how is Jesus described in relation to creation and the church? [01:10:29]
4. What visual aid did the pastor use to illustrate the importance of having Jesus at the center of our lives, and what was its significance? [01:09:23]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the new generation in Judges 2:10-15 reflect the dangers of not passing down faith to the next generation? What can we learn from this? [37:39]
2. What does it mean to "forget the former things" and "not dwell on the past" as stated in Isaiah 43:18-19? How can this be applied to our spiritual lives? [57:27]
3. Colossians 1:15-20 emphasizes Jesus' supremacy in all things. How should this understanding influence our daily lives and priorities? [01:10:29]
4. The pastor mentioned the concept of "cheap grace." What is "cheap grace," and why is it important to avoid it in our spiritual journey? [01:26:03]

### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Judges 2:10-15, what steps can you take to ensure that your faith is effectively passed down to the next generation? [37:39]
2. Isaiah 43:18-19 talks about God doing a new thing. Is there an area in your life where you need to let go of the past to embrace what God is doing now? How can you start this process? [57:27]
3. Considering Colossians 1:15-20, what practical changes can you make to ensure that Jesus is at the center of your life? Are there specific areas where He is not currently the focal point? [01:10:29]
4. The pastor discussed the dangers of nostalgia and the progress trap. Can you identify a time when you were stuck in either of these traps? How did it affect your spiritual growth? [55:22]
5. How can you actively seek God through worship, thanksgiving, and rejoicing in your daily life? What specific actions will you take this week to pursue God more actively? [30:06]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of discipleship. What steps can you take to be a better disciple of Jesus and to make and raise disciples in your community? [01:34:24]
7. Reflect on the concept of "cheap grace." Are there areas in your life where you have accepted God's grace without allowing it to transform you? What changes can you make to avoid this pitfall? [01:26:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Faith Requires Effort
Active faith is not passive; it requires intentional effort and dedication. While God is always present and actively pursues us, we must also take steps to seek Him through worship, thanksgiving, and rejoicing. This reciprocal relationship strengthens our faith and deepens our connection with God. By engaging in these practices, we open ourselves to experiencing God's presence more fully and allow our faith to grow.

In our daily lives, this means setting aside time for prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in worship. These actions are not about legalism but about cultivating a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus. When we actively pursue God, we align our lives with His will and experience the fullness of His grace and love. [30:06]

Psalm 105:4 (ESV): "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to actively seek God through worship, thanksgiving, and rejoicing? How can you make these practices a regular part of your daily routine?

Day 2: The Dangers of Nostalgia and Progress Traps
Nostalgia and the progress trap are two mindsets that can hinder our spiritual growth. Nostalgia can trap us in the past, making us believe that nothing today can be as good as it was. This mindset prevents us from dreaming and moving forward into what God desires for us now. Conversely, the progress trap makes us think that everything old is outdated and irrelevant, which is equally dangerous. Both traps can prevent us from experiencing the new things God has for us.

To avoid these traps, we must remain open to God's leading in the present while honoring the past and learning from it. We should seek a balanced perspective that values both tradition and innovation, allowing us to grow spiritually and embrace the new opportunities God provides. [55:22]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where nostalgia or the progress trap is holding you back? How can you embrace the new things God is doing while honoring the past?

Day 3: Jesus at the Center
Life becomes chaotic and unbalanced when Jesus is not at the center. We must prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, making Him the focal point around which everything else revolves. This requires dedication, commitment, and effort. When Jesus is at the center, our lives gain clarity, purpose, and direction.

To keep Jesus at the center, we need to engage in regular spiritual practices such as church attendance, daily prayer, Bible reading, and serving others. These practices help us stay connected to Jesus and align our lives with His will. By making Jesus the center of our lives, we experience His peace and guidance in all aspects of our daily living. [01:09:23]

Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that Jesus remains at the center of your life? How can you prioritize your relationship with Him in your daily activities?

Day 4: Avoiding Cheap Grace
True discipleship requires effort and a willingness to be transformed by Jesus. Accepting God's grace without allowing it to change us is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called "cheap grace." We must actively participate in our spiritual growth and not just rely on a one-time prayer of salvation. True grace leads to transformation and a deeper relationship with Jesus.

This means being open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, allowing Him to convict us of sin and lead us into righteousness. It involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines and a willingness to be molded by God's Word. By avoiding cheap grace, we embrace the fullness of God's transformative power in our lives. [01:26:03]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been accepting cheap grace? How can you allow God's grace to truly transform you today?

Day 5: Commitment to Discipleship
Being a disciple of Jesus involves a lifelong commitment to growing in our relationship with Him. This includes regular church attendance, daily prayer, Bible reading, and serving others. We must also focus on making and raising disciples, ensuring that the next generation is rooted in strong faith. Discipleship is not just about personal growth but also about helping others grow in their faith.

To be effective disciples, we need to invest time and effort into our spiritual growth and the growth of others. This means being intentional about our spiritual practices and seeking opportunities to mentor and disciple others. By committing to discipleship, we fulfill Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations and contribute to the growth of His kingdom. [01:34:24]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: How can you deepen your commitment to discipleship today? Who in your life can you mentor and help grow in their faith?

Quotes

1. "We need to take steps in how we take steps to activate our faith. I love that. I sought the Lord, and he heard, and he answered. God is always present in our lives, but there's a reciprocity in the nature of our relationship. He is there, but we still come to him. He's there for us. He pursues us. He chases us. He runs after us. But we still come to I'm just so impressed by what does an active faith display itself in your life." [30:06] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As a generation and as a nation, we're at a crisis of faith in so many areas. And we truly believe as a church that we have to make some changes and adjustments to truly make sure that we're providing the needs of our church but also that we are raising a generation of disciples that know who their faith is in, that have a strong and growing faith, which is why I think Pastor Alex and his team with Children's Ministry so very important." [38:27] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "No church has a future if it's memories are bigger than it's dreams but that's true not just within individual churches that's true but in our own lives no believer has a future if our memories are bigger than our dreams now listen I just spent several minutes walking through about how great the times were growing up but if I spent all of my life trying to chase after what I used to have or what things used to be like then what I do is I prevent myself from moving forward into what God desires." [55:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The nostalgia trap can get us stuck it can get us stuck longing for the past prevents us of dreaming for the future if we long for the good old days all the time then we do not believe that the best is yet to come but the nostalgia trap has an opposite called the progress trap progress trap the other danger that we run into is thinking that just because something is old that it's worn out and doesn't work anymore that is no good because that's what they used to do that's not how we do it now." [58:39] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus should be the center of our lives Jesus should be the center of our lives Jesus at the center and when we've got Jesus at the center alright it spins a little wobbly back and forth but it spins but it spins pretty good right right pretty even pretty you know it kind of goes around it's kind of what life looks like now I want to disavow you of something here right because what happens sometimes is people think life is about balance right got to live the proper balance you got to live the proper work life balance balance is a myth you got to live the right priorities." [01:09:23] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The question I had today as we're talking about because sometimes what happens with the old foundational stuff is sometimes we throw out the baby with the bathwater we think it's old it must be bad but that's not true here's the question I have for you as we start to talk about this as we start to talk about this what things from the early Christian life that you lived are you thankful for? I don't know maybe you've only been saved for a month you're like I'm Pastor Spencer I'm still getting it figured out that's okay I've been saved my entire life and I'm still trying to get it figured out too." [01:03:16] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The fundamentals of Christianity aren't hard come to church every week read your Bible every day pray every day treat it as a conversation with God don't just pray for your meals okay tithe, serve build relationships, fellowships those aren't hard things are they? but I think one of the things that used to be better it's one of the things I believe God's calling us to do as a church I think we used to be better at being disciples." [01:04:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Do you think you can have a spiritually deep life and be off-center? Do you think we can? Can skip praying and recognize the voice of God? Do you think we can avoid reading his word and respond when the shepherd speaks? No, because we'll miss it. Do you think we can learn and grow as a community and not come to church regularly? Do you think the work of God, the kingdom of God can grow and flourish by us not participating? Now, the Bible is so very clear that he will build his church. But he chooses to use us to do it. Our participation is so very important." [01:24:59] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Cheap grace is this. When we think we can receive the gift of salvation and not be transformed. If you have accepted Jesus and the friends around you, do not recognize any change or difference in you, then you need to really evaluate whether you are following Jesus closely or on one of the other two options. Because you should be transformed by the pursuit of Jesus." [01:27:49] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common, selling their possessions and goods they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their numbers daily those who were being saved." [01:28:49] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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