Aligning Our Lives with God's Purpose and Kingdom
Summary
Summary:
Today, I shared a personal story about changing a tire, which led me to reflect on the concept of alignment in our lives. Just as a car needs proper alignment to function efficiently, our lives require alignment with our values and purpose to thrive. Many of us, while appearing to live purposefully, may find ourselves out of sync with our true calling, leading to feelings of exhaustion and emptiness. In our fast-paced world, we often chase balance but end up stressed and unfulfilled. Jesus offers us a solution in John 10:10, where He promises a rich and satisfying life. This abundant life is available to us now, as part of His kingdom.
The early Church in Acts serves as a model for living in alignment with God's kingdom. They lived with power, joy, and community, and I believe we can experience the same today. The kingdom of God is here, and we are invited to participate in it. However, many of us are living with an outdated "operating system," missing out on the full life Jesus offers. We must choose to accept His invitation and realign our lives with His teachings and purpose.
To live this full life, we must follow Jesus, engage in real community, and adopt a mission mindset. Following Jesus means knowing His voice and rejecting false teachings that lead us astray. Real community involves sharing life, resources, and responsibilities with others, as seen in Acts 2. A mission mindset calls us to live out our purpose, rebuilding and restoring the world around us. By aligning our lives with Jesus, we can experience the abundant life He promises, filled with joy, peace, and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. Alignment with Purpose: Just as a car needs proper alignment to function well, our lives require alignment with our values and purpose. When we live out of sync with our true calling, we experience exhaustion and emptiness. Aligning with Jesus' teachings brings clarity and fulfillment. [03:39]
2. The Kingdom of God is Here: Jesus offers us a rich and satisfying life as part of His kingdom, which is present now. We are invited to participate in this kingdom life, experiencing the power and joy that comes with it. This requires us to live intentionally and align our lives with His purpose. [09:02]
3. Follow Jesus, Not the Noise: To experience the full life Jesus offers, we must follow Him and reject false teachings that distract us. Knowing His voice and turning off the noise of the world allows us to live in alignment with His truth and purpose. [28:23]
4. Real Community is Essential: The early Church in Acts exemplified real community, sharing life, resources, and responsibilities. Engaging in such community provides spiritual and physical nourishment, helping us live out our purpose and experience the fullness of life. [34:58]
5. Adopt a Mission Mindset: Living with a mission mindset means actively participating in God's work of rebuilding and restoring the world. Our lives should reflect the good news of the kingdom, demonstrating Jesus' love and power to those around us. [42:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:19] - Tire Alignment and Life Alignment
- [03:03] - Living Out of Alignment
- [04:54] - The Promise of Abundant Life
- [06:23] - The Early Church in Acts
- [07:41] - Understanding the Gospel
- [09:02] - The Kingdom of God is Here
- [10:47] - The Mental Health Crisis
- [13:59] - The Difference Between Full and Busy Life
- [16:26] - The Narrow Way to Life
- [18:38] - Accepting the Upgrade
- [20:26] - Follow Jesus
- [23:36] - Jesus as the Gate and Shepherd
- [28:23] - Recognizing False Teachings
- [32:49] - Real Community in Acts 2
- [39:45] - Mission Mindset and Purpose
- [45:49] - Receiving the Full Life
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 10:10
- Acts 2:42-47
- Matthew 7:13-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus promise in John 10:10 about the life He offers to His followers? How does this contrast with the thief's purpose? [04:54]
2. In Acts 2:42-47, what were the key practices of the early Church that demonstrated their alignment with God's kingdom? [33:24]
3. According to Matthew 7:13-14, what is the significance of the narrow gate and the broad way? How does this relate to living a life aligned with Jesus' teachings? [17:56]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of living out of alignment with one's values and purpose? [03:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of a "rich and satisfying life" in John 10:10 challenge common perceptions of what it means to live a full life? [04:54]
2. What might it look like for someone to live with an "outdated operating system" in their spiritual life, as mentioned in the sermon? How can this metaphor help us understand our need for spiritual renewal? [18:38]
3. In what ways does the early Church in Acts serve as a model for real community today? How can these practices be applied in modern church settings? [33:24]
4. How does the concept of a "mission mindset" in the sermon relate to the broader purpose of the Church as described in Isaiah 58:12? [42:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life alignment. Are there areas where you feel out of sync with your values or purpose? What steps can you take to realign with Jesus' teachings? [03:03]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of turning off the noise and distractions to hear Jesus' voice. What specific distractions in your life could you minimize this week to focus more on His guidance? [31:02]
3. Consider the role of community in your spiritual journey. How can you actively participate in building a real community like the early Church in Acts? What practical steps can you take to engage more deeply with others? [34:58]
4. The sermon highlighted the need for a mission mindset. Identify one way you can contribute to rebuilding and restoring your community or family this month. How can you demonstrate Jesus' love and power in this effort? [42:43]
5. Reflect on the concept of following Jesus, not the noise. How can you discern between true teachings and false ones in your daily life? What practices can help you stay grounded in His truth? [28:23]
6. The sermon discussed the difference between a full life and a busy life. How can you ensure that your life is full of purpose rather than just filled with activities? What changes might you need to make in your schedule or priorities? [13:59]
7. Think about the idea of being the community you wish you had. What is one specific action you can take this week to foster a sense of belonging and support within your church or neighborhood? [39:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with Our True Purpose
In life, just as a car requires proper alignment to function efficiently, we too need to align our lives with our core values and purpose. When we live out of sync with our true calling, we often experience feelings of exhaustion and emptiness. This misalignment can lead us to chase after balance in a fast-paced world, only to end up stressed and unfulfilled. However, aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus brings clarity and fulfillment. Jesus offers us a rich and satisfying life, as mentioned in John 10:10, and this abundant life is available to us now as part of His kingdom. By realigning our lives with His teachings and purpose, we can experience the fullness of life He promises. [03:39]
Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to realign your daily activities with your core values and purpose in Christ?
Day 2: Embracing the Present Kingdom
The kingdom of God is not a distant future promise but a present reality. Jesus invites us to participate in this kingdom life, experiencing the power and joy that comes with it. This requires us to live intentionally, aligning our lives with His purpose. The early Church in Acts serves as a model for living in alignment with God's kingdom, demonstrating power, joy, and community. Many of us are living with an outdated "operating system," missing out on the full life Jesus offers. By accepting His invitation and realigning our lives with His teachings, we can experience the abundant life He promises. [09:02]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: How can you intentionally live today as a participant in God's present kingdom, experiencing its power and joy?
Day 3: Tuning Out the Noise
To experience the full life Jesus offers, it is essential to follow Him and reject false teachings that distract us. In a world filled with noise and competing voices, knowing His voice and turning off the distractions allows us to live in alignment with His truth and purpose. This involves discerning what is true and rejecting what leads us astray. By focusing on Jesus and His teachings, we can navigate through the noise and live a life that reflects His love and purpose. [28:23]
1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Reflection: What are some distractions or false teachings in your life that you need to tune out to better hear and follow Jesus' voice?
Day 4: Building Real Community
The early Church in Acts exemplified real community, where believers shared life, resources, and responsibilities. Engaging in such community provides both spiritual and physical nourishment, helping us live out our purpose and experience the fullness of life. Real community involves vulnerability, accountability, and mutual support, allowing us to grow together in faith. By participating in a community that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus, we can experience the abundant life He promises. [34:58]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to building a real community within your church or neighborhood this week?
Day 5: Living with a Mission Mindset
Living with a mission mindset means actively participating in God's work of rebuilding and restoring the world. Our lives should reflect the good news of the kingdom, demonstrating Jesus' love and power to those around us. This involves adopting a mindset that sees every opportunity as a chance to live out our purpose and make a positive impact. By aligning our lives with Jesus' mission, we can experience the abundant life He promises, filled with joy, peace, and purpose. [42:43]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out your mission mindset today, demonstrating Jesus' love and power in your community?
Quotes
1) "Earlier this year, I realized that while I was doing my purpose that I'm called to do, I wasn't living my purpose. I was doing what I was called to do, but how I was doing it was out of alignment with my values. And suddenly it made sense, why it was really hard to pick up momentum on things I wanted to change and improve in my life, ways I wanted to grow as a person, as a mom, as a wife, as a pastor, as just a Christian, a follower of Jesus. I was feeling stuck. I was wearing down and wearing out fast. I always felt spent. I felt like I was running on fumes. Any energy or momentum I got was spent really quick." [03:03] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Many of us live lives that are out of alignment, like what I realized earlier this year. Out of alignment with what truly matters. What Jesus has called us to. That purpose that Pastor Kyle was talking about last week. There's the big, big purpose that's for all of us. Humans and all of us even more as Christians once we come to faith in Jesus. Why we were created. Why we were called to give our lives to the Lord. And then our individual purposes that's unique to our gifts. We all have this purpose. And it makes it hard for us to receive life, life to the full in Jesus because we're always busy. We're always distracted. We're always empty. We're struggling with these things at all times." [10:47] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "There's a difference between a full life and a busy or rushed life. Jesus was very, you could say, busy. He had a lot of things. There was this one day, he had about 5,000 men plus women and children, and he had to feed all of them. I don't know if that's ever been anyone else's experience, but that's pretty busy, like, rush, hurry. And he was like, oh, let's just go see if there's, like, a child with five loaves and two fish, and see what we can do with that. And the disciples are like, are you kidding me? We can't do that? They bring it, and then it's overflowing. That's full life, abundant, that came out of what seemed to be emptiness and need and hurt." [13:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "If you don't go Jesus' way, then you'll never get the life you were created for. Matthew 7, 13 through 14, Jesus said you can enter God's kingdom only through the narrow gate. So the kingdom of God is here. It's accessible. Jesus brought it. The door is wide open for us to come in and live and participate in it. It's here. But there's a narrow gate. There's a specific way to get to it. It says the highway to hell is broad and its gate is wide for many who choose that way. But the gate to life is very narrow and the road is difficult and only a few ever find it. It's open to everyone." [17:12] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Think about when you're using an older phone. It still works, kind of, but it's slow. The battery drains faster. There's glitches. The notification pops up that there's an upgrade available. There's a new operating system that will fix bugs, improve the speed. It's going to give you new features that will probably be really frustrating but also shiny and exciting at the same time. You know life will be so much better with the upgrade, right? But you have to choose to accept it. You have to click update. You have to pretend like you read through the user agreement and hit accept and update. A lot of us are living with an old operating system. We're drained. We're anxious. We're stressed out. We don't know why it's not picking up speed. We don't know why we're not making forward progress, but it's because we haven't tapped into the full life that Jesus is offering." [18:38] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "So if you get nothing else out of today, what I want you to leave with is this. As long as we're living out of alignment with our created purpose, as long as we're living out of alignment with the way God's called us to live, we're going to feel and be off. It may not be horrid, but we're going to feel off. That causes this low-grade stress, this low-grade emptiness. Why can I not just be content? We're always going to have that. When life's off track, we're out of sync with our purpose. It's stress and emptiness on repeat. But Jesus solves it. Number one today is follow Jesus." [19:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "We can use this not just as a feel-good verse, but as a barometer of where our lives are at. Whose truth are we living in? What lies are we following versus am I doing well at receiving this full life Jesus has? He talks about being the gate and the door. Don't just go to Jesus. Don't just say Christian on your Facebook profile and then share some fun Christian memes and Bible verses. Don't just go to church on Sunday. Don't just go to Jesus. He says go through me. He's not just the gatekeeper. He says the gatekeeper opens the door. Let me be a gatekeeper to where I open the door for people to walk to and through Jesus. Walk through Jesus. Into the life that he has for you." [30:28] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Receiving is an action. Someone can hold out a gift to you. But if you don't take it and unwrap it and find a place for it and learn how to use it, it's pointless. Or if that person throws the gift at your head and forces you to take it, it's a burden. It's a problem. It's forceful. It's abuse. God isn't an abuser. He's not going to shove it down your throat. But he's offering it and he's hoping you take it and he shows you how to unwrap it and put it into place. But we don't take it. Or we take it and sit it on a shelf or we never open it to see what he has for us. When life's off track, it's because we're out of sync with our purpose. It's stress and emptiness on repeat. But he has a better way for us today." [46:19] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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