Building Our Lives on Christ's Unconditional Love
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to express our gratitude for the freedom we have in Christ and to reaffirm our trust in God, regardless of our circumstances. We declared that Christ is our foundation and that our strength is found in Him alone. We acknowledged God's faithfulness, healing, and deliverance, and we committed to putting our faith solely in Jesus. We emphasized the importance of daily pursuing God to avoid running on empty, both spiritually and physically.
We also discussed the significance of love, as commanded by God. Love is not merely an emotion but a divine mandate that requires us to imitate God, who is love. We explored how true love is patient, kind, and selfless, devoid of any strings attached. We are called to love others unconditionally, just as God loved us first. This love should manifest in our actions and interactions, reflecting God's love to the world.
Furthermore, we touched on the importance of praying for our leaders and those in positions of authority, as instructed in the Bible. We prayed for our current leaders, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, asking God to work in and through them. We also prayed for upcoming elections, seeking God's guidance and intervention.
Lastly, we revisited our ongoing series, "Brick by Brick," focusing on the brick of love. We discussed the need to remove any hindrances that prevent us from loving others as God loves us. We emphasized the importance of applying the Word of God in our lives, not just reading it. By doing so, we can truly walk in love and fulfill God's purpose for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Christ as Our Foundation: Our strength and foundation are found in Christ alone. Regardless of what we see in the natural world, our trust must remain in God. This unwavering faith is what sustains us through life's challenges and uncertainties. [35:56]
2. Daily Pursuit of God: To avoid running on empty, we must daily pursue God. Just as a car needs fuel to run, our spiritual, physical, and mental well-being requires constant replenishment through a relationship with God. This daily pursuit keeps us aligned with His purpose. [47:52]
3. Imitating God's Love: We are called to be imitators of God, who is love. True love is patient, kind, and selfless, expecting nothing in return. By imitating God's love, we reflect His character to the world, making His love known through our actions. [01:04:34]
4. Praying for Leaders: The Bible instructs us to pray for our leaders and those in authority. This act of obedience invites God's intervention and guidance in our nation's affairs. It is our responsibility to pray for their well-being and that they encounter God. [54:25]
5. Applying the Word of God: It's not enough to merely read the Word of God; we must apply it in our lives. The Word serves as a mirror, exposing areas that need change. By applying God's Word, we can remove hindrances and truly walk in love, fulfilling His purpose for us. [01:21:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:56] - Christ as Our Foundation
[44:11] - Trusting in Jesus Alone
[47:52] - Daily Pursuit of God
[48:57] - Running on Empty
[49:50] - The Gas Gauge Story
[50:50] - Filling Up Daily
[51:24] - National Ice Cream Day
[52:39] - Celebrating in Dark Times
[53:32] - Praying for Our Leaders
[54:25] - Prayer for Current Leaders
[55:41] - Praying for Elections
[56:45] - Repentance and Revival
[58:38] - Trusting God in Elections
[01:00:00] - Brick by Brick Series
[01:01:38] - Taking Responsibility
[01:02:55] - Applying the Word of God
[01:04:34] - The Brick of Love
[01:11:12] - Walking in Love
[01:14:40] - God Loved Us First
[01:21:27] - Applying the Word
[01:25:52] - Jesus' Sacrificial Love
[01:27:31] - Avoiding What Hurts God
[01:30:17] - Loving Unconditionally
[01:33:41] - Who Do We Need to Love?
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:1-2: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
2. 1 John 4:7-11: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
3. 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 5:1-2, how are we called to walk in love? What example are we given to follow?
2. In 1 John 4:7-11, how is God's love described and how should it influence our love for one another?
3. What specific instructions does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 give regarding our leaders and those in authority? Why is this important?
4. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe the importance of daily pursuing God? ([47:52])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be an imitator of God as described in Ephesians 5:1-2? How can this be practically applied in our daily lives?
2. How does understanding that "God is love" from 1 John 4:7-11 change the way we interact with others, especially those who may be difficult to love?
3. Why is it significant that we pray for our leaders, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2? How might this practice affect our perspective on leadership and governance? ([54:25])
4. The sermon emphasized the need to apply the Word of God in our lives, not just read it. What are some practical ways we can ensure we are living out the teachings of the Bible? ([01:21:27])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate a more intentional pursuit of God to avoid "running on empty" spiritually, physically, and mentally? ([47:52])
2. Think of a specific person in your life who is difficult to love. What steps can you take this week to show them unconditional love, as God loves us? ([01:04:34])
3. How often do you pray for your leaders and those in authority? What specific prayers can you start incorporating for them, based on the instructions in 1 Timothy 2:1-2? ([54:25])
4. Identify one area in your life where you have been reading the Word of God but not applying it. What practical steps can you take to start living out that teaching? ([01:21:27])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of removing hindrances that prevent us from loving others. What is one hindrance in your life that you need to address, and how will you go about removing it? ([01:04:34])
6. How can you be more proactive in showing love to those around you, even if they do not reciprocate? Share a specific example of how you plan to do this in the coming week. ([01:14:40])
7. Reflect on the concept of "imitating God" in your actions and behavior. What is one specific behavior you can change or improve to better reflect God's love to the world? ([01:06:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ as Our Foundation
Our strength and foundation are found in Christ alone. Regardless of what we see in the natural world, our trust must remain in God. This unwavering faith is what sustains us through life's challenges and uncertainties. When we build our lives on the solid rock of Christ, we are able to withstand the storms that come our way. This foundation is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that we must live out daily. By anchoring our lives in Christ, we find the strength to navigate through difficulties and the assurance that we are never alone.
In a world that is constantly shifting and changing, having a firm foundation in Christ provides stability and peace. It allows us to face trials with confidence, knowing that our hope is secure in Him. This foundation is built through a personal relationship with Jesus, nurtured by prayer, reading the Word, and living in obedience to His commands. As we grow in our faith, we become more resilient and better equipped to handle whatever life throws at us. [35:56]
Isaiah 28:16 (ESV): "Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.'"
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you need to trust God more fully? How can you actively build your foundation in Christ today?
Day 2: Daily Pursuit of God
To avoid running on empty, we must daily pursue God. Just as a car needs fuel to run, our spiritual, physical, and mental well-being requires constant replenishment through a relationship with God. This daily pursuit keeps us aligned with His purpose and ensures that we are not operating out of our own strength but relying on His. It involves setting aside time each day to connect with God through prayer, worship, and reading the Bible. This intentional pursuit helps us to stay spiritually vibrant and ready to face the challenges of each day.
When we neglect our daily time with God, we risk becoming spiritually depleted, which can affect every area of our lives. Just as a car cannot run without fuel, we cannot thrive without a consistent connection to our source of life. By making the daily pursuit of God a priority, we ensure that we are continually filled with His presence and power. This not only benefits us but also enables us to be a blessing to others. [47:52]
Psalm 63:1 (ESV): "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that you are daily pursuing God? How can you make time with Him a non-negotiable part of your routine?
Day 3: Imitating God's Love
We are called to be imitators of God, who is love. True love is patient, kind, and selfless, expecting nothing in return. By imitating God's love, we reflect His character to the world, making His love known through our actions. This kind of love goes beyond mere emotions and is demonstrated through our behavior and interactions with others. It requires us to put others' needs before our own and to love unconditionally, just as God loves us. This selfless love is a powerful testimony to the world and a reflection of God's heart.
Imitating God's love means loving others even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It means showing kindness and patience, even when we feel like doing the opposite. This kind of love is not something we can muster up on our own; it comes from a deep relationship with God and an understanding of His love for us. As we experience His love, we are empowered to love others in the same way. [01:04:34]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them God's love in a practical way today?
Day 4: Praying for Leaders
The Bible instructs us to pray for our leaders and those in authority. This act of obedience invites God's intervention and guidance in our nation's affairs. It is our responsibility to pray for their well-being and that they encounter God. Praying for our leaders is not just about asking for favorable outcomes but seeking God's will and wisdom for those in positions of power. It is an acknowledgment that God is ultimately in control and that we trust Him to guide our leaders according to His purposes.
When we pray for our leaders, we are participating in God's work in the world. Our prayers can have a significant impact, bringing about change and transformation in ways we may not see immediately. It is important to pray with a heart of humility and faith, believing that God hears and answers our prayers. [54:25]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Take a moment to pray for a specific leader in your community or nation. What specific needs or challenges can you lift up to God on their behalf today?
Day 5: Applying the Word of God
It's not enough to merely read the Word of God; we must apply it in our lives. The Word serves as a mirror, exposing areas that need change. By applying God's Word, we can remove hindrances and truly walk in love, fulfilling His purpose for us. This application involves not just understanding the Scriptures but living them out in our daily actions and decisions. It requires us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds.
Applying the Word of God means letting it shape our attitudes, behaviors, and relationships. It means allowing the truth of Scripture to guide our choices and actions, leading us to live in a way that honors God. This process of application is ongoing and requires intentionality and commitment. As we apply God's Word, we grow in our faith and become more effective in living out His purposes for our lives. [01:21:27]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to apply God's Word more faithfully? How can you take a practical step today to live out that truth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We exist to get people to a place where they will acknowledge, trust and lean on God daily. It is a daily pursuit of God. A daily chasing after God. If we do not daily pursue him, we end up running on empty." [47:52] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our world and our country needs Jesus Christ. And we need to take on the responsibility of obeying the word of God, which says to pray for our leaders. Some people don't realize that the Bible says to pray for the leaders. It says to pray for the leaders and those in position of authority, kings, rulers, that it might go well with you." [53:32] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are all under construction and our manual is the word of God. It's one of the reasons I encourage you to and we say it time and time again, read the word of God every single day. Multiple reasons. Here's one of them. It's the instruction manual as to how we live our life." [01:01:38] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is love. And he who abides in love, in God and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment." [01:14:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We love him because he first loved us. Not only is it that we're called to imitate God, but the reality is this, God loved us first. I'm always telling my girls how much I love them. You do that with your kids, I always tell them how much I love them." [01:14:40] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "It's time that we stop living on empty. And that we fill up every single day our spiritual tank. That we fill up our physical and mental tank. It's time that we look and say, hey, where am I lacking? And let me go fill up. So that I can get to the purpose and to the place that God has for me. And it's a decision we each need to make." [50:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We talked about the fact that we need to change our way of thinking. It's what it says in Ephesians chapter four. We talked about the fact that we got to change our pattern of speech and the way we talk. We're many times putting people down, putting things down, talking about things. And it's time for us to change our speech." [01:00:00] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are called to be imitators of God. We are called to be imitators of God. We are called to be imitators of God. If you're like me and you like definitions, here's the definition of imitator. A person who copies the behavior or actions of another. A person who copies the behavior or actions of another." [01:04:34] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are we truly walking in love the way that God wants me to walk in love? See, what is real love? Real love has no strings attached, does it? I said a minute ago, sometimes we don't know what love is, but the Bible teaches us what love is. It says that love is patient. It says that love is kind. It says that love does not envy." [01:11:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to stop using the word as a weapon to the world. Because it's the word of God for the believer. That might be controversial for some people. But the job of the Holy Spirit is to bring conviction of sin to the world. That's the job of the Holy Spirit, not the job of David Perez." [01:32:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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