Creating Intimacy: The Power of the Secret Place

Summary

In the message delivered by Pastor Adam on January 28, 2024, he delves into the profound longing of the human heart for intimacy with God and the transformative power of cultivating a "secret place" with the Lord. He begins by sharing his personal journey of searching for fulfillment and nearly missing the truth that Jesus was the answer he had been seeking all along. This revelation is not unique to him; it is a universal yearning for closeness with God that all believers share.

Pastor Adam emphasizes that the essence of a kingdom culture is the intentional creation of spaces for intimacy with God. He draws from Psalm 1, which contrasts the life of someone who follows worldly advice with the one who delights in the Lord's instruction. The latter is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season and prospering in all they do. This metaphor beautifully illustrates the stability and fruitfulness that come from meditating on God's word and seeking His presence.

The message further explores the concept of the "secret place" through Psalm 91, which speaks of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in His shadow. This secret place is not just a refuge but a space of deep communion with God where His promises of protection, deliverance, and salvation become tangible realities in the believer's life.

Pastor Adam recounts the biblical narrative of the Garden of Eden as the original secret place of intimacy between God and humanity. The loss of this closeness due to sin is something that all of humanity has felt, leading to a perpetual search for something to fill the void. The entire story of Scripture, he explains, is a journey of God seeking to restore that lost intimacy with His creation.

The message also touches on the practical aspects of building a secret place in one's life. Pastor Adam encourages believers to be strategic in creating moments throughout the day for connection with God. Whether it's during a lunch break, in solitude, or even in the midst of daily routines, any moment can be transformed into a secret place of intimacy with the Lord. He advises believers to pray, seek God's voice, read His word, and speak it over their lives as a way to cultivate this deep relationship.

In conclusion, Pastor Adam calls the congregation to action, inviting them to create their own secret places with God. He emphasizes that this is not just an individual endeavor but a corporate one as well, as the church seeks to embody a kingdom culture that is distinct from the world. The message ends with a powerful time of prayer and seeking God at the altar, symbolizing the collective desire to draw nearer to God and experience the fullness of life He offers.

Key Takeaways:

- The longing for intimacy with God is a fundamental human desire that is only fulfilled in a relationship with Jesus. This relationship is not static but grows over time through intentional connection and communion with God. Just as in a marriage, the depth of knowing one another develops through dedicated time and shared experiences. [01:12:42]

- The concept of the "secret place" is central to a kingdom culture. It is a metaphor for the personal and private spaces we create in our lives to connect deeply with God. These spaces are where we can be free from distractions, focus on God's presence, and allow His word to transform us. The secret place is where we find true satisfaction and fruitfulness, as depicted in Psalm 1. [01:28:23]

- The story of the Garden of Eden serves as a poignant reminder of the intimacy we were created to enjoy with God. The fall of humanity represents the loss of this secret place, and the subsequent narrative of Scripture is about the restoration of this intimacy through Christ. This historical account encourages us to seek a renewed closeness with God, recognizing that our hearts are restless until they find rest in Him. [01:07:16]

- Creating a secret place with God requires strategy and intentionality. It involves setting aside specific times for prayer and meditation on God's word, as well as seizing spontaneous moments throughout the day to connect with Him. This practice is not about emptying the mind, as in other forms of meditation, but about filling the mind with the truth of Scripture and the reality of God's presence. [01:29:04]

- The pursuit of a secret place with God is not just an individual endeavor but a collective one that shapes the culture of the church. As a community of believers, we are called to support one another in developing these intimate spaces with God. This shared pursuit strengthens the church's identity as a distinct kingdom culture and equips us to impact the world with the life and love of Jesus. [01:32:07]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-3 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
2. Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16 - "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' ... 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.'"
3. Psalm 84:1-4 - "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 1, what are the characteristics of a person who is "blessed" or "happy"? How is this person described in relation to God's law?
2. In Psalm 91, what promises does God make to those who dwell in His shelter and set their hearts on Him?
3. How does Psalm 84 describe the longing for God's presence? What imagery is used to convey this desire?

### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" and "meditate on it day and night" as described in Psalm 1? How might this practice impact a believer's life?
2. Psalm 91 speaks of dwelling in the "shelter of the Most High" and setting one's heart on God. How can believers practically create and maintain this "secret place" in their daily lives? [01:29:04]
3. Psalm 84 uses the imagery of a sparrow finding a home near God's altar. What does this suggest about the nature of God's presence and the believer's relationship with Him?

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current daily routine. Are there specific times or moments you can intentionally set aside to create a "secret place" with God? How can you make this a consistent practice? [01:29:04]
2. Pastor Adam mentioned the importance of praying, seeking God's voice, reading His word, and speaking it over our lives. Which of these practices do you find most challenging, and how can you take a step to improve in that area this week? [01:30:17]
3. The sermon emphasized the collective pursuit of intimacy with God as a church community. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church to develop their own secret places with God? [01:32:07]
4. Think about a time when you felt a deep longing for something more in your spiritual life. How did you respond to that longing, and what steps can you take now to ensure you are seeking fulfillment in your relationship with God rather than worldly distractions? [01:12:42]
5. Pastor Adam shared his personal journey of nearly missing the truth that Jesus was the answer he had been seeking. Have you ever experienced a similar moment of realization? How did it change your approach to your faith and relationship with God? [01:23:23]
6. The sermon highlighted the story of the Garden of Eden as the original secret place of intimacy with God. How does this narrative inspire you to seek a renewed closeness with God in your own life? [01:07:16]
7. Consider the metaphor of a tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1. What practical steps can you take to ensure your spiritual life is deeply rooted and continually nourished by God's word and presence? [01:27:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Intimacy with God Fulfills Our Deepest Longing
Intimacy with God is the cornerstone of a fulfilled life, addressing the deepest longing of the human heart. This relationship with Jesus is dynamic, growing stronger and deeper with each intentional moment spent in His presence. Just as a marriage flourishes with time and shared experiences, so does our spiritual connection with God. It is in the quiet, dedicated times of prayer and reflection where this bond is nurtured, leading to a profound understanding and closeness that satisfies the soul's yearning for connection.

"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." - Psalm 63:1

Reflection: How can you carve out dedicated time today to deepen your relationship with God, and what might that look like practically? [07:40]

Day 2: The Secret Place: A Metaphor for Intimacy with God
The "secret place" is a personal retreat, a private sanctuary where one can commune with God away from the noise and distractions of life. It is in these sacred moments that individuals can focus on God's presence and allow His Word to permeate their hearts. The secret place is not about isolation but about creating a space for transformation and growth. It is here that believers find true satisfaction and fruitfulness, much like a tree planted by streams of water, deeply rooted and abundantly thriving.

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." - Psalm 1:2-3

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to establish a "secret place" for daily communion with God in your life? [01:28:23]

Day 3: Rediscovering Eden: The Quest for Lost Intimacy
The narrative of the Garden of Eden is a powerful illustration of the intimacy that humanity was created to enjoy with God. The fall represents a profound loss, a separation that left a void in the human heart. The entirety of Scripture is a testament to God's desire to restore this closeness through Christ. This historical account serves as a reminder to seek a renewed relationship with God, understanding that true peace and rest are found only in Him.

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.'" - Isaiah 30:15

Reflection: In what ways do you sense a longing for deeper intimacy with God, and how can you respond to this desire today? [01:07:16]

Day 4: Intentionality in Cultivating Our Secret Place
Creating a secret place with God is an intentional act, requiring both strategy and dedication. It involves setting aside specific times for prayer and meditation on God's Word, as well as being open to spontaneous moments of connection throughout the day. This practice is about filling the mind with the truth of Scripture and the reality of God's presence, leading to a life that is anchored and enriched by divine wisdom and love.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." - Colossians 3:16

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can integrate Scripture into your daily routine to keep your mind focused on God's presence? [01:29:04]

Day 5: Building a Kingdom Culture Together
The pursuit of intimacy with God is not a solitary journey but a collective endeavor that shapes the culture of the church. As a community of believers, we are called to support and encourage one another in developing intimate spaces with God. This shared pursuit not only strengthens the church's identity as a distinct kingdom culture but also equips us to impact the world with the life and love of Jesus.

"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." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of your church community by sharing your experiences of intimacy with God? [01:32:07]

Quotes

1) "The foundation of the Kingdom culture is a group of people who orientate their life around moments of connection with the Living God that is personal; it's your secret place with the Father." [01:06:42] (Download)

2) "The whole story of scripture can be boiled down to man and God trying to reconnect with each other... we as a kingdom culture in Jesus... have Jesus that's the idea of Jesus Christ paid the price to cover our sin so we can... have a relationship with God." [01:09:43] (Download)

3) "The person who's found goodness is the one who... assimilates into a kingdom culture where they delight and love God's instruction, his word, closeness with him, and they spend time meditating on it day and night." [01:26:26] (Download)

4) "Meditating is not... emptying your mind. It's one who sits with God and fills their mind with the word. That's meditation. It's focusing in on the word of God day and night." [01:27:41] (Download)

5) "Any moment that you have can be a secret place space... maybe you're on your lunch break, you can recreate that into a place of intimacy with God." [01:29:38] (Download)

6) "The secret place is about recreating a space where you can simply enjoy Jesus again." [01:34:42] (Download)

7) "The life of the one who loves the Lord, that seeks him, that is able to build a life around the idea of sitting with God... it produces a fruit that's like this tree that's by a stream of water, consistently prospering." [01:27:06] (Download)

8) "The entire story of Scripture is a journey of God seeking to restore that lost intimacy with His creation." [01:07:16] (Download)

9) "We as a kingdom culture, our goal should be to rebuild in a sense secret places or our personal relationship with God, individually and corporately." [01:11:30] (Download)

10) "Knowing God is built over time through connection... that time to know Him is built through decisions to create spaces of intimacy with the Lord." [01:12:42] (Download)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?