Deepening Our Relationship with God in 2025

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of our relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of prayer and praise as a form of incense rising to Him. This imagery from the Old Testament serves as a reminder of our constant invitation to enter into God's presence. As we embark on the new year, we are reminded that it is a time of new beginnings, a continuation of the story God is writing in our lives for His glory. Our relationship with God is not about religion but about a personal connection where we can call Him our Father. This year, we are encouraged to dive deeper into the Word of God, asking three pivotal questions: What does the Bible say? Where does it say it? And what are we going to do about it?

The Bible is not just for information but for transformation through application. We are challenged to substantiate our faith through the Word of God, ensuring that our beliefs are rooted in truth. As we face the reality of life and death, we are reminded that our faith in the here and now will impact our eternity. We are called to live in such a way that when we stand before God, we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

As we enter 2025, we are encouraged to focus on spiritual non-negotiables, convictions rooted in the Word of God. These are not mere preferences but essential truths that guide our lives. We are reminded that God is not mad at us; He desires a relationship with us. The Bible teaches that we need to be rescued, and Jesus came to seek and save us. Our identity in Christ is foundational to understanding our purpose and calling. We must settle our "I am" before we can embrace our "I must."

In the coming weeks, we will explore these spiritual non-negotiables, understanding that our lives are letters being read by those around us. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, refusing to let Him be our best-kept secret. As we seek first the kingdom of God, we trust that He will take care of our needs. Our spiritual identity in Christ will clarify our convictions and guide us in living out our faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prayer and Praise as Incense: Our prayers and praises are like incense rising to God, symbolizing our constant invitation to enter His presence. This imagery reminds us of the importance of maintaining a personal relationship with God, beyond mere religious rituals. [01:14]

2. The Importance of God's Word: The Bible is not just for information but for transformation through application. We must ask what the Bible says, where it says it, and what we will do about it, ensuring our faith is rooted in truth. [06:34]

3. Living with Eternal Perspective: Our faith in the here and now impacts our eternity. We are called to live in such a way that when we stand before God, we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." [09:29]

4. Spiritual Non-Negotiables: As we enter 2025, we focus on spiritual non-negotiables, convictions rooted in the Word of God. These guide our lives and help us fulfill God's purpose and calling. [17:29]

5. Identity in Christ: Before embracing our "I must," we must settle our "I am." Our spiritual identity in Christ is foundational to understanding our purpose and calling, guiding us in living out our faith. [31:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:14] - Prayer and Praise as Incense
- [02:13] - New Year, New Beginnings
- [06:34] - The Importance of God's Word
- [07:57] - Validating Faith Through Scripture
- [09:29] - Living with Eternal Perspective
- [10:34] - Celebration of Life
- [11:46] - Spiritual Non-Negotiables
- [17:29] - Embracing God's Word
- [21:44] - Paul's Spiritual Convictions
- [23:31] - The Call to Share the Gospel
- [24:54] - Jesus' Example of "I Must"
- [29:03] - Prioritizing the Father's Business
- [31:28] - Identity in Christ
- [39:08] - Invitation to Relationship with God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 25:21 - "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’"
2. John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
3. Romans 10:13 - "For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What imagery does the sermon use to describe our prayers and praises to God, and what does this signify about our relationship with Him? [01:14]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three questions we should ask when studying the Bible, and why are they important? [06:34]
3. How does the sermon describe the impact of our faith in the present on our eternal future? [09:29]
4. What does the sermon say about our identity in Christ and its importance before embracing our "I must"? [31:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the imagery of prayer and praise as incense help us understand the nature of our relationship with God beyond religious rituals? [01:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our understanding of the Bible should lead to transformation rather than just information? [06:34]
3. What does it mean to live with an eternal perspective, and how might this influence our daily decisions and actions? [09:29]
4. How does the concept of spiritual non-negotiables challenge us to define our convictions and live them out? [17:29]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you make your prayers and praises more like incense rising to God, as described in the sermon? [01:14]
2. Consider the three questions about the Bible mentioned in the sermon. How can you incorporate these questions into your daily Bible study to ensure your faith is rooted in truth? [06:34]
3. What are some practical steps you can take to live with an eternal perspective, ensuring that your actions today align with your eternal goals? [09:29]
4. Identify one spiritual non-negotiable in your life. How can you strengthen this conviction and ensure it guides your decisions and actions? [17:29]
5. Before embracing your "I must," how can you better understand and settle your "I am" in Christ? What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual identity? [31:28]
6. How can you actively share your faith and ensure that Jesus is not your best-kept secret, as encouraged in the sermon? [23:31]
7. Reflect on your current relationship with God. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to deepen your connection with Him this year? [39:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Prayer and Praise as a Pathway to Presence
Our prayers and praises are not just words spoken into the void; they are like incense rising to God, symbolizing our constant invitation to enter His presence. This imagery, drawn from the Old Testament, reminds us of the importance of maintaining a personal relationship with God, beyond mere religious rituals. In a world filled with distractions, it is crucial to prioritize moments of genuine connection with our Creator. As we engage in prayer and praise, we are reminded that God desires intimacy with us, inviting us to experience His love and grace in profound ways. [01:14]

Psalm 141:2 (ESV): "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!"

Reflection: Consider your current prayer life. How can you intentionally create space for genuine connection with God today, allowing your prayers and praises to rise as incense before Him?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of God's Word
The Bible is not just a book of information; it is a tool for transformation through application. We are encouraged to ask three pivotal questions: What does the Bible say? Where does it say it? And what are we going to do about it? By engaging with Scripture in this way, we ensure that our faith is rooted in truth and that our beliefs are substantiated by the Word of God. As we dive deeper into the Bible, we are challenged to allow its teachings to shape our lives, leading to genuine transformation. [06:34]

James 1:22-24 (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."

Reflection: Identify a specific teaching from the Bible that you have heard but not yet applied. What steps can you take today to begin living out this truth in your daily life?


Day 3: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our faith in the here and now has a profound impact on our eternity. We are called to live in such a way that when we stand before God, we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This eternal perspective challenges us to prioritize what truly matters, focusing on spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's purpose for our lives. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of life, we are reminded that our actions and decisions have eternal significance, shaping our destiny in the presence of God. [09:29]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. How might viewing it through an eternal perspective change your approach or priorities?


Day 4: Embracing Spiritual Non-Negotiables
As we enter 2025, we are encouraged to focus on spiritual non-negotiables, convictions rooted in the Word of God. These are not mere preferences but essential truths that guide our lives and help us fulfill God's purpose and calling. By embracing these non-negotiables, we align our lives with God's will, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect His truth and love. This commitment to spiritual convictions empowers us to live with integrity and purpose, impacting the world around us for God's glory. [17:29]

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Reflection: Identify one spiritual non-negotiable that you want to prioritize in your life. What practical steps can you take to ensure this conviction guides your actions and decisions?


Day 5: Understanding Our Identity in Christ
Before we can embrace our "I must," we must settle our "I am." Our spiritual identity in Christ is foundational to understanding our purpose and calling, guiding us in living out our faith. By recognizing who we are in Christ, we gain clarity and confidence in our mission, allowing us to live with purpose and passion. This understanding of our identity empowers us to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing His love and truth with those around us. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are equipped to fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. [31:28]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of your identity in Christ. How does this identity influence your daily actions and decisions, and what steps can you take to align more closely with your God-given purpose?

Quotes



If you can't substantiate, or if you can't validate your faith through the word of God, I would say you need to open up God's word for yourself and find out what you are going to do about it. What does the Bible say? Where does the Bible say it? And then you're going to have to wrestle with the tension. [00:08:16] (19 seconds)


And we have a choice by the way, with what we do with Jesus Christ in the here and now, listen to me, what we do in our faith in the here and now it's going to matter in the when and then can I get an amen. [00:09:29] (12 seconds)


We're not going to be talking about things I would like to do or like to get around to like we're going to be talking about through the word of god and the god of the word we're going to be we're going to be dieseling through the bible the next few weeks and we're going to be pulling out things that the bible says that we must give our lives through these are spiritual non-negotiables. [00:12:48] (18 seconds)


God's not mad at you. Here's the other thing God's not disappointed in you yeah but I've done some stupid stuff we know I'll take because we have to amen but what an incredible god of grace and mercy you see the bible in john 3 16 says for god so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but everlasting life. [00:17:29] (25 seconds)


You have to understand your I must. Who you are in Christ. Your identity in Christ. Because your identity in Christ will help you. To clarify, man, you're, you're, I must your spiritual non-negotiables. I am. So therefore I must you with me. Give me a, so many people are like, oh yeah, I just love God. God's awesome. [00:32:23] (30 seconds)


The Bible teaches that we need to be rescued. And that we can't do anything on our own about us. So God sent his son, Jesus. Jesus didn't come here so we can have Christmas and Easter. That's not why he came. He didn't come to be the author. Of a couple of holidays. He's the author of eternal life. [00:34:53] (18 seconds)


Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And the Bible says this, Matthew says, and everything else God's got taken care of. Amen. Here's what this is. When I was a child, I was a man. When one of our, when our I must all of a sudden is rooted in the father's business. [00:29:36] (19 seconds)


The Bible, which is God's word says, I have to become a child of God. Amen. So therefore, there's a point in my life when I'm not a child of God. And just base if this was the only verse that God gave us. We knew exactly what we needed to do in order to have eternal life. [00:38:39] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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