Drawing Near to God: Living in His Kingdom Today

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Brings Us Into God’s Presence

From the beginning, humanity was separated from God’s presence because of sin, but God’s heart has always been to draw us near again. Through the Old Testament, God provided ways for His people to approach Him, but it was only through Jesus—the Word made flesh—that the barrier was truly removed. Now, because of Jesus, we are invited into relationship with God, no longer kept at a distance, but welcomed into His kingdom. This is the amazing truth: we can get in, not by our own efforts, but by the grace and sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled all that was required for us to dwell with God. [44:35]

John 1:14 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Reflection: What does it mean to you personally that you are no longer separated from God, but welcomed into His presence through Jesus? How might this truth change the way you approach God today?

Day 2: Abiding in Christ Produces Fruitful Living

Life in God’s kingdom is pictured as a vine and branches—an intimate, inseparable connection where Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. When we abide in Him, His life flows through us, nourishing and transforming us so that we bear fruit. This is not about striving on our own, but about remaining close to Jesus, allowing His presence to shape our actions, thoughts, and character. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but in partnership with Him, our lives become fruitful and full of purpose. [47:55]

John 15:5 (ESV)
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense Jesus inviting you to abide more deeply in Him? What practical step can you take today to remain connected to Him?

Day 3: Walking in the Light Through Confession

Jesus is the light of the world, and in Him there is no darkness at all. As we walk with Him, we are called to bring our sins and struggles into the light through confession, trusting that He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. This ongoing process of confession and forgiveness is how we experience transformation and deeper fellowship with God and others. We don’t have to hide in shame or pretend we have no sin; instead, we can come honestly before God, knowing He purifies us and draws us closer each day. [50:44]

1 John 1:5-9 (ESV)
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection: Is there something you need to bring into the light with God today? Take a moment to confess it to Him and receive His forgiveness.

Day 4: Welcomed Into God’s Family at the Table

Gathering around the table with bread and wine is a powerful reminder that, through Jesus, we are welcomed into God’s family. Communion is not just a ritual, but a full-body experience of being nourished, loved, and included by Christ Himself. We are adopted as children of God, not because of our background or effort, but because of His will and grace. As we gather with others, we remember that we are part of a family—deeply loved, chosen, and invited to the table set by Jesus. [54:26]

Ephesians 1:5 (ESV)
He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.

Reflection: Who in your life might need to experience the welcome and belonging of God’s family? How can you extend that invitation or hospitality to them this week?

Day 5: Jesus Our High Priest—Approaching God With Confidence

Jesus is our great high priest who understands our weaknesses and has made the way for us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. We don’t have to rely on rituals or our own efforts to be accepted; Jesus has already done the work. Because He empathizes with us and has faced every temptation, we can come boldly to God, receive mercy, and find grace in our time of need. This is the heart of God—to draw us close, transform us, and help us become more like Him as we trust in His finished work. [58:09]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reflection: What need or weakness do you want to bring before God’s throne today? Take a moment to approach Him with confidence, trusting in Jesus’ understanding and grace.

Sermon Summary

This morning, I shared the joy of being back with our Door of Hope family and reflected on the many ways God is at work in and through our community. From the bustling activity in our building—hosting events, providing storage, and revitalizing spaces—to the rhythms of rest and renewal for our leaders, we see God’s faithfulness in both the ordinary and extraordinary. We paused to pray for Dorothy as she enters a season of sabbatical, asking God to refresh and renew her for the next chapter of ministry.

I invited us to consider what we place on the walls of our lives—those visible and invisible reminders that shape our identity and faith. Just as the Israelites adorned their tabernacle with images of cherubim to remind them of God’s nearness, we too need reminders of God’s presence and promises. Yet, history shows how easy it is to ignore these reminders, to go through the motions without engaging our hearts.

Tracing the story from Genesis through Leviticus, we see God’s relentless pursuit to dwell with His people, to remove the barriers that keep us from His presence. The sacrificial system was a temporary solution, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. In Christ, the proximity problem is solved—He is the Word made flesh, the glory of God dwelling among us. No longer are we kept at a distance; we are invited in, welcomed into the very presence of God.

Life in the kingdom now is marked by abiding in Jesus, like branches connected to the vine, drawing life and bearing fruit through intimate relationship. We are called to walk in the light, allowing Jesus to dispel our darkness and transform us daily through confession and forgiveness. We gather as family around the table, nourished by His sacrifice and united as children adopted by the Father. Jesus, our great High Priest, has done the work—our role is to draw near, to abide, to let His Spirit transform us from the inside out.

The invitation is to put these truths on the walls of our hearts: proximity to God, illumination by His light, gathering as family, and resting in the finished work of Christ. May we approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing we are deeply loved, fully welcomed, and continually transformed by His grace.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Heart Is Proximity, Not Performance From the beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with His people, not to keep us at arm’s length. The sacrificial system in Leviticus was never about empty rituals but about removing barriers to intimacy with Him. In Jesus, the ultimate “draw near” is accomplished—He is the fulfillment of every longing for closeness with God. Our faith is not about rule-keeping but about relationship, responding to God’s invitation to abide in His presence. [40:47]
2. Abiding in Christ Is the Source of Fruitfulness The image of the vine and branches is a powerful reminder that spiritual fruit is not produced by striving but by remaining connected to Jesus. Our lives are meant to be intertwined with His, drawing nourishment and life from Him alone. True transformation and impact flow from this abiding relationship, not from our own efforts or independence. The call is to put this on the wall of our hearts: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” [47:40]
3. Walking in the Light Means Ongoing Confession and Renewal Salvation is both a gift and a process. While Jesus’ sacrifice secures our forgiveness, we are invited to continually bring our sins into the light through confession. This ongoing practice is not about shame but about experiencing the purifying, transforming work of Christ in real time. Walking in the light is a daily choice to let God’s truth and grace shape us, making us more like Jesus. [49:55]
4. The Table of Jesus Is a Place of Family and Fullness Gathering around the table—sharing bread and wine—is more than a ritual; it is a declaration of our identity as God’s family. We are adopted, chosen, and deeply loved, not because of our background or performance, but because of God’s will and delight. Communion is a full-body reminder that we belong, that we are nourished by Christ, and that we are called to welcome others into this family. [54:13]
5. Transformation Comes by the Spirit, Not Just Information Knowledge of Scripture and spiritual practices are valuable, but true change happens when the Holy Spirit applies these truths to our lives. Like the Israelites, we can be tempted to settle for outward compliance or look for loopholes, but God’s heart is for inward transformation. The Spirit matures, strengthens, and empowers us to live as disciples who make disciples, drawing us ever closer to the heart of God. [56:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:38] - Community Updates and Building News
[34:26] - Refurbishing and Vision for the Building
[35:11] - Sabbatical and Praying for Dorothy
[36:42] - What’s on Your Wall?
[38:16] - Personal Stories and Family Reminders
[39:46] - Leviticus: The Journey of God’s Presence
[41:47] - God’s Heart: Drawing Near
[43:46] - Jesus: The Word Made Flesh
[44:35] - The Fulfillment of Leviticus in Christ
[46:12] - Life in the Kingdom: The Vine and Branches
[48:41] - Life in the Kingdom: Light and Illumination
[51:21] - Confession, Forgiveness, and Transformation
[52:32] - Life in the Kingdom: The Table and Family
[54:58] - Jesus Our High Priest and the Call to Transformation
[57:43] - Approaching God’s Throne with Confidence
[59:43] - What Picture Is on Your Wall?
[60:35] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1. John 1:14 (ESV) — > And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. John 15:4-5 (ESV) — > Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

3. 1 John 1:5-9 (ESV) — > This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Observation Questions

In John 1:14, what does it mean that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”? How does this connect to the idea of God wanting to be close to His people? ([43:46])
According to John 15:4-5, what is the relationship between the vine and the branches? What does Jesus say is necessary for bearing fruit? ([47:40])
In 1 John 1:5-9, what does it mean to “walk in the light”? What is promised to those who confess their sins? ([49:55])
The sermon mentioned the Israelites putting reminders of God’s presence on the walls of the tabernacle. What were these reminders, and what was their purpose? ([43:04])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that God’s heart is for proximity, not performance. Why do you think people so often settle for “going through the motions” instead of real closeness with God? ([42:36])
Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches. What does it look like in real life to “abide” in Jesus, and why is this so important for spiritual fruitfulness? ([47:40])
The practice of confession is described as a way to experience ongoing transformation. Why might confession be difficult, and how does it help us “walk in the light”? ([49:55])
The sermon talks about gathering around the table as family. What does it mean to be adopted into God’s family, and how should this shape the way we relate to each other? ([54:13])

Application Questions

The sermon asked, “What’s on your wall?”—meaning, what reminders of God’s presence and promises do you keep visible in your life? Is there something you could put up (physically or spiritually) this week to help you remember God’s nearness? ([43:17])
Are there areas in your life where you find yourself just “going through the motions” spiritually? What would it look like to move from performance to real relationship with God in those areas? ([42:36])
Jesus says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Where are you tempted to rely on your own strength instead of staying connected to Jesus? What is one practical step you can take to abide in Him this week? ([47:40])
Confession and forgiveness are described as daily practices, not just one-time events. Is there something you need to bring into the light with God or with someone else? How can you make confession a regular part of your walk with Jesus? ([49:55])
The table of Jesus is a place of family and fullness. How can you make your home, your table, or your life more welcoming to others as a reflection of God’s family? ([54:13])
The sermon says transformation comes by the Spirit, not just by knowing more information. Are there spiritual truths you know in your head but haven’t seen change your heart or actions? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit to make those truths real in your life? ([56:26])
The invitation is to approach God’s throne with confidence. Is there anything holding you back from coming to God boldly? How can you remind yourself this week that you are deeply loved and fully welcomed by Him? ([58:09])

Sermon Clips

Holiness does not increase by us just staying away from sin. But it increases when we come close to God. In proximity to him. Now in God's quest to get us back. He set in place ways for his people to live. And gave them all the tools they needed. All the tools to be in close proximity to him, a holy God. [00:40:52] (25 seconds) #HolinessThroughProximity

``Jesus God's Son born as a baby to Mary. Fully God. Fully human. The draw near thing that God provided for us from the Father. And you promise a new covenant had been made and a new kingdom was here. The kingdom of Jesus. No longer separated. No longer able to not enter the holy of holies. The glory of God in a person. And at last we can get in. Door of hope. We can get in. Amazing. Everything changed. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and who deals with our proximity problem. The Lamb who fulfilled the Leviticus requirements. We can get in. [00:44:01] (51 seconds) #JesusNewCovenantDoor

Proximity is me in Christ and Christ in me. Can you hear that proximity? Language dwelling together interwoven. Doing the work together. Producing fruit. Let's put that on our wall. Door of hope. Let's put that on the walls of our heart to remind us that we now dwell. That we don't have to have a proximity problem because of what Jesus did. [00:48:05] (31 seconds) #DwellingInChrist

Life in the kingdom also looks like this. Being illuminated. Jesus is the light of the world. The very image of God the Father. And he came into this world. The glory of God. No longer in the holy of holies. But for all the world to see. A picture of light dispelling darkness. Jesus life that covers over death just as light dispels the dark. This is the good news door of hope. This is the good news that once we were in darkness but now we are in light. [00:48:40] (44 seconds) #LightDispelsDarkness

He purifies us present tense. He saved us with his death burial resurrection and ascending to the Father but he continues to bring us closer to him each and every day. That's the process. We can bring our sins into the light today to fully experience this purifying transforming process of becoming more like Jesus and we do that through confession. [00:50:55] (29 seconds) #ConfessionTransforms

Life in the kingdom looks like gathering about a table, the bread and the wine. A picture of Jesus gathering a family of his sacrifice and also his salvation. We remember this during communion taking a bit of bread and a bit of wine as Jesus did in the last supper with his disciples. He is the draw near thing. He is the bread. He is the wine. And now drawing near to God is a full body experience. We actually eat and we drink, right? And we do that together with other people. It's our full bodies, our full self, our body, mind and spirit all together sitting at the table of Jesus. [00:52:24] (58 seconds) #ChurchAsFamily

But just like the children of Israel, we have a tendency to go back to the rules. But we don't only go back to the rules. We go back to the rules and look for loopholes. Or little cheats. Right? Do I really have to do community with others? Can't I just do life with Jesus on my own? Is generosity really so important? If I look like a follower of Jesus on the outside, does it really matter what's happening on the inside? Do I really need to forgive others so that God will forgive me? Surely not. We look for loopholes, Dora Hope, but we should be looking for God's heart. Just like in Leviticus. [00:57:00] (47 seconds) #ConfessForGlory

Do you desire to dwell with the God who dwells with us? To abide so closely that you become like him and are able to soak up the living water just like those vine and branches do? Approach God with confidence and ask, God help me to abide with you. [00:58:19] (22 seconds) #WelcomeToTheTable

Maybe you need a reminder that you are invited to the table today. Family, adopted, deeply, deeply loved by the Father. You're welcome at his table. He wants to sit with you, be with you, wash your feet, welcome you to his family. [00:59:20] (23 seconds)

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