Embracing Divine Intimacy and Kingdom Living
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of driving into our divine destiny, relationships, and intimacy with Christ. We began by acknowledging the transformative power of being in God's presence, which changes our hearts and minds. We then delved into the theme of divine intimacy, emphasizing that our connection to God is akin to branches connected to the vine, drawing sustenance and life from Him. This divine intimacy is not just a spiritual concept but a daily practice, as we are called to live out our faith every day.
We discussed the Kingdom of God, which is not merely a future promise but a present reality within us. The Kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This realm of the Holy Spirit surrounds and permeates us, much like yeast in dough, affecting every part of our being. We are called to be thermostats, not thermometers, setting the spiritual temperature around us rather than merely reacting to it.
Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us, making us flawless in His eyes. This righteousness brings peace and joy, even in times of trouble. We are reminded that our patient endurance through life's pressures refines our character and leads us back to hope. This hope is not a mere wish but a confident expectation of experiencing God's glory.
We also touched on the prophetic signs of the times, urging us to remain vigilant and passionate, free from anxiety and the worries of this life. The earth is yielding to the fullness of God's Kingdom, and we must be attentive to the signs around us. We are called to be makers and maintainers of peace, reflecting God's character as His children.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of a deep dependency on God, akin to our dependency on air. This dependency leads to true repentance and intimacy with Christ, driving us to live victorious, Kingdom-focused lives. As we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other things will be added to us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Transformative Presence of God: Being in God's presence transforms our hearts and minds, breaking the chains of bitterness and coldness. This transformation is essential for living a life aligned with God's will and experiencing His peace and joy. [30:32]
2. Divine Intimacy and Daily Practice: Our relationship with God is like branches connected to the vine, drawing life from Him. This divine intimacy is not just a spiritual concept but a daily practice, requiring us to live out our faith every day. [33:13]
3. Kingdom of God Within Us: The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is a present reality that permeates every part of our being, much like yeast in dough, affecting our spirit, soul, and body. [38:07]
4. Patient Endurance and Hope: Life's pressures refine our character and lead us back to hope. This hope is a confident expectation of experiencing God's glory, not a mere wish. Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us, making us flawless in His eyes. [45:42]
5. Vigilance and Dependency on God: We must remain vigilant and passionate, free from anxiety and the worries of this life. Our deep dependency on God, akin to our dependency on air, leads to true repentance and intimacy with Christ, driving us to live victorious, Kingdom-focused lives. [52:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:32] - Transformative Presence of God
[33:13] - Divine Intimacy and Daily Practice
[34:56] - Kingdom of God Within Us
[38:07] - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy
[45:42] - Patient Endurance and Hope
[52:56] - Vigilance and Dependency on God
[01:00:02] - Prophetic Signs and Earth’s Cry
[01:08:02] - Guarding Your Heart
[01:12:04] - Expanding Kingdom of God
[01:19:07] - Days of Noah and Lot
[01:25:48] - Dependency on God
[01:30:47] - Seeking First the Kingdom of God
[01:32:31] - Closing Prayer and Blessings
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 14:17 - "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."
2. John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 14:17, what are the characteristics of the Kingdom of God? How do these characteristics manifest in our daily lives?
2. In John 15:5, what is the significance of the relationship between the vine and the branches? How does this analogy help us understand our connection to Christ?
3. What does Matthew 6:33 instruct us to seek first, and what is promised as a result of this seeking?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being a thermostat rather than a thermometer relate to the Kingdom of God being within us? ([40:11])
2. What does it mean to have a "confident expectation of experiencing God's glory" as mentioned in the sermon? How does this differ from mere wishful thinking? ([43:56])
3. How can the pressures and challenges of life refine our character and lead us back to hope, according to the sermon? ([45:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt transformed by God's presence. How did this experience change your heart and mind? How can you seek more of these transformative moments in your daily life? ([30:32])
2. In what ways can you practice divine intimacy with Christ daily, similar to branches drawing life from the vine? What specific actions can you take to strengthen this connection? ([33:13])
3. How can you actively cultivate righteousness, peace, and joy in your life, as described in Romans 14:17? What practical steps can you take to ensure these qualities permeate your spirit, soul, and body? ([38:07])
4. Think about a recent challenge or pressure you faced. How did you respond, and what did you learn about your character? How can you apply the concept of patient endurance to future challenges? ([45:42])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of vigilance and dependency on God. What are some practical ways you can remain vigilant and free from anxiety in your daily life? How can you deepen your dependency on God, akin to your dependency on air? ([52:56])
6. How can you be a maker and maintainer of peace in your community, reflecting God's character as His child? What specific actions can you take to set the spiritual temperature around you? ([54:50])
7. The sermon mentions the prophetic signs of the times and the earth yielding to the fullness of God's Kingdom. How can you stay attentive to these signs and remain passionate about God's Kingdom? ([01:00:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Transformative Presence of God
The transformative presence of God changes our hearts and minds, breaking the chains of bitterness and coldness. When we spend time in God's presence, we are not merely engaging in a spiritual exercise but experiencing a profound transformation that aligns us with His will. This transformation is essential for living a life filled with God's peace and joy. As we immerse ourselves in His presence, we find that our perspectives shift, our hearts soften, and our minds are renewed. This change is not just for our benefit but also equips us to be agents of God's love and peace in the world. [30:32]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: How can you intentionally spend more time in God's presence this week to experience His transformative power in your life?
Day 2: Divine Intimacy and Daily Practice
Our relationship with God is like branches connected to the vine, drawing life from Him. This divine intimacy is not just a spiritual concept but a daily practice. We are called to live out our faith every day, continually drawing sustenance and strength from our connection with God. This daily practice involves prayer, reading Scripture, and being mindful of God's presence in our lives. As we cultivate this intimacy, we find that our faith becomes more robust, and our lives reflect the love and grace of Christ more clearly. [33:13]
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."
Reflection: What daily practices can you incorporate into your routine to deepen your intimacy with God?
Day 3: Kingdom of God Within Us
The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is a present reality that permeates every part of our being, much like yeast in dough. This Kingdom is not just a future promise but a current experience that affects our spirit, soul, and body. As believers, we are called to be thermostats, setting the spiritual temperature around us rather than merely reacting to it. By living in the reality of God's Kingdom, we bring His righteousness, peace, and joy into every situation we encounter. [38:07]
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 be a thermostat in your environment, bringing the Kingdom of God into your daily interactions?
Day 4: Patient Endurance and Hope
Life's pressures refine our character and lead us back to hope. This hope is a confident expectation of experiencing God's glory, not a mere wish. Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us, making us flawless in His eyes. This righteousness brings peace and joy, even in times of trouble. As we endure life's challenges with patience, our character is strengthened, and our hope in God's promises is renewed. This hope sustains us and gives us the courage to face each day with confidence in God's faithfulness. [45:42]
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV): "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice patient endurance, trusting that God is refining your character and renewing your hope?
Day 5: Vigilance and Dependency on God
We must remain vigilant and passionate, free from anxiety and the worries of this life. Our deep dependency on God, akin to our dependency on air, leads to true repentance and intimacy with Christ. This dependency drives us to live victorious, Kingdom-focused lives. As we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other things will be added to us. By maintaining our focus on God and His Kingdom, we can navigate life's challenges with peace and confidence, knowing that He is our source and sustainer. [52:56]
Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper dependency on God in your daily life, trusting Him to meet all your needs?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Whenever you're in the presence of God, you have to change. And I thank you for the changed hearts that's already happened. The coldness and the bitterness of the heart, the mind, the will, the emotions, we bind it in the name of Jesus. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. We pray against and we bind up distractions. distractions. We bind up stupid thinking, carnal-minded thinking. And Lord, you're going to have your way as you've already had it and continue to have it. Satan, you have no right, you have no authority, and get out. We're going to get in the river of peace. We thank you as we're going to get in this direction of the Holy Spirit. thank you for that. In Jesus Christ's name, amen." [30:32](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord gave us the word for drive for 2024. We're going to drive in a divine destiny. We're going to drive into our divine relationships. We're going to drive in the intimacy that you've never, ever known before. But it's all through a divine intimacy with Christ and intimacy with others. You're going to drive into the what? The vine. Because he's the vine. We're the branches. And we got to stay connected to the source of the Holy Ghost. To God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit." [33:13](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Every day is a kingdom day. Every day is a day that it is his kingdom. We say the prayer, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Right. Give us this day our daily bread. We know that man does not live by bread alone, but it lives by the what? The word of God." [34:56](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking what one likes that's what the world determines. I mean, I remember going into places and I've heard people say I cannot believe that's just horrible that's the worst thing ever I'm like what are you talking about fish shrimp no this is not the most horrible thing ever it's good it is a jesus food man i mean he fed the 5 000 with what that's jesus food come on so can i get an amen on that one amen i'm gonna eat a lot of fish this next week please god and i caught fish oh that was fun like i'll tell you about it later but it's righteousness peace and what joy in the holy ghost righteousness and peace and joy" [38:07](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The kingdom of God will affect every part of your body. Every part of you. Your spirit. Your soul. Your body. Will see. And not just see. It will respond and feel the effects of the goodness of God. That's a good thing. That is a good thing." [01:11:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us. I want y'all to hear that his righteousness is transferred to you for you to think you're not worthy you're not holy and there's no way no you are it's transferred to you through Jesus to us and now declares us flawless in his eyes say flawless you are flawless in his eyes you say oh you ain't looking at the same mirror mirror uh-huh correct what mirror are you looking at which eyes are you looking at are you looking in the in the eyes of faith are you looking in the eyes of the world so we we see those things this means that we can now enjoy true now you can enjoy it don't don't say i i can't enjoy because no i can now enjoy the true and lasting peace with god all because of what our lord jesus the anointed one has done for us it's nothing that you do it's all what jesus does" [41:54](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence knowing that our pressure will develop us patient endurance how many times do you go in your life you're like my goodness this is what i want to do this is what i want to do this is what i want to do this is like a trouble counted great joy if you've been with me enough when i come down out of courtney lane i come to that stop sign and i can't turn left no more you know what i count it as great joy because i know what i got this patient and your endurance that is like growing and it's this is an endurance builder you got it when you get in traffic when the person cuts you off when you see gas prices are going up that you get your tax thing in the mail that is went up a couple thousand dollars where is your trust what are you focusing on it's about driving into this experience of god's glory" [45:42](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The pressures in your life will refine the bible says it this way our patient endurance will refine our character it refined your character it says in another scripture says the righteousness will flourish the righteousness of god the people that are right standing with god will flourish like the palm does the palm flourish every time a storm every time a trouble pushes against the palm tree it bends and every time it bends it gets what stronger it doesn't break and it just doesn't bend this way it bends this way this way in every direction it gets stronger and stronger and stronger what is it doing it's refining our character you got to look at it that way so the way you drive and react to people cutting you off should be different than it was six months ago that's what refining happens" [47:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The effect of righteousness will be what peace the effect of righteousness he's like man how are you in peace well if i see someone that's walking in peace therefore i know that the effect of righteousness will be what peace the effect of righteousness will be what peace the effect of righteousness will be peace and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confidence confident trust forever as a result of righteousness there will be a quietness and a confident trust forever i want y'all to grab hold of that we will be a quietness and a confident trust forever say quietness and a trust forever i'll grab hold of a quietness grab hold of it a quietness there's a quietness when there's a calmness the storms will be all around you and you think your boat's going to sink take a book out of the page of jesus baby lay down get a pillow and go to sleep" [48:59](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So when I get back from vacation, we're going to pick up this drive. How do we totally let go of the world and walk in the kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace, and joy? Through the Holy Ghost. We're going to talk about it's through a dependency on God. When you get into this dependency on God, you understand there's a repentance on that. You've got to repent. And then when I get into the repentance, now there's truly an intimacy with Christ. When I drive into this letting go, when I drive into a dependent of God, I'm truly dependent. Let me just give you this little bit, and we're going to close and wrap this. We're going to close up dependent. You've got to depend on God like you depend on air." [01:25:48](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?