Embracing God's Love and the Holy Spirit's Guidance

Devotional

Day 1: God Speaks Through His Church

God communicates with us through the church, through the preaching and teaching of church leaders, through small group leaders, through people we serve with, and through random acts of kindness. We can experience the love of God through his church and we can learn the love of God through his church. We can love God more because of his people. [01:04:47]

Bible passage: Ephesians 4:11-13 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: How have you experienced God's love through the church and its people this week?

Day 2: Jesus Prepares Us for His Departure

Jesus readied his disciples for his death, resurrection, and departure. He made himself known to the people in these stories and painted a contrast between the people who received him as the Son of God and savior and the people who did not. [41:07]

Bible passage: John 16:7 - "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

Reflection: How have you experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life since Jesus's departure?

Day 3: Communion is a Moment of Reflection

Communion is a moment for us to think about what Jesus did for us, to learn that he loved us first and to be reminded that he loved us first. It's a genuine moment between us and God where we focus on what we're being invited to do and enjoy it. [01:12:29]

Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 - "and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

Reflection: How does participating in communion deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus's sacrifice?

Day 4: God Knows Our Thoughts and Plans

God knows everything we think, everything we've planned. Yet, he talks to us and teaches us how to live the life of Christ. He empowers us to be a participant in other people's salvation story. He is God with us, in us, and he is God's helpful presence here on Earth. [01:09:27]

Bible passage: Psalm 139:2 - "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar."

Reflection: How does knowing that God is aware of your thoughts and plans influence your daily decisions and actions?

Day 5: Communion is a Celebration of Jesus's Sacrifice

When we take communion, we remember that Jesus's body was broken, his blood was shed, and we examine ourselves against what he did for us. We remember the sacrifice that he made on our behalf. We are called to love as we've been loved, to serve as we've been served, and to forgive as we've been forgiven. [01:10:40]

Bible passage: Luke 22:19-20 - "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Reflection: How does participating in communion remind you of your calling to love, serve, and forgive others as Jesus did?

Sermon Summary

The sermon series delves into the significance of understanding and accepting God's teachings, the role of the Holy Spirit, the importance of communion, and the farewell discourse of Jesus. The pastor emphasizes the importance of hearing and implementing God's teachings, which are conveyed through various means such as preaching, teaching, small group leaders, and acts of kindness. He also underscores the significance of communion as a way to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and love.

The pastor discusses the farewell discourse given by Jesus in the Gospel of John, emphasizing that Jesus made himself known to everyone in the way they needed him. He underscores the presence and knowledge of God in our lives, emphasizing that God is with us and empowers us to participate in the salvation of others. He also highlights the love and relatability of Jesus, encouraging the congregation to engage in thought-provoking discussions and to have their beliefs and doubts challenged.

The pastor discusses the concept of having two natures at war within oneself, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is God's helpful presence manifested in believers. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting God's love for us, explaining that despite our shortcomings and sin, God still loves us and sent Jesus to Earth to save us. The pastor discusses three things that will define the community and individuals as Christians: the power of prayer in Jesus' name, the importance of keeping Jesus' commandments as an expression of love for Him, and the promise that believers will do even greater works than Jesus did while on earth.

The pastor concludes the sermon by emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in glorifying Jesus. He encourages believers to focus on making spiritual progress rather than striving for unattainable perfection. The pursuit of spiritual growth, rather than the illusion of perfection, is the true path to a fulfilling relationship with God.

Key Takeaways

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Sermon Clips

"He speaks to us through his church...through preaching and teaching of church leaders...we can experience the love of God through his church and we can learn the love of God through his church." [01:04:47]

"Jesus would love to be at that bonfire with you and your friends...he would have this unique way of engaging all of you together and individually...he could make it so that all of you could understand." [37:56]

"When we take communion, what are we doing? We're saying cheers to the king who is to come. And we get to do this not only with everybody in this room or watching online, but with Christians all around the world today who are pausing to reflect on who Jesus is, to worship him, and be a part of his works." [01:11:52]

"If the Holy Spirit inspired the authors in writing the scriptures, He will inspire the readers in their reading. He will bring it to life for you, just like a bonfire conversation where Jesus meets you where you are through His word every day." [01:03:28]

"Jesus has made himself known to the people in these stories and what these stories do is paint this contrast between the people who received him as the Son of God and savior and the people who did not." [41:07]

"If you love Jesus, you will keep his Commandments, not if you keep his Commandments, you will love Jesus." [51:18]

"We learn to love Christ by learning he loved us first by hearing this good news that all of us have fallen short of the moral standard required to have a relationship with God...but that sin did not stop him from loving us." [55:45]

"Jesus is not glorified in you pretending to be perfect. Jesus is glorified in you making spiritual progress." [01:08:50]

"The role and goal of the Holy Spirit on this Earth is to glorify the son... He's teaching us who Jesus is, introducing us to Jesus as people, as humans, a part of this world, bringing us into this new creation." [52:06]

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