Embracing God's Presence Through Jesus' Invitation
Summary
In a sermon titled "Like No Other," the speaker delves into the unique nature of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Gospel of John, which showcases seven signs and seven "I am" statements that reveal Jesus' identity and mission. The speaker begins by acknowledging the moments when it feels like Jesus has failed us, urging the congregation to remember the resurrection and the hope it brings. The Gospel of John is presented as a narrative that is split into the book of signs and the book of glory, with the focus on Jesus' declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," which is not a condemnation but an invitation to experience God's goodness.
The sermon explores the concept of God's presence, drawing parallels between the Old Testament, where God's presence was signified by a pillar of cloud or fire and later by the tabernacle and temple, and the New Testament, where Jesus embodies God's presence. The speaker shares a personal story about Tom Brady, who, despite his success, felt an emptiness that reflects our inherent desire to dwell with God.
As the sermon progresses, the speaker recounts the disciples' turmoil upon learning of Jesus' impending betrayal and death. In this moment of confusion and despair, Jesus reassures them, promising to prepare a place for them and affirming that He is the way to the Father. This reassurance is extended to the congregation, encouraging them to trust in Jesus even when life does not go as planned.
The speaker then addresses the concept of access to God's presence, explaining that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross has removed the barriers between humanity and God, granting believers direct access to Him. This is contrasted with the Old Testament rituals, which were mere shadows of the true faith to come. The speaker shares a humorous anecdote about a friend from Africa who struggled to assimilate in American suburbs, highlighting the cultural differences and the universal need for God's presence.
Finally, the sermon confronts the lies that keep people from experiencing God's presence, emphasizing that Christianity is about seeking God despite our mistakes. The speaker encourages the congregation to follow Jesus' example and to seek God's presence in their daily lives, assuring them that they were made to dwell with God. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the truth about God as seen in Jesus and to regularly seek His presence, casting aside fears and worries.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel of John's division into the book of signs and the book of glory serves as a literary map guiding believers to understand that Jesus' life and teachings are a journey towards the ultimate revelation of His glory. The signs and "I am" statements are not just historical markers but are deeply personal invitations to experience a relationship with Jesus, who is uniquely positioned as the Messiah and the Son of God. [04:09]
- The human longing for something more, as exemplified by Tom Brady's sense of emptiness despite his achievements, points to a universal desire to dwell with God. This desire is embedded in our creation and cannot be fulfilled by worldly success or possessions. It is a reminder that our ultimate satisfaction and purpose are found in the presence of God, which Jesus came to restore. [14:30]
- Jesus' reassurance to His disciples during their time of confusion and fear is a timeless promise that extends to all believers. When life's plans unravel, and we are left disoriented, Jesus' words, "Do not let your hearts be troubled," serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that He is preparing a place for us and that He is the way to the Father's presence. [08:06]
- The concept of access to God's presence, once restricted by rituals and sacrifices, has been revolutionized by Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Believers are invited to enter God's presence freely, without the need for intermediaries or repeated offerings. This access is not just a theological truth but a practical reality that should transform how we live and interact with God daily. [24:18]
- The lies we believe about God can be barriers to experiencing His presence. The speaker's personal experiences with legalistic preaching that portrayed God as angry and distant are countered by the truth of Jesus' compassionate response to sinners. By looking at Jesus, we can understand the true nature of God's presence, which is not to be avoided but embraced with honesty and vulnerability. [28:40]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:1-6 (ESV)
> "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
2. 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."
3. Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV)
> "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to His disciples in John 14:1-3 about their future? How does He describe His role in this promise? [06:35]
2. According to John 1:14, how is Jesus described in relation to God's presence among us?
3. In Hebrews 9:11-12, what is the significance of Jesus entering the holy places by His own blood?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' statement "I am the way, the truth, and the life" serve as both a reassurance and a challenge to His disciples? [07:37]
2. What does the speaker mean when he says that Jesus' declaration is not a condemnation but an invitation? How does this change our understanding of John 14:6? [02:36]
3. How does the concept of Jesus as the "Word made flesh" (John 1:14) deepen our understanding of God's desire to dwell with humanity? [12:05]
4. What are the implications of Jesus' sacrifice as described in Hebrews 9:11-12 for our daily access to God's presence? [24:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like life was not going as planned. How did you respond, and how might Jesus' reassurance in John 14:1-3 change your perspective in similar situations? [07:37]
2. The speaker shared a story about Tom Brady feeling empty despite his success. Have you ever experienced a similar sense of emptiness despite achieving your goals? How does this relate to the human longing for God's presence? [14:44]
3. Jesus' sacrifice grants us direct access to God's presence. How can you make this a practical reality in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to regularly seek God's presence? [24:18]
4. The speaker mentioned that lies about God can keep us from experiencing His presence. What lies have you believed about God, and how can you replace them with the truth seen in Jesus? [28:35]
5. Jesus' example shows us how to live in God's presence. What specific actions can you take this week to follow Jesus' example in your interactions with others? [26:09]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of trusting Jesus even when life is confusing or difficult. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus during challenging times? [07:37]
7. The speaker encouraged the congregation to embrace the truth about God and seek His presence regularly. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize time with God? [33:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the Unique Messiah
Jesus Christ's identity and mission are uniquely revealed through the signs and "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. These are not just historical events but personal invitations to know Him as the Messiah and Son of God. They beckon believers to a deeper understanding and relationship with Jesus, who stands alone in His divine nature and purpose. [04:09]
Hebrews 1:1-3 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
Reflection: How do the signs and "I am" statements in the Gospel of John shape your understanding of who Jesus is and your relationship with Him?
Day 2: The Desire to Dwell with God
The universal longing for fulfillment, as seen in the emptiness felt by even the most successful individuals, points to our inherent need to dwell with God. This desire is part of our creation and cannot be satisfied by earthly achievements but only through the presence of God, which Jesus came to restore. [14:30]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
Reflection: In what ways have you sought fulfillment in worldly achievements, and how can you redirect your desires towards seeking the presence of God?
Day 3: Jesus, Our Beacon of Hope
In times of confusion and fear, Jesus' promise to prepare a place for us and His declaration as the way to the Father serve as a beacon of hope. His words offer comfort and reassurance that our ultimate destination is secure in Him, regardless of life's unpredictable paths. [08:06]
John 14:1-3 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Reflection: When have you felt disoriented by life's unexpected turns, and how can Jesus' promise of preparing a place for you provide comfort in those moments?
Day 4: Unrestricted Access to God
Through Jesus' sacrifice, the barriers between humanity and God have been removed, granting believers direct access to His presence. This revolutionary truth should transform our daily lives, encouraging us to live in constant communion with God without the need for intermediaries. [24:18]
Hebrews 10:19-22 - "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings."
Reflection: How can you practice the reality of having direct access to God's presence in your daily routine?
Day 5: Embracing God's True Nature
The lies we believe about God can prevent us from experiencing His presence. By looking at Jesus, we see the true nature of God's presence, which is not distant or angry but compassionate and inviting. We are encouraged to seek God with honesty and vulnerability, casting aside misconceptions. [28:40]
Colossians 2:9-10 - "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."
Reflection: What misconceptions about God's nature have you held, and how can the truth of Jesus' compassionate response to sinners change your approach to God's presence?
Quotes
"We remember the resurrection and the hope and the victory, and even if we can't see it yet, even if the wind's blowing and the storm is raging, we cling tightly to Jesus." [01:33]
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. If you didn't grow up in church, you've probably even heard that statement before, because the church has often weaponized this phrase... it's meant to be used not as a weapon of condemnation, but an open invitation for anyone who desires to taste and see that the Lord is good." [02:41]
"No matter our life circumstances or the decisions that we have made, we have been invited into the presence of God through the blood of Jesus. We can dwell in the presence of the Lord now and forever." #!!31:43!!#
"He says, 'God, there's got to be more to life than this.' How does someone literally have the most success, like all of us would sign up for three Super Bowls for a couple million dollars, right? And at the end of all of it, he knew something was there." #!!14:30!!#
"The essence of following Jesus is being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what he just did. So when Jesus is either in the way, he's saying, yes, I'm the way to enter the presence of God, but I'm also the example you follow of how to live into the presence of God." #!!26:05!!#
"Do you want to know the truth about God's presence? Look at how Jesus responds to sin. He says, you who haven't sinned, throw the first stone. Do you want to know the truth about God's presence? Don't avoid the presence of God because you're believing lies about presence." #!!28:40!!#
"Jesus is the door that brings us into the presence of God. Not an exclusive statement. It's an open invitation. That's why Jesus dies on the cross." #!!23:08!!#
"The blood of the Son of God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, provides eternal redemption once and for all." #!!24:18!!#
"Don't be afraid to bring your questions up. Your doubts, your fears, he's not going to be angry or upset with you. He is patient." #!!09:03!!#
"God's design for creation is for humans to dwell with him in safety and harmony. Make it an understanding, this was the original plan. Something went horribly wrong. We rebelled against the holy and loving God and sin forced us out of his presence." #!!11:37!!#
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?