Embracing God's Truth and Grace in Our Lives

Devotional

Day 1: God's Presence in Education

As we enter a new school year, it is essential to remember that God's presence is with us in every aspect of our lives, including education. We pray for our children, teachers, and school staff, asking for God's peace and presence to guide and strengthen them through the challenges and opportunities ahead. This prayer is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ever-present help in times of need. By seeking His guidance, we acknowledge that true wisdom and understanding come from Him, and we trust that He will provide the necessary support for a successful and fulfilling school year. [29:47]

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Reflection: How can you actively seek God's presence and guidance in your daily educational activities or in supporting someone in their educational journey today?

Day 2: The Power of God's Word

God's Word is not just a collection of human writings; it is living and active, capable of bringing about real change in our lives. Unlike human words, which require action to fulfill, God's words accomplish what they declare. This truth is foundational to our faith, reminding us that the truth comes from outside ourselves, revealed by God. As we delve into the stories of the Bible, particularly in the book of Exodus, we see how God's Word has the power to transform lives and bring about redemption. [33:25]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to see the transformative power of God's Word? How can you immerse yourself in Scripture to allow God's truth to bring about change?

Day 3: Redemption Through Christ

Redemption is not about self-improvement or achieving our dreams; it is about recognizing our need for a Savior and trusting in what Jesus has done for us. It involves experiencing renewal and resurrection through God's grace, rather than trying to earn His favor through our efforts. The book of Exodus illustrates how God worked in the lives of the Israelites, and this pattern of redemption is fulfilled in Christ and continues in our lives today. By trusting in Jesus' sacrifice, we experience true freedom and transformation. [41:00]

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are striving for self-improvement instead of relying on God's grace? How can you shift your focus to trust in Jesus' redemptive work?

Day 4: God's Faithfulness in Darkness

Jesus did not abandon us in His darkest hour, and He will not abandon us now. His sacrifice on the cross assures us of His unwavering presence and love, even in our most challenging times. This truth invites us to trust Him fully and experience His redemption in our lives. By remembering Jesus' sacrifice, we are reminded of His faithfulness and are encouraged to rely on Him in our moments of darkness and difficulty. [01:08:57]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or dark moment you are facing. How can you remind yourself of Jesus' faithfulness and trust in His presence and support during this time?

Day 5: Living in God's Grace

As we partake in communion, we remember that Jesus' body was broken, and His blood was shed to redeem us. This act of grace offers us forgiveness and a new identity in Him. We are called to live in this truth, experiencing God's love and grace daily, and allowing it to transform our lives. By embracing our new identity in Christ, we can live out our faith authentically and share God's love with others. [01:13:28]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: How can you live out your new identity in Christ today? What specific actions can you take to experience and share God's grace and love with those around you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

As we stand on the brink of a new school year, we take a moment to pray for our children, teachers, and school staff. We ask for God's peace and presence to be with them, guiding and strengthening them through the challenges and opportunities ahead. We also look forward to our upcoming outdoor service, a time of fellowship and community.

We then delve into the profound truth that God speaks to us through His Word, which is living and active. Unlike human words, God's words bring about real change. We are reminded that the truth is not something we discover within ourselves but something revealed to us by God. This truth is central to our faith and is vividly illustrated in the stories of the Bible, particularly in the book of Exodus.

Over the next ten weeks, we will explore the book of Exodus to understand how God worked in the lives of the Israelites and how this pattern of redemption is fulfilled in Christ and continues in our lives today. Redemption is not about self-improvement or achieving our dreams; it is about recognizing our need for a Savior and trusting in what Jesus has done for us. It is about experiencing renewal and resurrection through God's grace.

We conclude with a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. As we partake in communion, we remember that Jesus did not abandon us in His darkest hour, and He will not abandon us now. His body was broken, and His blood was shed to redeem us, offering us forgiveness and a new identity in Him. We are called to live in this truth, experiencing God's love and grace daily.

###

Key Takeaways

1. present. [29:47]
2. The Power of God's Word: God's Word is living and active, capable of bringing about real change in our lives. Unlike human words, which require action to fulfill, God's words accomplish what they declare. This truth is foundational to our faith, reminding us that the truth comes from outside ourselves, revealed by God.

3. Redemption Through Christ: Redemption is not about self-improvement or achieving our dreams; it is about recognizing our need for a Savior and trusting in what Jesus has done for us. It involves experiencing renewal and resurrection through God's grace, rather than trying to earn His favor through our efforts.

4. God's Faithfulness in Darkness: Jesus did not abandon us in His darkest hour, and He will not abandon us now. His sacrifice on the cross assures us of His unwavering presence and love, even in our most challenging times. This truth invites us to trust Him fully and experience His redemption in our lives.

5. Living in God's Grace: As we partake in communion, we remember that Jesus' body was broken, and His blood was shed to redeem us. This act of grace offers us forgiveness and a new identity in Him. We are called to live in this truth, experiencing God's love and grace daily, and allowing it to transform our lives.

### [29:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:48] - Prayer for Students and Educators
[03:25] - Upcoming Outdoor Service
[05:47] - Introduction to New Series
[08:00] - The Power of God's Word
[12:46] - Truth Revealed by God
[16:00] - God's Story in History
[20:00] - Exploring the Book of Exodus
[24:00] - Redemption Through Christ
[29:47] - God's Presence in Education
[33:25] - The Power of God's Word
[41:00] - Redemption Through Christ
[48:47] - God's Faithfulness in Darkness
[56:39] - Living in God's Grace
[64:35] - Communion and Reflection
[73:28] - Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Hebrews 4:12 say about the nature and power of God's Word?
In Exodus 3:12, what promise does God give to Moses, and what is the sign of this promise?
According to John 1:14, how is Jesus described in relation to God's Word?

Interpretation Questions

How does the description of God's Word in Hebrews 4:12 relate to the idea that God's words bring about real change in our lives? [33:25]
What does God's promise to Moses in Exodus 3:12 reveal about His presence and faithfulness during challenging times? [41:00]
How does the incarnation of Jesus as described in John 1:14 illustrate the concept of truth being revealed to us by God rather than discovered within ourselves? [33:25]

Application Questions

As we enter a new school year, how can you actively seek God's peace and presence in your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to invite His guidance and strength? [29:47]
Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of God's Word in your life. How did it bring about change, and how can you continue to engage with Scripture to experience its transformative power? [33:25]
Redemption is about recognizing our need for a Savior. In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in what Jesus has done for you rather than relying on your own efforts? [41:00]
Jesus did not abandon us in His darkest hour. How can this truth provide comfort and assurance in your current struggles or challenges? [01:08:57]
During communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can you live out the truth of His broken body and shed blood in your daily interactions and decisions? [01:13:28]
Think of a specific situation where you need to experience God's grace and renewal. How can you invite His grace into that situation and allow it to transform your perspective and actions? [41:00]
How can you cultivate a daily habit of experiencing and living in God's love and grace? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of your new identity in Christ? [01:13:28]

Sermon Clips

1. "How do we know God's speaking. How do you know. Some people have said to me I really got this impression that God was speaking into my life in an in a very direct and profound way. And I do believe God speaks that way. Sometimes it can be rare. Sometimes for many people it can be a time of of wondering why he's not speaking why he's being silent. Here's what we know that God can speak and reveal himself in any way shape or form that can be audibly can be by an impression. It can be in any way. But we always know that when we open up his word he is speaking." [33:25] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God's word. God's word is living and active. It's sharper than any two edged sword. It's able to penetrate the difference between thought and spirit. It brings about great change because when God speaks it happens. When we speak we speak it and then we have to go do it. For example I'm going to sign up for the bake off contest. When you say that a cake does not appear. That would be wonderful wouldn't it. That's how it is with God. God when God speaks things happen. We see that at creation. We see that in the life of Christ. We see that when we open up the scripture with an expectation that he will speak truth into us." [33:25] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The truth needs to come from the outside in. It's one of the tenets of our faith as Christians. The truth is not within us to be discovered. The truth is outside of us to be believed. That was really good. That's not even in my notes. It's active. And it's this wonderful grace that we have to be invited to to open up his word with an expectation that God would reveal himself. His nature. His power. His work. His priorities. His intention for all things." [33:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "One of the ways God reveals himself is in story. It's in history. Which is the story of God who created all things. Then those things were broken. But he came to redeem us. He came to redeem them. He came to save us. He came to make those things whole. And we look forward to a day when all things will be made new again. There is a continuity to God's story. That's what he's doing in history. But it's also what he's doing in each one of our lives." [33:25] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Redemption is not how we author our own redemption. It is not learning a lesson. It is not finding relief. It is not receiving help. an explanation it is not realizing a dream it is not working towards self-improvement that's what we think redemption is that's what we think then God wants from us and we say I can't do that you are right if we say I will kill myself trying you are a fool because it's not necessary when we suffer when we struggle God's not saying learn a lesson as though there's going to be a test God's not saying find relief for yourself God's not saying I have a reason and I will show it to you God's not saying you need to realize your own dreams God's not saying if you suffer you need to be a better person you need to work towards self-improvement that's not how God works what he says is watch me come and watch me redemption is this it's recognition of our slavery that apart from him I can't save myself that it is a ransom" [01:07:34] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "My confidence in the presence of God the promises of God and the power of God are not on the basis of anything I have done to earn his favor it's all on the basis of what Jesus has done isn't that liberating isn't that beautiful I can just believe it and experience it it's renewal instead of restitution God is not asking you to pay penance for your sins and then you're going to pay for your sins and then you're going to pay for your sins that's why you're suffering. So many religions have distorted that and that belief. What God says is, I'm going to show you renewal. I'm going to show you resurrection. I'm going to show you new life on the basis of what I have done." [01:07:34] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Redemption is this, it's relationship with a redeemer. God says to Moses after the very first resistance, the very first objection Moses had, I will be with you. What's our confidence in revisiting the past? God is with us and he will show us that he always has been, even as we've suffered, even as we've struggled to believe that I hurt and this happened to me and I can't understand it. It happened because we're broken in a broken world, but God is not distant or detached from it. He is present. He is working. That's the invitation to revisit that. We revisit it on the basis of what Jesus did." [01:08:57] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Jesus, on the night that he was betrayed, right before his betrayal, went to a garden and darkness descended on him. It was the middle of the night. It was the middle of the night and as darkness was all around him, he found a darkness creeping into his heart where he struggled with what God was asking him to do to accomplish salvation for us. The ultimate darkness was coming down on him and he knew it and he cried out, to God, please, please, if it be your will, take this cup from me. He doesn't. God doesn't remove the plan, which was to have Christ's suffering provide salvation for all the people. And what we see in that moment is that if Jesus didn't abandon you and I in his darkness, the ultimate darkness, why would he abandon us now in ours? It's not who he is. It's not what he does." [01:10:40] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We confess, Lord Jesus, that by your blood, we are healed. By your blood, we are forgiven. That we don't need to punish ourselves or punish others for to be freed of our condemnation, that you are punished sufficiently for it. we can know forgiveness and righteousness because of your spilled blood. And we hear you say, and with gratitude, we receive the words. This is my blood, which is a new covenant. Drink all of it in remembrance of me. And so, Lord Jesus, as we worship you, we worship in spirit and in truth. We worship you because you are alive and you are active and you are working, that you have extended us your grace and your kindness, your love and your mercy, that we might, we might be changed. We might be set free. We might be loved. Help us to believe that and live by that hope this week. In your name and for your glory. Amen." [01:13:28] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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