Embracing Intimacy with God in the New Year

 

Summary

As we gather here today, I am reminded of the simplicity and beauty of worshiping outdoors, a reminder of the many blessings we have compared to others around the world. As we step into a new year, I am filled with hope and a desire for a deeper intimacy with God. This year, I want to experience His power and presence like never before, despite the distractions that surround us. I encourage you to seek the same closeness with God, to be ready for His return, and to live each day with purpose and devotion.

Reflecting on Revelation 22:10, we are reminded not to seal up the prophecy of this book. The words of Revelation are meant to be proclaimed, not hidden. We must be aware of the end times and the mark of the beast, as described in Revelation 13. It is crucial to understand that following Jesus requires suffering and perseverance. We must be prepared to endure hardships and remain faithful, even when faced with the temptation to take the mark. Revelation 14 offers hope, showing those who are sealed by God and stand firm in their faith.

The story of Cain and Abel teaches us about acceptable and unacceptable sacrifices. God desires specific offerings, and we must strive to give Him what He asks for. As a church, we are called to be a body, each member using their unique gifts for the common good. It is not enough to simply attend services; we must actively participate and serve one another. This year, let us commit to reading the Bible together, growing in our understanding of God's word, and living out our faith in tangible ways.

As we prepare to multiply into eight churches, I am excited about the potential for growth and impact. This vision of multiplication allows us to reach more people and use our gifts more effectively. Pastors and leaders are not immune to challenges, and they need our prayers and support. Let us lift them up, asking God to give them wisdom, courage, and strength as they shepherd their congregations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intimacy with God: As we enter a new year, seek a deeper relationship with God, desiring to know Him more intimately and experience His power in new ways. Despite the distractions of the world, prioritize quiet and stillness to cultivate a rich spiritual life. [01:21]

2. Proclaiming Revelation: The book of Revelation is not meant to be sealed or hidden. We must be aware of its prophecies, especially concerning the end times and the mark of the beast. Understanding these truths helps us prepare for the future and remain steadfast in our faith. [03:08]

3. Acceptable Sacrifices: Like Cain and Abel, we must offer God what He desires, not just what we think is acceptable. Our lives should reflect a willingness to give God our best, living as a body where each member uses their gifts for the common good. [14:27]

4. Perseverance and Endurance: Following Jesus requires suffering and perseverance. We must be prepared to endure hardships and remain faithful, even when faced with the temptation to take the mark of the beast. Our faithfulness will be rewarded in the end. [09:27]

5. Multiplication and Leadership: As we multiply into new churches, we embrace the power of multiplication to reach more people and use our gifts effectively. Pastors and leaders need our prayers and support as they face challenges and lead their congregations with wisdom and courage. [30:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Outdoor Worship and Blessings
- [00:53] - New Year and Fresh Starts
- [02:22] - Revelation and Prophecy
- [03:24] - Warning and Awareness
- [04:56] - The Mark of the Beast
- [07:12] - Suffering and Endurance
- [09:27] - Faithfulness and Perseverance
- [13:21] - Cain and Abel's Sacrifices
- [17:07] - Church as a Body
- [19:57] - Real vs. Counterfeit Sacrifices
- [22:29] - Year of Biblical Literacy
- [28:20] - Church Multiplication Vision
- [30:47] - Supporting Pastors and Leaders
- [32:45] - Prayer for Pastors

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 22:10
2. Revelation 13:16-18
3. Genesis 4:3-5

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Revelation 22:10 instruct us to do with the prophecy of the book of Revelation? Why is this significant? [02:41]

2. In Revelation 13:16-18, what is described as the mark of the beast, and what are the implications for those who take it? [05:13]

3. How does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate the concept of acceptable and unacceptable sacrifices to God? [13:52]

4. What is the significance of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 14, and how does it contrast with those who take the mark of the beast? [07:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might the book of Revelation be considered intimidating or avoided by some, and how does Revelation 22:10 challenge that perspective? [02:56]

2. How does the concept of the mark of the beast in Revelation 13 relate to the idea of perseverance and endurance in faith? [09:27]

3. What does the story of Cain and Abel teach us about the nature of sacrifices that are pleasing to God, and how does this apply to our lives today? [14:27]

4. How does the vision of multiplication into new churches reflect the biblical principle of using one's gifts for the common good? [19:27]

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Application Questions:

1. As we enter a new year, what specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper intimacy with God amidst the distractions of daily life? [01:35]

2. How can you actively participate in proclaiming the truths of Revelation in your community, and what challenges might you face in doing so? [03:08]

3. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be offering God what you think is acceptable rather than what He desires? How can you align your offerings with His will? [14:27]

4. In what ways can you prepare yourself to endure hardships and remain faithful, even when faced with temptations similar to the mark of the beast? [09:27]

5. How can you contribute to the vision of church multiplication and support your pastors and leaders in their mission? What specific actions can you take to offer your gifts to the church body? [30:47]

6. Consider the story of Cain and Abel. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to change your approach to ensure your offerings to God are pleasing? [13:52]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to engage in reading the Bible together and growing in biblical literacy this year? [22:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating Intimacy with God
In the midst of a new year, the call to deepen one's relationship with God becomes paramount. This journey towards intimacy involves setting aside the distractions of daily life to prioritize moments of quiet and stillness. By doing so, individuals can experience God's power and presence in transformative ways. The pursuit of a richer spiritual life requires intentionality, creating space for God to speak and move in unexpected ways. As believers seek this closeness, they are reminded of the beauty and simplicity of worship, whether indoors or outdoors, and the many blessings they have. [01:21]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What specific distractions can you eliminate this week to create more space for God in your daily routine?


Day 2: Proclaiming the Truth of Revelation
The book of Revelation is a powerful testament meant to be shared and understood, not hidden away. Its prophecies, particularly concerning the end times and the mark of the beast, serve as a call to awareness and preparation. Understanding these truths equips believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even amidst trials and temptations. The message of Revelation is one of hope and perseverance, encouraging followers of Christ to proclaim its truths boldly and live in anticipation of His return. [03:08]

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." (Revelation 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of Revelation into your conversations with others this week to encourage and prepare them for the future?


Day 3: Offering Acceptable Sacrifices
The story of Cain and Abel highlights the importance of offering God what He desires, rather than what we deem acceptable. This principle extends beyond physical offerings to encompass the entirety of one's life. Believers are called to live as a body, each member using their unique gifts for the common good. This requires a willingness to give God the best of oneself, actively participating in the life of the church and serving one another. By doing so, individuals reflect a life of true sacrifice and devotion. [14:27]

"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your gifts to serve your church community this week?


Day 4: Embracing Perseverance and Endurance
Following Jesus is a journey marked by suffering and perseverance. Believers are called to endure hardships and remain faithful, even when faced with the temptation to take the mark of the beast. This path of endurance is not without reward, as faithfulness will ultimately be recognized and rewarded by God. The call to perseverance is a reminder that the Christian life is not always easy, but it is filled with purpose and hope. [09:27]

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you view it as an opportunity to grow in perseverance and faith?


Day 5: Vision for Multiplication and Leadership
The vision of multiplying into new churches is a testament to the power of growth and impact. This multiplication allows for reaching more people and utilizing gifts more effectively. Pastors and leaders, however, are not immune to challenges and require the prayers and support of their congregations. By lifting them up in prayer, believers can ask God to grant them wisdom, courage, and strength as they lead their congregations. This vision of multiplication is a call to action, inviting everyone to participate in the mission of the church. [30:47]

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively support your church leaders this week in their mission to multiply and reach more people?

Quotes



As we step into a new year, I am filled with hope and a desire for a deeper intimacy with God. This year, I want to experience His power and presence like never before, despite the distractions that surround us. I encourage you to seek the same closeness with God, to be ready for His return, and to live each day with purpose and devotion. [00:01:21]

Reflecting on Revelation 22:10, we are reminded not to seal up the prophecy of this book. The words of Revelation are meant to be proclaimed, not hidden. We must be aware of the end times and the mark of the beast, as described in Revelation 13. It is crucial to understand that following Jesus requires suffering and perseverance. [00:03:08]

The story of Cain and Abel teaches us about acceptable and unacceptable sacrifices. God desires specific offerings, and we must strive to give Him what He asks for. As a church, we are called to be a body, each member using their unique gifts for the common good. It is not enough to simply attend services; we must actively participate and serve one another. [00:14:27]

Following Jesus requires suffering and perseverance. We must be prepared to endure hardships and remain faithful, even when faced with the temptation to take the mark of the beast. Our faithfulness will be rewarded in the end. [00:09:27]

As we prepare to multiply into eight churches, I am excited about the potential for growth and impact. This vision of multiplication allows us to reach more people and use our gifts more effectively. Pastors and leaders are not immune to challenges, and they need our prayers and support. Let us lift them up, asking God to give them wisdom, courage, and strength as they shepherd their congregations. [00:30:47]

The Bible says that those of us who are believers actually have this Supernatural gift like a manifestation of the holy spirit in you for the common good. That means God has given everyone here who says I'm a Believer in Jesus Christ I deeply believe in him you have some sort of offering to give to the rest of us you have a gift to offer to the body. [00:17:07]

I want every one of you like when you stand before God to know you poured yourself out for his church you know I want to know that I sacrificed for you and I want to know that you sacrificed for me I want to know that you used whatever god-given gifts Supernatural gift you have. [00:21:29]

I just thought you know what I got to just at least warn who knows what's going to happen in the future who knows if this is the last time I'll ever talk to you or see you or you know we all go our different paths in life and I thought you know I bet you some people didn't even know about this. [00:09:47]

I love how chapter 14 says then there's this other group of people they didn't take the mark of the beast they took the mark of Jesus they were sealed by him and it's such a great picture and if if you look at verse verse n of chapter 14 it says another Angel a third followed them saying with a loud voice if anyone worships the Beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand he also will drink the wine of God's Wrath. [00:11:21]

The power of multiplication and so right now we're at that stage where we've been at these four churches which have been just awesome and I know the hard thing is it's like once we finally feel like a church you know once we're like okay I love these guys this is awesome it's like okay now we got to split and turn into two and go through this all over again. [00:28:20]

I want to have deep deep rich times with you so that if you do return in 2016 I want to be so so incredibly tight with you that it's like it's not even that different it's like I was already so close and now I finally get to see you this is it this is what I've been waiting for that's what I'm seeking here in 2016 I hope it's the same for you. [00:02:02]

I want to have a time where as a lot of you know this next Sunday we're going to break off into eight churches okay like like a few of of you man this was this is so cool a few of you were with me in my house a couple years ago when we were just sitting there going okay I don't know what we're doing but the dream the vision is is right now we I don't know we had like 20 people in my house I'm like the dream is six months to a year from now I won't be leading this little group we're going to split into two groups and we're going to have other guys lead. [00:28:47]

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Transcript
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