Embracing Life: God's Presence and Our Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate the preciousness of life and the omniscience of our great God. As we begin, I want to emphasize the importance of the Scriptures you hold in your hands. This is your copy of the Word of God, and it is one of the most precious things you can possess. We are blessed to have our kindergartners and seniors participate in reading the Word of God today, showcasing the value of life from the youngest to the oldest among us.
As we delve into Psalm 139, we are reminded of the greatness of our Creator. God knows us intimately, from the moment of our conception to our final breath. He searches us and knows us, discerning our thoughts and paths. This Psalm highlights God's omniscience and omnipresence, assuring us that there is no place we can go where He is not present. Even in the darkest moments of our lives, God is there, holding us and guiding us.
Life is precious, both inside and outside the womb. Every person is made in the image of God, the Imago Dei, and has inherent dignity and value. However, sin has marred our understanding of God and clouded our wisdom. Sometimes, we try to run from God and not acknowledge His presence. But God is relentless in His pursuit of us because we are precious to Him.
We must lift up a high and lofty view of God, the Creator, and Redeemer of life. Young people today are seeking authenticity and are tired of the facade. They want the real thing, the real God who has revealed Himself in the Scriptures. This God knows us and wants to know us intimately. He is not a distant deity but a personal God who loves us deeply.
As we reflect on the value of life, I want to share a story about my friend Ben, who has Down syndrome. Ben's life is precious and valuable because he is created in the image of God. Unfortunately, in many places, the lives of those with Down syndrome are not deemed valuable, and prenatal testing has led to a significant decrease in the number of babies born with Down syndrome. This is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the dignity and value of all life.
We are called to be a community that speaks life to one another. Our words have the power to bring life or death, and we must choose to speak words of life. In our darkest moments, we must remember that God is with us, and there is hope. The Psalmist reminds us that even in Sheol, the darkest place, God is there. Jesus has conquered death, and because He lives, we can face tomorrow.
As we conclude, I want to encourage you to open up and share your struggles with someone. Life is worth living because God is with us, and He brings light to our darkest moments. Let us be a community that values life, speaks life, and supports one another. As Caroline leads us in song, take a moment to speak words of gratitude and encouragement to those around you. Your life is precious, and you are loved by God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Omniscience and Omnipresence of God: God knows us intimately, from our first breath to our last. He searches us and knows our thoughts, paths, and ways. There is no place we can go where He is not present. This assurance of God's omniscience and omnipresence brings comfort and hope, especially in our darkest moments. [43:46]
2. The Preciousness of Life: Every person is made in the image of God and has inherent dignity and value. Life is precious both inside and outside the womb. We must uphold the value of all life, recognizing that each person is created by God and is precious in His sight. [39:25]
3. Authenticity in Faith: Young people today are seeking authenticity and are tired of the facade. They want the real God who has revealed Himself in the Scriptures. We must lift up a high and lofty view of God, the Creator, and Redeemer of life, and present the truth of His Word to the next generation. [41:58]
4. The Power of Words: Our words have the power to bring life or death. We must choose to speak words of life and encouragement to one another. In our darkest moments, we must remember that God is with us, and there is hope. Jesus has conquered death, and because He lives, we can face tomorrow. [01:04:57]
5. Community and Support: We are called to be a community that values life, speaks life, and supports one another. In our struggles, we must open up and share with others. Life is worth living because God is with us, and He brings light to our darkest moments. Let us be a community that supports and encourages one another. [01:06:56]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [32:59] - Introduction and Bible Reading
3. [33:38] - The Next Generation's Involvement
4. [34:45] - Life is Precious
5. [35:10] - The Dignity of Life
6. [37:12] - Story of Ben
7. [39:25] - The Value of All Life
8. [41:28] - A High View of God
9. [41:58] - Authenticity in Faith
10. [43:24] - The Reason We Worship
11. [43:46] - God's Omniscience and Omnipresence
12. [46:51] - God's Relentless Love
13. [48:46] - Sin and Our Understanding of God
14. [49:17] - We Cannot Hide from God
15. [51:41] - The Impulse to Run from God
16. [53:54] - The Reality of Darkness
17. [56:45] - The Power of Words
18. [59:08] - Community and Support
19. [01:06:56] - Closing and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:1-12 (ESV)
- "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,' even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 139:1-12 reveal about God's knowledge of us and His presence in our lives?
2. How does the Psalmist describe the omnipresence of God in verses 7-10?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of life being precious both inside and outside the womb? [34:45]
4. What story did the pastor share about his friend Ben, and what point was he making with that story? [37:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's omniscience and omnipresence provide comfort in our darkest moments? [43:46]
2. In what ways does the concept of Imago Dei (being made in the image of God) influence our view of the value and dignity of life? [39:25]
3. Why is authenticity in faith important, especially for the younger generation, according to the sermon? [41:58]
4. How can our words bring life or death to those around us, and why is it important to choose words of life? [56:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation. How did that experience shape your faith? [43:46]
2. How can you actively uphold the value and dignity of all life in your daily interactions and decisions? [39:25]
3. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is authentic and not just a facade? How can you help others, especially young people, see the real God? [41:58]
4. Think of a recent conversation where your words had a significant impact. How can you be more intentional about speaking words of life and encouragement? [56:45]
5. In what ways can you contribute to building a supportive and life-affirming community within your church or social circles? [59:08]
6. Are there struggles or dark moments in your life that you need to share with someone? How can you take the first step in opening up to a trusted friend or mentor? [56:13]
7. How can you remind yourself and others of the preciousness of life, especially when facing challenges or discouragement? [57:09]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, fostering meaningful discussion and personal application.
Devotional
Day 1: The Omniscience and Omnipresence of God
God knows us intimately, from our first breath to our last. He searches us and knows our thoughts, paths, and ways. There is no place we can go where He is not present. This assurance of God's omniscience and omnipresence brings comfort and hope, especially in our darkest moments. The Psalmist in Psalm 139 beautifully captures this truth, reminding us that even in the darkest places, God is there, holding us and guiding us. This knowledge should bring us immense comfort and peace, knowing that we are never alone.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of loneliness and despair. It is in these moments that we must remember the truth of God's omnipresence. He is with us in every situation, whether we are aware of it or not. This truth should encourage us to seek His presence continually and trust in His guidance. Let us take comfort in knowing that our Creator is always with us, watching over us and caring for us. [43:46]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel alone or abandoned? How can you remind yourself of God's constant presence in those moments?
Day 2: The Preciousness of Life
Every person is made in the image of God and has inherent dignity and value. Life is precious both inside and outside the womb. We must uphold the value of all life, recognizing that each person is created by God and is precious in His sight. This truth is foundational to our understanding of human worth and dignity. The Imago Dei, or the image of God, is a powerful reminder that every life is valuable and deserves to be treated with respect and love.
In a world where the value of life is often diminished, it is crucial for us to stand firm in our belief that every person, regardless of their circumstances, is precious to God. This includes the unborn, the elderly, and those with disabilities. We must advocate for the dignity and worth of all individuals, recognizing that each person is a unique creation of God. Let us be a community that upholds the sanctity of life and speaks out against any form of devaluation of human life. [39:25]
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: How can you actively uphold the value of life in your daily interactions and decisions? Are there specific ways you can advocate for the dignity of those who are often marginalized?
Day 3: Authenticity in Faith
Young people today are seeking authenticity and are tired of the facade. They want the real God who has revealed Himself in the Scriptures. We must lift up a high and lofty view of God, the Creator, and Redeemer of life, and present the truth of His Word to the next generation. Authenticity in faith means being genuine in our relationship with God and others. It involves living out our faith in a way that is true to the teachings of Scripture and not merely going through the motions.
In a culture that often values appearance over substance, it is essential for us to model authentic faith. This means being honest about our struggles and doubts, while also demonstrating a deep trust in God's promises. Young people are looking for a faith that is real and transformative, not one that is superficial or hypocritical. Let us strive to be a community that embodies the authenticity of Christ, showing the next generation what it means to truly follow Him. [41:58]
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate authenticity in your faith to those around you, especially the younger generation? How can you be more genuine in your relationship with God and others?
Day 4: The Power of Words
Our words have the power to bring life or death. We must choose to speak words of life and encouragement to one another. In our darkest moments, we must remember that God is with us, and there is hope. Jesus has conquered death, and because He lives, we can face tomorrow. The words we speak can have a profound impact on those around us. They can uplift and encourage, or they can wound and destroy. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words to build up and bring life to others.
In times of difficulty and despair, it is especially important to speak words of hope and encouragement. Our words can be a source of comfort and strength to those who are struggling. Let us be mindful of the power of our words and choose to speak life into every situation. By doing so, we reflect the love and grace of Christ to those around us. [01:04:57]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement. How can you use your words to bring life and hope to them today?
Day 5: Community and Support
We are called to be a community that values life, speaks life, and supports one another. In our struggles, we must open up and share with others. Life is worth living because God is with us, and He brings light to our darkest moments. Let us be a community that supports and encourages one another. The importance of community cannot be overstated. We are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. God has designed us to be in relationship with others, to support and encourage one another in our walk with Him.
In times of struggle, it is vital to reach out and share our burdens with others. By doing so, we allow others to come alongside us and provide the support and encouragement we need. Let us strive to be a community that is open and honest, where people feel safe to share their struggles and receive the love and support they need. Together, we can face the challenges of life, knowing that we are not alone. [01:06:56]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there a struggle or burden you have been keeping to yourself? How can you open up and share it with someone in your community today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Maybe you're there. Maybe you wouldn't tell a soul that. That's where you are. There's a darkness that's covering you, and maybe you can't see the light today. I love our global workers, and I want to tell you, if you're a global worker watching now, we pray for you often. We hold the rope for you. I was able to go to Greece and to work alongside one of our global partners. We were handing Bibles out, the word of God for the people of God. We were going to go to a city that day, and, put Bibles in every hand. That was the project, was to put a Bible in every hand. And the place where much of the Bible was written, in Corinth, and different cities like that, Thessalonica. And we were down in the southern part of Greece, putting Bibles around the city of Corinth." [53:54]
2. "People are hurting, and they're in that dark night of the soul. And I want to tell you, as your pastor, if you're here, and you're in that dark night of the soul, tell somebody, don't put the facade on, we're the people of God. We can be real with each other, but I cannot tell you this, that there is hope. There is hope for you, even though it doesn't seem like that now. Young people are sick, sick to the facade. They need to know there's life in Christ, that God values their life, and we value your life." [56:13]
3. "Life is worth the living, because He lives. Because let me tell you, when you talk about that dark night of the soul that the Psalm is talking about, Sheol, you know what it says about Jesus in the Scriptures? Listen to this. This is what it says about Jesus in the Scriptures. In Acts 2.24, it says that God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. Sheol has no power. Death has no sting. He fills it with His presence. There's no knowledge that we can run. This is so wonderful. He can take the despair of night, where you are in the darkness, and He can give you, even though you're in the longest stretch of that, He can give and bring light and life into it, because He's Jesus." [57:09]
4. "Community is built by God. God builds this community. I love that. That God, the giver of life, allows us to experience community together. And you guys have been in community together with others that are part of that community. And I know, you know, Wilson, that we have Reagan up here, and I know that you would say the same thing to all your girls, but what would you like to say to Reagan about her life today?" [01:01:34]
5. "Thank you for serving. And in the midst as we're singing these songs to God, what God could see upon our lives is an incredible gratitude for each and every life that's in here. Because your life is precious today. If you don't think your life is precious and you're in the darkness of night, there'll be some of my dear friends who are elders in this church and they'll be down here and we would just love to pray with you. I'll be down here as well. Don't leave this place. We'll acknowledge that life is good. Must over choose life today. It's good. really, really, really good. We speak words to one another." [01:06:56]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So what do we lift up in this generation before the generation that we have seen before? I will tell you this generation as well as those in here, we have to have a high and lofty view of God, the creator. May we lift that high, that he is the giver and the redeemer of life, that he is the one that gives value and dignity to life, that he alone, the creator God, is the one that gives life. We see that in Psalms 139." [41:28]
2. "You look at this Psalm. It says, O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You discern my thoughts from afar. You search up my path and my lying down and acquainted with all my ways. God not only knows us, he wants to know us. How many celebrities really want to know us? None of them want to know me. They've not sought me out but this God of the heavens has sought me out. Seeing me is precious. Seeing you is precious." [43:46]
3. "I want you to know that there is not there is not one place you can go that's outside of God's knowledge. There is not one place that you can go that is outside of God's knowledge. You cannot hide from him. Can you step outside his will? Absolutely. Do we willfully do that in sin? Absolutely. Do some of us live in that? Yeah, at times. But he knows it. You can't sneak one over on him. You can't hide it. That's what we try to do. We try to hide sometimes especially from authority. We know we've been caught in some way." [49:17]
4. "Why? Because you can't praise God there. There was a fear at the end of days that Sheol, this dark, shadowy existence, and yet the Psalmist reminds them, if I even go there, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, if I escape like the morning, if I can be that fast as the morning goes and dwell in the outermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, your right hand shall hold me, or your right hand shall be laid upon me. We can't escape. Even though sometimes the Psalmist desires to flee from the presence of God." [51:41]
5. "And I said, Ben, this is God. And he said, Yes, Lord. Ben made me laugh all the time. As you can tell by the picture, Ben has Down syndrome. It's the doubling of a chromosome. It's a little different in his makeup, but he is nonetheless valuable. Let me tell you, from his birth in the womb, he had dignity and glory given to him. He is worth so much because he is a child of God created in the very image of God to exact and to bounce and radiate the glory of God. That's a Christian worldview that all life, all life, it's precious." [39:25]
6. "It's too wonderful for us. It's too wonderful for us. When you really sit in his presence, it's too wonderful. It's that good. That is why life is so good because God is so good. But we always don't see that, right? We have to be reminded of that every Sunday. That God is good. God is so good to us. He's given us life. This is the real God." [46:51]
7. "nor are we just here to know the people that are around us. We are here to worship this almighty, powerful presence of God. You look at this Psalm. It says, O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You discern my thoughts from afar. You search up my path and my lying down and acquainted with all my ways. God not only knows us, he wants to know us. How many celebrities really want to know us? None of them want to know me. They've not sought me out but this God of the heavens has sought me out. Seeing me is precious. Seeing you is precious." [43:46]
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