Embracing the Adventure of Faith in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share a personal story and a message about living an adventurous Christian life. This past week, my family and I experienced the loss of my mother, and it reminded me of the importance of our faith and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. As we embark on this journey of faith, we must remember that it is both exciting and hazardous, much like skydiving. Just as there are steps to ensure a successful skydive, there are steps to living a fulfilling Christian life.
The first step is to study the life of Christ. Jesus is our model, our "hoop-o-grammus," showing us how to live. We must invest in eternal things, just as Jesus did. This means prioritizing our relationship with God, valuing His Word, and investing in people. Jesus made His Heavenly Father His number one priority, and we should do the same. Worship is not just about attending church; it's about valuing and prioritizing God in our daily lives.
Next, we must invest in God's Word. The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, yet many of us rarely open it. The Word of God is powerful and provides us with the guidance and hope we need in our lives. Finally, we must invest in people. People are eternal beings, and our interactions with them have eternal significance. Jesus invested in people, and we are called to do the same.
As we go through our days, let's remember to look up to God, invest in eternal things, and live the adventure of the Christian faith. May we use our time wisely and make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Study the Life of Christ: Jesus is our model for living a fulfilling Christian life. By studying His life, we learn how to navigate our own. Jesus' actions and teachings provide a blueprint for how we should live, love, and serve. Understanding His life helps us to better align our actions with God's will. [48:09]
2. Invest in Eternal Things: Prioritize your relationship with God, His Word, and people. Jesus invested in eternal things, and we should follow His example. Our time on earth is limited, and we must focus on what truly matters. Investing in eternal things brings lasting fulfillment and aligns us with God's purpose. [52:10]
3. Value God's Word: The Bible is a powerful tool that provides guidance, hope, and wisdom. It is essential to immerse ourselves in God's Word regularly. The scriptures are not just historical texts; they are living words that can transform our lives and strengthen our faith. [01:01:52]
4. Invest in People: People are eternal beings, and our interactions with them have eternal significance. Jesus invested in people, and we are called to do the same. By loving and serving others, we reflect God's love and make a lasting impact on their lives. [01:09:16]
5. Use Your Time Wisely: Our time on earth is a gift, and we must use it to make an eternal difference. Reflect on how you spend your time and ensure that you are investing in things that matter. Each day is an opportunity to serve God and others, and we should strive to make the most of it. [01:18:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:33] - Opening Prayer
[35:13] - The Adventure of Faith
[38:20] - Simple Living Steps
[41:10] - The Importance of Looking Up
[43:55] - Seeing God in Creation
[45:32] - Jesus as the Exact Representation of God
[47:23] - The Middle Part of Jesus' Life
[48:09] - Studying the Life of Christ
[50:42] - Investing in Eternal Things
[54:34] - Worshiping God
[55:44] - True Worship
[58:44] - Jesus' Priority on the Father
[01:01:52] - Investing in God's Word
[01:03:10] - The Most Popular Bible Verse Today
[01:04:15] - The Power of God's Word
[01:09:16] - Investing in People
[01:13:09] - The Eternal Significance of People
[01:18:10] - Using Time Wisely
[01:20:08] - Closing Prayer and Hymn
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
2. 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."
3. Mark 12:28-30 - "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, 'Of all the commandments, which is the most important?' 'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 1:20 say about how we can see God's qualities in creation?
2. According to Hebrews 1:1-3, how has God spoken to us in these last days?
3. In Mark 12:28-30, what does Jesus say is the most important commandment?
4. What are the six steps mentioned in the sermon for living an adventurous Christian life? ([39:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing God's qualities in creation (Romans 1:20) impact our daily lives and faith?
2. What does it mean that Jesus is the "exact representation" of God's being as stated in Hebrews 1:1-3? How does this shape our understanding of Jesus' role in our lives?
3. Why is it significant that Jesus prioritizes loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength in Mark 12:28-30? How does this commandment guide our actions and priorities?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, why is it important to invest in eternal things, and how does this align with Jesus' teachings? ([50:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Studying the Life of Christ: How can you incorporate studying the life of Christ into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week to learn more about Jesus' teachings and actions? ([48:09])
2. Investing in Eternal Things: What are some practical ways you can prioritize your relationship with God, His Word, and people in your daily life? Identify one specific change you can make this week to invest in eternal things. ([50:42])
3. Valuing God's Word: When was the last time you immersed yourself in the Bible? What specific plan can you create to read and reflect on God's Word regularly? ([01:01:52])
4. Investing in People: Think of someone in your life who might need your support or encouragement. How can you invest in their life this week in a way that reflects Jesus' love and care? ([01:09:16])
5. Using Your Time Wisely: Reflect on how you spent your time this past week. Identify one activity that did not contribute to your spiritual growth or the well-being of others. How can you replace that activity with something that has eternal significance? ([01:18:10])
6. Looking Up to God: In moments of stress or difficulty, how can you remind yourself to look up to God for guidance and support? Share a recent experience where looking up to God helped you gain perspective. ([43:16])
7. Living the Adventure of Faith: What does living an adventurous Christian life mean to you? Share a recent experience where you felt you were living out your faith in an exciting or challenging way. How can you seek more of these experiences? ([38:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as Our Model
Description: Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of how to live a fulfilling Christian life. By studying His life, we can learn how to navigate our own. Jesus' actions and teachings provide a blueprint for how we should live, love, and serve. Understanding His life helps us to better align our actions with God's will. Jesus prioritized His relationship with His Heavenly Father, valued God's Word, and invested in people. By following His example, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and impactful to those around us. [48:09]
John 13:15 (ESV): "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: How can you incorporate one specific action of Jesus into your daily routine this week?
Day 2: Prioritizing Eternal Investments
Description: Our time on earth is limited, and we must focus on what truly matters. Jesus invested in eternal things, and we should follow His example. This means prioritizing our relationship with God, valuing His Word, and investing in people. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purpose and find lasting fulfillment. Investing in eternal things brings a sense of purpose and direction to our lives, helping us to make decisions that have lasting significance. [52:10]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What is one way you can invest in something eternal today, whether it be through prayer, reading the Bible, or helping someone in need?
Day 3: The Power of God's Word
Description: The Bible is a powerful tool that provides guidance, hope, and wisdom. It is essential to immerse ourselves in God's Word regularly. The scriptures are not just historical texts; they are living words that can transform our lives and strengthen our faith. By valuing and prioritizing God's Word, we can find the direction and encouragement we need to navigate life's challenges. The Bible offers us a way to connect with God and understand His will for our lives. [01:01:52]
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: How can you make time today to read and reflect on a passage of the Bible? What steps can you take to make this a daily habit?
Day 4: Investing in People
Description: People are eternal beings, and our interactions with them have eternal significance. Jesus invested in people, and we are called to do the same. By loving and serving others, we reflect God's love and make a lasting impact on their lives. Our relationships and the way we treat others can have a profound effect on their spiritual journey. By investing in people, we are participating in God's work and helping to build His kingdom. [01:09:16]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them today and show them God's love?
Day 5: Using Time Wisely
Description: Our time on earth is a gift, and we must use it to make an eternal difference. Reflect on how you spend your time and ensure that you are investing in things that matter. Each day is an opportunity to serve God and others, and we should strive to make the most of it. By using our time wisely, we can live a life that is purposeful and aligned with God's will. This involves being intentional about our daily activities and making choices that honor God. [01:18:10]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily schedule. What is one change you can make to ensure you are using your time in a way that honors God and serves others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Christian faith is exciting and it can be hazardous, but it's probably the most exciting thing we will ever do. Now, when I say that, I don't know that I could convince a lot of people that that's true. And that's because I don't believe that they understand and know the simple steps that we must take to live the adventure of the Christian faith." [38:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first principle of simple living is to look up. We are created to look up. No matter what situation you find yourself, whether you're in a difficult medical situation, we're in a family situation, we're looking for how to stabilize ourselves in a situation like this. In a situation that is not going well, the Lord has a solution. We are to look up." [43:16] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You worship something when you give it great value. Do we value our Heavenly Father? we worship Him? What would that look like? You know, I see worship in Columbus, Ohio, every Saturday in the fall. On Saturdays, people get up early. They dress funny. They put on horse chestnuts around their necks called Buckeyes. They go down to this big worship center on the Ohio State campus." [55:08] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible is to be our spectacle. It's very true to see the world. And if that were true we wouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves. Because the things of this world would not get in the way of the kingdom of God. How well do you and I know this book? It's God's gift to us to how we are to see him and the world and each other." [01:08:26] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The third eternal thing is people. Why? Because only God his word and people are the only three eternal things in this world. The people you pass by they are eternal creatures. And they're going to spend eternity one way or another. Do we know that?" [01:09:16] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The reason we need to study the life of Christ is because Jesus is our hoop-o-grammus. Jesus models out the adventure of the Christian faith. Jesus models out what it means to be a child of God. And if we only read the beginning of the story and we only read the end of the story, we miss modeling out how we are to live our lives between those two parts of our story." [49:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus didn't waste his time on things which were not eternal. when you are in that airplane skydiving and you step off and kick out and drop, within five seconds you are falling at 120 miles an hour. Five seconds. That means you are falling 58 stories if you were next to a building. About 58 stories a second, which is 880 feet. Now, you are thinking, I need to invest in something important right now." [50:42] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said this, He honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me. In vain they do not worship me. I wonder how much that spoke of my life over the years. How I can give lip service. Remember these folks? Next slide. Who knows these folks? Milli Vanilli. And what did they get kicked out of music for? They lip synced. Their heart wasn't in the music they just mouthed the words." [01:01:12] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you know that no one in this room, if you were here and you named Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior you only did that because you heard the word of life? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. It's the way that we make a commitment to Christ. It is so powerful. It brings faith. It sustains faith. It helps us to live life as we are meant to live." [01:06:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Here's what Jesus said to his disciples the John verse peace be with you here's his marching orders as the father has sent me so I send you he's saying to them and to us please invest in those things that are eternal study Jesus in the book that Andrew gave you before you left I hope your pages aren't empty you need to start filling them up as you read the word of God and see what God is saying to you." [01:13:46] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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