Embracing the Gift of Jesus: Love and Purpose
Summary
Summary:
Today, we explored the profound truth that God's goodness is constantly pursuing us, and His faithfulness is unwavering. As we approach the end of the year, it's crucial to remember that God is still capable of doing great things in our lives. We are encouraged to decree and declare His promises, believing wholeheartedly that they will be established. This is a call to recognize the gift of Jesus, the ultimate expression of God's love, and to understand that this gift keeps on giving. Jesus is not just a seasonal thought but a continuous source of blessings, love, mercy, and purpose.
We delved into the concept of the "gift that keeps on giving," emphasizing that Jesus is the gift, and with Him comes a multitude of blessings. These include love, mercy, the Word of God, faith, the Holy Spirit, purpose, forgiveness, peace, wisdom, and freedom. Each of these gifts is designed to enrich our lives and draw us closer to God. We are reminded that God's love is unconditional and everlasting, His mercy is new every morning, and His Word is a source of wisdom and healing. The Holy Spirit empowers us, giving us boldness and purpose, while forgiveness frees us from the chains of bitterness. Peace, wisdom, and freedom are ours to claim, ensuring that we live a life of abundance and joy.
As we move forward, let us embrace these gifts, allowing them to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. We are called to share this love and truth with others, fulfilling our purpose and walking in the power that God has given us. Let us remember that we are loved, forgiven, and empowered to make a difference in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Unconditional Love: God's love is not based on our actions but on His nature. It is unconditional and everlasting, drawing us to Him like a magnet. This love is a gift that assures us of our worth and value in His eyes, reminding us that we are never alone or forsaken. [52:25]
2. The Power of Decreeing God's Promises: We are encouraged to decree God's promises over our lives, believing that they will be established. This act of faith aligns our hearts with God's Word, allowing His goodness and mercy to manifest in our lives. [16:14]
3. The Gift of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is a gift that empowers us with boldness and purpose. He leads us into all truth, providing guidance and comfort. Embracing the Holy Spirit transforms us, enabling us to live a life of power and victory. [01:11:59]
4. Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom: Forgiveness is a gift that liberates us from bitterness and resentment. By choosing to forgive, we align ourselves with God's heart, allowing His peace to reign in our lives and relationships. [01:24:39]
5. Living with Purpose and Power: God has given each of us a unique purpose, and with it, the power to fulfill it. Walking in our purpose brings joy and fulfillment, as we partner with God to make a difference in the world. [01:18:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [16:14] - Decreeing God's Promises
- [17:56] - Singing of God's Goodness
- [19:51] - Sharing God's Goodness
- [33:37] - Believing for Greater Things
- [34:26] - Responding with God's Word
- [35:16] - Faith Confession
- [38:45] - The Gift of Jesus
- [39:27] - The Gift That Keeps on Giving
- [40:56] - Setting the Atmosphere
- [42:25] - Understanding the Hypostatic Union
- [44:53] - Exploring the Gifts of Jesus
- [47:17] - The Gift of Love
- [50:42] - The Spirit of Love
- [51:42] - Seeing Yourself as the Prize
- [52:25] - Everlasting Love
- [53:53] - The Prodigal Son's Return
- [56:03] - The Gift of Mercy
- [57:23] - God's Everlasting Mercy
- [59:09] - The Gift of the Word
- [01:01:53] - The Word as Wisdom and Healing
- [01:04:29] - The Word Going Swiftly
- [01:05:39] - The Word Made Flesh
- [01:06:55] - The Gift of Faith
- [01:08:03] - Developing Your Faith
- [01:11:59] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
- [01:17:23] - The Gift of Purpose
- [01:22:53] - The Gift of Forgiveness
- [01:27:47] - The Gift of Peace
- [01:31:40] - The Power of Love
- [01:35:45] - The Gift of Wisdom
- [01:37:11] - The Gift of Liberty
- [01:39:28] - Freedom in Christ
- [01:41:57] - The Kingdom of Light
- [01:48:52] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:6
2. John 3:16-17
3. Romans 5:5
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Isaiah 9:6 reveal about the nature and roles of Jesus as a gift to us?
2. How does John 3:16-17 describe the purpose of God sending His Son into the world?
3. According to Romans 5:5, how is the love of God shared with us, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the gifts mentioned that come with Jesus, the "gift that keeps on giving"? [39:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "gift that keeps on giving" challenge the way we view our relationship with God? [39:27]
2. What does it mean for God's love to be unconditional and everlasting, and how does this impact our understanding of our worth and value? [52:25]
3. How does the act of decreeing God's promises over our lives align our hearts with His Word, and what are the potential outcomes of this practice? [16:14]
4. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower believers to live a life of purpose and victory? [01:11:59]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pursued by God's goodness. How did that experience shape your faith, and how can you remain open to recognizing His goodness in your daily life? [17:56]
2. Consider the promises of God that you are currently holding onto. How can you actively decree these promises over your life, and what steps can you take to align your actions with these declarations? [16:14]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need to embrace the gift of forgiveness. What practical steps can you take to forgive and experience the freedom that comes with it? [01:24:39]
4. How can you actively share the love and truth of Jesus with others in your community, fulfilling your purpose and walking in the power God has given you? [01:18:27]
5. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him to experience His guidance, comfort, and empowerment more fully? [01:11:59]
6. Think about a specific situation where you need God's wisdom. How can you seek His guidance through prayer and His Word to navigate this situation effectively? [01:35:45]
7. As you approach the end of the year, what are some ways you can intentionally embrace and share the gifts of love, mercy, and peace with those around you? [01:27:47]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Love as a Magnetic Force
God's love is not contingent on human actions but is rooted in His divine nature. This love is unconditional and everlasting, drawing individuals to Him like a magnet. It assures believers of their worth and value in His eyes, reminding them that they are never alone or forsaken. This profound truth invites a deeper understanding of one's identity in Christ, as it emphasizes that God's love is a constant, unwavering force that seeks to embrace and uplift. The assurance of being loved unconditionally provides a foundation for a life filled with hope and purpose. [52:25]
Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV): "The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."
Reflection: How can you allow the truth of God's unconditional love to reshape your self-worth and identity today?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Decreeing God's Promises
Decreeing God's promises is an act of faith that aligns one's heart with God's Word. By speaking His promises over their lives, believers invite His goodness and mercy to manifest in tangible ways. This practice is not merely about positive thinking but is rooted in the belief that God's Word is living and active. As individuals declare His promises, they participate in a spiritual alignment that opens the door for divine intervention and blessings. This transformative power encourages believers to live with expectation and confidence, knowing that God's faithfulness will bring His promises to fruition. [16:14]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What specific promise from God's Word can you decree over your life today, and how will you actively believe in its fulfillment?
Day 3: Embracing the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a divine gift that empowers believers with boldness and purpose. He leads them into all truth, providing guidance and comfort in every situation. Embracing the Holy Spirit transforms individuals, enabling them to live a life of power and victory. This empowerment is not just for personal edification but is meant to equip believers to fulfill their God-given purpose and make a difference in the world. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing they are never alone and are equipped for every good work. [01:11:59]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite the Holy Spirit's empowerment, and how can you actively seek His guidance today?
Day 4: Forgiveness as a Liberating Gift
Forgiveness is a divine gift that liberates individuals from the chains of bitterness and resentment. By choosing to forgive, believers align themselves with God's heart, allowing His peace to reign in their lives and relationships. This act of forgiveness is not about condoning wrongs but about releasing the hold that past hurts have on one's heart. It is a pathway to freedom that opens the door to healing and reconciliation. Embracing forgiveness allows individuals to experience God's peace and joy, as they let go of burdens that hinder their spiritual growth and relational harmony. [01:24:39]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Who is someone you need to forgive today, and what steps can you take to begin this process with God's help?
Day 5: Living with Purpose and Divine Power
God has endowed each believer with a unique purpose and the power to fulfill it. Walking in this purpose brings joy and fulfillment, as individuals partner with God to make a difference in the world. This divine calling is not just about personal achievement but about contributing to God's kingdom and impacting others positively. By embracing their God-given purpose, believers can live a life of significance and influence, knowing that they are part of a greater plan. This understanding encourages them to pursue their calling with passion and determination, trusting that God will equip them for every task. [01:18:27]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out your God-given purpose today, and how can you rely on His power to do so?
Quotes
"God is still able to do something great in your life that you've been believing him for and expecting him to do. So if that's you, I want to give you an opportunity because the word of God says that you shall decree a thing and it shall be established." [00:15:54]
"I can tell you, God will never leave you. He'll never forsake you. He'll never turn his back on you. He loves you with an everlasting love. He's with you. He's for you. He has you in the palm of his hand, and no one's able to take you out of." [00:20:06]
"God says, you know what, that's nothing for me. In other words, God is telling you, I challenge you to think bigger, to dream bigger, to go higher, to go further. You know what, maybe God doesn't want you to go away from your family. Maybe he wants to use you as a door into your family." [00:33:55]
"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. So we come to understand that to be what? That's the hypostatic union. Where God is, where Jesus was a hundred percent God and yes, he was a hundred percent man. However, he did not operate as man on the earth." [00:43:01]
"Love is not just love like, ooh, I like you, not that type of love. It's the type of love that says, it doesn't matter what you do or what you say, I'm going to love you anyway. That's kind of different from what we most deal with, right?" [00:47:03]
"God's love, who is love, will draw you to him. Glory to God. Oh, that's some good stuff right there. All right. I'm going to share with you what it shares with us here in Romans chapter 13, verse 5. It says this, I will never leave you nor forsake you." [00:53:16]
"God was merciful to us to send his word to us. So let's take a look here. Let's find out some of the things that it says here. What we understand about mercy, one of the things that the scripture that we want to let you know that it's not only brand new." [00:56:41]
"God sent his word to us. Guess what? He didn't wait till we came. He sent forth his word. I want you to see the gift that is, that God will, in other words, we can say it this way. You can say it this way. I have God's word." [01:01:18]
"Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. So in other words, God's word, when it comes, it comes with faith. It comes with faith. Now, see here in Romans chapter 12 and verse 3, it says this. It says, For I say, Through the grace given unto me." [01:08:03]
"God has given each and every one of us a purpose. And when we don't know what that purpose is or we don't work in that purpose, we feel, we don't feel fulfilled. We feel empty, like it doesn't matter, like it's not existing. But knowing your purpose." [01:18:27]
"Forgiveness is a gift. So what it tells us here in Mark chapter 11, verse 25 and 26, it says, and when you stand praying, so guess what Jesus expects? Jesus expects for anyone who is a disciple of his, anyone who's a follower of him, to pray." [01:22:53]
"Peace, I leave with you. My peace give I unto you, not as the world give I unto you. In other words, the way I'm doing it is going to be different. Let not your heart be troubled. Hmm. He tells you, I've given you your peace. Now. You have the ability to control your heart." [01:27:47]
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