Experiencing God's Ever-Present Joy and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to rejoice in the Lord and to reflect on His presence in our lives. We began by acknowledging the importance of returning to the source of our joy, which is God Himself. We then took a moment to pray for various needs within our church community and our nation, emphasizing the need for unity and healing in these turbulent times.
The core of our discussion centered on the name of God, Jehovah-Shamah, which means "The Lord is There." This name signifies that God is always present with us, regardless of our circumstances. We explored how God's presence was experienced differently throughout biblical history, from walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to dwelling in the Holy of Holies in the temple. However, the most significant change came with the crucifixion of Jesus, which tore the veil in the temple, symbolizing that God's presence is now accessible to all who believe.
We also discussed the implications of God's presence in our lives today. God is not just with us; He is in us through the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence empowers us to live out our faith and fulfill our divine purpose. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, representing Him in our words and actions. This relationship with God is not about religious rituals but about a genuine, intimate connection with Him.
Finally, we were reminded that God wants to work through us to accomplish His mission on earth. We are called to be His hands, feet, and voice, bringing hope and love to a broken world. As we go about our daily lives, we should strive to let Jesus "poke through" us, making His presence evident to everyone we encounter.
### Key Takeaways
1. Rejoicing in the Lord: Rejoicing means returning to the source of our joy, which is God. This act of worship not only glorifies Him but also renews our spirit. It is a privilege and a command to rejoice in the Lord always, as it aligns our hearts with His and brings us closer to Him. [13:26]
2. The Significance of Jehovah-Shamah: The name Jehovah-Shamah, meaning "The Lord is There," highlights God's constant presence in our lives. This name, mentioned only once in Ezekiel 48:35, assures us that God is with us in every situation, whether good or bad. His presence is not confined to a temple but is now within us through the Holy Spirit. [36:13]
3. The Veil Torn at the Cross: The tearing of the veil in the temple at Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes the removal of barriers between God and humanity. This act made God's presence accessible to all believers, signifying that we can now have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. The cross changed everything, allowing us to experience God's presence in our daily lives. [49:00]
4. God's Indwelling Presence: When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies the temple of God. This indwelling presence empowers us to live a life that glorifies Him. It means that wherever we go, God goes with us, guiding, convicting, and leading us in His ways. [54:25]
5. Living Out Our Divine Purpose: We are saved not just for our benefit but to fulfill God's mission on earth. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to represent Him in our actions and words, bringing His love and hope to others. Our purpose is to seek and save the lost, making a tangible difference in the world for His kingdom. [57:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:26] - Opening Prayer and Announcements
[14:39] - Prayer for Church and Nation
[32:11] - Story of the Two Boys
[33:41] - Misconceptions About God
[35:23] - Series on the Names of God
[36:13] - Jehovah-Shamah: The Lord is There
[38:58] - Historical Context of Ezekiel
[44:31] - Lessons from Israel's History
[49:00] - The Veil Torn at the Cross
[54:25] - God's Indwelling Presence
[57:18] - Living Out Our Divine Purpose
[01:00:39] - Invitation to Receive Christ
[01:03:06] - Closing Announcements and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 48:35 - "And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there."
2. Matthew 1:22-23 - "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the name Jehovah-Shamah mean, and where is it mentioned in the Bible? ([36:13])
2. How did the tearing of the veil in the temple at Jesus' crucifixion change the relationship between God and humanity? ([49:00])
3. According to the sermon, what are the three ways we can experience God's presence in our lives today? ([49:55])
4. What does 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 say about our bodies and the Holy Spirit? How does this relate to the concept of God's indwelling presence? ([54:25])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the name Jehovah-Shamah assure believers of God's presence in their lives, especially during difficult times? ([36:13])
2. What is the significance of the veil being torn at the moment of Jesus' death, and how does it symbolize the new access believers have to God? ([49:00])
3. In what ways does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit empower believers to live out their faith and fulfill their divine purpose? ([54:25])
4. How does understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit influence the way we live and make decisions? ([54:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt distant from God. How can the assurance of Jehovah-Shamah, "The Lord is There," change your perspective on that situation? ([36:13])
2. The tearing of the veil symbolizes the removal of barriers between God and humanity. Are there any barriers in your life that are preventing you from experiencing God's presence fully? How can you address them? ([49:00])
3. The sermon emphasized that God is not just with us but in us through the Holy Spirit. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? ([54:25])
4. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to represent Him in our actions and words. Identify one specific way you can be an ambassador of Christ in your community this week. ([57:18])
5. The sermon mentioned that our relationship with God is not about religious rituals but about a genuine, intimate connection with Him. What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God this week? ([37:29])
6. Think of a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to do something you couldn't have done on your own. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your current challenges? ([54:25])
7. The pastor mentioned that we should let Jesus "poke through" us, making His presence evident to everyone we encounter. What practical actions can you take this week to make Jesus' presence more evident in your interactions with others? ([58:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Rejoicing in the Lord: Returning to Our Source of Joy
Rejoicing in the Lord means returning to the source of our joy, which is God Himself. This act of worship not only glorifies Him but also renews our spirit. It is a privilege and a command to rejoice in the Lord always, as it aligns our hearts with His and brings us closer to Him. When we rejoice, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness, even in challenging times. This practice helps us to focus on His eternal nature rather than our temporary circumstances, fostering a deeper connection with Him.
Rejoicing is not just an emotional response but a deliberate act of faith. It involves recognizing God's hand in every aspect of our lives and choosing to praise Him regardless of our feelings. This kind of joy is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and His promises. As we cultivate a habit of rejoicing, we find that our perspective shifts, and we become more resilient and hopeful. This joy becomes a testimony to others, showing them the transformative power of a relationship with God. [13:26]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you choose to rejoice in the Lord despite that situation? What practical steps can you take to make rejoicing a daily habit?
Day 2: The Significance of Jehovah-Shamah: God’s Constant Presence
The name Jehovah-Shamah, meaning "The Lord is There," highlights God's constant presence in our lives. This name, mentioned only once in Ezekiel 48:35, assures us that God is with us in every situation, whether good or bad. His presence is not confined to a temple but is now within us through the Holy Spirit. This understanding transforms how we perceive our daily lives, knowing that we are never alone and that God is actively involved in our circumstances.
God's presence brings comfort, guidance, and strength. It means that in moments of joy and sorrow, success and failure, God is there, walking with us. This assurance can change how we approach life's challenges, giving us confidence and peace. Knowing that God is always present helps us to trust Him more deeply and to seek His will in every decision we make. It also encourages us to live in a way that honors His constant companionship. [36:13]
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: Reflect on a time when you felt alone or abandoned. How does the knowledge of Jehovah-Shamah change your perspective on that experience? How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your daily life?
Day 3: The Veil Torn at the Cross: Removing Barriers to God
The tearing of the veil in the temple at Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes the removal of barriers between God and humanity. This act made God's presence accessible to all believers, signifying that we can now have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. The cross changed everything, allowing us to experience God's presence in our daily lives. This event is a powerful reminder of the lengths to which God went to restore our relationship with Him.
The torn veil signifies that we no longer need intermediaries to approach God. We have direct access to Him through Jesus Christ. This access allows us to come boldly before God's throne, bringing our prayers, praises, and concerns directly to Him. It also means that we can experience His guidance and comfort in a personal way. Understanding this truth can deepen our faith and encourage us to cultivate a closer relationship with God. [49:00]
Hebrews 10:19-20 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh."
Reflection: How does the knowledge that the veil has been torn and you have direct access to God impact your prayer life? What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God?
Day 4: God’s Indwelling Presence: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies the temple of God. This indwelling presence empowers us to live a life that glorifies Him. It means that wherever we go, God goes with us, guiding, convicting, and leading us in His ways. The Holy Spirit's presence within us is a source of strength, wisdom, and comfort, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with divine assistance.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit also means that we are never truly alone. God's Spirit is always with us, providing the support and guidance we need. This presence helps us to live out our faith authentically, making decisions that reflect God's will and character. It also empowers us to serve others and to be witnesses of God's love and grace. Recognizing the Holy Spirit's role in our lives can transform how we approach our daily activities and interactions. [54:25]
1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength? How can you become more aware of His presence in your daily routine?
Day 5: Living Out Our Divine Purpose: Ambassadors of Christ
We are saved not just for our benefit but to fulfill God's mission on earth. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to represent Him in our actions and words, bringing His love and hope to others. Our purpose is to seek and save the lost, making a tangible difference in the world for His kingdom. This calling requires us to be intentional about how we live, ensuring that our lives reflect the values and character of Christ.
Living out our divine purpose involves being proactive in sharing the gospel and serving others. It means looking for opportunities to demonstrate God's love in practical ways, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or sharing our faith. As ambassadors, we are representatives of Christ, and our lives should point others to Him. This responsibility is both a privilege and a challenge, calling us to live with integrity and purpose. [57:18]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you be an ambassador for Christ in your current environment? What specific actions can you take this week to represent Him and share His love with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "To rejoice means to return to the source of your joy and so as we're worshiping as we're singing as we're as we're thanking god we're glorifying him as we rejoice and i hope that today you rejoice in him rejoice in the lord always i send again i say rejoice that is our great privilege." [13:26] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is always on the lookout for you. He is the God who's there. He is the God who wants to be present in your life, no matter what you're going through. And yet what I've discovered is that too many people are more concerned about being rightly religious than they are being about rightly related. And that's important." [37:29] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You do not have to be held captive by the things of your past. You don't have to be held captive by the lies of the enemy. The Bible says that you have been set free and those who are free are free indeed. Galatians chapter 5 says it was for freedom that Christ set us free. Therefore, keep standing firm and don't subject yourselves again to the yoke of slavery." [56:08] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You were saved for a purpose. You were saved for a divine purpose. You were saved for God's will to be accomplished in and through your life. You were called to be salt and light. You were called to be his hands, his feet, and his voice. You were called to be fishers of men. We were called, all of us, when Christ lives in us to accomplish his mission." [57:47] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If Jesus is in me, he ought to poke through me. It ought to be evident to everybody. And I think that's true. Jehovah Shema, the God who is there, the God who is in me, the God who wants to be present in every detail of your life." [58:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God gets a bad rap because he doesn't do what we think he ought to do. Or he doesn't show up the way that we think he ought to show up. And we project our ideas of who God is upon God and they have nothing to do with who God is." [33:41] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our goal this summer throughout this series, we've been in a series on the names of God. Our goal has been to help us to understand who God really is. There's so many different names for God in the Bible. And each one of these names give us insight." [35:23] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The standard of holiness is God. Our God takes no pleasure in wickedness. No evil dwells in him. None. Jesus is the standard of our holiness. Not each other. And because of that, we can't run around thinking, because I'm in church, I'm okay with God. Because I went on a mission trip, I'm okay with God. Because I'm part of a youth group, I'm okay with God. That has no bearing." [47:07] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The cross changed everything. Everything. You and I can now experience the presence of God in our lives today, in this moment. We can see him at work all around our lives because the God who was present in the garden and now wants to be present in you and me and the cross has made that possible." [49:55] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God stepped out of eternity and into our lives to be near to us. And so what does that mean? And this is my favorite part. If you are struggling, maybe with depression, maybe you've had something come up in your life and you just can't seem to get rid of it. Maybe you've been told a lie from the devil or maybe told a lie by someone else and you can't get past it." [55:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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