Finding Jesus: Embracing Silence and Scripture

 

Summary

In today's gathering at Kingsford Church of Christ, we explored the theme "Beyond the Noise: Finding Jesus in Silence, Scripture, Sabbath, and Stewardship." This series invites us to deepen our connection with God by engaging in spiritual practices that help us quiet the distractions of our modern world. Today, we focused on the practice of engaging with Scripture, emphasizing the importance of reading the Bible not just as a collection of texts but as a living document that reveals Jesus on every page.

We began by acknowledging how modern technology, particularly our smartphones, has reshaped the way we consume information, often leading to a fragmented and shallow engagement with content. This shift has affected how we approach Scripture, making it crucial to adopt a more intentional and contemplative reading practice. The goal is not to add more tasks to our busy lives but to create space for the Spirit of God to move and transform us.

We discussed the importance of reading Scripture as apprentices of Jesus, aiming to know His Word and His ways. This involves spending time with God through His Word, allowing it to shape our lives and transform us into the image of Christ. We explored the method of Lectio Divina, a spiritual reading practice that involves reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating Scripture to hear God's voice and experience His presence.

As we engage with Scripture, we are reminded that Jesus is with us, guiding us to understand His teachings and apply them to our lives. The ultimate goal is to be formed into people who live out what we read, embodying the love and life of God in our daily interactions.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Scripture Engagement: In a world filled with distractions, it's vital to approach Scripture with intentionality, allowing it to shape our lives and deepen our relationship with God. This practice helps us move beyond superficial engagement to a transformative encounter with Jesus. [38:23]

2. Reading as Apprentices of Jesus: Our goal in reading Scripture is to know Jesus' Word and His ways, spending time with Him to grow in our understanding and relationship. This approach transforms our reading from a task to a relational experience with God. [53:53]

3. Lectio Divina Practice: This ancient practice involves reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating Scripture, allowing us to hear God's voice and experience His presence. It encourages a slow, unhurried engagement with the text, fostering spiritual growth. [59:24]

4. Formation through Repetition: Spiritual formation is a slow, cumulative process that requires patience and repetition. By consistently engaging with Scripture, we allow God to work deeply within us, transforming us over time. [01:05:02]

5. Seeing Jesus on Every Page: As we read Scripture, we are invited to see Jesus throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. This perspective enriches our understanding and helps us connect with the overarching narrative of God's love and redemption. [47:34]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:08] - Announcements and Church Activities
[23:25] - Introduction of New Associate Minister
[25:47] - Communion and Corporate Prayer
[38:23] - Finding Jesus in Scripture
[47:34] - The Road to Emmaus and Seeing Jesus
[49:01] - The Great Commission
[49:46] - Jesus' Teachings and Scripture
[51:50] - Reading the Bible in a Year
[53:53] - Reading as Apprentices of Jesus
[55:45] - The Heart of a Disciple
[56:37] - Introduction to Lectio Divina
[57:57] - Steps of Lectio Divina
[01:02:17] - Encouragement to Practice
[01:05:56] - Prayer for Adrian's Journey
[01:16:09] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Beyond the Noise: Finding Jesus in Silence, Scripture, Sabbath, and Stewardship

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 24:15-27
2. Matthew 28:18-20
3. Psalm 1:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 24:15-27, what were the disciples discussing on the road to Emmaus, and how did Jesus respond to their conversation? [47:34]

2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what authority does Jesus claim, and what command does He give to His disciples? [49:01]

3. How does Psalm 1:1-2 describe the person who delights in the law of the Lord, and what is their practice regarding Scripture? [01:02:17]

4. What impact does modern technology, particularly smartphones, have on our engagement with Scripture, as discussed in the sermon? [38:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the encounter on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 illustrate the importance of seeing Jesus throughout the Scriptures? [47:34]

2. What does it mean to read Scripture as an apprentice of Jesus, and how does this differ from reading it as a task or obligation? [53:53]

3. How can the practice of Lectio Divina help believers move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture to a transformative encounter with Jesus? [56:37]

4. In what ways does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge believers to live out their faith in their daily interactions? [49:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current engagement with Scripture. How can you create more intentional time for reading and meditating on God's Word this week? [38:23]

2. Consider the distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on Jesus. What specific steps can you take to minimize these distractions and prioritize your spiritual growth? [38:23]

3. How can you incorporate the practice of Lectio Divina into your daily routine? What passage will you start with, and how will you make space for this practice? [56:37]

4. Think about a recent situation where you had the opportunity to share your faith. How can you apply the Great Commission in your interactions with others this week? [49:01]

5. Identify one aspect of Jesus' character that you want to embody more fully. What practical actions can you take to reflect this characteristic in your relationships? [53:53]

6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to engage with Scripture more deeply? What role can you play in fostering a culture of spiritual growth? [01:05:02]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence while reading Scripture. How can you cultivate a similar experience in your current spiritual practice? [01:02:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Scripture Engagement
In a world filled with distractions, it is crucial to approach Scripture with intentionality, allowing it to shape our lives and deepen our relationship with God. Modern technology, especially smartphones, often leads to a fragmented and shallow engagement with content, affecting how we approach Scripture. By adopting a more intentional and contemplative reading practice, we create space for the Spirit of God to move and transform us. This practice helps us move beyond superficial engagement to a transformative encounter with Jesus. [38:23]

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to minimize distractions and create a quiet space for engaging with Scripture intentionally?


Day 2: Reading as Apprentices of Jesus
Our goal in reading Scripture is to know Jesus' Word and His ways, spending time with Him to grow in our understanding and relationship. This approach transforms our reading from a task to a relational experience with God. By reading as apprentices of Jesus, we aim to be shaped by His teachings and to embody His love and life in our daily interactions. This involves a commitment to not only read but to live out the teachings of Jesus, allowing them to guide our actions and decisions. [53:53]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of Jesus into your daily routine to ensure they guide your actions and decisions?


Day 3: Lectio Divina Practice
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice that involves reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating Scripture, allowing us to hear God's voice and experience His presence. This method encourages a slow, unhurried engagement with the text, fostering spiritual growth. By practicing Lectio Divina, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of Scripture and a more profound connection with God. It is a way to move beyond mere reading to a transformative encounter with the divine. [59:24]

Psalm 119:15-16 (ESV): "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word."

Reflection: Set aside 15 minutes today to practice Lectio Divina. What insights or feelings arise as you meditate on a specific passage of Scripture?


Day 4: Formation through Repetition
Spiritual formation is a slow, cumulative process that requires patience and repetition. By consistently engaging with Scripture, we allow God to work deeply within us, transforming us over time. This process involves a commitment to regular practice, trusting that God is at work even when we do not see immediate results. Through repetition, we are gradually shaped into the image of Christ, embodying His love and life in our interactions with others. [01:05:02]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one Scripture passage you can commit to reading and meditating on daily for the next week? How do you hope this practice will shape you?


Day 5: Seeing Jesus on Every Page
As we read Scripture, we are invited to see Jesus throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. This perspective enriches our understanding and helps us connect with the overarching narrative of God's love and redemption. By recognizing Jesus on every page, we gain a deeper appreciation for the continuity and unity of Scripture, seeing how each part contributes to the whole story of God's work in the world. [47:34]

Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

Reflection: Choose a passage from the Old Testament and reflect on how it points to Jesus. How does this perspective change your understanding of the passage?

Quotes



The series is titled Beyond the Noise and it's an invitation to each and every one of you to explore a deeper connection with God through the practices of Jesus. These practices are not meant to be tasks to be added as more tasks to your already busy lives but they're actually designed to slow us down and actually create this space for the Spirit of God to move and transform us. [00:44:03] (68 seconds)


Spiritual formation is slow, deep, cumulative work that happens over years. And again, the modern technology has rewired us in such a way that we want things now. We want the information now that if we have to wait even two seconds for a page to load, we go, oh, why is it so slow, right? But this is the deep work of God, that it is in the slowness, that it will take time. [01:05:06] (33 seconds)


I pray, Lord, that as we go through this, as we go through this week, we'll build upon the skills, we'll build upon your word, that we will see you, Lord Jesus, on every page of Scripture. Pray, Lord, that as we do so, we will stop to ponder, to reflect, that we will spend that time in prayer and stillness, to just not to do anything for you, but just to sit, to be, and to soak in the love you have for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. [01:16:02] (39 seconds)


So, church, I pray that as you go through this week, may you bring that same love, that same hope, that same forgiveness that you receive through the Lord Jesus Christ to wherever you may be, that those around you will know who Jesus is through your words and through your actions. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. [01:17:05] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
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