Jesus: Our Foundation, Strength, and Source of Life
Summary
### Summary
Today, we had the incredible blessing of witnessing two young ladies from our high school ministry, Chloe and Ellie, publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ through Believer's Baptism. This act of obedience is a powerful reminder that Jesus is all we need. As we delved into Hebrews 4:14-16, we explored the profound truth that Jesus, our great high priest, empathizes with our weaknesses and offers us grace and mercy in our time of need. The author of Hebrews encourages us to hold firmly to our faith, understanding that Jesus is the foundation of our identity and the source of our strength.
We also reflected on the importance of living out our faith actively, not just professing it. The story of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-8 serves as a powerful example of faith in action, demonstrating that true faith impacts how we live and interact with the world. Jesus has made us alive, and our lives should reflect this transformation. Our goals, accomplishments, and daily activities should be a byproduct of our relationship with Jesus, driven by the understanding that He is all we need.
Furthermore, we discussed the significance of exclusive moments with God, beyond the inclusive moments we often have in our busy lives. Just as quality time strengthens human relationships, exclusive time with God deepens our connection with Him. Jesus connects us to the Father, allowing us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence. This connection should be a priority in our lives, not just an accessory.
To practically live out this truth, we must rest in the presence of the Lord, press on towards Jesus, and make known the hope of glory. Resting in Jesus means trusting that His work is enough. Pressing on towards Jesus involves continually seeking more of Him, understanding that He is the ultimate reward. Making known the hope of glory means actively proclaiming Jesus in our daily lives, letting our actions and words reflect that He is all we need.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hold Firmly to Your Faith: The Greek word "kratain" means to hold with all your strength. Our faith in Jesus should be held tightly, as it is the foundation of our identity and strength. This faith is not just a belief but a way of life that should be evident in our actions and decisions. [50:02]
2. Faith in Action: The story of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-8 illustrates that true faith impacts how we live. The centurion's faith was so strong that he believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. Our faith should similarly lead us to live lives that reflect our trust in Jesus. [51:27]
3. Jesus Makes Us Alive: Ephesians 2:1-10 reminds us that we were once dead in our sins, but Jesus has made us alive. Our driven nature and accomplishments should be a byproduct of what Jesus has done in our lives. We are called to live actively for Him, proclaiming His name in all we do. [57:44]
4. Exclusive Time with God: While inclusive moments with God are important, exclusive time with Him is crucial for deepening our relationship. Just as quality time strengthens human relationships, exclusive moments with God allow us to seek His plan and grow closer to Him. [01:02:25]
5. Practical Steps to Live for Jesus: To live a life that proclaims Jesus is all we need, we must rest in His presence, press on towards Him, and make known the hope of glory. Resting in Jesus means trusting His work is enough. Pressing on involves continually seeking more of Him. Making known the hope of glory means actively proclaiming Jesus in our daily lives. [01:07:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:20] - Baptism of Chloe and Ellie
[36:09] - Worship: "Open Up the Heavens"
[39:50] - Extreme Sports and Olympic Reflections
[46:01] - Jesus is All We Need
[47:16] - Introduction to Hebrews 4:14-16
[48:26] - Holding Firmly to Our Faith
[50:02] - The Meaning of "Hold Firmly"
[51:27] - Faith in Action: The Centurion's Story
[53:11] - Living a Life of Faith with Jesus
[54:56] - Jesus, Our Great High Priest
[56:38] - Jesus Made Us Alive
[57:44] - Driven by Jesus
[59:21] - Ephesians 2: Made Alive in Christ
[01:01:13] - Jesus Connects Us to the Father
[01:02:25] - Exclusive Time with God
[01:07:16] - Practical Steps to Live for Jesus
[01:12:00] - Call to Surrender and Live for Jesus
[01:18:28] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 4:14-16
- Matthew 8:5-8
- Ephesians 2:1-10
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus' role as our high priest? How does this passage encourage us to approach God? [48:26]
2. In the story of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-8, what was the centurion's request to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond? [51:27]
3. According to Ephesians 2:1-10, what transformation occurs in our lives because of Jesus? [57:44]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus, our high priest, empathizes with our weaknesses according to Hebrews 4:14-16? How does this impact our relationship with Him? [48:26]
2. How does the centurion's faith in Matthew 8:5-8 serve as an example for us today? What does it teach us about the nature of true faith? [51:27]
3. Ephesians 2:1-10 describes us as being made alive in Christ. What does it mean to be "made alive" and how should this affect our daily lives? [57:44]
### Application Questions
1. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to hold firmly to our faith. What are some practical ways you can hold firmly to your faith in your daily life? Are there specific challenges you face in doing this? [50:02]
2. The centurion in Matthew 8:5-8 demonstrated faith in action. Can you think of a situation in your life where you need to trust Jesus more fully? How can you take a step of faith in that situation this week? [51:27]
3. Reflecting on Ephesians 2:1-10, how can you let your accomplishments and daily activities be a byproduct of your relationship with Jesus? What specific changes can you make to ensure that your life reflects that Jesus has made you alive? [57:44]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of exclusive time with God. What are some ways you can create more exclusive moments with God in your busy schedule? How can these moments deepen your relationship with Him? [01:02:25]
5. The pastor mentioned that resting in Jesus means trusting that His work is enough. How can you practice resting in Jesus this week, especially when you feel overwhelmed or busy? [01:07:16]
6. Pressing on towards Jesus involves continually seeking more of Him. What are some specific ways you can seek more of Jesus in your daily life? How can you make this a priority? [01:09:13]
7. Making known the hope of glory means actively proclaiming Jesus. Who is one person in your life that you can share the hope of Jesus with this week? What steps will you take to start that conversation? [01:11:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Hold Firmly to Your Faith
Our faith in Jesus is the bedrock of our identity and strength. The Greek word "kratain" means to hold with all your strength, emphasizing the importance of clinging tightly to our faith. This faith is not merely a belief but a way of life that should be evident in our actions and decisions. Holding firmly to our faith means trusting in Jesus through all circumstances, knowing that He is our great high priest who empathizes with our weaknesses and offers us grace and mercy in our time of need. This steadfast faith is what sustains us and guides us in our daily walk with Christ. [50:02]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to hold more firmly to your faith in Jesus? How can you demonstrate this faith through your actions today?
Day 2: Faith in Action
The story of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-8 is a powerful example of faith in action. The centurion's faith was so strong that he believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. This kind of faith impacts how we live and interact with the world. True faith is not passive; it compels us to act in ways that reflect our trust in Jesus. Our lives should be a testament to our faith, showing others the transformative power of believing in Christ. When we live out our faith actively, we become a living testimony of God's grace and power. [51:27]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you can put your faith into action today. What specific steps can you take to demonstrate your trust in Jesus in that situation?
Day 3: Jesus Makes Us Alive
Ephesians 2:1-10 reminds us that we were once dead in our sins, but Jesus has made us alive. This transformation should be evident in our lives, driving our goals, accomplishments, and daily activities. Our driven nature and achievements should be a byproduct of what Jesus has done in our lives. We are called to live actively for Him, proclaiming His name in all we do. This new life in Christ means that our actions and decisions are influenced by our relationship with Him, reflecting the hope and joy we have found in Jesus. [57:44]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How can you let your new life in Christ influence your goals and daily activities? What is one specific way you can proclaim Jesus in your actions today?
Day 4: Exclusive Time with God
While inclusive moments with God are important, exclusive time with Him is crucial for deepening our relationship. Just as quality time strengthens human relationships, exclusive moments with God allow us to seek His plan and grow closer to Him. Jesus connects us to the Father, allowing us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence. This connection should be a priority in our lives, not just an accessory. Making time for exclusive moments with God helps us to understand His will and strengthens our faith, enabling us to live more fully for Him. [01:02:25]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What specific time each day can you set aside for exclusive moments with God? How can you ensure that this time remains a priority in your busy schedule?
Day 5: Practical Steps to Live for Jesus
To live a life that proclaims Jesus is all we need, we must rest in His presence, press on towards Him, and make known the hope of glory. Resting in Jesus means trusting that His work is enough. Pressing on involves continually seeking more of Him, understanding that He is the ultimate reward. Making known the hope of glory means actively proclaiming Jesus in our daily lives, letting our actions and words reflect that He is all we need. These practical steps help us to live out our faith in a tangible way, showing others the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. [01:07:16]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to rest in Jesus, press on towards Him, or make known the hope of glory? How can this step help you to live out your faith more fully?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "A hopeless world needs hope. A joyless world needs joy. A world full of death needs life. A world full of conflict needs peace. Hope has a name. Joy has a name. Life has a name. Peace has a name. It's the name above every other name. It's Jesus." [46:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We were made alive to live, not to be meek and quiet. We were made alive to proclaim the name of Jesus because we understand he's all I need and it's all this world needs." [01:00:00] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reward for following Jesus is Jesus. That's the pressing on we're pressing on towards. I don't understand why we have to stand up so many times and try to make this a bigger thing. How we don't just get excited about the fact that I get to be with Jesus. That Jesus gave everything for me on a cross so that I could be with more of Jesus." [01:10:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Stop being quiet. Stop being meek. Stop not saying anything. And speak the name of Jesus. Proclaim the name of Jesus. Live for the name of Jesus. Let his goals be you and being used by him. Let your job lead people to Jesus. Let your accomplishments lead people to Jesus because he's all you need." [01:11:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let's go tell someone about Jesus because he's all we need. He's all this world needs. And he's all we need. So let's go live for him." [01:12:00] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You need to know that what you believe is just as important as what you believe about Jesus is what you do with what you believe. So many of us are very good at just talking about Jesus but living it is completely different. Talking about Jesus all we need but living in the life that proclaims that Jesus is all we need is so different because what you believe should affect how you live it should affect everything about you." [50:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A statement of faith is great but a life of faith is so much better and you don't have to live this life of faith by yourself because we have a great high priest who is Jesus the Son of God we have Jesus how do I live this faith with Jesus how do I do this consistently with Jesus see God didn't ask us to do this alone he didn't say hey you're on your own you got this no he says because since we have a great high priest we go as one that has been saved we go as one that proclaims the name of Jesus." [53:11] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our driven nature should be a byproduct of the fact that God has already done something big in our life and is now driving us to do things for his name's sake should just be a byproduct of the talents and the gifts that God has already given us. And therefore we're proclaiming his name through our jobs and opportunities. Our goals should be things that are aligning and a byproduct of our relationship with Jesus because he made us alive, we have these goals. Our accomplishments are because of the name of Jesus. Our family is because of the gift and the love that Jesus has on us. They're a byproduct of Jesus making us alive." [57:44] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus connects us to the Father. He's the faith that we profess. He's made us alive, but he connects us to the Father. He allows us to have communion and communication with the Father. It is him, not us. See, a lot of us are just okay at this. I want you to hear my heart here. Some of us, I pray while I'm driving down the road. So good. I pray while I'm at the office. I pray before a meal. I pray at the ball field. Those are great. Don't get me wrong. Please don't hear me thinking that's not a good thing. That is a good thing. But can I just say something for a second here? Those are inclusive moments with God." [01:01:13] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For many of us, we're really good at putting on the accessory of God and carrying with us versus making him the priority because we know he's all we need. I don't just want to use him when I need him. I want to live a life as though I need him every single day and every moment. So therefore, I'm going to spend a ton connected with the Lord because he is all I need." [01:06:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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