Living in God's Presence: Embracing Eternal Life Now
Summary
Living eternally in the moment is about embracing the reality that eternal life is not a distant future event but a present experience. Eternal life is about living in the presence of God, moment by moment, and allowing our lives to be intertwined with His. This means recognizing that God is actively involved in our lives, wherever we are, and that our actions should reflect His presence, character, and power. The foundation of our lives is Jesus Christ, and we are called to build upon this foundation with the precious materials of faith, hope, and love, rather than the transient materials of worldly concerns.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that our work will be tested by fire, which is the presence of God. Only what is built on the foundation of Christ will endure. We live at the intersection of two landscapes: the visible and the invisible. The visible landscape can be overwhelming, but the invisible landscape, where God resides, is where our true life is found. Our thoughts, choices, and experiences are part of this invisible landscape, and we must be careful not to lose sight of it.
The story of Jacob illustrates the danger of focusing solely on the visible. Jacob, in his fear and scheming, found himself in a ditch, yet it was there that he encountered God. This encounter reminds us that God is present even in the most unexpected places. We must remember that we are not alone; God is with us, and we can rely on Him.
As we go out into the world, we will face challenges and skepticism about our faith. We must stand firm in the knowledge of God and the reality of His presence in our lives. This requires guarding our hearts and living a spiritual life that is centered on Jesus Christ. He is the way, and by seeking Him, we find guidance and strength.
Living eternally in the moment means putting into practice the teachings of Jesus, even when the outcome is uncertain. It is through this practice that we become assured of our identity as God's children and co-laborers. We are unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny in God's universe. Embracing this truth allows us to live fully in the present, with the assurance of our eternal significance.
Key Takeaways:
1. Eternal life is a present reality, not a future event. It involves living moment by moment in the presence of God, allowing our lives to be part of His eternal plan. This requires acknowledging His presence and expecting His involvement in our daily activities. [02:12]
2. Our lives are built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and we are called to build with materials that will endure God's testing. This means living a life of faith, hope, and love, rather than being consumed by worldly concerns. [05:14]
3. We exist at the intersection of the visible and invisible landscapes. While the visible can be overwhelming, the invisible landscape, where God resides, is where our true life is found. We must focus on this invisible reality to avoid being lost in the visible. [06:16]
4. The story of Jacob teaches us that God is present even in unexpected places. We must remember that we are not alone and can rely on God's presence and promises, even when circumstances seem dire. [09:43]
5. Living eternally in the moment involves putting Jesus' teachings into practice, even when the outcome is uncertain. This practice assures us of our identity as God's children and co-laborers, allowing us to live fully in the present with the assurance of our eternal significance. [15:37]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Congratulations and Blessings
[01:19] - Living Eternally in the Moment
[02:12] - Eternal Life is Now
[03:07] - Building on the Foundation of Christ
[04:41] - Materials of Faith and Life
[06:16] - Visible and Invisible Landscapes
[08:23] - Jacob's Encounter with God
[09:43] - God's Presence in Unexpected Places
[11:15] - Facing Challenges with Faith
[12:32] - Knowledge of Reality in Faith
[13:48] - Guarding Your Heart
[14:37] - Jesus as the Way
[15:37] - Practicing Jesus' Teachings
[16:35] - Assurance of Identity in God
[17:36] - Embracing Eternal Truth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Eternally in the Moment
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
2. Genesis 28:10-17
3. Proverbs 4:23
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, what is the foundation that Paul says we should build upon, and what materials are suggested for building? [03:07]
2. In Genesis 28:10-17, what was Jacob's initial reaction upon waking from his dream, and what did he realize about God's presence? [09:55]
3. Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding something specific. What is it, and why is it important according to the sermon? [14:02]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the visible and invisible landscapes, and why is it important to focus on the invisible? [06:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to build with "gold, silver, and precious stones" on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and how does this relate to living a life of faith, hope, and love? [05:14]
2. How does Jacob's story illustrate the danger of focusing solely on the visible landscape, and what lesson can be drawn about God's presence in unexpected places? [09:43]
3. The sermon mentions that we are unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny. How does this understanding impact the way one might live in the present moment? [16:49]
4. What role does guarding one's heart play in living a spiritual life centered on Jesus Christ, and how does this connect to the idea of living eternally in the moment? [14:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you become more aware of God's presence in your everyday activities, and what practical steps can you take to acknowledge His involvement? [02:48]
2. Consider a recent challenge or disappointment. How might focusing on the invisible landscape, where God resides, change your perspective or response to this situation? [06:54]
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be building with "wood, hay, or stubble." What changes can you make to ensure you are building with enduring materials like faith, hope, and love? [05:14]
4. Think of a time when you felt alone or in a difficult place. How can the story of Jacob encourage you to recognize God's presence and promises in your own life? [09:43]
5. How can you practice putting Jesus' teachings into action, even when the outcome is uncertain? What is one specific teaching of Jesus you can focus on this week? [15:37]
6. Reflect on the statement, "I am an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God's great universe." How does this truth influence your identity and purpose? [17:04]
7. Proverbs 4:23 advises guarding your heart. What specific actions can you take to protect your heart and maintain a strong connection with God in your daily life? [14:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Eternal Life as a Present Reality
Eternal life is not something to be anticipated in the distant future; it is a present reality that we are invited to experience now. Living eternally in the moment means recognizing that God is actively involved in our lives at every moment. It involves acknowledging His presence and expecting His involvement in our daily activities. This perspective shifts our focus from merely waiting for eternal life to embracing it as a current experience. By living in the presence of God, we allow our lives to be intertwined with His eternal plan, which requires us to be mindful of His presence and to reflect His character in our actions. [02:12]
John 17:3 (ESV): "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily routine today, and what changes might you make to live more fully in the moment with Him?
Day 2: Building on the Foundation of Christ
Our lives are built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and we are called to construct upon this foundation with materials that will endure God's testing. This means living a life characterized by faith, hope, and love, rather than being consumed by transient worldly concerns. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our work will be tested by fire, which is the presence of God, and only what is built on the foundation of Christ will endure. By focusing on eternal values, we ensure that our lives reflect the enduring qualities of God's kingdom. [05:14]
1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can prioritize faith, hope, and love in your life today, and how can you ensure that your actions are aligned with the foundation of Christ?
Day 3: Navigating the Visible and Invisible Landscapes
We exist at the intersection of two landscapes: the visible and the invisible. While the visible landscape can be overwhelming, the invisible landscape, where God resides, is where our true life is found. Our thoughts, choices, and experiences are part of this invisible reality, and we must be careful not to lose sight of it. By focusing on the invisible landscape, we align ourselves with God's presence and purpose, allowing us to navigate the visible world with a sense of peace and assurance. [06:16]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one visible concern that has been overwhelming you lately, and how can you shift your focus to the invisible reality of God's presence and promises?
Day 4: Encountering God in Unexpected Places
The story of Jacob illustrates the danger of focusing solely on the visible. In his fear and scheming, Jacob found himself in a ditch, yet it was there that he encountered God. This encounter reminds us that God is present even in the most unexpected places. We must remember that we are not alone; God is with us, and we can rely on Him. By being open to encountering God in unexpected places, we allow ourselves to experience His presence and guidance in new and profound ways. [09:43]
Genesis 28:16 (ESV): "Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.'"
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How might you be open to encountering God in this situation, and what steps can you take to seek His presence and guidance?
Day 5: Practicing Jesus' Teachings in Uncertainty
Living eternally in the moment involves putting Jesus' teachings into practice, even when the outcome is uncertain. It is through this practice that we become assured of our identity as God's children and co-laborers. By embracing this truth, we live fully in the present, with the assurance of our eternal significance. Practicing Jesus' teachings requires faith and courage, but it also brings the reward of a deeper relationship with God and a clearer understanding of our purpose in His kingdom. [15:37]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: What is one teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to practice, and how can you take a step of faith today to put it into action, despite any uncertainty you may feel?
Quotes
"Eternal life is now; it is eternal living. Sometimes I think it would help if, when we go through our scriptures, we would just replace eternal life with eternal living. Now, what exactly does that mean? It simply means that living moment by moment, our lives are caught up in God's life." [00:01:41]
"God's life invites us to be part of it, and we can make our lives and our moments eternal by making sure that we are acting in the presence and the character and the power of God. Practically, what that means is that we acknowledge his presence where we are and that we expect him to be involved in what we're doing." [00:02:28]
"The Apostle Paul tells us in First Corinthians 3, no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. You have had in your lives because of your families and because your time here you have been laying that foundation ever more strongly." [00:03:07]
"Paul tells us that we have the opportunity to build on that foundation of Jesus Christ. But he goes ahead to say now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, some translucent say, stubble... Each man's work will become evident for the day will show it." [00:04:33]
"We live at the cross section of two landscapes. One of those landscapes is visible, the other is invisible. And as we build upon Christ, where we wind up in our lives, we do want to keep in mind that even though it may seem like quite an ordinary place, God is there." [00:06:12]
"The story of Jacob teaches us that God is present even in unexpected places. We must remember that we are not alone and can rely on God's presence and promises, even when circumstances seem dire. Jacob was living in the visible landscape, trying to deal with his life simply in terms that he could bring up on his own." [00:09:43]
"As you go from this place, one of the things is going to happen to you is people around you are going to say what you learned here is, to speak in theological terms, baloney. They're going to say well you got a lot of nice things there and got a lot of nice friends and perhaps some illusions to support you on your way." [00:11:49]
"Keep your heart with all diligence because what your life amounts to comes out of your heart. Interesting, not your circumstances, out of your heart. Your heart is the direct connection with God and his kingdom, and you must learn how to keep your heart present to God." [00:13:48]
"When you ask for guidance in your life, God does not give you a road map; he gives you a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. But we have to seek him, we have to call upon him, we have to lean upon him, cling to him, the person, and that's the secret of the spiritual life." [00:14:37]
"Patiently put into practice right where you are the things that Jesus teaches us to do. The key is to do it, and if you don't know what is going to happen, that's no reason not to put it into practice. Take the things that Jesus said, put them into practice, and you will certainly fail, and then you will learn." [00:15:37]
"One of the greatest blessings of living this way is that you become assured of who you are as God's creature, child, and co-laborer. And this is very important because nearly everything you will meet will try to turn you away from that knowledge. Being with him and him with us becomes a tangible fact in our life as our life progresses." [00:16:35]
"You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God's great universe. Let me say that again: you are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God's great universe. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, that is who you are, and as you seize that truth and put it into practice, you are living eternally in the moment." [00:17:36]
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