Repairing Our Hearts: A Call to Repentance
Summary
Summary:
As we step into the new year, it's comforting to know that God has already gone before us into 2025. He is the God who works all things for our good and His glory. Our desire is to be a church that steps into all that God has for us, embracing His plans and purposes. We begin this year with a call to prayer and fasting, seeking God's presence and blessing for our lives and our church community. We are reminded of the importance of being in right relationship with God, repairing the altar of our hearts, and turning away from sin and complacency.
Reflecting on the story from 1 Samuel, we see the Israelites' defeat by the Philistines and their misguided attempt to leverage God's presence through the Ark of the Covenant. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to use God for our own purposes rather than truly worshiping and obeying Him. The glory of God had departed from Israel because of their sin and disobedience, and they were unaware of it. This challenges us to examine the state of our own spiritual lives and the church today.
We are called to repair the altar, to repent, and to turn back to God with all our hearts. Just as Elijah repaired the altar before calling down fire from heaven, we too must restore our relationship with God to experience His presence and power. The story of Samuel and the Israelites' repentance and return to God reminds us that when we turn back to Him, He is faithful to deliver us and fill us with His glory.
As we begin this year, let us consecrate ourselves to the Lord, seeking His presence above all else. We are invited to join in prayer and fasting, to turn away from distractions and idols, and to hunger for more of God in our lives. Together, as a church, we can experience the fullness of God's plans and purposes, bringing His glory to our community and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
1. God Goes Before Us: As we enter 2025, we can find comfort in knowing that God has already gone before us. He is the God who works all things for our good and His glory, and we are called to step into all that He has for us with faith and trust. [00:00]
2. The Danger of Leveraging God: The story of the Israelites' defeat by the Philistines serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to use God for our own purposes. We must be careful not to leverage God for our own gain, but rather to worship and obey Him wholeheartedly. [56:23]
3. Repairing the Altar: Just as Elijah repaired the altar before calling down fire from heaven, we too must restore our relationship with God to experience His presence and power. This involves repentance, turning away from sin, and seeking God with all our hearts. [01:07:04]
4. The Call to Repentance: The story of Samuel and the Israelites' repentance reminds us that when we turn back to God, He is faithful to deliver us and fill us with His glory. Repentance is a turning back to God with all our hearts, committing ourselves to Him fully. [01:10:10]
5. Hunger for God's Presence: As we begin this year, we are called to consecrate ourselves to the Lord, seeking His presence above all else. Through prayer and fasting, we can turn away from distractions and idols, and hunger for more of God in our lives, experiencing the fullness of His plans and purposes. [01:14:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [16:59] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [45:20] - Testimonies and Thanksgiving
- [47:48] - Introduction to 1 Samuel
- [56:23] - The Israelites' Defeat
- [57:31] - The Glory Has Departed
- [59:20] - The State of the Church
- [01:00:25] - Tolerating Sin and Compromise
- [01:01:19] - Leveraging God
- [01:03:35] - Desire for God's Fire
- [01:04:34] - Elijah and the Altar
- [01:07:04] - Repairing the Altar
- [01:08:34] - Repentance and Return
- [01:10:10] - God's Deliverance
- [01:14:49] - Call to Prayer and Fasting
- [01:24:45] - Personal Reflection and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Samuel 4:1-11
2. 1 Kings 18:30-39
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the Israelites' initial reaction to their defeat by the Philistines, and what did they decide to do next? ([47:48])
2. How did the Philistines react when they heard that the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Israelite camp? ([56:23])
3. What actions did Elijah take before calling down fire from heaven, and why were these actions significant? ([01:05:45])
4. What was the outcome for the Israelites after they repented and turned back to God, according to the story of Samuel? ([01:10:10])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of the Israelites' defeat and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant teach about the consequences of trying to leverage God for personal gain? ([01:02:25])
2. How does the act of repairing the altar in Elijah's story symbolize the restoration of a right relationship with God? ([01:07:04])
3. In what ways does the call to repentance in the story of Samuel reflect the need for a wholehearted commitment to God? ([01:10:10])
4. How can the concept of God's glory departing from Israel be related to the current state of the church, as discussed in the sermon? ([01:00:25])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be trying to leverage God for personal gain rather than truly worshiping and obeying Him? How can you shift your focus to genuine worship? ([01:02:25])
2. Consider the "altar" of your heart. What steps can you take to repair and restore your relationship with God, similar to Elijah's actions? ([01:07:04])
3. The sermon calls for repentance and turning back to God with all our hearts. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate a wholehearted commitment to God? ([01:10:10])
4. As the new year begins, how can you participate in the church's call to prayer and fasting? What distractions or idols might you need to turn away from to hunger for more of God's presence? ([01:14:49])
5. Reflect on the state of your spiritual life. Are there signs that the "glory days" are behind you, and if so, what can you do to invite God's presence back into your life? ([01:00:25])
6. How can you encourage others in your church community to join in the call to prayer and fasting, and what role can you play in fostering a collective hunger for God's presence? ([01:14:49])
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel God's presence is lacking. What practical steps can you take to invite His glory back into that area? ([01:12:10])
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Presence Precedes Us
As we step into the new year, it is reassuring to know that God has already gone before us into 2025. This understanding invites us to trust in His sovereignty and His plans for our lives. God is not bound by time as we are; He is already present in our future, working all things for our good and His glory. This truth calls us to step into the new year with faith and confidence, knowing that we are not alone. We are encouraged to embrace all that God has for us, trusting that His plans are far greater than our own. As we align ourselves with His purposes, we can walk boldly into the future, assured of His guidance and provision. [00:00]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to trust God with as you enter this new year, knowing He has already gone before you?
Day 2: Worship Over Manipulation
The story of the Israelites' defeat by the Philistines serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of trying to use God for our own purposes. The Israelites attempted to leverage God's presence through the Ark of the Covenant, hoping it would guarantee their victory. However, their actions were rooted in a desire to manipulate God rather than genuinely worship and obey Him. This cautionary tale challenges us to examine our own motives and relationship with God. Are we seeking to use Him for our own gain, or are we truly committed to worshiping Him with a sincere heart? We are called to approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing that His presence is not something to be exploited but cherished and honored. [56:23]
1 Samuel 4:3 (ESV): "And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, 'Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.'"
Reflection: In what ways might you be tempted to use God for your own purposes, and how can you shift your focus to genuine worship and obedience?
Day 3: Restoring Our Spiritual Altar
Just as Elijah repaired the altar before calling down fire from heaven, we too must restore our relationship with God to experience His presence and power. This process involves repentance, turning away from sin, and seeking God with all our hearts. The altar represents our heart's devotion and commitment to God, and when it is in disrepair, our spiritual lives suffer. We are called to examine the state of our hearts and make the necessary repairs, removing anything that hinders our relationship with God. As we do so, we open ourselves to experiencing His transformative power and presence in our lives. [01:07:04]
1 Kings 18:30 (ESV): "Then Elijah said to all the people, 'Come near to me.' And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to repair the altar of your heart and restore your relationship with God?
Day 4: Turning Back to God
The story of Samuel and the Israelites' repentance and return to God reminds us that when we turn back to Him, He is faithful to deliver us and fill us with His glory. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for our sins but involves a complete turning back to God with all our hearts. It requires a commitment to forsake sin and pursue a life of holiness and obedience. As we repent and return to God, we can trust in His promise to forgive and restore us, filling us with His presence and power. This call to repentance is an invitation to experience the fullness of God's grace and mercy in our lives. [01:10:10]
1 Samuel 7:3 (ESV): "And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, 'If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to turn back to God, and how can you begin that process of repentance today?
Day 5: Seeking God’s Presence
As we begin this year, we are called to consecrate ourselves to the Lord, seeking His presence above all else. Through prayer and fasting, we can turn away from distractions and idols, and hunger for more of God in our lives. This intentional pursuit of God requires us to set aside time to be in His presence, to listen to His voice, and to align our hearts with His will. As we seek Him with all our hearts, we open ourselves to experiencing the fullness of His plans and purposes for our lives. This call to seek God's presence is an invitation to deepen our relationship with Him and to be transformed by His love and grace. [01:14:49]
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What distractions or idols do you need to set aside to seek God’s presence more fully, and how can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your life this week?
Quotes
"Okay, we're a little bit excited, but you know what, as we were praying in the office before the service, there's something that gives me comfort, and that is to know that God is already in all that is 2025, you know, that he is the God who goes before, so nothing's going to happen that's going to take him by surprise, but I have found it interesting to read, you know, some of the posts on Facebook, like, I want to know what's going on before I agree to this. We're having some fun and some laughs about it, but truly God is going before us, and we said, we talked last week, in everything he works for our good and his glory, amen?" [00:07:13] (41 seconds)
"We pray that you would be manifest, meaning your tangible presence, that we would sense and feel and know that you are here and that you are God, that you would meet us in this place, that we would worship you in truth from the true place within us. We would bless your name. We would honor you for all that you are, the sovereign Lord, God, and King above all. And that as we draw near to you and bless you and worship you, that you would just come in such a real way in this place. God, thank you that you have went before us for this day. Thank you that you've went into this year before us, that you love us and your plans for us are good. So God, we want all that you have for us. So guide and lead us according to your good purpose. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Amen. Amen. Let's stand and let's worship him today." [00:08:23] (52 seconds)
"Do you think that God wanted to leave their presence? Do you think he wanted to have a separation between him and his people? Guys, do you think that's what happened? Do you think that's what he wanted? Do you think that he just left them because he's mean and hateful, God? No, because he won't force anyone here in this place to follow him. He won't force you to live in a place of presence and connection with God. And they chose sin." [01:01:56] (29 seconds)
"And so the glory left the place. They didn't want to obey him and serve him. They wanted to sin. They wanted to do their own thing. They didn't want his presence. So he stepped away so they could feel what it was like to not have his presence. That's what's happening in this story. Look at our churches today. And I'm not talking about our church. I'm not saying that here in our actual place where we gather that God's glory isn't here. But you know what I want? I want his fire." [01:03:11] (36 seconds)
"Elijah said to the people when it was his turn now, he said, come here to me. The people came and the first thing that he did was what? He repaired the altar. The altar of the Lord was torn down. I want you to go back to that house picture. When our spiritual condition, is in a state of disrepair, the altar is torn down. You see, the altar represents right relationship with God. I just feel like that's the simplest way I can tell you." [01:06:04] (34 seconds)
"When we build an altar and we sacrifice to the Lord, it's that my heart and my mind recognize that he is God and I am meant to worship him and I am meant to obey with him. When that is right, that is repairing the altar. So what was happening? Was before he was going to call down fire, the first thing he had to do was repair the altar. And when he repaired the altar, guess what happened? The flames came and consumed the sacrifice." [01:06:38] (32 seconds)
"Samuel says all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord. What's that? Turning back. What's that? Repentance. It's like saying the people repented. What's the first thing we got to do to repair the altar? Repent. Turn back. Change our mind. We made a mistake. Sorry, God. Sorry we left you. Sorry we sinned. Sorry we went our own way. Turn back. They turned back to the Lord, Samuel said. If you're returning to the Lord, with part of your heart, come on now, all of your heart, then get rid of the foreign gods." [01:09:21] (37 seconds)
"Commit yourself to the Lord. Serve him, and he will deliver you. Come on, somebody. Come on. Come on, Verna. Give that amen. Commit yourself to the Lord. Turn back to him. He's waiting. You see, God wants to fill the house with his glory. It's not God. Who is it? It's us. So turn back to him with all of your heart and he will deliver you. And so they did that and they said, we'll serve the Lord. And Samuel said, assemble them." [01:10:09] (41 seconds)
"And when they prayed and he drew the water and poured it out, they fasted and they confessed, we have sinned against the Lord. Come on now, what's going to happen? The battle was on. The Philistines drew. They drew near to engage Israel. But that day, come on. I love this. The Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines. Who was home? Who was home? He was back. When they turned and repented and fasted and prayed, the presence of God came with his people, Israel. He thundered against their enemies and they were destroyed. And God's people went on to victory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [01:10:51] (53 seconds)
"Father, thank you for this call to repent and fast and pray. And I pray, Lord, just as simple as I can. I pray that you would call, every person of every age in this place and listening online to be part of what you want to do here in Oxford Church of the Nazarene this year. And I pray that for everyone who says, Jesus, I want it. I want you. Come and fill my life and fill my family and change me. I pray, God, that they would receive beyond anything they have ever dreamed and that you would use us as your church this year to bring the glory of God to this place." [01:17:27] (46 seconds)
"Restore all of us into the fullness that you have for us, and your plans and your desires for our life, Jesus. We bless your name, we thank you, and we praise you for all that you've done and all that you're going to do. In Jesus' name, in Jesus' name, amen. Amen. Amen. God bless you. As you start a new year, I pray that you would hunger with me for more of him." [01:34:35] (29 seconds)
"Let's be a church that is walking through God's word together. Don't forget, if you haven't started, grab your Bible reading plan. A church that seeks God's word first. A church that prays is an unstoppable church." [01:35:26] (15 seconds)
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