Resting in Christ: Embracing God's Unchanging Love
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded that everything in our culture and lives is about how well we do. However, with God, it's not about what we do or how successful we are. I can't do anything to make God love me more. I was reminded that the same resurrection power that is in Christ is in my life through the Holy Spirit. The requirement is to be in Christ, not to do more or be more. I was also reminded that my calling is to rest in Christ and be raised up with him because of his immeasurable mercy and grace.
In the second part of the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of surrendering to Jesus and resting in him. I was also reminded of the importance of walking as the masterpiece that God has created me to be. I was encouraged to live out the good works that God has prepared for me in advance. I was also reminded of the importance of praying for the leaders of ministries and for God to open and shut doors as needed.
Key takeaways:
- God's love for us is not dependent on our actions or accomplishments. It is a constant, unchanging love that we can rest in. [37:18]
- The same resurrection power that is in Christ is also in us through the Holy Spirit. This power is not something we earn or achieve, but something we receive when we are in Christ. [38:03]
- Our calling is not to strive for more or to be more, but to rest in Christ and be raised up with him. This is a calling to surrender and trust, not to strive and achieve. [38:44]
- We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. These works are not something we have to strive for or achieve, but something we walk into as we live out our faith. [40:49]
- The importance of surrendering to Jesus and resting in him, knowing that he is the one who has done the work of salvation. [56:58]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. ( #!!48:45!!#)
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be God's masterpiece according to Ephesians 2:10?
2. How does the concept of being God's masterpiece relate to the good things He has planned for us?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 2:10 challenge our understanding of our identity and purpose in Christ?
2. What implications does this verse have for how we live our daily lives?
Application Questions:
1. In what ways have you experienced God's love and grace in your life, even when you felt you didn't deserve it?
2. How can you step into the good works God has prepared for you this week? Be specific.
3. Can you think of a time when you felt like you had to get everything right before you could serve God? How does Ephesians 2:10 challenge this mindset?
4. How can you share what Jesus is doing in your life with someone this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Being Jesus with Skin On
We are called to be the physical embodiment of Christ's love and grace in the world. This means extending our hands and feet in service, showing kindness, and embodying the teachings of Jesus in our daily interactions. This is how we can truly be "Jesus with skin on" to those around us ([01:00:29]).
1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Reflection: Reflect on your interactions this week. How can you better embody the love and grace of Jesus in your daily life?
Day 2: The Power of Encouragement
Encouragement can soften hardened hearts and open us up to the transformative power of God's love. When we encourage others, we are participating in God's work of healing and restoration ([53:01]).
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement right now? How can you offer them words or acts of encouragement this week?
Day 3: Resting in Jesus
We are invited to rest in Jesus, trusting in His love and grace. This means letting go of our own efforts and surrendering to His work in our lives. When we rest in Jesus, we find peace and strength for the journey ([55:19]).
Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying that you need to surrender to Jesus? How can you practice resting in Him this week?
Day 4: Living on Mission
As followers of Jesus, we are on a mission every day to share what God is doing in our lives. This mission takes many forms and can be as simple as a smile or a kind word ([56:06]).
Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: How can you live out your mission this week? What opportunities do you have to share what God is doing in your life?
Day 5: The Power of God's Love
God's love is the force that breaks the bonds of addiction, heals our wounds, and sets us free. It is the foundation on which we stand and the source of our hope and strength ([16:49]).
Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: How have you experienced the power of God's love in your life? How can you share this love with others this week?
Quotes
1. "It was your love that sent Jesus to die for us and father it's your love that breaks the bonds of addiction father God it's your love that breaks everything that we have that could come against us father it's your love that we can stand on it's your love that we can depend on father and we thank you for that and we thank you for what you do for us the Miracles that we see each and every day because of you and Lord we are so so grateful." - 15:57
2. "We all need encouragement. All of us need encouragement. That's one way you can you can be part of what we're doing. You just choose the center you want to sign up for there. You can be a part." - 52:02
3. "Lord Jesus we surrender. Lord Jesus we need your salvation we need you to forgive us and set us free we want to follow you Lord. Second Jesus we need to rest in you we need our hearts and our lives to rest in you knowing that you're the one who's done this work that Grace." - 56:23
4. "It's not of yourselves it is the gift of God not by works so that no one can boast for we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to good do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." - 40:42
5. "God was showing himself to me. I went to prison and I didn't get the sentence I should have got so he showed mercy on me and um I should be put away for a long time for that God show mercy and Grace for me he called me for a reason he saved my life for a reason." - 40:42
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