Resting in God's Unchanging Goodness and Salvation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound and unchanging nature of God's goodness and the completeness we find in Christ. Reflecting on the timeless truth that God does not change, we are reminded that our salvation is secure because of His steadfast nature. This assurance allows us to rest in the finished work of Christ, who, through His blood, has obtained eternal salvation for us. The power of the blood of Jesus remains as fresh and potent today as it was when He first poured it out on the mercy seat. This eternal truth invites us to place our faith in what He has accomplished, understanding the depth of His sacrifice and the rest it provides.
We delved into the significance of being grafted into the family of God, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles must come through the cross to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. The apostles, preaching from the Old Testament, laid the foundation for the inclusion of the Gentiles, highlighting God's plan to extend His salvation to all nations. This transition from Hebrew to Greek scriptures symbolized the broadening of God's message to the Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be a light to all people.
Psalm 23 served as a central theme, illustrating the personal relationship we have with Jesus as our Shepherd. This relationship is not just about guidance but also about restoration and righteousness. The Lord leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake, ensuring that we are not led astray but are continually restored and guided by His Spirit. This path of righteousness is not about perfection but about being led by the Holy Spirit, who convicts, guides, and comforts us.
The message also touched on the importance of the home as the foundation of the church, emphasizing the need for restoration and reconciliation within our families and communities. The covenant of marriage, as established by God, is a reflection of His unchanging nature and serves as a cornerstone for a healthy church and society.
Finally, we were reminded of the victory we have in Christ, not through our own efforts but through His finished work on the cross. Our enemies, whether they be dysfunctionality or personal struggles, must acknowledge our victory in Jesus. This victory is not dependent on our abilities but on the unchanging goodness and mercy of God that follows us all the days of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Unchanging Nature: God's unchanging nature assures us of our salvation. His steadfastness means that the power of Jesus' blood remains as potent today as it was at the time of His sacrifice, inviting us to rest in His finished work. [11:23]
2. Inclusion of the Gentiles: The transition from Hebrew to Greek scriptures symbolizes God's plan to include the Gentiles in His salvation. This inclusion fulfills the prophecy that Jesus would be a light to all nations, emphasizing the universality of the gospel. [14:55]
3. Personal Relationship with the Shepherd: Psalm 23 illustrates our personal relationship with Jesus as our Shepherd. This relationship is about guidance, restoration, and righteousness, ensuring we are led by His Spirit in paths of righteousness. [28:29]
4. Foundation of the Church: The home is the foundation of the church, and the covenant of marriage reflects God's unchanging nature. Restoration and reconciliation within families are crucial for a healthy church and society. [40:25]
5. Victory in Christ: Our victory is not through our own efforts but through Jesus' finished work on the cross. This victory is acknowledged by our enemies and is based on God's goodness and mercy that follow us all our lives. [55:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:05] - Worship and Reflection
- [08:48] - Completeness in Christ
- [11:23] - The Power of the Blood
- [12:56] - Old Testament Foundations
- [13:34] - Gentiles Grafted In
- [14:55] - Transition to Greek Scriptures
- [16:04] - The Goodness of God
- [17:23] - Light to the Gentiles
- [18:54] - Jesus and the Cross
- [19:49] - Intercession of Christ
- [21:31] - Isaiah's Prophecies
- [22:29] - Salvation to the Ends of the Earth
- [26:31] - Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd
- [28:29] - Paths of Righteousness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..."
2. Isaiah 42:6 - "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand..."
3. Isaiah 49:6 - "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob..."
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 23 reveal about the nature of our relationship with God as our Shepherd? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on guidance and restoration? [26:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the blood of Jesus and its power today? [11:23]
3. What role did the transition from Hebrew to Greek scriptures play in the inclusion of the Gentiles, according to the sermon? [14:55]
4. How does the sermon connect the covenant of marriage to the foundation of the church? [40:25]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the unchanging nature of God provide assurance for believers, as discussed in the sermon? [11:23]
2. How does the sermon interpret the prophecy in Isaiah about Jesus being a light to the Gentiles? What implications does this have for the universality of the gospel? [22:29]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in leading believers in paths of righteousness? How is this related to the concept of restoration? [28:29]
4. How does the sermon view the victory in Christ over personal struggles and dysfunctionality? What is the basis for this victory? [55:39]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s unchanging nature in your life. How did it impact your faith and assurance of salvation? [11:23]
2. How can you actively participate in the inclusion of others in the gospel message, especially those who might feel like outsiders? [14:55]
3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper personal relationship with Jesus as your Shepherd, as described in Psalm 23? [26:31]
4. How can you work towards restoration and reconciliation within your family or community, reflecting the sermon’s emphasis on the home as the foundation of the church? [40:25]
5. Identify a personal struggle or area of dysfunctionality in your life. How can you rely on the victory in Christ to overcome it? [55:39]
6. What steps can you take to ensure that your life is led by the Holy Spirit in paths of righteousness? How can this lead to personal restoration? [28:29]
7. How does understanding the power of Jesus’ blood influence your daily walk with God? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth? [11:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unchanging Assurance of God's Nature
Reflecting on the unchanging nature of God, we find a profound assurance in our salvation. God's steadfastness is a cornerstone of our faith, providing us with the confidence that the power of Jesus' blood remains as potent today as it was at the time of His sacrifice. This eternal truth invites us to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our salvation is secure because of His unchanging nature. As we place our faith in what He has accomplished, we are invited to understand the depth of His sacrifice and the rest it provides. This assurance is not just a theological concept but a living reality that impacts our daily lives, allowing us to live with peace and confidence in His promises. [11:23]
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's unchanging nature? How can you remind yourself of His steadfastness today?
Day 2: The Universal Invitation of the Gospel
The transition from Hebrew to Greek scriptures symbolizes God's inclusive plan to extend His salvation to all nations, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be a light to all people. This inclusion of the Gentiles highlights the universality of the gospel, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles must come through the cross to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. The apostles, preaching from the Old Testament, laid the foundation for this inclusion, demonstrating that God's plan was always to bring salvation to all. This truth challenges us to embrace the diversity of God's family and to share the message of Christ's love with everyone, regardless of their background or heritage. [14:55]
"And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed.'" (Galatians 3:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in sharing the gospel with someone from a different background or culture this week?
Day 3: The Shepherd's Guidance and Restoration
Psalm 23 beautifully illustrates our personal relationship with Jesus as our Shepherd, emphasizing not only His guidance but also His restoration and righteousness. The Lord leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake, ensuring that we are not led astray but are continually restored and guided by His Spirit. This path of righteousness is not about achieving perfection but about being led by the Holy Spirit, who convicts, guides, and comforts us. As we walk with our Shepherd, we experience His care and provision, knowing that He is with us in every season of life. [28:29]
"He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you need the Shepherd's guidance and restoration in your life today? How can you open your heart to His leading?
Day 4: The Home as the Church's Foundation
The home is the foundation of the church, and the covenant of marriage reflects God's unchanging nature. Restoration and reconciliation within our families and communities are crucial for a healthy church and society. As we prioritize the health of our homes, we create a strong foundation for the church to thrive. This involves nurturing relationships, practicing forgiveness, and seeking reconciliation where there is brokenness. By reflecting God's unchanging nature in our homes, we become a living testimony of His love and faithfulness to the world around us. [40:25]
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to foster restoration and reconciliation within your family or community this week?
Day 5: Victory Through Christ's Finished Work
Our victory is not through our own efforts but through Jesus' finished work on the cross. This victory is acknowledged by our enemies and is based on God's goodness and mercy that follow us all the days of our lives. As we rest in His finished work, we are reminded that our struggles and challenges do not define us; rather, it is Christ's victory that gives us hope and strength. This truth empowers us to face our enemies, whether they be dysfunctionality or personal struggles, with confidence, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [55:39]
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)
Reflection: What personal struggle or challenge do you need to surrender to Christ's victory today? How can you practically live out this victory in your daily life?
Quotes
"The Bible says in him we're complete. We lack nothing. And if you read that in context with what Paul's writing to the church of Colossians, and you can even look, cross-reference it to the church of Galatia. We're complete. You have to realize that in those churches there were Gentile believers, and we're going to talk about the Gentiles being grafted in." [00:08:20] (27 seconds)
"his back and onto the ground, don't know how he did it, but the Bible says with his own blood he entered into heaven once and for all to obtain eternal salvation, he poured that blood on the bloodline, it was like a wichtig… mercy seat got another question for you that blood that Jesus poured on the mercy seat do you think it's just as fresh and powerful today as it was when he did it he cannot change" [00:10:36] (34 seconds)
"King David's talking about. The Lord is my shepherd. We've been grafted in. All of us, I don't, I can't speak for everybody in here, but somewhere up the line, some of our forefathers acted on the gospel. You have to remember, at the time of Jesus' death, there was no New Testament." [00:12:29] (27 seconds)
"I'm glad they rejected him. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Thank God. Thank God. Paul says in Romans, he says that blindness in part has happened to the Jews and to the fullness of the Gentiles come in. And keep in mind, when the believers were preaching, the apostles were preaching after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, all they had was the Old Testament scriptures." [00:13:47] (30 seconds)
"He's still seated at our Father's right hand. He's calling our name out. You see, his ministry of intercession didn't cease when he died. It only continued. It was perpetual. It was perpetuated. We have a high priest who was touched with our weaknesses. For he at all points were tempted like as we are yet with our sin." [00:20:11] (31 seconds)
"The Lord is my shepherd. I'm going to turn over there to Psalm 23. This is something that I've pretty much prayed over my life, not every night, but many times. He's my shepherd. It's a personal relationship. He didn't just come along and say, listen, buddy, I'm going to be your boss." [00:26:31] (23 seconds)
"The foundation of the church. Don't say it again. I'll speak to this side over here. The foundation of the church is the home. Can I get amen? The foundation of the church is the home. Anybody over here can agree with me. Amen. He restores my soul. I want" [00:40:38] (18 seconds)
"And you can say, Lord Jesus, thank you that you're leading me in paths of righteousness which lead to restoration. Lord, you're not leading me to places I don't need to go. You're not getting me to do the things that I don't need to do. You're leading me in paths of righteousness." [00:42:03] (23 seconds)
"They have to look at your victory because your victory is not in what you do. When I finally realized that it's not how good I could sing and believe me, I did song service for the longest of time. Played my saxophone. Got to where I thought, man, I'm pretty good at this." [00:56:08] (18 seconds)
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