Restoring God's Presence for Peace and Order

 

Summary

In the wake of the tragic loss of 17 young lives in Florida, we are reminded of the profound impact of removing God from our lives and society. The scripture from 2nd Chronicles 15:3-6 illustrates a time when there was no true God, no teaching priest, and no law, leading to chaos and distress. This passage serves as a stark reminder that when God is removed, chaos fills the void. God's presence is not just a name but a value system that upholds peace and order. Without it, evil finds a way to fill the empty spaces left by His absence.

We must acknowledge our responsibility in this world. While we can enhance security measures, true safety comes from a society that values life and upholds a strong moral conscience. The dumbing down of the conscience leads to chaos, especially among the youth. The Bible teaches us that shedding innocent blood leads to more violence, highlighting the interconnectedness of our actions and their spiritual consequences.

As Christians, it is crucial to recognize these truths and actively work to bring God back into our lives, schools, and communities. This must be done in a responsible, kind, and non-forceful manner. When God is removed, chaos ensues, but by reinstating His presence, we can bring peace to a troubled world. Our role as a church is to facilitate this return, ensuring that God is placed in His rightful position in our lives and society.

We pray for the families affected by the tragedy, asking the God of all comfort to heal their wounds. We honor those who have sacrificed their lives for others, recognizing the cause-and-effect relationship of our actions. As we continue to worship and glorify God, let us commit to doing our part in restoring His presence in our world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The removal of God from society creates a vacuum filled by chaos and evil. God's presence is not just a name but a value system that upholds peace and order. Without it, society becomes vulnerable to distress and disorder. [01:02]

2. Enhancing security measures is important, but true safety comes from a society that values life and upholds a strong moral conscience. The dumbing down of the conscience leads to chaos, especially among the youth. [02:16]

3. The Bible teaches that shedding innocent blood leads to more violence, highlighting the interconnectedness of our actions and their spiritual consequences. Recognizing this cause-and-effect relationship is crucial for Christians. [02:51]

4. As Christians, we must actively work to bring God back into our lives, schools, and communities in a responsible, kind, and non-forceful manner. This is essential for restoring peace and order in a troubled world. [02:51]

5. We honor those who have sacrificed their lives for others, recognizing the cause-and-effect relationship of our actions. As we continue to worship and glorify God, let us commit to doing our part in restoring His presence in our world. [04:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - Tragic Loss and Prayer
- [01:02] - Cause and Effect of Removing God
- [01:42] - Responsibility and Security
- [02:16] - Dumbing Down of Conscience
- [02:51] - Interconnectedness of Actions
- [03:29] - Bringing God Back
- [04:02] - Prayer for Comfort
- [04:34] - Worship and Glorification

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Chronicles 15:3-6

Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Chronicles 15:3-6, what were the conditions in the land when there was no true God, no teaching priest, and no law? How did this contribute to the chaos described? [00:27]
2. What does the sermon suggest happens when God is removed from society? How does this relate to the concept of a value system? [01:02]
3. How does the sermon describe the "dumbing down of the conscience," and what impact does it have on society, especially among the youth? [02:16]
4. What role does the church have in bringing God back into communities, according to the sermon? [02:51]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the passage from 2 Chronicles 15:3-6 illustrate the cause-and-effect relationship between the absence of God and societal chaos? What lessons can be drawn from this for today's world? [00:27]
2. The sermon mentions that God's presence is not just a name but a value system. How can this understanding change the way Christians approach societal issues? [01:02]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that shedding innocent blood leads to more violence? How does this concept of interconnectedness challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual consequences? [02:51]
4. What are some practical ways Christians can responsibly and kindly bring God back into schools and communities without being forceful? [02:51]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the absence of God in a particular area of your life. How did it affect your peace and order? What steps can you take to invite God back into that area? [01:02]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a strong moral conscience. What are some specific actions you can take to strengthen your conscience and influence those around you positively? [02:16]
3. Consider the interconnectedness of actions and spiritual consequences mentioned in the sermon. How can you be more mindful of the potential impact of your actions on others and society as a whole? [02:51]
4. Identify a specific way you can contribute to bringing God back into your community or school. What practical steps can you take this week to start this process? [02:51]
5. The sermon calls for honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for others. How can you honor their memory in your daily life and actions? [04:02]
6. How can you support and pray for families affected by tragedies, as mentioned in the sermon? What role does prayer play in offering comfort and healing? [04:02]
7. Reflect on the role of worship and glorification in restoring God's presence in the world. How can you incorporate more worship into your daily routine to help bring peace to a troubled world? [04:34]

Devotional

Day 1: The Void Left by God's Absence
When God is removed from society, a vacuum is created that is often filled by chaos and evil. This absence is not merely the lack of a name but the loss of a value system that upholds peace and order. Without God's guiding principles, society becomes vulnerable to distress and disorder. The tragic events in Florida serve as a stark reminder of this truth. As individuals and communities, we must strive to reinstate God's presence in our lives to prevent chaos from taking root. [01:02]

"For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and without law, but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them." (2 Chronicles 15:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you noticed chaos or disorder? How can you invite God's presence back into those areas today?


Day 2: The True Source of Safety
While enhancing security measures is important, true safety comes from a society that values life and upholds a strong moral conscience. The dumbing down of the conscience, especially among the youth, leads to chaos. It is crucial to cultivate a moral framework that respects life and promotes peace. By doing so, we create an environment where safety is not just a physical state but a spiritual one as well. [02:16]

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering a strong moral conscience in your community? What steps can you take today to promote values that uphold life and peace?


Day 3: The Spiritual Consequences of Violence
The Bible teaches that shedding innocent blood leads to more violence, highlighting the interconnectedness of our actions and their spiritual consequences. Recognizing this cause-and-effect relationship is crucial for Christians. Our actions have spiritual ramifications that extend beyond the immediate moment. By understanding this, we can make more informed choices that align with God's will and promote peace. [02:51]

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. What were the spiritual consequences of that decision, and how can you ensure your future actions align with God's will?


Day 4: Restoring God's Presence
As Christians, we must actively work to bring God back into our lives, schools, and communities in a responsible, kind, and non-forceful manner. This is essential for restoring peace and order in a troubled world. By living out our faith authentically and lovingly, we can influence those around us and create an environment where God's presence is felt and valued. [02:51]

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate God's love and presence in your community this week? How can you do this in a way that is both kind and non-forceful?


Day 5: Honoring Sacrifice and Commitment
We honor those who have sacrificed their lives for others, recognizing the cause-and-effect relationship of our actions. As we continue to worship and glorify God, let us commit to doing our part in restoring His presence in our world. By acknowledging the sacrifices made by others, we can be inspired to live lives of service and dedication to God's mission. [04:02]

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life has made a significant sacrifice for you? How can you honor their sacrifice by committing to a life of service and dedication to God's mission today?

Quotes

"As I go to prayer, we can't forget about the 17 families that lost their children in Florida. What a horrific loss. Can you conceive of getting a phone call as a parent that your child has been killed? And so I'm gonna pray for those families. But a number of people have asked me this week, 'Why is this happening? Why is this happening?' There is a cause-effect relationship." [00:00:00]

"2nd Chronicles chapter 15 verses 3 to 6 says, 'In those days there was no true god, no teaching priest, no law. There was no peace to him who came in or to him who went out.' It says, 'Citizen rose up against citizens. City rose up against city. Nation rose up against nation, for God troubled them with every kind of distress.'" [00:00:37]

"So here is why it's happening and here is why it will happen more: the further you remove God, the more chaos fills the vacuum. It's as simple and as difficult as that, because when you remove God, you remove his value system. See with God, it's not just a name. It's a value system." [00:00:62]

"And when you lose that value system, nature abhors a vacuum, filling that space of the absenteeism of God because he's been dismissed from our culture, from our schools, from our politics, then that empty space of his exclusion is filled with evil." [00:01:30]

"Now, we know we've got to be responsible, and we do. We take security responsible. We've added to our security here. We've added to it across the street, because we know that evil is present. And so, we will do our part, but all the security in the world—you could have a police person in every aisle—if people don't care about their lives, they not gonna care about yours." [00:01:47]

"Because what you're living with today is the dumbing down of the conscience. The dumbing down of the conscience. And as more people's consciences dumb down, the more chaotic they will be at a younger age. And so that's why it is absolutely critical." [00:02:16]

"The Bible has a cause-effect relationship. The Bible says, 'If you shed innocent blood, more innocent blood will be shed.' So, the more abortions you have, the more violence you'll see. See, so all of this is interconnected theologically and spiritually. The world doesn't recognize that." [00:02:39]

"It's critical that we as Christians recognize that and do our part in bringing God, in an appropriate, responsible, kind, non-force way, but to bring God back. When God left the school, chaos entered in. Wherever God is removed, chaos will fill that space. In your life, in your family, in our culture." [00:02:56]

"So, we will do our part as a church for you—for our community—to get God back in the proper place, so that we can bring ease to a chaotic world. Father, as we prepare to hear your word in a moment, I thank you for Fellowship Christian Academy." [00:03:24]

"I thank you for the parents, the staff, the alumni, and the investment we're making. I thank you for our public schools, particularly those who are seeking to do it in the right way. That you'll protect them and our students there, and that we will do our part to invest in the lives here locally and beyond." [00:03:37]

"I pray for seventeen families that lost loved ones, that the God of all comfort will heal the wound in their heart. I think about the coach who stepped in front of the bullets, and who was a Christian, and gave his life so others could live. Father, I just bless your name." [00:04:07]

"And we know the cause and effect relationship; I just pray that we will respond to it as things get worse and worse. So Lord, in the meantime we're going to give you the honor due your name. We're gonna worship you. And now, Lord, be glorified in the remainder of our service, in Jesus' name. All God's people said, amen." [00:04:24]

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Transcript
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