Returning to God: Embracing His Promises and Presence
Summary
On this first Sunday of the new year, we gather with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation for what God has in store for us in 2025. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded of the importance of returning to God, aligning ourselves with His precepts and ordinances. Our theme for this month is "Returning to God," and it is a call to each of us to examine our lives and draw closer to Him.
We began by reflecting on the story of King Abijah and King Jeroboam from 2 Chronicles. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that even when the odds seem stacked against us, God is with those who remain faithful to Him. Abijah's reliance on God's covenant with David illustrates that God's promises are enduring and that He is not intimidated by numbers or circumstances. As we face the challenges of this new year, we are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises.
Prayer and fasting are vital disciplines that connect us to God, and as a church, we will engage in 21 days of prayer and fasting from January 6th to 26th. This is a time to seek God's direction and to intentionally set aside moments to be in His presence. It is through these practices that we sharpen our spiritual weapons and prepare ourselves for the battles ahead.
We also explored the ways in which we can lose our way, drawing from examples like the prodigal son and the Ethiopian eunuch. These stories remind us that whether through rebellion, ignorance, or distraction, we can find ourselves distant from God. Yet, the call to return is always open, and God is ready to welcome us back with open arms.
As we move forward, let us not abandon God. He remains constant, and if we find ourselves distant, it is we who have moved. This year, let us commit to coming back to God, to washing ourselves in His Word, and to giving up our sinful ways. God promises that though our sins are like scarlet, He will make them white as snow. Let us embrace this promise and draw near to Him, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive and restore us.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Promises Are Unchanging: The story of King Abijah reminds us that God's covenant is everlasting. Despite being outnumbered, Abijah trusted in God's promise to David, demonstrating that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances. As we enter 2025, we can be assured that God is with us, and His promises remain true. [57:19]
2. The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in prayer and fasting is crucial for spiritual growth and connection with God. These disciplines allow us to enter the throne room of heaven and seek His guidance. As we dedicate time to these practices, we prepare ourselves to hear from God and align our lives with His will. [59:34]
3. Recognizing When We've Lost Our Way: Like the prodigal son and the Ethiopian eunuch, we can find ourselves distant from God. Whether through rebellion or lack of understanding, the call to return is always open. God desires for us to come back to Him, to seek His presence, and to grow in our knowledge of Him. [01:19:59]
4. Do Not Abandon God: God remains constant, and if we feel distant, it is we who have moved. He calls us to return, to wash ourselves in His Word, and to give up our sinful ways. As we draw near to Him, He promises to cleanse us and make us whole. [01:25:58]
5. God's Invitation to Return: God is always ready to welcome us back, just as the father welcomed the prodigal son. As we start this new year, let us commit to returning to God, to seeking His presence, and to living lives that honor Him. He is waiting with open arms, ready to restore and renew us. [01:29:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Opening Prayer
[05:30] - Communion Preparation
[28:15] - Communion Reflection
[31:50] - Call to Worship
[55:05] - Introduction to 2 Chronicles
[56:13] - Abijah's Stand
[57:19] - God's Covenant with David
[58:39] - Call to Return to God
[59:34] - Importance of Prayer and Fasting
[01:02:10] - God's Promises
[01:07:57] - Losing Our Way
[01:10:38] - Power and Position
[01:19:59] - Ethiopian Eunuch's Journey
[01:25:58] - Do Not Abandon God
[01:29:14] - Invitation to Return to God
[01:37:33] - Altar Call and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Returning to God
Bible Reading:
- 2 Chronicles 13:1-12
- Luke 15:11-32
- Acts 8:26-31
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of King Abijah and King Jeroboam from 2 Chronicles, what was the key factor that gave Abijah confidence despite being outnumbered? ([56:13])
2. How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate the concept of losing one's way and returning to God? ([01:18:29])
3. What was the Ethiopian eunuch doing when Philip approached him, and what does this reveal about his spiritual state? ([01:19:59])
4. According to the sermon, what are the two primary disciplines that connect us to God, and why are they important? ([59:34])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the covenant God made with David in 2 Chronicles 13:1-12 demonstrate the unchanging nature of God's promises? What does this mean for believers today? ([57:19])
2. In the parable of the prodigal son, what does the father's reaction to his son's return teach us about God's character and His invitation to return? ([01:29:14])
3. The Ethiopian eunuch was reading scripture but did not understand it. What does this suggest about the role of community and guidance in understanding God's Word? ([01:19:59])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting. How do these practices help believers align their lives with God's will? ([59:34])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take, or can you take, to return to Him and realign your life with His precepts? ([01:25:58])
2. The sermon mentions the importance of prayer and fasting. How can you incorporate these disciplines into your daily routine to seek God's direction for 2025? ([59:34])
3. Consider the story of the prodigal son. Is there an area in your life where you need to return to God and seek His forgiveness and restoration? ([01:29:14])
4. The Ethiopian eunuch sought understanding of the scriptures. How can you actively seek guidance and community to deepen your understanding of God's Word? ([01:19:59])
5. The sermon highlights the danger of losing our way through rebellion or distraction. What practical steps can you take to stay focused on God's path for your life? ([01:07:57])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging promises when facing challenges or feeling outnumbered, as King Abijah did? ([57:19])
7. As we begin this new year, what specific commitment can you make to draw closer to God and live a life that honors Him? ([01:29:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Unchanging Promises
In the story of King Abijah and King Jeroboam from 2 Chronicles, we see a powerful example of God's enduring promises. Despite being outnumbered, Abijah relied on God's covenant with David, demonstrating that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances. This narrative reminds us that God's promises are unchanging and that He is with those who remain faithful to Him. As we enter 2025, we are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises, regardless of the challenges we may face. [57:19]
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you need to hold onto this year, and how can you remind yourself of it daily?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are vital disciplines that connect us to God and allow us to seek His guidance. Engaging in these practices helps us sharpen our spiritual weapons and prepare ourselves for the battles ahead. As a church, we will engage in 21 days of prayer and fasting from January 6th to 26th, setting aside intentional moments to be in God's presence. Through these disciplines, we open ourselves to hear from God and align our lives with His will, experiencing spiritual growth and transformation. [59:34]
"Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster." (Joel 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your daily routine this month to seek God's direction and presence more intentionally?
Day 3: Recognizing Our Distance from God
The stories of the prodigal son and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrate how we can find ourselves distant from God, whether through rebellion, ignorance, or distraction. Yet, the call to return is always open, and God is ready to welcome us back with open arms. Recognizing when we've lost our way is the first step in drawing closer to God. He desires for us to seek His presence and grow in our knowledge of Him, offering us grace and forgiveness as we return to Him. [01:19:59]
"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you found yourself distant from God, and what steps can you take today to begin returning to Him?
Day 4: Remaining Close to God
God remains constant, and if we feel distant, it is we who have moved. He calls us to return, to wash ourselves in His Word, and to give up our sinful ways. As we draw near to Him, He promises to cleanse us and make us whole. This year, let us commit to coming back to God, embracing His promise to make our sins white as snow, and living lives that honor Him. God is faithful and just to forgive and restore us when we seek Him with sincere hearts. [01:25:58]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel distant from God, and how can you actively seek to draw closer to Him this week?
Day 5: Embracing God's Invitation to Return
God is always ready to welcome us back, just as the father welcomed the prodigal son. As we start this new year, let us commit to returning to God, seeking His presence, and living lives that honor Him. He is waiting with open arms, ready to restore and renew us. Embracing God's invitation to return involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and towards His love and grace, trusting in His promise to forgive and restore us. [01:29:14]
"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isaiah 1:18, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to embrace God's invitation to return to Him, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Quotes
"On this first Sunday of the year, we offer back praise, thanks, and adoration to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We thank you and we praise you, Heavenly Father. Let everything that says in the word of the Lord be with you in the day that is due to you and you alone. This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. We welcome you, Holy Spirit. Have your way in this place today on this first Sunday of the year, and we thank you and we give you all praise in Jesus' name. Amen." [00:09:02]
"As we start off this new year into 2025, it's time to come back to God. It's time to come back to his ordinance and his precept. As we start off this year, our first connection should be to God. Yes, we as a corporate church of believers from around the world will be participating in a 21-day of prayer and fasting and seeking God's direction from January the 6th through the 26th." [00:59:06]
"These are two primary disciplines that bring us to God. And God is a real leader. It is a prayer that brings us into connection with God, but gets us into connection with God. But can I say too often, sadly, we are not praying and certainly we are fasting. But prayer and fasting are our connection with God." [00:59:52]
"Some of us have entered this new year, and I want to tell you the odds are already stacked against you. But I come to tell you if God be for you, he is more than the whole world against you. I come to tell you God ain't afraid of a big number. God ain't afraid of being outnumbered on the battlefield because he's God all by himself." [01:02:44]
"God's children were in battle when they never should have been fighting for God, and it took out several one another. They should have been fighting the enemy, but I want to let you know that the enemy will get you distracted and all focused and start fighting among you. When I come to tell you, we should never be fighting among ourselves; we should be fighting against the enemy." [01:07:57]
"I want you to understand today, some people have a knowledge of God and they're trying to find God, but they don't know God. And the only way to know him is to surrender to him and to submit your life to him. The Bible says that the carnal mind cannot understand the things of the spirit." [01:20:44]
"Can I tell you, the words in the book did not change. You change. The word was there all the time; it will never pass away. The word of God, but what changes is us and our revelation and our knowledge towards God. God's word is perfect. It was probably speaking to you 10 years ago. You just didn't understand what he was saying." [01:21:22]
"Can I tell you this morning that we don't need to abandon God? And if God is missing in your life, can I tell you you left him? He did not leave you. If God is not as close to you as you want him to be, it's not that he left you. But it's you left him." [01:26:19]
"I come to tell you this morning, God is in the same place that he's always been. If you're not as close to him, it is not that he moved, but that you move and it's now time to come back to him. I hear these people want to know where God is. God is in the same place that he's always been. He's still high and lifted up and seated on the throne." [01:27:47]
"The scriptures say, I promise I'll never leave you nor forsake you, but I will be with you always, even until the end of the age. So I come to tell you this morning in 2025, I will be with you forever. If you want to get your relationship back, God ain't the one that had the problem. You got to come back to God and you're going to do it through prayer and fasting and giving yourself to him." [01:28:33]
"Though your sins are as scarlet, I will make them white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them white. I will make them white as wool. I don't want us to miss this this morning. He gives us three things that we need to do as we enter into this time of prayer and fasting. The first thing he says is wash yourselves and be clean." [01:31:22]
"He knows that we've been estranged, or we've been away from him, and we haven't been as close to him as we need to be. How many know as believers every one of us can get closer to God and that's what he wants for us as we're starting out this new year? We're gonna be praying, we're gonna be seeking, and all he wants you to do is come back to him." [01:40:04]
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