Transformative Presence: Living in God's Grace Daily
Summary
In our lives as believers, we are called to a profound and transformative relationship with God that permeates every aspect of our existence. This relationship is not merely about adhering to a set of rules or following a religious routine; it is about the indwelling presence of God that changes us from the inside out. Our posture, our attitudes, and our actions are fundamentally altered not by human effort but by the reality of Jesus living within us. This transformation is a fruit of our relationship with Him, a natural outflow of His life in us.
When we carry the presence of God, we become agents of change in our environments. Our responses to hostility, differing opinions, and even political divides are marked by grace and love because we are filled with God's rich and beautiful grace. Our mission is not to be swayed by the world's political climate but to embrace the posture of Heaven. We honor the presence of the Lord in every aspect of our lives, including our moral choices, such as living in sexual purity according to God's design.
We draw inspiration from the scriptures, particularly the accounts of the woman at the well and the Feast of Tabernacles, where Jesus speaks of living water flowing from within those who believe in Him. This living water is the Holy Spirit, who empowers us not just to seek God's presence but to become conduits of His presence. We are not merely asking for God to act upon us; we are vessels through which God acts.
Our church culture is centered on Jesus. Our gatherings, our worship, our teachings, and our prayers are all focused on Him. We are not driven by programs, political agendas, or even outreach strategies. While we value these things, our core vision is to know Jesus and make Him known. We believe that when people encounter Jesus, they are truly reached.
We understand that to live a life that honors God's presence, we must be intentional. We must prioritize daily time with God, lean into His presence frequently throughout the day, pray continually, and maintain an awareness of His presence at all times. This awareness changes how we speak, act, and interact with the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
- The presence of God in our lives is transformative, affecting our attitudes and actions in every situation. As believers, we are not merely following a set of rules; we are changed because Jesus is evident in our lives. This change is not an obligation but a natural result of His indwelling presence. [34:47]
- Our response to the world around us, including hostility and political differences, should be characterized by the grace we have received from God. We are called to love beyond differences and to prioritize the kingdom of Heaven over earthly politics. This love is a reflection of the rich grace flowing from our lives. [35:27]
- True worship and church life are centered on Jesus, not on cultural, political, or stylistic preferences. Our focus is on encountering Him and allowing His presence to shape our gatherings. This singular focus on Jesus is what defines our church culture and mission. [31:40]
- Encountering God's presence is not about chasing emotional experiences but about seeking a genuine encounter with God Himself. Like Moses, we should desire God's presence to accompany us on our journey, not just His promises. His presence is the greatest promise. [19:45]
- Living a life that values God's presence requires intentional practices such as prioritizing daily time with God, leaning into His presence frequently, praying continually, and maintaining an awareness of His presence. These practices help us to draw from the deep well of the Holy Spirit within us. [38:18]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 7:37-39 - "On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified."
2. John 4:13-14 - "Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
3. Exodus 33:14-15 - "The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him according to John 7:37-39?
2. In John 4:13-14, what is the significance of the "living water" that Jesus offers?
3. How does Moses respond to God's promise of His presence in Exodus 33:14-15? What does this reveal about Moses' priorities?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "living water" in John 7:37-39 and John 4:13-14 relate to the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life?
2. What does Moses' insistence on God's presence in Exodus 33:14-15 teach us about the importance of God's presence in our daily lives?
3. The sermon emphasized that God's presence transforms our attitudes and actions. How does this transformation manifest in practical ways in a believer's life? ([34:47])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the tangible presence of God. How did it impact your actions and attitudes in that moment? ([21:43])
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of prioritizing daily time with God. What specific steps can you take to ensure you are spending intentional time with God each day? ([38:18])
3. How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily routine, especially in moments of stress or busyness? ([44:22])
4. The sermon highlighted the need to respond to hostility and political differences with grace and love. Can you think of a recent situation where you struggled to do this? How might you handle it differently in the future? ([35:27])
5. In what ways can you be a conduit of God's presence in your community or workplace? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate God's love and grace to others. ([34:47])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of living in sexual purity according to God's design. How can you uphold this standard in your personal life and relationships? ([36:33])
7. How can you cultivate a church culture that is centered on Jesus rather than programs or political agendas? What role can you play in fostering this environment in your small group or church community? ([28:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Divine Indwelling
The transformative power of God's presence within us is not about human effort but about the reality of Jesus living within, altering our very nature. This indwelling presence is not a superficial change but a deep, internal metamorphosis that affects our attitudes and actions. As the Holy Spirit takes residence in our hearts, we find that our old ways of thinking and behaving begin to fall away, replaced by a new life that reflects the character and love of Jesus. This change is not something we can achieve on our own; it is the result of surrendering to the work of God within us, allowing His life to flow through us and manifest in every aspect of our lives. The evidence of this transformation is seen in how we respond to life's challenges, how we treat others, and how we make decisions, all of which are now influenced by the presence of Christ in us. [34:47]
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18
Reflection: How has the indwelling presence of Jesus begun to transform your attitudes and actions in daily life?
Day 2: Grace-Filled Responses to the World
As carriers of God's presence, our interactions with the world, especially in the face of hostility and political divides, should be characterized by the grace we have received. This grace is not a commodity we hoard but a gift we freely share, influencing our responses to be marked by love and understanding. The grace that fills us is the same grace that enables us to see beyond human differences and to act as ambassadors of reconciliation. In a world often driven by division, our call is to embody the peace and unity of the kingdom of Heaven, demonstrating through our lives the transformative power of God's love. This is not a passive stance but an active engagement with the world, where we seek to bring healing and hope in every interaction, guided by the rich grace that flows from our relationship with God. [35:27]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate God's grace in your interactions with those who hold different opinions or beliefs?
Day 3: Jesus-Centered Church Culture
Our church culture is intentionally centered on Jesus, shaping our worship, teachings, and community life. This focus ensures that our gatherings are not about fulfilling a religious obligation or following a cultural trend but about encountering the living Christ. As we prioritize Jesus in all we do, we create a space where His presence can move freely, touching hearts and changing lives. This Jesus-centered approach is what defines us, setting us apart from programs or political agendas. It is in the simplicity of seeking Jesus that we find the power to truly reach others, for an encounter with Him is the most transformative experience one can have. [31:40]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." - Acts 2:42-43
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering a Jesus-centered culture in your own church community?
Day 4: Seeking Genuine Encounters with God
Encountering God's presence goes beyond seeking emotional experiences; it is about a deep and genuine desire for God Himself. Like Moses, who asked for God's presence to accompany the Israelites, we too should yearn for God to be with us in our journey. His presence is the ultimate promise, the source of our strength, guidance, and comfort. As we seek God with sincerity, we open ourselves to the profound reality of His companionship, which transforms our walk with Him and gives us the courage to face life's challenges with confidence. This pursuit of God's presence is a daily commitment to draw near to Him, knowing that He is the true treasure we seek. [19:45]
"If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?" - Exodus 33:15-16
Reflection: What does seeking God's presence look like in your daily routine, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His companionship?
Day 5: Intentional Living in God's Presence
Living a life that honors God's presence requires intentional spiritual practices. Prioritizing daily time with God, leaning into His presence throughout the day, and praying continually are disciplines that help us maintain an awareness of God's nearness. These practices are not mere rituals but are avenues through which we can draw from the deep well of the Holy Spirit within us. As we engage in these practices, we find that our perspective shifts, and we become more attuned to God's voice and guidance. This intentional pursuit of God's presence equips us to be His hands and feet in the world, living out our faith in tangible and impactful ways. [38:18]
"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." - Psalm 73:28
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can intentionally seek God's presence in your daily life, and how can these practices transform your interactions with others?
Quotes
1) "The presence of God changes our posture, attitude, and life, not because we're told to, but because Jesus is evident in our lives. It's a fruit of our relationship with Him." [34:47] (Download) 2) "When you walk into a room, the environment changes because you are a living well of Him. You can afford to be nice to someone ugly to you because of the grace of God flowing out of your life." [35:27] (Download) 3) "Our gatherings, worship, teachings, and prayers are all focused on Jesus. We're not driven by programs or political agendas, but by knowing Jesus and making Him known." [31:40] (Download) 4) "Prioritize daily time with God, lean into His presence frequently, pray continually, and maintain an awareness of His presence at all times. This awareness changes how we speak and act." [38:18] (Download) 5) "We're not just asking for God to act upon us; we're vessels through which God acts. The Holy Spirit empowers us to become conduits of His presence." [01:14] (Download) 6) "I'm not content with just knowing God is here; I want to encounter the God that is here. It's about experiencing His tangible presence, not just acknowledging a fact." [07:24] (Download) 7) "We're not chasing emotional experiences; we're chasing an encounter with God Himself. It's about a genuine relationship, not just a prayer or a piece of paper." [08:05] (Download) 8) "Our mission is Jesus. Our clever tactics and strategies are secondary to encountering Him. When people encounter Jesus, they are truly reached." [29:54] (Download) 9) "The greatest manifestation of God's goodness has already happened through Jesus. The heaviest revealed moment in history is His blood, broken body, and resurrection." [26:08] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 15, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?