Renewal
We’re at Gray’s Lake this week - No Livestream
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1 John 2:3-6
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
Leader: This is the word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
“(Renewal is) the refreshment, release, and advancement that individuals, groups, churches, and cultures experience when they are realigned with God’s presence. (Renewal is) the resumption of our God-given purpose to partner with God fully, participating in His plan to flood the world with His presence.” - Mark Sayers
The End
Revelation 21:1-5 - 1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making all things new!”
The Father’s Heart
John 5:19-20 - 19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.
John 5:30 - 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
Henry Blackaby - If Jesus was that dependent on the Father, then you and I should realize how ludicrous it is for us to set out on our own without any direction or guidance from the Father.
Faith
Tony Evans - Faith is acting as if God’s telling the truth.
Dallas Willard - The revolution of Jesus is first and always a revolution of the human heart. His revolution does not proceed through the means of social institutions and laws - the outer forms of our existence - intending that these would then impose a good order of life upon people who come under their power. Rather, his is a revolution of character, which proceeds by changing people from the inside through ongoing personal relationship with God and one another. It is a revolution that changes people's ideas, beliefs, feelings, and habits of choice, as well as their bodily tendencies and social relations. It penetrates to the deepest layers of their soul.
Do I have your yes?
1 John 2:3-6 - 3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
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Each Sunday we come together we offer an open invitation into the way of Jesus. An invitation to enter into sacred rhythms - to draw near to God through singing, giving, learning, and praying.
As a community that desires renewal in Des Moines as it is in Heaven, we recognize that we cannot offer what we ourselves do not have. We cannot lead where we ourselves have not been led; in turn, these questions aim at reflection. Reflecting on God’s word and making space for his leadership.
After watching or listening consider the following discussion questions as a large group or in groups of three to four:
What stood out from the teaching?
How have you noticed your vision of the future shaping your present?
At the core of Sunday’s teaching was the idea that personal renewal must precede corporate renewal. Discuss the ways you hope God to renew you (your faith, community, etc.) in the coming season.
If renewal is “The refreshment we experience when we’re aligned with God’s presence.” Discuss how you’ve experienced God’s refreshment or where you’re experiencing a need for refreshment.