How the Church Can Help Shape the Digital Age, Sydney Sweeney Says Acting Just Doesnt Pay the Bills Like It Used To, Daredevil Will Be Born Again on Disney Plus, Trailer: The Rings of Power Invites You Back to Middle-Earth, Eight FX Shows That Justify the Hulu Subscription. First John 2 did not state, therefore, that we have to do it perfectly. Martha is scrambling to prepare a big mealimagine 13 grown men showing up for dinner tonightits a big job! Notice that over and over again, God has called those who trusted in Him His children. He loved the patriarchs of old like Noah and Job who endured, despite mounting pressure to give up. So I said yes, and went, and was ambushed by Jesus. Toward the end of the week, as we were singing at bonfire one night, I was overwhelmed by Gods love. Our relationships define where weve been, where we are and where were going. What is the most important thing you can do with your life? God made the first move. I want to be more attentive to Gods presence and Gods activity in my life and the lives of others. Could BeReal Be a Real Turning Point for Social Media? First, God loves you deeply and created you for a love relationship. And since this is all about relationship, and relationships are reciprocal, back and forth, were going to cover one point and then respond with worship. Or think of Saul, violent opponent of the Christian faiththe Osama bin Laden of his day toward Christians. You can be religious and not know God. The Holy Spirit knows that we cannot do it perfectly. When I say that God loves you, what exactly does that mean? It felt like God was hugging me. I was not interested in God. He wants my Yes. Which is more important: Dont eat flies or Dont murder. Youre not going to prison for eating fliesthe hospital, maybebut not prison. God showed His love by sending His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. In the real world, the company we keep is one of the most telling characteristics of who we truly are. Tell her to help me!, 41 Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are neededor indeed only one. When faced with a choice between spending time with Jesus and something else, what do you choose? And God is relentless about moving toward youHe is pursuing you relentlessly! see what He says about our relationship with Him. You were created from love for love. Throughout the Bible, its easy to see a few select people who are so clearly defined by their relationships. But relationships by nature are reciprocal. There are no shortcuts. In those instances, it will be a relationship devoid of all the stuff that makes our world unbearable and the people we run across insufferable. And the same is true of you. ). ILL: Laina and I have been married for 46 years and are closer now than weve ever been. Yepeven 50 years ago I was pushing this. I was not seeking Godat allnot even a little. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God is always at work, moving toward you, taking the first step. Knowing that Janet had a gift for him, however, he decided to wait. I want that for each of you. Now remain in my love. God is love. Our secretwe love being together. ILL: Parents, you should all understand this immediately. We talk about PBJ timePrayer, Bible, Journal. Since Im 70, that means I was around for the Jesus People movement in the 70s. Sign up to get our top five trending stories every weekday! We are in a really sweet spot in our relationship. I was not interested in God. He cares for them and values the relationship they share with Him on a daily basis more than any other relationship in this world. Do you think it should be the priority of your life? Does it mean He feels affection for you? He moved towards us while we were rebels on the run. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. Matthew 22:3440 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. God is love. This is what God wants from you more than anything else: to love Him with all you have! 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Whatever you do, let your relationship with Him consume you. Love people. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. A relationship defined by mutual appreciation of the One who made us is a relationship that will endure. She handed him a box the size of a book. God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint Him with oil as Gods chosen king. It was God who took the initiative and moved toward Abram and called him and gave him a promise. He prayed: 1 Chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Often they are good things. Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Laina and I have been married for 46 years and are closer now than weve ever been. She handed him a box the size of a book. Relationship with Jesus. In the midst of huge social upheavalthe VietNam war, hippies, free sex and drugsGod started moving among young people. And just like that I came across your blog and the one by Keion Henderson, https://www.keionhenderson.com/sermons-on-relationships/ and it was really amazing! Those ideas matter more than we like to admit. He wasnt seeking Godbut God was seeking Him. He is a pastor, teacher, community developer and civil rights activist who is 91 years old and has an amazing life and legacy. Have you ever wondered why youre here? I feel like David after they received an offering to build the temple and the people were incredibly generous. . ILL: I met Jesus when I was 13, and far from God. And the same is true of you. You were created from love for love. Yes to spending time. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. He loves you at your worst and at your best. Moses answered Gods call and entered Gods story, but it was God who made the first move. He loved you before you did anything good or bad and continues to love you whether you do anything good or bad. The Bible says this is love and points to Jesus on the cross. Its a daily yes because He keeps pursuing us, moving towards us every day. Sign up to get our top five trending stories delivered every weekday! He bought a ring, took Janet to a romantic restaurant, and was prepared to reinforce his proposal with the diamond. They say more about who we are than any biographical sketch or social profile. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Shout out a name. There is no substitute for just being with Jesus, talking with Him, listening to Him. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. And of course, the first move God made toward all of us was in Jesus. God initiates the relationship, not us. You need something rock solid that makes you know that you know Him. Were going to sing the sermon! These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Here, it is Gods love and goodness pursuing you, running after you, to do you good. Parents, you should all understand this immediately. In fact, there are two words that the Lord keeps saying to me over and over lately. Jesus was clear: Love God with all youve gotall your heart, soul, mind and strength. In fact, I considered myself an atheist. I didnt want to gobut Im a people-pleaser and didnt want to disappoint my friend. ILL: When I was a youth pastor, I was driving some students to youth group, and was encouraging them to practice the discipline of PBJyour daily time with God in prayer, Bible and journal. Too often I act like a know-it-all, not a learner. God is taking the initiative, moving toward you, pursuing you with His love and goodness. This is what God wants from you more than anything else: to love Him with all you have! In a moment were going to sing The Goodness of God. The chorus says, Your goodness is running after, its running after me. Do you know where that comes from? In fact, there are two words that the Lord keeps saying to me over and over lately. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. I love Jesus and I love spending time with Him!, Out of the mouth of babes. Moses was minding his own business, tending sheep in the backside of the desert, when God took the initiative and got his attention through a burning bush. And I want to be curious. Look at what He has done in creation for us. And why did you want to have children? So when we say God loves you, we mean that, He is stubbornly committed to your well-being. He sent a friend of mine to knock on my door on a Saturday morning and invite me to a youth rally at his church. is an Episcopal priest, theologian and author of, The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ. Have you ever wondered why youre here? After dinner, it was time. Were special. I didnt want to gobut Im a people-pleaser and didnt want to disappoint my friend. Your worth is not defined by them. Fleming Rutledge is an Episcopal priest, theologian and author of The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ. God is always at work in peoples lives, moving towards them, taking the first step, drawing them to Himself. How about His ultimate gift of His Son Jesus Christ? He wants a love relationship with you and wont give up. They are born from love for love. Martha gets understandably frustrated and bursts into the living room. Here is the most remarkable thing in the universe: : Who do you admire from afar? Be attentive. Thats love. Lets hang out. You might think, Me? Even though theyd been dating for seven years, they always seemed to be at different places in their lives. Im distracted by many things, when only one is needed. The Scriptures point to Jesus and yet when He stood in front of them, they didnt recognize Him. He is a pastor, teacher, community developer and civil rights activist who is 91 years old and has an amazing life and legacy. You may not believe me but human beings are defined by their relationships more than anything else. How do we know thats what love is? Love God. Imagine that. I want to be more attentive to Gods presence and Gods activity in my life and the lives of others. In fact, He is pursuing you! Every Valentines Day, Janet would say, No, not yet.. So you can love them! Seven yearsseven Valentines Day proposalsrelentless pursuit. Do you know Him? 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?. John Perkins is the author of One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race. Thats love. Its not hard to be with someone you love and who loves you! It was a cross-stitch Janet had made that simply said, Yes.. Before I dive in, let me thank all of you who are so faithful and generous in your giving to Life Center. Pastor Joe Wittwer talks about three things he hopes will inspire and equip you to have a personal, real, and practical relationship with God. Now: imagine that person coming to you and saying, I would really like to get to know you. You can go to church religiously and not know God. My deepest desire for my children is to have a love relationship with them. One of the hallmarks of the Jesus People movement was the emphasis on a personal love relationship with Jesus. They recognized that everything they had came from His hand and belonged to Him, so it was easy to give back. Were the only creation in this world with whom God wants a relationship. However, our relationship with God has to be defined on His terms, because He has ownership of our past, present and future. Martha is doing something goodreally good: shes serving others. How do we know thats what love is? I whispered a prayer: Lord, thats what I want too. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. What are you saying Yes to? These are 3 people (of many) that I admire from afar. I love them and want them to love me. Relationships define us. Ultimately we realize that it comes from knowing our Maker. Shatter your pride during trouble and seek Him. ILL: Tedd Kidd was five years older than Janet, finished college before her, and started to work in a city hundreds of miles from her. Who is on your list? And the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. Were the only thing in this world with inherent value. Now realize that God, the creator of the universe, wants to have a relationship with you! 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Fathers commands and remain in his love. God loves you and created you for a love relationship. In much the same way, God created you out of His love and His deepest desire for you is to have a love relationship with Him. We ended every day by sitting around a bonfire, singing to the Lord. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. He wants you to know youre made in His image. Its about duty, rules and obligation. Spend some time with Jesus and build the relationship, one conversation at a time. Last week, we talked about the first reality: God pursues a love relationship with you. Here is the most remarkable thing in the universe: God wants a love relationship with you. This is how God works. We did a lot of buttons and bumper stickers. . What a ride that was! We are generous because He is generous. It wasnt Davids ideait was Gods. Another No would mean it was time to get on with his life without her. Being made in Gods image cant be taken away because someone deems you unworthy. What is more important than loving God? This is true of your relationship with Jesus. He was patient with the Israelites as they perfected being indifferent to the God of their fathers. Today, the trials of those who love Him find the same patience and forgiveness those first-century Christians found while studying at the feet of Paul, Timothy or Peter. Its about duty, rules and obligation. In Genesis 6, Noah was defined by who he wasnt. My deepest desire for my children is to have a love relationship with them. This is why youre here. If you are a Christian, its because He found you, not that you found Him. It was a cross-stitch Janet had made that simply said, , Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. Remain in His love so that His joy may be in you and your joy complete! The Bible says this is love and points to Jesus on the cross. Really? Youd feel honored and excited. When I say that God loves you, what exactly does that mean? One said: Not religion! What then will be the most important thing? While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Be attentive. He is always with me, always working, but often Im oblivious, just not paying attention. Why you exist? This longing leads us to search for all the things that promise life. So you can love them! Meanwhile, whats her sister Mary up to? In First Samuel 15, David was defined by who hed replace. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. To sit at His feet and listen. We did a lot of buttons and bumper stickers. https://grantspasschurchofchrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10252015howisyourrelationshipwithgoddonruhl.mp3, https://www.keionhenderson.com/sermons-on-relationships/, Messianic Prophecies and Their Fulfillment, On the one hand, it is mysterious, because, we cannot see God smiling at us, but then again. Find, tell, bring is us being attentive to Gods work and joining Him. He created you out of His love so that He could have a love relationship with you. What are you going to do or where are you going to go, when you get to the end of lifes journey, and. Now remain in my love. If we journey back to the Garden of Eden, we can see that mankind is special. What Does Righteous Anger Actually Look Like? It wont look the same. Tedd summoned up his courage. One of the hallmarks of the Jesus People movement was the emphasis on a personal love relationship with Jesus. Let that sink in. Ecclesiastes 3 shows that He created us with this desire for eternity. Its defined by God, and He says youre special. Does it mean He feels affection for you? He created you out of His love so that He could have a love relationship with you. God called Moses. Jesus and His crew show up for dinner at Mary and Marthas house. In person and online SAT 6 pm // SUN 9 & 11* am + (5 pm online only), Spokane Foursquare Church dba Life Center | 1202 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224 | Contact Us, Privacy, Terms, Disclaimer, FAQs, Im Pastor Joe, the founding pastor of Life Centerand a couple months ago, I turned 70. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. Our secretwe love being together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?, 37 Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. We have a conversational relationshipa relationship built one conversation at a time. Im a disciple of Jesusthe word disciple means learner. Its the opposite of a know-it-all. All of you in Experiencing God groups are going to read Exodus 3:1-6 which tells the story of Moses and the burning bush. God calls you to respond and enjoy the relationship. How about you? When the Lord puts someone on your heart, God is at workso go find them, tell them about Jesus, and bring them with you. The most important thing in life is a love relationship with God. And whats remarkable is that God wants a love relationship with you! Thats first and most important. Why were they so generous? Every Valentines Day, Tedd proposed to her. This week is the second reality: God pursues a love relationship with you. Approach it as an opportunity to get to know someone who loves you with an infinite love. How has He shown His love for us? I posted that picture on my birthday with #making70lookgoodand got lots of comments, including a few from folks who didnt recognize Photoshop. When thats true of you, every other relationship will be blessed by Gods presence. For me, here are some authors Ive enjoyed lately and Id love to hang out with these folks. When Hes a part of who you are, the world knows who He is. Right now, God is actively seeking a relationship with you that is life changing. You can know the Bible religiously and not know God. Dr. Collins is both a devoted Christian and a widely respected scientist. And why did you want to have children? It felt like God was hugging me. Lets sing this together. He loves you because He is love, and nothing you do can change that, because thats who He is. You can go to church religiously and not know God. No, Christian Nationalism Isnt Just Loving God and Country. One said: Not religion! He wont give up; He wants your Yes. That line comes from the most famous psalmPsalm 23. , to doing what is best for you. Dr. Francis Collins is the author of The Language of God, and head of the Human Genome project and since 2009 director of the National Institute of Health. I knew in my knower that He loved me. I have read that from 10,000 to 30,000 foods are edible. Be curious. Our church and the way we do church is a direct descendent of the Jesus People Movement. Even though theyd been dating for seven years, they always seemed to be at different places in their lives. God called David. He wants you to know Him because He knows you. Genesis 1 tells us we are the only creature made in Gods image. It might be hard to fathom, but we are Gods masterpiece. We are in a really sweet spot in our relationship. The Hebrew word translated follow is usually translated pursue or run after. It was the word used for Pharaohs army pursuing the fleeing Israelites, or for Saul pursuing David in the wilderness. Second, God pursues you relentlessly and initiates the relationship. 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You are valuable because God says so. Every weekday, get RELEVANT's top five articles delivered to your inbox! I want to talk with you about three things that I hope will inspire you and equip you to have a personal, real and practical love relationship with God. Our daily time with Godlike a daily coffee date. It was my first year at camp, I was 14 and a new Christian. He calls you to respond and enjoy the relationship. Tedd Kidd was five years older than Janet, finished college before her, and started to work in a city hundreds of miles from her. ILL: My first experience of Gods love came at summer camp. We will then realize that our number one priority in life. I really asked myself, How is your relationship with God going? Someday we will be face-to-face with eternity. So when we say God loves you, we mean that He is stubbornly committed to your well-being, to doing what is best for you. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This is part two of our series on Experiencing God. God loves you deeply and created you for a love relationship. He didnt love you because you deserved it; He loved you because He is love. Be attentive to Gods work. Click here: https://bit.ly/3dtjqsN, Gave your life to Jesus? Sit with someone you know, or invite someone you love! 1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. As we read a moment ago in Romans 5:8, God demonstrated His love for us in this: while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Thanks for being generous. My first experience of Gods love came at summer camp. Our appreciation of their soul and its well-being should encourage a relationship that is significant, selfless and sacrificial. Some of it was easy. Heres how Jesus described it: John 15:911 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Lots of ways to give. He wants what is best for youalways. 39 And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.. we have to work on that relationship now. The revival started on the west coast and spread across the country, making national news. He wants what is best for youalways. Meanwhile, whats her sister Mary up to? Your children were born out of your love with your spousedont make me explain that. Thats what is most important. 2022 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If were honest with ourselves, well see that relationships are how the world ultimately defines us. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Love God. We have a conversational relationshipa relationship built one conversation at a time. I posted that picture on my birthday with #making70lookgoodand got lots of comments, including a few from folks who didnt recognize Photoshop. Abram responded by believing and doing what God called him to do. Martha is doing something goodreally good: shes serving others. The most important thing in life is a love relationship with God. Love is doing what is best for another no matter what it costs you. You are worth the diligence it took to produce the Bible, and you are worth every event that has shaped His Will since the beginning of time. When we sing Do it again like we just did, and we get to the part that says, Ive seen You move, You move the mountains, and I believe You can can do it again, it makes me think of that time. Why you exist? We talk, we listenmostly I talk and she listensbut it works for us. God makes the first move, and calls you to respond. So I want to be more curiousand less judgmental. If Hes a part of your life, then Hes also a part of your marriage, your friendships, your random encounters with strangers and every other relationship the world uses to define you. She was in the living room sitting at Jesus feet listening to Him. Because I saw Him moveand I know He can do it again. If you are a Christian, its because He found you, not that you found Him. The Spirit of God uses the word of God to make us like the Son of God, 10252015HowIsYourRelationshipWithGodDonRuhl, Don Ruhl Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon October 25, In the year of our Lord, 2015, Song Leader and Song Suggestions: Kevin Michael No suggestions.