Pastor James reminded us to look at the actual invitation of Christianity, and that is to practice the way of Jesus—which is to be with Him, become like Him, and do as He did.
MY STORY
What’s your favorite tool or kitchen utensil? What makes this instrument so useful for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:3-6)
Pastor James said, “According to Jesus’ words and first hand witnesses, what begins with believing, works its way into every fiber and aspect of our lives, transforming us. According to the faithful witness John, if this doesn’t happen, something is off in our “knowing Jesus.” Truly knowing Jesus = a transforming life. Not perfection, but a transforming life.”
What does a life look like that is NOT being transformed by the Holy Spirit?
What becomes gradually different about the believer, as he or she matures in the faith, while experiencing the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
What’s the connection between knowing Jesus and obeying Him? Can you have one without the other? Explain.
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor James talked about some of the characteristics of being apprentice of Jesus.
How does Jesus’s plans and values help us experience what it means to be truly human? What can we learn from Jesus in how he discerned the voice of His Father?
What are some brave ways to cultivate the faith and courage to join the Father in what He calls us to (even when it’s scary)
How does strength, humility, and meekness feed into one another? What happens when you eliminate one of these three traits, and just focus on two of them?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor James listed these pathways the people can take to connect with God, depending on their temperaments.
Which of these pathways resonates most deeply with you?
- Naturalists: Encountering God in nature
- Traditionalists: Meeting God through ritual and symbol
- Ascetics: Experiencing God in solitude and simplicity
- Activists: Connecting with God through pursuing social justice
- Caregivers: Seeing God by loving others
- Enthusiasts: Encountering God with mystery and worship
- Contemplatives: Communing God through adoration & prayer
- Intellectuals: Knowing God with the mind
Choose the pathway that feels most comfortable to you, and walk that path to connect with God is an intimate and soul-refreshing way
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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