Are You Going After This?

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is about the unique relationship we have as believers, being created in the image of God to receive His love. We are called to go after this intimate connection with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, where we can truly know and experience God's abiding presence in our lives.

Key Scripture References

• Genesis 1:26-27 - This passage highlights God's intention to create humanity in His own image, giving us the capacity to receive and reciprocate love. We are not just creatures, but we have a deep connection with our Creator.
• John 14:23-24 - Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him, so that He can abide in us. This mutual indwelling is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, allowing us to experience His love and presence.
• 1 John 4:7-12 - This passage explains how God's love is not just a feeling, but a fundamental reality that we can experience through faith. We are called to know and receive this love, which is the defining characteristic of our relationship with God.
• Colossians 1:19-20 - Paul describes Christ as the firstborn over all creation, and how He has reconciled us to Himself through His death on the cross. This reconciliation enables us to experience the fullness of God's love and presence in our lives.
• John 17:21-23 - Jesus prays for unity among believers, that we may be one as He is one with the Father. This unity is not just a human endeavor, but a divine reality that we can experience through faith.
• Ephesians 3:14-19 - Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church highlights the depths of God's love and power available to us through Christ. We are called to grasp this love and be filled with all the fullness of God, which is our inheritance in Christ.
• Psalm 139:13-16 - David reflects on the wonder of being created by God, who knows every detail of his life. This passage highlights the intimate connection between Creator and creature, where we are known and loved by God from the very beginning.

Key Takeaways

• We were created in the image of God to receive His love, which is the fundamental aspect of our relationship with Him. This love is not just a feeling, but a deep reality that we can experience through faith.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, and they invite us into this eternal Union where we can receive their love and be filled with all the fullness of God. This unity is not just a human endeavor, but a divine reality that we can experience through faith.
• Abiding in Christ and experiencing His presence is essential to our spiritual growth and maturity. We are called to go after this intimate connection with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, where we can truly know and experience God's love and presence in our lives.
• The fullness of God's love and power is available to us through Christ, and we are called to grasp this inheritance. This means that we can experience the depths of God's love and be filled with all the fullness of God, which is our spiritual birthright.

This Week's Challenge

As you reflect on this message, take two specific steps this week to deepen your relationship with God:

• Spend 10-15 minutes each day in prayer and worship, focusing on receiving the love of God and experiencing His presence in your life.
• Share with a friend or family member how you are seeking to go after the love of God this week, and ask them to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey.

Reflection Questions

• What is one area in your life where you feel disconnected from God's love? How can you take a step towards receiving His love and presence in that area?
• How can you encourage others to go after the love of God, just as you are seeking to do this week?
• Reflect on how the mystery of God's love has impacted your life. How has it changed your perspective on relationships, work, or other areas of your life?