NCCF Church Sharing

August 14, 202329mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionChurch Sharing129 messages

Speaker: NCCF Church Title: NCCF Church Sharing Date: 08/13/2023 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker explores the concept of 'friendship with God,' drawing examples from biblical figures like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jeremiah. He emphasizes that true closeness with God requires a life lived without hidden aspects, which is rooted in faith. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that the reward for seeking God is not a specific blessing or victory, but God Himself, urging the audience to make God the end goal of their lives rather than a means to an end.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The secret of the Lord with those who fear HimA popular verse in Psalms explains that friendship and the secrets of God's promises are reserved for those who reverence Him.

Enoch's close fellowship with GodEnoch walked with God and lived a shortened life because of such good fellowship that God did not want to wait to take him.

Noah walking with God in a wicked generationNoah pleased God during a time of widespread evil, showing that God desires our lives to bring Him pleasure as well.

Abraham explicitly called the friend of GodGod felt an obligation to share things with Abraham because of their deep closeness and relationship.

Moses speaking face to face with GodMoses had immense passion for God's glory and spoke with God as a man speaks to his friend.Exodus 33:11

Without faith it is impossible to please GodWhen feeling spiritually adrift, the speaker turned to Hebrews 11 to understand what it means to seek God by faith.

Staying hungry and thirsty for GodJesus calls the thirsty to come to Him, prompting the question of whether we are truly satisfied with God above all else.

God Himself is the rewardRather than seeking God merely for victory over sin or special gifts, the ultimate reward for seeking Him is finding God Himself.Jeremiah 29:13

Confronting a hard heart and lack of prayerWitnessing a disturbing event led the speaker to recognize his own unconcerned heart and failure to depend on God through prayer.

Jesus knocking at the door of the heartRevelation 3 reveals that when we become self-sufficient and lukewarm, Jesus gently knocks so we can open the door and dine with Him.

Practically laying things down to dine with the LordSeeing our need for God means being willing to lay down distractions, anxieties, or self-sufficiency to sit quietly in fellowship with Him.

Repenting and drawing near to a jealous FatherGod's discipline and call to repent come from a jealous Father who desires our humble dependence and close fellowship.

What is the greatest miracle?While physical healings and great works are amazing miracles, living without sinning for over 33 years like Jesus did is the greatest miracle.

Receiving power through the Holy SpiritBelievers receive miraculous power, or dunamis, through the Holy Spirit to help them walk in victory.Acts 1:8

Depending on God's grace like a newborn babyJust as a newborn baby cries out knowing it cannot survive on its own, we must cry out to God for His grace and saving power.

Partaking of the divine nature through magnificent promisesGod has granted us precious promises through His divine power so that we may partake of the divine nature and experience His fullness.2 Peter 1:3

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