August 18th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: “Life Lived with Purpose”

Last Week I spoke about The Meaning of Life, My Journey

• My Teenage Quest to Understand the Meaning of Life: "For decades, psychologists have studied how long-term, meaningful goals develop over the span of our lives. People who live with a sense of purpose are typically happier, more productive, and live longer."
  Action to Consider: Embrace the idea that living with purpose is not just a psychological concept but a spiritual truth. Seek to align your life goals with God's purpose for you. Ask yourself how your daily activities contribute to God's kingdom and make adjustments where necessary to ensure you are living intentionally for Him.

• My Discovery of the Historical Jesus as the Only Person in History who Truly Knows God and Why We were Created: Thoughts - Consider your own understanding of Jesus. Study the Gospels to know Him more deeply, not just as a historical figure but as the living Savior. Make it a point to regularly explore His teachings and how they apply to your life today.

• My Lifelong Commitment to Assessment:

  • My Resolve to read the historical accounts and form your own conclusions without listening to what others say.

  • My Resolve to read the oldest documents written about Him in the original languages without necessarily trusting translations.

  • My Resolve to explore the prophetic revelations contained in the Old Testament and compare them to actual known historical events.
    Thoughts: Develop a personal discipline of study and reflection. Approach Scripture with a fresh perspective, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding. Challenge yourself to dig deeper into the Word, seeking to understand the original context and meaning. Let this study strengthen your faith and conviction.

Matthew 23:9-12
“And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Action to Consider: Recognize Jesus as your ultimate leader and guide. Avoid placing undue emphasis on earthly titles or authority figures. Instead, strive to cultivate humility in your daily interactions. Seek to serve others as Christ did, understanding that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from being a servant.

5 Questions Asked of Our Church Family on July 28

1. Why did Jesus teach that “the truth will make us free?” (John 8:32)
   Action to Consider: Embrace the freedom that comes from living in the truth of Christ. Make it a daily practice to seek truth in your thoughts, words, and actions. Trust that Jesus' teachings lead to true freedom from sin, fear, and uncertainty.

2. Why did Jesus give a New Commandment? (John 13:34-35; 15:12-13)
   Action to Consider: Reflect on the commandment to love one another as Christ has loved you. Examine your relationships and ask how you can better demonstrate Christ-like love. Prioritize love in your interactions, especially with those who are difficult to love.

3. Why did Jesus teach us to be perfect if it is impossible and every sin will be forgiven anyway? (Matthew 5:48; 12:31; 15:19)
   Action to Consider: Strive for spiritual maturity, knowing that perfection is a journey, not a destination. Understand that Jesus calls us to aim for holiness, even though we may fall short. Trust in His forgiveness when you do, but also commit to growing closer to His example each day.

4. How do I describe the heart of Jesus and why? (see John 1:16-18)
   Action to Consider: Contemplate the compassion, grace, and truth found in the heart of Jesus. Let His character inspire your actions and attitudes. Share the love of Jesus with others, letting His heart shine through you in your words and deeds.

5. How well do I understand the mind of Jesus?
   Action to Consider: Seek to align your mind with the mind of Christ. Spend time in prayer and study, asking God to reveal His thoughts and ways to you. Strive to think and act as Jesus would in every situation, letting His wisdom guide your decisions.

Truths Taught by Jesus

1. Jesus Had to Represent “the Truth” About God’s Design of Us and His Expectations from Us (Genesis 1:26-30; Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 39, 44; Matthew 5:48)
   Action to Consider: Understand that you are made in God's image with a purpose. Reflect on how you are living out God's design and expectations in your life. Aim to embody the values Jesus taught in your daily actions, striving for righteousness and holiness.

2. Jesus Also Had to Teach Us “the Truth” About the Corruption of Our “Godlike” Nature by Evil (Matthew 15:17-20; Matthew 7:11f)
   Action to Consider: Acknowledge the presence of sin and evil in human nature. Regularly examine your heart, confessing any sin, and seeking God's transformation. Trust in God's goodness and ask for His strength to overcome evil with good.

3. The Truth About God’s Expectations and Evil in Human Nature Required the Work of Jesus to Provide Forgiveness (John 3:16; Matthew 20:28; Matthew 9:1-8)
   Action to Consider: Accept the forgiveness offered through Jesus' sacrifice. Live with gratitude for the grace you've received, and extend that same grace to others. Let the knowledge of God's love compel you to live a life that honors Him and reflects His mercy.

God’s Desire for an Attitude of Gratitude

• Our Purpose in Life to Embrace God as Our Father and Make Him Proud:
  Action to Consider: Live each day with the intention of pleasing God. Seek to know Him more deeply as your Father, and let this relationship guide your actions and decisions. Remember that your purpose is found in His love and approval, not the world's.

• Our Purpose in Life to Prioritize Loving Every Child of God:
  Action to Consider: Make love your highest priority in every interaction. Recognize each person as a child of God, deserving of respect, kindness, and compassion. Actively seek opportunities to show love, even to those who may be difficult to love.

• Our Purpose in Life to Live with Regular Expressions of Gratitude for Jesus and His Work in Us:
  Action to Consider: Cultivate a habit of gratitude, thanking Jesus daily for His work in your life. Let your thankfulness be evident in your prayers, your conversations, and your actions. Use gratitude as a foundation for a joyful, purpose-driven life.

By all of us reflecting on these truths and applying them daily, we can walk with Jesus more closely, living a life of purpose, love, and gratitude.