Super Bowl Weekend
February 1 & 2, 2020
[Michele DeNunzio]
There’s No Such Thing As Too Close When It Comes To God
What Gets In Between Us And God?
Fear
According to a study by Caltech University, the same part of our brain that registers fear, the amygdala, is triggered when people get too close in proximity.
Why Do We Fear Being Close To God?
He’ll See All Of Our Mess
We Fear We Aren’t Good Enough To Be Close To God
The Parable of the Lost Son
Luke 15:11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. New International Version
Luke 15:13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. New International Version
Luke 15:15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. New International Version
Luke 15:17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ New International Version
Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ New International Version
Luke 15:22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. New International Version
What Gets In Between Us And God?
Sin - Our Sin Separates Us From God
Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” New International Version
God Is A Close Talker!
God Speaks In A Still, Small Voice. You Just Have To Get Close To Hear A Whisper.
How Can We Get Close?
Meet With God Daily
James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” New King James Version
Psalm 65:4 How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. New American Standard Bible
Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. New King James Version
“You’re as close to God as you choose to be.”– Rick Warren
[Logan Reinard]
Genesis 25:29-30 One day Jacob was cooking a stew. Esau came in from the field, starved. Esau said to Jacob, “Give me some of that red stew—I’m starved!” The Message
Genesis 25:31 Jacob said, “Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the firstborn.” 32 Esau said, “I’m starving! What good is a birthright if I’m dead?” 33-34 Jacob said, “First, swear to me.” And he did it. On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn… The Message
Genesis 25:33-34 …Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils. He ate and drank, got up and left. That’s how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn. The Message
Don't Give Up Your Feast For A Snack
Don't Give Up Your Season For Hitting Someone In The Head With Your Helmet
Don't Give Up Your Tomorrow For How You Feel Today
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. New Living Translation
[Kara Steward]
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. English Standard Version
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. English Standard Version
Your Purpose Is To Experience The Intimacy Of God