What must you let go of in your life so God can move in, so the Holy Spirit has free rein to transform you in some way?
That was the compelling question Pastor Troy Murphy asked during the start of the sermon series “Life: 7 I Am’s” at Green Bay Community Church on Sunday, June 23.
Here are some key points from the first message in the series:
*Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10), but what does abundance mean? In America we think of it as having lots of stuff or money, but that isn’t the way it is defined in scripture. Jesus is talking about life that is very different, that satisfies and never dries up.
*The abundant life is not a reference to the prosperity gospel, in which we will have riches and a trouble-free life. Jesus never promises that. Instead, Jesus is talking about an abundant life that is spiritual in nature and provides us with peace and joy in this world, and eternal life beyond the earth.
*Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead and promises salvation to those who trust him and believe that he is the Messiah.
*This sermon series will cover the seven “I Am” statements that Jesus makes. This goes back to Exodus 34:14 in which God says: "I am who I am." In making his 'I am’ statements, Jesus is proclaiming his deity.
*In John 6:35 Jesus says, "I am the bread of life.” Bread represents sustenance. It’s a metaphor throughout the Bible of God bringing provision to mankind. Bread satisfies hunger, both physically and spiritually.
*What do you use to satisfy your spiritual hunger? God has given us souls that long for something deeper. Many attempt to satisfy that hunger with religion and morality (following rules). But while performing for God involves some good things, it doesn’t satisfy the deeper spiritual longing and hunger we have.
*Matthew 5.6 says: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Many think that verse puts the focus on our good behavior — being righteous. But the only way to be in right standing with God is through Jesus — being in relationship with him. Our spiritual hunger is only satisfied through Jesus, not through our acts of righteousness.
*Attending church every week should not be our spiritual destination. The church was designed to equip and launch people out. The church shouldn’t be the goal; the kingdom should be the goal. The church is the hub for us to find, equip and encourage people to be in relationship with Jesus.
*This world cannot satisfy your spiritual hunger. Nevertheless, we often search for happiness and fulfillment in any other way possible except God, who is the only one that can satisfy.
*God gives spiritual bread that gives life. When you receive the fullness of God’s blessings, you will experience peace that transcends the hurt, pain and loss in this world.
*Jesus is the bread of life. Have you ever wondered if there is more to life? In those moments you need to seek lasting satisfaction to that spiritual hunger, which Jesus provides. But what does that mean? It’s not about checking religious boxes. You need to rest in who He calls you to be and sit in His presence. It’s not about trying to look spiritual. It’s living in the spirituality of who Jesus is in your life.
*Jesus talks about eating his flesh and drinking his blood. What he is saying is that we must fully take him into our lives. We can’t just say we believe some things about Jesus, know some facts about God and carry out religious practices. We must take in the fullness of God through the person of Jesus.
*We can’t put in our time at church once a week and think we have fulfilled our obligation. Instead, our church experience should launch us out into the world for the rest of the week.
*This bread Jesus offers gives abundant life after death. Jesus conquered death through his resurrection, and when we put our trust in him, we too are given new life that will last for eternity.
