Last week, Ps Josh looked at ‘The Wordle’ and how even a small amount of time spent reading the Bible can bring about big positive changes because it: Teaches us the truth Reveals our sin Restores us Reading the Bible is absolutely foundational to Christianity, but not an end in itself. Understanding Scripture Both Jesus and the religious people that opposed Him read Scripture, but their understanding and application of God's Word were very different. Religious approach Jesus's approach Slavery / Bondage Freedom Misery Joy Death Life How can the same book produce such vastly different results? John 5:39-40 (NIV) The religious people sought eternal life through the study and observance of God's written Word. But Jesus came to fulfil the Word. He was/is The Word! John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:14,17-18 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth… For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. (cf Hebrews 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-17) Interpretation of the Word When we read the Word, we interpret it through our own unique lens based on our circumstances. When Jesus came, he didn't come to interpret Scripture, he came as God (John 1:14, 17-18). He revealed the truth about the purpose of the Law. It was never to make us righteous, it was to show us that we are sinners. He showed the way of salvation (John 14:6) and ultimately showed us what God is like / God's nature (John 14:9). Reading God's Word is foundational to Christianity, but not an end in itself because the written Word is a launching pad into a relationship with the Living Word (God). 3 things you can do to enter into a life-giving relationship with God 1 - Prayer Philippians 4:6-7 Ephesians 6:18 Prayer is simply talking with God. If you can talk to others, you can pray! Some people think that they are bad at praying. We don't need to impress God with our volume or with our words. Jesus talks about prayer in Matthew chapter six: Matthew 6:5 Matthew 6:7 Then Jesus gives a short, practical, flexible example of prayer: Matthew 6:9-13 We can read about prayer in the Bible, but it's no substitute for actually praying! Note: prayer includes listening. Some people never stop talking when they pray! Leaving room for God increases the likelihood of hearing His voice. Have you ever said or thought something like, “I don’t know how to pray” or “I’m not good at praying”? Why do you think that is the case? Why isn’t it true? 2 - Time alone with God Any meaningful relationship needs time and focus. Many people say ‘God doesn't speak to me’… I'd guarantee that He already has. Perhaps you just didn't recognise that it was Him speaking. Jesus said in Matthew 6:6 When you pray, go to your room, close the door and pray…, we need to take some alone time with God. Jesus Himself prioritized time alone with God. Mark 1:35 / Luke 5:16 God wants to get into a conversation with us! He wants to lift our heads so we can see our value, or drop our eyes so we can see our sin. God wants to lead us into a revelation of our true condition, that we might receive His grace. Matthew 4:4 Hearing the voice of God personally, even if it is not what we want to hear, brings life. God is not confined to quoting Scripture to communicate to us. God is in our world with us right now. He can help you with any problem that you have. God can speak specifically to you about your situation. He will never contradict His Word, or be anything outside of His character revealed in Scripture. How does God speak to me? He could show you the written Word and reveal how it applies to your life. He could speak to you through an impression or a random thought accompanied by a stirring in the heart (which can be tested against his written Word). Recognizing God's voice gets easier over time. Have you ever said of thought something like “God never speaks to me”? What makes you do you think that? What are some things you can do to “tune in” to God? 3 - Fasting In Matthew 6:16, Jesus said ‘when you fast,’ implying that we should do it. He goes on to contrast the showy religious fasting with true fasting that pleases God. Fasting is just about going without (generally food). It's an acknowledgment that we're not just physical beings - we are spiritual beings too. Fasting: Is a choice to put natural food aside, for the sake of being nourished spiritually and to bless others. Is a demonstration of our priorities. Sharpens our focus. Adjusts our perspective. Frees up resources (e.g. time, finance, food) that can be used elsewhere to bless others. Jesus said “I have food you know nothing about - by nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me” (John 4:31-34) Note: Please contact us if you are considering fasting and any of the following apply- You have questions about fasting Talking about fasting causes issues for you You have never fasted before Have you ever fasting before for “spiritual” reasons, as opposed to purely health, medical, dietary reasons? Did you find it easy or hard? Did you notice any “benefits” that accompanied your fasting? If not, why do you think this might be? This series is about the little things we can do that make a big difference in our lives. See what difference happens in your life when you spend time praying, being alone with God and fasting.