Rumors of God

1. Life With God: The Ultimate Posture for Authentic Faith

"LIFE WITH GOD is different because its goal is not to use God, its goal is God."

Treasuring God. The essence of authentic faith lies in treasuring God for who He is, not for what He can provide. This perspective shifts our focus from using God as a means to an end to seeking Him as the ultimate goal of our existence.

United with God. Through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, removing the barrier of sin that separates us from Him. This unity allows us to experience God's presence in the here and now, not just as a future promise.

Experiencing God. Life with God invites us into a dynamic, ongoing relationship characterized by:

• Constant communion through prayer
• Awareness of God's presence in everyday activities
• Transformation of our character as we align with His nature

2. Breaking Free from Fear and Control in Religious Life

"Fear and control are the basis for all human religion."

Four common postures. Many people relate to God through one of these inadequate approaches:

• Life Under God: Seeking to appease a demanding deity
• Life Over God: Relying on principles rather than relationship
• Life From God: Using God as a cosmic vending machine
• Life For God: Finding worth in religious achievements

Limitations of these postures. Each of these approaches:

• Fails to alleviate our deepest fears
• Perpetuates cycles of control and anxiety
• Misses the heart of God's desire for relationship

True freedom. Embracing a life with God liberates us from these fear-based systems, allowing us to experience the peace and joy of genuine relationship with our Creator.

3. The Illusion of Control: Embracing Faith as Surrender

"Faith is the opposite of seeking control. It is surrendering control."

Recognizing our limitations. True faith begins with acknowledging that our attempts to control our lives and circumstances are ultimately futile. This realization opens the door to a deeper trust in God.

The trapeze metaphor. Faith is like a trapeze artist letting go of the bar, trusting the catcher will be there. It involves:

• Releasing our grip on false security
• Embracing the uncertainty of the moment
• Trusting in God's unfailing love and presence

Overcoming fear. As we learn to surrender control to God, we find that our fears lose their power over us. We discover a newfound courage rooted in God's unchanging character and promises.

4. Hope Beyond Circumstances: Finding Purpose in God's Presence

"Hope does not depend on what's happening around your boat. Hope depends on who is in your boat."

Redefining hope. True hope is not wishful thinking or optimism, but a confident expectation based on God's character and promises. It serves as an anchor for our souls in turbulent times.

Two levels of hope:

1. Cosmic hope: God's overarching plan for creation
2. Personal hope: Finding meaning and purpose in our individual lives

Hope with God. Our sense of purpose and dignity is not contingent on external circumstances or achievements, but on our relationship with God. This perspective allows us to find meaning and hope in any situation, knowing that God is with us.

5. Love: The Enduring Core of Life With God

"Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."

The supremacy of love. While faith and hope are essential, love is the ultimate and enduring quality of our relationship with God. It is both the source and the goal of our spiritual journey.

Transformative power of love. Experiencing God's love:

• Frees us from the need for external validation
• Empowers us to love others sacrificially
• Provides the foundation for our true identity

Eternal perspective. Understanding that love is the only thing that will remain in eternity helps us prioritize our spiritual growth and relationships in this life.

6. Silence and Solitude: Cultivating Intimate Communion

"To pray is to listen to the One who calls you 'my beloved daughter,' 'my beloved son,' 'my beloved child.'"

The importance of stillness. Regular times of silence and solitude are crucial for deepening our relationship with God. These practices allow us to:

• Listen to God's voice
• Experience His love more fully
• Gain clarity and perspective on our lives

Overcoming obstacles. Many people struggle with silence due to:

• Busyness and distractions
• Discomfort with facing their inner selves
• Misconceptions about prayer as only talking to God

Practical approaches. Techniques like lectio divina (divine reading) and fixed-hour prayer can help structure times of communion with God, making them more accessible and meaningful.

7. Discovering True Identity in Relationship with God

"Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine. Whoever I am, You know, O God, I am Yours!"

Beyond roles and achievements. Our true identity is not found in our accomplishments, roles, or even our failures. It is rooted in our relationship with God as His beloved children.

The white stone metaphor. In Revelation, Jesus promises to give each believer a white stone with a new name known only to them and God. This represents:

• Our unique, God-given identity
• The intimate knowledge shared between us and our Creator
• The affirmation of God's love and delight in us

Living from identity. As we grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ, we can:

• Live with greater authenticity and purpose
• Find freedom from the opinions and expectations of others
• Experience deeper intimacy with God and others

Last updated: September 12, 2024