Message Notes for January 12, 2025

Series: The Balanced Life

Title: Passionate Spirituality – UP

In 2025, we can experience greater meaning, impact, and hope by intentionally balancing our relationship with God, love for others, and purpose in making a difference.

Micah 6:8 NLT O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

We want to live in our relationship with God balanced with: Passionate Spirituality – UP; Radical Community – IN; Missional Zeal – OUT

How to grow in more passionate spirituality with God.

The first step is acknowledging Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!

∙ See the Roman Road 

The second step is to become a follower/disciple of Jesus! 

Matthew 28:19-20 NLT Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

What does passionate following of Jesus look like? 

– Taking up your cross.

Matthew 16:24-25

– Walking humbly with God.

John 5:19-20 , Matthew 11:28-29 

– Being shaped and transformed.

John 15:1-5 

– Wholehearted devotion.

Isaiah 40:31, Proverbs 3:5–6 

– Constant praise on our lips.

Psalm 139:14, Genesis 1:27-28, Ephesians 2:10

– Being a fountain of His goodness. 

John 4:13-14 

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of January 12, 2025

Series: The Balanced Life

Title: Passionate Spirituality – UP

• Read Micah 6:8. What does this passage say about living life balanced with God?  What are the components of that balanced life?
• What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Jesus?  Read Matthew 28:19-20.  How is a disciple described in this passage? 
• Read Matthew 16:24-25. How is a disciple described in this passage? What does it mean to take up your cross daily?  How will adherence to this passage cause you to grow deeper in your relationship with God? 
• Read John 15:1-5.  What does this passage say about a more intimate relationship with God?  What are the benefits or challenges? 
• How will being in a strong and consistent engaging relationship with our Heavenly Father give us stability in an ever changing and unpredictable world? 
• How does having our identity strong and clear with our Heavenly Father set us up for effective relationships and impactful serving?
• Consider these daily disciplines: Prayer, Bible Reading- Study, Meditation, Solitude, Fasting, Submission, Worship. How could these help your relationship with God grow more passionate? Share with the group how you can put those into action. 
• Share with the group some practical ways you can grow in passionate spirituality with God – individually, as a family, as a community group, as a church.