The Pursuit of God The Gaze of the SoulSeptember 8, 2013Today’s Goal: All Eyes on Jesus.Introduction: Why All Eyes on Jesus“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 (ref. 2:23)“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2Faith is: The gaze of the soul“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:14-17App: The next time you see that blue star let it remind you: All Eyes on Jesus"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29b“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7Obtaining Faith: It’s a gift“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8Strengthening Our Gaze: (ref. Hebrews 11:4-29) “…faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.” Romans 10:17“…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17b“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?