Opening God's Word to Feast on the Bread of Life

What do you turn to for the source of reliable truth in your life?

God sees you as marriage material. It's true that we're not exactly the perfect partner--we frequently wander away and fall short of his expectations--which God experiences as being cheated on. But no matter how many times we are unfaithful to God, he always welcomes us back with open arms.

It's time to get serious about our commitment to God. God doesn't just want to date you--he wants to make things official. Let's renew our vows and begin a new chapter of total commitment to Jesus.

No matter how many times we wander away from God, he always welcomes us back with open arms. This doesn't cheapen his grace or diminish our sin, but it does reinforce a key truth that stands at the heart of the Gospel: God will never stop pursuing a marriage relationship with us, no matter how bad things get.

Wandering Eyes. Broken Promises. Infidelity.

God has always desired to be in an exclusive marriage with his people, but our hearts are so prone to wander away. When we turn away from God, he experiences that as an act of marital infidelity. And although God is more patient than any human being could ever be, God is clear that there are consequences to our spiritual infidelity. Thankfully, God also provides a roadmap to restoration: the cross of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the Bible, God uses the language of romance and marriage to illustrate the kind of relationship he wants with his people. From beginning to end, God pursues a loving, personal and intimate relationship with each one of us--despite our obvious imperfections. And that's the good news of the Gospel!

Jesus sets us an example of humility (attitude) and service (action) that every disciple should follow.

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

1. Jesus shows us the importance of humility.
2. Serving is a practical demonstration of God's love.
3. We have the ability and responsibility to share God's love through acts of service.

Application:
1. Make We > Me
2. Practice Show and Tell
3. WestsideLife.org/Volunteer

Part two of our series "Living With Purpose."

God loves you just the way you are, but he doesn't want you to stay that way. Instead, he wants you to grow into a better reflect of Jesus Christ. And through his power and promises, he's given us everything we need to live a godly life.

Main passages: Matthew 23:25-26, Ephesians 4:22-24, 2 Peter 1:2-9.