York Alliance Church Message Podcast

The presence of God is a vital marker of God's people. As followers of Jesus, we should long for the distinguishing presence of God, not simply settle for His blessing and provision. In Jesus' presence, we find fullness of life.

As we wrap up our practice series on Sabbath, we need to recognize that Sabbath calls us to remember. It is a reminder of our humanity, that we're not God, and that we are called to delight in the world around us.

We live in a 24/7 culture of productivity, distraction, burnout and anxiety. If left unchecked, this system will destroy our souls, our bodies, our relationships and our society. Regardless of the world around us, followers of Jesus need to enter into the rest of God in order to display the freedom we've been given in Christ and the hope that Jesus has for the world.

Sabbath has its roots in the creation narrative where God models the rhythm of work and rest. However, much of that rhythm has been lost in our modern world. The deep and ancient roots of Sabbath provide a beautiful framework for pursuing a rich life in Christ.

The human condiition has always been restless, but this seems to be especially the case today. Our digital distraction and rampant consumerism create barriers that blur the lines between our humanity and the never-resting world around us. However, in the midst of this chaos, Jesus offers rest.

God uniquely gifts each of us with things that are intended for the blessing of the world around us. All vocation is holy to God. What marks us as the people of God is not a sacred vocation, but a sacred rhythm and rest.

The law of God is not given as a list to follow but, rather, as a part of God’s covenant with His people and as a reflection of His character. As such, Jesus was the perfect embodiment of the law and the complete fulfillment of God’s covenant and, through Him, we are invited into the covenant community.

Becoming the people of God is not a job for professionals but is a call to every believer. Many are called to lead in various ways, each of us acting in the role of a priest to the world around us. All of this happens through Jesus, who is the head of the church and whose mercy empowers our community.

We will all face battles in our lives. Tests and battles can often catch us off guard. It is good to know that God not only looks forward to delivering us but that He provides us victory by being our Jehovah Nissi going before us to defeat the enemy in battles we cannot win on our own.