PASSIONATE ABOUT GOD BY PASTOR BEN KC LEE
Foodies, K-pop fans and soccer fans are not just customers. They are enthusiasts. They are passionate about their interests.Everyone can be passionate. But to be passionate about God!
Why not?
But does not passion for Jesus mean that you might be unbalanced and neglect other important aspects of life and responsibility. Jesus calls us to: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mk. 12:30
WHY get excited about God?
One reason is that the true Church is a passionate bride. We as Christ followers are the church
The five wise virgins in the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-2 have a passion for Jesus. Their heart is given to Jesus. True love yearns for His company no matter how hectic our schedule. They are love sick for Jesus.
The contrasting picture is the lukewarm, last-day Laodicean described in Rev. 3:16. This is definitely the state to avoid.
A second reason is that God has a zealous passion for those He brings into an intimate relationship with Himself. Rom. 8:38-39 describes this well.
He sets His love on us. He seals His name upon our life. That’s why God will comfort you. He loves you with an everlasting love. God’s zeal for His people looks like Rom. 15:3. That is God’s passion.
A third reason is that Jesus caused excitement everywhere He went.
He caused it in his birth (Lk. 2) and in every town and village he entered. People just got excited about Jesus.
Excitement comes when we are in vital union with Christ.
WHAT do I get excited about?
Here are just three areas to get excited about.
First, be excited that we’re saved.
Eccl. 7:29 reminds us that God made us simple, but we made ourselves very complicated.
So keep this truth in our heart. This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. God loves me! Nothing can take the place of knowing God. The burden of sin is gone and I can sleep like a baby at night.
Second, be excited to see others come to Christ.
Remember how it felt when someone you had been praying for finally came to Christ?
Jesus: “There is rejoicing in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents.” Lk. 15:10
We can get stirred and thrilled about helping people come to Christ.
Third, be excited about God’s Church
Ephesians 5:25 “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
It’s good to be excited about God’s church even when the band is not playing well, even when things may not go well. Because God is good! His purpose endures forever including His purpose for His bride.
Psalms 122:1 “I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'”
HOW can I get excited (again) about God?
The Gospel in Mark 9:1-10 gives us pointers.
Stop. We see that in verses 1-2 that the disciples needed to stop what they were doing to spend time with Jesus. Get alone with God in Word and prayer. A prayer life on life support does not really help. Get excited with your time with Dad.
Look. Verses 3-8 tell us that they “no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.”
The disciples stopped and looked at Christ. Let's fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith so we do not grow weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:2-3). Keep focused on the Lover of your soul.
Listen. The Father exhorted the disciples, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” v7.
Do not rely on others to fill your passion tank. The life Rom. 8:11 describes is not existential life, but it is the highest form of life. Yes, fill yourself with the Word and the Presence till you overflow.
Keep. Verse 10 tells us “They kept the matter to themselves”.
Keep good company, of those who are on fire for God. Hang out with guys like Caleb. He said, “I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today...” Jos. 14:10-12. What a retiree!
To sum up, keep our gaze on our Bridegroom. Expect His return any time. Long for this moment! There’s no need to look to anyone or anything else because they do not satisfy. Stay in love with Jesus. Trust Him to manifest Himself in His fullness in you.
Romans 12:11 provides the encouragement. Follow the Lord with all your heart. Let’s get God-intoxicated.
“Rejuvenate a growing passion for God expressed through our mission, values and culture” is a Church Health initiative in CATALYSE global master-plan.
One reason is that the true Church is a passionate bride. We as Christ followers are the church
The five wise virgins in the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-2 have a passion for Jesus. Their heart is given to Jesus. True love yearns for His company no matter how hectic our schedule. They are love sick for Jesus.
The contrasting picture is the lukewarm, last-day Laodicean described in Rev. 3:16. This is definitely the state to avoid.
A second reason is that God has a zealous passion for those He brings into an intimate relationship with Himself. Rom. 8:38-39 describes this well.
He sets His love on us. He seals His name upon our life. That’s why God will comfort you. He loves you with an everlasting love. God’s zeal for His people looks like Rom. 15:3. That is God’s passion.
A third reason is that Jesus caused excitement everywhere He went.
He caused it in his birth (Lk. 2) and in every town and village he entered. People just got excited about Jesus.
Excitement comes when we are in vital union with Christ.
WHAT do I get excited about?
Here are just three areas to get excited about.
First, be excited that we’re saved.
Eccl. 7:29 reminds us that God made us simple, but we made ourselves very complicated.
So keep this truth in our heart. This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. God loves me! Nothing can take the place of knowing God. The burden of sin is gone and I can sleep like a baby at night.
Second, be excited to see others come to Christ.
Remember how it felt when someone you had been praying for finally came to Christ?
Jesus: “There is rejoicing in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents.” Lk. 15:10
We can get stirred and thrilled about helping people come to Christ.
Third, be excited about God’s Church
Ephesians 5:25 “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
It’s good to be excited about God’s church even when the band is not playing well, even when things may not go well. Because God is good! His purpose endures forever including His purpose for His bride.
Psalms 122:1 “I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'”
HOW can I get excited (again) about God?
The Gospel in Mark 9:1-10 gives us pointers.
Stop. We see that in verses 1-2 that the disciples needed to stop what they were doing to spend time with Jesus. Get alone with God in Word and prayer. A prayer life on life support does not really help. Get excited with your time with Dad.
Look. Verses 3-8 tell us that they “no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.”
The disciples stopped and looked at Christ. Let's fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith so we do not grow weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:2-3). Keep focused on the Lover of your soul.
Listen. The Father exhorted the disciples, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” v7.
Do not rely on others to fill your passion tank. The life Rom. 8:11 describes is not existential life, but it is the highest form of life. Yes, fill yourself with the Word and the Presence till you overflow.
Keep. Verse 10 tells us “They kept the matter to themselves”.
Keep good company, of those who are on fire for God. Hang out with guys like Caleb. He said, “I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today...” Jos. 14:10-12. What a retiree!
To sum up, keep our gaze on our Bridegroom. Expect His return any time. Long for this moment! There’s no need to look to anyone or anything else because they do not satisfy. Stay in love with Jesus. Trust Him to manifest Himself in His fullness in you.
Romans 12:11 provides the encouragement. Follow the Lord with all your heart. Let’s get God-intoxicated.
“Rejuvenate a growing passion for God expressed through our mission, values and culture” is a Church Health initiative in CATALYSE global master-plan.
Written by Pastor Ben KC Lee
