Series: 23&Me
Sermon: The Garden
ICE BREAKER: One has to go, caffeine or chocolate! Which are you choosing?
REVIEW:
This week we wrapped up our 23&Me series with an in-depth look at what it means to be rooted, "IN THE GARDEN."
We have talked about the idea of the garden all series - but What is it, exactly? And when do we get there? And where is it located?
We took all of these questions head on with a thorough look at scripture! We learned that the Garden of Eden is referenced throughout scripture. The word we have translated, "Paradise" from the greek of the New Testament is really the greek word for "The Garden."
Jesus promised the thief on the cross he would be with Him in The Garden that day. Paul was taken up to The Garden when he was called to be an apostle. John saw a revelation of eternity and found himself in The Garden!
WHEN IS THE GARDEN?
-IN THE BEGINNING
-IN THE ETERNAL FUTURE
-RIGHT NOW
The Garden is available all the time! That leads to the next question: WHERE is the Garden? This is a version of what the religious leaders asked Jesus during his time on earth. They wanted to know when the Kingdom of God would come. Jesus answered not based on time, but location.
"The Kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU." Jesus said!
WHERE IS THE GARDEN?
ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE THAT THE WORK OF GOD IS ACTIVATED
So the Garden is everywhere, all the time! We can choose to live IN The Garden by actually living out our identity IN CHRIST! So what exactly does the Garden represent? What is it?
WHAT IS THE GARDEN?
THE REALEST REALITY
Since the fall of man, we have lived in a sub-version of reality. The world is not how God intended it to be. The Garden is available to you RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW! The Kingdom is WITHIN YOU! However, if our primary concern is with the tangible and material, we WILL MISS IT!
A life lived in the garden is a life that is aware of spiritual realities! That is spending time with God’s word, that is willing to sacrifice ANYTHING and suffer ANY BURDEN for the sake of the gospel!
APPLICATION:
How has this series changed the way you see your identity?
What do you see as your greatest challenge to living your life IN CHRIST?
When we root our identity in the Garden, we are planting ourselves in Paradise right here and now - even though the world around us is full of chaos and suffering. In Christ we can bear the burdens of this world and show people hope in the midst of it all!
How would your life change if you practiced rooting your identity in The Garden?
PRAY:
Ask God to show you the areas of your life that you are clinging to a false identity. Meditate on what it means that the Garden is everywhere and all the time. Seek the Holy Spirit's help to live out who you were created to be.
Be sure to sign up for the LEARNING TO LISTEN Newsletter and begin preparing yourself for this 21-day journey!
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