The Beat Goes On

We have discovered together that God is not looking for morally good people to fill His Kingdom but, rather He is looking for people to enter a relationship with, and in that relationship He transforms us into a new kind of human – the kind that begins to resemble Jesus.

We have discovered together that God is not looking for morally good people to fill His Kingdom but, rather He is looking for people to enter a relationship with, and in that relationship He transforms us into a new kind of human – the kind that begins to resemble Jesus.

And then last week, discussed how a relationship with Jesus empowers His people to be truly moral and to have an ethic of agape love. It is in this relationship with God through the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to bring real and sustaining change to the society around us.

It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.

A RELATIONSHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING

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God calls us to live in a relationship with Jesus.

God calls us to live in a relationship with Jesus.

Matthew 11:28–30 The Message

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

A relationship is a daily, weekly, monthly, lifelong reoccurrence of a steady rhythm.

Like your heart, your speech pattern, the pace at which you walk or run, your breathing, a relationship is an act of two people living in rhythm.

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HERE IS THE PROBLEM; LIFE CAN KNOCK US OUT OF RHYTHM.

Over the last few weeks I have spoken to multiple people who have fallen out of rhythm in their relationship with Jesus.

Nothing big just sidetracked by life, guilt, frustrations and business.

Here is the problem though – You don’t fall out of love you fall out of rhythm.

Symptoms of being out of rhythm with Jesus:

· Lack of love towards others –

· Easily irritable and angry – called to joy, peace,

· Harsh in words, fly off the handle – called towards patience and gentleness

· Arrogance – Called to be humble – we have died.

· Lack of self-control

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We all will, have and will again go through this –

We are not alone in this experience.

Revelation 3:14–22 NLT

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

Let me ask you a question: Is Jesus standing at the door of your Heart knocking?

Is he standing outside asking for that relationship again?

We all have experienced this – no shame – be encouraged – there is an answer.

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How CAN WE GET BACK in RHYTHM IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS?

We need a metronome (play the sound of one.)

A metronome is a BEAT that keeps you in rhythm

If you fall out of rhythm you go back to the BEAT and enter the rhythm again.

We use metronomes in our relationships – weekly or monthly date night – nightly prayer together – eating supper together – nightly walk.

Each of these are our relationship BEAT that allow you to stay in rhythm.

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So, what are the divine BEATS?

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

B- Breaking Bread – communion – daily living in purposeful communion with God through the d-b-r

E – Engaging in Fellowship – Seek fellowship with other believers as often as possible.

A – Apostles Teachings – Nothing will replace the word of God.

T – The Prayers – Set times to pray, make it a pattern, start your day.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How different would your life be if you found a BEAT?

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How different would your life be if you found a BEAT?

Imagine how much you would transform if you prayed daily.

How different would you think if each night you read one chapter of the Bible?

How powerful would God move through you if, your daily life was based on His rhythm?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Action:

This week implement one BEAT into your life.

Focus to make it a habit by doing it regularly each day.

Read, pray, break bread, fellowship -

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Promise –

If you will build non-negotiable BEATs in your life, your life will radically be transformed as you daily live in relationship and rhythm with God.

Relationship Changes Everything.