Emotionally Intimate with Christ-Part 1

Welcome Slide

Good Morning Everyone.

I’m Pastor Joe Vivian. The Children’s and Families Pastor here at Eastern Hills.

Welcome to our Family Worship.

I would also like to take time to welcome those who are tuning in Online via either Facebook, YouTube or our EHBC Web Page.

Welcome, we’re so glad you chose to join us today.

Senior Pastor, Bill Connors and his family-Mel and Abbie, are on vacation. We miss them but our prayers are with them to have a restful and recharged time as a family.

Let me share a couple of announcements this morning with everyone.

Our July Missions Offering is for

“World Hunger/Disaster Relief”

Our goal for July was $3,500. I say was, because I’m excited to announce that we achieved that Goal

$4359.03 as of this morning! Let’s keep going this month towards this Missions Offering.

Let’s watch this short film...

Great. You can continue to donate online or place a donation in the offering plates when you leave today.

Next, a reminder that we will be having our July Business Meeting immediately following our morning Family Worship.

Please note that this is not our usual Business Meeting format; however, due to the current situation of sanitizing our sanctuary and not having evening services currently. We felt that this is the best avenue. So at the end of service, church members, we ask that you remain for a brief but very necessary business meeting. We have business to be voting on. If you’re not a church member, you are more than welcome to stay and listen.

Kieth Treece will share how the flow of the Business Meeting will go at that time.

And last,

We have a “Drive-In” Baby shower for Jamie (Francis) Walton and baby Max!

It will be here under the overhang at the main church entrance on Sunday, August 2 from 2-4pm.

Jamie is registered at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby.

So very exciting!

Worship

Now, will you please stand and let’s prepare our hearts for worship

Pastor Wayne...

(Sermon Slide)

Good morning everyone.

This is a Tri-Pod. (Show Tripod)

This is a visual that Kerry and I use in marriage counseling to display what Intimacy is made of, both for marriages but especially with our relationship with Christ.

Check this Tri-Pod out:

A three legged base is considered to be the most stable base to place an object on.

For stability, adaptability, and an overall sturdiness.

Each leg of the Tri-Pod represents three facets that, in our humble opinion, display Intimacy in our relationships.

We see these "Three Legs" of Intimacy as:

Emotional, Physical and Spiritual

Think about that picture…All three must be in contact with the foundation of your relationships.

All Three: Emotional, Physical and Spiritual

Your foundations will change during the seasons of your life.

We each will encounter foundations of pain, suffering, betrayal, of joy, celebration, new beginnings…however they may be, the foundations will change.

So with those changes, Each leg must adapt in length and strength during those "Seasons" of change.

One leg that we, Kerry and I, have witnessed to lose strength these past 18 weeks is the Emotional leg.

In these past 18 weeks, we have run the gambit of emotions. We felt fear, anger, trepidation, relief, uncertainty, stress, and laughter…only to start all over again. And in many times, we may have run all those in less than 60 seconds.

Personally speaking, the stresses of this COVID19 time that we're living in has taken its toll even in my relationships. With my wife, with my family, with friends.

We need to stop and assess where our hearts are emotionally. We also should be wise to look at the Spiritual and Physical Legs too. But for the next two Sundays, we will park on our Emotional Intimacy, with each other, must most importantly, with Christ.

Before we get into our passages, we need to build a foundation and definition of the word Intimacy.

Let me start by asking this question.

What do you think of when I say the word Intimacy?

It’s usually leans towards a physical nature, doesn’t it?

However, we need to understand what the definition of intimacy really is?

So, let me share with you the definition from the 1828 Webster’s on Intimacy.

Intimacy is defined as,

A state of a close, transparent, and genuine relationship.

Intimacy is marked by warm, genuine friendship developed through long association and transparent communication.

With that definition, how would you define your intimacy with your spouse? Your Family? Your Friends?

Better yet, how would you define your intimacy as a pertains to your relationship with Christ?

You need to understand something before we go on as we study Emotional Intimacy…

The Emotional Intimacy you long for with your spouse, your children, your friends and family, will never be complete until you seek an Emotional Intimacy with Christ first.

Just speaking truth friends.

Your relationship with Christ: Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually sets your soul towards righteousness and His love, His Truth.

This morning I want each of us to really own that definition of intimacy:

A state of a close, transparent, and genuine relationship.

Intimacy is marked by warm, genuine friendship developed through long association and transparent communication.

Close-again it’s the picture of being together without barriers

Transparent- not being ashamed, no hidden agenda.

Genuine- the real deal no counterfeit

Friendship- a best friend, growing to really know one another.

Communication- the ability to stop and hear his voice, as well as to shout out to him in times of struggle and celebration.

So let’s ask that question again:

“How do you define the intimacy you have with Christ?”

Are you close?

Are you transparent with him?

Are you genuine with him?

Do you consider Christ your best friend?

Do you communicate daily with him towards transparency?

So we’re going to park that question for now and mull it over and allow God to speak to us in the next two Sundays.

We will be in Psalm 42 and 43 as our foundation for the next two Sundays.

Will you please stand as we read Psalm 42 and 43 together?

(Slide Psalm 42 & 43)

Psalm 42 CSB

For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. 1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?” 4 I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts. 5 Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. 6 I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me. 8 The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night— a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I will say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” 10 My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones, while all day long they say to me, “Where is your God?” 11 Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43 CSB

1 Vindicate me, God, and champion my cause against an unfaithful nation; rescue me from the deceitful and unjust person. 2 For you are the God of my refuge. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression? 3 Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. 4 Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God. 5 Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

(Sermon Slide)

(Pray)

Whew…Those 2 psalms are full of emotion

I noticed 8 Changes of emotions throughout

It's like a Roller Coaster Ride.

An Emotional Roller Coaster.

Those two chapters will be our foundation for this 2-part study; however, you will see this morning, that we will be in multiple other scriptures besides Psalm 42-43.

Why? Because those two chapters are essential to this entire journey towards Emotional Intimacy with Christ.

So, please mark those two chapters, because that will be a part of your quiet time this week.

Let's ask the question one more time:

"Am I Emotionally Intimate with Christ?"

Where is your heart right now?

Psalm 139:23-24

(Slide Psalm 139:23-24)

Psalm 139:23–24 CSB

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.

David’s theme in this Psalm is explicit by its initial statement, verse 1

Which is then balanced by what we just read: “Search me, God, and know my heart.”

David is confident of his emotionally intimacy with God, even in the midst of crisis and upheaval in his life. This confidence comes from his remembering that the infinite God takes intimate care of him.

So, when we ask the question,

“Am I emotionally Intimate with Christ?”

We need to stop and do a “Heart Check.”

Remember that God knows you intimately and now you must do the same with Him.

There are 3 Facets to Look at so as to answer that question:

“Am I emotionally intimate with Christ?

Let’s start with the first:

“Are You Experiencing Emotional Inconstancy?”

-Do you Fly off the handle-Anger is your “Go-To”

-Your Emotional Inconsistency Triggers an emotion that IS NOT proportionate to the problem

-You are unable to Cry/Weep when you should and Laugh/Rejoice when you should

James, Jesus half-brother writes

(Slide James 1:19-20)

James 1:19–20 CSB

19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

Bill shared this last week from his study.

Again, inconstancy in your emotions will interfere in your growing relationship with Christ.

“Everyone…”

David writes in Psalm 37:8-9

(Slide Psalm 37:8-9)

Psalm 37:8–9 CSB

8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. 9 For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

I want us to focus on the word agitated.

“..do not be agitated.”

The Hebrew definition of that word, Agitated, means a burning sensation from rage and pain. To ignite a fire that burns out of control.

Again, “Are You Experiencing Emotional Inconstancy?”

Do you allow yourself to become easily agitated?

What “fires” are you purposely igniting for your selfish needs and agenda?

Where is Christ in all of this?

Next facet…

“Are You Lacking Clarity/Questions Abound?”

-You're Indecisive

-You're Undecided

-You're Confused

"God IS NOT a God of Confusion. He is a God of Clarity!**

1 Corinthians 14:33

(Slide in the CSB)

1 Corinthians 14:33 CSB

33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

(Slide in the NASB)

1 Corinthians 14:33 NASB95

33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

I personally can share with you that during my times of “Cloudy Thinking” and “Questions Overflowing”

When I’m the most frustrated with myself, I usually find myself avoiding God’s Truth.

There was a time a few years ago where I was struggling with a major life decision. While I was wrestling with that, I stopped and sought God.

I didn’t purposely seek out a Topical Bible to suit my answer, no.

However, too often that’s the easy way out. We choose to manipulate God’s Word to suit the current crisis, current decisions that we need to make.

We find a verse, take it out of context, and then “re-write” it for our own advantage.

Friends, I’m sooo guilty of that during my own life.

No, instead, I spent time in prayer in the book I was currently having my quiet time with God…Deuteronomy.

Deut 10:12-13 NLT

(Slide in the NLT)

Deuteronomy 10:12–13 NLT

12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. 13 And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.

I realized that I was living in a way and seeking a way to please me and my decision. Not His.

Love Him, Serve Him, Always Obey.

Clarity was brought forth.

The answer was right there in His Word.

Matthew 6:33

(Slide Matthew 6:33)

Matthew 6:33 CSB

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

So again, let’s ask:

“Are You Lacking Clarity/Questions Abound?”

Finally, the last facet to examine to answer the question:

"Am I Emotionally Intimate with Christ?"

“Is There Disparity In My Character?”

What I mean is this:

-What we see of ourselves and what others see do not line up

-Who we are in public is not who we are when we are alone with our family or spouse…or God

-We so often will choose to believe what others "say" about us.

-When that happens, we then believe the "Perceived" person instead.

God’s Word describes this disparity:

2 Timothy 3:2-5

(Slide 2 Timothy 3:2-5)

2 Timothy 3:2–5 CSB

2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.

Paul reiterates this again in Romans 1:29-31

(Slide Romans 1:29-31)

Romans 1:29–31 CSB

29 They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 senseless, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful.

OK, you all may be thinking here…

Slow down Joe, I’m not like the evil in the world today.

That’s not fair.

Friends, if our Character is not a reflection of Christ, then it’s a reflection of the world.

That is the disparity.

We should be like what David wrote in Psalm 15:1-5

(Slide Psalm 15:1-5)

Psalm 15:1–5 CSB

1 Lord, who can dwell in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain? 2 The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart— 3 who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor, 4 who despises the one rejected by the Lord but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his word whatever the cost, 5 who does not lend his silver at interest or take a bribe against the innocent— the one who does these things will never be shaken.

And what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi

(Slide Phil 2:1-11)

Philippians 2:1–11 CSB

1 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. 5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“the same attitude…the same character…a reflection of Christ Himself”

Again, please ask yourself that question:

“Is There Disparity In My Character?”

(Sermon Slide)

Let’s land this plane for today.

Remember the Key Question:

"How is Your Emotional Intimacy with Christ?"

In other words:

-How is your Consistency with God?

-How is your Clarity with God?

-How are you handling Disparity in your life through God?

Better yet, as it pertains to those three: Consistency, Clarity and Disparity towards God...

How are you around your Spouse?

Your Children?

Your Family?

Your Friends?

Your Co-Workers?

How are you all by yourself, no one else around you? Consistent, Clear, and Precise with God?

How do we Recover/Redeem back and build our Emotional Intimacy with Christ?

(Sermon Slide)

Next Sunday I will share with each of you Two Building Blocks to strengthen that leg on the "Tri-Pod."

Friends, I know that this has been a heavy message. However, we are all so Emotionally depleted right now.

These past 18 weeks have taken a toll on us emotionally.

Yet, there is Hope. That Hope is Jesus Christ.

(Slide Hebrews 13:8)

Hebrews 13:8 CSB

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

(Sermon Slide)

We need to take time this week and do a very careful evaluation of our hearts.

We need to spend time with God, one on one, and evaluate those three facets.

Allow God to speak to you and allow His Truth and Love to begin a healing and restoration of your heart.

Emotionally, as well as Spiritually.

After you spend time with God answering those questions, I then encourage you to ask the perspective of your spouse, your children, your close friends who speak truth into your life.

It’s time for a heart transformation.

Stop and read again Psalm 42 and 43 with a new lens. Read it quietly and allow His love to permeate every part of your soul.

It’s time to grow or even strengthen that Emotional Intimacy with Christ.

Now, some of you may be listening right now and be thinking, “I can’t even fathom brining my emotions to that level. I’m a wreck.”

Let me share with you friend.

It starts with trusting in Him.

Surrender today your life to Jesus Christ.

Turn your life over to Him.

Ask for forgiveness of your sins, your selfishness.

He will forgive you right where you are at.

Whether it’s sitting in one of these pews or sitting at home watching this message.

He is wanting a relationship with you, an intimate relationship.

Jesus wants a Close, Transparent, Genuine, Friendship with you.

Surrender your life today and begin this journey with Christ.

We are not able to do one on one, in person, right now; however, take this time as Donna plays for us, take time to do some heart surgery with Christ, right where you are.

Whether in the building with us this morning or at your home. Now’s the time.

You can also take this time to worship Him by online offering or as we leave today, the offering plates are located at each exit to place your offering in as you leave.

Let’s Pray

(Pray)

Thank You Donna.

At this time, we will shift gears and go into our business meeting.

We will now end our Online Service. Thank you, those visiting online, we’re so glad you joined us.

Now, if you are not a member of Eastern Hills Baptist Church and do not want to see or watch the business of EHBC, you are dismissed at this time.

If you would please leave through the back of the sanctuary. Again, thank you so very much for joining us this morning.

Church Family, you have your Business Meeting Agendas…hopefully. If you did not receive one this morning, please raise your hand so we can get one to you now.

Before Keith comes up, let’s also do this:

Each of us lean forward and look at the ground. Carefully pull back your mask and take in 5-10 deep breaths. All while keeping your face turned to the ground.

Once done, replace your mask and let’s get started..

Keith..