Pursuing God
Pursuing God in the Bible refers to the intentional and heartfelt effort to seek a deeper relationship with Him, characterized by devotion, prayer, worship, and obedience to His commandments. The concept is often rooted in the understanding that God desires to be known and found by His people. Scriptures such as Jeremiah 29:13, where God promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart," emphasize the importance of a sincere and passionate pursuit. This pursuit involves not only seeking knowledge of God’s nature and will but also aligning one’s life with His purpose and values.Additionally, the Psalms provide numerous examples of this pursuit, with David expressing his longing for God in Psalm 42:1-2: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." This metaphor illustrates a deep spiritual thirst and desire for connection with the Divine. The New Testament reinforces this idea in James 4:8, which invites believers to "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." Pursuing God, therefore, is a dynamic relationship that requires effort, humility, and the readiness to engage in spiritual disciplines, ultimately leading to transformation and deeper communion with Him.
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Live Holy: Living Fascinated in the Pleasure of Loving God
By Mike Bickle1953:52PSA 16:11JHN 16:14ROM 6:111PE 1:15Mike Bickle emphasizes the call to holiness as a pursuit of the superior pleasures found in loving God, rather than a mere self-denial of sin. He explains that true holiness is about being fascinated by God's beauty and experiencing the joy of His presence, which equips us to enjoy life with Him forever. Bickle encourages believers to aim for 100% obedience, highlighting that the final 2% of surrender can unlock a deeper spiritual dynamic. He outlines three principles for pursuing holiness: knowing our identity in Christ, resisting sin, and actively pursuing God. Ultimately, he calls for a vision of living fascinated by God, which transforms our lives and empowers us against the allure of sin.
The Pursuit of the Living God
By Denny Kenaston1.9K1:21:56MAT 6:33MAT 11:28JHN 1:142CO 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking a revelation of who God is. He highlights that despite our knowledge and understanding of various worldly things, it is crucial to have a deep understanding and pursuit of God. The speaker also points out that our view of God has changed over time, leading to a low view of God and a high view of ourselves. He urges the audience to follow the example of those who walk in the ways of Christ and warns against being enemies of the cross of Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to earnestly seek the Lord, to know Him, and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision for the flesh.
Holiness: Living Fascinated in the Pleasure of Loving God
By Mike Bickle2557:42PSA 16:11ROM 6:11PHP 3:81PE 1:16Mike Bickle emphasizes that holiness is not a burdensome obligation but a joyful pursuit of God, where believers can live fascinated by His beauty and love. He explains that true holiness leads to a vibrant, exhilarated heart, filled with the superior pleasures of knowing God, rather than the inferior pleasures of sin. Bickle encourages believers to shift their focus from resisting sin to actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God, which will naturally lead to a life of holiness. He highlights that our longing for pleasure and fascination is God-given, and that true satisfaction comes from experiencing God's presence. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a commitment to a lifestyle of 100% obedience, which opens the door to a richer spiritual life.
1 Peter 1:16
By John Gill0LEV 11:44MAT 5:48ROM 12:12CO 7:1EPH 1:41TH 4:3HEB 12:141PE 1:161PE 2:91JN 3:2John Gill emphasizes the call to holiness as stated in 1 Peter 1:16, referencing Leviticus 11:44. He explains that this command resonates deeply with the Jewish audience, who value the Scriptures, and highlights that God's nature and perfection serve as a compelling reason for believers to pursue holiness. While complete holiness like God's is unattainable for humans, striving for it is essential for those who love and obey God. Gill encourages believers to reflect on God's holiness and to live in a manner that honors His will.