Sermon Summary Week One: We Need To Spend Time With Jesus

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves weary, burdened, and seeking solace. It is in these moments that we must remember the transformative power of Jesus Christ. His presence alone has the ability to change lives, to bear fruit, and to offer us rest with a purpose. This rest is not merely a cessation of activity, but a replenishment of strength, an opportunity to enjoy all that is, to express gratitude, to worship, and to trust God with what comes next.

As we delve into the heart of our series, "Come Away," we are reminded of the importance of creating a daily rhythm of prayer, focusing on the teachings of Jesus, and simply being still in His presence. It is not enough to have sporadic moments with our Savior; we must intentionally carve out time to be with Him, prioritizing this above all else.

We often fail to spend time with Jesus due to a lack of value for who God is, an overvaluation of ourselves, or the distractions that life throws our way. Yet, the account of Mary and Martha in Luke chapter 10 teaches us the importance of choosing what is better—being with Jesus—over the busyness of our daily tasks.

In Mark chapter 6, we see Jesus in action, performing miracles, teaching, and ultimately showing us the power of faith. It is here that Jesus invites His disciples to come away to a remote place and rest. This invitation extends to us as well, calling us to spend more time with Him, to be transformed by His presence, and to be sent out to bear fruit.

The first miracle of Jesus, turning water into wine, illustrates the transformative power He possesses. If Jesus can take ordinary water and turn it into the finest wine, imagine what He can do with a person of faith who intentionally enters into His presence.

As we embark on this series, I urge you to create time with Jesus, to pray as He taught us, to focus on His teachings, and to be still in His presence. Let us not be human doings, but human beings, finding our value not in our accomplishments but in our relationship with God.

Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from today's message:

1) Rest with a purpose is not about inactivity but about being replenished in strength, both physically and spiritually. It is in the presence of Jesus that we find true rest, a rest that prepares us to face life's challenges with renewed vigor and faith. [49:33]

2) The transformative power of Jesus is not limited to grand miracles but is also found in the quiet moments we spend with Him. As we sit at His feet, like Mary, we choose the better part, and it will not be taken from us. This choice is a declaration of our priorities and our desire to be filled by God's plenteousness. [34:15]

3) Creating time with Jesus means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. It is not about fitting Him into our schedule but about building our schedule around Him. This act of prioritization is a testament to our faith and our understanding of what truly matters in life. [35:33]

4) The story of Jesus turning water into wine is a powerful metaphor for our own transformation. Just as the water was changed into the finest wine, our lives, when surrendered to Jesus, can be transformed into something beautiful and fruitful. [50:11]

5) Being a human being rather than a human doing is about recognizing that our worth is not in our accomplishments but in our identity as children of God. When we rest in His presence, we are reminded that only what is done for Christ will last beyond our years. [38:31]

May these insights guide us as we seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus and find rest in His presence.