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Affection & Attention (Psalm 84:5 esv)
Scripture References: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, John 3:19, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, Daniel 9, Song of Songs 5
Intro:
- Linking the previous sermon on God's love to the importance of our affections.
- Introducing the concept of a "digital fast" as a means of refocusing our attention.
- Prayer for Danny as he delivers the message.
Key Points:
- The Gap Between Belief and Behavior:
- The illustration of the man at Costco: knowing truth but acting contrary to it.
- The Western church's access to theology vs. its practical application.
- Acknowledging the struggle to live consistently with our beliefs.
- The Power of Affections:
- Our lives are driven by our loves and longings, not just intellect.
- The heart as the seat of our desires and motivations.
- The Enlightenment's overemphasis on rationality.
- The World's Influence:
- The world's "liturgies": habits and patterns that shape our desires.
- Examples: advertising, social media, entertainment.
- Commercials and their ability to shape our desires.
- The Barna research statistic of 90% of young people leaving the church.
- Discipleship as Heart Transformation:
- Discipleship is more than information; it's shaping our affections toward Christ.
- The need to identify and change our "liturgies."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry quote about longing for the sea.
- Daniel's Example:
- Daniel's captivity in Babylon: a metaphor for our current cultural context.
- Daniel's continued practice of Jerusalem's rhythms: maintaining a heart focused on God.
- Daniel's heart remaining in Jerusalem, while his body was in Babylon.
- Worship as Affectionate Engagement:
- Song of Songs 5 as a description of Christ's beauty and worthiness.
- The bride analogy: the church as lovers of Christ.
- The question: "What is your beloved more than another?"
- Description of Jesus from Song of Songs 5.
Conclusion:
- The importance of recognizing the forces that shape our affections.
- The call to actively pursue Christ as the object of our love.
- The table and worship as a means to encounter Christ and have our hearts transformed.
Call to Action:
- Reflect on the "liturgies" that are shaping your desires.
- Identify areas where your actions don't align with your beliefs.
- Engage in practices that cultivate affection for Christ: worship, prayer, scripture reading.
- Participate in communion, remembering Jesus's sacrifice.
- Consider what patterns in your life need to change.
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*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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