Study 1
You can download the study guide pdf for questions and scripture verses.
I was contemplating where the "Rooted and Blessed" cycle begins. Rooting, or trusting and depending on God, is my first task. However, I couldn't do that without first, God, expressing his desire for me to do so. Jeremiah 31: 3, is the first scripture I can remember God speaking to me with. "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with loving kindness have I drawn thee." Yes, it's the good ol' Jimmy version. I fondly remember the worn Children's Bible I found in my dad's library.
My whole view of God rests on this one verse. God loves me and is actively pursuing me. This one verse allows me to have the trust and confidence, Jeremiah 17:7-8 speaks of. The very verse Rooted and Blessed is founded on.
*1
God started the "Rooted and Blessed" cycle at the beginning of time. He created man in his image and told them to be fruitful and multiply. (Gen 1:26-28) Why? Because he wanted a family. That is not too hard to understand. Created in his likeness, men and women everywhere, desire to have children and have a relationship with them. God was planning your existence at the beginning of time. (Eph 1:4, Jer 1:5, Isa 43:1-2, Isa 44:2) Not even his wrath against our distant ancestors could wipe out his plan of you when he destroyed the earth with water. (Gen 9:1)
*2
When the serpent tempted Adam and Eve with the means to be like God on their own, by eating the fruit from The Tree of the Knowlege of Good and Evil, sin entered the world. (Gen 3:5) Sin was a curse, not just a simple act of disobedience needing punishment. Adam and Eve's sin cursed not only humanity, but all creation itself. (Gen 3:17, Romans 8:19-22) The price was death, decay and eternal separation from God, AKA, hell. (Romans 6:23 Isaiah 59:2) Though the Jewish people sacrificed lambs and goats, they couldn't pay the price of the curse. (Hebrews 10:4) It was man that sinned, it was man that had to pay. However, a sinful man, could never break the curse of sin.
*3
Father God was desperate to be united with man. He had a plan that would not only pay for man's sin but also redeem man from the curse bring God and man together again. He sent Jesus, his son. (John 3:16) As both God and a sinless man, he alone, could pay for sin as well as break the curse of sin. (2 Cor 5:21, Philippians 2:5-8) Because he was sinless the grave couldn’t hold him, and he rose on the 3rd day. (Acts 2:24, 1Corinthians 15:4) Jesus sacrificed himself willingly, out of his love you us. That is, YOU and me. (John 10:18, John 10:28-29, 1 John3:16)
*4
Whew that was a lot of good stuff. Buuuut, we’re not done. Jesus mended the gap between God and man. But we have one more promise I want to cover that makes Rooted and Blessed possible. You see, Jesus was conceived by the Spirit of God. (Matthew 1:18) When he returned to the Father, he said he would send the Holy Spirit and he would live in us. He was to comfort and empower us to live godly lives (John 16:7) (1 Cor 6:19, John 14:16-17, Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:22-23) This answers Jesus prayer for us in John 17:20-23
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
*5
This is simply amazing... It blows my mind every time I think of it. The Creator’s love for his creation was so great, he was willing became his creation, die bearing all the blame, just so he could dwell with us. I can’t think of anything so awesome...This is where Rooted and Blessed truly starts.... (1 John 4:19) With God himself, blessing us with the ability to be Root in him and him in us. This is the Greatest love, and it’s granted to you.
If you want to accept Jesus' sacrifice for your sin, eternity with him, and the gift of the Holy Spirt, let me help you. It doesn't have to be fancy, just sincere. Simply admit your sin and accept Jesus' payment and make him Lord of your life. (Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9-10) Here is an example of how to pray:
Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to pay for my sin. I accept that payment and ask that you forgive me and send your Spirit to live in me. Help me know you intimately and personally as you have desired all along. Amen
And if you prayed this today, please let me know. Email me at rootedandblessed@gmail.com and welcome to the Family.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of becoming Rooted and Bless. Please subscribed to keep updated on new blog posts and studies. And “be” Rooted and Blessed.
*- Scripture and questions are available for this section of the study guide pdf.
