Aligning Worship, Stewardship, and Truth in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the importance of aligning our worship with our stewardship and understanding the deeper implications of our faith. We began by acknowledging that stewardship is not merely a financial matter but a faith matter, emphasizing the collective effort required to build God's kingdom. We then transitioned to the significance of voting, highlighting the historical struggle for voting rights and the responsibility we have to participate in democracy.
The core of the message revolved around understanding the kind of church God is calling us to be, especially in these turbulent times. Drawing inspiration from Marvin Gaye's song "What's Going On," we explored the need for the church to help people make sense of the political, economic, and cultural chaos around us. We delved into the importance of truth, emphasizing that knowing the truth, as Jesus said, will set us free. This led to a discussion on the necessity of having a strong relationship with the Word of God, making it primary in our lives rather than a last resort.
We also examined how we see Jesus—whether as a resource, a savior, or as Lord. The ultimate goal is to see Him as Lord, allowing Him to guide and direct our lives. This shift in perspective is crucial for making sense of the world and experiencing true freedom. The message concluded with a call to action: to memorize scripture and to refer to Jesus as Lord, thereby deepening our relationship with Him and making His teachings central to our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stewardship as a Faith Matter: Stewardship is not just about finances; it's a matter of faith. When we all do our part, we collectively build God's kingdom. This collective effort is essential for advancing God's work on earth. [00:54]
2. The Importance of Voting: Voting is a critical responsibility that has been hard-won through history. We must not take it for granted but understand the stakes and ensure that others also participate. This is part of our duty as Christians to seek justice and equity. [18:03]
3. Relationship with the Word of God: Our relationship with the Word of God should be primary, not secondary or a last resort. When the Word is central in our lives, it becomes part of our muscle memory, guiding us through life's challenges. [30:01]
4. Seeing Jesus as Lord: While many see Jesus as a resource or savior, the ultimate goal is to see Him as Lord. When Jesus is Lord, He guides and directs our lives, leading us to true freedom and understanding. This shift in perspective is crucial for spiritual growth. [40:46]
5. The Connection Between Truth and Freedom: True freedom comes from knowing the truth, and Jesus is the embodiment of that truth. Without Jesus, we cannot experience genuine freedom. This understanding is essential for navigating the complexities of life and society. [49:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - Stewardship as a Faith Matter
[01:31] - Ways to Give
[16:21] - Introduction to Voting Facts
[17:09] - Historical Context of Voting Rights
[18:03] - The Importance of Voting
[19:12] - Meditative Breathing Exercise
[20:44] - Prayer and Scripture Reading
[21:23] - John 8:31-32 and John 14:6
[22:47] - What Kind of Church is God Calling Us to Be?
[24:57] - Making Sense of Political and Economic Turbulence
[30:01] - Relationship with the Word of God
[38:51] - How Do You See Jesus?
[40:46] - Jesus as Lord
[49:22] - Connection Between Truth and Freedom
[55:04] - Call to Make Scripture Primary
[58:07] - Offering Jesus Christ
[01:02:33] - Announcement of New Fellowship
[01:04:20] - Call to Action: Memorize Scripture
[01:08:42] - Closing Remarks and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 8:31-32 (NIV): "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
2. John 14:6 (NIV): "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 8:31-32, what is the condition for knowing the truth and being set free?
2. In John 14:6, how does Jesus describe Himself, and what is the significance of each term He uses?
3. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between stewardship and faith? ([00:54])
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of voting and its historical context? ([18:03])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "hold to" Jesus' teachings, and how does this relate to being His disciple? ([30:01])
2. How does seeing Jesus as Lord differ from seeing Him merely as a resource or savior, according to the sermon? ([40:46])
3. Why is it important for the Word of God to be primary in our lives rather than a last resort? ([31:02])
4. How does the sermon connect the concept of truth with freedom, and why is this connection significant for Christians today? ([49:22])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with the Word of God. Is it primary, secondary, or a last resort in your life? What steps can you take to make it more central? ([31:02])
2. How do you currently see Jesus in your life: as a resource, a savior, or as Lord? What changes can you make to start seeing Him more as Lord? ([40:46])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of voting as a Christian duty. How can you actively participate in the democratic process and encourage others to do the same? ([18:03])
4. The sermon calls for memorizing scripture to make it part of our muscle memory. Choose one scripture to memorize this week. How will you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? ([36:16])
5. The sermon discusses the need for the church to help people make sense of political, economic, and cultural chaos. How can you contribute to this mission within your church community? ([24:57])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the truth set you free. How can you seek and uphold the truth in your current life situations? ([49:22])
7. The sermon mentions the importance of referring to Jesus as Lord. How can you start incorporating this practice into your daily prayers and conversations? ([01:05:45])
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship as a Collective Faith Effort
Stewardship is not merely about financial contributions; it is fundamentally a matter of faith. When we all contribute our time, talents, and resources, we collectively build God's kingdom on earth. This collective effort is essential for advancing God's work and ensuring that His will is done. Stewardship involves recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are called to manage these gifts responsibly. By aligning our worship with our stewardship, we demonstrate our commitment to God's mission and our trust in His provision. [00:54]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What specific gifts or resources has God entrusted to you, and how can you use them to serve others and build His kingdom this week?
Day 2: Voting as a Christian Responsibility
Voting is a critical responsibility that has been hard-won through history. As Christians, we must not take this privilege for granted but understand the stakes and ensure that others also participate. Voting is part of our duty to seek justice and equity, reflecting God's heart for righteousness. By participating in the democratic process, we can influence policies and leaders that align with biblical values and promote the common good. It is an opportunity to be the salt and light in the world, advocating for justice and the welfare of all people. [18:03]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: How can you educate yourself and others about the importance of voting and the impact it has on justice and equity in your community?
Day 3: Making the Word of God Primary
Our relationship with the Word of God should be primary, not secondary or a last resort. When the Word is central in our lives, it becomes part of our muscle memory, guiding us through life's challenges. The Bible provides wisdom, comfort, and direction, helping us navigate the complexities of life with a godly perspective. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow God's truth to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. This deep connection with the Word empowers us to live faithfully and confidently, knowing that God's promises and principles are our foundation. [30:01]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: What steps can you take to make the Word of God more central in your daily routine, and how can this change impact your decision-making and spiritual growth?
Day 4: Seeing Jesus as Lord
While many see Jesus as a resource or savior, the ultimate goal is to see Him as Lord. When Jesus is Lord, He guides and directs our lives, leading us to true freedom and understanding. This shift in perspective is crucial for spiritual growth, as it involves surrendering our will to His and allowing Him to reign over every aspect of our lives. Recognizing Jesus as Lord means trusting His wisdom, following His commands, and seeking His guidance in all things. It is through this lordship that we experience the fullness of life and the peace that surpasses all understanding. [40:46]
Colossians 1:15-18 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: What areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to Jesus as Lord, and what practical steps can you take to submit these areas to His authority?
Day 5: The Connection Between Truth and Freedom
True freedom comes from knowing the truth, and Jesus is the embodiment of that truth. Without Jesus, we cannot experience genuine freedom. This understanding is essential for navigating the complexities of life and society. Jesus' teachings and example provide the foundation for living a life of integrity, purpose, and freedom. By embracing His truth, we are liberated from the bondage of sin, fear, and confusion. This freedom empowers us to live boldly and authentically, reflecting God's love and truth to the world around us. [49:22]
John 8:31-32 (ESV): "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus' truth, and in what ways can this truth bring freedom to areas of your life where you feel bound or restricted?
Quotes
1. "God is calling us to be a church that helps people make sense of what is going on. Clear and simple. We need to be able to help you make sense the political crazy in our society. That's the only way I can describe it. Crazy. We need to help you make sense of the economic turbulence that we deal with. We need to help you make sense of the cultural challenges and shifts before our very eyes. We need to help you make sense of your personal life." [24:57] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What is your relationship to the word of God? In other words, how do you categorize the word? Is it primary? Is it secondary? Or is it last resort? Is it primary? Is it secondary? Is it last resort? You know when something's primary, it gets first call. It is priority. We know when something's secondary. See, I have some clothes that are secondary. I don't wear those very often. But when something is primary, it has a level of importance in my life." [31:02] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The word of God cannot be a side piece. Did I just get, did I just wake somebody up? The word of God is not your side piece. The word of God is your only piece. It is your weapon. It is your tool. It is the tool kit. Beloved, it denotes that it, and you know what that means? I just want to take a moment here, because, because one of the things we have moved away from, and that is to, to make the word central in our lives." [33:39] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you know that you're going through, the word affirms that God will be your rock, that God is your fortress, that you don't have anything to fear. When the word, when the word is part of your memory, you will know, though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil for God is with you. You will know that God will bless your going out and your coming in. Your muscle memory. What is your relationship to the word of God?" [38:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How do we see Jesus today? And what I want you to understand, we see Jesus in one of three, should see Jesus in one of three positions. We see Jesus as a resource, which is where most of us align and land. If I'm in need of something, that's why we show up on Sunday, because I need something. See, I know when folk going through, can't beat some folk to the doors when they going through. I know I just stepped on somebody. So we see him as a resource and that's important." [39:35] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We need him to be Lord over our lives. We need him to be Lord up in Congress. We need him to be Lord down in Austin. We need Jesus to be Lord, not just a resource. Because as a resource, you get what you want, then you go do your own thing. And that's why many of us get in trouble, get out of trouble, and get back into trouble. Because when he's Lord, he will govern. He will direct us. He will lead us. He will move us. He will equip us and empower us." [41:19] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Do you want to be free? Do you want to be free? You know, the folk in the text said to Jesus, we're not enslaved. Jesus said, but yes you are. I want you to understand, until Jesus is Lord, you're not free. And I want us to be free, I don't know about you, but I want to be free from hate. I want to be free from lies. I want to be free from worry. I want to be free from deception. I want to be free from anxiety. I want to be able to go to bed at night knowing that it ain't all worked out, but I can still sleep." [48:09] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Freedom is not in a flag. Freedom is not singing an anthem. I don't care how many times you sing it, it don't liberate everybody. Freedom is in the truth. The truth. And last time I recall, Jesus is the truth. And if Jesus is the truth, we need to turn to Jesus. Jesus is our pathway to the truth and freedom that we all desire. And I want you to remember this, we need to turn to Jesus." [49:22] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "No matter what we see, hear, or feel, God is still on the throne. And our only hope is in Him. Beloved, we've got to turn to the King of Kings and the Lords of Lords. We've got to turn to the One who sits high and looks low. We've got to turn to the One who can make a way out of no way. We've got to turn to the One who can fix, who can heal, who can deliver, who can set us free." [53:56] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "How do you see Jesus? I need you to see Him as Lord. I need you to grow up, grow beyond using Him simply as a resource. Make Him Lord. I need you, my brothers and my sisters, to make prayer, to make the Scripture not last resort but primary in your life. Give God some praise." [55:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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