Authentic Love: Redefining Church Community and Unity

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound disconnect that often exists between our external appearances and our internal realities, especially within the context of church life. Reflecting on a personal experience at a Giants game, I was reminded of how we often wear masks, hiding our true selves even in places meant for authenticity and community. This led us into a discussion about the essence of the church as depicted in the Bible, challenging us to strip away traditions and practices that don't align with scriptural priorities.

We embarked on a journey to redefine what church should look like, emphasizing the importance of love as the primary marker of a true biblical community. Despite the outward success of many churches, we often miss the core command to love one another deeply and sacrificially. This love is not just a feeling but a tangible expression of our faith, demonstrated through actions like forgiveness, sacrifice, and genuine care for one another. The early church exemplified this by ensuring no one was in need, and their unity and love were so compelling that it drew others to Christ.

We also delved into the significance of abiding in Jesus, as outlined in John 15. Abiding is not merely about personal devotion but is intrinsically linked to our relationships with one another. Our connection with God is reflected in our love for each other, and this unity is the evidence to the world of Jesus' divine mission. Jesus' prayer in John 17 for us to be one as He and the Father are one challenges us to pursue a depth of relationship that mirrors the divine unity.

As we move forward, our focus is on building a church that embodies this love and unity, not just in word but in action. This involves restructuring our community life to foster deeper connections, where small groups become the heartbeat of our church, living out the biblical mandate to be a family. This is not about filling rooms but about filling our lives with God's glory through authentic relationships. We are called to be living stones, building a spiritual house where God's presence dwells, and through our unity, the world will see the truth of the Gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- Authenticity in Worship: We often come to church with masks, hiding our true selves. True worship requires honesty and vulnerability, allowing us to connect deeply with God and others. This authenticity is crucial for genuine community and spiritual growth. [00:40]

- Biblical Church Priorities: Many church practices are based on tradition rather than scripture. We must return to the Bible to understand what God prioritizes, focusing on love and community as the core of church life. This requires a shift from mere attendance to active participation in a loving community. [01:55]

- Love as the Church's Foundation: The early church was marked by radical love and unity, which drew others to Christ. Our churches must reflect this same love, where members sacrifice for one another and live in genuine community. This love is the true measure of a successful church. [05:01]

- Abiding in Jesus: Our relationship with God is intertwined with our relationships with others. Abiding in Jesus means obeying His command to love one another, and this love is the evidence of our connection with Him. Our unity is a testimony to the world of Jesus' divine mission. [12:22]

- Unity as a Witness: Jesus prayed for our unity, which is meant to reflect the unity between Him and the Father. This unity is not just for our benefit but is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the truth of the Gospel. Our love and unity are the greatest evangelistic tools we have. [24:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Giants Game Reflection
- [00:40] - Authenticity in Worship
- [01:55] - Biblical Church Priorities
- [03:20] - Emphasizing God's Priorities
- [05:01] - Love as the Church's Foundation
- [09:02] - Abiding in Jesus
- [12:22] - Command to Love One Another
- [14:16] - Connection with God and Each Other
- [17:43] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
- [24:09] - Unity as a Witness
- [31:13] - Impact of Unity on the World
- [35:13] - Glory of God in the Temple
- [38:06] - We Are the Living Stones
- [45:08] - Restructuring for Community
- [50:33] - Invitation to Know God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 15:10-13
2. 1 John 3:10
3. John 17:20-23

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 15:10-13, what does Jesus say is the evidence of abiding in His love? How is this connected to His commandment? [12:22]

2. According to 1 John 3:10, what distinguishes the children of God from the children of the devil? [15:31]

3. In John 17:20-23, what does Jesus pray for concerning the unity of believers, and how is this unity meant to impact the world? [23:50]

4. Reflecting on the sermon, what personal experience did the pastor share to illustrate the disconnect between external appearances and internal realities? [00:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the command to love one another in John 15:12 challenge the common notion of love as merely a feeling? What does sacrificial love look like in practice? [12:55]

2. In 1 John 3:10, how does the lack of love for one's brother relate to one's spiritual identity? What implications does this have for the church community? [15:31]

3. Jesus' prayer in John 17 emphasizes unity among believers. How does this unity serve as a testimony to the world about Jesus' divine mission? [24:09]

4. The pastor mentioned the early church's radical love and unity. How does this historical example challenge modern church practices? [05:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you ever felt the need to wear a "mask" to hide your true self? What steps can you take to foster authenticity in your worship and community life? [00:40]

2. The sermon emphasized the importance of love as the foundation of the church. How can you actively demonstrate sacrificial love within your small group or church community this week? [05:01]

3. Jesus' command to love one another is tied to abiding in Him. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and, in turn, enhance your love for others? [12:22]

4. Consider the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17. How can you contribute to building a more unified church community that reflects the divine unity between the Father and the Son? [24:09]

5. The pastor shared a story about a church member donating a kidney to another member. What radical act of love or service can you commit to this month to support someone in your community? [07:13]

6. Reflect on the idea of being "living stones" in a spiritual house. How can you actively participate in building a church community where God's presence dwells? [38:06]

7. The sermon highlighted the need for restructuring community life to foster deeper connections. What changes can you make in your small group to prioritize authentic relationships over mere attendance? [45:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Authenticity in Worship
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves wearing masks, hiding our true selves even in spaces meant for authenticity and community. This tendency can create a profound disconnect between our external appearances and our internal realities. True worship requires honesty and vulnerability, allowing us to connect deeply with God and others. When we come to church, we should strive to be genuine, letting go of the facades that prevent us from experiencing genuine community and spiritual growth. By embracing authenticity, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace, fostering a community where everyone feels seen and valued. [00:40]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have worn a mask to hide your true self. How can you take a step towards authenticity in your interactions this week?


Day 2: Biblical Church Priorities
Many church practices today are rooted in tradition rather than scripture, leading us away from the core priorities God has set for His church. To realign with biblical priorities, we must return to the Bible and focus on love and community as the essence of church life. This shift requires moving from mere attendance to active participation in a loving community. By prioritizing relationships and genuine care for one another, we can create a church environment that reflects God's heart and purpose. This transformation involves evaluating our current practices and being willing to let go of those that do not align with scriptural teachings. [01:55]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one church tradition or practice that you participate in. How can you ensure it aligns with biblical priorities of love and community?


Day 3: Love as the Church's Foundation
The early church was characterized by radical love and unity, which drew others to Christ. This love was not just a feeling but a tangible expression of faith, demonstrated through actions like forgiveness, sacrifice, and genuine care for one another. Our churches today must reflect this same love, where members are willing to sacrifice for one another and live in genuine community. This love is the true measure of a successful church, not the size of the congregation or the grandeur of the building. By embodying this love, we can create a compelling witness to the world, drawing others to the transformative power of the Gospel. [05:01]

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a practical way you can demonstrate sacrificial love to someone in your church community this week. What steps will you take to make it happen?


Day 4: Abiding in Jesus
Abiding in Jesus is not merely about personal devotion but is intrinsically linked to our relationships with one another. Our connection with God is reflected in our love for each other, and this unity is the evidence to the world of Jesus' divine mission. Jesus' command to love one another is a call to live out our faith in community, where our relationships with others are a testament to our relationship with Him. By abiding in Jesus, we are empowered to love deeply and sacrificially, creating a community that mirrors the divine unity between Jesus and the Father. [12:22]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. How does it influence your interactions with others in your community? What changes can you make to better abide in Him?


Day 5: Unity as a Witness
Jesus prayed for our unity, which is meant to reflect the unity between Him and the Father. This unity is not just for our benefit but is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the truth of the Gospel. Our love and unity are the greatest evangelistic tools we have, showing the world the transformative power of God's love. By striving for unity within our church community, we can create a compelling testimony of God's presence and work in our lives. This unity requires intentional effort and a commitment to love one another deeply, even in the face of differences and challenges. [24:09]

"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." (John 17:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a relationship within your church community that needs healing or strengthening. What steps can you take to promote unity and reflect the love of Christ in that relationship?

Quotes


I hope that eventually you can come here and say you know what it doesn't matter I can just be who I am I can tell the truth you know because I know look some of you you you come here and you know maybe you were forced to come here by your parents or your spouse and um not going to point any one out but uh but man be honest with that just go I don't believe this stuff I don't believe it um or I'm really wrestling with this I'm struggling with this or it's like I hear your message but I just don't really want to go there but we got to stop the faces and stop the pretending and the acts. [00:01:09]

When I started the church you know uh a church 20 years ago I did it the way most people do it I did it based upon repetition I saw another church do it this way so I started doing it this way um or tradition based upon my uh my denominational background but I didn't really think about scripture I may have thought about what worked for another church how they got a bunch of people in and how they were doing but I didn't go back to this book and so now I'm at an age where I'm going man all I want is this I want to emphasize what God emphasizes even when it's uncomfortable to me. [00:03:36]

We as Elders started studying the scriptures more deeply and going gosh is that what God asked for I mean if we started with this book if someone asked us to Define church just using this book what would be the priorities and we start realizing wow number one was love like and we looked at our church and we go if that's the priority do we really love each other and as Elders we're going man we have what we call a very successful Church in America because thousands of people are showing up we're preaching the word those are all good things but we don't love each other we hardly even know each other we're not sacrificing for each other bearing with one another. [00:04:51]

God's desire was that someone walking into our gathering would be blown away by our love he says this is how the world's going to believe that you're my disciples they're going to walk in and go what he forgave her what look how they put up with each other they're so different and yet look look at the you know and I see glimpses of this I I I saw at the at the last church when one of our our members an older guy he um is blind and his kidneys were going and and uh you know and so so there was an announcement made at church hey can anyone drive this guy to dialysis it's 5: in the morning can anyone take him at 5: in the morning three times a week and sure enough someone yeah that's part of the body of course I'll do it I'll do it. [00:06:10]

I want to talk about that love because I've been praying for Abundant Life and going God I want that one day where we're we're so connected and we're not just a bunch of people attending a sermon um but that there's a deep deep love like in that early church where they were giving the shirt off their backs to one another there wasn't a single needy person in the place and they're giving their kidneys to each other you know like it's that type of church that I I want to be a part of um you know last time I I spoke two weeks ago we talked about abiding in Jesus right remember that like being so connected to him. [00:09:08]

If you keep my Commandments you will abide in my love just as I have kept my father's Commandments and abide in his love these things I've spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full but catch the next verse this is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you greater love has no one than this that someone laid down his life for his friends you are my friends if you do what I command you okay this is an amazing verse I mean the god of the universe calling us friend. [00:12:15]

Our connection with God depends on our connection with each other you cannot say God and I have a great relationship I just hate the church that is such a popular statement today I love Jesus I just hate the church and Jesus well you can't abide in me right unless you love one another that's my command I mean I I mean that's the same thing that uh that John says in uh in uh 1 John chapter 3 in 1 John chapter 3 verse gosh my eyes okay okay first verse 10 1 John 3:10. [00:14:20]

I want you to remember uh this this speech that Jesus is giving in John you know chapter 15 really it's John 14 13 somewhere around there through 17 this is right before he goes to the cross and he gathers his disciples together and he's looking at his disciples and saying these are the people that are going to change the world God I'm done I'm going but these guys are going to change the world world and he starts laying out to them he guys don't be afraid I'm leaving you but don't be afraid he goes you're going to change the world but like we studied a couple weeks ago if you just abide in me there's going to be fruit okay so don't freak out about this assignment. [00:17:33]

I want them to be one father like you and I are one just as are you kidding me how one are the Father and Son Inseparable when Jesus says to Thomas look if you've seen me you've seen the father I mean they are one one and we're talking about from eternity is there a bond greater than the Father and Son of all eternity and then Jesus prayer is God make them one not just the appearance of one not just showing up to one building not just holding hands in a circle not just signing a membership paper but make them one just as you and I are one. [00:25:33]

I want a unity in the body I want like the father and son I want you to be when you call yourself a part of a church he goes I wanted to be like a body you know this 1 Corinthians 12 where the hand can't say to the foot I don't need you he no you're connected you're this is God's desire this is what church was supposed to be we've turned it into something else I've turned it into something else but when I look at scripture I go now this it's it's this is possible through the Holy Spirit we can make this happen through the Holy Spirit if we all seek the Holy Spirit we will become one somehow but we've got to believe this and say no I want this if I'm going to join a church I'm one like a finger is a part of my body man I'm going to be a part of this body it's it's it's I'm all in. [00:28:00]

When the temple was completed okay in uh in 2 Chronicles 7 okay I just want to read three verses to you but I want you to imagine if we'd been working let's imagine this is a temple and we literally built it you know and so that's kind of what happened and all the people get together and Solomon comes to dedicate the temple this thing they built for God and it says chapter 7 2 Chronicles 71 as soon as Solomon finished his prayer fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the temple and the priest could not enter the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord's House when all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on on the temple they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord saying for he is good his steadfast love endures forever. [00:34:33]

We all come those who' have been saved by Jesus Christ who have the Holy Spirit we are stones in a building you're one stone and we are supposed to connect with one another so United like the father and son that we form one Temple we plural become one and and and it's through that that I believe the glory of God will fill us that we will be like that Old Testament Temple and the world would look on and go what is going on over there what is happening over there that was supposed to be the proof that's what Paul says in Philippians 1 he goes when you strive side by side you're not afraid of anything you're so United you're one. [00:40:25]

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Transcript
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