Authenticity in Faith: Sharing Joy and Love
Summary
In the River Church community, there is a strong emphasis on authenticity and a rejection of any form of coercion or manipulation in sharing faith. This approach acknowledges the reality that not everyone is always interested in spiritual matters, and that's acceptable. The community is encouraged to be present and faithful without resorting to inauthentic tactics.
The cultural landscape has shifted dramatically over the centuries. There was a time when disbelief in God was nearly impossible, as the world was seen as an enchanted place where invisible forces were readily accepted. Today, even Christians struggle to believe in the spiritual realm and the words of Jesus. This change is reflected in the way Christians have become reticent to speak about God in public, as noted by Jonathan Merritt in his book "Learning to Speak God from Scratch."
Despite these challenges, there is hope. Throughout history, God has often chosen to work through unspectacular individuals. The early Christian church, for example, grew exponentially without the aid of political or social power or modern technology. This growth was driven by ordinary people, as the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that God chose to demonstrate his power through those who were not wise or influential by worldly standards.
Brad, the lead pastor at the River, shares a personal story about a conversation with two 10-year-olds regarding the nature of gifts and the joy of sharing good news. This story illustrates the idea that when something truly delights us, we feel compelled to share it with others. This principle applies to the spiritual life as well; if one finds delight in the presence of God, sharing this joy with others comes naturally and increases one's own joy.
The story of the Magi, who were outsiders and yet sought the Living God, serves as a reminder that God's love extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The Magi's journey to worship Jesus demonstrates that God speaks to people in their own language and context, even if it means using means that are unconventional or forbidden by religious standards.
There are barriers that prevent people from sharing their faith, such as anxiety, feeling powerless, or feeling like they need to be someone they're not. These barriers can be overcome by embracing one's unique gifts and being authentic. The community is encouraged to see beneath the surface of people's lives and recognize their deep longings.
The story of Paul Kingsnorth, a British writer and environmentalist, exemplifies the unexpected ways in which God's love can reach individuals. Kingsnorth's journey from atheism to Zen Buddhism, then to Wicca, and finally to Christianity, shows that every human soul has a deep thirst that only God can satisfy. His story is a testament to the power of ordinary people being authentic witnesses to their faith.
In conclusion, the community is challenged to be attentive to the people around them and to consider the possibility that God is already at work in their lives. Practicing daily prayer and including others in those prayers can prepare one to be a light in someone else's darkness. The community is encouraged to find joy in being interpreters of God's love and to make room in their busy lives for those God is sending their way.
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity in faith practices is paramount. Coercion and manipulation have no place in sharing one's spiritual journey. Instead, being present and faithful in one's own unique way can have a profound impact on others. This approach respects individual differences and acknowledges that not everyone is at the same place in their spiritual journey. [14:54]
- The historical growth of the Christian church demonstrates that God often uses ordinary people to advance His kingdom. This should be an encouragement to anyone who feels they lack influence or power. The story of the early church's expansion is a reminder that God's work does not depend on human strength or societal status. [16:11]
- The joy of experiencing God's presence should naturally lead to sharing that joy with others. When one is genuinely delighted by their spiritual life, sharing it becomes an extension of that joy, not a burdensome task. This principle is beautifully illustrated through the simple joy of a child receiving a gift. [06:16]
- God's love transcends cultural and religious boundaries, as shown by the story of the Magi. This narrative challenges individuals to have a heart that beats with love for those who are different and to recognize that God is actively reaching out to all people, regardless of their background. [08:13]
- Every person has a deep spiritual thirst that only God can quench. Recognizing this can change the way one interacts with others, seeing them not as projects to be converted but as individuals on their own journey towards fulfillment. This perspective encourages genuine, compassionate engagement with those around us. [22:40]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 60:1-5 (NIV)
- "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come."
2. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV)
- "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 60:1-5 say about the future of God's people and the nations? How does this passage describe the response of the nations to God's light?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, what kind of people does God choose to demonstrate His power and wisdom? Why does Paul emphasize this point to the Corinthians?
3. In the sermon, Brad mentions the story of the Magi. How does their journey to worship Jesus illustrate God's love for all people, regardless of their background? ([07:32])
4. What are some of the barriers mentioned in the sermon that prevent people from sharing their faith? ([11:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 60:1-5 challenge the way we view people from different cultural and religious backgrounds? What does it mean for us to "arise and shine" in our context?
2. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, why do you think God often chooses to work through ordinary and seemingly insignificant people? How does this encourage you in your own faith journey?
3. Brad shares a story about a conversation with two 10-year-olds regarding the nature of gifts and the joy of sharing good news. How does this story relate to the idea of sharing one's faith authentically? ([06:16])
4. The sermon discusses the journey of Paul Kingsnorth from atheism to Christianity. What does his story teach us about the ways God can reach individuals, even those who seem far from faith? ([21:20])
#### Application Questions
1. Think about the people in your life who might seem "other" or different from you. How can you show them God's love in a way that respects their unique journey and context? ([07:32])
2. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious or powerless about sharing your faith. What specific steps can you take to overcome these barriers and share your faith more authentically? ([11:46])
3. Brad encourages the community to practice daily prayer and include others in those prayers. Who is one person you can pray for this week, and how can you intentionally connect with them? ([25:13])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being present and faithful without resorting to coercion or manipulation. How can you be more present and faithful in your interactions with others this week? ([14:18])
5. Consider the story of the Magi and their journey to worship Jesus. How can you be more open to seeing God's work in the lives of people who are different from you? ([07:32])
6. Brad talks about the joy of experiencing God's presence and sharing that joy with others. What is one way you can share the joy of your spiritual life with someone this week? ([06:16])
7. Reflect on the idea that every person has a deep spiritual thirst that only God can quench. How can this perspective change the way you interact with others, especially those who seem uninterested in faith? ([22:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Authentic Faith Sharing
Authenticity is crucial when sharing one's faith journey. It's about being genuine and present in interactions, respecting where others are in their spiritual paths. This approach fosters a deeper connection and allows for faith to be shared in a way that is both respectful and impactful. [14:54]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: How can you share your faith with someone in a way that is authentic to both your journey and theirs?
Day 2: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
God's kingdom often advances through the faithfulness of ordinary individuals. This should encourage those who feel they lack worldly influence, as God's power is made perfect in weakness. The growth of the early church is a testament to this truth. [16:11]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
Reflection: In what ways can you use your unique gifts and ordinary circumstances to make an impact for God's kingdom?
Day 3: Joyful Sharing of God's Presence
The delight in experiencing God's presence should naturally overflow into sharing that joy with others. When one's spiritual life is a source of genuine happiness, sharing it becomes a joyful extension rather than a duty. [06:16]
Luke 10:20 - "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Reflection: What aspect of your relationship with God brings you the most joy, and how can you share this joy with someone this week?
Day 4: Love Beyond Boundaries
God's love knows no cultural or religious limits, as exemplified by the Magi's journey. This narrative invites believers to love inclusively and recognize that God reaches out to all people in diverse ways. [08:13]
Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's inclusive love to someone from a different cultural or religious background this week?
Day 5: Quenching Spiritual Thirst
Every person has an innate spiritual thirst that only God can satisfy. Recognizing this thirst in others shifts the focus from conversion to compassionate engagement, seeing them as fellow seekers of fulfillment. [22:40]
Isaiah 55:1 - "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost."
Reflection: Can you identify someone in your life who is seeking fulfillment? How might you gently guide them towards the living water that is found in God?
Quotes
1) "We simply have to be present and faithful as some of us simply feel hopeless... but we never have to be something manipulative or coercive." [14:54] (Download)
2) "Throughout church history, God has often used unspectacular people... most of the kingdom of God has advanced on ordinary people." [16:11] (Download)
3) "Is the presence of God a genuine sense of delight to you? If so, we will naturally fulfill Our Calling to go and tell others." [06:16] (Download)
4) "God is speaking to them through a forbidden language because he loves them so greatly... to stretch our hearts so that we're concerned not just for us and our tribe but for all kinds of people." [08:13] (Download)
5) "Every human soul thirsts for what only God can provide... could you entertain the possibility that they are searching, they are seeking, and that God is speaking to them in a way that they cannot understand." [22:40] (Download)
6) "Can you and I embrace the idea that God is already speaking, already leading, already at work in others? Will we find joy in being his interpreters?" [24:36] (Download)
7) "In the midst of our busyness, let's make some room to be more attentive in the regular rhythms of Our Lives to the people that God is sending us to." [25:13] (Download)
8) "The story of Paul Kings North tells us that every human soul thirsts for what only God can provide." [21:58] (Download)
9) "We all live busy lives but in the midst of our busyness let's make some room to be more attentive... to the people that God is sending us to." [25:13] (Download)
10) "The presence of God astonishing you... in these days, if so we will naturally fulfill Our Calling to go and tell others and in the telling of others... it will increase our joy as well." [06:16] (Download)
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