Becoming Influencers for Christ in Our Culture
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Longdale Baptist Church. Today, we focused on the theme of "Influencing Culture" and how we, as Christians, can be a positive force in our communities. We began with worship and announcements, including prayer requests for various members of our congregation. We then transitioned into a discussion about the recent youth mission trip and the upcoming summer camp. These events are pivotal in shaping the spiritual lives of our teens, providing them with opportunities to serve and grow in their faith.
The core of our discussion revolved around the idea that we should not be influenced by the culture around us but rather be influencers for Christ. This year's theme for the youth was "Influence Culture," emphasizing that our actions and lives should reflect Christ's teachings and love. We explored four key points that the teens learned during their mission trip: Conformed, Renewed, Tested, and Approved.
1. Conformed: We discussed the importance of offering our everyday lives to God as a living sacrifice. This means not becoming so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit in without thinking. Instead, we should strive to be conformed to Christ's image, using our unique gifts to bless those around us.
2. Renewed: Renewal is a process of being made new, especially when we feel broken or worn out. We looked at how trials and challenges can refine our faith and produce perseverance. The story of Zacchaeus was highlighted as an example of someone who was renewed by Christ and chose to start anew.
3. Tested: Our faith will be tested, and we must stand firm. We examined the story of the blind man in Luke 18, who, despite being told to be quiet, persisted in calling out to Jesus and was healed because of his faith. This story illustrates the importance of not conforming to societal pressures but instead standing firm in our faith.
4. Approved: Finally, we talked about being approved by God. While our actions may not always be perfect, God looks at the heart behind our efforts. The teens' hard work during the mission trip, despite its imperfections, was seen as a blessing because it was done with a heart for serving others.
In conclusion, we are called to be influencers for Christ, keeping our eyes on Jesus and living lives that reflect His love and teachings. As we prepare for the upcoming week, let's remember to offer our lives as living sacrifices, be renewed in our faith, stand firm when tested, and seek God's approval in all we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. Conformed to Christ's Image: We are called to offer our everyday lives to God as a living sacrifice, not conforming to the culture around us but being transformed by Christ. This means using our unique gifts to bless others and reflect Christ's love in all we do. [56:59]
2. Renewal Through Trials: Renewal often comes through trials and challenges. These experiences refine our faith and produce perseverance. Like Zacchaeus, we must be willing to start anew and allow Christ to renew our hearts and minds. [01:01:25]
3. Standing Firm in Faith: Our faith will be tested, and we must stand firm, even when societal pressures tell us otherwise. The story of the blind man in Luke 18 teaches us the importance of persistence and unwavering faith in Jesus. [01:05:48]
4. God's Approval: God looks at the heart behind our actions, not just the actions themselves. Our efforts to serve others, even if imperfect, are seen as blessings when done with a heart for Christ. This encourages us to focus on the intent and love behind our deeds. [01:08:10]
5. Influencing Culture for Christ: We are called to be influencers for Christ, impacting our communities and culture with His teachings and love. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and living out our faith, we can make a significant difference in the world around us. [01:08:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:22] - Announcements and Prayer Requests
[12:40] - Youth Skit and Mission Trip Recap
[53:12] - Influence Culture Theme
[54:52] - Conformed: Offering Our Lives to God
[56:59] - Renewed: Embracing Trials and Renewal
[01:01:25] - Tested: Standing Firm in Faith
[01:07:33] - Approved: Seeking God's Approval
[01:08:59] - Closing Remarks and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Influencing Culture
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) - "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
2. James 1:2-4 (ESV) - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
3. Luke 18:35-43 (ESV) - The story of the blind man who persisted in calling out to Jesus despite being told to be quiet.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:1-2 say about how we should live our lives in relation to the culture around us?
2. According to James 1:2-4, what is the purpose of trials and challenges in our lives?
3. In Luke 18:35-43, how did the blind man demonstrate his faith despite societal pressures? [01:03:28]
4. What were the four key points discussed in the sermon that the teens learned during their mission trip? [54:52]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does offering our lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) help us to influence the culture around us for Christ? [56:59]
2. Why is it important to be renewed in our faith, especially during times of trials, as mentioned in James 1:2-4? [01:01:25]
3. What can we learn from the blind man's persistence in Luke 18:35-43 about standing firm in our faith when faced with societal pressures? [01:05:48]
4. How does God’s approval of our actions, even when they are imperfect, encourage us to serve others with a heart for Christ? [01:08:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routines. Are there specific areas where you have conformed to the culture around you without thinking? How can you offer these areas to God as a living sacrifice? [56:59]
2. Think about a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did it impact your faith? What steps can you take to allow God to renew your heart and mind through this experience? [01:01:25]
3. Have you ever felt pressured by society to conform in a way that goes against your faith? How did you respond, and what can you learn from the blind man's persistence in Luke 18? [01:05:48]
4. Consider the intent behind your actions. Are there ways you can shift your focus to ensure that your efforts to serve others are done with a heart for Christ, even if they are not perfect? [01:08:10]
5. Identify a specific area in your community where you can be an influencer for Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to make a positive impact? [01:08:59]
6. How can you support the youth in your church to become influencers for Christ in their schools, sports teams, and neighborhoods? What role can you play in mentoring or encouraging them? [54:12]
7. Reflect on the story of Zacchaeus. Is there an area in your life where you need to start anew and allow Christ to renew you? What steps can you take to begin this process? [01:02:33]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s message and apply its teachings to their daily lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind everyone that the goal is to grow together in faith and influence the culture around us for Christ.
Devotional
Day 1: Conformed to Christ's Image
We are called to offer our everyday lives to God as a living sacrifice, not conforming to the culture around us but being transformed by Christ. This means using our unique gifts to bless others and reflect Christ's love in all we do. The idea is to not become so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit in without thinking. Instead, we should strive to be conformed to Christ's image, using our unique gifts to bless those around us. This transformation is a daily process, requiring us to be intentional about our actions and decisions, ensuring they align with Christ's teachings and love. [56:59]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them today to bless someone in your community?
Day 2: Renewal Through Trials
Renewal often comes through trials and challenges. These experiences refine our faith and produce perseverance. Like Zacchaeus, we must be willing to start anew and allow Christ to renew our hearts and minds. When we feel broken or worn out, it is through these moments that God can work in us to bring about a newness of spirit and purpose. The story of Zacchaeus highlights how an encounter with Christ can lead to a complete transformation, urging us to embrace the process of renewal even in the face of difficulties. [01:01:25]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you see God's hand in renewing your faith through that experience?
Day 3: Standing Firm in Faith
Our faith will be tested, and we must stand firm, even when societal pressures tell us otherwise. The story of the blind man in Luke 18 teaches us the importance of persistence and unwavering faith in Jesus. Despite being told to be quiet, the blind man persisted in calling out to Jesus and was healed because of his faith. This story illustrates the importance of not conforming to societal pressures but instead standing firm in our faith, trusting that God hears our cries and will respond in His perfect timing. [01:05:48]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: When have you felt pressured to conform to societal norms that contradict your faith? How can you stand firm in your beliefs today?
Day 4: God's Approval
God looks at the heart behind our actions, not just the actions themselves. Our efforts to serve others, even if imperfect, are seen as blessings when done with a heart for Christ. This encourages us to focus on the intent and love behind our deeds. While our actions may not always be perfect, God values the sincerity and love with which we serve others. The teens' hard work during the mission trip, despite its imperfections, was seen as a blessing because it was done with a heart for serving others. [01:08:10]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent act of service you performed. Was your heart in the right place? How can you ensure your future actions are driven by genuine love and a desire to please God?
Day 5: Influencing Culture for Christ
We are called to be influencers for Christ, impacting our communities and culture with His teachings and love. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and living out our faith, we can make a significant difference in the world around us. This means actively seeking opportunities to reflect Christ's love and teachings in our daily interactions and decisions. As we prepare for the upcoming week, let's remember to offer our lives as living sacrifices, be renewed in our faith, stand firm when tested, and seek God's approval in all we do. [01:08:59]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a positive influence for Christ in your community this week? What specific actions can you take to reflect His love and teachings?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "To see the Lord work in kids' lives. It really has made a big difference. And one of my own kids who've gone through this church at a young age accepted Christ at camp. So I am thankful for High Point and all the things they've done, and just looking forward to see what the kids are going to get out of summer camp this year. So be in prayer for them. Be in prayer for the speaker. I pray that just God is working in their hearts." [08:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "They don't want the kids to be influenced by the culture. Right? They want Jesus to use them to influence the culture. And that it's around Christ that we want our culture to change to. We want this land to change. Turn back to Jesus." [53:12] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we think about Jesus. He was the greatest influencer of all time. He influenced people more than anybody else. You think of the people that Jesus influenced. Ended up influencing the whole world around them. Because what he taught them was the truth of God's word. The love that we're supposed to show." [54:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus tells us not to conform to what everybody else is doing. Instead follow him and do what's right. And it's a battle for the teens but it's also a battle for us as everyday adults going off to work. He wants us to be loving and compassionate. Love others the way he loved us." [56:59] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God urges us not to conform to what society's expectations of us are or society's expectations of teens are. Right? But to stand out and influence him to others. That's just funny because I think our teens do that well." [58:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our daily routines can either distract us from what God is doing in our life or there can be an opportunity. There's a lot of people in the world that are telling us what to do and what to like and what to believe. They're trying to tell us who we should be. They're trying to influence us in a way that they make us all think the same and do the same. And that's not what Jesus tells us." [56:59] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes we feel broken. Those kids, there were days where they came back and at the end of the day they felt a little broken. They were tired, they were exhausted, they didn't want to weed again. You know, nobody wants to weed. Gavin made a joke of it when he's like, yes, the horse farm. He's like, I weed it. Like he came back, I was like, hey, it's whatever they want you to. And then he's like, well, it was better to pick up the poop, I guess." [01:00:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes starting over can be really tough and we worry about all the questions people might have for us. Or maybe even not accepting the new us. But we worry about what people think, then we lose focus of who we're really supposed to be serving. Right? So here we have it again, just, you know, being renewed in Jesus." [01:02:33] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He didn't care what everybody else was saying. He knew the only thing he needed to have and get to was Jesus. But the great thing is not only did that happen, but the crowd stopped yelling and started yelling when this all goes down. Jesus heals him. He praises God, it says, and he follows Jesus. Now the crowd gets their test. They pass. They weren't saying, hey, why are you doing this? When Jesus heals him, it says that, you know, they also praised God." [01:06:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God didn't see the imperfections of the kids work. He didn't see that like every week wasn't pulled perfectly. He saw the parts as they worked and the work that they were doing, that they were serving other people to bless other people. And they were doing it with all their hearts. And that's what God cares about. He doesn't care about how much. How much money we give. He cares about the heart behind." [01:08:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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