Being the Living Church: Our Role in the World

Devotional

Day 1: The Church as a Living Organism

The church is not a static organization but a dynamic organism. It is a living, breathing, and growing body of believers under the lordship of Christ. This means we are interconnected and interdependent, each with unique gifts and roles, suffering and rejoicing together as one body. The imagery of the church as an organism emphasizes that we are not merely members of an institution but parts of a living entity that thrives on mutual support and unity. When one part of the body suffers, the entire body feels the pain, and when one part rejoices, the whole body shares in the joy. This interconnectedness is crucial for the health and growth of the church.

Understanding the church as an organism challenges us to move beyond individualism and embrace a communal mindset. It calls us to recognize the value of each member and the importance of our collective mission. As living parts of this organism, we are called to contribute our unique gifts and talents for the edification of the whole body. This perspective fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, reminding us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. [37:06]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to support and strengthen the body of Christ this week?

Day 2: Living Stones and Spiritual House

We are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house. This metaphor highlights our role in the church's foundation, which is Jesus Christ. As living stones, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God, living out our faith in tangible ways. The imagery of living stones emphasizes that we are not passive participants but active contributors to the spiritual edifice that God is constructing. Each stone, though unique, is essential to the integrity and beauty of the whole structure.

Being living stones means that our faith must be evident in our actions. It calls us to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ, offering our lives as spiritual sacrifices. This involves acts of service, compassion, and love that demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. As we align ourselves with Christ, the cornerstone, we become part of a spiritual house that stands as a testament to God's grace and truth. [34:54]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What tangible actions can you take this week to live out your faith as a living stone in God's spiritual house?

Day 3: Salt and Light

Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt adds flavor and makes us distinctive, drawing others to Christ. Light dispels darkness, revealing truth and hope. Our mission is to bring the love and grace of Jesus to those in need, pushing back the darkness in the world. Being salt and light means that our presence should make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. Salt preserves and enhances, while light guides and illuminates.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that attracts others to the gospel. Our words and actions should reflect the love and truth of Jesus, making us a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness. This calling challenges us to be intentional in our interactions, seeking opportunities to share the message of Christ through both our deeds and our words. [49:42]

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV): "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 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: In what ways can you be salt and light in your community this week?

Day 4: Interconnectedness of the Body

Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 emphasizes that we are all parts of one body, each with unique roles. No part can say to another, "I don't need you." This interconnectedness means that when one part suffers, we all suffer, and when one part rejoices, we all rejoice. The analogy of the body underscores the importance of unity and mutual dependence within the church. Each member, regardless of their role, is vital to the functioning and well-being of the whole body.

This interconnectedness calls us to cultivate a spirit of empathy and solidarity. It challenges us to be attentive to the needs and struggles of our fellow believers, offering support and encouragement. At the same time, it invites us to celebrate the successes and joys of others, recognizing that their victories contribute to the overall health of the body. By embracing this interconnectedness, we strengthen the bonds of fellowship and create a community that reflects the love and unity of Christ. [42:02]

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (ESV): "That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Reflection: How can you show care and support for a fellow believer who is struggling this week?

Day 5: Being the Church for the World

Our calling is to be the church for the world, not just for ourselves. This involves engaging in acts of service and compassion, like feeding the homeless, and being present for one another in times of crisis. We are to be a beacon of hope, showing the world the transformative power of Christ’s love. Being the church for the world means that our faith must extend beyond the walls of our congregation. It calls us to actively seek ways to serve and bless those in our communities and beyond.

This outward focus challenges us to live out the gospel in practical and tangible ways. It invites us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those around us. By doing so, we demonstrate the love and grace of Christ, making His presence known in a broken and hurting world. This mission requires us to be intentional and proactive, looking for opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. [55:52]

Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."

Reflection: What specific act of service or compassion can you commit to this week to be the church for the world?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the essence of the church and our role within it. We began by affirming our faith through the Nicene Creed, which reminds us of our belief in one holy, Catholic, and apostolic church. This creed is not just words but a declaration of our identity and mission as followers of Christ. We explored what it means to be the church, emphasizing that the church is not a building or a denomination but the community of believers under the lordship of Christ.

Peter's first letter describes us as living stones being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. This imagery underscores that we are an organism, not an organization. We are a living, breathing, and growing body of Christ, interconnected and interdependent. Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 further illustrates this, showing that each member has a unique role and that we all suffer and rejoice together.

We are called to be salt and light in the world, bringing flavor and illumination to those around us. Salt makes us distinctive, drawing others to Christ, while light dispels darkness, revealing truth and hope. Our mission is to be the church for the world, pushing back darkness and bringing the love and grace of Jesus to those in need.

In practical terms, this means engaging in acts of service and compassion, like our ministry of feeding the homeless. It also means being present for one another in times of crisis, drawing strength from our community. We are to be a beacon of hope, showing the world the transformative power of Christ’s love.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Church as an Organism: The church is not a static organization but a dynamic organism. It is a living, breathing, and growing body of believers under the lordship of Christ. This means we are interconnected and interdependent, each with unique gifts and roles, suffering and rejoicing together as one body. [37:06]
2. Living Stones and Spiritual House: We are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house. This metaphor highlights our role in the church's foundation, which is Jesus Christ. As living stones, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God, living out our faith in tangible ways. [34:54]
3. Salt and Light: Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt adds flavor and makes us distinctive, drawing others to Christ. Light dispels darkness, revealing truth and hope. Our mission is to bring the love and grace of Jesus to those in need, pushing back the darkness in the world. [49:42]
4. Interconnectedness of the Body: Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 emphasizes that we are all parts of one body, each with unique roles. No part can say to another, "I don't need you." This interconnectedness means that when one part suffers, we all suffer, and when one part rejoices, we all rejoice. [42:02]
5. Being the Church for the World: Our calling is to be the church for the world, not just for ourselves. This involves engaging in acts of service and compassion, like feeding the homeless, and being present for one another in times of crisis. We are to be a beacon of hope, showing the world the transformative power of Christ’s love. [55:52]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:31] - Announcements and Prayer
[10:56] - Nicene Creed
[12:25] - Offering and Digital Giving
[27:24] - Prayer for Travelers and the Body of Christ
[30:42] - The Lord's Prayer
[31:51] - Exploring the Church's Identity
[34:54] - Living Stones and Spiritual House
[37:06] - The Church as an Organism
[40:14] - Interconnectedness of the Body
[49:42] - Salt and Light
[55:52] - Feeding the Homeless Ministry
[60:06] - Being the Church for the World
[63:17] - Closing Prayer
[64:18] - Final Song and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 2:4-5, what are believers compared to, and what is their purpose?
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, how does Paul describe the relationship between the different parts of the body and the body as a whole?
What does Jesus mean when He calls His followers the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" in Matthew 5:13-16?
How does the sermon describe the church as an organism rather than an organization? ([37:06])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, as described in 1 Peter 2:4-5? How does this imagery help us understand our role in the church?
How does Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 help us understand the importance of each member's unique role within the church? ([42:02])
In what ways can being "salt" and "light" influence the world around us, according to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:13-16? How does this align with the sermon’s call to be the church for the world? ([49:42])
The sermon emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. How does this interconnectedness affect the way we respond to each other's joys and sufferings? ([42:02])

Application Questions

Reflect on your unique gifts and roles within the church. How can you use them to contribute to the body of Christ more effectively? ([42:02])
Think of a time when you felt like a "living stone" being built into a spiritual house. How did that experience shape your faith and your understanding of community? ([34:54])
How can you be "salt" in your daily life, making your faith distinctive and drawing others to Christ? Share a specific example of how you can do this in your workplace or community. ([49:42])
In what ways can you be a "light" in dark places, bringing hope and truth to those around you? Identify a specific situation where you can shine the light of Christ this week. ([49:42])
The sermon mentioned the ministry of feeding the homeless as an example of being the church for the world. What practical steps can you take to engage in acts of service and compassion in your community? ([55:52])
How can you support and be present for others in your church community during times of crisis? Share a recent experience where you either needed support or provided it to someone else. ([57:28])
Reflect on the idea that there is no "church of one." How can you foster deeper connections within your church community to ensure that no one feels isolated or unsupported? ([42:02])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are to be the church for the world. Jesus has some words for us on this. I invite you to turn to Matthew chapter 5. In the middle of the sermon on the mount. Or actually very early in the sermon on the mount. Jesus offers. Some guidance for us. About how we are to behave. As people who are set apart. Into the world. This is what he says beginning in verse 13. He says you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness. How can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything. Except to be thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. He says. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." [49:08] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We are to be salt. We are to be salt. As an element and a mineral. And a thing that we encounter in our lives. Is something that brings flavor. And distinctiveness to our lives. Alright. Quick question. How many of you love movie theater popcorn? Okay. Alright. I love movie theater popcorn. Not only because I get to control how much butter. Goes on that popcorn. But also because it doesn't matter where I go. It's always salty. my favorite part. I don't know. This may be a moment of confession for me. And maybe you agree with me. But have you ever. Licked your finger. And wiped your finger around the outside. Of the tub. To get that salt and that butter. Am I the only one? Okay thank you. Thank you for being honest." [50:12] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are to be the church. We are to be the body of Christ. We are all to be the body of Christ. For one another. In those moments. After first service. Somebody shared with me that the weekend after her husband passed away. She knew she had to be here. For worship. Because she knew that this was the place. These were the people. That she needed to be near. She needed the strength and the community. Of the body of Christ. In a crisis moment. In a moment that was. Incredibly difficult for her. We need to be. The church for one another. We need to celebrate. When others celebrate. We need to cry with those who are crying. And mourn with those who are mourning." [01:01:11] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We are to be the church. We are to be the body of Christ. We are all to be the body of Christ. For one another. In those moments. After first service. Somebody shared with me that the weekend after her husband passed away. She knew she had to be here. For worship. Because she knew that this was the place. These were the people. That she needed to be near. She needed the strength and the community. Of the body of Christ. In a crisis moment. In a moment that was. Incredibly difficult for her. We need to be. The church for one another. We need to celebrate. When others celebrate. We need to cry with those who are crying. And mourn with those who are mourning." [01:01:11] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We are to be the church. We are to be the body of Christ. We are all to be the body of Christ. For one another. In those moments. After first service. Somebody shared with me that the weekend after her husband passed away. She knew she had to be here. For worship. Because she knew that this was the place. These were the people. That she needed to be near. She needed the strength and the community. Of the body of Christ. In a crisis moment. In a moment that was. Incredibly difficult for her. We need to be. The church for one another. We need to celebrate. When others celebrate. We need to cry with those who are crying. And mourn with those who are mourning." [01:01:11] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So Jesus is the foundation of. The church. He is the living stone Peter says he is the foundation stone he is the one upon whom we build the church. The church is not. A particular building. It is not a particular denomination it is not a particular even group of people the the the church that we are talking about that we are part of is part of the one holy catholic and apostolic church the one that has. It is falls under the lordship of Christ that has. Existed for 2000 years. That's the church we're talking about and that's the church that is built on Christ he is the foundation he is the living stone. Upon whom we build our lives. And the life of the church." [35:33] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The church is you and I the church is the people Christians are the church we are the body of Christ and because we are a body. The church is not an organization the church is an organism a living and breathing and moving and growing. And stretching. Organism organism. Church is not an organization. Even though sometimes we need some organization to get things done. But that is not the church the church is an organism. It is living and breathing. It grows and it shrinks. Grow some more changes more of silver time. But it is alive my friends it is alive. It is alive my friends it is alive. It is not. Something that is. Stationary." [37:06] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are interconnected as the body of Christ. That we need each other. That if some of you understand like well I've got you know I'm the hand. I want to be the hand of the body of Christ. Well great. But that doesn't mean that you get to say you know you say bad things about the ears or the eyes. We are the body of Christ together. We all have different gifts. You know this. You know that. You have gifts that God has given you that other people don't have. And you know that other people have gifts that you don't have. And so we bring these together and we bear them together as the body of Christ. And so it is that there are many parts but there is one body. That the body of Christ is one. Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic." [42:53] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We are to be the church. We are to be the body of Christ. We are all to be the body of Christ. For one another. In those moments. After first service. Somebody shared with me that the weekend after her husband passed away. She knew she had to be here. For worship. Because she knew that this was the place. These were the people. That she needed to be near. She needed the strength and the community. Of the body of Christ. In a crisis moment. In a moment that was. Incredibly difficult for her. We need to be. The church for one another. We need to celebrate. When others celebrate. We need to cry with those who are crying. And mourn with those who are mourning." [01:01:11] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We are to be the church. We are to be the body of Christ. We are all to be the body of Christ. For one another. In those moments. After first service. Somebody shared with me that the weekend after her husband passed away. She knew she had to be here. For worship. Because she knew that this was the place. These were the people. That she needed to be near. She needed the strength and the community. Of the body of Christ. In a crisis moment. In a moment that was. Incredibly difficult for her. We need to be. The church for one another. We need to celebrate. When others celebrate. We need to cry with those who are crying. And mourn with those who are mourning." [01:01:11] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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