Building an Authentic Church Through Love and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, I want to talk about what makes a church truly authentic and strong. It's not just about attending services or listening to sermons; it's about being deeply connected to a local body of believers. The church is God's big idea for perpetuating the cross of Jesus Christ and for us to grow in God and stay connected. I want to share three pivotal things that make us no ordinary family and are indicative of a strong local church.
First, a spirit of sincere love must be present. The phrase "one another" is used over 100 times in the New Testament to express the relational unity that should be present in the church. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us, and this love is the defining characteristic that authenticates the church. Paul emphasized this in 1 Corinthians 13, stating that service performed without love equals nothing. Love is to the church what chicken is to chicken noodle soup; it's the heart of it. True biblical love is truth in action, not just words. When we see someone in need and respond, we show the world that our love is real.
Second, we must have a heart to seek and restore. When a believer stumbles and falls back into sin, it's our responsibility to gently and humbly help them back onto the right path. Galatians 6 instructs us to share each other's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. We are not called to criticize or judge but to be the rescue squad. When one of our family slips, we should care enough to reach out and restore them. Jesus restored Peter after his denial, showing us that restoration is possible and necessary.
Third, we need a commitment to constantly encourage one another. Everyone needs encouragement, and it's a ministry that requires no special skills. Paul in 1 Thessalonians urges us to speak encouraging words and build each other up with hope. Encouragement is crucial because life challenges everyone, and we all go through tough times. When we encourage each other, we help each other stay strong in faith and connected to God.
In conclusion, being part of a local church means being part of a no ordinary family. We are called to love sincerely, seek and restore those who fall, and constantly encourage one another. This is what makes a church authentic and strong, and it's why it's so important to be engaged and connected to a local body of believers.
### Key Takeaways
1. Sincere Love is the Foundation: The defining characteristic of a true church is the love we have for one another. Jesus commanded us to love each other as He loved us, and this love is what authenticates the church. Without love, all our services and actions are meaningless. True biblical love is not just words but truth in action. When we respond to the needs of others, we show the world that our love is real. [16:47]
2. Restoration Over Criticism: When a believer stumbles, it's our responsibility to gently and humbly help them back onto the right path. Galatians 6 instructs us to share each other's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. We are not called to criticize or judge but to be the rescue squad. Jesus restored Peter after his denial, showing us that restoration is possible and necessary. [26:38]
3. Encouragement is Essential: Everyone needs encouragement, and it's a ministry that requires no special skills. Paul in 1 Thessalonians urges us to speak encouraging words and build each other up with hope. Encouragement is crucial because life challenges everyone, and we all go through tough times. When we encourage each other, we help each other stay strong in faith and connected to God. [33:40]
4. Community and Connection: We were created for community, and a healthy, strong local church is one of the most important things in our lives. It's easy to slip into a big church and remain anonymous, but that's not God's will. We need to get involved and connected, knowing at least 10 to 20 people deeply. This connection helps us bear each other's burdens and share each other's pain. [36:30]
5. Action Over Words: Knowing the truth is one thing, but what transforms truth into love is action. We must not just talk about love but show it through our actions. When we see someone in need and respond, we demonstrate true love. This action-oriented love is what makes the church a living organism with Jesus as the head and the Holy Spirit as our strength. [21:13]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:11] - Introduction
[13:55] - The Importance of Sincere Love
[16:47] - Love as the Defining Characteristic
[19:46] - Love in Action
[21:13] - Responding to Needs
[22:40] - Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
[24:00] - Personal Story of Obedience
[25:17] - The Power of God's Love
[26:38] - Restoration Over Criticism
[28:07] - The Role of the Church in Restoration
[29:42] - Accountability and Compassion
[31:09] - Personal Experiences in Ministry
[32:19] - The Importance of Community
[33:40] - The Ministry of Encouragement
[35:07] - Life's Challenges and the Need for Encouragement
[36:30] - Created for Community
[37:46] - The Danger of Isolation
[39:10] - Authentic Love and Service
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 13:34-35 (NIV) - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
2. Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV) - "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 13:34-35, what is the new command Jesus gives, and how will people recognize His disciples? ([18:15])
2. In Galatians 6:1-2, what instructions are given for dealing with a believer who has fallen into sin? ([26:38])
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 urge believers to do for one another? ([33:40])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of love in the church, using the analogy of chicken noodle soup? ([19:46])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus' command to love one another as He loved us make it a "new" command? How does this elevate the standard of love within the church? ([18:15])
2. What are the potential dangers mentioned in Galatians 6:1-2 when restoring someone who has fallen into sin, and how should these be handled? ([26:38])
3. How does the ministry of encouragement, as described in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, impact the strength and unity of the church? ([33:40])
4. The sermon emphasizes action over words in demonstrating love. How does this principle align with the biblical definition of love found in 1 John 3:16-18? ([21:13])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced sincere love from someone in the church. How did it impact your faith and connection to the church? ([18:15])
2. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed restoration? How did others in the church respond, and what can you learn from that experience to help others? ([26:38])
3. Think of someone in your life who might need encouragement right now. What specific steps can you take this week to build them up and offer hope? ([33:40])
4. The sermon mentions the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Can you recall a moment when you felt prompted to help someone? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([22:40])
5. How can you actively participate in creating a community of sincere love, restoration, and encouragement within your small group or church? ([36:30])
6. Identify one person in your church who seems disconnected or isolated. What practical steps can you take to reach out and help them feel more connected? ([37:46])
7. The sermon highlights the danger of isolation in a large church. What are some ways you can ensure you are not just attending but also engaging and building meaningful relationships within the church? ([37:46])
Devotional
### Day 1: Love in Action
Description:
The foundation of a true church is the sincere love we have for one another. Jesus commanded us to love each other as He loved us, and this love is what authenticates the church. Without love, all our services and actions are meaningless. True biblical love is not just words but truth in action. When we respond to the needs of others, we show the world that our love is real. This love is the heart of the church, much like chicken is to chicken noodle soup. It is the essence that binds us together and makes our community strong. [16:47]
Bible Passage:
"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 someone in your church community who might be in need. How can you show them love through a specific action today?
### Day 2: Restoration Over Criticism
Description:
When a believer stumbles, it's our responsibility to gently and humbly help them back onto the right path. Galatians 6 instructs us to share each other's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. We are not called to criticize or judge but to be the rescue squad. Jesus restored Peter after his denial, showing us that restoration is possible and necessary. This act of restoration is a powerful testament to the grace and love that should permeate our church community. It is through this gentle restoration that we fulfill the law of Christ and demonstrate His love to the world. [26:38]
Bible Passage:
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)
Reflection:
Is there someone in your life who has fallen away from their faith? How can you reach out to them with a spirit of gentleness and restoration today?
### Day 3: The Ministry of Encouragement
Description:
Everyone needs encouragement, and it's a ministry that requires no special skills. Paul in 1 Thessalonians urges us to speak encouraging words and build each other up with hope. Encouragement is crucial because life challenges everyone, and we all go through tough times. When we encourage each other, we help each other stay strong in faith and connected to God. This simple yet powerful act of speaking life into one another can make a significant difference in someone's spiritual journey. [33:40]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection:
Who in your life could use some encouragement today? Take a moment to send them a message or give them a call to uplift their spirit.
### Day 4: Created for Community
Description:
We were created for community, and a healthy, strong local church is one of the most important things in our lives. It's easy to slip into a big church and remain anonymous, but that's not God's will. We need to get involved and connected, knowing at least 10 to 20 people deeply. This connection helps us bear each other's burdens and share each other's pain. Being part of a local church means being part of a no ordinary family, where we are deeply connected and committed to one another. [36:30]
Bible Passage:
"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:
Are you deeply connected to your local church community? What steps can you take this week to build or strengthen those connections?
### Day 5: Action Over Words
Description:
Knowing the truth is one thing, but what transforms truth into love is action. We must not just talk about love but show it through our actions. When we see someone in need and respond, we demonstrate true love. This action-oriented love is what makes the church a living organism with Jesus as the head and the Holy Spirit as our strength. It is through our actions that we truly embody the love of Christ and make a tangible impact in the lives of others. [21:13]
Bible Passage:
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one specific way you can put your faith into action today? Consider a practical step you can take to show love to someone in need.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Life will tear down our defenses. It can reduce the strongest of us to nothing. It can kill our will and leave us hopeless. And I'm going to just say it, man. If you're here and you think you don't need anybody, it just means you haven't lived long enough yet. Because I promise you, there will be a moment somewhere in your life when the only thing that's going to get you through is the love of a friend, the encouragement of a brother or a sister, or someone that you know who cares for you and the hope of people that God has placed in your life." [36:30]
2. "We are the church, and we are no ordinary family. We are not an organization with a pastor as our president. We are a living organism with Jesus as our head, and the Holy Spirit as our strength and our soul. We share each other's pain. We bear each other's burden. We care for each other's souls. We fight for unity and love because it matters, and it's what the world needs more than anything, and it's what the world is truly waiting to see." [39:10]
3. "I know sometimes it feels like the world is going crazy, and many people don't care anything about God. But listen, don't believe that narrative. Don't into that narrative. There are many, many, many people in this world that are curious about God, but just not yet convinced, and they are wanting to know, is he real? Does he love me? Is the Bible true? And is there any hope to be found in the church?" [15:12]
4. "I heard this years ago. How do you know if someone needs encouragement? Their breathing. It's true. It's just true. I don't know that there's a greater ministry in the church family than the ministry of encouragement, and no matter who you are, or what you have, or don't have, everybody can excel and be great in this ministry. You may not be a public speaker. You may not have a great voice. You may not be able to play an instrument. You may not be able to blah, blah, blah, fill in the blank, but there is no special skill required to be an exceptional encourager." [33:40]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The defining characteristic, according to Jesus, that authenticates the church of Jesus Christ is not how many services we have in a week, or how many sermons we preach throughout the year, or the songs that we sing. Once again, I love all of those things, but not according to Jesus. He said, they will recognize you are the true church, and that I am in your presence and midst by the love that you have for one another." [18:15]
2. "Knowing the truth is one thing, but what transformed truth into love is action. And I didn't make that up. I'm getting it from first John chapter three. Watch what he said. He said, this is how you know what love is. It's what John said. This is how you know it. Christ gave his life for us. He didn't just say, I really have a desire to redeem you. I really, I really got a big idea that maybe one day I could do something to bring you home. And I did it. He did it. He went to the cross and it counted for you and it counted for me. We too then ought to give our lives for others." [21:13]
3. "When one of our family slips and stumbles back into bondage, hear me, we are not called to be the firing squad. We are called by God to be the rescue squad. It is our prerogative, our compassion, our concern, and our care for them should move us to action. We should care enough to reach out and to do everything in our power to pull them back into the right road and help restore them." [28:07]
4. "It's part of what it means to be no ordinary family, is to take spiritual responsibility to help each other be accountable to God, and be compassionate with one another, because we all go through things. Listen, we all go through things, and listen, here's what I know. According to Galatians, one week, you may be the strong one, and next week, you may be the weak one. One week, you may be the one on top, and you may be crushing it, and you're super Christian, and everything is up and to the right, and then next week, the enemy may deceive and dupe you, and you may stumble and fall, and you're going to need those that are strong around you to restore you." [32:19]
5. "We are the church, and we are no ordinary family. We are not an organization with a pastor as our president. We are a living organism with Jesus as our head, and the Holy Spirit as our strength and our soul. We share each other's pain. We bear each other's burden. We care for each other's souls. We fight for unity and love because it matters, and it's what the world needs more than anything, and it's what the world is truly waiting to see." [39:10]
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