Building Faith: Embracing Deconstruction for Growth
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a new series titled "Everything is Awesome," inspired by the song from the Lego Movie. This series aims to explore the foundational aspects of our faith, using the metaphor of building blocks, much like Legos, to illustrate how our beliefs are constructed and sometimes need to be re-evaluated. We began by acknowledging the start of a new school year, offering prayers and blessings for students, teachers, and administrators, asking for wisdom, protection, and growth in both knowledge and character.
The core of our discussion centered around the concept of deconstruction in faith. Deconstruction involves examining and sometimes dismantling certain beliefs, traditions, or practices to determine their truthfulness and relevance. This process is not about losing faith but about strengthening it by replacing outdated or unhelpful beliefs with more robust, Christ-centered ones. We reflected on how Jesus himself was a figure of deconstruction, challenging the established norms of his time and offering a new understanding of God and faith.
We acknowledged that life is not always "awesome," and faith can be impacted by external forces, leading to spiritual crises. These moments can prompt us to question and re-evaluate our beliefs, which is a natural and necessary part of spiritual growth. The church should be a safe space for such exploration, offering support and understanding rather than judgment.
As we move forward in this series, we are encouraged to embrace the process of deconstruction as a means to deepen our relationship with God. By examining our faith, we can build a more authentic and vibrant spiritual life, grounded in the teachings and love of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith as a Foundation: Our faith should be built on Jesus as the central figure, rather than solely on religious traditions or rules. This ensures a strong, vibrant faith that can withstand life's challenges. [37:54]
2. Deconstruction as Growth: Deconstruction is not about losing faith but about examining and strengthening it. By questioning and re-evaluating our beliefs, we can replace outdated ideas with more robust, Christ-centered ones. [50:27]
3. Jesus as a Deconstructionist: Jesus challenged the established norms of his time, offering a new understanding of God and faith. His life and teachings encourage us to re-evaluate our own beliefs and practices. [58:04]
4. Safe Space for Exploration: The church should be a sanctuary for those experiencing spiritual crises, offering support and understanding rather than judgment. This allows individuals to explore their faith without fear of ostracism. [53:23]
5. Embracing Change: Change is a natural part of spiritual growth. By allowing ourselves and others to question and evolve, we can build a more authentic and vibrant relationship with God. [59:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Introduction to the Series
[05:30] - Back-to-School Blessing
[10:45] - Prayer for Students and Educators
[15:00] - Communion Sunday
[20:15] - Greeting and Fellowship
[26:31] - Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18
[37:54] - Building Blocks of Faith
[45:24] - The Reality of Spiritual Crisis
[50:27] - Understanding Deconstruction
[56:00] - Jesus and Deconstruction
[59:32] - Encouragement for Exploration
[01:01:26] - Historical Context of Deconstruction
[01:09:00] - Communion and Reflection
[01:20:30] - Closing and Invitation to Join
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:1-18
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Observation Questions:
1. What metaphor is used in the sermon to describe the process of building and re-evaluating our faith? How does this metaphor help us understand the concept of deconstruction? [37:54]
2. According to the sermon, how did Jesus challenge the established norms of his time, and what impact did this have on the Jewish faith? [58:04]
3. What are some of the external forces mentioned in the sermon that can lead to a spiritual crisis? How do these forces affect one's faith? [45:24]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in supporting individuals going through a process of deconstruction? [53:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that deconstruction can lead to a stronger and more authentic faith? How does this align with the teachings of Jesus in John 1:1-18? [59:32]
2. How does the concept of Jesus as a deconstructionist challenge traditional views of faith and religious practices? What implications does this have for modern believers? [58:04]
3. The sermon mentions that life is not always "awesome." How does this reality influence the way we approach our faith and spiritual growth? [45:24]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of questioning and re-evaluating our beliefs? How can this process be both challenging and rewarding? [50:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a spiritual crisis. How did it affect your faith, and what steps did you take to address it? [45:24]
2. Consider the metaphor of building blocks used in the sermon. What are some "blocks" in your faith that might need re-evaluation or replacement? How can you begin this process? [37:54]
3. How can you create a safe space within your church or community for others to explore their faith without fear of judgment? What practical steps can you take to support someone going through deconstruction? [53:23]
4. In what ways can you embrace change as a natural part of spiritual growth? Identify one area of your faith where you feel called to grow or change. [59:32]
5. How can you apply the teachings of Jesus as a deconstructionist to your own life? What established norms or beliefs might you need to challenge or re-evaluate? [58:04]
6. Think about the role of the church in your spiritual journey. How can you contribute to making it a place of refuge and support for those experiencing doubt or questioning their faith? [53:23]
7. Identify one belief or tradition in your faith that you have never questioned. What would it look like to examine this belief more closely, and how might it impact your relationship with God? [50:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Building Faith on a Solid Foundation
Our faith should be anchored in Jesus, the cornerstone of our beliefs, rather than solely on religious traditions or rules. This ensures a strong, vibrant faith that can withstand life's challenges. When we build our faith on Jesus, we create a foundation that is resilient and adaptable, capable of supporting us through life's ups and downs. This approach allows us to focus on the essence of our beliefs, fostering a deeper connection with God and a more meaningful spiritual journey. [37:54]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: What traditions or rules have you relied on more than your relationship with Jesus? How can you refocus your faith on Him today?
Day 2: Embracing Deconstruction for Spiritual Growth
Deconstruction is a process of examining and sometimes dismantling certain beliefs, traditions, or practices to determine their truthfulness and relevance. This process is not about losing faith but about strengthening it by replacing outdated or unhelpful beliefs with more robust, Christ-centered ones. By questioning and re-evaluating our beliefs, we can grow spiritually and develop a more authentic faith that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. [50:27]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: What belief or practice in your life might need re-evaluation? How can you begin this process of deconstruction to strengthen your faith?
Day 3: Jesus as a Model for Deconstruction
Jesus challenged the established norms of his time, offering a new understanding of God and faith. His life and teachings encourage us to re-evaluate our own beliefs and practices, inspiring us to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. By following Jesus' example, we can embrace change and growth, allowing our faith to evolve and flourish. [58:04]
Matthew 5:17-20 (ESV): "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
Reflection: How can you follow Jesus' example in challenging norms that may not align with God's truth? What steps can you take to align your beliefs with His teachings?
Day 4: Creating a Safe Space for Spiritual Exploration
The church should be a sanctuary for those experiencing spiritual crises, offering support and understanding rather than judgment. This allows individuals to explore their faith without fear of ostracism, fostering an environment where growth and transformation can occur. By providing a safe space for exploration, we can help others navigate their spiritual journeys with confidence and grace. [53:23]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "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. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for others in your church community? What actions can you take to offer understanding and compassion to those in spiritual crisis?
Day 5: Embracing Change as a Path to Authentic Faith
Change is a natural part of spiritual growth. By allowing ourselves and others to question and evolve, we can build a more authentic and vibrant relationship with God. Embracing change enables us to let go of outdated beliefs and practices, making room for a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose for our lives. [59:32]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What changes in your faith journey have you been resisting? How can you embrace these changes to deepen your relationship with God?
Quotes
"The spiritual foundation, a lot of times in our lives needs to be renovated. It needs to be deconstructed. And things need to be taken out and other things need to be, you know, put in its place. You need to have new building blocks of faith, replace the old things again with new things and, and reconstruct something stronger and more vibrant. And that's what we need. We need to have permission to do that." [00:46:32] (25 seconds)
"Everything goes to hell in a handbasket. No, maybe that's what God wants you to do. You know, so people are scared of this because again, it hurts their own personal life and people they see, but it's also isolating. It's also personally scary in the sense to question and doubt the things that we have been taught, the things that we've held to that we've believed in. Like, wow. What's going on? Spiritual crisis happens." [00:50:44] (29 seconds)
"Jesus Christ has revealed God to us. That's why he needs to be the central figure in our faith, the foundation for our faith. But here's the thing about Jesus. Jesus was deconstruction himself, my friends. That's what some people don't really want to talk about and like. Because listen, a crucified and resurrected Messiah was a total deconstruction of the Jewish faith." [00:56:30] (26 seconds)
"I would claim deconstruction can lead to a more authentic, robust relationship with God. It's not all doubting. It's all not all about questions and it's not all about the enemy. Okay. Those things don't always come from the enemy. It's a part of growing stronger in our faith. An examined faith is key to a solid, foundation of faith. You have to have an examined faith and Christians need to be able to say to other people, there is a good reason why this is true." [00:58:39] (34 seconds)
"We're not asking you to just deconstruct. I'm not asking you. I don't, if you don't need to deconstruct, don't deconstruct. Okay. I'm just asking you to be open to others that might be dealing with that and experiencing doubt and questions and need to deconstruct and grow in their faith. And I'm not calling people to abandon their traditions or views or, I just want to give people permission to question, to change, to grow, to renovate, to reconstruct." [00:59:40] (29 seconds)
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