Celebrating 75 Years: Faithfulness, Community, and Christ's Centrality
Summary
Today, we gather to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Village Church, reflecting on God's faithfulness and envisioning our future. As we commemorate this milestone, we are reminded of the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost, a pivotal moment when the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers, enabling them to speak in various languages and prophesy. This miraculous event left many in awe, while others dismissed it as drunkenness. However, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood up to provide a divine interpretation of these events, emphasizing that they were the fulfillment of God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge.
Peter's sermon in Acts 2 serves as a profound summary of the gospel, reinterpreting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in light of God's redemptive work. He declared that Jesus, whom the people crucified, was made both Lord and Messiah by God. This proclamation led to the conversion of 3,000 people in a single day, marking the birth of the first church. Peter's message underscores that Jesus is the true hero of the story, not the apostles or any other human leaders. This theme of Christ's centrality and the faithfulness of God runs throughout the narrative of Acts and our own church history.
As we reflect on our 75 years, we recognize that our foundation is built on the confession that Jesus is Lord. This confession is not just a statement but a call to repentance and baptism, symbolizing a turning away from self-lordship to a life led by Christ. Baptism, as Peter explained, is a public declaration of this new allegiance, a commitment to live by the faithfulness of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Our history is a testament to God's faithfulness, demonstrated through the lives of countless individuals who have been part of our community. From those who served behind the scenes to those who were sent out as missionaries, each person's contribution has been vital. We remember and honor these stories, recognizing that the church is not about buildings or programs but about people faithfully following Jesus together.
Looking forward, we envision an intercultural community of Jesus-following disciples committed to representing the risen Christ. This vision involves sharing the whole gospel, befriending across boundaries, and peacemaking in the world. We are called to be witnesses to the resurrection, not just as a historical event but as a present reality that transforms our lives and communities. The Holy Spirit invites us into the vision and dreams of Jesus, leading us to new goals and directions that align with God's kingdom.
In conclusion, we are reminded that Jesus is Lord, and He is faithful. As we stand at this 75-year mark, we do not know what the future holds, but we trust in God's unfailing love and His vision for our community. We are invited to participate in this vision, to be part of a holy communion of Jesus-following disciples, committed to representing the risen Christ in our world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus is the True Hero: In the story of Acts and our own church history, Jesus is the central figure. While Peter and Paul played significant roles, they were not the heroes. They faithfully served and followed Jesus, pointing to Him as the true hero. This reminds us that our lives and ministries should always point to Christ, who is the center of it all and deserving of all praise and glory. [01:13:00]
2. The Foundation of the Church: The foundation of the church is the confession that Jesus is Lord. This confession calls us to repentance and baptism, symbolizing a turning away from self-lordship to a life led by Christ. Baptism is a public declaration of this new allegiance, a commitment to live by the faithfulness of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. [59:49]
3. God's Faithfulness: Our history is a testament to God's faithfulness, demonstrated through the lives of countless individuals who have been part of our community. From those who served behind the scenes to those who were sent out as missionaries, each person's contribution has been vital. We remember and honor these stories, recognizing that the church is not about buildings or programs but about people faithfully following Jesus together. [01:05:50]
4. Interpreting History with a Divine Perspective: Peter's interpretation of the events of Pentecost and the crucifixion of Jesus highlights the importance of viewing history through a divine lens. While others saw these events as the result of human actions, Peter emphasized that they were part of God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge. This perspective helps us to see God's hand at work in our own lives and history, guiding and shaping us according to His purposes. [57:19]
5. Vision for the Future: We envision an intercultural community of Jesus-following disciples committed to representing the risen Christ. This vision involves sharing the whole gospel, befriending across boundaries, and peacemaking in the world. The Holy Spirit invites us into the vision and dreams of Jesus, leading us to new goals and directions that align with God's kingdom. As we stand at this 75-year mark, we trust in God's unfailing love and His vision for our community. [01:15:03]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:43] - Announcement of New Fellowship
[42:40] - Prayer for the New Fellowship
[53:22] - Summary of the Gospel
[55:18] - Foundation of the Church
[57:19] - Interpreting History with a Divine Perspective
[59:49] - Call to Repentance and Baptism
[01:05:50] - God's Faithfulness
[01:13:00] - Jesus is the True Hero
[01:15:03] - Vision for the Future
[01:27:15] - Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:22-24 (NIV)
> "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."
2. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
> "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
3. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)
> "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
#### Observation Questions
1. What event does Peter refer to as the fulfillment of God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge in Acts 2:22-24?
2. According to Galatians 2:20, what does it mean to be "crucified with Christ"?
3. In Joel 2:28-29, what are the signs that God will pour out His Spirit on all people?
4. How did Peter reinterpret the events of Pentecost and the crucifixion of Jesus in his sermon? [56:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Peter's declaration that Jesus is both "Lord and Messiah" imply about the identity and mission of Jesus? [58:14]
2. How does the concept of being "crucified with Christ" in Galatians 2:20 relate to the idea of repentance and baptism discussed in the sermon? [59:49]
3. What does it mean to view history through a "divine perspective" as Peter did, and how can this perspective change our understanding of events in our own lives? [57:19]
4. How does the vision of an intercultural community of Jesus-following disciples reflect the outpouring of the Holy Spirit described in Joel 2:28-29? [01:15:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Peter's sermon, how can you ensure that Jesus remains the true hero in your personal story and ministry? [01:13:00]
2. Baptism is described as a public declaration of a new allegiance to Christ. Have you publicly declared your faith through baptism? If not, what steps can you take to make this declaration? [59:49]
3. The sermon emphasized God's faithfulness through the lives of individuals in the church community. Can you identify someone in your church who has demonstrated God's faithfulness? How can you honor and support them? [01:05:50]
4. How can you adopt a divine perspective in interpreting the events and challenges in your life, similar to how Peter reinterpreted the events of Pentecost? [57:19]
5. The vision for the future involves sharing the whole gospel and befriending across boundaries. What practical steps can you take this week to share the gospel or build a friendship with someone from a different background? [01:15:03]
6. The sermon calls for a commitment to peacemaking in the world. Is there a specific relationship or situation in your life where you can act as a peacemaker? What actions will you take to bring about reconciliation? [01:24:10]
7. Reflect on the idea that "church happens" when people faithfully follow Jesus together. How can you contribute to making your church a place where "church happens"? [01:03:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus is the True Hero
In the story of Acts and our own church history, Jesus is the central figure. While Peter and Paul played significant roles, they were not the heroes. They faithfully served and followed Jesus, pointing to Him as the true hero. This reminds us that our lives and ministries should always point to Christ, who is the center of it all and deserving of all praise and glory. As we reflect on our journey, we must remember that it is Jesus who has led us, sustained us, and will continue to guide us into the future. [01:13:00]
Acts 2:36 (ESV): "Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that Jesus remains the central figure in your daily life and ministry? How can you point others to Him as the true hero?
Day 2: The Foundation of the Church
The foundation of the church is the confession that Jesus is Lord. This confession calls us to repentance and baptism, symbolizing a turning away from self-lordship to a life led by Christ. Baptism is a public declaration of this new allegiance, a commitment to live by the faithfulness of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. This foundational truth is what unites us as a community and guides our mission and purpose. [59:49]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: Have you publicly declared your allegiance to Jesus through baptism? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you live out this commitment more fully in your daily life?
Day 3: God's Faithfulness
Our history is a testament to God's faithfulness, demonstrated through the lives of countless individuals who have been part of our community. From those who served behind the scenes to those who were sent out as missionaries, each person's contribution has been vital. We remember and honor these stories, recognizing that the church is not about buildings or programs but about people faithfully following Jesus together. This collective faithfulness is a powerful witness to God's enduring love and provision. [01:05:50]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can you share this testimony with others to encourage them in their faith journey?
Day 4: Interpreting History with a Divine Perspective
Peter's interpretation of the events of Pentecost and the crucifixion of Jesus highlights the importance of viewing history through a divine lens. While others saw these events as the result of human actions, Peter emphasized that they were part of God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge. This perspective helps us to see God's hand at work in our own lives and history, guiding and shaping us according to His purposes. By adopting this divine perspective, we can find meaning and direction even in challenging circumstances. [57:19]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"
Reflection: Think about a recent event in your life that was difficult to understand. How might viewing it through a divine perspective change your understanding of God's purpose and plan for you?
Day 5: Vision for the Future
We envision an intercultural community of Jesus-following disciples committed to representing the risen Christ. This vision involves sharing the whole gospel, befriending across boundaries, and peacemaking in the world. The Holy Spirit invites us into the vision and dreams of Jesus, leading us to new goals and directions that align with God's kingdom. As we stand at this 75-year mark, we trust in God's unfailing love and His vision for our community. We are called to be witnesses to the resurrection, not just as a historical event but as a present reality that transforms our lives and communities. [01:15:03]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building an intercultural community that represents the risen Christ? What steps can you take today to be a peacemaker and bridge-builder in your own context?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Church is not an organization although it has some organizational features. Church is not a building although buildings may be involved. Church is not about checking into Sunday services and listening to sermons. Church is not like a fitness membership. Church happens when those who are honestly following Jesus today gather together. Church happens." [01:03:17]
2. "We envision an intercultural community of Jesus-following disciples committed to representing the risen Christ by befriending across boundaries in this multicultural community in Christ. Friendship across boundaries, across ages, generations, across languages, across cultures, across secular classism and boundaries. That's what church is about." [01:23:07]
3. "Reconciliation is the most spiritual activity. The most spiritual activity one can possibly experience in life. Forgiving and embracing is possible when and only when the Spirit dwells and works between us. This is His vision and therefore is our vision for our lives and the world." [01:25:09]
4. "We envision a community of Jesus-following disciples who are following Christ in the present continuous tense. That's why we ask our covenantal members to renew your memberships every year. And we invite everyone to be covenantal members, of course." [01:19:35]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God is faithful. He has kept His promises. In Christ He has demonstrated His unfailing love for His people says Peter. And looking back, Peter remembers how faithful God has been. Then he invites others to follow Jesus faithfully alongside Him, trusting in His faithfulness. And the same is true with our own history. God has been so faithful to us over the past 75 years." [01:06:21]
2. "We must decrease He must increase. We may be forgotten by others actually we must be forgotten but He must not be forgotten. And even if we will be forgotten by others Christ our eternal King will never forget who you are who you were and who you will be. Then that's enough." [01:27:45]
3. "God is faithful, and His faithfulness is demonstrated by so many people who participate in this story of redemption and the kingdom. But nevertheless, Christ is the only hero through it all. We are to partake in the story, and that's enough. That's what we must remember today. God is faithful, and Christ is the only hero. He is the center of it all, deserving all of our praise and glory." [01:14:01]
4. "Peter says in his sermon that we are all witnesses to Jesus' resurrection. Not just the fact that he was raised but also the resurrection reality. The new kingdom of God that has broken into the world. We believe that this is the language that Luke the Evangelist uses as well." [01:21:37]
5. "Our vision is that the whole church shares the whole gospel to the whole world. That's our vision. Whole church, whole gospel to the whole world. And for that purpose we commit ourselves to equipping and empowering villagers one another to pursue cruciformity that is a lifestyle that conforms to the cross of Christ and thereby witness and make disciples individually and corporately." [01:22:37]
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