Commitment and Community: Transforming Church Membership

Devotional

Day 1: Commitment Transforms Consumers into Contributors**

Description:
Commitment is the cornerstone of moving from being a mere attendee to a dedicated member of the church. This shift is essential for contributing to the church's mission and aligning with Jesus' vision for His church. When you commit, you transition from consuming spiritual resources to actively contributing to the community and the kingdom of God. This transformation is not just about attending services but about engaging in the life and mission of the church. By committing, you become a vital part of a collective effort that can achieve more together than apart. [02:32]

Bible Passage:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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 10:23-25 (ESV)

Reflection:
Think about one area in your church where you can move from being a consumer to a contributor. What specific steps can you take this week to start making that transition?

**

Day 2: Christ's Commitment to the Church as Our Model**

Description:
Jesus' unwavering commitment to the church serves as our ultimate example. He promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it, and by aligning ourselves with the church, we partake in this divine assurance of success and spiritual growth. Christ's love for the church, as described in Ephesians 5:25, is a model for us to follow. His dedication and sacrifice for the church call us to a similar level of commitment and love. When we align ourselves with the church, we align with Jesus' mission and ensure our spiritual success. [03:54]

Bible Passage:
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." — Matthew 16:18 (ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on how Christ's commitment to the church inspires you. What is one way you can demonstrate a similar level of commitment to your local church this week?

**

Day 3: Cultural and Practical Necessity of Church Membership**

Description:
In a society that often shuns long-term commitments, being part of a local church provides stability and accountability. Church membership defines who we can count on and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, much like a sports team needs a roster to function effectively. This commitment to a local church serves as an antidote to societal trends of non-commitment, offering a stable community where individuals can grow and thrive. Being part of a church community helps us to stay grounded and accountable, ensuring that we are not isolated in our spiritual journey. [05:14]

Bible Passage:
"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." — Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV)

Reflection:
Consider the societal trends of non-commitment you see around you. How can your commitment to your local church serve as a counter-cultural example? What practical steps can you take to deepen your involvement?

**

Day 4: Spiritual Growth Through Accountability**

Description:
Being planted in a local church, as described in Psalms 92:13, leads to spiritual flourishing. Overcoming minor offenses and staying committed despite challenges fosters deep spiritual growth and resilience. This commitment ensures that you receive the full benefits of being part of a faith community. Accountability within the church helps us to grow spiritually, as we are encouraged and corrected by fellow believers. This mutual accountability is crucial for our spiritual development and helps us to stay on the right path. [06:25]

Bible Passage:
"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God." — Psalms 92:12-13 (ESV)

Reflection:
Think about a time when you faced a challenge or offense within your church community. How did you handle it? What steps can you take to ensure that you remain committed and continue to grow spiritually despite such challenges?

**

Day 5: Discovering and Utilizing Your Gifts**

Description:
The DISC survey helps identify your unique gifts and talents, enabling you to serve effectively within the church. Understanding whether you are a natural leader, a people person, a behind-the-scenes worker, or a strategic thinker allows you to contribute in ways that align with your God-given abilities. This not only enriches your life but also strengthens the church community. By discovering and utilizing your gifts, you can serve in a way that is fulfilling and impactful, making a significant difference in the lives of others. [18:05]

Bible Passage:
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." — Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)

Reflection:
Take the DISC survey if you haven't already. Reflect on the results and think about how you can use your identified gifts to serve your church community. What is one specific way you can start using your gifts this week?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome to step two of getting started at Abundant Life Church. Today, we delve into the importance of commitment and community within the church. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:15, we emphasize that our collective faith and work can achieve more together than apart. The essence of being a member, as opposed to just an attendee, is commitment. Jesus is counting on us to make a difference, and this requires a shift from being consumers to contributors.

Christ's commitment to the church is our model. Jesus birthed the church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. By aligning ourselves with the church, we align with Jesus' mission and ensure our spiritual success. Ephesians 5:25 reminds us that Christ loved the church and gave His life for it, and we are called to do the same.

In our current culture, commitment to a local church serves as an antidote to societal trends of non-commitment. Practically, being part of a church defines who we can count on, much like a sports team needs a roster. Spiritually, it fosters growth and accountability, as highlighted in Psalms 92:13, which speaks of flourishing when planted in the house of the Lord.

We also discuss the Abundant Life Church covenant commitment, which includes protecting the unity of the church, sharing its responsibilities, supporting its testimony, and serving in its ministries. Unity is maintained through love, avoiding gossip, and following leaders. Responsibilities are shared by praying for growth, inviting others, and warmly welcoming visitors. Supporting the church's testimony involves regular attendance, faithful service, living a godly life, and giving regularly.

Finally, we encourage you to discover your gifts and talents through the DISC survey, which helps identify your natural inclinations and how you can best serve the church. Completing this survey and participating in step three, an in-person group lunch with our staff, will further integrate you into our community.

###

Key Takeaways

1. twCILvTw&t=152s'>[02:32]
2. Christ's Commitment to the Church as Our Model: Jesus' unwavering commitment to the church serves as our ultimate example. He promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it, and by aligning ourselves with the church, we partake in this divine assurance of success and spiritual growth.

3. Cultural and Practical Necessity of Church Membership: In a society that often shuns long-term commitments, being part of a local church provides stability and accountability. It defines who we can count on and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, much like a sports team needs a roster to function effectively.

4. Spiritual Growth Through Accountability: Being planted in a local church, as described in Psalms 92:13, leads to spiritual flourishing. Overcoming minor offenses and staying committed despite challenges fosters deep spiritual growth and resilience, ensuring that you receive the full benefits of being part of a faith community.

5. Discovering and Utilizing Your Gifts: The DISC survey helps identify your unique gifts and talents, enabling you to serve effectively within the church. Understanding whether you are a natural leader, a people person, a behind-the-scenes worker, or a strategic thinker allows you to contribute in ways that align with your God-given abilities, enriching both your life and the church community.

### [02:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - Importance of Teamwork
[02:32] - From Attendee to Member
[03:54] - Christ's Commitment to the Church
[05:14] - Cultural and Practical Necessity
[06:25] - Spiritual Growth Through Accountability
[07:42] - Protecting Church Unity
[09:01] - Sharing Church Responsibilities
[10:15] - Inviting and Welcoming Others
[11:25] - Supporting Church Testimony
[12:48] - Financial Transparency and Accountability
[14:09] - Serving in Ministry
[15:25] - Discovering Gifts and Talents
[16:48] - Completing the DISC Survey
[18:05] - Next Steps and Group Lunch

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does 2 Corinthians 10:15 suggest about the relationship between faith and collective work in the church?
How does Ephesians 5:25 describe Christ's commitment to the church, and what does this imply for believers?
According to Psalms 92:13, what are the benefits of being "planted in the house of the Lord"?

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of moving from being a consumer to a contributor reflect the teachings in 2 Corinthians 10:15? [02:32]
In what ways does Christ's commitment to the church, as described in Ephesians 5:25, serve as a model for our own commitment? [03:54]
How can being part of a local church act as an antidote to societal trends of non-commitment, as mentioned in the sermon? [05:14]
What does it mean to flourish spiritually according to Psalms 92:13, and how does this relate to being part of a church community? [06:25]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current level of commitment to the church. Are you more of a consumer or a contributor? What steps can you take to become more of a contributor? [02:32]
How can you model Christ's commitment to the church in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to show this commitment? [03:54]
In what ways can you help foster unity within the church? Are there specific actions you can take to avoid gossip and support your leaders? [07:42]
How can you actively share the responsibilities of the church, such as praying for its growth or inviting others to join? What practical steps can you take this week? [09:01]
Think about a time when you faced a minor offense within the church. How did you handle it? How can you use such experiences to grow spiritually and stay committed? [06:25]
Have you discovered your gifts and talents through tools like the DISC survey? How can you use these gifts to serve the church more effectively? [18:05]
What specific actions can you take to support the testimony of the church, such as regular attendance, faithful service, and living a godly life? [11:25]

Sermon Clips

1. "You know, one of the things about being a part of a church is the fact that we come together and we can do more together than we can apart. I am so thankful for the team that we have here at Abundant Life Church. I'm not that good. They're not that good without me. I'm not that good without them. We're all better together." [01:15] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "An attender is a consumer. It's someone who comes to just receive. And listen, I think that's good for a while. It's okay to, you know, quote, kick the tires for a season. Nothing wrong with that. There's nothing wrong with coming into Abundant Life Church and even being healed over a period of time. But at some point, you have to move and progress from being a consumer, watch this, to a contributor." [02:32] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Christ is committed to the church. You know, a lot of times whenever we talk about the church, people talk about it in a negative way that they're against formal religion or whatever that might be. I'm here to tell you, Jesus birthed the church. Jesus loves the church. You know, Jesus said it's the only thing on the planet that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." [03:54] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I believe in our culture. It is necessary to belong to a local church. Listen to this. It is an antidote to our society. And I believe that with all my heart. We live in an age where people don't want to be committed to anything and they're committed for a season and then they move on. I believe with all my heart, you and I, there's a lot of problems with that mentality." [05:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Those that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of their God. And it goes on. It's a fabulous verse. But I promise you want to be planted in the house of the Lord. You know, once you drive your roots in, then you realize, you know what? The winds come, the winds go. The storms come, the storms go. But I am planted in the house of God." [06:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Churches are built on word of mouth. Churches can be destroyed by words in the mouth. It's amazing. You know, the Bible has a lot to say about life and death being in the power of the tongue. We want to make sure that we are speaking words of life. You know, our logo, the life logo is speaking life. We want to speak life over every individual that comes into our church, over the people we agree with and disagree with." [07:42] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We want to welcome people. We say it this way. We want warm welcomes and fond farewells. All right. Warm welcomes and fond farewells. We want whenever people walk in, we want it to be the most exciting, awesome place they've visited all week. We believe this is the house of God. We believe this building and this group of people represent God. All right. And we believe those who watch online, they're encountering God's people." [10:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Preach always, sometimes use words. You know, your lifestyle is your greatest message. It really is. So let's make sure we're living the lifestyle of a believer. Here's the next one by giving regularly. Now you say, Oh no, here comes the money. Hey, listen, here's the truth. I'm not bashful about it. God is called tithing. We believe in giving God our first and our best." [11:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We believe that you are a treasure. God has put hidden treasure on the inside of you. And we want it to be a part of the local church. Here's the next thing by being equipped to serve by your pastors and leaders around you. Here's the next thing by developing a servant's heart. Those three things are important gifts and talents. We believe you have gifts and talents, and we want them to be used in the house of God to build the house of God." [15:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We want you to find your place where you can be a part of the church. We want you to be a part of the church. We want you to serve. All right. So next thing we would love for you to do is complete the DISC survey. D-I-S-C. Now, let me explain what the D, the I, the S, and the C are. I don't know if you've ever done one of these, but they are absolutely awesome to tell you about the gift things that you have on the inside of you." [16:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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