Creating a Dwelling Place for God Among Us
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound idea of God's dwelling place among us. We began by acknowledging the beauty and comfort found in God's presence, as expressed in the Psalms. This led us to a moment of confession, recognizing our shortcomings and seeking God's forgiveness and encouragement to live as His people. We then explored the concept of God's dwelling place through personal anecdotes and biblical stories, particularly focusing on the letter to the Ephesians and the Gospel of Mark.
The letter to the Ephesians, likely written in the late first century, addresses the identity and unity of the early followers of Jesus. It emphasizes the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating a unified community that serves as God's dwelling place. This idea is further illustrated in the story from Mark, where Jesus sends out His disciples two by two, emphasizing companionship, vulnerability, and trust in God's provision. The disciples' mission highlights the importance of community and mutual support, reflecting God's imminent presence among us.
We also delved into the theological concept of Christology, discussing the balance between Jesus' humanity and divinity. Emphasizing Jesus' role as a teacher and accompanier, we are reminded of the importance of walking alongside each other in our faith journey. This companionship and mutual support are essential in creating a dwelling place for God in our communities.
In conclusion, we are called to embrace God's imminent love and presence by supporting and accompanying each other. This is not just about seeking divine intervention but actively participating in God's work through our relationships and actions. As we go forth, let us carry this message of companionship, vulnerability, and trust, creating a dwelling place for God in our midst.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Dwelling Place Among Us: The letter to the Ephesians emphasizes that God's dwelling place is not a distant, heavenly realm but within the community of believers. This unity breaks down barriers and creates a space where God's presence is felt and experienced. [38:57]
2. Companionship in Ministry: Jesus sending out His disciples two by two underscores the importance of companionship and mutual support in our faith journey. This model of ministry highlights the need for vulnerability and trust in God's provision, fostering a sense of community and shared mission. [44:54]
3. Balancing Humanity and Divinity: Understanding Jesus' humanity and divinity helps us appreciate His role as both Savior and teacher. Emphasizing His humanity, we see Jesus as an accompanier, walking alongside us and teaching us to support each other, reflecting God's imminent presence. [46:57]
4. Theology of Accompaniment: The concept of accompaniment is central to our faith. Jesus' ministry teaches us to walk alongside each other, offering support and encouragement. This theology of accompaniment is crucial in creating a community that serves as a dwelling place for God. [49:07]
5. Active Participation in God's Work: We are called to actively participate in God's work by supporting and accompanying each other. This involves more than seeking divine intervention; it requires us to engage in relationships and actions that reflect God's love and presence in our communities. [50:51]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:29] - Announcements and Urgent Request
[18:48] - Call to Worship and Confession
[23:48] - Prayer for Peace and Introduction
[32:57] - Personal Anecdote: Bird Nest on the Porch
[34:17] - Childhood Memories and God's Dwelling Place
[35:16] - Bible Study Reflection: God's Dwelling on Earth
[36:24] - Ephesians: Identity and Unity
[38:14] - Jewish and Gentile Identities
[38:57] - Community as God's Residence
[40:22] - Mark 6: Disciples Sent Out
[41:05] - Trust and Vulnerability in Ministry
[42:08] - Companionship and Mutual Support
[43:10] - Rejection and Moving On
[44:54] - Radical Idea of Accompaniment
[46:57] - Christology: Humanity and Divinity
[49:07] - Theology of Accompaniment
[50:51] - Active Participation in God's Work
[01:13:10] - Closing Blessing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)
> Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
2. Mark 6:7-13 (NIV)
> Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:19-22, what is the significance of being "fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household"?
2. In Mark 6:7-13, what specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples when sending them out two by two?
3. How does the sermon describe the role of companionship and mutual support in the disciples' mission? [44:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the balance between Jesus' humanity and divinity, and how does this relate to His role as a teacher and accompanier? [46:57]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's dwelling place among us, as described in Ephesians, challenge or affirm your understanding of community in the church? [38:57]
2. What might be the significance of Jesus sending out His disciples in pairs, and how does this model of ministry apply to our current context? [44:54]
3. The sermon discusses the idea of Jesus as an accompanier. How does this perspective influence your view of Jesus' ministry and our role in supporting each other? [46:57]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, what does it mean to actively participate in God's work through relationships and actions? How does this differ from merely seeking divine intervention? [50:51]
#### Application Questions
1. In what ways can you help create a sense of God's dwelling place within your own community? Are there specific actions you can take to foster unity and support among your fellow believers? [38:57]
2. Think about a time when you had to rely on someone else for support in your faith journey. How did that experience shape your understanding of companionship in ministry? How can you offer similar support to others? [44:54]
3. How do you balance recognizing Jesus' divinity with His humanity in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to see Jesus as both Savior and teacher? [46:57]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking alongside each other in our faith journey. Identify one person in your life who might need your support right now. What specific actions can you take to accompany them in their journey? [49:07]
5. Reflect on a recent situation where you sought divine intervention. How could you have also actively participated in God's work through your actions and relationships? What might you do differently next time? [50:51]
6. Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the dust off their feet if they were not welcomed. How can you apply this principle in your life when facing rejection or unwelcoming situations? [43:10]
7. The sermon calls us to embrace God's imminent love and presence. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate this love and presence in your daily interactions with others? [50:51]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in Community
God's dwelling place is not a distant, heavenly realm but within the community of believers. The letter to the Ephesians emphasizes that this unity breaks down barriers and creates a space where God's presence is felt and experienced. This profound idea challenges us to see our community as a sacred space where God resides. By fostering unity and breaking down divisions, we create an environment where God's love and presence can be tangibly experienced. This calls us to actively participate in building and nurturing our community, recognizing it as a holy dwelling place for God.
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. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you contribute to breaking down barriers and fostering unity in your community today? What specific actions can you take to create a space where God's presence is felt and experienced? [38:57]
Day 2: The Power of Companionship
Jesus sending out His disciples two by two underscores the importance of companionship and mutual support in our faith journey. This model of ministry highlights the need for vulnerability and trust in God's provision, fostering a sense of community and shared mission. By walking alongside each other, we reflect God's imminent presence and create a supportive environment where faith can flourish. This companionship is not just about physical presence but also about emotional and spiritual support, encouraging each other to trust in God's provision and guidance.
Mark 6:7-9 (ESV): "And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics."
Reflection: Who in your life can you walk alongside in their faith journey? How can you offer them support and encouragement today, reflecting God's presence through your companionship? [44:54]
Day 3: Embracing Jesus' Humanity and Divinity
Understanding Jesus' humanity and divinity helps us appreciate His role as both Savior and teacher. Emphasizing His humanity, we see Jesus as an accompanier, walking alongside us and teaching us to support each other, reflecting God's imminent presence. This balance between His humanity and divinity reminds us that Jesus understands our struggles and walks with us through them, offering guidance and support. By embracing this duality, we can better understand how to live out our faith in a way that reflects Jesus' teachings and presence.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' humanity and divinity change the way you relate to Him? In what ways can you reflect His presence and teachings in your daily interactions with others? [46:57]
Day 4: The Theology of Accompaniment
The concept of accompaniment is central to our faith. Jesus' ministry teaches us to walk alongside each other, offering support and encouragement. This theology of accompaniment is crucial in creating a community that serves as a dwelling place for God. By being present for one another, we embody God's love and create a supportive environment where faith can grow. This accompaniment is not just about being physically present but also about being emotionally and spiritually available, offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your community needs your support and encouragement today? How can you be present for them in a way that reflects God's love and creates a supportive environment? [49:07]
Day 5: Active Participation in God's Work
We are called to actively participate in God's work by supporting and accompanying each other. This involves more than seeking divine intervention; it requires us to engage in relationships and actions that reflect God's love and presence in our communities. By actively participating in God's work, we become instruments of His love and grace, creating a dwelling place for God in our midst. This active participation calls us to be intentional in our actions, seeking opportunities to serve and support others in meaningful ways.
James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to actively participate in God's work? How can you support and accompany others in a way that reflects God's love and presence in your community? [50:51]
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Knowing that with God there is comfort, and that God knows what it is to be among us, to be human, to know our fears and shortcomings. Let us confess now our need for God's love, followed by a moment of silent prayer." [18:48] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God knows us, and receives us just as we are. Listen, give thanks, and live. We are forgiven. we prepare our hearts to offer peace to one another, we light this peace candle this morning, and offer also our prayers to God. We pray for peace in the world, across our country, across the globe, in places we know and reaches we cannot even imagine. We pray for God's peace and hope to persevere." [23:48] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The foundation of Jesus' ministry was built on the hospitality of bringing people near. And this work over time does what the letter of Ephesians already says. It breaks down the dividing wall. The hostility. And the peace in that hospitality whether near or far brings community together." [39:44] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Walking alongside each other is the most likely thing to save us as we move together into these days ahead. The change we seek is within our ability. If you're willing, let's take up a staff, come together, be ready to shake the dust off your feet. Our accompanier is calling." [50:51] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Go out now into the world tell stories to each other and ask questions shed tears and pray together let laughter overtake you break bread together share in whatever quenches your thirst thirst. For these things are the essence of God's presence among us. And look for its surprises around you as you go forth today in peace. Amen." [01:13:10] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "For them there is instability within the community and in relation to the empire. There is a lack of sense of identity. Not for lack of trying but for but feeling grounded in identity is hard. We know that today. So this letter, Ephesians, has powerful images of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and how to do that while feeling powerless in the empire." [37:22] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The letter of Ephesians is defining who the community of followers are as set against the Roman Empire. And we know it today as fully as those reading and hearing Ephesians knew it. The empire still today would make strangers of us all." [38:57] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reception that the disciples receive gives us something to think about in relation to our own expectation of others. The disciples. Disciples model vulnerability with others. And it's important to do that if we want to know what it feels like to be a community that is a dwelling place for God." [44:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus sends the disciples out with nothing but a staff to accompany those they meet. There is no special training. There is no question that authority already resides in each of them. That community that they become to each other and the people they meet is a dwelling place for God." [49:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We must proclaim God's imminence, God's willingness to dwell among us, and not just in that itinerant teacher in the first century, but through the power of the Holy Spirit in community right now." [46:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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