Embodying Faith: The Church's Call to Action

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound calling of the church to participate in God's mission for the transformation of creation and humanity. This mission is rooted in the proclamation of the Gospel, the salvation of humankind, and the promotion of social righteousness. We are reminded of our responsibility to advocate for justice, peace, and equity, embodying Christ's teachings on love, mercy, and justice. In a world deeply divided by issues such as white supremacy and toxic masculinity, we are called to stand in the breach, much like Moses did, to protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of all individuals.

The Apostle Paul's words encourage us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God. This armor equips us to stand against the challenges and evils of the world. We introduced the acronym "REPAIR" as a framework for spiritual repair and faithfulness. Each letter represents a call to action: Resist, Exist, Persist, Assist, and Insist. These actions guide us to resist forces against God's purposes, live boldly in faith, endure hardships, support one another, and stand firmly on Christ's teachings.

As we go forth, we are given an assignment to choose one of these actions to focus on in the coming weeks. Whether it's reaching out to someone in need, engaging in a cause close to our heart, or resisting Christian nationalism, we are encouraged to live out these principles actively. By doing so, we not only stand firm in our faith but also contribute to the transformation of the world around us. Let us put on the armor of God, not just as a defense, but as a means to live fully and serve others in the name of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Participating in God's Mission: The church is called to participate in God's mission for the transformation of creation and humanity. This involves proclaiming the Gospel, promoting social righteousness, and embodying Christ's teachings on love, mercy, and justice. We are reminded of our responsibility to advocate for justice, peace, and equity in a divided world. [03:08]

2. Standing in the Breach: Like Moses, we are called to stand in the breach to protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of all individuals. In a world plagued by issues such as white supremacy and toxic masculinity, we must resist these evils and stand firm in our faith. [07:07]

3. Putting on the Armor of God: The Apostle Paul encourages us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God. This armor equips us to stand against the challenges and evils of the world, enabling us to live fully and serve others in the name of Christ. [08:38]

4. The REPAIR Framework: The acronym "REPAIR" serves as a framework for spiritual repair and faithfulness. Each letter represents a call to action: Resist, Exist, Persist, Assist, and Insist. These actions guide us to resist forces against God's purposes, live boldly in faith, endure hardships, support one another, and stand firmly on Christ's teachings. [09:15]

5. Living Out Our Faith: We are given an assignment to choose one of the actions from the REPAIR framework to focus on in the coming weeks. By actively living out these principles, we not only stand firm in our faith but also contribute to the transformation of the world around us. [12:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:08] - Participating in God's Mission
- [04:25] - Promotion of Social Righteousness
- [05:19] - Standing in a Divided Society
- [06:10] - Standing in the Breach
- [07:07] - Protecting the Vulnerable
- [08:38] - Putting on the Armor of God
- [09:15] - The REPAIR Framework
- [10:19] - Persisting in Faith
- [11:00] - Assisting Others
- [11:23] - Insisting on Christ's Teachings
- [12:06] - Living Out Our Faith
- [13:05] - Empowered by Christ
- [13:52] - Closing Prayer and Installation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:10-18 - "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
2. Ezekiel 22:30 - "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."
3. Psalm 106:23 - "Therefore he said he would destroy them—had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key components of the "armor of God" as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, and how do they equip believers to stand against challenges? [08:38]

2. In Ezekiel 22:30, what does it mean to "stand in the breach," and why was God seeking someone to do this? [06:10]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of Moses in standing in the breach, and what implications does this have for us today? [07:07]

4. What are the five actions represented by the acronym "REPAIR," and how do they relate to the concept of spiritual repair and faithfulness? [09:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of putting on the "armor of God" relate to the challenges faced by the church in a divided world? What specific challenges might this armor help believers to withstand? [08:38]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that standing in the breach is necessary in today's society, particularly in relation to issues like white supremacy and toxic masculinity? [06:31]

3. How does the REPAIR framework encourage believers to actively participate in God's mission for transformation? What might be the impact of focusing on one of these actions in the coming weeks? [12:06]

4. How does the sermon connect the teachings of Christ on love, mercy, and justice with the church's mission to promote social righteousness? [04:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the "armor of God" in Ephesians 6:10-18. Which piece of armor do you feel you need to strengthen in your life, and what steps can you take to do so this week? [08:38]

2. Consider the call to "stand in the breach" as Moses did. Is there a specific situation or issue in your community where you feel called to stand up for the vulnerable? How can you take action? [07:07]

3. Choose one action from the REPAIR framework (Resist, Exist, Persist, Assist, Insist) to focus on this week. What practical steps will you take to live out this action in your daily life? [12:06]

4. The sermon challenges us to resist forces against God's purposes. Are there specific cultural or societal pressures you face that challenge your faith? How can you resist these pressures with love and truth? [09:35]

5. How can you embody Christ's teachings on love, mercy, and justice in your interactions with others this week? Identify one relationship or situation where you can intentionally practice these teachings. [04:42]

6. The sermon mentions the importance of promoting social righteousness. What is one social issue you feel passionate about, and how can you advocate for justice and equity in that area? [04:42]

7. Reflect on the idea of living boldly in faith. What is one area of your life where you feel called to step out in faith, and what support do you need from your small group to do so? [09:57]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Transformative Mission
The church is called to actively participate in God's mission for the transformation of creation and humanity. This mission is not passive but involves the active proclamation of the Gospel, the promotion of social righteousness, and the embodiment of Christ's teachings on love, mercy, and justice. In a world that is often divided by issues such as white supremacy and toxic masculinity, the church has a responsibility to advocate for justice, peace, and equity. This calling requires believers to stand firm in their faith and to be a voice for the voiceless, ensuring that the dignity of all individuals is upheld. By engaging in this mission, the church becomes a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in a broken world. [03:08]

Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"

Reflection: Identify a social issue in your community that aligns with God's mission for justice and equity. How can you actively participate in addressing this issue in the coming week?


Day 2: Standing in the Breach for the Vulnerable
In a world plagued by issues such as white supremacy and toxic masculinity, believers are called to stand in the breach, much like Moses did, to protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of all individuals. This calling involves resisting the evils of the world and standing firm in faith, even when it is difficult. By standing in the breach, believers become advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves, ensuring that justice and equity are upheld. This requires courage, strength, and a deep commitment to living out Christ's teachings in everyday life. [07:07]

Ezekiel 22:30 (ESV): "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."

Reflection: Think of a person or group in your life who is vulnerable or marginalized. How can you stand in the breach for them this week, advocating for their dignity and rights?


Day 3: Equipping Ourselves with the Armor of God
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God. This armor equips believers to stand against the challenges and evils of the world, enabling them to live fully and serve others in the name of Christ. The armor of God is not just a defense mechanism but a means to actively engage in the spiritual battles of life. By putting on this armor, believers are empowered to face the trials and tribulations of life with confidence and faith, knowing that they are protected and guided by God. [08:38]

Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: Reflect on the different pieces of the armor of God. Which piece do you feel you need to strengthen in your life right now, and how can you do so?


Day 4: The REPAIR Framework for Spiritual Faithfulness
The acronym "REPAIR" serves as a framework for spiritual repair and faithfulness. Each letter represents a call to action: Resist, Exist, Persist, Assist, and Insist. These actions guide believers to resist forces against God's purposes, live boldly in faith, endure hardships, support one another, and stand firmly on Christ's teachings. By following this framework, believers can navigate the complexities of life with a clear sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that their faith remains strong and vibrant. [09:15]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: Choose one action from the REPAIR framework to focus on this week. How can you incorporate this action into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual faithfulness?


Day 5: Living Out Our Faith in Action
Believers are given an assignment to choose one of the actions from the REPAIR framework to focus on in the coming weeks. By actively living out these principles, believers not only stand firm in their faith but also contribute to the transformation of the world around them. This involves reaching out to those in need, engaging in causes close to their hearts, and resisting forces that go against God's purposes. By doing so, believers become active participants in God's mission, bringing hope and healing to a broken world. [12:06]

1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: Reflect on a specific action you can take this week to live out your faith in a tangible way. How can this action contribute to the transformation of your community or the world around you?

Quotes


In Christ, the church participates in God's mission for the transformation of creation and Humanity by proclaiming to all people the good news of God's love, offering to all people the grace of God that has always spoken to me very deeply. It reminds me that I am in the right place. [00:03:08]

The great ends of the church are the proclamation of the Gospel, the salvation of humankind, the shelter, nurture, and spiritual Fellowship of the children of God, the maintenance of divine worship, preservation of the truth, the promotion of social righteousness, and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world. [00:03:08]

Social righteousness in our Presbyterian tradition calls us to promote justice, peace, and even Equity. It means advocating for justice, addressing systemic wrong like poverty and discrimination, and embodying Christ's teachings on love, mercy, and Justice. We are called to exhibit the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, a world transformed by our Christ's values. [00:04:25]

Through Ezekiel, God warned the people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery; they have oppressed the poor and the needy, and they have extorted from the alien without redress. And I sought for anyone among them who would repair the wall and stand in the breach before me on behalf of the land. [00:06:10]

Like Moses, we are called to stand in the breach to protect the church Universal and to support those most in need. Who will stand when the Dignity of the vulnerable is denied? Who, if not us, will act to be a presence of prayer, comfort, and yes, even resources for those living with depression so severe they can't keep a job or a relationship? [00:07:07]

These words of the Apostle Paul should give us that encouragement: be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the Ws of the devil. In Greek, the word stand is hisi, which in the Latin becomes s. [00:08:38]

The acronym for today is repair as repair the wall in the and stand in the breach. Each letter represents a call to faithfulness. R is for resist. Resist means to stand against. As Christians, we resist forces that work against God's purposes. With Christ as our guide, we resist hatred with love, falsehood with truth, and despair with hope. [00:09:15]

The P in repair is persist. To persist is to stand firm. Persistence means enduring hardships without giving up. Like Paul, we are called to finish the race and to keep the faith standing firm with Christ as our strength. The A in repair is assist. To assist means to stand by. We're called to support and serve each other. [00:10:19]

Insisting on Christ means standing boldly in his teachings and his promises, holding to the Eternal truth of God's word even when the world seems to walk away. And then we're back to the R for resist, our call to resist once more, standing firm in a world that may push back. [00:11:23]

These words resist, exist, persist, assist, and insist are our framework for Spiritual repair. They remind us that standing firm in Christ is a life of service, Unity, sacrifice, courage, one where we always rely on God. So you don't get out of here without an assignment. [00:12:06]

As we go forth today, let us take up the armor of God not only to stand against challenges but to live fully as people who stand firm in our savior. But I want to make this point: putting on the armor of God is meaningful only if you use it. [00:13:05]

May we go forth empowered by Christ, ready to serve, love, and endure. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood and made us into a kingdom, priests of his God and Father. To him be glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen. [00:13:52]

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Transcript
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