Embodying Our Faith: Building a Culture of Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we continue our series titled "This is Us," focusing on our culture as a church. We began by reflecting on the rapid passage of Easter, celebrating our Savior's resurrection and the joy it brought to our church family. Easter was a time of renewal and gratitude, and I am thankful for the moments we shared, including the baptisms and the fellowship. Following Easter, I enjoyed a restful Bank Holiday Monday, which was much needed after a busy week. My wife and I spent the day at a garden center, buying flowers and seeds, which led me to reflect on the importance of the right conditions for growth, both for plants and for us as individuals.
In Acts 2:41-47, we see a vivid picture of the early church's culture. They lived in harmony, shared their resources, and were committed to the apostles' teachings, communal meals, and worship. This culture of unity and generosity attracted others, and daily, more people were added to their number. This is the kind of culture we aspire to create at Gateway Church Cymru—a place where love, unity, and generosity abound, and where people can encounter Jesus in tangible ways.
Our church culture is not just about what we believe but how we live out those beliefs. Our statement of faith, which includes belief in Jesus, the Trinity, the Bible, and salvation through faith, forms the foundation of our culture. However, if our beliefs do not affect the way we live, they are meaningless. We must embody our faith in our daily lives, just as the early church did.
Our values as a church define who we are and guide our actions. The first value is that Jesus is our example. He is not just a historical figure but our Savior, Lord, and King. We strive to imitate Him in all we do, reflecting His love, mercy, and compassion. The second value is that love is our foundation. Jesus commanded us to love one another, and this love is the ultimate mark of discipleship. It is a deliberate choice to put others before ourselves, just as Jesus did for us.
Holiness is our third value. It means being set apart for God, not living for ourselves but for Him. Holiness is not about legalism or perfection but about growing closer to Jesus and aligning our hearts with Him. The fourth value is faith. We want to be a faith-filled people, believing that with God, nothing is impossible. Faith is an active trust in God's character and promises, and we want our church to be a place where faith is palpable.
Obedience is our fifth value. It involves surrendering our plans and desires to God, trusting that He knows best. Obedience brings blessings, and we are called to obey God in both small and big things. Serving is our sixth value. Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and we are called to follow His example. Serving is a privilege and a joy, and it brings glory to God.
Humility is our seventh value. It is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. Humility means putting God first and others before us. Faithfulness is our eighth value. In a world where people often quit and give up, we want to be steadfast and faithful to God and each other. Generosity is our ninth value. As God has blessed us, we want to bless others, giving cheerfully and recognizing that everything we have comes from Him. Finally, compassion is our tenth value. It is the tangible expression of God's love, extending kindness, empathy, and forgiveness to those in need.
As we embody these values, we create a culture that reflects the heart and character of Jesus. This culture will draw people to our church, where they can experience God's love and grow in their faith. Let us strive to be a community where our values are not just words on a page but the heartbeat of our church, lived out every day for the glory of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus is Our Example: Jesus is not just a historical figure but our Savior, Lord, and King. We strive to imitate Him in all aspects of our lives, reflecting His love, mercy, and compassion to the world around us. This means following His example in our daily actions and interactions, making Him the ultimate role model for our lives. [20:25]
2. Love is Our Foundation: Love is the core of who we are as a church. Jesus commanded us to love one another, and this love is the ultimate mark of discipleship. It is a deliberate choice to put others before ourselves, just as Jesus did for us. This love is not just a feeling but an action that demonstrates our faith to the world. [21:55]
3. Holiness is Our Lifestyle: Holiness means being set apart for God, not living for ourselves but for Him. It is not about legalism or perfection but about growing closer to Jesus and aligning our hearts with Him. As we pursue holiness, we become more like Jesus, reflecting His character in our daily lives. [23:55]
4. Faith is Our Free Will: We want to be a faith-filled people, believing that with God, nothing is impossible. Faith is an active trust in God's character and promises. Our church should be a place where faith is palpable, creating an atmosphere of expectancy that God will move powerfully in our lives and circumstances. [26:25]
5. Obedience is Our Calling: Obedience involves surrendering our plans and desires to God, trusting that He knows best. It brings blessings and is a demonstration of our love for God. We are called to obey God in both small and big things, following His word and guidance in every aspect of our lives. [28:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - Reflecting on Easter
[02:32] - Bank Holiday Monday
[03:14] - Garden Center Visit
[04:39] - Importance of Right Conditions
[06:43] - Impact of Environments
[08:47] - Church Culture
[09:33] - Personal Church Experience
[11:01] - Foundation of Our Culture
[14:26] - Living Out Our Beliefs
[15:55] - Acts 2:41-47
[16:25] - Kingdom Culture
[18:55] - Church Values Introduction
[19:25] - Jesus is Our Example
[20:25] - Reflecting Jesus
[21:55] - Love is Our Foundation
[23:55] - Holiness is Our Lifestyle
[26:25] - Faith is Our Free Will
[27:55] - Faith in Action
[28:25] - Obedience is Our Calling
[29:25] - Serving is Our Privilege
[31:25] - Humility is Our Posture
[32:56] - Faithfulness is Our Commitment
[34:25] - Generosity is Our Joy
[35:25] - Compassion is Our Response
[37:25] - Envisioning Our Church
[37:55] - Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:41-47 (The Message)
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the key activities that the early church devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:41-47?
2. How did the early church's culture of unity and generosity impact those around them? [16:55]
3. What does the passage say about the daily life and worship practices of the early believers?
4. How did the early church handle their resources and possessions? [16:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early church's culture of sharing and communal living was so attractive to others? [16:55]
2. How does the example of the early church challenge our modern-day church practices and culture? [17:25]
3. In what ways does the early church's commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer serve as a model for us today? [15:55]
4. How can the values of love, unity, and generosity, as seen in the early church, be practically implemented in our church community? [16:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experience when you first walked through the doors of our church. Did you feel welcomed and included? How can you contribute to creating a more welcoming environment? [08:47]
2. Jesus is our example. In what specific ways can you imitate Jesus in your daily life this week? Think of one action you can take to reflect His love, mercy, and compassion. [20:25]
3. Love is our foundation. Identify a person in your life who you find difficult to love. What practical steps can you take to show them love this week? [21:55]
4. Holiness is our lifestyle. What are some areas in your life where you need to align more closely with Jesus? How can you pursue holiness in those areas? [23:55]
5. Faith is our free will. Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you actively trust in God's character and promises in this situation? [26:25]
6. Obedience is our calling. Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you have been hesitant to obey? What steps can you take to surrender your plans and desires to Him? [28:25]
7. Serving is our privilege. Identify a specific way you can serve within the church or your community this week. How can you make serving a joyful and regular part of your life? [29:25]
By engaging with these questions, we hope to deepen our understanding of the early church's culture and how we can embody similar values in our own church community. Let us strive to live out our faith in tangible ways, reflecting the heart and character of Jesus in all that we do.
Devotional
### Day 1: Jesus is Our Ultimate Role Model
Jesus is not just a historical figure but our Savior, Lord, and King. We strive to imitate Him in all aspects of our lives, reflecting His love, mercy, and compassion to the world around us. This means following His example in our daily actions and interactions, making Him the ultimate role model for our lives. Jesus' life was marked by humility, service, and unconditional love. He reached out to the marginalized, healed the sick, and taught with authority and compassion. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody these same qualities in our own lives.
Reflecting Jesus in our daily lives means more than just acknowledging His teachings; it involves actively living them out. This can be seen in how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we prioritize our time and resources. By making Jesus our example, we commit to a life of selflessness, kindness, and unwavering faith. Let us strive to be more like Jesus every day, allowing His love and grace to shine through us.
[20:25]
1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV): "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
Reflection: Think of a specific situation where you can reflect Jesus' love and compassion today. How can you actively demonstrate His character in that situation?
### Day 2: Love is Our Core
Love is the core of who we are as a church. Jesus commanded us to love one another, and this love is the ultimate mark of discipleship. It is a deliberate choice to put others before ourselves, just as Jesus did for us. This love is not just a feeling but an action that demonstrates our faith to the world. True love involves sacrifice, patience, and a willingness to serve others without expecting anything in return.
As a church, our foundation is built on this principle of love. It is through love that we build strong relationships, support one another, and create a welcoming environment for all. Love is the driving force behind our actions and decisions, guiding us to live in harmony and unity. By prioritizing love, we reflect the heart of Jesus and draw others to Him.
[21:55]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to experience God's love through you. What specific action can you take today to show them love and kindness?
### Day 3: Holiness is Our Pursuit
Holiness means being set apart for God, not living for ourselves but for Him. It is not about legalism or perfection but about growing closer to Jesus and aligning our hearts with Him. As we pursue holiness, we become more like Jesus, reflecting His character in our daily lives. Holiness involves a transformation of our thoughts, actions, and desires, aligning them with God's will.
Living a holy life requires intentionality and a commitment to spiritual growth. It means making choices that honor God and avoiding behaviors that lead us away from Him. Holiness is a journey, not a destination, and it involves daily surrender and reliance on God's grace. By pursuing holiness, we set an example for others and create an environment where God's presence is evident.
[23:55]
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (ESV): "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to live in holiness. What steps can you take today to align that area with God's will?
### Day 4: Faith is Our Trust
We want to be a faith-filled people, believing that with God, nothing is impossible. Faith is an active trust in God's character and promises. Our church should be a place where faith is palpable, creating an atmosphere of expectancy that God will move powerfully in our lives and circumstances. Faith involves stepping out in trust, even when we cannot see the outcome.
Living by faith means relying on God's strength and wisdom rather than our own. It means trusting Him in the midst of uncertainty and believing that He is working for our good. Faith is not passive; it requires action and a willingness to follow God's leading. As we grow in faith, we inspire others to trust in God's promises and experience His power in their lives.
[26:25]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to exercise faith. What specific step can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God's promises?
### Day 5: Obedience is Our Response
Obedience involves surrendering our plans and desires to God, trusting that He knows best. It brings blessings and is a demonstration of our love for God. We are called to obey God in both small and big things, following His word and guidance in every aspect of our lives. Obedience is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.
When we choose to obey God, we acknowledge His authority and wisdom. Obedience requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's direction, even when it challenges our own plans. By living in obedience, we experience the fullness of God's blessings and become vessels of His purpose. Let us commit to a life of obedience, trusting that God's ways are higher than our own.
[28:25]
Deuteronomy 5:33 (ESV): "You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you have been hesitant to obey God. What step of obedience can you take today to align with His will?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Compassion is the tangible expression of God's love in action. That's how people see God's love. It's about extending kindness, empathy, and forgiveness to those who are in need. Just as God has shown that towards you and me. His mercy and his grace. If it wasn't for God, I don't know where I'd be. But I thank God for his forgiveness, his mercy, and his compassion in my life. Of all the wicked things I've done, I'm so grateful that he still saved me. He still loved me. He still chose me. And he will for you and me as well." [35:25]
2. "Did you know that as people, we are very similar? In order for us to grow and thrive in life, we need to be in the right environments as well. Certain environments that we might find ourselves in might not help us in our walk in growing. For example, our home life. I worked in a primary school, and I know the impact it can have on having a good home life and not having such a healthy home life. The home life that we are a part of can help us to grow in life, thrive in life. Or it can stunt us in life as well." [06:43]
3. "The people that we hang around with have a big influence on who we are becoming. The places that we go to, they have a big impact on where we go. And even, and I know many of you will agree with this, even the working environment. The places that we work can have a big impact on our behaviour. How we look at life. How we do and operate in society. How we do certain things. Even the work environment there." [07:40]
4. "We want to be a faith-filled people, believing that with God, nothing is impossible. Faith is an active trust in God's character and promises. Our church should be a place where faith is palpable, creating an atmosphere of expectancy that God will move powerfully in our lives and circumstances." [26:25]
5. "Serving shouldn't be a duty but it's a joy. We get to serve one another. Whether it's through our acts of kindness. Whether it's through the gifts God's given us. Our talents. Whether it's through giving up of our time. Whether it's giving financial resources. Whatever it is. Let's serve the Lord. Let's serve the Lord with joy. Let's thank God for all that he has done for us. Let's say Lord I just want to live my life for you. Worshipping you. Serving you." [30:25]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus is our example. Our first emphasis is that Jesus isn't just a historical figure. He isn't some distant deity to be admired from afar off. But rather, Jesus is our savior, he is our Lord, he is our God, he is our King, he is the one who we believe in, who we can have a personal relationship with, but also Jesus is the one who we follow to live our lives. His example is the ultimate example and we look to him in how we are to live our lives." [19:25]
2. "Love is what lies at the core of who we are as a church. Why? Because Jesus said in his prayer before we went to the cross, his prayer for you and me and for his disciples was that we would love one another, that we would be united together so that the world would recognize that we are his followers. This is the ultimate mark that we are disciples. Not that we know the Bible, not that we know the songs in church, not that we can speak eloquently or pray eloquently. The ultimate mark and sign that we are followers of Jesus is how we love." [21:55]
3. "Holiness means that we are set apart for God. We're not living in this world or for ourselves but we have given ourselves holy to the Lord. We've given ourselves to him. And as we pursue holiness, as we long to be a holy people, it's not about I want to make this clear, it's not about legalism. It's just doing certain things. Oh if I do this then God will love me and then I'll be holy and accepted. It's not about perfection but it's about trusting in Jesus, growing close to Jesus and aligning our hearts with him. Striving to be like our savior in everything we do." [24:25]
4. "Obedience is about surrendering our plans, our desires and our wills to the Lord. Trusting that he is Lord and we aren't. That he knows best and we don't. We want to trust in him and follow him and as we do that we believe that God rewards obedience. The Bible says that when we're obedient God commands a blessing. When we are obedient and we are to be obedient to the Lord in the small things and in the big things. In every decision of our lives as Jesus said there if you love me obey my commandments." [28:25]
5. "We want to be a church that has the culture... He's longing for a church where love abounds. He's longing for a church where there are genuine relationships, where needs are met, where people are prayed for with His care and compassion. He's longing for a place where the worship of the church isn't just contained within the walls but spills out through our lives, affecting every place that we go. A continuous celebration of God's goodness, His provision, and His life within our lives. That's what God's longing for in His church." [17:55]
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