Embodying the Church: Active Faith in Community
Summary
Today, I explored the profound concept of what it means to be the church, not just attend church. We delved into the essence of the church, its purpose, and our individual roles within it. The church, as we discussed, is not merely a building or a weekly gathering; it is a living, breathing community of believers who are called to serve, worship, and embody the teachings of Christ in every aspect of their lives.
We began by defining the church, emphasizing that it is a body of believers, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and called to live out the Great Commission. This definition sets the stage for understanding that our involvement in the church is not passive but is an active engagement in a community of faith.
From there, we explored the scriptural basis of the church's purpose, highlighting six key functions: to glorify God, disciple believers, provide fellowship, serve others, evangelize, and display God's love and glory to the world. Each of these functions underscores the active role each believer plays in the life of the church.
A significant portion of our discussion focused on the practical implications of being the church in our daily lives. I challenged each of us to consider how we view our role within the church. Are we merely consumers, attending services and leaving without engaging further? Or do we see ourselves as integral parts of the body, each with gifts and talents meant to be used for the edification of the church and the broader community?
We addressed the issue of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that every believer is endowed with unique gifts intended for the purpose of building up the church. I encouraged everyone to reflect on their gifts and consider whether they are actively using them to serve others within the church community.
Finally, we discussed the transformative potential of the church when every member actively participates and uses their gifts. We envisioned a church that not only meets within walls but also extends its influence into the community through acts of service, love, and evangelism. This vision of the church is not limited by its physical premises but is manifested wherever its members are present, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.
### Key Takeaways:
1. The Church as a Community, Not a Location:
The church is defined not by its physical buildings but by its members—the body of believers. Each member plays a crucial role in the life of the church, contributing to its mission and outreach. Understanding this helps us shift our perspective from a place we go to, to a community we are part of. [54:09]
2. Active Participation Over Passive Attendance:
Being part of the church means more than just attending services; it involves active engagement and participation. Each believer is called to use their gifts and talents to serve within the church, contributing to its growth and the well-being of its members. This active role fosters a deeper sense of community and personal growth in faith. [01:06:44]
3. The Importance of Spiritual Gifts:
Every believer is endowed with spiritual gifts, which are meant to be used for the common good of the church community. Recognizing and utilizing these gifts is essential for the personal fulfillment of each member and for the overall effectiveness of the church in fulfilling its mission. [01:08:30]
4. Transformative Influence of the Church:
When all members of the church actively participate and use their gifts, the church's influence extends beyond its walls into the broader community. This transformative impact can lead to significant changes in the neighborhood and beyond, as the church lives out its call to display God's love and glory. [01:11:54]
5. The Call to Serve and Evangelize:
The church's purpose includes serving others and evangelizing, which are fundamental aspects of our faith. Each member is called to embody these roles, impacting not just the church community but also the wider society. This dual role enhances the church's relevance and outreach in an increasingly complex world. [01:15:14]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [48:05] - Introduction to Church Participation
- [49:41] - Prayer and Welcome of Visitors
- [50:52] - Series Introduction: Limitless Life All In
- [52:24] - Exploring Personal Church Experiences
- [54:09] - Defining the Church
- [01:05:00] - Scriptural Basis of the Church as a Body
- [01:06:44] - The Role of Individual Members in the Church
- [01:08:30] - The Impact of Inactive Membership
- [01:09:58] - Consumer Mentality in Church
- [01:11:54] - Active Service within the Church
- [01:13:17] - The Importance of Personal Involvement
- [01:15:14] - Encouragement to Serve and Use Gifts
- [01:16:46] - Community Impact and Church Growth
- [01:18:22] - Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
> "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2. Acts 2:42 (NIV)
> "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27 (NIV)
> "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many... Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the key actions Jesus commands His followers to take?
2. In Acts 2:42, what four activities did the early church devote themselves to?
3. How does 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describe the relationship between the different parts of the body and the body as a whole?
4. What does the sermon suggest is the difference between being the church and merely attending church? ([52:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus promises to be with His followers "to the very end of the age" in Matthew 28:20? How does this assurance impact our mission as the church?
2. Acts 2:42 mentions the early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. How do these activities contribute to the health and growth of a church community?
3. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul states that each member of the church has a special purpose and function. How does this understanding affect the way we view our individual roles within the church? ([01:05:00])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts for the common good. How can recognizing and utilizing our gifts transform the church and its impact on the community? ([01:08:30])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church. Are you actively participating and using your gifts, or are you more of a passive attendee? What steps can you take to become more engaged? ([01:06:44])
2. Consider the six key functions of the church mentioned in the sermon: glorifying God, discipling believers, providing fellowship, serving others, evangelizing, and displaying God's love and glory. Which of these areas do you feel most passionate about, and how can you contribute to it? ([56:07])
3. The sermon challenges us to shift from a consumer mentality to an active service mentality within the church. What practical changes can you make in your attitude and actions to embody this shift? ([01:09:58])
4. Think about the spiritual gifts you believe God has given you. Are you currently using these gifts to serve the church community? If not, what is one specific way you can start using your gifts this week? ([01:08:30])
5. The sermon discusses the transformative potential of the church when every member actively participates. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to discover and use their gifts? ([01:11:54])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the church made a significant impact on the broader community. What role did active participation and the use of spiritual gifts play in that impact? How can you contribute to similar efforts in the future? ([01:16:46])
7. The sermon mentions the importance of not forsaking our meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25). How can you prioritize and encourage regular fellowship and community within your church, especially in challenging times? ([01:01:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Community Beyond Location
The church is fundamentally a community of believers, not confined to a physical location. It is essential to understand that being part of the church means being actively involved in a living, dynamic body of Christ. This community is where faith is not only expressed but also practiced through interactions with others who share the same beliefs. The physical walls of a church building do not define this sacred gathering; rather, it is defined by the hearts and actions of those who commit to living out their faith together. This perspective shift from seeing church as a location to embracing it as a community can profoundly change how one engages with and values their role within the body of Christ. [54:09]
1 Corinthians 12:27 - "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
Reflection: How can you contribute more actively to the community aspect of your church beyond attending services?
Day 2: The Call to Active Participation
Active participation in church life goes beyond mere attendance; it involves contributing one's gifts and talents to the community. This engagement is crucial for personal spiritual growth and for the vitality of the church as a whole. Each member of the church has unique abilities and spiritual gifts that, when utilized, can lead to a richer, more vibrant community. This active involvement helps to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the church, encouraging a deeper commitment and connection to the faith community. [01:06:44]
Ephesians 4:16 - "From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: What are your spiritual gifts, and how can you start using them more effectively within your church community?
Day 3: Utilizing Spiritual Gifts for Common Good
Every believer is endowed with spiritual gifts intended to benefit the church community. Recognizing and utilizing these gifts is not only a personal responsibility but also a crucial aspect of church life. These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit and are meant to be used for the common good, to build up the church and to extend its mission. By identifying and employing these gifts, members can fulfill their roles more effectively, contributing to the overall health and growth of the church. [01:08:30]
1 Peter 4:10-11 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Consider your own spiritual gifts. Are there ways you can better use these gifts to serve your church community?
Day 4: Transformative Influence of the Church
When every member of the church actively uses their gifts, the church's influence can extend far beyond its walls. This active participation leads to a transformative impact on the broader community, demonstrating God's love and glory through acts of service, love, and evangelism. This vision of the church is dynamic and influential, capable of bringing about significant change in the neighborhood and beyond. The church, therefore, is not just a place of worship but a force for good in the world, actively embodying the teachings of Christ. [01:11:54]
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can your church better serve as a light to your local community, demonstrating the love and teachings of Christ?
Day 5: Serving and Evangelizing as Core Missions
The dual role of serving others and evangelizing is fundamental to the church's purpose. Each member is called to embody these roles, impacting not just the church community but also the wider society. This involvement enhances the church's relevance and outreach, making it a vital presence in an increasingly complex world. By focusing on these core missions, the church can fulfill its calling to spread the gospel and serve humanity, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ to all. [01:15:14]
Galatians 5:13-14 - "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to serve someone in your community or share your faith with someone who does not yet know Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I had a great idea: a world with no hate and no fear, all grace, love, and all cheers, families, hugs, and no tears. They tell me it's illogical, but anything is possible if God be for us, we can overcome." [04:17]
2. "We're having an all-volunteer meeting. I need you to be there. Please clear your schedule. Please make sure that you are in attendance. It's something that the Lord has placed on my heart, and I want to make sure that it is communicated to all of our volunteers, all of our current volunteers, our Team Limitless members." [43:04]
3. "Good morning, how's everybody doing this morning? Good, good, good, good, good. I am excited to be here this morning. I do have um my two things um for you this morning and the two is actually three um but we're just gonna call it two it's fine it's fine." [45:04]
4. "We get to participate in something called Baptize California, and it's where the whole state of California, churches in California are partnering to baptize California. And those people, it's this opportunity where we get to come together as a body and say, hey, there are people who have made a public, public declaration for Jesus." [48:05]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I am the church versus I go to the church are two totally different things. There's a two totally different mindsets. I am the church versus I just go to the church. We are exposed. And for some of us, we were exposed to a life where church was something that you did, not who you are. That is where the change has to take place." [01:13:17]
2. "We are called to serve. We are called to serve one another. I am the church versus I go to the church are two totally different things. There's a two totally different mindsets. I am the church versus I just go to the church. We are exposed. And for some of us, we were exposed to a life where church was something that you did, not who you are." [01:15:14]
3. "For a lot of us, we believe that the churches, the church is supposed to reach out and be a part of community. We believe that the church is supposed to serve and assist in times of peril. And when bad things happen, our community, we just don't believe that we're the church. We don't believe that you and I are supposed to do it." [01:16:46]
4. "You have a gift that you've been given. You have a power. You have an ability. You have a special thing that God has given you. Maybe your gift is, maybe you're a generous person. Maybe your gift is hospitality. Maybe your gift is cleaning. Maybe we don't know what it is, but I guarantee you that we need it." [01:18:22]
5. "The church is defined as a body of believers who have faith in Jesus Christ, who have been saved by his grace, and who have been called out to live the great commission. A body of believers who have faith in Jesus, who have been saved by his grace, and who have been called to live out the Great Commission." [54:09]
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