Embracing a Countercultural Christian Life

Tonight’s gathering centered on the call to authentic, countercultural Christian living—a life that is “weird” by the world’s standards but true to the heart of the gospel. Drawing from Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Philippians, we reflected on how the church is meant to be more than just another social club. If we strip away the miraculous, the supernatural, and the incomprehensible from our faith, we are left with a hollow shell. Christianity, at its best, is always a little strange, because it calls us to live in ways that defy the self-centered logic of the world.

Paul’s transformation from Saul, a persecutor of Christians, to Paul, the greatest missionary, is a testament to the power of Christ to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We cannot save ourselves by our own strength or goodness; salvation is a gift that only Christ can give. This truth is not just a personal comfort but a call to community. Like rafters who cannot pull themselves back into the boat without help, we need each other—and ultimately, we need Christ—to rescue us when we are overwhelmed.

The story of Peter walking on water reminds us that following Jesus is not a solo journey. When we falter, Christ’s hand is there to lift us up. Our faith is not meant to be dormant or superficial, but active and visible in works of love, compassion, and service. The world chases after quick fixes and self-glorification, but the way of Christ is slow, deliberate transformation—a journey of self-renunciation and service to others.

We looked to the example of Menno Simons, whose faith led him to a life of sacrifice and danger, yet whose legacy endures in the Mennonite tradition. His words challenge us to a faith that cannot remain hidden, but must manifest in acts of love, justice, and mercy. As we go into the week, we are invited to reflect on how we can embody this “weird” faith—less about ourselves, more about Christ, and always seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs hope.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Authentic Christian faith is inherently countercultural. When we remove the miraculous and the mysterious from our faith, we are left with nothing but a void. The call to “keep Christianity weird” is a call to embrace the aspects of our faith that set us apart from the world, reminding us that the church is meant to be a living witness to something greater than ourselves. [35:50]
• 2. Salvation is not a self-help project. Paul’s message to the Galatians is clear: if we could save ourselves, Christ’s sacrifice would be meaningless. True faith acknowledges our dependence on Christ’s grace, recognizing that what we cannot do for ourselves, Christ has already accomplished on our behalf. [39:14]
• 3. Community is essential to the Christian journey. Just as rafters cannot pull themselves back into the boat alone, we are not meant to walk the path of faith in isolation. The church is a place where we uphold one another, share burdens, and experience the saving power of Christ together. [43:33]
• 4. The way of Christ is not about quick fixes or superficial attraction. Paul warns against adopting the world’s strategies for success, urging us instead to pursue deep, lasting transformation through discipline, study, and the slow work of the Spirit. Authentic faith is not flashy or self-serving, but rooted in humility and service. [47:03]
• 5. True faith is active, visible, and sacrificial. Menno Simons’ life and words remind us that genuine faith cannot remain hidden or dormant. It expresses itself in acts of love, justice, and mercy—even when it costs us dearly. Our calling is to reflect Christ’s self-giving love in tangible ways, offering grace and compassion to all, especially those the world deems unworthy. [55:27]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Call to Worship and Opening Scripture
• [03:30] - Announcements and Community Updates
• [08:45] - 70th Anniversary Celebration Details
• [13:20] - Reflections on Community and Support
• [23:15] - The Need for Authentic Christian Community
• [27:40] - Keeping Christianity Weird: Introduction
• [35:50] - Paul’s Transformation and the Uniqueness of the Church
• [37:56] - Galatians: Salvation by Grace, Not Works
• [39:14] - Dependence on Christ, Not Ourselves
• [41:49] - Rafting Analogy: The Necessity of Help
• [43:33] - Faith in Community and the Saving Hand of Christ
• [47:03] - Philippians: Authenticity vs. Superficiality
• [52:35] - The Countercultural Call of Christian Faith
• [53:41] - The Story of Menno Simons and the Mennonites
• [55:27] - Menno Simons’ Quote: Faith in Action
• [57:16] - Living Out Our Calling: Reflection and Challenge
• [58:23] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

Galatians 2:18–21 (ESV) — > For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV) — > Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 14:22–33 (ESV) — > [Peter walks on water; Jesus saves him when he sinks.]

Observation Questions

1. In Galatians 2:18–21, what does Paul say about the purpose of Christ’s death and our ability to save ourselves?
2. According to Philippians 2:5–11, what attitude did Jesus have, and how did he show it?
3. In the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22–33), what happened when Peter took his eyes off Jesus?
4. The sermon described the church as “weird” and countercultural. What are some specific ways the church is called to be different from the world? [[35:50]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul insist that if we could save ourselves, “Christ died for no purpose”? What does this say about the role of grace in our lives? [[39:14]]
2. How does Jesus’ humility and self-sacrifice in Philippians 2 challenge the way we think about success and recognition? [[47:03]]
3. The rafting story in the sermon compared needing help back into the boat to needing community and Christ. What does this analogy teach us about our need for others and for Jesus? [[41:49]]
4. Menno Simons said true faith “cannot lay dormant, but manifests itself in all righteousness and works of love.” What does it mean for faith to be active and visible, not just private or internal? [[55:27]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “If we strip away the miraculous, the supernatural, and the incomprehensible from our faith, we are left with a hollow shell.” Are there parts of your faith that you tend to hide or downplay because they seem “weird” or hard to explain? How might you embrace these aspects more openly this week? [[35:50]]
2. Paul’s story is one of radical transformation. Is there an area in your life where you need to let go of self-reliance and trust Christ to do what you cannot do for yourself? What would it look like to surrender that area? [[39:14]]
3. The rafting analogy showed that we can’t pull ourselves back into the boat alone. Who are the people in your life who help you in your faith journey? How can you lean on them or support them more intentionally this week? [[41:49]]
4. The world chases after quick fixes and self-glorification, but the way of Christ is slow, deliberate transformation. Where are you tempted to look for shortcuts in your spiritual life? What is one small, consistent practice you could start or return to this week? [[47:03]]
5. Menno Simons’ example shows that faith can be costly and risky. Is there a way you feel called to step out in faith, even if it means being misunderstood or facing difficulty? What’s holding you back? [[55:27]]
6. The sermon challenged us to be “less about ourselves, more about Christ.” What is one practical way you can serve someone else this week, especially someone who might be overlooked or in need? [[57:16]]
7. The quote from Menno Simons lists many ways faith can be lived out—feeding the hungry, consoling the afflicted, returning good for evil, etc. Which of these stands out to you, and how could you put it into action in your daily life? [[55:27]]