Embracing Action: Saying Yes to Faith and Service
Summary
In today's message, I shared a personal confession about being a Dallas Cowboys fan, using it as a metaphor to introduce the theme of action and commitment. The phrase "Here we go," often used by quarterback Dak Prescott, signifies readiness and the need for action, which parallels our spiritual journey. We are continuing our "Say Yes" series, focusing on the importance of saying yes to Jesus Christ as our Savior and following Him in baptism. Last week, we celebrated 13 individuals accepting Christ and 15 committing to baptism, a testament to God's work among us.
Today, I challenge us to take further steps in our faith journey by engaging in biblical community and service. Acts 2 provides a model for us, illustrating how early believers lived in community, shared resources, and grew together in faith. This passage emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in doctrine, fellowship, and prayer, leading to a vibrant and growing church community. Our church has been blessed with many who serve, but there is always room for more to join in the work God is doing.
I encourage everyone to consider how their lives have changed since saying yes to Jesus. Are you involved in a biblical community? Are you serving others? We have various opportunities for involvement, such as faith groups, community groups, and discipleship groups, each designed to foster growth and accountability. Our student ministry also offers avenues for teenagers to engage in biblical community, which is crucial for their spiritual development.
Serving is not just about doing tasks; it's about being who God wants us to be—servants who love and honor Him by serving others. Whether it's opening a door, teaching a class, or driving a van, there are countless ways to contribute. Saying yes to serving is saying yes to being a part of God's work in our church and community.
As we move forward, let's embrace the call to action. Let's say yes to biblical community and serving, allowing God to work through us to reach and love more people. If you feel led to take this step, I invite you to text "YES" to 68878 or use the QR codes available in the foyer. Together, we can continue to build a church that honors God and serves others.
Key Takeaways:
1. Commitment to Action: Just as Dak Prescott's "Here we go" signals readiness, our spiritual journey requires us to be ready for action. Saying yes to Jesus is just the beginning; we must continue to take steps in faith and obedience. [34:47]
2. Biblical Community: Acts 2 provides a model for living in community, emphasizing the importance of fellowship, shared resources, and spiritual growth. Being part of a biblical community helps us grow and stay accountable in our faith. [41:42]
3. Life Transformation: Accepting Christ should lead to noticeable changes in our lives. We should evaluate how our actions, habits, and relationships have transformed since saying yes to Jesus. [44:52]
4. Serving Others: Serving is about being who God wants us to be. It's not just about tasks but about loving and honoring God by meeting the needs of others. There are many ways to serve, and each contribution is valuable. [58:51]
5. Saying Yes to God: Saying yes to God means being open to His leading in our lives, whether it's joining a community group or serving in a new capacity. It's about being obedient and allowing God to work through us. [01:05:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:47] - Confession and Introduction
- [36:24] - Celebrating Commitments
- [39:17] - Challenge to Say Yes
- [40:35] - The Power of Community
- [41:42] - Acts 2: A Model for Community
- [43:16] - Living Life Together
- [44:52] - Transformation Through Christ
- [45:44] - Opportunities for Involvement
- [46:45] - Faith Groups and Community Groups
- [47:53] - Student Ministry and Home Groups
- [48:52] - Discipleship Groups
- [50:11] - Serving in the Church
- [58:51] - The Call to Serve
- [01:05:17] - Invitation to Say Yes
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:42-47
- Romans 12:9-13
- 1 Peter 4:10
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 2:42-47, what were the key activities that the early believers engaged in as part of their community life?
2. According to Romans 12:9-13, what are some characteristics of love and community that Paul emphasizes?
3. How does 1 Peter 4:10 describe the use of spiritual gifts within the community?
4. In the sermon, what metaphor was used to illustrate the need for readiness and action in our spiritual journey? [34:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the model of community in Acts 2:42-47 challenge modern church practices? What aspects might be difficult to implement today?
2. Romans 12:9-13 speaks about love without hypocrisy. How might this look in a church setting, and why is it important for community life?
3. The sermon mentioned that serving is about being who God wants us to be. How does this perspective change the way we view service in the church? [58:51]
4. What does it mean to be a "good steward" of the gifts God has given us, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10?
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life since saying yes to Jesus. What specific changes have you noticed in your actions, habits, or relationships? [44:52]
2. Are you currently involved in a biblical community? If not, what steps can you take to join a faith group, community group, or discipleship group? [47:53]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of serving others. Identify one area in the church where you feel called to serve and discuss how you can get involved. [50:11]
4. Consider the metaphor of "Here we go" used in the sermon. What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to take action and say "Here we go"? [34:47]
5. How can you encourage others in your small group to say yes to biblical community and serving? What role can you play in fostering a supportive environment?
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of accountability in biblical community. How can you create or strengthen accountability relationships within your group? [45:44]
7. Think about a time when you hesitated to say yes to God. What held you back, and how can you overcome similar hesitations in the future? [01:05:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Readiness for Spiritual Action
In our spiritual journey, readiness for action is crucial. Just as a quarterback signals readiness with a phrase like "Here we go," we must be prepared to take steps in faith and obedience. Saying yes to Jesus is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to follow Him actively. This involves not just a verbal commitment but a willingness to act on that commitment through our daily choices and actions. Being ready means being open to the opportunities God places before us to grow and serve. [34:47]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your readiness to follow Jesus more closely?
Day 2: The Power of Biblical Community
Acts 2 provides a powerful model of how early believers lived in community, sharing resources and growing together in faith. Being part of a biblical community is essential for spiritual growth and accountability. It is within this community that we find support, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn from one another. Engaging in fellowship and shared experiences helps us to stay grounded in our faith and to grow in our understanding of God's word. [41:42]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your biblical community this week, and what steps can you take to deepen your involvement?
Day 3: Transformation Through Christ
Accepting Christ should lead to noticeable changes in our lives. This transformation is not just about internal change but should be evident in our actions, habits, and relationships. As we grow in our faith, we should continually evaluate how our lives reflect the teachings of Jesus. This ongoing transformation is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, guiding us to live in a way that honors God and impacts those around us. [44:52]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you have seen transformation since accepting Christ. How can you continue to nurture this change?
Day 4: Serving as an Expression of Faith
Serving others is a fundamental expression of our faith and who God wants us to be. It is not merely about completing tasks but about loving and honoring God by meeting the needs of others. Each act of service, no matter how small, is valuable and contributes to the work God is doing in our church and community. By serving, we become active participants in God's mission, allowing Him to work through us to reach and love more people. [58:51]
"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." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week, and how can this act of service reflect your faith in God?
Day 5: Saying Yes to God's Leading
Saying yes to God means being open to His leading in our lives, whether it's joining a community group or serving in a new capacity. It involves being obedient and allowing God to work through us in ways we may not have anticipated. By saying yes, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace, enabling us to grow in our faith and impact the world around us. [01:05:17]
"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'" (Isaiah 6:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to say yes? How can you take a step of faith in response to this calling today?
Quotes
I actually boo my team. I understand. I get it. I tell you that for this reason. Last year it came out when quarterback Dak Crescott, when he's not injured and playing, before he begins to play, he makes all his pre-snap reads and all the motion happens for the play and everything that's going to happen before the snap of the ball. He does all of that. And then right before he wants the ball to be snapped, he says, here we go. [00:34:54]
But that's what he would say. And what he was saying was, it's time to go. There's nothing else that needs to happen now. Nothing else needs to occur before this play goes into action. So he would say, here we go. It's time for action. So the title of my sermon today is, here we go. It's time for some action. [00:35:34]
Statistically, 20 % of the people that make up a church do 80 % of the work. That's, that's an average. Statistically across America, 20 % of those who make up the church do 80 % of the work. So if you have a church that has a hundred people that attend, 20 people are doing 80 % of what's going on. If you have a church of 200, do the math. [00:37:30]
Now all who believed were together and had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. [00:41:42]
See, all this led to more people accepting Christ, more people taking the step of obedience to him, more people saying yes because they got involved. More people came to know Christ and get involved. That's God's recipe. So how do we model this? How do we model this in 2025 as Faith Baptist Church? [00:43:33]
Has your life changed since you said yes to Jesus? Has it changed? Where has it changed? See, I look at Acts 2, and I think about all those people who have accepted Christ. Their life changed because it says they started meeting together. They met house to house. They broke bread together. They prayed together. They saw the needs in each other's lives. [00:44:50]
See, if you know Jesus as Savior, then you need to be a part of the family here at Faith Baptist Church. Now, hear me on this. Not a visiting relative. But Sunday's fun are Sundays. An integral part involved. Helping make the meal. Helping set up. Helping do the dishes. Don't you love that family member that just shows up at family events and doesn't do anything? [00:45:11]
Now, the difference in faith group and community group and discipleship group is this. These are small groups of just men or just women that meet, okay? Just men or just women, and they get together on a weekly basis to study the Bible. That's the focus, right? These groups go a little bit deeper into the Bible and to each other's lives. [00:49:34]
The more people you reach the more people you need to serve and walk alongside each other that makes sense doesn't it then I mean if you're a smaller church you don't have as many things I mean you just don't and so you know as we grow as where you reach more people as God blesses as we celebrate what God is doing has done is doing it wants to do if we're gonna keep going forward we need more people serving. [00:55:56]
Hebrews 6 10 says this for god is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown towards his name and that you have ministered to the saints and do minister where are you serving where are you ministering to kids students adults do you need to say yes to hebrews 6 10 what about colossians 3 and whatever you do do it heartedly as to the lord and not to men. [00:59:20]
Can you welcome someone glad you're here today you can do something maybe you're further down the road and you can teach a class or you can teach a group or you can be involved in kids men developing fundamental years of kids that many of them never hear about jesus until they come here maybe in student ministry maybe you love students see i i could live with students kids not my thing. [01:02:20]
It's time to be a part of a community a biblical community it's time to say yes in serving so in the way of an invitation today it's going to be a little different i'm going to ask you again god's moving in your life and you know you need to say yes to biblical community or you need to say yes to serving you need to say yes to serving you need to say yes to serving. [01:04:55]
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