Embracing Authenticity in Our Faith Journey

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the power and significance of authenticity in our faith journey. We began by affirming our belief in Jesus Christ as the source of life and salvation, emphasizing that God's work in us and the world will be completed, alleviating our anxieties. We prayed for our country and for each other, acknowledging the struggles we face in maintaining peace amidst chaos.

I shared some personal experiences from a recent trip to Washington, D.C., where I was struck by the authenticity and sacredness found in various historical sites. This led us to consider the importance of being genuine in our faith, as people are searching for real and authentic expressions of belief.

We then journeyed to Jerusalem, exploring its rich history and significance as a place where people sought to encounter the divine. In the days of Jesus, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish life, and people traveled there with hopes of experiencing God's presence. However, Jesus encountered religious leaders who were more concerned with maintaining their power and authority than genuinely helping people connect with God.

Jesus' interactions with these leaders, as recorded in Matthew 21-23, highlighted the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs. He issued severe warnings to the religious leaders, calling them out for their lack of justice, mercy, and faith. These warnings serve as a reminder for us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are living authentically.

We concluded by reflecting on the questions we should ask ourselves to gauge our authenticity. Are we a sanctuary for the lost? Do people feel safe around us? Do our actions match our words? We are called to be representatives of Christ, embodying love, patience, and kindness. By doing so, we can contribute to God's work in the world and offer hope to those around us.

### Key Takeaways

1. God Completes His Work: Trust in God's promise to complete the work He has started in us and the world. This assurance should alleviate our anxieties and help us focus on living out our faith authentically. [49:31]

2. The Power of Authenticity: People are searching for genuine expressions of faith. Our actions must align with our beliefs to truly reflect the love of Christ. Authenticity in our faith journey can draw others closer to God. [55:38]

3. Warnings Against Hypocrisy: Jesus' warnings to the religious leaders in Matthew 23 remind us of the dangers of hypocrisy. We must prioritize justice, mercy, and faith over maintaining power and authority. [01:07:57]

4. Self-Examination: Regularly ask yourself if your life reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. Are you a safe space for others? Do your actions match your words? This self-examination helps ensure we are living authentically. [01:12:22]

5. Living Out Love: Embrace love, patience, and kindness in all interactions. Avoid arrogance, judgment, and anger. By embodying these virtues, we can offer hope and contribute positively to God's work in the world. [01:18:13]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[49:31] - Affirmation of Faith
[50:44] - Prayer for Peace
[52:53] - Personal Reflections from D.C.
[56:18] - Journey to Jerusalem
[59:05] - Significance of Pilgrimage
[01:00:24] - Jesus' Teachings in the Temple
[01:03:24] - Challenges of Spiritual Conversations
[01:07:57] - Warnings Against Hypocrisy
[01:12:22] - Self-Examination and Authenticity
[01:18:13] - Embracing Love and Kindness
[01:20:40] - Living as Representatives of Christ
[01:22:03] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 21:23-27 - Jesus' authority questioned by the religious leaders.
2. Matthew 23:13-28 - The seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees.
3. Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the religious leaders' main concerns when they questioned Jesus' authority in Matthew 21:23-27?
2. In Matthew 23:13-28, what specific behaviors and attitudes does Jesus criticize in the religious leaders?
3. According to Philippians 1:6, what assurance do believers have about God's work in their lives?
4. How did the pastor describe the atmosphere and significance of Jerusalem during Jesus' time? ([56:18])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the religious leaders were so focused on questioning Jesus' authority rather than welcoming Him? ([01:00:54])
2. How do Jesus' criticisms of the religious leaders in Matthew 23:13-28 relate to the concept of authenticity in faith?
3. What does Philippians 1:6 suggest about the nature of God's work in believers' lives, and how should this impact our daily living?
4. How can the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem during Jesus' time help us understand the importance of genuine faith today? ([56:18])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Philippians 1:6, how can you remind yourself of God's promise to complete His work in you during times of anxiety or doubt? ([49:31])
2. Jesus criticized the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. In what ways can you ensure that your actions align with your beliefs in your daily life? ([01:07:57])
3. The pastor mentioned the importance of being a sanctuary for the lost. How can you create a safe and welcoming environment for others in your community? ([01:15:01])
4. Think about a recent interaction where you may have been judgmental or unkind. How can you approach similar situations with more love, patience, and kindness in the future? ([01:18:13])
5. The sermon emphasized the need for self-examination. What specific questions can you ask yourself regularly to ensure you are living authentically? ([01:12:22])
6. How can you actively contribute to God's work in the world by embodying the virtues of love, patience, and kindness in your interactions with others? ([01:18:13])
7. Identify one person in your life who may be searching for authenticity in faith. What steps can you take this week to show them a genuine expression of your beliefs? ([55:38])

Devotional

### Day 1: Trust in God's Promise to Complete His Work

Description:
God's promise to complete the work He has started in us and the world is a profound source of comfort and assurance. This promise is not just a distant hope but a present reality that can alleviate our anxieties and help us focus on living out our faith authentically. When we trust that God is in control and that His plans will come to fruition, we can let go of our fears and uncertainties. This trust allows us to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan.

In our daily lives, this means embracing the journey of faith with confidence, even when we face challenges and setbacks. It means believing that every step we take, every act of kindness, and every moment of faithfulness contributes to the completion of God's work in us and the world. By holding onto this promise, we can navigate life's complexities with a heart full of hope and a spirit ready to serve. [49:31]

Bible Passage:
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a current anxiety or fear you are facing. How can trusting in God's promise to complete His work help you find peace in this situation today?

### Day 2: Authenticity in Faith

Description:
People are searching for genuine expressions of faith, and our actions must align with our beliefs to truly reflect the love of Christ. Authenticity in our faith journey is not just about what we say but how we live. It involves being honest about our struggles, showing compassion to others, and living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily interactions. When we are authentic, we create a space where others can see the real impact of faith in our lives, which can draw them closer to God.

Being authentic also means being vulnerable and open about our imperfections. It means admitting when we fall short and seeking forgiveness and growth. This kind of transparency can be powerful, as it shows that faith is not about being perfect but about being real and striving to follow Christ with sincerity. By living authentically, we can inspire others to seek a deeper, more genuine relationship with God. [55:38]

Bible Passage:
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." — Romans 12:9 (ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a recent interaction where you felt you were not fully authentic. How can you approach similar situations in the future with more honesty and alignment with your faith?

### Day 3: Prioritizing Justice, Mercy, and Faith

Description:
Jesus' warnings to the religious leaders in Matthew 23 highlight the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of prioritizing justice, mercy, and faith over maintaining power and authority. The religious leaders of Jesus' time were often more concerned with their status and control than with genuinely helping people connect with God. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to examine our own lives and ensure that our actions reflect the core values of our faith.

Prioritizing justice, mercy, and faith means actively seeking to do what is right, showing compassion to those in need, and maintaining a strong and sincere relationship with God. It involves standing up against injustice, offering forgiveness and kindness, and living out our faith in tangible ways. By focusing on these values, we can avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and truly embody the teachings of Jesus. [01:07:57]

Bible Passage:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." — Matthew 23:23 (ESV)

Reflection:
Identify an area in your life where you may be prioritizing status or control over justice, mercy, and faith. What steps can you take to realign your priorities with the teachings of Jesus?

### Day 4: Self-Examination and Authenticity

Description:
Regular self-examination is crucial for ensuring that our lives reflect the love and teachings of Jesus. This involves asking ourselves if we are a safe space for others, if our actions match our words, and if we are living authentically. Self-examination helps us identify areas where we may be falling short and encourages us to make necessary changes to align our lives more closely with our faith.

By regularly reflecting on our actions and attitudes, we can become more aware of how we are representing Christ to those around us. This process of self-examination is not about self-condemnation but about growth and transformation. It allows us to continually strive to be better representatives of Christ, embodying His love, patience, and kindness in all that we do. [01:12:22]

Bible Passage:
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" — 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)

Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on your recent actions and attitudes. Are there areas where you need to make changes to better reflect the love and teachings of Jesus? What specific steps can you take today to live more authentically?

### Day 5: Embracing Love, Patience, and Kindness

Description:
Embracing love, patience, and kindness in all interactions is essential for living out our faith and contributing positively to God's work in the world. These virtues are at the heart of Jesus' teachings and are crucial for building meaningful and compassionate relationships. By embodying love, patience, and kindness, we can offer hope and support to those around us, creating a more loving and just community.

Avoiding arrogance, judgment, and anger is also important, as these attitudes can harm our relationships and hinder our ability to represent Christ effectively. Instead, we are called to approach others with humility, understanding, and grace. By doing so, we can create a safe and welcoming environment where people feel valued and loved. This not only strengthens our own faith but also helps others see the transformative power of God's love. [01:18:13]

Bible Passage:
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." — Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a recent situation where you struggled to show love, patience, or kindness. How can you approach similar situations in the future with a heart more aligned with these virtues? What practical steps can you take to embody these qualities in your daily interactions?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I believe that salvation has been offered by God through Jesus who died on a cross. Amen? Amen. And that salvation and that eternal life was sealed the moment Jesus was raised from the dead. Amen? And I believe personally that whatever happens, God's going to finish the work he started. Whatever happens in your life personally, in the life of this country, in the life of this world, we don't have to be anxious. Amen?" [49:33] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Remember, you are God's plan A for the world. You need to remember that. We are the body of Christ. We've got the power of the Holy Spirit backing us up, amen? We are the body of Christ. And if we are a believer in Jesus, then that makes us His representative. So I'm going to encourage you, represent Him well." [01:15:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Just love. And don't celebrate whenever people get what's coming to them. Instead, protect people. Pray for them. Choose to trust, even when people may not seem that trustworthy. Let your life radiate hope in what God has done. And what God will do in the people around you. Because just as God is working in you, man, He wants to work in that person that's right there next to you. Who you may be so irritated by. God's doing a thing in them." [01:18:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When all is said and done, and all that's left for those people who have followed Jesus, all that's left for us, you know what it is? It's faith. It's hope. And it's love. That's all we have, really. All the toys, all the bills, all the everything, none of that matters. I mean, it matters in our day-to-day life, but at the end of all things, all we have is faith, hope, and love. And you know what the greatest of those is? Love. Hands down." [01:19:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Be authentic. Be genuine. And lean into love. This is what the followers of Jesus do. We love God. We love people. We love ourselves. This is what peace looks like. So imagine if we chose to live into this as a group of believers, right here, right now, now, forever. too could be a city of peace. We want to be people that when they find you, they will see peace." [01:20:07] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "People are hoping and praying for someone whose faith matches their actions. But this isn't new. So we're on a journey through the pilgrimage, pilgrimage to the Holy Land. So we were in Capernaum last week, and this week we travel all the way to the capital of Israel. Jerusalem. Now, Jerusalem is a very ancient city. The earliest mention of Jerusalem is in Genesis 14 when Abraham meets the king of Salem, who is Melchizedek." [56:18] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What sorrow awaits you, teachers of religious law and you Pharisees? Hypocrites. For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law, justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Verse 25. What sorrow awaits you, teachers of religious law and you Pharisees? Hypocrites. For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you're filthy, full of greed and self-indulgence." [01:07:57] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Our culture is becoming inundated with institutional hypocrisy. People are finding out that church organizations across the country have been covering up sinful behavior from their religious leaders. They're protecting the leaders and they're not protecting the church and the people. They're protecting the institution. They're not protecting the people. These high-profile leaders, and you've seen it on the news, they're falling like dominoes." [01:13:17] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Are you a sanctuary for the law? Are you a lost in your life? Do people feel safe around you? Do they feel like they have to walk on eggshells so they don't offend you in some way? Do people feel like they can talk to you about some serious spiritual matters? Do they think you're going to listen to them whenever they ask questions that maybe are hard questions? Do they see you as a person who'll listen or one who's going to try to tell them what to think?" [01:15:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "These leaders should have blessed people. They should have helped them, fed them, lightened their load. And instead, they heaped extra requirements on them. They took from them. Let's not be like that. Let's lean into love. In fact, let's be people who are patient and kind. Let's not be envious about what we don't have. Let's not be people who brag about what we do have. Let's not be people who brag if our side wins. Pride has no part in love. That's the downfall of everything." [01:16:49] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?