Embracing Brokenness: Building a Radiant Church Together
Summary
In the presence of God, there is no need to strive or perform; simply opening our hearts with expectation allows us to encounter Him in new and deeper ways. Too often, we limit our faith by equating Jesus to what we’ve already experienced, but God invites us to believe for more—more than we’ve seen, more than we’ve imagined. As we gather, we’re reminded that the church is not just a place or a program, but the living, radiant bride of Christ, built not from perfect people but from broken pieces that God is continually assembling and transforming.
Reflecting on the story of Peter’s confession in Matthew 16, we see that Jesus is building His church on the revelation of who He is, and nothing—not even the gates of hell—can overcome it. This is not a conditional promise, but a definitive declaration of Christ’s commitment to His people. We are invited to participate in what He is building, not as spectators, but as co-laborers, each bringing our own “Lego pieces” to the table. The church is radiant not because it is made up of flawless people, but because God takes our mess and makes something beautiful, holy, and attractive to the world.
The church is also called to be open-handed, giving generously beyond ourselves. Just as the Macedonian churches gave out of their lack, we are called to invest in others, to sow into places and people we may never meet, trusting that God multiplies our gifts for His kingdom. This open-handedness was demonstrated as we supported a new church plant in Swift Current, believing that God will use our resources to reach those who are still in pieces.
Finally, it is in the context of the church that we learn the heart of Jesus. As we serve, build, and love together, what once felt like a burden becomes a joy, and we discover our true calling. We are reminded to never forget where we came from—broken and in need of grace—and to continually ask God for His heart for His church and for the world. Each of us has a part to play, a handful of “pieces” to contribute, and together, we become the radiant, open-handed, and passionate people God desires.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Presence Requires Openness, Not Striving
True encounter with God is not achieved through effort or performance, but by posturing our hearts with expectation and humility. When we stop equating Jesus to our past experiences, we make room for faith to rise and for God to reveal Himself in new ways. The invitation is to open the door of our hearts wider, believing that there is always more of God to experience. [29:27]
- The Church Is Built from Broken Pieces, Not Finished Products
God’s vision for His church is not to gather the already-radiant, but to take ordinary, imperfect people and transform them into something beautiful. Like Lego pieces, we come as we are—messy, incomplete, and sometimes unsure—but God assembles us into a radiant, holy community. Our stories of transformation and belonging are the true evidence of God’s work among us. [48:57]
- Radiance Is Found in Embracing and Including Others
A truly radiant church is not a closed circle of like-minded friends, but a community that seeks out and welcomes those who are different, broken, or on the margins. We are called to resist the temptation to form exclusive groups and instead open our lives to those who need belonging and grace. The church shines brightest when it remembers its own humble beginnings and extends that same welcome to others. [54:53]
- Open-Handed Generosity Extends the Mission Beyond Ourselves
The heart of Jesus’ church is to give freely, not just to meet our own needs, but to invest in others and in the broader mission of God. Whether it’s supporting new church plants or meeting needs in our community, generosity is both an act of worship and a declaration of trust in God’s provision. Our willingness to sow into others’ futures is a reflection of the grace we have received. [01:05:47]
- Each Person Has a Unique Assignment—Build with What You Have
God does not expect us to fix everything or carry the whole load; instead, He asks us to be faithful with the “pieces” He’s given us. By remembering where we started and seeking God’s heart for what’s next, we find purpose and joy in contributing our part. Together, as each person brings their gifts, the church is built up and Christ is glorified. [01:07:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[29:27] - Entering God’s Presence with Expectation
[33:55] - Best Summer Ever Series Introduction
[36:06] - The True Model of Rest
[37:41] - Why I Love Jesus’ Church
[44:39] - The Lego and Hot Wheels Illustration
[46:47] - Church: Assembling the Pieces
[48:05] - Hot Wheels Marriages vs. Lego Marriages
[48:57] - The Radiance of the Church
[54:53] - Embracing Broken Pieces and True Community
[55:58] - Stories of Transformation
[57:25] - Serving and Growing in the Church
[01:01:00] - Open-Handed Generosity and Church Planting
[01:05:47] - Supporting Others in Their Calling
[01:06:49] - Learning the Heart of Jesus
[01:07:50] - Building with What You Have
[01:09:31] - Responding to God’s Call and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 16:13-18
(Peter’s confession of Christ and Jesus’ declaration: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”)
- Ephesians 5:25-27
(“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy... to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”)
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
(The generosity of the Macedonian churches, who gave beyond their ability, first to the Lord and then to others.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 16:13-18, what is the significance of Peter’s confession about who Jesus is? How does Jesus respond to Peter’s statement?
(see [29:27])
2. According to Ephesians 5:25-27, what does it mean for the church to be “radiant”? What does Christ do for the church to make her radiant?
(see [48:57])
3. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, what stands out about the way the Macedonian churches gave? What was their attitude and motivation in giving?
(see [57:25])
4. The sermon uses the illustration of Lego pieces to describe the church. What does this illustration say about the kind of people God uses to build His church?
(see [46:47])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to build His church on the “revelation” of who He is, rather than on perfect people or perfect performance?
(see [29:27])
2. The sermon says, “God’s vision for His church is not to gather the already-radiant, but to take ordinary, imperfect people and transform them into something beautiful.” How does this challenge the way we sometimes view church or community?
(see [48:57])
3. What does it look like for a church to be “open-handed” and generous, even when resources are limited? How does this reflect the heart of Jesus?
(see [01:05:47])
4. The pastor shared about how serving and building in the church can move from feeling like a burden to becoming a joy. What do you think causes that shift?
(see [01:06:49])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to open our hearts wider to God’s presence, not just rely on past experiences. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been limiting your expectations of what God can do? What would it look like to open your heart wider this week?
(see [29:27])
2. The “Lego pieces” illustration reminds us that we all come with brokenness and incompleteness. Can you remember a time when you felt like a “broken piece” in church? How did God or others help you find belonging and purpose?
(see [46:47])
3. The sermon warned against forming exclusive groups and encouraged us to include those who are different or on the margins. Is there someone in your life or in our church community who might feel left out or overlooked? What is one practical step you could take to include them?
(see [54:53])
4. The Macedonian churches gave generously even out of their lack. Is there an area where you feel you don’t have much to give—time, resources, encouragement—but sense God nudging you to be generous anyway? What might that look like this month?
(see [57:25])
5. The church supported a new church plant in Swift Current, sowing into people they may never meet. Is there a way you can invest in someone’s future or in God’s mission beyond your immediate circle?
(see [01:05:47])
6. The pastor encouraged us to remember where we came from and to ask God for His heart for the church and the world. Take a moment to reflect: Where were you when you first encountered God’s grace? How can remembering this shape your attitude toward others who are still “in pieces”?
(see [01:07:50])
7. Each of us has a handful of “pieces” to contribute. What are some gifts, experiences, or passions you have that God might want to use to build up the church? Is there a next step you feel prompted to take?
(see [01:07:50])
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person open their heart wider, embrace their part in the church, and love others with the same grace they have received.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Is Greater Than Our Expectations
When we approach Jesus, we often compare Him to what we already know or have experienced, which can limit our faith and expectations. But Jesus invites us to open our hearts wider, to believe that He is greater, better, and has more for us than we have yet seen. Faith is not about striving or straining, but about posturing our hearts to receive what God is still preparing for us. There is always more to discover in Christ, and He calls us to set our faith not on what we have seen in the past, but on what is yet to come. [29:27]
Matthew 16:13-17 (ESV)
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: Where have you been limiting your expectations of Jesus based on past experiences, and how can you open your heart wider to what He wants to do in your life today?
Day 2: The Church Is Built on Christ and Broken Pieces
Jesus is building His church not with perfect, fully-formed people, but with those who come as they are—broken, messy, and in need of grace. He gives us a new identity and invites us to be part of what He is building in the world. The church is not a finished product handed to us, but a living community that we are called to help build, piece by piece, with the gifts and experiences God has given us. Our lives are transformed as we participate in what Jesus is doing, and we find our purpose in joining Him in His work. [37:41]
Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Reflection: What “pieces” of your life—gifts, experiences, or even brokenness—can you offer to help build up Jesus’ church this week?
Day 3: God’s Vision Is a Radiant Church
God’s desire for His church is that it would be radiant—full of light, warmth, and holiness. This radiance is not about perfection, but about being continually cleansed and transformed by Christ’s love and the work of the Spirit. The church becomes radiant as people come together, support one another, and allow God to work through their imperfections. True radiance is seen when the church welcomes the broken, encourages the weary, and shines with the love and presence of Jesus, drawing others to Him. [48:57]
Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV)
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Reflection: Who in your church community could use encouragement or support today, and how can you help bring God’s radiance into their life?
Day 4: The Church Is Open-Handed and Generous
A defining mark of Jesus’ church is open-handed generosity—giving not just to meet our own needs, but to bless others beyond ourselves. The early churches gave sacrificially, first to God and then to others, sowing into regions and people they might never meet. This spirit of generosity is what allows the church to multiply, reach new places, and support those who are stepping out in faith. When we give joyfully and beyond our comfort, we participate in God’s bigger story and help build His kingdom in ways we may never fully see. [57:25]
2 Corinthians 8:1, 5 (ESV)
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia... and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
Reflection: What is one way you can be open-handed and generous this week—whether with your time, resources, or encouragement—to bless someone beyond your immediate circle?
Day 5: Remembering Our Brokenness Fuels Our Mission
It is easy to forget where we were when we first encountered God’s grace, but remembering our own brokenness keeps us humble and passionate for God’s mission. We are called to continually ask God for His heart—for His church, for those who are still far from Him, and for what He is yet to do. Each of us has a unique part to play, no matter how small it may seem. When we remember what God has done for us and ask for His heart, we are empowered to build His house together, trusting that there is always more He wants to do in and through us. [01:09:31]
Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Reflection: Take a moment to remember how God met you in your brokenness—how can that memory fuel your passion to serve and love others in His church today?
Quotes
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