Embracing Christ's Sacrifice: A Call to Bold Faith
Summary
During the Calvary Church Charlottetown Service on December 17th, 2023, the pastor, whose name is not provided in the title, delivered a sermon that touched on various aspects of Christian faith and life. The sermon began with personal reflections, including the pastor's experiences with their family and the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of their children. The pastor expressed gratitude for their children's faith and the role of prayer in their lives.
The pastor then discussed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the Savior who gave His life for sinners. They highlighted the importance of repentance and trust in Jesus to overcome the devil's accusations. The pastor used the example of Lord Nelson to illustrate the virtues of humility and wisdom, particularly in how we treat others, even those we have conquered.
Believers were encouraged to be bridge builders for Christ, with the assurance that God equips us for our roles. The pastor stressed the importance of living distinctively and being a friend of sinners, much like Jesus was. The gift of myrrh was mentioned as a symbol of Jesus' purpose to die and the role of believers in carrying out His mission.
The pastor also reflected on a painting by Holman Hunt, which depicted Mary's realization of Jesus' destiny. They shared personal anecdotes about their evangelistic ministry and the challenges faced while preaching. The significance of Calvary Church was emphasized, with a call for gratitude and a focus on seeking God's presence.
A personal story about the pastor's father, who struggled with alcoholism but had given himself to the Lord, was shared to illustrate the transformative power of Jesus. The pastor also recounted their own spiritual encounter, which changed their life from the inside out.
The pastor invited those feeling disconnected from the gospel to reconnect with Jesus through prayer, emphasizing His role as the Savior who does not condemn but saves and forgives. The significance of the gifts of gold and frankincense was discussed, with gold representing Jesus as the king and frankincense symbolizing His priestly role.
The congregation was encouraged to step into a new place of boldness in their faith and to focus on evangelism outside the church walls. The pastor also addressed the importance of worship and the reactions to Jesus' presence, from complaints to divine acknowledgment.
The pastor shared the church's challenges due to a condemned building and the belief that God has a plan for the church. They also corrected a common misconception about Jesus' birthplace, urging listeners to come to Jesus by faith.
Finally, the pastor prayed for a renewal of hearts and a stirring for those serving God, declaring against the powers of the enemy and inviting God to work in their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a profound demonstration of grace, given freely to those who are undeserving. This gift of salvation is not just a historical fact but a present reality that empowers believers to live free from the accusations of the past and the devil's attempts to condemn. [01:17:27]
- Being a bridge builder for Christ is not just a metaphorical concept but a tangible expression of faith. It requires believers to step into roles that may be uncomfortable or unclear, trusting that God will provide the necessary strength and wisdom. This calling is a reminder that every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the greater mission of the church. [01:26:02]
- True worship involves a surrender of the self and a willingness to encounter God in a personal and transformative way. It is not confined to songs or rituals but is a posture of the heart that seeks to glorify God in every aspect of life. This kind of worship can lead to joyous expressions and a deeper connection with the divine. [01:10:15]
- Leadership and authority should be respected, and believers are called to pray for those in positions of power. However, it is crucial to remember that Jesus Christ is the ultimate king, whose reign is characterized by love and sacrifice. This perspective should shape how Christians engage with societal structures and leaders. [01:15:07]
- The role of a believer extends beyond personal piety to acting as a priest in the world, representing Jesus Christ and facilitating connections between God and humanity. This sacred duty is a reminder of the responsibility each Christian has to live out their faith in a way that draws others closer to God. [01:23:18]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 2:1-12 - The visit of the Magi and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
2. John 3:17 - "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
3. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
#### Observation Questions
1. What gifts did the Magi present to Jesus, and what is the significance of each gift? (Matthew 2:11)
2. According to the sermon, how did the pastor describe the role of believers in relation to Jesus' mission? [01:25:39]
3. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the transformative power of Jesus? [01:32:31]
4. How did the pastor describe the importance of worship and the reactions to Jesus' presence? [01:10:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were significant in the context of Jesus' life and mission? (Matthew 2:11)
2. How does John 3:17 align with the pastor's message about Jesus not coming to condemn but to save and forgive? [01:42:38]
3. In what ways does 1 Peter 2:9 reflect the pastor's call for believers to act as priests and bridge builders in the world? [01:25:39]
4. How can the example of Lord Nelson's humility and wisdom be applied to our interactions with others, especially those we might consider "conquered"? [01:20:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the accusations of the past or the devil's attempts to condemn you. How can the sacrifice of Jesus Christ help you overcome these feelings? [01:17:29]
2. The pastor encouraged believers to be bridge builders for Christ. What specific role or action can you take this week to build bridges in your community or workplace? [01:25:39]
3. True worship involves a surrender of the self. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender more fully to God? How can you start this process? [01:10:06]
4. The pastor shared a personal story about his father's struggle with alcoholism and eventual transformation. Is there someone in your life who needs to experience the transformative power of Jesus? How can you support them in their journey? [01:32:31]
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of evangelism outside the church walls. Identify one person you can share the gospel with this week. What steps will you take to initiate this conversation? [01:46:18]
6. How can you show respect and pray for those in positions of power, even if you disagree with them? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate this respect? [01:15:16]
7. The pastor invited those feeling disconnected from the gospel to reconnect with Jesus through prayer. If you feel disconnected, what specific prayer or action can you take today to reconnect with Jesus? [01:42:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace Triumphs Over Condemnation
Grace is the unmerited favor that silences the accusations of the past and the enemy's lies. It is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ that empowers believers to live in freedom, knowing they are forgiven and loved. This grace is not earned but given freely, a profound demonstration of God's love. [01:17:27]
Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Reflection: How does understanding God's grace change the way you respond to feelings of guilt or condemnation?
Day 2: The Call to Build Bridges
Christians are called to be bridge builders, connecting the world to Christ through acts of service and love. This role may lead to uncomfortable situations, but it is a tangible expression of faith, trusting that God will provide the necessary strength and wisdom. Every act of kindness and connection is a step towards fulfilling the church's mission. [01:26:02]
Ephesians 2:19-22 - "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
Reflection: What is one way you can be a bridge builder in your community this week?
Day 3: Worship Beyond Rituals
True worship is a surrender of self and a heart posture that seeks to glorify God in every aspect of life. It is not confined to songs or rituals but is an authentic encounter with the divine that can lead to joyous expressions and a deeper connection with God. Worship is a lifestyle of honoring God with one's whole being. [01:10:15]
Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Reflection: What are some ways you can live out worship in your daily activities?
Day 4: Jesus, Our Ultimate King
While earthly leaders and authorities are to be respected, Jesus Christ is the ultimate king whose reign is characterized by love and sacrifice. This understanding should shape how Christians engage with societal structures and leaders, always prioritizing the values of Christ's kingdom. [01:15:07]
1 Timothy 6:15 - "Which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."
Reflection: How can you honor Jesus as your king in the way you interact with authority figures in your life?
Day 5: Christians as Priests in the World
Believers are called to act as priests in the world, representing Jesus Christ and facilitating connections between God and humanity. This sacred duty is a reminder of the responsibility to live out faith in a way that draws others closer to God, serving as a bridge between the divine and the earthly. [01:23:18]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: In what ways can you fulfill your priestly role in your community and bring others closer to God?
Quotes
"You're a bridge builder even though you don't even understand it half the time. You are absolutely necessary to be a bridge builder among the people of God and among the people in the community." [01:26:02] (Download)
"We have a message from the Lord because of what he's done. It's called a testimony. We have a life to live in the community. What do these people see? What have they heard from us?" [01:26:58] (Download)
"There comes a point of distinction between left and right, between sin and rightness. And you make that determination in your own heart as to God, where am I? Who am I? How do you want me to live, Lord?" [01:27:43] (Download)
"Jesus said himself that he did not come into the world to condemn it. He came into the world to save it. That's you and me. He's not here to beat you up because of some sin in your life. He's here to say to you, I forgive you." [01:43:20] (Download)
"He wants you to be his Son or daughter. He wants you to know his love. You need to know his position that he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; you're not coming to just anybody." [01:42:29] (Download)
"We've been negligent about that. I don't have to come home and pick all the holes and stuff, but we've not been really, really good at doing evangelism outside the walls of the church. That has to change; you cannot build a church from the inside." [01:46:21] (Download)
"He gave his life for sinners, you and me, hallelujah. We're not worthy of it. We don't deserve it. But Jesus came and because of his goodness, his righteousness, I get in because my righteousness is nothing but filthy rags." [01:17:27] (Download)
"All you've got, devil, is an old skeleton. You pull it out of my closet and show me. And let me show you what you're all about. Because one day you're going to be nothing. And he isn't anything now if we're trusting in Jesus Christ. Because he's been defeated and you and I can walk in victory." [01:18:16] (Download)
"The function of a priest was to open the way to God for men. Think about that. Every one of you that is volunteering, you're coming as a priest, because of the anointing of the Holy Spirit that is on you and in you." [01:24:22] (Download)
"Jesus was the man born to be king. He was to reign not by force but by love. And he was to rule over men's hearts. Not from a throne but from the cross." [01:15:54] (Download)
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