Embracing Common Ground: Redemption and Purpose in Community

Devotional

Day 1: Finding Common Ground to Reach Others

God calls us to find common ground with all people, adapting our approach so that we can connect with them and share the good news of Christ without compromising our identity or values. When we intentionally relate to others where they are, we open doors for the gospel to reach hearts that might otherwise remain closed. This means being sensitive, approachable, and willing to step outside our comfort zones, not to become like the world, but to make the message of Jesus accessible to everyone. As we do this, we reflect Christ’s love and humility, making the church a place where all can belong and experience a taste of heaven. [14:04]

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)
"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: Who in your life do you find it difficult to relate to, and what is one practical step you can take this week to find common ground and show them Christ’s love?

Day 2: Running with Purpose and Discipline

Living for Christ means running the race of faith with intentionality, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose, not just going through the motions or settling for mediocrity. God invites us to pursue the eternal prize by giving our best, training ourselves spiritually, and keeping our eyes on the goal of sharing the gospel and building His kingdom. This requires focus, self-control, and a willingness to grow, knowing that our efforts have lasting impact far beyond this life. [20:47]

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you need more discipline or focus, and how can you take a concrete step toward running your race with greater purpose this week?

Day 3: Embracing God’s Partnership in Your Purpose

God has given each of us unique gifts, passions, and intellect, inviting us to partner with Him in shaping our lives and serving others, rather than waiting for a rigid, predetermined plan. As we mature, our desires and abilities may change, but God’s desire is to co-labor with us, blessing the work of our hands as we seek to honor Him in whatever we do. This freedom brings release from anxiety about “missing” God’s will and encourages us to step forward in faith, trusting that He is with us in every season and endeavor. [28:18]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: What is one passion or ability God has given you that you can intentionally use this week to serve others or build His kingdom, trusting Him to partner with you?

Day 4: Creating an Atmosphere for Encounter

The church is called to be a place where people can experience God’s presence in ways that are approachable and engaging, especially for those who are not yet sensitive to the Spirit. By intentionally creating an environment of welcome, beauty, and authentic worship, we help others open their hearts to God, making it easier for them to encounter Him—even if they don’t yet understand spiritual things. Our role is not to replace the Holy Spirit, but to remove barriers and foster a space where God can move in people’s lives, often beginning with their emotions and leading to transformation. [39:21]

Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

Reflection: How can you help create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere—at church, at home, or in your community—so that others might more easily encounter God’s presence?

Day 5: The Power of Fellowship and Unity

Gathering together as believers is not just a religious duty, but a vital source of strength, protection, and encouragement; when we are united, the enemy cannot easily isolate or defeat us. Fellowship—whether around a meal, in worship, or through shared life—helps us experience God’s love, support one another, and grow in faith. By prioritizing connection and community, we reflect God’s heart and make the church a true “common ground” where all can belong and thrive. [44:59]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: Who is someone in your church family or community you can reach out to this week to encourage, support, or simply share a meal with, strengthening the bond of unity?

Sermon Summary

Today, we explored what it means to be a church that truly embodies “common ground”—a place where everyone, regardless of background or preference, can encounter God and experience a taste of heaven. Using a lighthearted allegory about Allsup’s burritos, I illustrated how God entrusted us with freedom and purpose, but how easily we can hand over that freedom to lesser things, only to find ourselves enslaved. Yet, in His mercy, God redeems us at great cost, restoring us not just to our original state, but to something even better, with the charge to grow, expand, and reach others.

This is the heart of redemption: not just personal restoration, but a calling to create spaces—like our church—where all kinds of people can find belonging. Just as a store adapts its offerings to attract a wider variety of customers, the church must adapt its methods and environment to connect with people where they are, without compromising its core identity. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9 remind us that to reach people, we must find common ground, becoming relatable without losing our distinctiveness. We don’t water down the gospel, but we do communicate it in ways that others can understand and receive.

We also discussed the importance of purpose. Many of us have been taught to search for a singular, mysterious “plan” God has for our lives, but Scripture shows that God gives us gifts, passions, and intellect, inviting us to co-labor with Him. Our purpose is not a rigid assignment, but a partnership—God wants to be involved in what we do, blessing and guiding us as we grow and mature.

Structure and creativity are not enemies of the Spirit; rather, God works powerfully within the boundaries and beauty we create. Our role as a church is to intentionally craft an environment where even those unfamiliar with God can sense His presence—through worship, beauty, fellowship, and genuine connection. This is why we value things like shared meals and engaging worship: they are not just traditions, but vehicles for people to encounter God and each other.

Ultimately, we gather not out of obligation, but because there is a unique power in coming together. In unity, we are protected, encouraged, and equipped to share the good news with the world. God’s promise is that He will never leave us, no matter our failures or doubts. Our task is to extend that same welcome and hope to everyone we meet.

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Key Takeaways

1. Redemption Restores and Expands Our Purpose God’s redemption is not just about rescuing us from bondage, but about restoring us to a place of authority and entrusting us with a mission to grow and reach others. Like the allegory of the store, God pays an extravagant price to reclaim us, then calls us to steward and expand His kingdom, making room for all kinds of people to encounter Him. Redemption is both a gift and a responsibility to create spaces where others can find life. [05:52]
2. Finding Common Ground Without Compromise Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians 9 teaches us to meet people where they are, adapting our approach to connect with those from different backgrounds. This doesn’t mean diluting our faith or losing our identity, but rather communicating the gospel in ways that are accessible and relatable. True connection requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to step into others’ worlds for the sake of Christ. [14:04]
3. Purpose Is a Partnership, Not a Prescription Rather than searching anxiously for a singular, hidden “plan,” we are invited to co-labor with God, using the gifts, passions, and intellect He has given us. Our purpose unfolds as we walk with Him, allowing our desires and skills to mature and change over time. God delights in partnering with us, blessing the work we choose as we invite Him into every aspect of our lives. [28:18]
4. Structure Enables, Not Restricts, the Spirit God is not limited by our structures or plans; in fact, He often works powerfully within them. Creating intentional environments—through music, beauty, order, and hospitality—helps people who are unfamiliar with God to open up and experience His presence. Structure provides security and space for creativity, allowing both believers and seekers to encounter the Holy Spirit in meaningful ways. [34:46]
5. Unity and Fellowship Are Spiritual Safeguards Gathering together is not just a religious duty, but a vital source of strength and protection. Isolation makes us vulnerable, but in community, we are encouraged, supported, and empowered to live out our faith. Fellowship—whether around a meal or in worship—creates opportunities for ministry, healing, and transformation that cannot be replicated alone. [44:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - The Allsup’s Burrito Allegory
[03:02] - The Temptation and Loss of Freedom
[05:02] - Redemption and Restoration
[05:52] - The Call to Grow and Reach Others
[07:27] - The Church as Common Ground
[08:47] - Paul’s Example: Becoming All Things
[10:18] - Personal Stories of Adaptation
[13:23] - Relating Without Compromising
[15:23] - Connecting Through Shared Interests
[17:54] - Bringing Heaven to Earth
[19:24] - Running the Race With Purpose
[22:09] - Purpose, Growth, and Maturity
[28:18] - Co-Laboring With God
[34:46] - Structure, Atmosphere, and the Spirit
[41:17] - Ministry Through Fellowship
[44:59] - The Power of Unity
[45:44] - Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV) — > For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 9, what does he do in order to reach people from different backgrounds? What are some specific ways he adapts without losing his identity?
In the sermon, what was the main point of the Allsup’s burrito allegory? How did it illustrate the idea of redemption and purpose? [[05:52]]
What does the pastor say is the real reason we gather as a church, beyond just “doing church”? [[44:05]]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between structure and the work of the Holy Spirit? [[34:46]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize becoming “all things to all people” in 1 Corinthians 9? What does this teach about the balance between relating to others and holding onto our core beliefs?
The pastor says, “Redemption is both a gift and a responsibility to create spaces where others can find life.” What does it mean for redemption to come with responsibility? [[05:52]]
The sermon challenges the idea that God has only one rigid plan for each person’s life. How does seeing purpose as a partnership with God change the way someone might approach their calling or daily decisions? [[28:18]]
The pastor talks about creating an environment where people unfamiliar with God can sense His presence. Why is intentionality in atmosphere and hospitality important for reaching others? [[34:46]]

Application Questions

The sermon describes the church as “common ground” where all kinds of people can belong. Are there ways our group or church might unintentionally make it hard for newcomers to feel at home? What could we do differently? [[07:27]]
Paul adapts his approach to reach different people, but he doesn’t compromise his faith. Think of a situation where you’ve struggled to relate to someone with different beliefs or backgrounds. How could you find common ground without watering down your faith? [[14:04]]
The pastor says our purpose is a partnership with God, not a strict assignment. Are there gifts, passions, or skills you’ve been hesitant to use for God because you thought they “didn’t fit” a church role? How might you invite God into those areas this week? [[28:18]]
The sermon highlights the value of structure and beauty in helping people encounter God. Is there a practical way you could help create a more welcoming or beautiful environment—at church, at home, or in your workplace? [[34:46]]
Fellowship and shared meals are described as powerful ministry tools. When was the last time you invited someone new to share a meal or spend time together? What’s one step you could take this month to build deeper connections? [[41:17]]
The pastor warns that isolation makes us vulnerable, but unity protects and encourages us. Is there someone in your life who seems isolated or disconnected? How could you reach out to them this week? [[44:59]]
God’s promise is that He will never leave us, no matter our failures or doubts. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe this? How can the group pray for you or support you in trusting God’s presence? [[48:08]]

Sermon Clips

So then, Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians chapter 9, He wants, we are to run to win. So we are to put everything we can into it. Verse 24 says, don't you realize that in a race, everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. So run to win. We don't get, we don't want a participation trope. He says, don't just wait for the participation medal. That's not a, he said, everybody runs, but only one person gets the prize. So we are to run to win. That's the mindset that we are. And the cool thing is, is we can all win. We can all win. What is the winning? It is preaching the gospel, sharing the gospel, the good news with everyone around us. [00:19:42] (57 seconds) #PurposeDrivenFaith

But the scripture reads, for I know the thoughts that I think about you. And what I've come to understand is God, God doesn't actually give us a specific thing to do. He gives us gifts and he gives us abilities and he gives us a brain and he wants us to partner with him and co -labor with him. We decide what we are going to do and we have God co -labor with us in that and God will bless it. Listen, this freed me. This freed me from saying, I've got to know what God wants me to do. God says, I want you to do what you want to do. I just want to be part of it. Because I gave you an intellect. I gave you skill sets. I gave you gifts. I gave you, and my passions have changed as I've grown. [00:27:32] (57 seconds) #EmbracingDiversityInFaith

God is a God of order. Okay? I need to make this statement. We have felt like, the Pentecostal felt like, just because it's spontaneous, that is the Holy Spirit. No. God is spontaneous, but it's not all spontaneity. There are people that think they can't make a, you know, have notes because they just want to, they just have a scripture and let the Holy Ghost move on them. No. God has a plan in mind, and he wants you to, for you, the plan for you is, right now, as you lead a group, is he wants to take this group of people through a certain thing, and you have to have a strategy about it. [00:32:31] (45 seconds) #CreatingSpiritAtmosphere

We are to create an atmosphere for people that do not have a sensitivity to the Spirit where they can experience the Spirit, okay? So what we are to do is we are to come in, and we are to create this atmosphere. [00:35:39] (17 seconds) #WorshipThroughBeauty

This place is supposed to be common ground for people to be able to experience God in a way that's a little more flesh -oriented because that's the only way they can be appealed to. That's all they know is flesh. They're not believers. They're still dead in their trespasses and sins, and so if God can affect them through their emotions and we as believers and we as leaders can bring that to them, create an atmosphere for the spirit to move. [00:36:58] (33 seconds) #FellowshipAsMinistry

We can minister to one another just by fellowshipping together, just by spending that time with one another. And so that's part of ministry. So that's connecting with people. That's really getting to know people. And that's part of the reason why God wants us to have this common ground mindset. This common ground mindset. We want to, we don't want to come to church just to, just to do church. We want to come to experience heaven. We want to, and then we want other people to experience heaven with us. [00:41:50] (34 seconds) #ChurchForConnection

``Listen, I'm going to tell you something that not a lot of people, you don't have to go to church to be a Christian. You don't have to. But you go to church because you want to connect and you want to spend that time fellowshipping with one another. And there's a dynamic in corporate worship. There's a dynamic in us worshipping together that you can't get by yourself. And you need that energy from one another. You need that because if the enemy can keep you isolated, he's got you. [00:44:38] (31 seconds) #StrengthInUnity

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