Embracing Community and True Fulfillment in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the vibrant community and growth of our church, emphasizing the joy and hunger for Jesus that fills our congregation. We acknowledged the incredible turnout from last week, marking the largest Sunday in our church's history, and expressed gratitude for the new faces joining us. Our church is not just a place for entertainment but a space for genuine encounters with God. We also took a moment to appreciate our dedicated dream team, who tirelessly serve to make our gatherings possible, and encouraged everyone to consider joining this team to further our mission.
Reflecting on the themes from the "Lord of the Rings," we explored the allure of "shiny things" and the importance of prioritizing our souls over worldly gains. Jesus' words in Matthew 16 remind us that gaining the world at the cost of our soul is futile. We shared personal stories to illustrate how our hearts can be captivated by material desires, yet true fulfillment comes from a heart aligned with God. The Bible teaches that while desiring more is natural, it should lead us to pursue holiness and a deeper relationship with God.
We also discussed the significance of community, drawing parallels to the Fellowship of the Ring. Proverbs 27 highlights that who we surround ourselves with reflects our inner selves and influences our life's direction. We encouraged everyone to engage in small groups, emphasizing that we cannot fulfill our destinies alone. Our past does not define our future, as demonstrated by the story of Aragorn and the biblical account of a woman who found redemption in Jesus. God's forgiveness is available to all, regardless of past mistakes.
Finally, we reflected on the sacrificial love of Jesus, as illustrated by Gandalf's selflessness. Romans 5 reminds us of God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. We are called to live wholeheartedly for God, bearing fruit for the world. The ultimate decision in life is what we do with our relationship with Jesus. Today, we invited those present to surrender their lives to God, emphasizing that this decision is the most important one they will ever make.
Key Takeaways:
- Joy in Community: Celebrating the growth and new faces in our church highlights the joy and hunger for Jesus that fills our congregation. Church is a place for genuine encounters with God, not just entertainment. [40:43]
- The Allure of Shiny Things: Jesus' words in Matthew 16 remind us that gaining the world at the cost of our soul is futile. True fulfillment comes from a heart aligned with God, not material desires. [46:38]
- The Importance of Community: Proverbs 27 teaches that who we surround ourselves with reflects our inner selves and influences our life's direction. Engaging in community is essential for fulfilling our destinies. [55:11]
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Our past does not define our future. God's forgiveness is available to all, regardless of past mistakes, as demonstrated by biblical stories of redemption. [01:01:09]
- Sacrificial Love of Jesus: Romans 5 reminds us of God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. We are called to live wholeheartedly for God, bearing fruit for the world. [01:05:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:56] - Celebrating Growth
[05:41] - Embracing Newcomers
[08:34] - Joy in Worship
[40:43] - Building Together
[44:07] - Lord of the Rings Introduction
[46:38] - The Allure of Shiny Things
[52:18] - The Fellowship of Community
[55:11] - The Mirror of Relationships
[56:22] - The Power of Small Groups
[57:24] - Leading with Impact
[59:34] - Overcoming the Past
[01:01:09] - Redemption and Forgiveness
[01:05:32] - Sacrificial Love of Jesus
[01:11:30] - The Gift of Time
[01:13:30] - Invitation to Surrender
[01:14:57] - Responding to God's Call
[01:17:19] - Worship and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:26 - "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"
2. Proverbs 27:19 - "As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart."
3. Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the large turnout at the church last week, and how did it reflect the congregation's hunger for Jesus? [40:43]
2. How does the sermon use the "Lord of the Rings" to illustrate the allure of "shiny things" and the importance of prioritizing our souls? [46:38]
3. What role does community play in fulfilling our destinies according to the sermon, and how is this related to the Fellowship of the Ring? [55:11]
4. How does the story of the woman in Luke 7 illustrate the theme of redemption and forgiveness discussed in the sermon? [01:01:09]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' words in Matthew 16:26 about gaining the world but losing one's soul? What does this mean for our daily lives? [46:38]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our community reflects our inner selves, as stated in Proverbs 27:19? How can this understanding impact our relationships? [55:11]
3. How does the sermon connect the sacrificial love of Jesus in Romans 5:8 to the actions of Gandalf in "Lord of the Rings"? What does this teach us about selflessness? [01:05:32]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the power of forgiveness and redemption in shaping our future, as seen in the story of the woman in Luke 7? [01:01:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current community. How do the people you surround yourself with influence your spiritual journey? Are there changes you feel led to make? [55:11]
2. Consider the "shiny things" in your life that may be distracting you from a deeper relationship with God. What steps can you take to realign your priorities? [46:38]
3. How can you actively participate in your church community, perhaps by joining the dream team or a small group, to further your spiritual growth and support others? [40:43]
4. Think about a past mistake or regret. How can you embrace God's forgiveness and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, as illustrated by the woman in Luke 7? [01:01:09]
5. In what ways can you demonstrate sacrificial love in your daily life, inspired by Jesus' example in Romans 5:8? Identify a specific action you can take this week. [01:05:32]
6. How do you perceive the role of gratitude in your life? Practice saying, "What I have now is enough," and consider how this mindset can transform your perspective. [46:38]
7. Reflect on the ultimate decision of surrendering your life to God. What does wholehearted surrender look like for you, and how can you take a step towards it today? [01:13:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy in Genuine Community
In a world where entertainment often takes center stage, the true essence of community is found in genuine encounters with God. The church is not merely a place for social gatherings but a sanctuary where individuals come together to seek and celebrate the presence of Jesus. The recent growth and new faces in the congregation are a testament to the joy and hunger for spiritual connection that fills the hearts of its members. This vibrant community is a reflection of the collective desire to experience God in a meaningful way, transcending the superficial allure of entertainment. [40:43]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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 10:23-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a genuine community in your church this week? What specific actions can you take to encourage others in their faith journey?
Day 2: The Futility of Worldly Gains
The allure of material desires often captivates the heart, leading individuals to prioritize worldly gains over spiritual well-being. Jesus' words in Matthew 16 serve as a poignant reminder that gaining the world at the cost of one's soul is ultimately futile. True fulfillment is found not in the accumulation of "shiny things" but in a heart aligned with God. This alignment calls for a shift in focus from temporary pleasures to the pursuit of holiness and a deeper relationship with the divine. [46:38]
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one material desire that has been distracting you from your spiritual growth. How can you begin to realign your heart with God's purposes today?
Day 3: The Power of Community in Shaping Destiny
The significance of community is profound, as it shapes and reflects one's inner self and influences the direction of life. Proverbs 27 highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who inspire and uplift. Engaging in small groups and fostering meaningful relationships is essential for fulfilling one's destiny. Just as the Fellowship of the Ring demonstrated the strength found in unity, so too does a supportive community empower individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their God-given purpose. [55:11]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that influence your spiritual journey? How can you intentionally build a community that supports and challenges you in your faith?
Day 4: Redemption Beyond the Past
The past does not define the future, as God's forgiveness is available to all, regardless of previous mistakes. The story of Aragorn and the biblical account of a woman who found redemption in Jesus illustrate the transformative power of grace. This redemption is a reminder that no matter the past, a new beginning is possible through Christ. Embracing this truth allows individuals to move forward with hope and confidence, knowing that their identity is rooted in God's love and forgiveness. [01:01:09]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What past mistake or regret do you need to release to embrace God's forgiveness fully? How can you take a step towards living as a new creation today?
Day 5: Living in Sacrificial Love
The sacrificial love of Jesus, as illustrated by Gandalf's selflessness, calls believers to live wholeheartedly for God. Romans 5 reminds us of the profound love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, urging us to bear fruit for the world. This love is not passive but active, inviting individuals to make the ultimate decision of surrendering their lives to God. Living in this sacrificial love means prioritizing God's will and allowing His love to flow through us, impacting those around us. [01:05:32]
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate sacrificial love to those around you this week? How can you actively prioritize God's will in your daily decisions?
Quotes
1. "Oh my goodness. Hey, we're so glad that you're in church today. My goodness. Can we celebrate a couple things off the top today? First of all, I want to celebrate anybody who's new to church today. If you're brand new to church, and over the course of this series, we've seen so many people brand new to church. Come on, can we put our hands together for our guests? Shout you out. I love it. Hey, you know last week was the largest Sunday we've ever had in the history of Resonate Church. Come on, somebody. We have 500. Yeah, praise God." [00:42:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I love this verse because it's so true. It's so true that a great way for you to notice what's happening outside of you is a mirror, a great way for you to understand where you're going in your life is who your fellowship is, is who you're spending time with. So let me ask you this question. When you look at the fellowship of your life and who you're doing life with, do you see the man or do you see the woman that you want to be?" [00:56:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So the big idea of this clip is that your past is not your future, and who you've been does not have to reflect who you're going to be in the future. Aragorn's ancestor had once had the opportunity to destroy the ring, but instead of destroying it, he held onto it out of his desire for power. And so now Aragorn is saying, I think I'm the same way. I think I'm going to actually lust for power and take that ring. But I love what Arwen says to him. She says, you're not bound to his fate. You can overcome your past." [01:00:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "It's a moving scene as they're left mourning the one who had guided them spoiler alert to the half of you that haven't seen this gandalf survived the fall we'll see him again in the second movie but in this scene he stops on the bridge and he gives of himself so that the others can go free and many have surmised that tolkien actually wrote these books out of his christian faith because so much in it points to the gospel and our need for sacrificial love and of course the bible is not some epic novel it's not some emotional tale it's god's revealed word." [01:06:47] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "It's a moving scene of friendship and sacrificial love for one another and then there's this profound statement that Frodo keeps hearing echoing his ear and it's Gandalf saying, all we have to decide is what to do with the time that's given us. Come on, Zoe, Lord of the Rings is going to preach today. Because someday in the future, and I hope it's many, many, many years away, but someday you're going to step from this life into eternity and you'll breathe your last breath." [01:12:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The Bible says it this way in Hebrews chapter 9, just as each person is destined to die once, we're all eventually going to die and the shiny things that we have aren't coming with us and after that comes judgment, so we're all going to stand before God to give an account for what we did with the time that was given to us and in view of that, we see Christ died once for all time. As a sacrifice to take away the sins of the many. See what happens. We're going to stand before God." [01:12:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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