Embracing Community: Our Journey in Christ Together

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Community

Description: We are created to live in community, not isolation. Our recent experience in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, underscored the importance of building relationships and supporting one another. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 15, where He describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches, emphasizing our interconnectedness and need for mutual support. [23:40]

In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the profound interconnectedness of His followers. Just as branches cannot bear fruit unless they remain connected to the vine, we cannot thrive spiritually unless we remain connected to Christ and to each other. This imagery underscores the necessity of community in our spiritual journey. Our recent trip to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, highlighted this truth as we experienced the warmth and hospitality of Vernon and Kimberly, a retired couple who welcomed us into their lives. Their example reminded us of the beauty and importance of building relationships and supporting one another.

Our church offers various ways to foster community and spiritual growth, such as Sunday school, Bible studies, and the new initiative called "The Vine." These opportunities are designed to help us grow in our faith and build deeper connections with each other. Engaging with Scripture in community allows us to process and apply God's word more effectively. As we reflect on our need for community, let us consider how we can actively participate in and contribute to the life of our church and the broader community.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "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!"

Reflection: Think of someone in your church or community who may be feeling isolated. How can you reach out to them this week to offer support and build a deeper connection?

Day 2: Engaging with Scripture Together

Description: Our church offers various ways to engage with Scripture, such as Sunday school, Bible studies, and the new "Vine" initiative. These opportunities are designed to help us grow in our faith and build deeper connections with each other. Engaging with Scripture in community allows us to process and apply God's word more effectively. [25:20]

Engaging with Scripture is a vital part of our spiritual growth, and doing so in community can enhance our understanding and application of God's word. Our church provides several avenues for this, including Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and the new initiative called "The Vine." This weekly devotional and discussion guide aims to deepen our engagement with Scripture and each other, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

When we study the Bible together, we benefit from diverse perspectives and insights that we might not have considered on our own. This communal approach helps us to process and apply God's word more effectively, as we learn from one another's experiences and understanding. As we participate in these opportunities, let us be open to the ways God might speak to us through our fellow believers and be willing to share our own insights and experiences to encourage and edify others.

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you make a commitment to engage more deeply with Scripture in community this week? Consider joining a Bible study or starting a discussion group with friends or family.

Day 3: Holistic Understanding of Faith

Description: The Methodist quadrilateral—Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience—provides a comprehensive framework for understanding God's will. This approach encourages us to use our intellect, learn from church history, and consider our personal experiences in our faith journey. It reminds us that God does not expect uniformity in thought but values our diverse perspectives. [32:26]

The Methodist quadrilateral is a valuable tool for understanding God's will and growing in our faith. This framework consists of four elements: Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience. By considering each of these aspects, we can develop a more holistic and nuanced understanding of our faith. Scripture is the primary source of divine revelation, but reason, tradition, and experience also play important roles in shaping our beliefs and actions.

Reason allows us to think critically and logically about our faith, ensuring that our beliefs are coherent and well-founded. Tradition connects us to the wisdom and practices of the church throughout history, providing a rich heritage of theological insights and spiritual disciplines. Experience, both personal and communal, helps us to see how God's truth is lived out in our lives and the lives of others. By integrating these four elements, we can develop a faith that is both intellectually robust and deeply personal.

James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or challenge in your life. How can you apply the Methodist quadrilateral—Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience—to seek God's guidance in this situation?

Day 4: Belong, Believe, Become

Description: Our t-shirts symbolize our spiritual journey: we belong to God, believe in His grace, and become more like Christ through the Holy Spirit. This journey is communal, not solitary. We are called to support each other and grow together in faith, reflecting the love and grace of God in our interactions. [34:15]

The phrase "Belong, Believe, Become" encapsulates the essence of our spiritual journey. First, we belong to God, who has created and redeemed us. This sense of belonging is foundational to our identity and provides the security and love we need to grow in our faith. Second, we believe in God's grace, which is the unmerited favor and love He extends to us through Jesus Christ. This belief transforms our hearts and minds, leading us to trust in God's promises and live according to His will.

Finally, we become more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This process of transformation is ongoing and involves growing in virtues such as love, patience, kindness, and humility. Importantly, this journey is not meant to be solitary. We are called to support and encourage one another, reflecting the love and grace of God in our interactions. As we belong, believe, and become together, we build a strong and vibrant community of faith.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: Think about your own spiritual journey. How can you support someone else in their journey of belonging, believing, and becoming more like Christ this week?

Day 5: The Transformative Power of Communion

Description: Communion is a powerful reminder of our unity in Christ and our call to live out His love in community. As we receive the bread and wine, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and our shared mission to love and serve others. This sacrament challenges us to reflect on our next steps in discipleship and whether our lives align with what Jesus cares about. [49:00]

Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, is a profound and sacred practice that reminds us of our unity in Christ and our call to live out His love in community. As we partake in the bread and wine, we remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the new covenant established through His blood. This sacrament is not just a ritual; it is a powerful means of grace that nourishes our souls and strengthens our bond with Christ and one another.

Communion also challenges us to reflect on our lives and our discipleship. It calls us to examine whether our actions and priorities align with what Jesus cares about. Are we living out His love and grace in our interactions with others? Are we committed to serving those in need and working for justice and peace? As we receive the elements of communion, let us be mindful of our shared mission to love and serve others, and let us seek God's guidance for our next steps in discipleship.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: As you prepare to take communion, reflect on one area of your life where you can better align with Jesus' teachings. What specific action can you take this week to live out His love and grace in your community?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound importance of community in our spiritual journey, drawing from John 15 where Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches. This imagery emphasizes our interconnectedness and the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit. Our recent trip to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, highlighted the beauty of a slower, more connected pace of life, which serves as a reminder of our need for community. We met Vernon and Kimberly, a retired couple who welcomed us warmly, illustrating the importance of building relationships and supporting one another.

We discussed various ways our church fosters community and spiritual growth, such as Sunday school, Bible studies, and the new initiative called "The Vine." This weekly devotional and discussion guide aims to deepen our engagement with Scripture and each other. We also emphasized the Methodist belief in the quadrilateral approach to understanding God's will: Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience. This holistic approach encourages us to think critically and compassionately about our faith and actions.

Our t-shirts, emblazoned with "Belong, Believe, Become," encapsulate our journey in Christ. We belong to God, believe in His grace, and become more like Christ through the Holy Spirit. This journey is not solitary; it is deeply communal. We also touched on the importance of social holiness, caring for those in need, and the transformative power of simple acts of kindness.

As we prepared for communion, we reflected on our next steps in discipleship and whether our lives align with what Jesus cares about. Communion serves as a powerful reminder of our unity in Christ and our call to live out His love in community.

###

Key Takeaways

1. shirts symbolize our spiritual journey: we belong to God, believe in His grace, and become more like Christ through the Holy Spirit. This journey is communal, not solitary. We are called to support each other and grow together in faith, reflecting the love and grace of God in our interactions. [34:15]
5. The Transformative Power of Communion: Communion is a powerful reminder of our unity in Christ and our call to live out His love in community. As we receive the bread and wine, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and our shared mission to love and serve others. This sacrament challenges us to reflect on our next steps in discipleship and whether our lives align with what Jesus cares about.

### [34:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:57] - Ocean Springs Experience
[23:40] - Importance of Community
[25:20] - Engaging with Scripture
[28:48] - Disciple Bible Study
[30:22] - The Vine Initiative
[32:26] - Methodist Quadrilateral
[34:15] - Belong, Believe, Become
[36:07] - Social Holiness
[39:29] - Communion Reflection
[41:07] - Story of Breakfast with Dads
[43:04] - Next Steps in Discipleship
[45:10] - Communion Liturgy
[49:00] - Receiving Communion
[58:35] - Hymn of Commitment
[61:14] - Benediction and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the vine; you are the branches"? How does this imagery help us understand our relationship with Him? (John 15:5)
According to the sermon, what was the significance of the pastor's experience in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in relation to community? [23:40]
What are some of the ways our church fosters community and spiritual growth as mentioned in the sermon? [25:20]
How does the Methodist quadrilateral approach (Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience) help us understand God's will? [32:26]

Interpretation Questions

In John 15:4, Jesus emphasizes the importance of remaining in Him to bear fruit. What does it mean to "remain" in Jesus, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives?
The sermon highlighted the importance of community in our spiritual journey. How does the story of Vernon and Kimberly illustrate the necessity of building relationships and supporting one another? [23:40]
The "Belong, Believe, Become" t-shirts symbolize our spiritual journey. How do these three stages reflect our growth in Christ and our communal responsibilities? [34:15]
Communion was described as a powerful reminder of our unity in Christ. How does participating in communion challenge us to reflect on our discipleship and alignment with Jesus' teachings? [49:00]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of community within your church or neighborhood, similar to the pastor's experience in Ocean Springs? [23:40]
The sermon mentioned various ways to engage with Scripture together, such as Sunday school and Bible studies. What steps can you take to become more involved in these communal activities? [25:20]
The Methodist quadrilateral encourages a holistic understanding of faith. How can you incorporate Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience into your daily spiritual practices? [32:26]
Think about the "Belong, Believe, Become" journey. Which stage do you feel you are currently in, and what steps can you take to progress further in your spiritual journey? [34:15]
Communion serves as a reminder of our unity in Christ. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions reflect the love and teachings of Jesus in your community? [49:00]
The sermon emphasized the importance of social holiness and caring for those in need. Identify one specific way you can contribute to social holiness in your community this week. [36:07]
Reflect on the question posed in the sermon: "Do I care about what Jesus cares about in this world?" What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with Jesus' concerns and mission? [43:04]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We were created to live in community. God did not create us to live an isolated individualistic life, period. And what we're going to talk about today is a life of community. is what we're going to do as a church to help each other grow in our faith, but also grow together in Scripture and talk about what that looks like and what a next step might be for all of us." [23:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Belong, believe, become. Belong, we believe that God created everyone and that God's been involved in your life and mine before we even knew there was a God. God has been there from day one, and God, and through the Holy Spirit, has been wooing us into relationship. Believe is when we come to receive what God has done for us in Christ." [34:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We come to worship to praise the God who created us, who became one of us in Christ, and who helps us become. And when we truly think, of it that way, then we become a part of a community. And of course, you feel like your batteries are recharged because maybe for the first time in your week, you've been in a place where somebody said, it's not about you. And thank God, it's about us together, the body of Christ." [37:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We need each other. Outside of God, that's all we got. And so as we think about coming forward now to receive communion, I'll invite you to think about your own life. What's the next step for you in your discipleship? Is it divine? Is it a discipleship? Is it a disciple class? Is it another class? Is it just coming to worship? Maybe that's a step. God will meet you there. He's already there. Been waiting." [43:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We do not take communion. We do not reach and grab the bread. We do this. Why do we do this? Because grace can only be received as a gift. So we come like this to receive the gift of God's grace. Then after receiving the bread, you may dip the bread into the chalice and then share in communion in that way." [49:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And so, we think of that plus tradition, not tradition of this church, but tradition of the church throughout the centuries. And all that goes into shaping who we are. Now, we're wearing these t-shirts today because we wanted to be comfortable. And we're wearing these t-shirts today because we wanted to be comfortable. we were lazy, so we decided to wear the t-shirts. Now, we're wearing these t-shirts today because this t-shirt communicates what we believe about grace and God's movement of grace in our lives." [32:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So, the idea now is how do we get more people engaged in Scripture together and in a variety of ways that meet people's different needs. And so, we call these groups now the Vine groups, and they'll be structured around each sermon series. And so, David is... Leading this with some others on our staff to create these groups and opportunities for you to join." [30:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And believe me, I've seen it. I've seen it. I've seen it. I've seen people take Scripture and use that to abuse others. I've seen people take Scripture to be holier than thou. But I've also seen the Spirit work through Scripture and community where we walk out of there and we're more loving people. And isn't that the point? I mean, Jesus said so Himself. And so, we do that together. This is not to be done alone." [36:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And one of the things I love the most about serving communion, by the way, we know this is not the first Sunday of the month. So, in case you're wondering, you probably walked as Methodists, we're so, don't they know it's not the first Sunday of the month? Brad's been on vacation. He lost track of time. He lost track of time. What's this, we're having it two weeks in a row, what? Two weeks in a row, communion?" [39:29] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And what I love about the Methodist tradition, we believe it's about our own holiness in life, but also the social aspect of it, social holiness. As a church, we should care about the things in our culture and our community where there's need. And just read the gospels and you'll find what's important to Christ. And it's especially those in need, which, by the way, that's all of us in one way or the other." [41:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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