Embracing Community: The Power of Collective Worship
Summary
Welcome to today's gathering, where we explore the profound significance of coming together as a church community. It's easy to fall into the routine of attending church without truly engaging, often leaving with a sense of dissatisfaction. However, the essence of church is not just about personal fulfillment but about being part of a collective that uplifts and supports one another. Every Sunday, there are individuals among us facing immense challenges—marriages on the brink, financial struggles, and personal battles with temptation and despair. Yet, through the power of corporate worship, we can leave with renewed hope and transformation.
God has commanded us to worship together, as stated in Hebrews 10, where we are encouraged to spur one another toward love and good deeds. This gathering is not merely a human invention but a divine ordinance where God moves among us. We are called to be contributors, not just consumers, in this sacred space. Our presence here is not solely for our benefit but to encourage and challenge each other.
To truly experience the transformative power of church, we must prepare ourselves. This preparation begins on Saturday night, ensuring we are rested and ready to engage fully on Sunday morning. It's about serving with all our hearts, whether in the pews or in various ministries. Our service is a testament to the impact we can have on others, just as those who served in our past have shaped us.
Arriving early, greeting others warmly, and participating actively in worship are crucial. These actions create an environment where newcomers feel welcomed and the Holy Spirit can work unhindered. Our smiles, handshakes, and willingness to scoot over for others can make a significant difference. Singing out and engaging in worship prepares our hearts for the message, allowing the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among us.
Stewardship is also a vital part of our worship, as giving back to God reflects our gratitude and trust in His provision. Saying "amen" and participating vocally in the service affirms our agreement with the message and encourages those around us. We come to church not just to receive but to be part of a community that supports and uplifts each other.
Every Sunday, there are individuals in need of hope and healing. Our role is to remove obstacles and distractions, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. We must be willing to say yes to God, surrendering to His will and being aware of His presence. In doing so, we become vessels for His work, impacting lives and bringing glory to His name.
Key Takeaways:
- The Importance of Community: Church is not just about personal fulfillment but about being part of a community that supports and uplifts each other. We are called to encourage and challenge one another, recognizing that our presence can make a difference in someone else's life. [51:55]
- Preparation for Worship: Preparing for church begins on Saturday night, ensuring we are rested and ready to engage fully. This preparation allows us to serve with all our hearts and creates an environment where the Holy Spirit can work powerfully. [56:28]
- Active Participation: Engaging in worship through singing, smiling, and greeting others creates a welcoming atmosphere. Our participation prepares our hearts for the message and allows the Holy Spirit to move among us, impacting lives. [01:09:49]
- Stewardship and Giving: Giving back to God is an essential part of worship, reflecting our gratitude and trust in His provision. Our stewardship supports the church's mission and allows us to be part of God's work in the world. [01:11:31]
- Surrender to God: We must be willing to say yes to God, surrendering to His will and being aware of His presence. By doing so, we become vessels for His work, impacting lives and bringing glory to His name. [01:16:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[50:38] - The Routine of Church
[51:55] - The Importance of Community
[52:42] - Struggles We Face
[53:17] - Leaving with Hope
[53:54] - The Command to Worship
[55:29] - The Presence of God
[56:28] - Preparing for Worship
[01:04:28] - The Power of a Warm Welcome
[01:05:52] - The Impact of a Smile
[01:07:25] - Sitting Down Front
[01:08:03] - Planning for Worship
[01:09:49] - Singing Out in Worship
[01:10:43] - The Purpose of Praise
[01:11:31] - Stewardship and Giving
[01:12:36] - The Power of Amen
[01:14:35] - Participating in Worship
[01:15:24] - The Importance of Saying Yes
[01:16:49] - Surrender to God
[01:18:36] - The Role of Fellowship
[01:20:21] - Invitation to Trust Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 10:24-25
- Colossians 3:23-24
- Ephesians 4:30
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are believers encouraged to do when they gather together? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on community? [53:54]
2. In the sermon, what are some of the challenges mentioned that people might be facing when they come to church? [52:42]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of preparation for worship, and what specific actions are suggested to prepare for Sunday service? [56:28]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of active participation in worship? [01:09:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the command in Hebrews 10:24-25 to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" challenge the idea of being a passive churchgoer? [53:54]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of being contributors rather than consumers in church. What might this look like in practical terms for a church member? [55:29]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our actions and attitudes can either facilitate or hinder the work of the Holy Spirit during worship? [01:04:28]
4. How does the concept of stewardship, as discussed in the sermon, reflect our trust in God's provision and our role in the church community? [01:11:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church attendance. Do you find yourself more often as a consumer or a contributor? What is one specific way you can shift towards being more of a contributor? [55:29]
2. The sermon emphasizes preparation for worship starting on Saturday night. What changes can you make to your Saturday routine to ensure you are ready to engage fully on Sunday? [56:28]
3. Think about a time when you felt welcomed or unwelcome at a church. How can you personally contribute to creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers at your church? [01:04:28]
4. The sermon discusses the power of a smile and a warm greeting. How can you intentionally practice this in your interactions at church this week? [01:05:52]
5. Consider the role of stewardship in your life. How does your current giving reflect your gratitude and trust in God? What steps can you take to align your giving with your faith? [01:11:31]
6. The sermon encourages saying "amen" as a form of participation. How comfortable are you with vocal participation in church, and what might help you engage more fully? [01:12:36]
7. Reflect on the idea of surrendering to God’s will. Is there an area in your life where you feel resistance to saying "yes" to God? What steps can you take to surrender that area to Him? [01:16:49]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community
In a world where individualism often takes precedence, the church community stands as a beacon of collective strength and support. The essence of gathering as a church is not solely for personal gain but to be part of a community that uplifts and encourages one another. Each Sunday, individuals come with their burdens, whether they are marital issues, financial difficulties, or personal struggles. The church provides a space where these burdens can be shared and lightened through mutual support and encouragement. By being present and engaged, each person contributes to a community that can make a significant difference in someone else's life. [51:55]
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 in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer support or encouragement? How can you be more intentional about being present for others?
Day 2: Preparing for Worship
Preparation for worship begins long before the Sunday service. It starts on Saturday night, ensuring that one is rested and ready to engage fully. This preparation is not just physical but also spiritual, setting the heart and mind in a posture of readiness to serve and receive. By preparing in advance, individuals create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work powerfully, allowing them to serve with all their hearts. This intentional preparation transforms the worship experience, making it more meaningful and impactful. [56:28]
Psalm 5:3 (ESV): "O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take on Saturday night to prepare your heart and mind for Sunday worship? How can this preparation change your experience of worship?
Day 3: Engaging in Worship
Active participation in worship is more than just attending; it involves engaging with the service through singing, smiling, and greeting others. These actions create a welcoming atmosphere that allows the Holy Spirit to move freely among the congregation. By participating actively, individuals prepare their hearts for the message and contribute to an environment where lives can be impacted. This engagement is not just for personal benefit but also to encourage and uplift those around them. [01:09:49]
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 actively participate in worship this Sunday in a way that encourages others? What specific actions can you take to create a welcoming atmosphere?
Day 4: Stewardship and Giving
Stewardship is a vital part of worship, reflecting gratitude and trust in God's provision. Giving back to God supports the church's mission and allows individuals to be part of His work in the world. This act of giving is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual discipline that aligns one's heart with God's purposes. By practicing stewardship, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the church community and their trust in God's provision for their lives. [01:11:31]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What does cheerful giving look like for you? How can you practice stewardship in a way that reflects your gratitude and trust in God?
Day 5: Surrender to God
Surrendering to God involves saying yes to His will and being aware of His presence in every aspect of life. This surrender is not passive but an active choice to become a vessel for His work. By being open to God's leading, individuals can impact lives and bring glory to His name. This surrender requires a willingness to let go of personal agendas and trust in God's greater plan. [01:16:49]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender to God? How can you actively choose to trust His plan over your own desires?
Quotes
1. "We're excited you're here, and this is why, because what we just watch is what happens for many of us every time we come to church. Maybe that's an extreme, maybe it's over the top, but I've learned this. If we come to church like that, this is how we leave church. You get in the car, you look at your significant other, your spouse, and you say, was it dusty in there today? They say, what do you mean? Well, that sermon was kind of dry. JT was a little dry today." [00:50:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "By the way, this place is supposed to be a hospital for sinners, not a memorial to saints. And we come in here and we listen to the singer singing. We notice the drummer's speeding up or the words in the music aren't in sync and we notice everything that's wrong. Somebody took our seat or you notice that they put more chairs in again and they've got these chairs facing forward now so you people all have to sit like this to be able to see." [00:51:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's something special about when God's people get together. You see, every Sunday morning, right now, today, in this room, there is a marriage of statistics hold true, which they do. There's a marriage that's in trouble right now. Down in this room. There's a husband that if he doesn't get what he needs today, he may walk out tomorrow. There's a wife that's on her last nerve and she doesn't know why she's sticking it out." [00:52:01] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Now the way we can help as believers is understand God has commanded. He has commanded us to worship corporately. That means all of us together. I love what J .T. says that we have the community, we grow in circles and also in rows. And that's church when we come here. This isn't just something that man came up with. This is ordained of God. There's something about when God's people get together. God does things. He moves in our midst." [00:54:01] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You're not here just for you as a believer. Did you know that? Look at you. Look at your neighbor real quick and say, it ain't all about you. Just tell them. They need to hear that today. It ain't all about you, baby. No, it's about others. And this is the thing we need to understand. As we come to church, we need to realize that we come together to encourage each other, to challenge each other. We don't need to just be, listen carefully, consumers, we need to be contributors." [00:54:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I was so glad when COVID was over. I was ready to get back in church. I was ready to hear the preacher preach and sing and worship and all those things. Because God chooses to, to use this time to make a difference in our lives. His presence is here. You and I as believers in Jesus Christ need to be aware of the presence of God. We know God is everywhere. We believe in his omnipresence, that he's everywhere. But the Holy Spirit of God abides within us as believers." [00:56:13] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Whenever the worship team gets up here and they're praying, we need to say, Holy Spirit of God, please fill us. Use us today. Speak to me today. Holy Spirit of God, I give you permission to speak to my heart. We need to be aware of the very presence of God in this place. The creator of the heavens and earth is in this place with us today. You're not gonna get that anywhere else, my friend. Not like that." [01:17:26] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We came to get in church, not to get out of church. We came to feel the power of the Holy Spirit. We came to feel the power of the Holy Spirit work in our hearts and work in our lives. And so when we come, we need to participate. We don't need to be consumers and just sit back there and say, bless me if you can, J .T. We need to be, come on, J .T., just like you cheer. And by the way, some of you say, well, that's just not me. Look, you'll go to a football game and act an idiot." [01:14:31] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Every Sunday, there's somebody here who's hurting. And that might be you today. Every Sunday, there's somebody who's thinking, God, it wasn't supposed to turn out like this. Every Sunday, there's somebody here who's never put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And if they don't trust Christ, today they may die and go to an eternal hell. Every Sunday, there's some teenager that the devil in the world is trying to lure and pull away." [01:15:43] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "A few years ago, I went through the hardest thing I've ever gone through in my life. Our son took his life. I came to church next Sunday because I needed you. My heart still breaks every day. But I came because I needed your fellowship. I needed your love. I needed to hear J .T.'s corny jokes. Thank God he didn't sing that Sunday. There's been times I've come here and people in this church church have had faith for me when I didn't have the faith." [01:18:39] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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