Embracing Grace: Dropping Stones in Community
Summary
In our journey together as a church family, we are reminded of the profound story from John 8, where Jesus encounters the woman caught in adultery. This narrative is not just a tale of mercy but a powerful illustration of how we are called to live in community, grace, and truth. We are all part of the Farallon family, brought together for a purpose beyond our understanding, and it is in this unity that we find strength and purpose.
Reflecting on the story of the adulterous woman, we see the Pharisees, whom I humorously dubbed the "Sin Patrol," attempting to trap Jesus by using the law against her. Yet, Jesus responds not with condemnation but with a challenge to self-reflection: "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." This moment is pivotal, as it shifts the focus from judgment to introspection, reminding us that we all have our own imperfections and need for grace.
The story highlights two essential truths: the call to "go and sin no more" and the assurance of "neither do I condemn you." These are not opposing messages but complementary ones that together form the foundation of our relationship with Christ. We are loved as we are, yet called to grow and transform in His likeness.
In our modern context, especially with the rise of social media, we find new ways to throw stones, often hiding behind screens with "keyboard courage." This sermon challenges us to drop these stones of judgment and embrace a posture of love and understanding. It is a call to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to extend grace even when it is not reciprocated, and to remember that our past does not define us. Our identity is found in being children of God, called to live out His love in tangible ways.
As we move forward, let us commit to being a community that embodies this grace, choosing to lay down our stones and embrace the transformative power of love. May we be known not for our judgment but for our compassion, reflecting the heart of Jesus in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
- Unity in Purpose: We are all part of the Farallon family for a reason, brought together to do life and ministry together. Our unity is a testament to God's purpose for us, and it is in this community that we find strength and belonging. [01:40]
- Grace and Truth: The story of the adulterous woman teaches us the balance of grace and truth. Jesus' response to her accusers reminds us that we are all in need of grace, and His call to "go and sin no more" challenges us to grow in righteousness. [27:32]
- The Danger of Judgment: In our modern world, especially with social media, we often find ourselves quick to judge and throw stones. This sermon encourages us to drop these stones and embrace a posture of love and understanding, recognizing our own imperfections. [35:19]
- Identity in Christ: Our past mistakes do not define us. We are called to be sons and daughters of God, and our identity is found in His love and grace. This truth empowers us to live free from the weight of judgment and condemnation. [50:32]
- Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus: To truly be the hands and feet of Jesus, we must let go of the stones we hold. This means choosing love over retaliation and embodying the grace that Jesus extends to us. [50:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:40] - Farallon Family
- [03:08] - Sharing the Stage
- [04:30] - Drop the Stones
- [05:45] - The Journey of Blueprint
- [06:41] - Reflecting on Imperfections
- [10:46] - Feast of Tabernacle
- [12:14] - Living Water
- [14:24] - The Sin Patrol
- [19:34] - Caught in the Act
- [22:44] - Jesus' Response
- [24:18] - Walking Away
- [27:32] - Neither Do I Condemn You
- [35:19] - Social Media Stones
- [50:32] - Drop the Stones and Be the Hands of Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 8:1-11
Observation Questions:
1. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, how did Jesus respond to the Pharisees' attempt to trap Him? What was His challenge to them? [24:18]
2. What was the reaction of the crowd and the Pharisees after Jesus' statement, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her"? [24:59]
3. How does the sermon describe the Pharisees, and what humorous name is given to them? [14:24]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "neither do I condemn you" reveal about Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness? How does this balance with His command to "go and sin no more"? [27:32]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the modern-day equivalent of "throwing stones" through social media? What are the implications of this behavior for Christians today? [35:19]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our identity in Christ should influence our actions and interactions with others? [50:32]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were quick to judge someone. How can you practice dropping the stones of judgment in your daily life? [35:19]
2. The sermon mentions "keyboard courage" as a way people judge others online. How can you ensure your online interactions reflect grace and understanding? [34:39]
3. Consider the balance of grace and truth in your own life. How can you better embody both in your relationships with others? [27:32]
4. How can you actively contribute to the unity and purpose of your church community, as described in the sermon? [01:40]
5. Identify a situation where you have been holding onto judgment or resentment. What steps can you take to let go and embrace forgiveness? [41:01]
6. Think of someone in your life who may feel defined by their past mistakes. How can you encourage them to see their identity in Christ instead? [50:32]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your community, choosing love over retaliation? [50:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Purpose
In the story of the woman caught in adultery, we are reminded of the importance of community and unity. The Farallon family is a testament to God's purpose for us, bringing us together to do life and ministry. This unity is not just about being together physically but about sharing a common purpose and mission. It is in this community that we find strength, belonging, and the ability to support one another in our spiritual journeys. As we reflect on this, we are called to recognize the unique role each of us plays in this family and how our collective efforts can make a significant impact. [01:40]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and purpose of your church community this week? What specific action can you take to support a fellow member in their spiritual journey?
Day 2: Grace and Truth
The encounter between Jesus and the adulterous woman is a profound lesson in balancing grace and truth. Jesus' response to her accusers, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her," shifts the focus from judgment to introspection. This moment highlights our universal need for grace and the call to grow in righteousness. Jesus' words, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more," are not contradictory but complementary, forming the foundation of our relationship with Him. We are loved as we are, yet called to transform in His likeness. [27:32]
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to balance grace and truth? How can you invite Jesus to help you grow in both aspects today?
Day 3: The Danger of Judgment
In today's world, especially with the prevalence of social media, we often find ourselves quick to judge and throw stones. This sermon challenges us to drop these stones and embrace a posture of love and understanding. Recognizing our own imperfections, we are called to extend grace even when it is not reciprocated. Our identity is found in being children of God, free from the weight of judgment and condemnation. This truth empowers us to live with compassion and empathy, reflecting the heart of Jesus in all we do. [35:19]
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were quick to judge someone. How can you approach similar situations with more grace and understanding in the future?
Day 4: Identity in Christ
Our past mistakes do not define us. We are called to be sons and daughters of God, and our identity is found in His love and grace. This truth empowers us to live free from the weight of judgment and condemnation. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are invited to let go of the shame and guilt of our past and step into the freedom and purpose He offers. This transformation is not just about personal growth but about living out His love in tangible ways, impacting those around us. [50:32]
"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 are you holding onto that hinders your identity in Christ? How can you begin to release it and embrace the new creation you are in Him?
Day 5: Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
To truly be the hands and feet of Jesus, we must let go of the stones we hold. This means choosing love over retaliation and embodying the grace that Jesus extends to us. As we reflect on the story of the adulterous woman, we are reminded of the transformative power of love and the call to extend it to others. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the heart of Jesus, showing compassion and understanding even in challenging situations. This is not just a call to action but a call to transformation, allowing His love to flow through us to those around us. [50:32]
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love and grace of Jesus through you today? What specific step can you take to be His hands and feet in their life?
Quotes
1) "I really believe that God has each and every one of us here for a reason, and you may think, okay, well, I came here because L-Dog invited me, and he's such a good-looking dude, or maybe you're like, I'm here because I'm just here to hear Pastor Jimmy's jokes, because he's so funny, and, you know, people, a lot of people pay big money for stand-up comedians that not even, are half as funny as him, I mean, I don't know, I didn't hear anybody say that, but I know y'all are saying that, and, whatever it is that you think you're here for, because of a friend, because of a family member, because of, hey, it's close to the house, whatever, it's more than that, and God put us here to, to do life together, and do ministry together." [01:40] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "It's been a great ride. It's been a great ride. It's been a great ride. And just in our relationship, being together for nine years, reflecting on our own imperfections. And you guys may be surprised to know, we have imperfections. We do. Yeah, I know. It's surprising. And there's many times within our marriage that we've had to... We've had to put the stones down because something about... A lot of times, you throw stones at the person you're closest to. it's... And it's easy to do that without even knowing. Like, just to start accusing, or it's all your fault, or this or that, or... And so, you kind of see the good and the bad." [06:41] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The Feast of Tabernacle was... The Jewish people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacle as a celebration of God leading them out of slavery in Egypt and through the wilderness to the Promised Land. It's a big deal. Now, the Feast of Tabernacle wasn't just one day. It wasn't just like a one-day harvest festival. You know, it wasn't just like a one-day trunk or treat type thing where you get a free candy until it runs out. No. This was a big deal because this was seven days long. Now, it wasn't just any old seven days because these seven days, you're not supposed to do any work. People would take from their harvest the wheat, the barley, the grain." [11:32] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And we're talking about drop the stones. It's easy for us to start thinking about all the people that's thrown stones at us. How many of you have ever had stones thrown at you? You remember those, right? I'm not talking about literal stones. I'm talking about spiritual stones. I mean, I guess it could be literal, too. But then you get in this trap. You of where you're throwing the stones at other people. And it can happen. It's a slippery slope. You can get there without even realizing that that's what you're doing. You may be like, well, I'm just standing for truth. I'm just standing for what the word of God says. So were the Pharisees and the religious rulers." [29:12] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "He loves you so much to have a relationship with you. But he also loves you so much not to leave you the way that he found you. He loves you even though you're in a mess that you're in, but he loves you too much to leave you in that mess. do you think? Do you think she's sinning no more? If I told any one of you guys, hey, when y'all leave here today, don't sin anymore, do you think that's, is that something that any of y'all could actually do? Any of us could actually do? No, not as long as you live, like maybe if, like something happened between here and the parking lot." [30:33] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I think you bring up a really good point, especially with social media, because, that's a whole different way that people now can throw stones. And, it's almost like, you have more boldness to throw those stones, because it's that, like, keyboard courage. And, I've been guilty of it. And, I think a lot of people, like, those subtle, passive-aggressive, like, throwing stones. And then, it's like, then the person, if they do come to you, and it's like, oh, what? Why makes you think I was talking about you? Because you, you put in quotation marks exactly what I said to you the other day." [34:39] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "If we constantly focus on ourselves, we're going to see less and less of the mistakes that other people make. And you can't. Here's the thing. We all get to this place where we, I think, we all struggle with control. And we see people in our lives, especially people that we love or that we're close to, and they keep doing this. Or they keep doing that. And it's like, they just will never get it. And we end up dwelling on and trying to figure out ways to control what they're doing, which then leads to manipulation." [44:37] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "May you drop the stones that you've been holding on to may you be the person that when thrown so thrown stones are being thrown at you you say hey it ends right here i'm not throwing stones back and may you my friend may you my family may we truly be the hands and feet of jesus and may we forever drop the stones grace and peace we love you" [50:32] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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