Embracing Gratitude and Belonging in God's Kingdom
Summary
On this beautiful Sunday before Thanksgiving, we gather to reflect on gratitude and the profound gift of community that God has bestowed upon us. We are reminded of the importance of welcoming one another and embracing the journey of life together. Today, we explore the story of a young girl who, despite lacking special talents, was chosen by a king because of her kindness and hospitality. This story serves as a powerful reminder that we are all children of the King, God, and that our worth is not determined by our abilities but by our willingness to welcome Jesus into our hearts.
As we celebrate a special baptism today, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's love and grace. Baptism symbolizes our acceptance into God's family, where we are called to live a life of love, kindness, and truth. It is a reminder that we are all princes and princesses in God's kingdom, and our true value lies in our relationship with Him.
Reflecting on the challenges of our world, we are reminded of the power of love, truth, and belonging that Jesus exemplifies. In a world often divided by hatred and lies, we are called to embrace the power of Christ's kingdom, which transcends all barriers and unites us as God's children. This is the essence of Christ the King Sunday, a day to remember that Jesus is the true ruler of our lives, offering a kingdom of love and truth.
We are inspired by the work of individuals like Gregory Boyle, who through love and belonging, transform lives and communities. His work with former gang members at Homeboy Industries exemplifies the power of seeing each person as a beloved child of God, worthy of love and belonging. This transformative love allows individuals to embrace their true identity and find their purpose in God's kingdom.
As we go forth, let us remember that we are loved, we belong, and we are called to live in truth. May we carry this message into the world, shining God's light and love in all that we do.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Welcome: The story of the young girl chosen by the king highlights the importance of kindness and hospitality. Our worth is not in our talents but in our willingness to welcome Jesus into our hearts and lives. [13:11]
- Baptism and Belonging: Baptism is a powerful symbol of our acceptance into God's family. It reminds us that we are loved and belong to God's kingdom, where our true value lies in our relationship with Him. [32:18]
- Christ's Kingdom of Love and Truth: In a world divided by hatred and lies, Christ's kingdom offers a different kind of power—one of love, truth, and belonging. We are called to embrace this power and live as children of God. [52:13]
- Transformative Love: Gregory Boyle's work with former gang members shows the transformative power of love and belonging. By seeing each person as a beloved child of God, we can help them find their true identity and purpose. [59:21]
- Living in Truth: We are called to live in truth, acknowledging our sins and receiving God's forgiveness. This truth allows us to embrace our identity as God's children and shine His light in the world. [01:03:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [11:31] - Story of the Young Girl and the King
- [13:11] - The King's Choice and Our Worth
- [14:47] - Becoming Children of the King
- [26:40] - Baptism Celebration
- [27:32] - Baptismal Promises
- [30:04] - Reciting the Creed
- [31:07] - The Significance of Water in Baptism
- [32:18] - Baptism and Anointing
- [34:57] - Lighting the Baptismal Candle
- [50:20] - Hospitality and Acceptance
- [51:12] - Christ the King Sunday
- [52:13] - The Power of Love and Truth
- [53:50] - Historical Context and Christ's Kingship
- [55:12] - The KKK and Misguided Values
- [56:24] - Confession and Belonging
- [57:31] - Gregory Boyle and Transformative Love
- [59:21] - The Process of Belonging
- [01:03:12] - Living in Truth and Forgiveness
- [01:07:44] - The Shell as a Symbol of Belonging
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 18:33-37 (Jesus before Pilate, discussing His kingdom not being of this world)
- Matthew 25:34-40 (The parable of the sheep and the goats, emphasizing kindness and hospitality)
- Romans 12:9-13 (Instructions on love, hospitality, and living in harmony)
#### Observation Questions
1. In the story shared during the sermon, what qualities did the young girl exhibit that led to her being chosen by the king? [13:11]
2. How does the act of baptism symbolize our acceptance into God's family, as discussed in the sermon? [32:18]
3. What does Jesus mean when He says His kingdom is not of this world, according to the sermon? [52:13]
4. How does Gregory Boyle's work with former gang members illustrate the transformative power of love and belonging? [59:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a child of the King, as described in the sermon, and how does this identity affect one's sense of worth? [14:47]
2. How does the concept of Christ's kingdom of love and truth challenge the divisions and lies present in today's world? [52:13]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that baptism is more than just a ritual, but a call to live a life of love and truth? [32:18]
4. How does the story of the young girl and the king relate to the biblical teaching of welcoming Jesus into our hearts? [13:11]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or lacking in special talents. How can the story of the young girl and the king encourage you to focus on kindness and hospitality instead? [13:11]
2. Baptism is a symbol of belonging to God's family. How can you actively live out this belonging in your daily interactions with others? [32:18]
3. In what ways can you embrace the power of Christ's kingdom of love and truth in your community, especially in situations of division or conflict? [52:13]
4. Gregory Boyle's work shows the power of seeing each person as a beloved child of God. How can you apply this perspective in your relationships and community involvement? [59:21]
5. Consider the lies and divisions you encounter in your life. How can you actively choose to live in truth and love, as Jesus exemplifies? [52:13]
6. How can you practice welcoming Jesus into your heart this week through acts of kindness, prayer, or hospitality? [14:47]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with belonging. How can the message of being a child of the King help you find your place and purpose? [14:47]
Devotional
Day 1: The Heart of Hospitality
In a world that often values talent and achievement, the story of the young girl chosen by the king reminds us of the profound power of kindness and hospitality. Despite lacking special talents, her genuine warmth and ability to welcome others set her apart. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder that our worth is not measured by our abilities but by our openness to welcome Jesus into our hearts and lives. As children of God, we are called to embody this spirit of hospitality, recognizing that each act of kindness is a reflection of God's love. [13:11]
"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you extend hospitality to today, and how can you make them feel truly welcomed and valued?
Day 2: Embracing Our Baptismal Identity
Baptism is a profound symbol of our acceptance into God's family, marking the beginning of a journey where we are called to live a life of love, kindness, and truth. It is a reminder that we are loved and belong to God's kingdom, where our true value lies in our relationship with Him. As we celebrate baptism, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's love and grace, which calls us to embrace our identity as princes and princesses in God's kingdom. This identity is not based on our achievements but on our relationship with God, who loves us unconditionally. [32:18]
"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 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or spiritual journey. How does your identity as a member of God's family influence your daily actions and decisions?
Day 3: Living in Christ's Kingdom of Love and Truth
In a world often divided by hatred and lies, Christ's kingdom offers a different kind of power—one of love, truth, and belonging. We are called to embrace this power and live as children of God, transcending barriers and uniting in His love. This is the essence of Christ the King Sunday, a day to remember that Jesus is the true ruler of our lives, offering a kingdom that is not of this world but one that is rooted in love and truth. As followers of Christ, we are invited to live in this kingdom, embodying its values in our interactions with others. [52:13]
"Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in Christ's kingdom of love and truth today, especially in situations where you encounter division or conflict?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Love
Gregory Boyle's work with former gang members at Homeboy Industries exemplifies the transformative power of love and belonging. By seeing each person as a beloved child of God, worthy of love and belonging, lives and communities are transformed. This transformative love allows individuals to embrace their true identity and find their purpose in God's kingdom. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and see the inherent worth in every person, recognizing that love has the power to heal and restore. [59:21]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you begin to see them through God's eyes and extend His transformative love to them today?
Day 5: Walking in Truth and Forgiveness
We are called to live in truth, acknowledging our sins and receiving God's forgiveness. This truth allows us to embrace our identity as God's children and shine His light in the world. By living in truth, we are freed from the burdens of guilt and shame, empowered to walk in the light of God's love and grace. As we reflect on our lives, we are invited to confess our shortcomings and receive the forgiveness that God freely offers, allowing us to live authentically and purposefully. [01:03:12]
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness? How can embracing His truth and grace transform your perspective and actions today?
Quotes
"And so what we're telling her, and what we tell all of you, is that God loves you, and Jesus wants you to welcome him into your heart, and when you do, you become a child of the king. You become royalty, and then you don't have to have all kinds of special talents. It's not about what you do. It's just about welcoming Jesus." [00:14:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So we do all of those things, not because we want to earn God's love, but because God already loves us, and we want to say, welcome home, Jesus, come into my heart. Can you guys remember that this week? And be kind, and love others, and pray, yeah? And remember that you are a prince. Can you do that?" [00:15:42] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Water is a beautiful gift. It is used to wash ourselves, to cleanse ourselves. And so it's a reminder of God's cleansing love of forgiveness. But it's also an important part of our body. We're like 60 -some percent water. And so we can't live without this gift of water. And this water reminds us that we also have to live. And we also can't live without the water of God's Spirit, without Jesus in our lives." [00:31:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so that's what Jesus was talking about today. He is a different kind of king. His power is a different kind of power. And it's a power that says all of us belong, that we are all God's children. It's the power that Sophia presented herself to today. She said, okay, Jesus, I want you to be my king. It's a different kind of power." [00:52:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so during the 1920s, the KKK was the largest fraternal order in the United States. And at their heyday, they had 5 million members, 5 million members in all 50, well, in 20s, I guess it was all 48 states, right? And they were a terrorist organization. Make no mistake. I remember speaking to someone, it was soon after 9 -11, and they were talking about how, you know, why is it that there are extremist Muslims, but there were no such thing as Christian terrorists?" [00:55:12] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so those lies are so strong. And we see this hatred. And honestly, and I love the way Laura prayed today, we have to confess that some of that hatred is in our hearts as well, isn't it? That there are times when we would rather there be a force of might that comes and knocks our enemies down. And yet that's not how Jesus works. That's not how the king that we follow finds that realm that we live in." [00:57:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so Gregory Boyle followed another king who said, no, they are loved. They belong. They belong to all of us, and they belong to God. And then we can discover the truth of their story. And so what he does is he has an 18 -month program that takes former gang members through this process. And he says it's 18 months because that's how long it takes to attach to another person through love." [00:59:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so Father Gregory lets him weep for a moment, but then puts his hands on his shoulders and said, I would be so proud to have a son like you. And he cried even more and said, that's the only thing I ever wanted to hear from my parents. And that's what God says to us every single day." [01:01:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because once you know that, you have the courage to make different choices, to recognize that you're not always able to choose God's path, that sometimes you choose the path of evil, but that God will always be there pulling you back, like that good shepherd pulling the sheep back onto that right path." [01:03:12] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so, that's the kind of king that we serve. And that's why we celebrate this Christ the King Sunday. Because Jesus says, you are loved, you belong. And so now, we can tell the truth about ourselves and receive that amazing gift of forgiveness. Amen." [01:03:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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