Embracing Holiness: Our Call to Community and Action
Summary
Today, I began by expressing gratitude for the presence of our visitors and members who participated in the Nashville marathon. I highlighted the inspiring preaching of our young brother Zach last Sunday, which set a foundational tone for today's discussion on holiness and our roles as God's people.
I delved into the significance of baptism, emphasizing its role in our transformation into holy beings, capable of fellowship with God. This transformation is crucial because, as stated in Ephesians 1:4, we are chosen to be holy and blameless before God. This concept ties directly into the responsibilities and roles we assume as followers of Christ, which are not mundane tasks but holy obligations that give purpose to our lives.
I shared examples of our community members actively living out these holy tasks. Jill, for instance, has been hosting Bible studies and reaching out to her neighbors, embodying the spirit of active, purposeful Christian living. This segued into a broader discussion on the various ways our congregation members are serving, from teaching Bible classes to engaging in jail ministries and supporting international missions.
The core of today's message focused on our call to action in the local community, particularly through an outreach initiative targeting the Hill Estates area. I discussed our plans to connect with families right in our backyard, emphasizing the need for prayer and participation from the congregation. This initiative is not just about spreading the word but about establishing meaningful, trust-based relationships with our neighbors.
I concluded by urging everyone to consider how they can contribute, whether through direct involvement or by supporting in prayer and spirit. I stressed the importance of being intentional in our actions and prayers, especially as we prepare to launch this outreach effort.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of Baptism: Baptism is not merely a symbolic act but a profound transformation that aligns us with God's call to be holy. As we submerge the old self and rise anew, we are reminded of our purpose and duty to live out this newness of life daily. This sacrament is foundational in understanding our identity and mission as Christians. [02:33]
2. Living Out Holy Tasks: Our daily activities and roles within the church are not just tasks but sacred responsibilities that contribute to the kingdom of God. Whether it's teaching, ministering, or simply being a supportive community member, each action is imbued with divine purpose. This perspective transforms how we view our contributions to the church and community. [04:17]
3. Community Engagement and Evangelism: The initiative to reach out to the Hill Estates neighborhood exemplifies our commitment to not just preach but actively live the gospel. By establishing genuine relationships and being present in our local community, we embody Christ's love and mission. This approach is essential for effective evangelism in today's world. [10:01]
4. Prayer as the Foundation of Ministry: The success of our endeavors heavily relies on our commitment to prayer. By praying intentionally and regularly for our ministries and community efforts, we align ourselves with God's will and power. This spiritual discipline is crucial for the fruition of our outreach efforts and the spiritual health of our congregation. [17:52]
5. The Urgency of Now in Evangelism: The invitation to join Christ is not limited to specific times or places but is an ever-present call. Emphasizing the immediacy of this call to salvation reminds us and those we reach out to of the continual relevance and urgency of the gospel. This perspective should drive our evangelistic efforts and personal walk with Christ. [22:52]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:33 - Reflecting on Last Sunday's Inspiration
02:33 - The Significance of Baptism
04:17 - Called to Holy Tasks
05:06 - Examples of Active Ministry in Our Community
10:01 - Outreach Plans for Hill Estates
16:31 - The Role of Prayer in Our Ministry
17:52 - Preparing for Community Outreach
22:52 - Today's Call to Salvation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:4 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
2. Genesis 2:15 - "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
3. Acts 13:2 - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 1:4 say about our identity and purpose as Christians?
2. How does Genesis 2:15 describe the role given to humanity in the Garden of Eden?
3. In Acts 13:2, what specific instruction does the Holy Spirit give to the church at Antioch?
4. What examples of holy tasks being performed by community members were mentioned in the sermon? ([05:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "holy and blameless" in Ephesians 1:4 shape our understanding of Christian living?
2. What does the role of tending and keeping the garden in Genesis 2:15 imply about our responsibilities in God's creation?
3. How can the setting apart of Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13:2 be seen as a model for our own calling to specific works in our community?
4. Why is it important to view our daily activities and roles within the church as sacred responsibilities rather than mundane tasks? ([04:17])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism. How has it transformed your life and aligned you with God's call to be holy? ([02:33])
2. Jill's example of hosting Bible studies and reaching out to neighbors was highlighted in the sermon. What are some practical ways you can engage in similar holy tasks in your own community? ([05:06])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer in our ministry efforts. How can you incorporate intentional and regular prayer into your daily routine to support the church's outreach initiatives? ([17:52])
4. The outreach initiative targeting the Hill Estates area aims to establish meaningful relationships with our neighbors. What steps can you take to build trust-based relationships with people in your local community? ([10:01])
5. The urgency of evangelism was stressed in the sermon. How can you respond to the ever-present call to share the gospel in your daily interactions? ([22:52])
6. The sermon mentioned the need for some members to sacrifice their time for community outreach. Are there specific ways you can adjust your schedule or priorities to contribute more actively to the church's mission? ([21:02])
7. How can you support the church's outreach efforts if you are unable to participate directly? Consider ways to contribute through prayer, encouragement, or other forms of support. ([20:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a profound transformation that aligns us with God's call to holiness. As believers, when we undergo baptism, we symbolically submerge our old selves and rise anew, committed to living out our renewed purpose daily. This sacrament serves as a foundational moment that not only signifies our cleansing from sin but also our acceptance into a life of sanctity and service. It is a vivid reminder of our duty to embody this newness of life, striving to be holy and blameless before God as Ephesians 1:4 describes. This transformation is essential for understanding our identity and mission as Christians. [02:33]
Romans 6:4-5: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect the transformation that baptism symbolizes? Are there areas where you need to embrace more fully your new identity in Christ?
Day 2: Sacred Responsibilities Within Our Roles
Our daily activities and roles within the church are not merely tasks but sacred responsibilities that contribute significantly to the kingdom of God. Whether it is teaching, ministering, or simply being a supportive community member, each action is imbued with divine purpose. This perspective transforms how we view our contributions to the church and community, encouraging us to approach our roles with reverence and dedication. Understanding our tasks as holy obligations helps us to live out our faith actively and purposefully, making a tangible difference in the lives of others and furthering God's work on earth. [04:17]
Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What are some ways you can elevate your daily tasks to reflect their true significance as services to God and His kingdom?
Day 3: Building Genuine Community Connections
The initiative to engage with the Hill Estates neighborhood exemplifies our commitment to not just preach but actively live the gospel. By establishing genuine relationships and being present in our local community, we embody Christ's love and mission. This approach is essential for effective evangelism, as it allows us to connect deeply with others, building trust and opening doors for meaningful conversations about faith. Our presence and involvement in the community demonstrate the practical application of Jesus' teachings and our dedication to following His example of love and service. [10:01]
1 Peter 4:8-9: "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Reflection: How can you more actively participate in your community to form relationships that could lead to opportunities for sharing the gospel?
Day 4: The Power of Prayer in Ministry
The success of our ministries and community efforts heavily relies on our commitment to prayer. By praying intentionally and regularly for our ministries, we align ourselves with God's will and power. This spiritual discipline is crucial not only for the fruition of our outreach efforts but also for maintaining the spiritual health of our congregation. Prayer strengthens our resolve and guides our actions, ensuring that we remain focused on God's purposes and equipped to face challenges in our ministry work. [17:52]
James 5:16: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How can you enhance your prayer life to more effectively support and uplift the various ministries within your church?
Day 5: Responding to the Urgency of Evangelism
The invitation to join Christ is an ever-present call that emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the gospel. This perspective should drive our evangelistic efforts and personal walk with Christ, reminding us of the continual need to reach out and share the message of salvation. By understanding the urgency of now in evangelism, we are motivated to act swiftly and decisively, seizing opportunities to discuss faith and extend invitations to those around us. This proactive approach ensures that we do not miss chances to impact lives for eternity. [22:52]
2 Corinthians 6:2: "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to demonstrate the urgency of Christ's invitation to those you encounter?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We want to be able to reach our neighbors and establish relationships with them. We want to build relationships with them, with the mindset that when life happens to our neighbors, they will think of this congregation and the brothers and sisters in Christ in our congregation who love them, who have a relationship with them." [10:58]
2. "Many are just wanting to have someone to come invite them back to have a relationship with Jesus. It's not that they left their belief in Jesus, but they're not having this community. And so this is what we are looking to be able to do." [12:10]
3. "We want to establish those relationships with them. Genuine relationships. Not, OK, we knocked on a door, we did our thing and we move on. We want God to work in our lives and theirs together." [14:56]
4. "If you're listening online, right now. Live online, live stream. Get a hold of us. Text message, email, phone call, whatever we have as contact information. Let us know, and we want to share the gospel with you. We want to have you walking in this holy communion with our God." [22:52]
### Quotes for Members
1. "This is a holy task of her life that she's living. Just a week ago on Friday, based upon brethren getting together and planning out for us to come together and sing. And we had a beautiful singing on Sunday night last week. I mean, so encouraging, so uplifting that we could praise our Lord in this way." [05:58]
2. "These are holy tasks that brethren are doing. Mark and Dina having Bible studies on Sunday nights and offering anyone and everyone. Y'all, they're making it own. Right, Mark? OK. OK. Everybody's welcome to their house. Everybody's. In fact, whoever else that, you know, bring them off the streets. They're invited." [07:03]
3. "We are his creation created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ask yourself the question. How do you fit in? Because I'm asking you specifically for prayers and for some of you. That's it." [20:14]
4. "We might have plans, but God, he's got his own ways of setting things up. And so I share all this with you. I hope this is something that you will be intentional about. And above all, brethren, this is our why, what we do in our daily lives." [22:04]
5. "Today is a day of salvation. So if you're listening to this. If you're listening online, right now. Live online, live stream. Get a hold of us. Text message, email, phone call, whatever we have as contact information. Let us know, and we want to share the gospel with you." [22:52]
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