Embracing Inclusion: God's Relentless Love for All
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we are reminded of our identity as God's chosen people, set apart to be a beacon of light in the world. This calling is rooted in the ancient laws given to Moses, intended to guide us toward a life of obedience and blessing. However, human pride often leads us astray, resulting in a cycle of faithfulness and failure throughout history. Despite our shortcomings, God remains ever faithful, ultimately sending Jesus Christ to embody the law and bring us back into right relationship with Him.
By the time Jesus arrived, religious leaders had distorted the law, using it to exclude and judge others. They believed in maintaining purity by isolating those deemed impure, such as sinners, the sick, and the marginalized. This exclusionary mindset led to fragmentation and division, much like what we see in our world today. Loneliness and isolation are rampant, contributing to physical and emotional suffering.
Jesus, however, demonstrated a different way. He reached out to those who were excluded, inviting them into His circle. He showed that God's kingdom is not just for the righteous but for everyone, including tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners. The law was meant to bring us closer to God, not to be used as a weapon against others. Jesus' parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's relentless pursuit of each one of us, emphasizing that no one is beyond His reach.
In a touching story about my father, we see a reflection of God's unwavering love and patience. Just as my dad waited for hours to bring my brother home, God waits for us, ready to welcome us back into His fold. Our task is to let God find us and to share this message of inclusion and love with others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Chosen and Set Apart: We are called to be a chosen people, set apart to be a beacon of light in the world. This calling is rooted in the ancient laws given to Moses, which were intended to guide us toward a life of obedience and blessing. Our faithfulness to these laws not only benefits us but also serves as a witness to others, drawing them closer to God. [21:10]
2. Cycle of Faithfulness and Failure: Throughout history, humanity has struggled with pride and self-reliance, leading to a cycle of faithfulness and failure. Despite our shortcomings, God remains ever faithful, continually sending leaders and prophets to guide us back to Him. Ultimately, God sent Jesus Christ to embody the law and bring us into right relationship with Him. [23:04]
3. Exclusion vs. Inclusion: Religious leaders in Jesus' time used the law to exclude and judge others, believing in maintaining purity by isolating those deemed impure. This exclusionary mindset led to fragmentation and division, much like what we see in our world today. Jesus, however, demonstrated a different way, reaching out to the marginalized and inviting them into His circle. [24:50]
4. God's Relentless Pursuit: Jesus' parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's relentless pursuit of each one of us. God does not protect the 99 by excluding the one but goes after the lost sheep, emphasizing that no one is beyond His reach. This story reminds us that God's kingdom is for everyone, not just the righteous. [31:54]
5. Reflection of God's Love: In a touching story about my father waiting for my brother, we see a reflection of God's unwavering love and patience. Just as my dad waited for hours to bring my brother home, God waits for us, ready to welcome us back into His fold. Our task is to let God find us and to share this message of inclusion and love with others. [38:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:10] - Chosen and Set Apart
[23:04] - Cycle of Faithfulness and Failure
[24:50] - Exclusion vs. Inclusion
[26:36] - Modern-Day Fragmentation
[28:27] - The Physical Effects of Loneliness
[30:07] - Jesus' Inclusive Ministry
[31:54] - Parable of the Lost Sheep
[33:45] - Story of My Father
[35:17] - The Drum and Bugle Corps
[36:49] - The Broken Down Bus
[38:51] - Reflection of God's Love
[47:29] - Welcoming New Members
[50:30] - Embrace the Spirit Campaign
[52:14] - Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
2. Luke 15:4-7 - Parable of the Lost Sheep
3. Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners and Tax Collectors
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "chosen people" and "set apart" according to 1 Peter 2:9?
2. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7), what actions does the shepherd take when one sheep goes missing?
3. How did Jesus' actions in Matthew 9:10-13 challenge the religious leaders' views on purity and inclusion?
4. According to the sermon, how did the religious leaders of Jesus' time misuse the law? ([24:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "set apart" as described in 1 Peter 2:9 relate to our daily lives as Christians?
2. What does the Parable of the Lost Sheep teach us about God's priorities and values? ([31:54])
3. How can Jesus' inclusive actions in Matthew 9:10-13 serve as a model for our interactions with others, especially those who are marginalized?
4. In what ways does the cycle of faithfulness and failure, as described in the sermon, reflect our own spiritual journeys? ([23:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or judged. How can you use that experience to empathize with others who might feel the same way? ([24:50])
2. Jesus reached out to the marginalized and invited them into His circle. Who in your life might need an invitation to feel included and valued? ([30:07])
3. The sermon mentioned the physical and emotional effects of loneliness. What steps can you take to reach out to someone who might be feeling isolated? ([28:27])
4. How can you embody the relentless pursuit of God, as illustrated in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, in your relationships with others? ([31:54])
5. The story of the pastor's father waiting for his brother reflects God's unwavering love and patience. How can you demonstrate this kind of patience and love in your own life? ([38:51])
6. The sermon highlighted the misuse of the law to exclude others. How can you ensure that your understanding of God's word promotes inclusion rather than exclusion? ([24:50])
7. Think of a specific person or group that you have unintentionally excluded. What practical steps can you take this week to reach out and include them in your community? ([30:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Chosen to Shine
As God's chosen people, we are called to be a beacon of light in the world. This calling is rooted in the ancient laws given to Moses, which were intended to guide us toward a life of obedience and blessing. Our faithfulness to these laws not only benefits us but also serves as a witness to others, drawing them closer to God. Being set apart means living in a way that reflects God's character and love, making His presence known in a world that often feels dark and lost.
In our daily lives, this means making choices that honor God and reflect His values. It means being kind, just, and merciful, even when it is difficult. It means standing out in a way that draws others to the light of Christ. As we live out our calling, we become a living testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness, inviting others to experience His love and grace. [21:10]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you be a beacon of light in your community today? Think of one specific action you can take to reflect God's love to those around you.
Day 2: Faithfulness in the Midst of Failure
Throughout history, humanity has struggled with pride and self-reliance, leading to a cycle of faithfulness and failure. Despite our shortcomings, God remains ever faithful, continually sending leaders and prophets to guide us back to Him. Ultimately, God sent Jesus Christ to embody the law and bring us into right relationship with Him. This cycle of faithfulness and failure is a reminder of our need for God's grace and the importance of humility in our walk with Him.
In our own lives, we often experience this cycle. We have moments of strong faith and obedience, followed by times of failure and disobedience. Yet, God's faithfulness never wavers. He is always ready to forgive and restore us when we turn back to Him. This truth should encourage us to persevere in our faith, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for our weaknesses. [23:04]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent failure or struggle in your life. How can you turn back to God and rely on His grace and faithfulness to guide you through it?
Day 3: Embracing Inclusion
Religious leaders in Jesus' time used the law to exclude and judge others, believing in maintaining purity by isolating those deemed impure. This exclusionary mindset led to fragmentation and division, much like what we see in our world today. Jesus, however, demonstrated a different way, reaching out to the marginalized and inviting them into His circle. He showed that God's kingdom is not just for the righteous but for everyone, including tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners.
Jesus' inclusive ministry challenges us to examine our own attitudes and behaviors. Are we quick to judge and exclude others based on their past or present circumstances? Or do we follow Jesus' example of love and acceptance, inviting everyone into the fold? Embracing inclusion means breaking down barriers and extending God's love to all, regardless of their background or status. [24:50]
Matthew 9:10-13 (ESV): "And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' But when he heard it, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is often excluded or marginalized. How can you reach out to them and show them God's love and acceptance today?
Day 4: God's Relentless Pursuit
Jesus' parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's relentless pursuit of each one of us. God does not protect the 99 by excluding the one but goes after the lost sheep, emphasizing that no one is beyond His reach. This story reminds us that God's kingdom is for everyone, not just the righteous. It highlights God's deep love and concern for each individual, no matter how far they have strayed.
In our own lives, we may feel lost or distant from God at times. Yet, this parable assures us that God is always seeking us out, ready to bring us back into His fold. It also challenges us to adopt the same attitude towards others, seeking out those who are lost and sharing the message of God's relentless love and pursuit. [31:54]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt lost or distant from God. How did you experience His pursuit and love during that time? How can you extend that same love to someone who is currently feeling lost?
Day 5: A Reflection of God's Love
In a touching story about a father waiting for his son, we see a reflection of God's unwavering love and patience. Just as the father waited for hours to bring his son home, God waits for us, ready to welcome us back into His fold. Our task is to let God find us and to share this message of inclusion and love with others. This story serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring love and the importance of patience and grace in our relationships with others.
In our daily interactions, we have the opportunity to reflect God's love and patience. Whether it's through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, we can be a tangible expression of God's love. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own faith but also draw others closer to God. [38:51]
Psalm 103:8-12 (ESV): "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience God's love and patience. How can you be a reflection of God's love to them today? What specific action can you take to show them that they are valued and loved?
Quotes
1. "You and I, as the people of God, are called to be a chosen people. We are chosen. You are chosen. We are called to be a set-apart people. That's what sacred means, something that's been set apart for special purpose. We are to be a beacon in the world. We are to live in such a way that others would see us and say, hey, I want to be like that and be drawn to God." [21:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The people do well for a while, and then they kind of fall away. They start worshiping other gods, false gods, looking elsewhere for happiness and contentment and prosperity. They begin neglecting important things like mercy and justice. They start looking past the vulnerable, even oppressing them. The vulnerable, the poor, the immigrant, the widow, the orphan, and things go south, and they get really bad. And then God, who is ever faithful, sends a leader, and they come out of it, and they do good for a while, and then it spirals down over and over and over." [23:04] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Too often our world still works like this. If you don't belong, if you don't conform, if you don't fit in to heck with you, right? It's the way of retribution and punishment exclusion. Don't infect me with your different way of thinking, with your different way of viewing the world, with your different way of living, with your different way of being. And so consequently, if you don't belong, if you don't conform, if you don't what do we find in our world? What do we find in our communities? Fragmentation, division, brokenness. No wonder anger is on the rise. No wonder depression is on the rise. No wonder loneliness is on the rise." [26:36] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The impact on your body when you are depressed and lonely is the physical equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Look it up. It's killing us. This division, this fragmentation, this hurt, this anger, this separation. Now look, I get, you can't have a working functional relationship with everyone in this world. There are times, there are times where certain relationships need to be severed to protect ourselves or the ones we love if things become toxic or abusive. I get that. But to the degree that it is possible, live at peace with one another and seek reconciliation. Seek to understand more than to be understood." [28:27] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's way is not punitive or retributive, but rather of restoration and reconciliation. And so Jesus shows this, demonstrates this by reaching out to the ones who had been told, you're left outside of the circle. Jesus says, not in my circle. In my circle, you belong. Tax collectors, come on in. Prostitutes, come on in. Sinners, come on in. Lepers, anyone, everyone, you come on in." [30:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Because if the kingdom of heaven is for only the righteous, the deserving, then it's not a place for them. Guess who you won't see there? Me, or you, or anyone. And that's what Jesus is trying to say. If I'm not here for the sinners, what good is it? And so he tells them this story. Because apparently God loves the contaminants. Praise Jesus. And wants them to hear, you know, the law was so that we could own our shortfalls, confess, and be forgiven. Not for others to use against us, for us to use against others. God's table is for everybody. If it were just for the deserving, it would be empty, right?" [31:54] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God does not protect the 99 by excluding the one. By saying, you don't belong. You don't have what it takes. If you're going to run off, that's not going to happen. You're going to run off. That's your problem. God says, no, that's my problem. Not one goes missing. Not on my watch. Not in my house. Because at God's table, there is a place for everyone. And when God comes in final glory, and we are in that place of triumph, and we are all gathered of God's table, there will be a huge celebration. And I'm telling you, if there is one empty seat, there will be sad silence. Because God loves every one of God's children." [31:54] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Who does that? You know who does that? God does that. Every day. Cares that much about you and everyone else. Because he loves us. Because he cares for us. Not because we ask. Not because we deserve. But because we need God to. And so God stops at nothing to find us where we are, so that we can find our way home. All you and I have to do is let Him. And then let others know out there God does it for them as well." [38:51] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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