Embracing Inclusivity at God's Table
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, St. John's Church. Today, we gathered to worship and to be aware of God's Spirit moving among us. We prayed for an increased awareness of His presence and celebrated through song and dance. We then delved into the theme of feeling like an outsider, sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on how religious events can sometimes feel exclusive. This led us into our sermon series, "The Table," focusing on communion and its roots in the Passover feast.
We explored the significance of the Passover meal, starting with the first Passover in Egypt, where God gave specific instructions to the Israelites. This meal marked a transition from slavery to becoming God's chosen people. We then examined the second Passover in the book of Numbers, where God made allowances for those who were unclean or on a journey, emphasizing the importance of inclusion.
The sermon highlighted how God’s invitation to the Passover meal extended to outsiders, including aliens and immigrants, showing that God's desire is for everyone to participate. This inclusivity is mirrored in the New Testament, where Jesus, during the Last Supper, invited a diverse group of disciples, including those who would betray Him or were considered enemies.
We discussed how the early church in Corinth misused communion to exclude people, and how the Apostle Paul corrected this by emphasizing the communal and inclusive nature of the Lord's Supper. Communion, or the Eucharist, is a sacred practice that unites Christians across the world, transcending differences and bringing us together to remember Christ's sacrifice.
Finally, we reflected on the importance of an open table, where everyone is invited to receive God's grace. We were reminded of the joy and excitement of being welcomed into God's presence, much like a child being invited into a neighbor's home. As we come to the table, we are called to extend this invitation to others, sharing the good news and being God's hands and feet in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Presence is Always Here: We often pray for God's Spirit to come, but we must remember that He is already present among us. Our prayer should be for an increased awareness of His presence, to see, hear, and experience Him more deeply in our lives. This awareness transforms our worship and our daily walk with God. [12:35]
2. Inclusivity in God's Kingdom: The Passover meal, with its specific instructions, was initially exclusive to the Israelites. However, God made provisions for the unclean and the outsiders, showing His desire for inclusivity. This inclusivity is a precursor to the New Testament's message of salvation for all through Christ. [48:53]
3. The Table is for Everyone: Jesus' Last Supper included a diverse group of disciples, some of whom were considered enemies or outsiders. This act of inclusion at the table signifies that communion is meant to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or past actions. [55:18]
4. Communion as a Means of Grace: John Wesley viewed communion as a means of experiencing God's grace. By offering communion to everyone, he believed that people could encounter God's grace in a transformative way. This practice encourages us to see communion as an open invitation to experience God's love and grace. [01:01:09]
5. Extending the Invitation: As we come to the table, we are reminded of the joy and excitement of being welcomed into God's presence. This invitation is not just for us but for everyone. We are called to extend this invitation to others, sharing the good news and being God's hands and feet in the world. [01:04:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:35] - Prayer for Awareness of God's Presence
[13:29] - Worship Through Song
[19:35] - Reflection on Feeling Like an Outsider
[30:24] - Personal Anecdote: Attending a Women's Conference
[32:46] - Introduction to the Sermon Series: The Table
[35:03] - The Passover and Its Significance
[38:32] - Specific Instructions for the Passover Meal
[40:43] - The Second Passover: A Transition for God's People
[42:20] - Reading from Numbers Chapter 9
[46:15] - God's Allowances for the Unclean and Outsiders
[48:53] - Inclusivity in the Old Testament
[50:36] - The Importance of Participation in the Passover
[52:47] - The Table is Open for All
[55:18] - Jesus' Inclusive Last Supper
[56:14] - Communion as a Community Practice
[58:04] - The Sacredness of the Table
[01:01:09] - John Wesley's View on Communion
[01:04:57] - Extending the Invitation to All
[01:22:18] - Sending Out with a Blessing from Numbers Chapter 6
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 9:1-14 - The Second Passover and God's Instructions for Inclusion
2. Exodus 12:14-20 - Instructions for the First Passover
3. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - Paul's Instructions on the Lord's Supper
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give the Israelites for the first Passover meal in Egypt? (Exodus 12:14-20)
2. How did God make allowances for those who were unclean or on a journey during the second Passover? (Numbers 9:1-14)
3. According to the sermon, who were some of the diverse individuals present at Jesus' Last Supper? [54:20]
4. How did the early church in Corinth misuse communion, and what was Paul's response to this issue? (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God emphasized the importance of everyone, including outsiders and the unclean, participating in the Passover meal? [48:53]
2. How does the inclusivity of the Passover meal in the Old Testament foreshadow the message of salvation for all through Christ in the New Testament? [52:47]
3. What does the presence of diverse individuals, including those who would betray Jesus, at the Last Supper teach us about the nature of communion? [55:18]
4. How can the practice of communion as a means of experiencing God's grace transform our understanding of this sacred tradition? [01:01:09]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like an outsider in a religious or social setting. How can this experience help you empathize with others who might feel excluded? [31:58]
2. How can you increase your awareness of God's presence in your daily life, as discussed in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to see, hear, and experience Him more deeply? [12:35]
3. In what ways can you help make your church or small group more inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued? [48:53]
4. How can you extend the invitation to God's table to those who might feel unworthy or excluded? What specific actions can you take to share the good news and be God's hands and feet in the world? [01:04:57]
5. Think about the communal aspect of communion. How can you foster a sense of unity and togetherness within your church or small group, especially during the practice of the Lord's Supper? [56:14]
6. John Wesley viewed communion as a means of experiencing God's grace. How can you approach communion with this mindset, and how might it change your experience of this sacrament? [01:01:09]
7. Reflect on the story of the neighbor girl who was invited into the pastor's home. How can you adopt a similar attitude of hospitality and openness in your interactions with others, both within and outside the church? [01:04:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Awareness of God's Presence
God's presence is always with us, but we often fail to recognize it. We should pray for an increased awareness of His presence in our lives, which can transform our worship and daily walk with Him. This awareness allows us to see, hear, and experience God more deeply, making our relationship with Him more intimate and meaningful. By being more attuned to His presence, we can better understand His will and purpose for our lives. [12:35]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate to help you recognize His presence more consistently?
Day 2: Inclusivity in God's Kingdom
The Passover meal was initially exclusive to the Israelites, but God made provisions for the unclean and outsiders, showing His desire for inclusivity. This inclusivity is a precursor to the New Testament's message of salvation for all through Christ. By extending the invitation to everyone, God demonstrates that His love and grace are available to all, regardless of their background or status. This inclusivity challenges us to break down barriers and welcome others into our faith community. [48:53]
Isaiah 56:6-7 (ESV): "And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively practice inclusivity in your faith community? How can you make others feel welcomed and valued, especially those who may feel like outsiders?
Day 3: The Table is for Everyone
Jesus' Last Supper included a diverse group of disciples, some of whom were considered enemies or outsiders. This act of inclusion at the table signifies that communion is meant to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or past actions. By inviting everyone to the table, Jesus demonstrated that His love and grace are available to all. This inclusivity challenges us to extend the same grace and acceptance to others, fostering unity and reconciliation within our communities. [55:18]
Luke 14:13-14 (ESV): "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded or marginalized? How can you extend an invitation to them, showing them the love and grace of Christ?
Day 4: Communion as a Means of Grace
John Wesley viewed communion as a means of experiencing God's grace. By offering communion to everyone, he believed that people could encounter God's grace in a transformative way. This practice encourages us to see communion as an open invitation to experience God's love and grace. By participating in communion, we are reminded of Christ's sacrifice and the unity we share with other believers. This sacred practice helps us grow in our faith and strengthens our relationship with God. [01:01:09]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How does participating in communion help you experience God's grace? In what ways can you approach the Lord's Supper with a heart open to transformation and unity?
Day 5: Extending the Invitation
As we come to the table, we are reminded of the joy and excitement of being welcomed into God's presence. This invitation is not just for us but for everyone. We are called to extend this invitation to others, sharing the good news and being God's hands and feet in the world. By inviting others to experience God's grace, we fulfill our mission to spread the gospel and demonstrate His love to those around us. This act of extending the invitation helps build a more inclusive and loving community. [01:04:57]
Matthew 22:9-10 (ESV): "Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find. And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of God's love and grace? How can you extend an invitation to them, inviting them to experience the joy and excitement of being welcomed into God's presence?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God, one of the things that I know to be true is that, you know, a lot of times in church we pray and we ask God's Spirit to come and to be present. But I believe with my heart of hearts that God's Spirit is here. This is God's house. God has invited us into his house." [12:35] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Have you ever felt like an outsider, like you're just not welcome? There was one time I was reminiscing recently with Pastor David, and I said, you know, like I was given tickets to a conference, or it was actually like a live podcast recording by a gal named Jen Hatmaker. And Hatmaker was, I mean, she's a Christian author." [30:24] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Religion in general is kind of this very exclusive club at times. It can feel that way. You come in. We gather together each week. And there's things that we do that if you don't, if you don't know, if you're not in the inn. It's easy to feel like an outsider. It's easy to feel unwelcomed. It's easy to feel awkward." [31:58] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God invites the ritually unclean. God invites the aliens or the immigrants. The outsiders. God includes them in this Passover feast. This Passover meal. Which is really of great importance and significance. And would become of great importance. This is a tradition that's still practiced today. Thousands and thousands and thousands of years later. It is of great importance." [49:41] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want us to remember. I want us to know. That the table. That God's invitation. To the table. Is for all. And it is an invitation. And it's a gift from God. Some of the language. Years ago that I was convicted about. That I tried it. When I talk about communion. I use language of receiving." [01:02:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But our communion is rooted in the Passover feast. And so as Pastor Janelle shared, this has its roots when Israel was enslaved in Egypt. And God showed up and he told Moses that he's going to use him to rescue Israel and lead them out of slavery. And the night that he intended to save the people, God told the people to eat this meal, to eat this first Passover meal." [38:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now what I think is most striking. About this instance. When Jesus then is at the last supper. It's a Passover meal. It's a Passover feast. That he is participating in. That he is practicing and celebrating. With his disciples. What's most striking is who is present here. Jesus is leading the Passover meal. And Judas Iscariot. The person who is going to betray Jesus. In just a few moments. Is there at the table." [53:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so this Passover transition. Was changed. And marked another huge transition. For God's people. Now what I think is most striking. About this instance. When Jesus then is at the last supper. It's a Passover meal. It's a Passover feast. That he is participating in. That he is practicing and celebrating. With his disciples." [53:47] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so the way that we practice. The table. Here at St. John's Church. Is similar to that. We have an open communion. It is up to you. Whether you want to come. And to participate in it each week or not. But I want us to remember. I want us to know. That the table. That God's invitation. To the table. Is for all. And it is an invitation. And it's a gift from God." [01:01:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so John Wesley. Thought of sacraments as a means of grace. As a way in which we experience. God's grace. Now some traditions. The Catholic Church. They view communion as there's a fancy word. Called transubstantiation. Where the bread. Actually becomes God's. Or Jesus body. And the wine actually becomes Jesus blood. There's some verses. That gives credence for that. But it's. It's a little bit weird." [01:00:10] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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