Embracing Inclusivity: The Church's Call to Action
Summary
In today's message, I wanted to address two key points: what breaks my heart and what makes me grateful. The heartache comes from seeing how the church has often become resistible by focusing inwardly, prioritizing insiders over those outside the faith. This inward focus has led to a blending of old covenant traditions with the teachings of Jesus, diluting the radical inclusivity and love that Jesus exemplified. Jesus' final command to his followers was to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything he commanded. Yet, the early church struggled to break free from its cultural and religious confines, and this struggle continues today.
The church has often been more concerned with being biblical than being Christ-like, which has led to harmful practices and exclusionary attitudes. This is evident in how some church leaders prioritize politics over mission, creating barriers rather than removing them. The church should be a beacon of hope and love, reflecting the inclusive and transformative message of Jesus. Instead, it has sometimes become known more for what it is against than what it is for.
However, I am grateful for our community and the movement we are part of, which seeks to reverse this trend. We strive to be outward-focused, loving, and serving our communities as Jesus did. Our increasing diversity is a strength, and we aim to be a reflection of the Kingdom of God, where all are welcome and loved. Despite the challenges and discouraging trends, I remain hopeful because Jesus promised to build his church, and nothing will overcome it. Together, we can continue to make a difference, embodying the love and grace of Jesus in our world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Church's Inward Focus: The church often gravitates towards insiders, focusing on those who are already part of the faith community rather than reaching out to those outside. This inward focus can make the church resistible and contrary to Jesus' inclusive message. We must strive to be outward-focused, loving, and serving all people as Jesus did. [26:12]
2. Jesus as Ultimate Authority: Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth was given to him. This statement should be the foundation of the church's mission, yet it is often overlooked. By recognizing Jesus as our ultimate authority, we can align our actions and teachings with his example of love and inclusivity. [04:18]
3. The Danger of Mixing Covenants: The blending of old covenant traditions with the teachings of Jesus has led to confusion and exclusion within the church. We must focus on the new covenant established by Jesus, which is centered on love, grace, and inclusivity for all people. [15:21]
4. Politics Over Mission: Some church leaders have prioritized political agendas over the mission of the church, creating barriers and division. The church should not be defined by political affiliation but by its commitment to the teachings and example of Jesus. [32:27]
5. Hope in the Promise of Jesus: Despite the challenges and discouraging trends, we can remain hopeful because Jesus promised to build his church, and nothing will overcome it. By participating in this mission, we can embody the love and grace of Jesus, making a positive impact in our world. [43:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to the Message
- [00:34] - Addressing First-Time Visitors
- [01:14] - Jesus' Vision for the Church
- [02:27] - The Disciples' Encounter with Jesus
- [03:37] - Jesus' Overlooked Statement
- [04:32] - Jesus' Authority Declared
- [06:00] - Misuse of Scripture by Church Leaders
- [07:21] - Jesus' Command to Love
- [08:03] - The Church's Mission
- [09:08] - Making Disciples of All Nations
- [10:29] - Teaching Jesus' Commands
- [12:25] - The Promise of Jesus' Presence
- [13:24] - The Early Church's Struggle
- [15:21] - Mixing and Matching Covenants
- [17:21] - Being Biblical vs. Christ-Like
- [23:04] - Peter's Revelation
- [25:11] - Removing Barriers for Gentiles
- [26:12] - The Church's Natural Gravitational Pull
- [32:27] - Politics Over Mission
- [43:54] - Hope in Jesus' Promise
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
2. Acts 10:9-48 (Peter and Cornelius)
3. Acts 15:1-21 (The Council at Jerusalem)
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Jesus' final command to his disciples according to Matthew 28:16-20, and how does it relate to the church's mission today? [08:03]
2. In Acts 10, what was Peter's initial reaction to the vision he received, and how did it challenge his existing beliefs? [18:45]
3. What was the outcome of the Council at Jerusalem in Acts 15, and how did it impact the early church's approach to Gentile believers? [23:23]
4. According to the sermon, what are some ways the church has become resistible by focusing inwardly? [26:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' declaration of having all authority in Matthew 28:18 influence the way the church should operate and prioritize its mission? [04:18]
2. In what ways did Peter's experience with Cornelius in Acts 10 demonstrate the inclusivity of the gospel message? How might this story challenge current church practices? [19:22]
3. The Council at Jerusalem in Acts 15 decided not to impose the full weight of Jewish law on Gentile believers. What does this decision reveal about the early church's understanding of the new covenant? [23:50]
4. The sermon mentions the danger of mixing old covenant traditions with the teachings of Jesus. How can this blending lead to confusion and exclusion within the church? [15:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you noticed a tendency to focus more on insiders than outsiders? How can you personally contribute to making your church more outward-focused? [26:12]
2. Jesus' authority is central to the church's mission. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions align with Jesus' teachings of love and inclusivity? [04:18]
3. Consider the story of Peter and Cornelius. Are there any personal biases or traditions that might be hindering your ability to share the gospel with others? How can you address these? [19:22]
4. The sermon highlights the issue of prioritizing politics over mission. How can you engage in political discussions without compromising your commitment to the teachings and example of Jesus? [32:27]
5. Jesus promised to build his church and that nothing would overcome it. How does this promise give you hope in the face of challenges within the church today? [43:54]
6. Identify one person in your life who is outside the faith community. What specific steps can you take this week to reach out to them with love and inclusivity? [08:27]
7. Reflect on the diversity within your church community. How can you actively contribute to making it a reflection of the Kingdom of God, where all are welcome and loved? [41:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church's Outward Mission
The church is called to be outward-focused, reaching beyond its walls to embrace those outside the faith community. This outward mission reflects the inclusive love of Jesus, who commanded his followers to make disciples of all nations. However, the church often struggles with an inward focus, prioritizing those already within the community. This inward focus can make the church resistible and contrary to Jesus' inclusive message. To align with Jesus' vision, the church must strive to be a beacon of hope and love, serving all people as Jesus did. [26:12]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your community or neighborhood can you reach out to this week to share the love and hope of Jesus?
Day 2: Recognizing Jesus' Authority
Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth was given to him, a statement that should be the foundation of the church's mission. Yet, this profound truth is often overlooked, leading to a misalignment with Jesus' example of love and inclusivity. By recognizing Jesus as the ultimate authority, the church can align its actions and teachings with his example. This alignment calls for a commitment to love and serve others, breaking down barriers and embracing all people. [04:18]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Jesus' authority more fully, and how can this change your actions today?
Day 3: Embracing the New Covenant
The blending of old covenant traditions with the teachings of Jesus has led to confusion and exclusion within the church. The new covenant established by Jesus is centered on love, grace, and inclusivity for all people. This covenant calls for a departure from old traditions that hinder the church's mission. By focusing on the new covenant, the church can embody the transformative message of Jesus, welcoming all into the community of faith. [15:21]
Hebrews 8:10-12 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."
Reflection: What old traditions or beliefs might be hindering your ability to fully embrace the love and grace of the new covenant in your life?
Day 4: Prioritizing Mission Over Politics
Some church leaders have prioritized political agendas over the mission of the church, creating barriers and division. The church should not be defined by political affiliation but by its commitment to the teachings and example of Jesus. This commitment calls for a focus on the mission of love, service, and inclusivity, transcending political divides. By prioritizing the mission over politics, the church can become a true reflection of Jesus' transformative message. [32:27]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your conversations and actions reflect the mission of Jesus rather than political affiliations or agendas?
Day 5: Hope in Jesus' Promise
Despite the challenges and discouraging trends, there is hope in Jesus' promise to build his church, which nothing will overcome. This promise provides assurance and motivation to continue participating in the mission of embodying the love and grace of Jesus. By holding onto this hope, the church can make a positive impact in the world, reflecting the inclusive and transformative message of Jesus. [43:54]
Matthew 16:18 (ESV): "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the mission of the church, trusting in Jesus' promise to build and sustain it?
Quotes
I want you to live your lives in such a way that people are curious. I want you to live your lives in such a way that people lean in. I want you to live your lives in such a way that people are like, I dunno if I can believe all that, but I'd like to try some of the stuff, I'd like to think that way. [09:24]
The church should capitalize on what Jesus taught, forgiveness, regardless. If somebody makes you their enemy, don't return the favor, right? Others first. That your wealth, your possessions, our wealth, our possessions, they're tools in the eyes of God to further his influence and to do for other people to show compassion and generosity to other people. [11:27]
The church, the church always gravitates toward insiders. The people who know the deal, know the songs, know the verses, you got all down their lives are all buttoned up and perfect. The focus of the church naturally gravitates toward insiders rather than people who are outside the faith. This is just the natural gravitational pull of the church. [26:12]
And churches, church leaders are resurrecting old barriers that we spent years tearing down and they're adding new barriers. Now, I'll give you a quick example. I texted him this morning, told him I was gonna talk about him in church. One of the two people who really launched this movement way back in the late 70s is Rick Warren. [30:53]
Political affiliation has become the litmus test for orthodoxy. I hope you haven't seen this, but lemme just tell you what I'm about to tell you is not kind of often a corner. This is mainline speaking and posting and books are written and chapters and books are written about this. [33:27]
And this group of people, like these are, some of 'em are my friends. They have turned the mission field into a battlefield and they're warriors, but they're not warriors for the Kingdom of Christ. And here's how you know, this is the litmus test. If you haven't been paying attention, don't miss this. [35:44]
They had a verse, they had an excuse. They did not have the heart of their King, and it's why Jesus told the parable and made the Samaritan the hero because they hated Samaritans in Jesus is saying, look, in my kingdom, in my new world, in the age that is to come, that's not how it works anymore. [38:20]
And once again, the church, especially evangelical church, conservative churches in America, once again, the church is known more for what and who we're against than what and who we're for, but not you and not here. And that's why I absolutely love our churches. And it's why I love our leadership. [39:20]
And consequently, we are committed, we're committed to teaching people to obey everything he's commanded us and we are committed to obeying everything he's commanded us. And we won't always get it right, and I won't always get it right, but when we get it wrong, you know what we're gonna do? We're gonna do what he commanded us. [40:32]
We can disagree culturally and politically, and love unconditionally. And we can do that because that's exactly what Jesus did. Listen, when Jesus showed up on planet earth, nobody lined up with him on anything. They didn't see God the same way, sin the same way, they didn't see women the same way, children the same way, they didn't see religion the same way. [40:55]
I'm grateful because of you, and I'm hopeful because regardless of what we experience in our generation, here's the promise. Here's the promise by the resurrected savior and king. He said, I will, regardless of what happens, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. [43:54]
The church wins, and when the church wins, everybody wins. There are no losers. It is the nature of the Kingdom of God. And he says, and if you'll participate with me, surely I'm with you always to the very end of the age. So thank you, let's keep going. [44:47]
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