Embracing Our Brokenness: The Gift of Salvation
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that each of us is broken and in need of the transformative love of Jesus Christ. We are all imperfect, and it's important to recognize that this includes everyone, from myself to every member of our congregation. We are human, and our imperfections are a testament to our need for Jesus' salvation.
In our time together, I emphasized that Jesus is perfect, unlike us, and His love is an invitation to restoration and new creation. For those who feel unworthy of salvation, who question how God could love or save them, I want to affirm that God sees you, loves you, and His grace is sufficient. His desire is for you to live freely as the person He created you to be, not to be shackled by your past.
Salvation is simple. It begins with acknowledging our brokenness and believing that Jesus came to save us. It's about trusting that through His death and resurrection, He has defeated the eternal penalty of sin. This is the hope offered to everyone, regardless of where you find yourself on your spiritual journey.
I spoke about four categories of faith within our community. Some of us are on fire for Jesus, living out our faith vibrantly. Others may be playing charades with their faith, living self-righteously and failing to embody the empathy and generosity that Jesus modeled. There are those who feel alienated by the church due to the hypocrisy they perceive. And finally, there are those who believe they are beyond the reach of God's grace.
I reminded us that we all have value to God. Sin, which leads to harm, ruin, or loss, is what Jesus saves us from. It occurs when we stop reflecting God's image. But the good news is that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paid the price for our sins, offering us salvation and inviting us to become new creations in Him.
As we celebrate Easter, we remember that Jesus is not just the Savior we want, but the Savior we need. The question I posed to you today is whether you believe that Jesus' salvation is for you. The answer is a resounding yes. God sent His son not to condemn, but to save us through His perfect love.
The story of the Israelites in Egypt illustrates that despite a heritage of faith, personal choice is necessary for salvation. Similarly, we must choose to believe in Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was sacrificed for us. His resurrection signifies that He is alive and desires to make us new creations.
In closing, I offered a prayer for those who have not yet placed their faith in Jesus and for those who wish to live more fully as image bearers of God. I encouraged everyone to embrace the salvation Jesus offers and to live out this new life every day.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognizing our brokenness is not a sign of weakness but an acknowledgment of our humanity and the starting point for our journey with Jesus. It is in our imperfections that God's perfect grace is most evident, covering us and inviting us into a life of freedom and new creation. [37:55]
- Salvation is not inherited or absorbed through cultural or religious osmosis; it requires a personal decision to follow Jesus. Like the Israelites who had to choose to apply the lamb's blood to their doorposts, we too must make an active choice to accept the salvation Jesus offers. [29:10]
- The cross is the intersection where God's perfect love meets our sin and offers us a way out. It is the ultimate demonstration of God's love, where Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, offering us a chance to become new creations. [31:05]
- Jesus' resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that has implications for our lives today. Believing in the risen Christ means embracing the life He offers us—a life marked by transformation and the hope of eternity with Him. [36:09]
- Our faith should be reflected in how we live our lives, not just in our words or church attendance. True faith in Jesus compels us to live as His image bearers, showing His love and grace to the world around us. When we fall short, we are called to repent and align ourselves with the life Jesus has for us. [36:44]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
2. Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
3. Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 3:16-17, what was God's purpose in sending His Son into the world?
2. How does Romans 3:23 describe the condition of humanity?
3. What does Romans 6:23 say about the consequences of sin and the gift of God?
4. In the sermon, Pastor John mentioned four categories of faith within the community. Can you list and describe these categories? [13:40]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that God did not send His Son to condemn the world but to save it, as stated in John 3:17? How does this shape our understanding of God's love and purpose? [19:31]
2. How does recognizing our brokenness and sinfulness, as described in Romans 3:23, help us understand our need for Jesus' salvation? [22:18]
3. The sermon emphasized that salvation requires a personal decision. How does the story of the Israelites applying the lamb's blood to their doorposts illustrate this concept? [29:10]
4. Pastor John spoke about the cross being the intersection where God's perfect love meets our sin. How does this understanding of the cross impact our view of Jesus' sacrifice? [25:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Do you believe that Jesus' salvation is for you personally? What steps can you take to embrace this truth more fully? [12:25]
2. Pastor John mentioned that some people play charades with their faith, living self-righteously. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and not just for show? [14:21]
3. If you feel alienated by the church due to perceived hypocrisy, how can you differentiate between the imperfections of people and the perfect love of Jesus? [15:35]
4. For those who believe they are beyond the reach of God's grace, what practical steps can you take to accept and live in the truth that God's grace is sufficient for you? [16:10]
5. How can you actively live out your faith as an image bearer of God in your daily life? Identify one specific area where you can show more empathy, generosity, or love this week. [36:44]
6. Pastor John encouraged repentance for those who are self-righteous. What does repentance look like in your life, and how can you practice it regularly? [36:44]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of personal choice in accepting Jesus' salvation. Have you made this choice? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you help others make this choice? [26:18]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s message and apply its truths to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and be sensitive to where each person is on their spiritual journey.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Imperfect Humanity
In acknowledging our brokenness, we come face to face with the reality of our humanity. This is not a moment to despair but rather an opportunity to understand the depth of our need for divine grace. It is within our imperfections that the perfect grace of God shines brightest, offering us a covering that invites us into a life of freedom and new creation. This grace does not demand that we first become perfect but meets us where we are, in the midst of our struggles and failures. It is a grace that transforms, slowly molding us into the image of the One who is perfect, Jesus Christ. By recognizing our brokenness, we take the first step on a journey that leads us away from the shadows of our past and into the light of God's love—a journey that is both personal and communal, as we walk alongside others who share in this same transformative experience [37:55].
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's strength in your moments of weakness, and how can you share this truth with someone who feels overwhelmed by their imperfections today?
Day 2: Personal Decision for Salvation
Salvation is not a legacy that can be passed down through generations nor absorbed by cultural or religious proximity. It requires a personal decision, an active choice to embrace the salvation offered by Jesus. Just as the Israelites had to apply the lamb's blood to their doorposts, individuals must choose to accept the transformative work of Jesus in their lives. This decision is the gateway to a relationship with God, where one moves from the status of an observer to that of a participant in the divine narrative. It is a conscious step into the light of truth, acknowledging the need for a Savior and the willingness to be led by Him. The act of choosing is a powerful declaration of faith, one that sets the stage for a life of purpose and spiritual growth [29:10].
Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What are the barriers that prevent you from making a personal decision for Jesus, and how can you overcome them to fully embrace the salvation He offers?
Day 3: The Cross as the Intersection of Love and Sin
The cross stands as the ultimate intersection where the perfect love of God meets our sin, offering us a way out of the darkness. It is here that Jesus took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved, providing us with the opportunity to become new creations. This act of love is not just a historical event but a present reality that continues to offer hope and transformation to all who believe. The cross is a reminder of the depth of God's love for us—a love so profound that it would endure the ultimate sacrifice to redeem us. As we reflect on the cross, we are called to live in the light of this love, allowing it to shape our identity and actions. It is a love that compels us to move beyond our past and into a future marked by grace and redemption [31:05].
Colossians 1:21-22 (ESV)
"And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him."
Reflection: How does the reality of the cross challenge you to live differently, and in what ways can you demonstrate the love of God to others because of what Jesus has done for you?
Day 4: Resurrection as Present Reality and Hope
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a past event to be celebrated; it is a present reality that has profound implications for our lives today. Believing in the risen Christ means embracing the life He offers—a life characterized by transformation, purpose, and the hope of eternity with Him. The resurrection signifies that Jesus is alive and active, desiring to work within us to make us new creations. It is a powerful truth that brings hope in the midst of despair, strength in times of weakness, and joy in the face of sorrow. As we live in the light of the resurrection, we are called to embody the hope and renewal it represents, sharing this life-changing truth with the world around us [36:09].
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: What does living in the reality of Jesus' resurrection look like for you on a daily basis, and how can this truth influence your interactions with others?
Day 5: Faith Reflected in Life
True faith in Jesus is not confined to words or ritualistic practices; it is reflected in the way we live our lives. It compels us to embody the image of God, demonstrating His love and grace to the world. When we fall short, as we inevitably will, we are called to repent and realign ourselves with the life Jesus has for us. This means actively seeking to love others as He loves, to serve as He served, and to extend grace as He has graciously done for us. Our faith should be a living, breathing testimony to the transformative power of Jesus, visible in our actions, decisions, and relationships. It is through this authentic expression of faith that we can truly impact the world and reflect the heart of God to those around us [36:44].
James 2:17-18 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can live out your faith in Jesus this week, and how can you hold yourself accountable to this commitment?
Quotes
"we all kind of end up in one of these kind of four categories and for some of us man our faith is on fire like we absolutely believe that the salvation that Jesus offers is for us like you have sold out for Jesus you are generous with the church you're generous with the poor you've got empathy uh for those who are hurting and you seek Jesus in all that you do every aspect of your life like you fall into that category." [14:21]
"the final group uh and this just kind of breaks my heart or those of us who think that Faith or salvation it it just can't possibly be for us right like from what I have done for what I have been for for the way that I have acted you know that you've dabbled in this thing you've dabbled in that thing you speak this way you've done this thing and you just can't possibly imagine a scenario where an all Mighty God would look at you and love you and forgive you." [16:10]
"all broken each and every one of us is broken each and every one of us is hurting and sometimes quite frankly we just get it wrong that goes from me when I preach that goes for Pastor Jonathan when he preaches that goes for every person that you see in the church we are all broken imperfect humans who need the love of Jesus who need salvation for ourselves none of us is immune from it." [37:55]
"the reality that we look that we look at that we that we are talking about but we have to make a choice we have to choose for ourselves to believe in Jesus that's what we called a personal choice you maybe heard that phrase before making a personal decision to follow Jesus it is personal it is the starting point is where we have to be you've got to choose chose to receive the Salvation that Jesus is offering for yourself." [26:18]
"all of us have value to God that is our reality we all have VA value to God exactly where you are right now in this moment God looks at you and sees value he sees his image in you enough value to send his son to rescue us right to offer us salvation Salvation from what you ask sin salvation for sin sin equals Death that is our that is our reality we don't like to talk about that right I certainly don't like to talk about it." [20:18]
"the cross of Jesus when when Jesus the lamb laid down his life the god of the universe the god of love who loves you enough to send his son for you he meets our sin at the cross and destroys it and and buries it in the depths of the deepest sea the cross is where the shackles of our sh sin and the and the shame that we bear for all that we have done all that we've done in our past all that is happening right now the cross is where that becomes destroyed." [31:05]
"the cross is where Jesus said as he hung on the cross father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing that's what Jesus said on the cross that's what he said about the people that were there watching but that's also what he said about you when he got up on that cross he said father I know what they've done I know where they've been I know how they've behaved I know how they've lived." [31:37]
"the thief on the cross was guilty as charged in the All Eyes of the law and even in the eyes of God but he simply asked Jesus to remember him and Jesus welcomes him into Paradise with him Paul says it like this if you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved for it is with your heart that you believe and are Justified and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." [35:34]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?