Embracing Our Faith: Living Unapologetically as Christians
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. We are grateful for your presence here today, whether you are joining us in person or online. We have a few announcements before we begin our worship. Our projection computer is down, so please use the hymnals in your pews for the lyrics and creeds. Our youth bake sale is happening in the Narthex, and Vacation Bible School starts next Monday. If you are new to Smithfield, join us for Coffee with the Pastor next Sunday at 9:45 AM. Now, let us take a moment to breathe and pray as we begin our service.
We gather here today to worship and to open our hearts to God's word. We are grateful for the opportunity to declare our faith and to prepare ourselves to hear the scriptures. We invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us and guide us in our actions this day. We also lift up our mission team in Latvia and pray for their safety and ministry. We remember those on our care list, dealing with health crises, and those seeking answers in their lives. We pray for God's guidance and comfort for them.
Today, we begin a new series called "Standing with the Saints," focusing on the tenets of our Christian faith based on the Nicene Creed. We start with the fundamental belief that Jesus is God. This belief has been held for thousands of years and will continue as long as there are people. Jesus, while eternal, stepped into human history as both fully God and fully human. The incarnation, as described in Luke 1, shows that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
Jesus lived a sinless life, unlike Adam and Eve, who succumbed to temptation. He faced the same temptations but did not sin. Jesus lived, died, and rose again. He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, died for our sins, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again, fulfilling the scriptures. His resurrection assures us of life beyond the grave and the promise that He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Our salvation is not just a ticket to the afterlife but a transformation of our lives here and now. Romans 10:9 tells us that if we declare Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. This belief changes us, reshaping our actions, thoughts, and decisions. We are called to live unapologetically as Christians, following the example of Christ.
In Luke 9:25-26, Jesus challenges us to live out our faith boldly. We don't have to apologize for being Christians. Our faith should be evident in our actions, whether it's giving to the church, helping those in need, or participating in community activities like Vacation Bible School. We live differently because we are Christians, and we don't need to explain or apologize for it.
As we come to the table today, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus. He invites all who love Him to partake in this holy meal. We confess our sins and receive His forgiveness. The bread and juice symbolize His body and blood, given for us. We are reminded of His love and grace, and we are called to live out that grace in our daily lives.
Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again for our salvation. Help us to live unapologetically as Christians, sharing your love and grace with others. As we partake in this holy meal, may we be strengthened to serve you and others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Incarnation of Jesus: Jesus is both fully God and fully human. This profound mystery is central to our faith. The angel's message to Mary in Luke 1 reveals that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. This dual nature of Christ allows Him to be the perfect mediator between God and humanity, showing us the way to God through His life and teachings. [27:00]
2. Jesus' Sinless Life and Sacrifice: Unlike Adam and Eve, who succumbed to temptation, Jesus lived a sinless life. He faced the same temptations but did not sin. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our salvation. Jesus' crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and His resurrection on the third day fulfill the scriptures and assure us of life beyond the grave. [35:50]
3. Salvation and Transformation: Our salvation is not just a ticket to the afterlife but a transformation of our lives here and now. Romans 10:9 emphasizes that declaring Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation. This belief reshapes our actions, thoughts, and decisions, calling us to live out our faith boldly and unapologetically. [40:27]
4. Living Unapologetically as Christians: Jesus challenges us in Luke 9:25-26 to live out our faith boldly. We don't have to apologize for being Christians. Our faith should be evident in our actions, whether it's giving to the church, helping those in need, or participating in community activities. We live differently because we are Christians, and we don't need to explain or apologize for it. [43:05]
5. The Holy Communion: As we partake in the holy meal, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. The bread and juice symbolize His body and blood, given for us. This act of communion reminds us of His love and grace and calls us to live out that grace in our daily lives. We are strengthened to serve God and others through this sacrament. [46:54]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:33] - Opening Prayer
[17:24] - Holy Communion and Mission Team Prayer
[24:25] - Introduction to Series: Standing with the Saints
[27:00] - The Incarnation of Jesus
[35:50] - Jesus' Sinless Life and Sacrifice
[40:27] - Salvation and Transformation
[43:05] - Living Unapologetically as Christians
[46:54] - The Holy Communion
[52:40] - Closing Hymn and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 1:30-35 (NIV)
> But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
2. Romans 10:9 (NIV)
> If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
3. Luke 9:25-26 (NIV)
> What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
#### Observation Questions
1. What message did the angel deliver to Mary in Luke 1:30-35 about the nature and future of her son, Jesus?
2. According to Romans 10:9, what two actions are necessary for salvation?
3. In Luke 9:25-26, what does Jesus say about the value of gaining the world versus losing oneself?
4. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of Jesus as both fully God and fully human? ([27:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the incarnation of Jesus, as described in Luke 1:30-35, significant for Christians? How does it shape our understanding of Jesus' role as a mediator between God and humanity?
2. Romans 10:9 emphasizes the importance of declaring Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. How does this belief transform a person's life according to the sermon? ([40:27])
3. Jesus challenges us in Luke 9:25-26 to live out our faith boldly. What might it look like to live unapologetically as a Christian in today's world? ([43:05])
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus lived a sinless life and faced temptations without sinning. How does this aspect of Jesus' life provide a model for Christians to follow? ([35:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the angel's message to Mary in Luke 1:30-35. How does understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully human impact your personal faith and daily life?
2. Romans 10:9 speaks about declaring Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. Have you made this declaration in your life? If so, how has it changed your actions, thoughts, and decisions? If not, what might be holding you back?
3. Jesus calls us to live unapologetically as Christians in Luke 9:25-26. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt hesitant to express your faith? How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? ([43:05])
4. The sermon emphasizes that our salvation is not just a ticket to the afterlife but a transformation of our lives here and now. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to live out this transformation more fully? ([40:27])
5. During Holy Communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can you carry the remembrance of His love and grace into your interactions with others this week? ([46:54])
6. The sermon encourages us to live out our faith through actions like giving to the church, helping those in need, and participating in community activities. What is one specific action you can take this week to live out your faith boldly? ([43:05])
7. Reflect on the concept of living unapologetically as a Christian. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your faith is evident in your daily actions and decisions? ([43:05])
Devotional
Day 1: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The Incarnation of Jesus is a profound mystery central to our faith. Jesus is both fully God and fully human, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, as revealed in Luke 1. This dual nature of Christ allows Him to be the perfect mediator between God and humanity. Through His life and teachings, Jesus shows us the way to God. This belief has been held for thousands of years and will continue as long as there are people. Understanding the Incarnation helps us grasp the depth of God's love and His desire to be intimately involved in our lives. [27:00]
John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: How does the understanding that Jesus is both fully God and fully human impact your relationship with Him? Can you identify areas in your life where you need to invite Jesus to be more present?
Day 2: Jesus' Sinless Life and Sacrifice
Jesus lived a sinless life, unlike Adam and Eve, who succumbed to temptation. He faced the same temptations but did not sin. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our salvation. Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate, died for our sins, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again, fulfilling the scriptures and assuring us of life beyond the grave. This sacrifice is a testament to God's immense love for us and His desire to redeem humanity. Jesus' resurrection gives us hope and the promise that He will come again to judge the living and the dead. [35:50]
Hebrews 4:15 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sinless life and His sacrifice for your sins. How does this understanding shape your daily actions and decisions?
Day 3: Salvation and Transformation
Our salvation is not just a ticket to the afterlife but a transformation of our lives here and now. Romans 10:9 emphasizes that declaring Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation. This belief reshapes our actions, thoughts, and decisions, calling us to live out our faith boldly and unapologetically. Salvation is an ongoing process that involves daily surrender to God's will and allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It is about living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus in every aspect. [40:27]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: In what ways has your faith in Jesus transformed your life? Identify one area where you need to allow God's transformative power to work more deeply.
Day 4: Living Unapologetically as Christians
Jesus challenges us in Luke 9:25-26 to live out our faith boldly. We don't have to apologize for being Christians. Our faith should be evident in our actions, whether it's giving to the church, helping those in need, or participating in community activities. We live differently because we are Christians, and we don't need to explain or apologize for it. Living unapologetically means embracing our identity in Christ and letting our lives be a testament to His love and grace. It involves being courageous in our faith and standing firm in our beliefs, even in the face of opposition. [43:05]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "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: How can you live out your faith more boldly in your daily life? Think of one specific action you can take this week to let your light shine before others.
Day 5: The Holy Communion
As we partake in the holy meal, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. The bread and juice symbolize His body and blood, given for us. This act of communion reminds us of His love and grace and calls us to live out that grace in our daily lives. We are strengthened to serve God and others through this sacrament. Communion is a time to reflect on our relationship with Jesus, confess our sins, and receive His forgiveness. It is a reminder of the unity we have with Christ and with each other as members of His body. [46:54]
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: As you prepare to take communion, reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for you. How can you live out the grace you receive in communion in your interactions with others this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We get to live unapologetically as Christians. We don't have to apologize for being people of faith in Christ. Part of this, part of living after the example of Christ is that we do so because it has transformed us, because it has changed us, because it is deep inside the marrow of our bones and it has to come out. We live unapologetically. We get to live unapologetically." [44:05]
2. "We do things and we live our lives differently because we are Christians and we don't have to apologize for that. It's the end of the sentence when someone says, why do you live in a smaller house when you make all this money? Because I'm a Christian. And that's the end of the sentence. You don't have to explain yourself. You don't have to apologize for things. We believe that Jesus is God. That it is true. That it has been true and it will be true forever. He is Lord. He is risen Savior. He is the one who sets us free from our sin." [45:10]
3. "Jesus lived. Jesus died. And Jesus rose again. He rose. He died so that our sins would be forgiven. He rose so that we might live again. And the creed tells us again that there is indeed life to come. Because he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. Christ is coming again. We believe this." [38:25]
4. "So here's the reason. Why? So what? What do we do here? Well, Romans 10 verse 9 says this. If you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. And you will be saved not just for eternity but for right now. The fact of the matter is that as followers of Christ our salvation does not just mean a ticket to the other side. It's not that. It is that but it is far far more." [40:27]
5. "Jesus is fully God and fully human. This is what we see here in Luke chapter 1. The angel says to Mary, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And Mary asks the obvious question, for her at least. How will this be? Like she asks the question. She says, how will this be since I'm a virgin? And the angel says to Mary, the Holy Spirit will come on you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you so the Holy One to be born to you will be called the Son of God." [28:31]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We, yes, when we proclaim Jesus is Lord we do so to be saved. But we also do so to know that when we say that when we proclaim that and believe it to the very core of our being it means that our life right here and right now changes. It changes in the way that we behave. It changes in the way that we think. It changes in the decisions that we make and the people that we associate with and the ways in which we speak about who we are. The so what of it is yes, we believe that Jesus is God. Yes, we believe it. But that changes us." [41:29]
2. "Out of Adam and Eve sinning, God has a plan to redeem humanity. And so he sends Jesus in the fullness of time. He was not born by the will of man, scripture says, but by the will of God. And Jesus becomes the second Adam. He faced the same kinds of temptations, but all throughout his life he did not sin. He did not give into those temptations. He did not do what the original Adam did. So Jesus lived. And he died. And he rose. And he is coming again." [32:38]
3. "Jesus is God. He is the one who came so that we might be restored to relationship with God. He is the one who rose so that we might have life on this side of the grave. Not just eternal life but life on this side of eternity. And he is the one who is coming again that at the fullness of time all things will be made right. All of creation will be made new once again." [39:25]
4. "We began a new series that will last us through the summer called Standing with the Saints. And the tagline on it is that it is unapologetically Christian. And so we're going to dive into the tenets of our Christian faith based on the Nicene Creed that we spoke earlier in worship. And we're going to look at it from a broad view at the top and then we'll dive into more specifics over the course of the summer. But today we're going to take a look at who Jesus is. And the simple answer to that and the answer that comes from our creed is that Jesus is God. Full stop." [24:25]
5. "Jesus lived. He put, God put on flesh and said here I am. He came to his own so that everything that he created could be redeemed. But Jesus doesn't just live and then snuff out of existence because Jesus lived and then he died. The creed says for our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. So Jesus lived, but he also died. He died for our sins." [35:14]
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