Embracing Our Identity as a Blessed Church
Summary
In today's message, we explored the concept of being a "blessed church" and what it means to be a part of such a community. We delved into the grammatical nuances of the word "blessed," which can be both an adjective and a verb, and how it applies to us as individuals and as a church body. The focus was on the church in Thessalonica, as described in the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and how they serve as a model for us today. Paul, Silas, and Timothy's love and investment in the Thessalonian church were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of knowing who we are and to whom we belong.
We are reminded that we are blessed with many material and spiritual gifts, from the technology we use to the community we are part of. The church is not just a building or a place but a gathering of people who come together to worship and serve. It is crucial to recognize that we belong to Jesus Christ, and as His church, we are called to live righteously and be ready for His return. The church is not just a part of our lives; it is central to our identity and purpose.
The message also touched on the emotional aspect of being part of a church community, especially when members move away. It is a reminder of the deep connections we form within the church and the importance of investing in each other. As a pastor, my role is to guide, preach, and connect with the community, but it is also to remind you that you are part of something much larger than yourself. The church is the bride of Christ, and we are all part of that collective body.
In conclusion, being a blessed church means knowing who we are and who we belong to. It is about being part of a community that is centered on Christ and living out our faith in a way that honors Him. As we continue to study the books of Thessalonians, let us be encouraged to live as a blessed church, ready for His return and committed to His mission.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Our Blessings: We are blessed with both material and spiritual gifts, and recognizing these blessings helps us appreciate our role in the church and community. Our resources, health, and community are all gifts from God, and acknowledging them is the first step in living a blessed life. [07:11]
2. The Church as a Community: The church is not just a building but a gathering of believers who come together to worship and serve. It is essential to understand that the church is central to our identity and purpose, and it is where we find encouragement and strength. [12:24]
3. Belonging to Christ: As members of the church, we belong to Jesus Christ, and our lives should reflect His teachings and purpose. Knowing who we belong to gives us direction and purpose, and it is crucial for living a life that honors God. [15:52]
4. Investing in Each Other: Being part of a church community means investing in each other's lives and supporting one another. The emotional connections we form within the church are vital, and they remind us of the importance of community and fellowship. [18:28]
5. Living as a Blessed Church: To be a blessed church, we must know who we are and who we belong to. This understanding helps us live out our faith in a way that is pleasing to God and prepares us for His return. [18:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Greetings
- [01:45] - Church Updates and Exciting News
- [03:20] - Understanding "Blessed" in Different Contexts
- [07:11] - Introduction to Thessalonians Study
- [08:45] - Recognizing Our Blessings
- [10:30] - The Importance of Church Community
- [12:24] - Belonging to Jesus Christ
- [14:00] - Emotional Connections in the Church
- [15:52] - Living as a Blessed Church
- [17:30] - The Church as the Bride of Christ
- [18:28] - Final Encouragement and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Being a Blessed Church
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
2. Acts 17:1-4
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Paul address the church in Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 1:1, and what does this reveal about their identity? [07:11]
2. What are some of the material and spiritual blessings mentioned in the sermon that the church community enjoys? [07:11]
3. According to Acts 17:1-4, what was the response of the Thessalonians to Paul's preaching, and how did it contribute to the formation of the church?
4. What emotional connections within the church community are highlighted in the sermon, and why are they significant? [12:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does knowing who we belong to, as emphasized in the sermon, provide direction and purpose for the church community? [12:24]
2. How does the concept of the church as the "bride of Christ" influence the way members should view their role within the church? [15:52]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of investing in each other's lives within the church community, and how does this reflect the early church in Thessalonica? [18:28]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between being a blessed church and living righteously in anticipation of Christ's return? [15:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the material and spiritual blessings in your life. How can you use these blessings to contribute to your church community? [07:11]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing who we belong to. How does this understanding affect your daily decisions and interactions within the church? [12:24]
3. Consider the emotional connections you have within your church community. How can you strengthen these relationships and support others in your church? [12:24]
4. The sermon highlights the church as central to our identity and purpose. How can you make the church a more integral part of your life and identity? [15:52]
5. How can you actively invest in the lives of others in your church community, and what steps can you take to build deeper connections? [18:28]
6. Reflect on the idea of the church as the "bride of Christ." How does this perspective change the way you view your commitment to the church? [15:52]
7. What specific actions can you take to live righteously and be ready for Christ's return, as encouraged in the sermon? [15:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Blessings
Understanding the blessings in our lives, both material and spiritual, is crucial for appreciating our role in the church and community. We are surrounded by gifts from God, from the technology we use to the health we enjoy and the community we are part of. Acknowledging these blessings is the first step in living a life that reflects gratitude and purpose. By recognizing what we have been given, we can better understand how to use these gifts to serve others and glorify God. [07:11]
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific blessing in your life that you often overlook? How can you express gratitude for it today?
Day 2: The Church as a Living Community
The church is not merely a building but a vibrant community of believers who gather to worship and serve together. It is central to our identity and purpose, providing encouragement and strength. Understanding the church as a living community helps us see the importance of our role within it and the support we can both give and receive. This perspective encourages us to actively participate and invest in the lives of others, fostering a sense of belonging and shared mission. [12:24]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the life of your church community this week in a way that encourages others?
Day 3: Our Identity in Christ
As members of the church, we belong to Jesus Christ, and our lives should reflect His teachings and purpose. Knowing who we belong to gives us direction and purpose, guiding us to live in a way that honors God. This identity in Christ is foundational to our faith, shaping our actions and decisions. It reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves and calls us to live with integrity and love. [15:52]
"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." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways does your daily life reflect your identity in Christ? What changes can you make to align more closely with His teachings?
Day 4: Investing in Each Other
Being part of a church community means investing in each other's lives and supporting one another. The emotional connections we form within the church are vital, reminding us of the importance of community and fellowship. These relationships are not just social connections but spiritual bonds that help us grow in faith and love. By investing in each other, we build a stronger, more resilient community that reflects the love of Christ. [18:28]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community could use your support or encouragement this week? How can you reach out to them in a meaningful way?
Day 5: Living as a Blessed Church
To be a blessed church, we must know who we are and who we belong to. This understanding helps us live out our faith in a way that is pleasing to God and prepares us for His return. A blessed church is one that is centered on Christ, committed to His mission, and ready to serve. By living as a blessed church, we demonstrate the love and grace of God to the world, inviting others to join in the journey of faith. [18:28]
"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your church community remains focused on Christ and His mission? How can you contribute to this vision?
Quotes
"We have so many nice things. I mean, look at all these books behind me and look at the equipment that I'm using. If you're watching me, you're on a computer right now or a telephone that's like a mini computer, right? And we have so many things. We are really blessed. We have food. We have clothing. We have shelter. We have transportation. We have air conditioning. You know, I have indoor plumbing. I mean, we can say just practically so many great things that we have." [00:08:18]
"We really have so many things. And one of the greatest compliments that happens to me as a pastor is when somebody leaves this place and says, I can't find a church like Lexington Park. It breaks my heart for them, but it also tells me we're doing things right. We're a blessed church. When somebody tells me and they moved away like the Kittners and they moved up to St. Leonard's and they have looked at all the churches over there in Calvert County." [00:08:51]
"That, to me, huge compliment. We're a blessed church. We're a church that people, we're doing some things right. I think some of it is the proclamation of the word of God, but it's the people of God. It's the whole atmosphere that we establish in our church. It really does make a difference. And so I just, you know, that encourages me, right? To know that people really, really love our church, and it should excite you too." [00:09:47]
"The blessed church, the blessed church, it's important to know this. They know, they know who they belong to. So Paul and Timothy and Silas are telling, Paul's writing this letter saying, listen, you belong to the Father and to Jesus Christ. The church belongs to Jesus Christ. And we are to encourage as a pastor, this is not my church. Yes, it is my church as much as it is your church that we belong to Lexington Park Baptist Church." [00:10:21]
"My job is to pastor you. My job is to guide the church and to preach God's word and to lead us and to connect with our community around us and to make a difference here where we live in Lexington Park in Southern Maryland. And so Paul knew that. And so he's encouraging them. Listen, Church of Thessalonica, the Church of Thessalonians, you belong to the Lord. You belong to the Father. This is his church, this is his doing." [00:11:02]
"But they knew who they belonged to. And this is what I want you to know. I shared this Sunday. When we become wayward, it's because we forget who we are and who we belong to. So first of all, Paul's doing these two things. And these are the two points I want you, Lexington Park, to walk away with. One, know who you are. You are a child of God. And you are a member of Lexington Park Baptist Church." [00:12:27]
"This is where the gospel must flourish. This is where you must reach your community. This is where you must engage the government. This is where you must go out there and tear down idols. This is where you have been called because you're the church. We've got to know who we are, the church. The church is not just a place. The church is not just a building. But we get this miscommunication that people start to think. The church is not just a building." [00:14:00]
"It's not the building. It's not the place. And so people think, I can just worship God in a deer stand, or I can just go out on my boat, or I can just do this, or I can do that, or church is not important. No, you come to church. And when you come to church, you are the church. You see, when we gather together, see, church is a place where the people gather. So you can have the people, but the people must come to a place. That is church." [00:14:27]
"That's when we're at our best, when we're gathering together to be motivated, to go out into the world, to be disciples, to make disciples. Know who you are. You're the church. Secondly, know who you belong to. Listen, you belong to Jesus. If we're his church, we bear his name. And if we're his church, we're about his reason, his purpose. Nothing else. This is really important." [00:15:07]
"We are the church and we are his. Never forget that. And that's on an individual level too, but I want you to hear this. Jesus isn't coming back for you and me individually. He's coming back for his bride, his bride, which is the church. That's us. So yes, it's individual, but we need to get rid of that individualistic thinking that's kind of American and really sometimes be a little bit more corporate thinking, or at least as a organization or organism, the church itself is the bride of Christ." [00:16:44]
"So yes, it's individual, but we need to get rid of that individualistic thinking that's kind of American and really sometimes be a little bit more corporate thinking, or at least as a organization or organism, the church itself is the bride of Christ. And that consists and makes up of all of us. And when we think of that, I look at this letter, Paul and Timothy, to the church and the Thessalonians, in God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, grace and peace unto you." [00:17:00]
"So knowing who we are and who we belong to. I think it was the first thing. If you want to be a blessed church and you want to be blessed in your life, know that you belong to the church and know who owns you is Jesus. Hey, listen, I hope this blesses you today. I hope you know that you are part of that blessed." [00:19:16]
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