Embracing Our Mission: Joy, Grace, and Transformation
Summary
In today's gathering, we are reminded of the profound mission God has called us to, reaching the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This mission extends to the darkest places, including our state prisons, where two members of our community, Jeremy and Jean, are partnering with Kairos Ministries to plant churches and share the gospel. This mission is not just for those who physically enter the prisons but for all of us as a church family. We can support this mission through fervent prayer and acts of love, such as baking cookies, which serve as a tangible expression of God's love and open doors for gospel conversations.
As we reflect on our calling, we also turn to the teachings of Jesus in Mark chapter 2. Jesus challenges the religious customs of his time, emphasizing that his presence transforms everything. He is the bridegroom, bringing joy and celebration, not mourning. His authority reshapes our understanding of God's purposes, inviting us to a life of joy and submission. Jesus' presence signifies a new covenant, a new way of relating to God that is not about legalistic adherence to rules but about a relationship characterized by love, joy, and freedom.
The Sabbath controversy further illustrates this transformation. Jesus declares himself the Lord of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. His actions demonstrate that God's kingdom is about life and flourishing, not burdensome rules. This challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations, to ensure that our obedience to God is rooted in love and gratitude, not self-righteousness or legalism.
As a church, we are called to grow deep in God's word, delight in Jesus, and live out our faith in love and service to others. Our mission is to make and grow mature disciples who are characterized by a deep love for God and a commitment to reaching the lost. This is not just about gaining knowledge but allowing that knowledge to transform our hearts and actions.
For those who have not yet embraced the gospel, Jesus offers a new covenant of grace, inviting you to experience the joy and freedom found in him alone. The gospel is not about our efforts but about what God has done through Jesus to save us. Embrace this grace, let it transform your heart, and join us in living out this mission of love and truth.
Key Takeaways:
1. Mission to Reach the Lost: We are called to be God's hands and feet, bringing the light of His love into the darkest places, including prisons. This mission involves not just those who physically go but all of us through prayer and acts of love, like baking cookies, which open doors for gospel conversations. [00:00]
2. Jesus as the Bridegroom: Jesus' presence transforms everything, bringing joy and celebration. He is the bridegroom, signifying a new covenant and a new way of relating to God, characterized by love, joy, and freedom, not legalistic adherence to rules. [30:28]
3. Sabbath and Legalism: Jesus declares himself the Lord of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This challenges us to examine our hearts, ensuring our obedience is rooted in love and gratitude, not self-righteousness or legalism. [36:07]
4. Growing as Disciples: As a church, we are called to grow deep in God's word, delight in Jesus, and live out our faith in love and service to others. Our mission is to make and grow mature disciples who are characterized by a deep love for God and a commitment to reaching the lost. [53:29]
5. Invitation to Grace: For those who have not yet embraced the gospel, Jesus offers a new covenant of grace, inviting you to experience the joy and freedom found in him alone. The gospel is about what God has done through Jesus to save us, and embracing this grace transforms our hearts and lives. [57:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Mission
- [02:15] - Partnering with Kairos Ministries
- [04:00] - The Power of Prayer and Cookies
- [06:45] - Confession of Faith
- [09:30] - Prayer for Honesty and Contentment
- [12:00] - Worship and Scripture Reading
- [27:04] - Jesus and the Question of Fasting
- [30:28] - Jesus as the Bridegroom
- [33:11] - The Purpose of Fasting
- [36:07] - The Sabbath Controversy
- [41:03] - Joy in Jesus' Presence
- [46:15] - The Role of Fasting Today
- [49:56] - Examining Our Hearts
- [53:29] - Growing as Disciples
- [57:27] - Invitation to Grace
- [01:00:22] - Closing Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 2:18-28
---
Observation Questions:
1. What mission is the church called to participate in, according to the sermon? How can members support this mission? [00:00]
2. In Mark 2:18-28, how does Jesus respond to the question about fasting, and what metaphors does he use to explain his point?
3. What is the significance of Jesus declaring himself the "Lord of the Sabbath" in Mark 2:28, and how does this challenge the Pharisees' understanding of the Sabbath? [36:07]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer and acts of love, like baking cookies, in supporting the mission to reach the lost? [00:00]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' metaphor of the bridegroom in Mark 2:19-20 reshape the understanding of fasting and celebration in the context of his presence? [30:28]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between legalism and the true purpose of the Sabbath, as demonstrated by Jesus' actions? [36:07]
3. How does the concept of Jesus as the bridegroom and the new covenant challenge traditional religious customs and invite believers to a new way of relating to God? [41:03]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to grow as disciples, and how is this growth connected to the mission of reaching the lost? [53:29]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the mission to reach the lost, including those in prisons. How can you personally contribute to this mission through prayer or acts of love, such as baking cookies? [00:00]
2. Jesus' presence brings joy and celebration. How can you cultivate a sense of joy and celebration in your daily life, especially in your relationship with God? [30:28]
3. The sermon challenges us to examine our hearts for legalism. Are there areas in your life where you might be following rules out of self-righteousness rather than love and gratitude? How can you address this? [36:07]
4. How can you deepen your understanding of God's word and allow it to transform your actions and relationships with others? What steps can you take to grow as a mature disciple? [53:29]
5. The sermon invites those who have not embraced the gospel to experience the joy and freedom found in Jesus. If you have not yet embraced this invitation, what is holding you back, and how can you take a step towards accepting it? [57:27]
6. Consider the metaphor of Jesus as the bridegroom. How does this image influence your understanding of God's love for you, and how can it impact your daily walk with Christ? [41:03]
7. In what ways can you actively participate in your church's mission to make and grow mature disciples? Identify one specific action you can take this week to support this mission. [53:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Bringing Light to Dark Places
We are called to be God's hands and feet, bringing the light of His love into the darkest places, including prisons. This mission involves not just those who physically go but all of us through prayer and acts of love, like baking cookies, which open doors for gospel conversations. The mission to reach the lost is a profound calling that extends beyond physical presence. It is about embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways, such as through prayer and simple acts of kindness. These actions can open doors for meaningful conversations about the gospel, even in places as challenging as prisons. Jeremy and Jean's partnership with Kairos Ministries exemplifies this mission, as they work to plant churches and share the gospel within state prisons. However, this mission is not limited to them alone; it is a collective effort that involves the entire church community. By supporting this mission through prayer and acts of love, we participate in God's work of reaching the lost and bringing His light into the darkest places. [00:00]
Isaiah 42:6-7 (ESV): "I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness."
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of the light of Christ? How can you be a tangible expression of God's love to them today, perhaps through a simple act of kindness or a prayer?
Day 2: The Transformative Presence of Jesus
Jesus' presence transforms everything, bringing joy and celebration. He is the bridegroom, signifying a new covenant and a new way of relating to God, characterized by love, joy, and freedom, not legalistic adherence to rules. Jesus challenges the religious customs of his time, emphasizing that his presence brings a new way of relating to God. As the bridegroom, He brings joy and celebration, not mourning. This signifies a new covenant, where the relationship with God is not about legalistic adherence to rules but is characterized by love, joy, and freedom. Jesus' authority reshapes our understanding of God's purposes, inviting us to a life of joy and submission. His presence signifies a transformation that calls us to embrace a relationship with God that is rooted in love and joy, rather than in legalism. [30:28]
2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still holding onto legalistic practices? How can you invite Jesus to transform these areas into ones of joy and freedom?
Day 3: The Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus declares himself the Lord of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This challenges us to examine our hearts, ensuring our obedience is rooted in love and gratitude, not self-righteousness or legalism. The Sabbath controversy illustrates the transformation Jesus brings. By declaring Himself the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus emphasizes that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations, ensuring that our obedience to God is rooted in love and gratitude, not self-righteousness or legalism. Jesus' actions demonstrate that God's kingdom is about life and flourishing, not burdensome rules. This invites us to reflect on our own practices and motivations, ensuring that they align with the life-giving nature of God's kingdom. [36:07]
Colossians 2:16-17 (ESV): "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."
Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are more focused on rules than on relationship? How can you shift your focus to ensure your obedience is rooted in love and gratitude?
Day 4: Growing Deep in God's Word
As a church, we are called to grow deep in God's word, delight in Jesus, and live out our faith in love and service to others. Our mission is to make and grow mature disciples who are characterized by a deep love for God and a commitment to reaching the lost. Growing as disciples involves more than just gaining knowledge; it is about allowing that knowledge to transform our hearts and actions. As a church, we are called to grow deep in God's word, delight in Jesus, and live out our faith in love and service to others. This mission involves making and growing mature disciples who are characterized by a deep love for God and a commitment to reaching the lost. It is a call to live out our faith in tangible ways, allowing the knowledge of God's word to transform our hearts and actions. [53:29]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God's word this week? What steps can you take to ensure that this knowledge transforms your heart and actions?
Day 5: Embracing the New Covenant of Grace
For those who have not yet embraced the gospel, Jesus offers a new covenant of grace, inviting you to experience the joy and freedom found in him alone. The gospel is about what God has done through Jesus to save us, and embracing this grace transforms our hearts and lives. Jesus offers a new covenant of grace, inviting those who have not yet embraced the gospel to experience the joy and freedom found in Him alone. The gospel is not about our efforts but about what God has done through Jesus to save us. Embracing this grace transforms our hearts and lives, inviting us to live out this mission of love and truth. It is an invitation to experience the joy and freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus, allowing His grace to transform our hearts and lives. [57:27]
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: Have you fully embraced the grace that Jesus offers? What steps can you take today to experience the joy and freedom found in Him alone?
Quotes
"Good morning. Welcome to this gathering. You may be seated. Welcome to this gathering of Bayside Baptists. My name is John. We are glad you are with us this morning as God has made us alive with Christ and called us together in the faith and fellowship of the gospel and sends us on mission with that gospel to reach the lost. And this morning, you have an opportunity to be part of this mission as we reach the lost behind bars. That God has called us to be his hands and his feet to carry the light of his love into the darkest places." [00:11:02] (35 seconds)
"And right now, he's calling us to a powerful mission in our community, in our state. Two of our own from Bayside are partnering with Kairos Ministries, and they're bringing the gospel to our state prisons. They're going to plant churches and share the gospel in our state prisons. And so think about it. God, he loves breaking through walls. He's offering grace and hope where there seems to be none. And he's sending us into these places with the gospel. And we have this incredible opportunity to join in this mission." [00:11:02] (39 seconds)
"Now, we have two men who were actually going into the prison, but all of us can be part of the mission that we can all pray. And when you have opportunities to sign up for prayer, imagine the impact of constant, fervent prayer surrounding Jeremy and Jean during their entire time, the three days they're inside the prison. And so you can sign up for 30-minute segments to pray for Jeremy and Jean, and you can find out about that at the welcome desk." [00:11:02] (30 seconds)
"But you can also be a cookie baker that each team member must bring a hundred dozen, at least a hundred dozen cookies with them, homemade cookies as a sign of God's love. And so you, this morning, you can pick up your cookie dough at the welcome desk, go home, bake your cookies, and bring them back to the church between March 30th and April 1st. And in doing so, you can join this mission to engage these prisoners with cookies, opening up the door for gospel conversations." [00:11:02] (35 seconds)
"And so it's more than just baking cookies. It's more than just praying. It's about answering God's call to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to bring hope into this hopeless situation. And we can join together as a church family to be part of this mission. So I hope that you'll go by the welcome desk and pick up your cookies, at least most of you. Dickie, please don't try to bake cookies. But the rest of you, go by, pick up your cookies, bake them, bring them back between March 30th and April 1st." [00:13:24] (30 seconds)
"Mark reveals that Jesus' presence changes everything, transforms everything. He is the bridegroom, the Son of Man, the Lord of the Sabbath. And today we'll see how his authority reshapes our understanding of God's purposes and invites us to a life of joy and submission. Jesus' presence, his coming, changes everything." [00:31:40] (27 seconds)
"And so Jesus speaks truth. I'm the bridegroom. He declares, I'm here. This is a wedding feast, not a funeral. He's proclaiming this is a time for joy and celebration. The long-awaited promised king, the bridegroom, has arrived. It's a moment of unmatched joy, a feast, not a fast." [00:35:04] (26 seconds)
"Jesus reveals himself as the bridegroom. How's that changed my life? A metaphor of the bridegroom, when you put it back into the scriptures, when you go back and let the Old Testament shine its light on who Jesus is, this is one of the most prevalent images in the Old Testament to depict God's relationship with his people." [00:39:29] (25 seconds)
"So by referring to himself as the bridegroom, Jesus identifies himself as God, the covenant bridegroom of Israel who comes to complete the marriage. So Jesus reaffirms the appropriateness of the metaphor of God as a loving husband, that just as a husband delights in his bride on their wedding day, so God delights in, he adores his people. He loves us." [00:39:29] (30 seconds)
"See, since Jesus is the bridegroom, since Jesus is now present, fasting is not only inappropriate, it's out of place. It doesn't belong given the reality of Jesus's presence. With Christ's arrival, God's promise is fulfilled. It's a time to celebrate, not to fast. And so Jesus isn't criticizing the practice of fasting. He's saying that the kingdom, with the kingdom here, it's time to rejoice." [00:42:01] (29 seconds)
"Finally, for anyone who's not yet a Christian, do you see how God's word over and over, if you've been coming and listening to these sermons on Mark, or maybe this is the first one, just over and over we're seeing the inadequacy of our human attempts at human righteousness, the inadequacy of human religion." [00:55:50] (22 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?