Embracing Our Roles in God's Family Church
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the significance of the church as a family and the role each of us plays within it. We began by acknowledging the contributions of our volunteers and the importance of their service in various ministries. As we embark on a new ministry year, we prayed for God's guidance and blessings on our endeavors. The sermon emphasized the church not just as a building or an event but as a living, breathing family of God. This family is called to be unified, loving, and generous, reflecting the manifold wisdom of God to the world.
We explored the analogy of the church as a battleship, where every member has a role and purpose, contrasting it with a cruise ship where people are merely served. This analogy underscores the need for unity and collective effort, especially in challenging times. Despite the decline in church attendance, particularly among younger generations, there is a growing spiritual openness that the church must address by being a beacon of hope and truth.
The sermon also touched on the historical impact of the church, particularly in transforming societal norms and values. From the early church's stance against infanticide and slavery to its role in promoting equality and justice, the church has been a force for good. This historical perspective serves as a reminder of the church's potential to effect positive change in today's world.
We concluded by reiterating that the church is God's plan for fulfilling His mission on earth. Each of us is called to be an active participant in this mission, contributing to the church's unity, love, and purpose. As we move forward, let us embrace our roles within this family, support one another, and strive to be the church that God envisions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Church as a Family: The church is not just a building or an event but a family where we find belonging and purpose. This family is called to be unified, loving, and generous, reflecting God's wisdom to the world. Understanding the church as a family helps us see our roles and responsibilities more clearly and encourages us to support and uplift one another. [45:47]
2. Unity and Purpose: The analogy of the church as a battleship highlights the importance of unity and collective effort. Unlike a cruise ship where people are served, a battleship requires everyone to work together towards a common goal. This unity is crucial, especially in challenging times, and helps us fulfill our mission as the body of Christ. [34:45]
3. Historical Impact of the Church: The church has historically been a force for good, transforming societal norms and values. From standing against infanticide and slavery to promoting equality and justice, the church has made significant contributions to society. This historical perspective reminds us of the church's potential to effect positive change in today's world. [26:01]
4. The Church's Mission: The church is God's plan for fulfilling His mission on earth. Each of us is called to be an active participant in this mission, contributing to the church's unity, love, and purpose. By embracing our roles within this family, we can support one another and strive to be the church that God envisions. [54:00]
5. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness is a key characteristic of the family of God. We are called to forgive one another and reconcile our differences, reflecting the love and unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. This forgiveness extends beyond our immediate relationships and is crucial for maintaining the health and unity of the church. [01:04:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:39] - Acknowledging Volunteers
[28:34] - Churchwide Prayer
[30:56] - Reflecting on God's Work
[31:28] - Returning to Routine
[32:24] - Upcoming Worship Night
[33:22] - Fall Series: Be the Church
[34:02] - Battleship vs. Cruise Ship Analogy
[35:30] - Decline in Church Attendance
[36:07] - Moral Failings and Distrust
[37:28] - Benefits of Church Attendance
[39:06] - Personal Testimony
[42:26] - Ephesians 3:10 Theme Verse
[45:47] - Church as a Family
[54:00] - Jesus' Plan for the Church
[01:04:06] - Forgiveness and Reconciliation
[01:27:54] - Prayer for the Church
[01:35:09] - Closing Prayer and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:10 - "So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places."
2. Ephesians 1:4-5 - "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
3. Romans 8:15-17 - "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 3:10 say about the purpose of the church? How is the church meant to display God's wisdom? [42:26]
2. According to Ephesians 1:4-5, what is the significance of being chosen and predestined by God? How does this relate to our identity as part of God's family? [50:09]
3. In Romans 8:15-17, what does it mean to receive the Spirit of adoption? How does this change our relationship with God and with each other? [51:48]
4. How did the sermon describe the church's role in society historically, particularly in terms of social justice and moral standards? [26:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the church as a family change the way we view our roles and responsibilities within it? [45:47]
2. What are the implications of the church being compared to a battleship rather than a cruise ship? How does this analogy affect our understanding of unity and purpose? [34:45]
3. How can the historical impact of the church inspire us to address current societal issues? What lessons can we learn from the early church's stance on issues like infanticide and slavery? [26:01]
4. What does it mean for the church to be God's plan for fulfilling His mission on earth? How should this influence our daily actions and commitments? [54:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church. Are you more of a participant on a battleship or a passenger on a cruise ship? What steps can you take to become more actively involved? [34:45]
2. Think about a time when you experienced the church as a family. How did that experience shape your understanding of belonging and purpose within the church? [45:47]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within the church. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with? How can you take the first step this week? [01:04:06]
4. How can you contribute to the church's mission of being a beacon of hope and truth in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this month. [54:00]
5. The sermon mentioned the decline in church attendance but also noted a growing spiritual openness among younger generations. How can you engage with younger people in your community to address their spiritual needs? [35:30]
6. Reflect on the historical impact of the church in promoting equality and justice. How can you be a part of continuing this legacy in today's world? [26:01]
7. What practical steps can you take to support and uplift your church family, especially during challenging times? How can you show love and generosity to those around you? [45:47]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Family
The church is not just a building or an event but a family where we find belonging and purpose. This family is called to be unified, loving, and generous, reflecting God's wisdom to the world. Understanding the church as a family helps us see our roles and responsibilities more clearly and encourages us to support and uplift one another. [45:47]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Reflection: Think about your role within the church family. How can you actively contribute to the unity, love, and generosity of your church community this week?
Day 2: Unity and Purpose
The analogy of the church as a battleship highlights the importance of unity and collective effort. Unlike a cruise ship where people are served, a battleship requires everyone to work together towards a common goal. This unity is crucial, especially in challenging times, and helps us fulfill our mission as the body of Christ. [34:45]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from the church. What steps can you take to foster unity and collective effort within your church community?
Day 3: Historical Impact of the Church
The church has historically been a force for good, transforming societal norms and values. From standing against infanticide and slavery to promoting equality and justice, the church has made significant contributions to society. This historical perspective reminds us of the church's potential to effect positive change in today's world. [26:01]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Consider a social issue that you are passionate about. How can you, as part of the church, contribute to positive change in this area?
Day 4: The Church's Mission
The church is God's plan for fulfilling His mission on earth. Each of us is called to be an active participant in this mission, contributing to the church's unity, love, and purpose. By embracing our roles within this family, we can support one another and strive to be the church that God envisions. [54:00]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Identify one specific way you can actively participate in the church's mission this week. How can you support and encourage others in their roles as well?
Day 5: Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Forgiveness is a key characteristic of the family of God. We are called to forgive one another and reconcile our differences, reflecting the love and unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. This forgiveness extends beyond our immediate relationships and is crucial for maintaining the health and unity of the church. [01:04:06]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Quotes
1. "I want to thank our volunteers, those servants who have said yes, that are giving of their time and efforts and energy, and I know many of you are also giving financially and giving of your prayers, and I'm eternally grateful for that as well. So you'll see the rest on there. Our kids' churches are kicking off. Small groups are kicking off. School has started again. We have lots to pray for. Amen?" [25:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You are alive and well. And Lord, you are continuing to work your purposes on the earth, but also in and through your people here at Southland. And Lord, we thank you that you have never given up on us. We thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness. We thank you for the way that you speak to us. We thank you for the way you have led and the way you continue to guide us and move us forward through the culture." [28:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Lead us to a deeper relationship with you. Lead us to love you more. Lead us to love each other more. Make us a church that is known for being unoffendable, unconditional, and extraordinary. A church that is extravagant in love and generosity. A church that is known for bringing you glory. In Jesus' name, amen." [29:04] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It's amazing when you look back and when you look at all the things that God has done, right? I like to do that often in my own life. Especially when you're stuck. You feel stuck with where you are, and then you look back at what God has done, and you're like, okay, Lord, if you could bring me this far, surely you can bring me the next step ahead, right? And I think that's true for all of us, and it's certainly true for us as a church." [30:56] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We live in a day, though, when I say church, we live in a day when church attendance is losing attendance. It's popularity. I think it's down by 40% over the last 40 years, I think is what I saw just the other day. So down 40%. So I think it was down to 23% in the U.S. What's interesting about that, though, is church attendance going down, yet amongst Gen Z and Gen Alpha, they're reporting to be one of the more spiritual generations of people that are being raised up." [35:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "But, it's easy to look at sometimes the headlines and forget there are literally thousands of stories of success and of Christians doing good in their neighborhoods, in their communities, in their regions, and the church flourishing. And, in fact, I read an article just yesterday. T.M. Luherman. I don't know how to say her name. She's a female. Anyways, she's from the New York Times, and this is what she writes. One of the most striking, scientific discoveries about religion in recent years is that going to church weekly is good for you." [36:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Church is God's family. We are God's family. So I want you to just kind of play this out. Like in the early church, they didn't refer to church as an event. What they referred to as church, the called-out assembly, when they would meet like this, which they did in large and small gatherings, they did both. But when they did, they were referred to as the gatherings of the church. So if you think of church, the people of God as a family, another way that you could talk about our gatherings is a gathering of God's family or a family gathering." [46:26] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Families are like that. They can be the source of greatest joy and also your source of greatest pain. But I think we have to redeem the idea of church as a family if we're going to even move forward on life on mission. When you're going out and you're making disciples, what are you inviting them into? You're inviting them into a relationship with Jesus. Absolutely, yes. Who is the head of our household, our... Help me out. What's the word? Family. When people come in here, they're supposed to experience God's family. It's his family that he's trying to grow." [49:00] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Church is where we are today. We are supposed to receive healing. We serve each other. We discover our purpose. We share our possessions and our money with each other. I mean, think about it. Do you ever notice that like, well, maybe it's not like this in your home. Class systems don't really exist inside of a home. Like whatever your financial level is, kind of everyone shares the wealth. We all live together, right? The wealth is shared. You know that model is what the early church did? No one had need because they all shared together. They lived like a family in a household." [01:09:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Church is critical for the success of the mission. In fact, you're not going to actually be successful, I would say, in almost any sense at the Great Command and Great Commission if we fail at being the family of God and if we fail at the church level. When Jesus is on the earth, in Colossians 2, verse 9, he said, for Christ, or Paul said this, for Christ, all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form. So Jesus was the fullness of God revealed to us." [01:17:46] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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