Embracing Our Roles in God's Family
Summary
### Summary
Today marks the beginning of our new series, "Move In Ready," where we explore how to transition from where we are to where God wants us to be. This journey is not just for our church family but also for each of us individually. As we prepare for our grand re-opening on September 22nd, we are reminded that every member of God's family has a role to play. Just as in a household where everyone has chores, in God's family, everyone has a responsibility. This isn't just about attending church; it's about being an active participant in the family of God.
Paul's words in Ephesians 2:19 remind us that we are citizens and members of God's family, and together we make up God's house. The critical question we must ask ourselves is, "What is my role?" The church is a family where everyone contributes, from those helping with children's ministries to those welcoming newcomers. This collective effort is what makes the church a vibrant and effective body.
Serving in the church brings unexpected blessings. It brings joy, improves relationships, gives life meaning, helps us grow, and leaves a legacy. Joy is found not in seeking it but in serving others. Relationships are strengthened when we serve together. Life gains purpose when we invest in God's work. Personal and professional growth happens as we develop new skills through service. Finally, serving leaves a lasting impact, a legacy that outlives us.
We are called to be workers together with God, not just spectators. The grace we receive from God should not be in vain; it should propel us into action. Serving is not just about filling a need; it's about fulfilling our calling. As we prepare for our grand re-opening, let's commit to being active members of God's family, ready to serve and make a difference.
### Key Takeaways
1. Every Member Has a Role: In God's family, everyone has a role to play. Just as in a household where each member has chores, in the church, every member has a responsibility. This collective effort is what makes the church a vibrant and effective body. [04:26]
2. Serving Brings Joy: Joy is not found in seeking it but in serving others. When we take the focus off ourselves and help meet the needs of others, God fills us with joy. This counterintuitive principle is a divine truth that transforms our lives. [23:39]
3. Improves Relationships: Serving in the church puts us in contact with the right relationships. The more unselfish we become, the better our relationships grow. This principle is rooted in the example of Jesus, who taught us to think of others as better than ourselves. [25:21]
4. Gives Life Meaning: Life gains purpose when we invest in God's work. Serving in the church is never a waste; it has eternal value. This investment in God's kingdom brings a sense of fulfillment and meaning that transcends our everyday lives. [32:20]
5. Leaves a Legacy: Serving leaves a lasting impact, a legacy that outlives us. What we do for God's family will be remembered and cherished. This legacy is not just about our natural family but also about our spiritual family, the church. [35:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - Grand Opening Announcement
[02:56] - Getting Move In Ready
[04:26] - Everyone Has a Role
[05:54] - Prayer for Guidance
[07:30] - What is Your Role?
[08:57] - Various Ministries in the Church
[10:03] - Serving in Different Capacities
[12:25] - Business and Special Needs Ministries
[14:14] - Personal Testimonies
[15:46] - Working Together with God
[17:12] - Spiritual Examination
[19:15] - The Importance of Action
[21:55] - The Surprising Gift of Serving
[23:39] - Serving Brings Joy
[25:21] - Improves Relationships
[27:04] - The Principle of Blessing
[28:41] - Testimonies of Service
[30:34] - Making Life Meaningful
[32:20] - Eternal Value of Service
[33:55] - Personal and Professional Growth
[35:43] - Leaving a Legacy
[37:23] - The Example of Dean Corson Sr.
[39:11] - Call to Action
[40:50] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)
> "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
2. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV)
> "As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain."
3. Philippians 2:17 (NIV)
> "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:19, what are we considered in God's family? How does this relate to the idea of everyone having a role in the church? [05:54]
2. In 2 Corinthians 6:1, Paul urges believers not to receive God's grace in vain. What does this imply about our responsibilities as members of God's family? [15:46]
3. Philippians 2:17 speaks about Paul's life being poured out as an offering. How does this reflect the concept of serving others in the church? [23:39]
4. What are some specific roles mentioned in the sermon that members of the church can take on to serve others? [08:57]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are "members of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19) change the way we view our participation in church activities? [05:54]
2. What might it look like to "not receive God's grace in vain" in the context of serving in the church? How can we ensure we are fulfilling our calling? [15:46]
3. Paul describes his life as being "poured out" in Philippians 2:17. How can this imagery help us understand the sacrifices involved in serving others? [23:39]
4. The sermon mentions that serving brings joy and improves relationships. How do these benefits align with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles? [25:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church. What specific role can you take on to contribute to the family of God? [07:30]
2. Serving is said to bring joy. Can you recall a time when serving others brought you unexpected joy? How can you seek out more opportunities to serve? [23:39]
3. The sermon highlights that serving improves relationships. How can you use your service in the church to build stronger connections with others? [25:21]
4. Life gains meaning when we invest in God's work. What steps can you take this week to invest more of your time and talents in the church? [32:20]
5. Serving leaves a legacy. What kind of legacy do you want to leave in your church community? How can you start building that legacy today? [35:43]
6. The sermon encourages us to be active participants rather than spectators. What are some practical ways you can move from being a spectator to an active participant in your church? [19:15]
7. Think about the various ministries mentioned in the sermon. Which one resonates with you the most, and how can you get involved? [08:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Every Member Has a Role
In God's family, everyone has a role to play. Just as in a household where each member has chores, in the church, every member has a responsibility. This collective effort is what makes the church a vibrant and effective body. Each person’s unique gifts and talents contribute to the overall mission and health of the church. When everyone participates, the church becomes a dynamic and thriving community that reflects the love and grace of God.
Paul's words in Ephesians 2:19 remind us that we are citizens and members of God's family, and together we make up God's house. The critical question we must ask ourselves is, "What is my role?" The church is a family where everyone contributes, from those helping with children's ministries to those welcoming newcomers. This collective effort is what makes the church a vibrant and effective body. [04:26]
Ephesians 2:19-20 (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."
Reflection: What specific role or responsibility can you take on in your church community to contribute to its mission and health?
Day 2: Serving Brings Joy
Joy is not found in seeking it but in serving others. When we take the focus off ourselves and help meet the needs of others, God fills us with joy. This counterintuitive principle is a divine truth that transforms our lives. Serving others allows us to experience the joy that comes from being a blessing to others and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives.
Serving in the church brings unexpected blessings. It brings joy, improves relationships, gives life meaning, helps us grow, and leaves a legacy. Joy is found not in seeking it but in serving others. Relationships are strengthened when we serve together. Life gains purpose when we invest in God's work. Personal and professional growth happens as we develop new skills through service. Finally, serving leaves a lasting impact, a legacy that outlives us. [23:39]
Acts 20:35 (ESV): "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to serve someone. How did it impact your sense of joy and fulfillment?
Day 3: Improves Relationships
Serving in the church puts us in contact with the right relationships. The more unselfish we become, the better our relationships grow. This principle is rooted in the example of Jesus, who taught us to think of others as better than ourselves. When we serve together, we build strong, meaningful connections with others who share our faith and values.
Serving in the church brings unexpected blessings. It brings joy, improves relationships, gives life meaning, helps us grow, and leaves a legacy. Joy is found not in seeking it but in serving others. Relationships are strengthened when we serve together. Life gains purpose when we invest in God's work. Personal and professional growth happens as we develop new skills through service. Finally, serving leaves a lasting impact, a legacy that outlives us. [25:21]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: How can you intentionally serve someone in your church this week to strengthen your relationship with them?
Day 4: Gives Life Meaning
Life gains purpose when we invest in God's work. Serving in the church is never a waste; it has eternal value. This investment in God's kingdom brings a sense of fulfillment and meaning that transcends our everyday lives. When we serve, we align our lives with God's greater purpose and experience the deep satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others.
Serving in the church brings unexpected blessings. It brings joy, improves relationships, gives life meaning, helps us grow, and leaves a legacy. Joy is found not in seeking it but in serving others. Relationships are strengthened when we serve together. Life gains purpose when we invest in God's work. Personal and professional growth happens as we develop new skills through service. Finally, serving leaves a lasting impact, a legacy that outlives us. [32:20]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: What specific area of service in your church can you commit to that will give your life greater meaning and purpose?
Day 5: Leaves a Legacy
Serving leaves a lasting impact, a legacy that outlives us. What we do for God's family will be remembered and cherished. This legacy is not just about our natural family but also about our spiritual family, the church. When we serve, we contribute to something greater than ourselves and leave a positive mark on the world that will be felt for generations to come.
Serving in the church brings unexpected blessings. It brings joy, improves relationships, gives life meaning, helps us grow, and leaves a legacy. Joy is found not in seeking it but in serving others. Relationships are strengthened when we serve together. Life gains purpose when we invest in God's work. Personal and professional growth happens as we develop new skills through service. Finally, serving leaves a lasting impact, a legacy that outlives us. [35:43]
Hebrews 6:10 (ESV): "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Reflection: What kind of legacy do you want to leave through your service in the church, and what steps can you take today to start building that legacy?
Quotes
1. "We're talking about how can we get ready to move from where we are to where God wants us to be. Are you here? Not just as a church family, but over the next four weeks, we're going to be talking about how can you personally get ready. Come on, say get ready. Tap somebody, say get ready, get ready, get ready. Tap the other person you didn't choose, say get ready, get ready, get ready, get ready." [00:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. A lot of churches, um, uh, never expand or, or get to actually build or, or grow and move forward. And here we are, and we're getting ready to cut a ribbon and invite the entire, say once in a lifetime. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity just to invite everybody to come and see, um, what the Lord is doing and come and see this, this place that was built in design, not simply for us, but for those who are not yet members yet." [02:00] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The church is a family and every member, come on, say every member, every member of God's family has a role to play. Now, uh, for those who are new with us, you often hear me say, you can disagree with me, but I want to reason with you least have reasons for don't engage your mind. You have your note sheet there. Holy spirit. In fact, we just pause right now, Lord, this is your house. Holy spirit. I pray that you'd come and speak to us." [05:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The critical question becomes if we're truly apart, if we're, we're members of the family of God. And here, here's the critical question. Come on, say move in ready. How do we get move in ready? Where, what is your role? Paul said, if you're in Christ, you're a member of God's family. Natural question is what's your role? What, what part are you playing? Where do you help and serve others in the family of God?" [07:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Serving the Lord will bring, not if, it will bring joy into your life. Joy, joy. Come on, say joy. Some of us, you're just depressed and down and woe is me. The world's upside down. Did you hear about the elections? All the stuff, all the stuff, all the heavy stuff. This is the end. You know, this is joy. Come on, say joy. Joy. Here's the crazy thing is this is so counterintuitive. That joy is not found in searching for joy, trying to get joy or get happiness. It's not found in, in meeting my own needs." [23:39] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The more unselfish we become, the better our relationships become. It's very difficult. have a bad relationship with someone who knows how to serve. Oh my goodness. That would help a marriage right there if we just stopped. But look at what Philippians 2 says. We're going to copy Jesus here. Don't be selfish. Come on. Let's just say that again. Come on. Come on. Let's not just be all about just you and your family and your job. Don't be selfish. Don't try to impress others. Be humble. Think of others as... There's no way. There's no way you said that. Think of others as better than yourself." [25:21] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The more we serve and bless others, the more we ourselves are blessed. I wish I could change that for you. Did you hear it? I want to be blessed. The more we bless and serve others. It's a principle. Look at Proverbs 11, 25. The one who blesses others is abundantly depleted and has no energy and just walks around, woe is me. I see these people, Pastor Charlie. I don't want to be like them. No, the one who blesses others is what? Is abundantly blessed." [27:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You can retire, but you never retire from your calling. You can lose your job, but you never lose your calling. You're your ministry. I'll never lose my ministry. Lord, what's my ministry, my role, my contribution, my part. Are you here in the family of God? If I'm a true member, a true member of, oh goodness of his family. Um, how do we do all this? How does all, how do all these miracles, modern day miracles, people getting blessed, families blessed, all this happened." [14:14] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I believe that God wants to add something to give you something. And I said surprising in your notes, because you might not have thought this before. You're going to think you're giving a gift. Really, you're getting a gift from God, a gift that you, some of us have been desperately needing. Some of us stopped and the Holy Spirit's touching on your heart and saying, hey, I got something for you, but it's going to come through a means that you're not expecting." [22:00] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We are the churches is people it's people together working together with God. So back to that question, how is all this happening? This is a, this is a big family. This is a big operation. There's, there's so many people from the lounge abuse, women's shelters, the people, kids in tents, all this stuff. How does all of that happen? Well, it happens when everyone, come on, everyone is working together with God. Come on, circle everyone in your notes. Everyone, everyone, come on. Tell your neighbor, say that's you. That's you. That's not me. And you're not talking about me. That's you. That's you. It's you. Everyone working together with God." [15:46] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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