Embracing Renewal: A Call to Transformative Discipleship
Summary
In these challenging times, we find ourselves in a unique cultural and spiritual moment—a kairos moment—where God is shaking the foundations of our world. This shaking, akin to an earthquake, is evident in the global health crisis, racial injustices, economic upheavals, and environmental challenges. These disruptions are not just societal but deeply personal, calling us to listen intently for God's voice amidst the chaos. As we navigate this liminal space, we must discern the right voices, especially the voice of God, who is calling us to a deeper understanding and practice of our faith.
Reflecting on prophetic insights and conversations with leaders, it's clear that God is refining His church, sifting it to purify and prepare it for a new era. This involves a shift from traditional, platform-centric church models to more intimate, small gatherings that emphasize the priesthood of all believers. This is a call to re-culture and re-collaborate church life, moving from a focus on buildings and programs to empowering individuals in their everyday lives. The early church's model of gathering in homes and the temple serves as a blueprint for this transformation.
The invitation from God in this moment is to embrace a Jesus-shaped life, focusing on being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. This involves a radical reorientation of our discipleship practices, emphasizing authentic community and everyday ministry over Sunday-centric activities. As we shift our focus, we must equip and empower believers to live out their faith in their homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces, fostering a deep, transformational discipleship.
This season of disruption is also an opportunity for renewal and revival. As we contend for an awakening, we draw from various spiritual traditions, creating space for God to meet us in power, love, and mission. Renewal often follows periods of crisis and transition, and we are in such a moment. As we carry the brokenness and hope of 2020 into 2021, we pray for a church that reflects Jesus more vividly, unleashing His kingdom on earth.
Key Takeaways:
1. Listening for God's Voice: In times of crisis, it's crucial to discern God's voice amidst the noise. This requires intentional listening and recognizing the right voices that guide us towards His purposes. As Jesus said, "My sheep will know my voice" (John 10). [03:17]
2. The Priesthood of All Believers: The current shift in church culture emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, moving away from a select few to empowering everyone. This radical release of authority aligns with the early church's model and calls us to live out our faith daily. [06:53]
3. Embracing a Jesus-Shaped Life: Discipleship involves being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. This up-in-out rhythm is essential for spiritual formation and helps us live out our faith authentically in all areas of life. [14:51]
4. Renewal Through Crisis: Renewal often follows periods of crisis and transition. As we navigate this liminal space, we have the opportunity to experience spiritual renewal and revival, drawing from various spiritual traditions to encounter God afresh. [20:07]
5. A New Kind of Church and Leadership: The disruptions of 2020 invite us to envision a different kind of church and leadership that focuses on kingdom flourishing over mere survival. This involves shifting from programs to relationships and from physical gatherings to authentic community. [21:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - A Shaking and Awakening
[01:17] - Cultural and Personal Crisis
[02:22] - Global Earthquakes
[03:17] - Recognizing God's Voice
[05:58] - Prophetic Insights
[06:53] - Priesthood of All Believers
[08:07] - Invitation from God
[09:35] - Everyday Ministry
[10:40] - Empowering the Church
[12:45] - Shifting Focus
[14:13] - Jesus' Relational Priorities
[14:51] - Up-In-Out Discipleship
[16:27] - Renewal Principles
[20:07] - Crisis and Renewal
[21:31] - A New Kind of Church
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
2. 1 Peter 2:9 - "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."
3. Acts 2:17-18 - "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the global and personal crises mentioned in the sermon that signify a "kairos moment"? [02:22]
2. How does the sermon describe the shift in church culture towards the "priesthood of all believers"? [06:53]
3. What is the "up-in-out" rhythm of discipleship mentioned in the sermon, and how does it relate to Jesus' relational priorities? [14:51]
4. According to the sermon, what role does crisis play in spiritual renewal and revival? [20:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the concept of "listening for God's voice" during times of crisis be applied to personal decision-making and spiritual growth? [03:17]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early church's model of gathering can inform our current church practices? [09:35]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of the "priesthood of all believers" in the context of modern church leadership and community? [06:53]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between crisis and the potential for church renewal and revival? [20:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent crisis in your life. How did you discern God's voice amidst the chaos, and what steps can you take to improve your spiritual listening skills? [03:17]
2. How can you personally contribute to the shift towards a "priesthood of all believers" in your church community? What specific actions can you take to empower others? [06:53]
3. Consider your current discipleship practices. How can you incorporate the "up-in-out" rhythm into your daily life to become more like Jesus? [14:51]
4. In what ways can you create space in your life for spiritual renewal and revival, drawing from different spiritual traditions as mentioned in the sermon? [20:07]
5. How can you help your church transition from a focus on buildings and programs to fostering authentic community and relationships? [21:31]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to a deeper understanding and practice of your faith. What steps will you take to respond to this call? [08:07]
7. As we move into a new era, how can you actively participate in envisioning and building a different kind of church and leadership that reflects Jesus more vividly? [21:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Discerning God's Voice in Chaos
In times of crisis, it is essential to discern God's voice amidst the noise. The world is filled with distractions and competing voices, especially during challenging times. These moments require intentional listening and a deep commitment to recognizing the voice of God, who guides us towards His purposes. This discernment is not passive but an active pursuit of God's presence and wisdom. As Jesus said, "My sheep will know my voice" (John 10). This assurance invites believers to cultivate a relationship with God that is intimate and responsive, allowing His voice to lead them through the chaos. [03:17]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to hear God's voice more clearly today? How can you create space to listen for His guidance amidst the noise?
Day 2: Empowering the Priesthood of All Believers
The current shift in church culture emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, moving away from a select few to empowering everyone. This radical release of authority aligns with the early church's model and calls us to live out our faith daily. The church is being refined and prepared for a new era, where the focus is on intimate gatherings and the empowerment of individuals in their everyday lives. This transformation encourages believers to embrace their roles as priests, ministering in their homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces, reflecting the early church's model of gathering in homes and the temple. [06:53]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you step into your role as a priest in your community today? What practical steps can you take to minister to those around you?
Day 3: Living a Jesus-Shaped Life
Discipleship involves being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. This up-in-out rhythm is essential for spiritual formation and helps us live out our faith authentically in all areas of life. Embracing a Jesus-shaped life requires a radical reorientation of our discipleship practices, focusing on authentic community and everyday ministry over Sunday-centric activities. This shift invites believers to cultivate a deep relationship with Jesus, allowing His life and teachings to shape their actions and interactions with others. [14:51]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can model your life after Jesus today? How can you incorporate His teachings into your daily interactions?
Day 4: Renewal Through Crisis
Renewal often follows periods of crisis and transition. As we navigate this liminal space, we have the opportunity to experience spiritual renewal and revival, drawing from various spiritual traditions to encounter God afresh. This season of disruption is not just a challenge but an invitation to seek God with renewed fervor and openness. By embracing the brokenness and hope of the present moment, believers can position themselves to receive God's transformative power, leading to personal and communal revival. [20:07]
Habakkuk 3:2 (ESV): "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."
Reflection: How can you open yourself to God's renewal in this season of your life? What spiritual practices can you adopt to foster a deeper encounter with Him?
Day 5: Envisioning a New Kind of Church
The disruptions of 2020 invite us to envision a different kind of church and leadership that focuses on kingdom flourishing over mere survival. This involves shifting from programs to relationships and from physical gatherings to authentic community. The church is being called to re-culture and re-collaborate its life, moving from a focus on buildings and programs to empowering individuals in their everyday lives. This vision challenges believers to prioritize relationships and community, creating spaces where God's kingdom can flourish and His love can be tangibly experienced. [21:31]
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: What steps can you take to foster authentic community within your church or small group? How can you contribute to a church culture that prioritizes relationships over programs?
Quotes
"We are living in and through a cultural moment. It's a kairos moment, a crisis that is playing out at multiple levels globally, nationally in every city, town and village in our land. It's something that's impacting the church locally and nationally. And last but certainly not least, it's impacting us at a very personal level." [00:00:59]
"We need to listen especially carefully and learn to recognize the voice of God. It was Jesus himself as the good shepherd who said in John 10, my sheep will know my voice. And so as I've been reading and praying over these last few months, drawing from a number of sources, I'm beginning to feel convinced that God is speaking and I'm hearing his voice in this liminal space that we live in." [00:03:43]
"COVID -19 moment was just the first of these waves this is what they said sifting the church God is refining us sifting and heating the church to purify it this is about shaping good leaders who will care for God's people and an end to false religion and idolatry in our culture will we identify so much of our cultural norms as what they truly are idols things that replace and dull our dependence on God." [00:04:45]
"The church is becoming less platform -centric and less Sunday -centric. And as we go into the future, there are going to be more small gatherings than larger gatherings. And this will give us a context and an opportunity to grow and release more leaders. And then I've been reading and watching videos reading blogs, and I see a number of leaders encouraging us to step into this once -in -a -lifetime moment." [00:06:03]
"You know, it was the great dream of the Reformation that the church would be released to be who she was meant to be. Part of this releasing was the intention of the priesthood of the church to be who she was meant to be. We see it in Scripture when Peter paints this picture in his first letter in chapter 2, verse 9, where he says we are all a royal priesthood." [00:06:44]
"Here at HBC Chester, over the last seven years, we've completely reshaped our church around this phrase, living Jesus -shaped lives. It's put discipleship right at the heart of who we are and we express it like this. Be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did. And we've recognized that our discipleship needs to include a radical re -entering into the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus." [00:08:35]
"Another aspect of this invitation, highlighted by the events of these past 12 months of 2020, have been the need for churches to move their focus to everyday ministry and not just Sunday ministry. And I hope that as we gradually move into 2021 and we begin those in -person gatherings, but we also recognize the shift to online gatherings, that we as church leaders will recognize that our focus will have to shift more permanently from buildings to people's homes." [00:09:16]
"It's my hope that church leaders begin to see themselves more as equipers, as enablers, helping people bring their faith more deeply into their homes, into their neighbourhoods and workplaces. And when it comes to discipleship and mission, every day is more important than Sunday. As I reflect on our journey here at HBC Chester, what we focused on is how we can better raise up and release missional disciples." [00:13:10]
"So this up in out rhythm is a key discipleship tool. And when we engage in the process and practices of spiritual formation, they help us to become like Jesus. We need to be with Jesus, that up relationship. We seek to become and live like Jesus. That's our in relationship. And we do what Jesus did. That's our out." [00:14:51]
"Mark has a number of principles that challenge me to be hungry and hopeful for renewal. He says this, renewal follows periods of crisis change and transition. We are in this crisis. It has multiple changes. There's multiple expressions. There's significant acceleration of transition. As I said earlier, it's a liminal space. It's an off -balance creative moment. It's a descriptive and devastating moment." [00:20:07]
"And so I'm praying that out of this season, that a renewal and awakening will come. There will be an awakening of God's people by and through God's Spirit, so that we will establish God's kingdom, bringing healing, wholeness, and freedom to thousands of men, women, girls, and boys. So as we begin 2021, I recognize that we carry brokenness, and we carry sadness." [00:20:48]
"And my hope is that we will have a different kind of church and a different kind of leadership that will emerge out of this moment. A people of God who vividly reflect Jesus with faith for a church to be unleashed and to be the church that Jesus intended it to be. So as I close, let me ask these three questions. Why not here? Why not now? Why not us?" [00:21:31]
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