Embracing the Church as a Dynamic Movement
Summary
Today, we celebrate Epiphany, a time of light and awakening, where we recognize the Holy Spirit's enlightening presence. This season calls us to diminish ourselves and allow more of Him to shine through us. As we embark on a new series through the book of Acts, we are reminded of the church's original purpose: a movement centered around the truth of Jesus Christ, not merely an institution or a place for religious services. The early church was a gathering of people called out by the Holy Spirit to live out the truth of Jesus' resurrection and lordship.
Over time, the church's identity shifted from being a movement to an institution, but reformers like William Tyndale sought to restore its original purpose. Tyndale translated "ekklesia" as "congregation," emphasizing the church as an assembly of believers, not a building or institution. This movement is about being part of God's mission, not just attending services. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are part of this movement or merely attending an institution.
In Acts 1:6-11, Jesus commissions His disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, a task that began with a small group of ordinary people and has grown into a global movement. The apostles were captivated by the message of Jesus, understanding it as the greatest act of grace and the only hope for salvation. This message compelled them to give their lives for its spread, despite persecution and suffering.
Movements require two key elements: a deep belief in the message and a yielding to the Holy Spirit's leadership. The apostles were filled with the Spirit, empowering them to testify boldly. We, too, are called to be witnesses, filled with the Spirit to proclaim God's word. This requires overcoming excuses and embracing the urgency of the message. The church is not a static institution but a dynamic movement, and we are called to be active participants, moving with the Spirit and sharing the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
1. Epiphany and Enlightenment: Epiphany is a time to recognize the Holy Spirit's enlightening presence, calling us to decrease so that He may increase in us. This season invites us to confess our tendency to choose darkness and embrace the light of Christ, who has conquered darkness and offers forgiveness and new life. [11:23]
2. Church as a Movement: The early church was a movement centered on the truth of Jesus' resurrection and lordship, not an institution or place for religious services. We must ask ourselves if we are part of this movement or merely attending an institution, as the church is meant to be a dynamic assembly of believers called out by the Holy Spirit. [13:46]
3. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to testify boldly about Jesus. We, too, are called to be witnesses, filled with the Spirit to proclaim God's word. This requires overcoming excuses and embracing the urgency of the message, as the Spirit empowers us to testify. [35:06]
4. Overcoming Excuses: We often make excuses for not sharing the gospel, such as feeling inadequate or too busy. However, the Holy Spirit equips us to speak God's word, and we must prioritize gospel intentionality in our daily lives, recognizing the divine appointments around us. [37:16]
5. Movement and Mission: The church is not a static institution but a dynamic movement, and we are called to be active participants, moving with the Spirit and sharing the gospel. This involves being part of a multiplying movement, making disciples, and living with intentionality to spread the message of Jesus. [45:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:23] - Confession and Light
[12:43] - Introduction to Acts Series
[13:46] - Church as a Movement
[14:38] - Ekklesia vs. Kirche
[16:03] - William Tyndale's Legacy
[17:17] - Movement or Institution?
[18:21] - Jesus' Commission
[19:11] - Witnesses to the World
[20:16] - The Growth of Christianity
[21:14] - The Message of Jesus
[22:26] - The Apostles' Belief
[23:04] - The Only Way to Salvation
[24:04] - The Apostles' Commitment
[25:12] - The Power of Jesus
[26:11] - Timothy and Myrna's Faith
[27:17] - Suffering for the Gospel
[28:25] - The Cost of Belief
[29:25] - Are You Moving with the Message?
[30:37] - Captured by the Message
[31:31] - Yielding to the Spirit
[32:46] - Continuation of Jesus' Work
[33:22] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
[34:02] - The Movement Continues
[35:06] - Empowered to Testify
[36:06] - Examples of Spirit-Filled Proclamation
[37:16] - Overcoming Excuses
[38:45] - The Gift of Witnessing
[39:12] - The Necessity of Proclamation
[40:00] - Gospel Intentionality
[41:18] - The Importance of the Message
[42:10] - The Urgency of Evangelism
[43:36] - Belief and Apathy
[44:33] - The Call to Move
[45:22] - Multiplying Movement
[46:05] - Discipleship and Growth
[47:07] - The Church as a Ship
[48:11] - The Church as an Aircraft Carrier
[49:04] - Mobilizing for Mission
[50:04] - Engaging in the Movement
[51:00] - Belonging and Becoming
[52:10] - Pathways to Growth
[54:07] - Urgency of the Message
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 1:6-11
- Acts 4:12
- Matthew 28:19-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 1:6-11, what specific task does Jesus give to His disciples before His ascension? How does this task relate to the concept of being witnesses? [19:11]
2. How did William Tyndale's translation of "ekklesia" as "congregation" challenge the existing church structure, and what was the significance of this translation? [16:03]
3. What are the two key elements that the sermon identifies as necessary for a movement to occur, according to the early church's example? [21:14]
4. How does the sermon describe the shift from the church as a movement to an institution, and what historical factors contributed to this change? [14:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for the church to be a movement rather than an institution, and how does this understanding affect the way believers engage with their faith community? [17:17]
2. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit enable believers to overcome excuses and embrace the urgency of the gospel message? [35:06]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can yield themselves to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and what impact does this have on their witness? [32:46]
4. How does the story of Timothy and Myrna illustrate the cost of belief and the commitment required to be part of a movement? [27:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in your church. Do you see yourself as part of a movement or merely attending an institution? What steps can you take to become more actively engaged in the mission of the church? [17:17]
2. Consider the excuses you might have for not sharing the gospel. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome these excuses and prioritize gospel intentionality in your daily life? [37:16]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you can yield more to the Holy Spirit's leadership. What practical changes can you make to allow the Spirit to guide your actions and decisions? [32:46]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being witnesses to the ends of the earth. How can you start by being a witness in your immediate community, and what specific actions can you take this week? [19:11]
5. Reflect on the urgency of the gospel message. How can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your own life and in your interactions with others? What might be holding you back from fully embracing this urgency? [54:07]
6. The sermon challenges believers to be part of a multiplying movement. Who is one person you can disciple or mentor in their faith journey, and how can you begin this relationship? [45:22]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of confession and embracing the light of Christ into your daily routine, especially during this season of Epiphany? What specific habits or practices can help you decrease so that He may increase in you? [11:23]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embracing the Light of Epiphany
Epiphany is a season of light and awakening, inviting believers to recognize the Holy Spirit's enlightening presence in their lives. This time calls for a personal transformation, where individuals are encouraged to decrease their own desires and allow more of God's light to shine through them. It is a period to confess the tendency to choose darkness and embrace the light of Christ, who has conquered darkness and offers forgiveness and new life. This transformative journey is not just about personal enlightenment but also about becoming a beacon of light to others, reflecting the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. [11:23]
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Reflection: What areas of your life are still in darkness, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate them today?
Day 2: Rediscovering the Church as a Movement
The early church was not merely an institution or a place for religious services; it was a dynamic movement centered on the truth of Jesus' resurrection and lordship. This movement was a gathering of believers called out by the Holy Spirit to live out the truth of Jesus' message. Over time, the church's identity shifted towards being an institution, but reformers like William Tyndale emphasized the church as an assembly of believers. Today, believers are challenged to reflect on whether they are part of this movement or merely attending an institution. The church is meant to be a living, breathing community of faith, actively participating in God's mission. [13:46]
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the church as a movement rather than just attending services?
Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowered them to testify boldly about Jesus. This empowerment is not limited to the apostles; all believers are called to be witnesses, filled with the Spirit to proclaim God's word. This calling requires overcoming excuses and embracing the urgency of the message. The Holy Spirit equips believers to speak God's word with boldness and clarity, enabling them to fulfill their mission. The church is not a static institution but a dynamic movement, and believers are called to be active participants, moving with the Spirit and sharing the gospel. [35:06]
Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: What excuses have you made for not sharing the gospel, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome them today?
Day 4: Overcoming Excuses to Share the Gospel
Many believers find themselves making excuses for not sharing the gospel, such as feeling inadequate or too busy. However, the Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers to speak God's word, and it is essential to prioritize gospel intentionality in daily life. Recognizing divine appointments and opportunities to share the message of Jesus is crucial. This involves being attentive to the Spirit's leading and being willing to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the words and the courage needed to share the gospel effectively. [37:16]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you intentionally create an opportunity to share it with them this week?
Day 5: Joining the Movement and Mission
The church is called to be a dynamic movement, actively participating in God's mission to spread the gospel. This involves being part of a multiplying movement, making disciples, and living with intentionality to spread the message of Jesus. Believers are encouraged to move with the Spirit, engaging in the mission of God and sharing the gospel with urgency and passion. The church is not a static institution but a living, breathing community of faith, called to be a light in the world and to make a difference in the lives of others. [45:22]
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: What steps can you take to become an active participant in the church's mission, and how can you contribute to the multiplication of disciples in your community?
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Quotes
And the good news is the light has come. And the light has conquered the darkness. And the light has risen from the dead. And the light comes to you. The Holy Spirit brings the work of Jesus. And cleanses your heart by the announcement of this. That all your sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. And the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And all God's people say, Amen. You may be seated. [00:12:11] (26 seconds)
For the first century, A, in your notes, is this, that the church at its inception was a movement built around a truth, built around this truth of a conviction, the truth that gave conviction that Jesus had died as the only Savior for sinners. He had risen from the dead, proven he was who he said he was, and that he was the rightful Lord of all the earth and universe, and people everywhere are now to repent, turn to him, and invite to come home to him. [00:13:29] (34 seconds)
William Tyndale came to the conviction that Christianity was a movement, and it was to be a movement among all the people, not to have people in control and lording over the church. And so he wanted to, in order to do that, he wanted to that to happen, wanted to bring the true message of Jesus Christ into the language of the people, which was English. [00:16:03] (22 seconds)
Again, Jesus had already resurrected from the dead, and he's speaking to his disciples. And so when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel? In other words, Jesus, what is your next move? What are we going to do next? And he said to them, it's not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority, but you receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you. [00:18:21] (26 seconds)
They were captured by the message of Jesus. Jesus was not just another prophet, another person. With a religious message, he was God himself. And he was on a rescue operation to save us, to save the world. And what was our response to that? Well, we crucified him. Because we are rebellious traitors who would rather run for our own lives than submit to the authority of God, our creator. [00:20:38] (30 seconds)
And they would take this message over the world. They also, they believed that this message was so important that they were going to give their whole life to. Because they had seen Jesus, who is God, Himself. Himself give His whole life for them. And there's no other response but to give your whole life of a God whose glory deserved them to spend among all people of the earth, to be shared among all people of the earth. [00:24:04] (38 seconds)
The Holy Spirit does a lot of things in Luke and Acts, but the main thing he does is he fills people with the Holy Spirit. And when he fills your heart with the Holy Spirit, that you are convinced of the truth of Jesus Christ, that you are, God is reigning in your heart. It is full with his mercy, goodness, his promises, his security. Then what happens is the Holy Spirit follows. The words of God are here in your mouth for others. [00:35:06] (30 seconds)
And so it's not about, hey, I'm busy. It's about, man, do I have a gospel intentionality in my life? Am I intentionally living out the gospel of my life every day? Living on that mission, realizing that I want to be led by the Holy Spirit in my life, not just so I have a good life and make good decisions good for me. But I want to be led by the Holy Spirit so I can bring them. That's the true message to other people that God has put in my life. [00:41:18] (24 seconds)
The church is an aircraft carrier, but it's a mobilized community that's in mission. That is all together to support that mission and is launching people into the mission. That they launch everywhere. That they can take it from here and abroad and take over the mission wherever they go. God has planted us in Santa Rosa Beach. This is our peninsula. And we should be sitting here as this hub of ministry. We should be launching out all over Santa Rosa Beach and beyond. [00:49:04] (34 seconds)
So to put it simply, church is a movement. Movements move. If you're not moving, then it really raises the question, do we really have belief in the message? Complacing a Christian life always points to being out of touch to the urgency of the message. [00:54:07] (15 seconds)
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