Embracing Traditions: Remember, Experience, Participate in Faith

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the significance of traditions, particularly during the Easter season, and how they can serve as powerful reminders of Christ's sacrifice and love. Traditions, whether they are cultural, familial, or spiritual, act as signposts that guide us back to the core of our faith. They remind us of God's past actions, invite us to experience His presence in our lives, and encourage us to participate actively in His kingdom.

We began by examining the tradition of Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. This tradition is rich with symbolism that points to Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, whose blood was shed for our salvation. The act of remembering these stories is not just about recalling historical events but about recognizing God's faithfulness and strength throughout history.

The acronym "REPS" was introduced to help us remember the process of spiritual growth: Remember, Experience, Participate. Remembering God's past deeds gives us confidence in the present and hope for the future. It strengthens our faith and reminds us of His unchanging nature. Experiencing God involves engaging in personal prayer, studying His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. This personal encounter with God transforms our faith from theoretical to vibrant and real.

Finally, participation in God's kingdom is the natural outcome of remembering and experiencing Him. It involves using our gifts to serve others, sharing our faith, and living out the love of Christ in our daily lives. As we approach Easter, we are encouraged to reflect on how we can actively participate in God's mission, using the traditions of the season to deepen our relationship with Him and to share His love with those around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Traditions as Signposts: Traditions serve as reminders of God's past actions and His faithfulness. They help us remember His strength and the sacrifices made for our salvation, such as the Passover lamb pointing to Jesus. By recalling these stories, we gain confidence in God's presence in our lives today. [06:52]

2. The Power of Remembrance: Remembering what God has done in the past strengthens our faith and gives us hope for the future. It reminds us of His unchanging nature and His promises. This remembrance is crucial for spiritual growth and helps us rely on God's strength rather than our own. [11:54]

3. Experiencing God Personally: Personal experiences with God deepen our faith and make it more vibrant. Engaging in prayer, studying the Bible, and being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance allows us to experience God's presence and understand His plan for our lives. [16:18]

4. Participation in God's Kingdom: Our faith compels us to participate in God's kingdom by using our gifts, serving others, and sharing our faith. This active participation is a response to experiencing God's love and is essential for living out our Christian mission. [19:25]

5. The Cycle of Growth: The process of remembering, experiencing, and participating is a continuous cycle that strengthens our faith. As we engage in these practices, we grow spiritually and become more effective in sharing God's love with others. [23:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:44] - Introduction and Announcements
- [01:46] - New Series Introduction
- [02:34] - Remembering Christ Through Traditions
- [04:04] - The Significance of Passover
- [06:52] - Passover and Jesus
- [08:16] - The Importance of Childhood Traditions
- [09:40] - The REPS Acronym
- [11:54] - The Power of Remembrance
- [14:08] - Experiencing God Personally
- [17:03] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [19:25] - Participation in God's Kingdom
- [23:59] - Personal Testimony and Baptism
- [26:54] - Encouragement to Remember, Experience, Participate
- [29:53] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 13:3 - "Moses said to the people, 'Remember this day when you came out of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, for the Lord brought you out of here by the strength of his hand.'"
2. Luke 22:19-20 - "And he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them and said, 'This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, he also took the cup after supper and said, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
3. Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the Passover tradition as described in the sermon, and how does it relate to Jesus? [06:52]
2. How does the acronym "REPS" help in understanding the process of spiritual growth according to the sermon? [09:40]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers experience God personally, as mentioned in the sermon? [18:33]
4. How does the tradition of communion serve as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice, according to the sermon? [13:24]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the tradition of Passover deepen a believer's understanding of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb? [06:52]
2. In what ways does remembering God's past actions provide confidence and hope for the future? [11:54]
3. How can personal experiences with God transform a believer's faith from theoretical to vibrant and real? [16:18]
4. What does active participation in God's kingdom look like, and why is it essential for living out the Christian mission? [19:25]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a tradition you observe during Easter. How does it help you remember Christ's sacrifice, and how might you deepen its significance this year? [02:34]
2. Consider a time when remembering God's past faithfulness gave you strength in a current situation. How can you cultivate this practice of remembrance in your daily life? [11:54]
3. Identify a personal experience with God that has significantly impacted your faith. How can you share this experience with others to encourage their faith journey? [16:18]
4. What gifts or talents do you have that can be used to serve others and participate in God's kingdom? How can you take a step to use them this week? [20:53]
5. Think of a person in your life who might benefit from hearing about God's love. How can you share your faith with them in a meaningful way this Easter season? [20:07]
6. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more open to His guidance and promptings in your daily decisions? [18:33]
7. As you approach Easter, what specific steps can you take to ensure that your traditions are not just rituals but meaningful practices that draw you closer to God? [26:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Traditions as Anchors of Faith
Traditions serve as powerful anchors that connect us to the core of our faith, reminding us of God's past actions and His unwavering faithfulness. They are not merely rituals but are imbued with deep spiritual significance, acting as signposts that guide us back to the essence of our beliefs. By recalling these stories, such as the Passover lamb pointing to Jesus, we gain confidence in God's presence in our lives today. These traditions help us remember the strength and sacrifices made for our salvation, reinforcing our trust in God's enduring love and commitment to us. [06:52]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one tradition in your life that has deep spiritual significance? How can you use it this week to remind yourself of God's faithfulness?


Day 2: The Power of Remembrance
Remembering what God has done in the past is a vital practice that strengthens our faith and gives us hope for the future. It is through remembrance that we are reminded of God's unchanging nature and His promises, which are crucial for our spiritual growth. By focusing on God's past deeds, we learn to rely on His strength rather than our own, gaining confidence in His ability to guide us through present challenges. This act of remembrance is not just a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that anchors us in God's truth and love. [11:54]

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can this memory encourage you in a current situation you are facing?


Day 3: Experiencing God Personally
Personal experiences with God are transformative, turning our faith from theoretical to vibrant and real. Engaging in personal prayer, studying the Bible, and being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance allows us to experience God's presence in profound ways. These personal encounters deepen our faith, helping us understand His plan for our lives and making our relationship with Him more intimate and meaningful. As we open ourselves to experiencing God, we invite His transformative power into our lives, allowing Him to shape us into His likeness. [16:18]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally seek to experience God's presence today? Consider setting aside time for prayer or Bible study to invite His guidance.


Day 4: Participation in God's Kingdom
Our faith naturally compels us to participate in God's kingdom by using our gifts, serving others, and sharing our faith. This active participation is a response to experiencing God's love and is essential for living out our Christian mission. As we engage in God's work, we become conduits of His love and grace, impacting the world around us. Participation in God's kingdom is not just about doing good deeds but about embodying the love of Christ in our daily lives, reflecting His character to those we encounter. [19:25]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one gift or talent you have. How can you use it this week to serve others and participate in God's kingdom?


Day 5: The Cycle of Growth
The process of remembering, experiencing, and participating is a continuous cycle that strengthens our faith. As we engage in these practices, we grow spiritually and become more effective in sharing God's love with others. This cycle of growth is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey that deepens our relationship with God and enhances our ability to live out our faith. By committing to this cycle, we allow God to continually shape and mold us, equipping us to fulfill His purposes in our lives and the world. [23:59]

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you incorporate the cycle of remembering, experiencing, and participating into your daily routine to foster growth?

Quotes

"Traditions, whether they are cultural, familial, or spiritual, act as signposts that guide us back to the core of our faith. They remind us of God's past actions, invite us to experience His presence in our lives, and encourage us to participate actively in His kingdom." [00:02:34]

"Passover is traditionally celebrated by the Jews to commemorate the liberation out of Egypt. If you've seen The Prince of Egypt, you'll know what I'm talking about. This is when God commissions Moses to free the Israelites from being slaves in Egypt. God tells Moses to go to the Pharaoh and tell him 'Let my people go.'" [00:04:04]

"God instructs the Israelites to celebrate this feast of Passover every year to remember what the Lord has done. I'm sure you can pick up on a correlation to Jesus in this story: the symbol of the blood of the unblemished lamb used as a sign to intercede and provide payment for the lives of those inside the house." [00:06:52]

"Remembering gives us the confidence of our present because we know who God is in the past and He will be there again. It strengthens our faith in God for our future. We can look back over all these stories in the Bible and remember who He is, and this is why traditions can be so useful for us." [00:14:08]

"Direct personal experience leads us to deeper and more impactful understanding. I can study the theory of gravity, for example, and think I know the repercussions of it, but it's only when I fall down and experience gravity that I remember its impact and I try very, very hard not to do it again." [00:16:18]

"Without experience, when we skip this step, we only have remembrance and theory, and this can lead to us becoming quite rigid and legalistic, living a rule-based faith rather than a faith that is rooted in the relationship with God. Having that personal encounter with God makes our faith more vibrant and real." [00:17:03]

"Once we experience God, we are compelled to participate in His kingdom. So, we've come out of a series recently that has been based on what God's kingdom looks like. We've had kingdom essentials, kingdom faith, kingdom giving, kingdom power, and kingdom discipleship." [00:19:25]

"Participating is action, so acting through loving one another. In 1 John 4:19, it says, 'We love because He first loved us.' Acting by using your gifts, finding out your gifts. 1 Peter 4:10: 'Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others as good stewards of the varied grace of God.'" [00:20:07]

"Going back to my story of Passover, I just want to share how this mere tradition became a real catalyst in my life and pushed me to participate and take action in my faith. When I rediscovered the festival again in my early 20s, I started to develop a hunger for the word of God." [00:21:59]

"The more I studied, the more I wanted to talk to people around me about what I was learning about God. The more I learned about Jesus and how He treats people, the more I want to reflect those qualities as well. It's this process of remembering and experiencing that increases the desire we have to participate more in His kingdom." [00:24:39]

"Perhaps that looks like taking a step in your faith and declaring it publicly, like it did for me. Maybe it's a challenge for you to step out and serve, to find your personal gifts and to use them. Maybe it's having that mindset of love, reaching out to that person that the Holy Spirit has placed on your heart." [00:25:54]

"Remember, experience, participate. Just like we need to exercise and build, you know, to grow our muscles, let's do those reps to grow and strengthen our faith as well. In this way, we can bring purpose and meaning to our traditions so that we can also leave that legacy for future generations." [00:27:54]

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Transcript
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