Embracing Truth and Community in Christ's Mission
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, and welcome to worship in the name of Jesus Christ. Today, we celebrate the life and milestones within our church family, from newborns to 90th birthdays, and the incredible service of Ken Harper, who has dedicated 50 years to ordained ministry. We are reminded of the joy and honor of being part of the body of Christ, sharing in each other's lives and extending the peace of our Lord to one another.
We then moved into a time of confession, acknowledging our failures and seeking God's forgiveness. The good news of the gospel assures us that through Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are made pure. This was illustrated with a visual demonstration of dirty water being filtered to become clean, symbolizing how God purifies us when we make righteous choices.
Today's sermon focused on the challenging question Jesus asked: "Do you think I have come to bring peace?" This question often leads to misunderstandings about Jesus' mission. While some interpret it as a call for radical change and division, the true essence is about standing up for truth and justice, even when it leads to conflict. Jesus came to bring justice, peace, and healing, not violence. His mission was to refine us, to filter out impurities, and to make us more like Him.
We are called to follow Jesus' example, which may bring division but ultimately leads to a better world. This involves making difficult choices, standing up for truth, and sometimes standing alone. The lies and counterfeits of the world can be subtle and dangerous, but we must remain vigilant and committed to the truth of the gospel.
In our prayers, we sought God's intervention in our divided world, asking for peace, justice, and healing for those suffering from violence, natural disasters, and other hardships. We also prayed for the strength to be counter-cultural, to speak truth, and to make a difference in our world.
As we concluded our worship, we were reminded to take our faith into the world, to stand up for what is right, and to make a difference, knowing that God is with us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Joy of Community: Celebrating milestones within our church family, from newborns to 90th birthdays, reminds us of the joy and honor of being part of the body of Christ. These moments of shared life strengthen our bonds and highlight the importance of community in our spiritual journey. [10:47]
2. The Power of Forgiveness: Confession and forgiveness are central to our faith. The visual demonstration of dirty water being filtered to become clean symbolizes how God purifies us when we confess our sins and make righteous choices. This purification process is essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. [23:49]
3. Standing for Truth: Jesus' question, "Do you think I have come to bring peace?" challenges us to stand up for truth and justice, even when it leads to conflict. Following Jesus' example may bring division, but it ultimately leads to a better world. We must be willing to make difficult choices and sometimes stand alone for the sake of righteousness. [50:11]
4. Vigilance Against Lies: The lies and counterfeits of the world can be subtle and dangerous. We must remain vigilant and committed to the truth of the gospel, recognizing that being good is the outcome of being saved, not the means to salvation. This distinction is crucial for our spiritual integrity. [56:27]
5. Making a Difference: We are called to be counter-cultural, to speak truth, and to make a difference in our world. This involves standing up for justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Even small acts of faithfulness can have a significant impact, and we must be willing to stand up for what is right, knowing that God is with us. [01:03:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:36] - Celebrating Milestones
[09:21] - Honoring Ken Harper
[10:47] - The Joy of Community
[19:48] - Confession and Forgiveness
[21:38] - Visual Demonstration: Clean and Dirty Water
[23:49] - The Power of Forgiveness
[24:45] - Making Righteous Choices
[32:46] - Prayers for the World
[35:17] - The Lord's Prayer
[42:09] - Offering and Gratitude
[45:09] - Questions Jesus Asked
[46:16] - Do You Think I Have Come to Bring Peace?
[50:11] - Standing for Truth
[56:27] - Vigilance Against Lies
[01:03:39] - Making a Difference
[01:08:25] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 12:49-53 (NIV)
> "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant milestones were celebrated within the church family during the sermon? ([09:21])
2. How was the concept of forgiveness visually demonstrated in the sermon? ([23:49])
3. What question did Jesus ask that challenges common perceptions of His mission? ([46:16])
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the subtle and dangerous lies we must remain vigilant against? ([53:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says He came to bring division rather than peace? How does this align with His overall mission? ([46:16])
2. How does the visual demonstration of dirty water being filtered relate to the process of spiritual purification and making righteous choices? ([23:49])
3. In what ways does standing up for truth and justice, as Jesus did, potentially lead to conflict and division? ([50:11])
4. How can the lies and counterfeits of the world be subtle and dangerous, and what impact do they have on our spiritual integrity? ([53:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the joy of community within the church. How did it strengthen your faith and relationships? ([10:47])
2. Confession and forgiveness are central to our faith. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and make righteous choices? How can you take steps towards that this week? ([23:49])
3. Jesus' mission involves standing up for truth and justice, even when it leads to conflict. Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone? ([50:11])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of being vigilant against lies and counterfeits. What are some practical ways you can stay committed to the truth of the gospel in your daily life? ([53:50])
5. We are called to be counter-cultural and make a difference in our world. What is one specific action you can take this week to stand up for justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God? ([01:03:39])
6. Think about a person or situation where you need to extend grace and compassion, even if it is challenging. How can you show Christ's love in that context? ([59:21])
7. Reflect on the closing blessing of the sermon. How can you take your faith into the world and make a difference, knowing that God is with you? ([01:08:25])
Devotional
Day 1: The Joy of Community
Celebrating milestones within our church family, from newborns to 90th birthdays, reminds us of the joy and honor of being part of the body of Christ. These moments of shared life strengthen our bonds and highlight the importance of community in our spiritual journey. When we gather to celebrate these milestones, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of our lives and the support we offer one another. This sense of community is a reflection of the love and unity that Christ desires for His followers.
Being part of a church community means sharing in each other's joys and sorrows, supporting one another through life's challenges, and growing together in faith. It is in these shared experiences that we find strength, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of God's love. As we celebrate the milestones within our church family, let us remember the importance of being present for one another and fostering a sense of belonging and unity. [10:47]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: Think of a recent milestone in your church community. How can you actively participate in celebrating and supporting your fellow members in their spiritual journey?
Day 2: The Power of Forgiveness
Confession and forgiveness are central to our faith. The visual demonstration of dirty water being filtered to become clean symbolizes how God purifies us when we confess our sins and make righteous choices. This purification process is essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. When we acknowledge our failures and seek God's forgiveness, we experience His grace and mercy, which cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Forgiveness is not just about receiving God's grace but also about extending it to others. As we are forgiven, we are called to forgive those who have wronged us. This act of forgiveness can be challenging, but it is a powerful testimony of God's love and transformative power in our lives. By embracing forgiveness, we allow God's healing to flow through us, bringing restoration and peace to our relationships. [23:49]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "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?
Day 3: Standing for Truth
Jesus' question, "Do you think I have come to bring peace?" challenges us to stand up for truth and justice, even when it leads to conflict. Following Jesus' example may bring division, but it ultimately leads to a better world. We must be willing to make difficult choices and sometimes stand alone for the sake of righteousness. Standing for truth means being courageous and unwavering in our commitment to God's principles, even when it is unpopular or difficult.
In a world where truth is often compromised, it is essential for believers to be steadfast in their faith and convictions. This may involve speaking out against injustice, defending the marginalized, and living out the gospel in our daily lives. By standing for truth, we become agents of change, reflecting Christ's love and justice in a broken world. [50:11]
Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV): "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from standing up for truth? What steps can you take today to be more courageous in your faith?
Day 4: Vigilance Against Lies
The lies and counterfeits of the world can be subtle and dangerous. We must remain vigilant and committed to the truth of the gospel, recognizing that being good is the outcome of being saved, not the means to salvation. This distinction is crucial for our spiritual integrity. In a world filled with deception and falsehoods, it is essential to discern truth from lies and to anchor ourselves in God's Word.
Being vigilant means constantly evaluating our beliefs and actions against the truth of the gospel. It involves seeking God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, and being aware of the influences that can lead us astray. By staying rooted in the truth, we can navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and integrity, reflecting Christ's light in a dark world. [56:27]
1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you were tempted to compromise your beliefs. How can you stay vigilant and committed to the truth of the gospel in similar situations?
Day 5: Making a Difference
We are called to be counter-cultural, to speak truth, and to make a difference in our world. This involves standing up for justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Even small acts of faithfulness can have a significant impact, and we must be willing to stand up for what is right, knowing that God is with us. Making a difference means being intentional in our actions and choices, seeking to reflect Christ's love and compassion in all that we do.
As believers, we are called to be salt and light in the world, influencing those around us with the love and truth of the gospel. This may involve advocating for the oppressed, serving those in need, and living out our faith in practical ways. By making a difference, we fulfill our calling to be Christ's ambassadors, bringing hope and transformation to a hurting world. [01:03:39]
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: Think of one specific way you can make a difference in your community this week. How can you take action to stand up for justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The honest truth is life isn't always easy. And sometimes we have to make decisions that mean we have to stand on our own. Sometimes we have to say no. No to things that would hurt us or hurt others. Sometimes we have to say yes to turning the right direction when everybody else wants to turn the other direction. Sometimes we have to think for ourselves sometimes we have to follow. And when we follow, we must follow the right person. One of the things we learn about here in church is how to follow Jesus. Because I promise you, Jesus wants the best for you." [24:45] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Boys and girls, God wants you to make good decisions and I promise you when you make good decisions, even if they're hard to make, if you have to stand alone when you make that decision, that it will make you a better person. And because you are a better person, the world will become better. Each of us has the ability to make choices that help us and the world become a better place." [25:41] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are encouraged this day because of the world coming together around sport. When we are as divided as we have ever been, it is wonderful to see us gather and put aside differences. Lord, let this be a model for who we are called to be. God, it seems like in this moment in history, in evil and division are on the rise. As your people, we pray against that evil God and we pray that your peace and grace would be breaking into the world in radical ways." [32:46] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Doing the right thing, standing up for Christ, might be lonely. But you will never be alone. Because God will stand beside you. Christ asks us, Do you think I came to bring peace? He didn't come to bring peace. Because he's asking you to stand up in a divided and broken world. But when you do, the world will get a little better. Regardless of the division." [01:04:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Go in peace. And know you go nowhere by accident. It is God who is sending you. And so go with the power of God almighty. With the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. And with the fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit. Go. And for heaven's sake, make a difference." [01:08:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Standing up for the truth in a truthless world. That's hard work. So to understand Jesus' teaching, what we really need is a little bit of background here. So I want to just back up a little bit. During, when Jesus spoke these words, he was in his early ministry in Galilee, the Galilean phase of his ministry. And he is preaching, and he's teaching, and the crowds are starting to gather. They're getting larger and larger. We've just, he's just fed 5,000, and he's healing people. And people are coming to see Jesus, because they know he's a miracle worker, and there's something great about him." [51:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus actually says in the beginning of this chapter, beware of the leaven, of the Pharisees. You know what leaven is? It's yeast. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees. You put yeast into bread, bread dough, and it spreads everywhere. The whole loaf starts to raise. It infects everything. Beware of the yeast, the lies of the Pharisees. You know, that's a great image. The idea to beware of the lies and deceit because lies travel fast, don't they? They spread faster than fire." [53:08] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The truth is, if you read the rest of Scripture, what we learn is Jesus came to bring justice, peace, and healing. And so how do you put these two together? Jesus didn't come to bring violence or hatred. In fact, he came to make us more like himself. I would argue that Jesus didn't come to be a radical. What he came to be was perfection. He came to show us the way it ought to be done, and we should follow that example. And when we do, it may bring division. But division is not the point. Doing the right thing is the point, even if it is difficult." [49:16] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "At some point, the followers of Jesus Christ have to claim that Jesus is Lord. And He is the one we follow. And sometimes that means standing out alone. No matter what the culture says, or our parents say, or our coworkers say, sometimes we have to stand up to follow God. And what does that mean? Well, the prophet Micah told us that what God requires of you that you do justice. And you love mercy. And you walk humbly with God." [58:38] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There are places in your life where you're asked to stand up. It might be in your work. It might be in your family. Or maybe you have a much larger pulpit. But standing up is not easy. And it brings division. And that's the division Christ is talking about. Doing the right thing divides our world. But let me tell you. Doing the right thing always brings light. And light chases out the darkness." [01:03:39] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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