Empowering Generations: Building Authentic Relationships in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Value of Every Member

Each person in the church is valuable and essential to the body of Christ. We are a family and a body, where everyone is needed and important. This sense of belonging and mutual dependence strengthens our community and our faith. When we gather as a church family, we recognize that every individual has a unique role to play, contributing to the overall health and function of the body of Christ. This understanding fosters a culture of mutual respect, love, and support, where everyone feels valued and empowered to serve.

In recognizing the value of every member, we also acknowledge that our differences are strengths. Just as a body has many parts with different functions, so too does the church. Each person's gifts, talents, and experiences are essential for the church to fulfill its mission. By embracing our diversity and working together in unity, we can more effectively display the love and power of God to the world. [02:09]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt particularly valued or needed in your church community. How can you extend that same sense of value to someone else in your church this week?

Day 2: Generational Impact

Our purpose extends beyond our lifetime. We are called to make a lasting impact that transcends generations, ensuring that the works of God are commended from one generation to the next. This long-term vision gives our daily actions eternal significance. By living with this perspective, we can invest in the spiritual growth and development of those who come after us, leaving a legacy of faith that endures.

The church has thrived for over 2000 years because previous generations have faithfully passed on their faith and works. This generational impact is a testament to the power of intentional discipleship and mentorship. As we pour into the lives of others, we are not only fulfilling our purpose but also ensuring that the message of God's love and grace continues to spread. [03:40]

Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

Reflection: Identify one person from a younger generation whom you can mentor or encourage in their faith journey. What specific steps can you take this week to invest in their spiritual growth?

Day 3: Authentic Relationships

Building deep, life-giving relationships requires time, commitment, and vulnerability. We must overcome busyness and past hurts to connect authentically with others. These relationships are essential for representing Christ well and creating a supportive community. Authentic relationships are marked by honesty, trust, and a willingness to share both joys and struggles.

In a world where superficial connections are common, the church is called to be a place of genuine community. By prioritizing authentic relationships, we create an environment where people feel safe, loved, and supported. This not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful witness to the world of the transformative love of Christ. [15:43]

Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church with whom you would like to build a deeper relationship. What practical steps can you take this week to invest time and effort into that relationship?

Day 4: Fierce Determination

We are called to face challenges with grit and resolve, inspired by Jesus' endurance of the cross. This determination helps us overcome obstacles and fulfill our purpose, thinking in terms of solutions rather than problems. By adopting a mindset of fierce determination, we can persevere through difficulties and remain steadfast in our faith.

Jesus' example of enduring the cross serves as the ultimate model of determination. Despite the immense suffering He faced, He remained focused on His mission to bring salvation to humanity. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this same level of determination in our own lives, trusting that God will provide the strength and guidance we need to overcome any challenge. [20:45]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: Identify a current challenge or obstacle in your life. How can you approach it with a mindset of fierce determination, inspired by Jesus' endurance?

Day 5: Passing the Baton

As we run our race, we must ensure that we pass the baton effectively to the next generation. This involves living with purpose, vision, and a commitment to building a strong foundation for those who come after us. Our legacy is built on how well we prepare the next generation to continue the work of God. By intentionally investing in others, we can ensure that the message of the gospel continues to spread and impact lives.

Passing the baton requires intentionality and foresight. It means equipping others with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual maturity they need to carry on the mission. This process is not just about teaching but also about modeling a life of faith and integrity. By doing so, we inspire and empower the next generation to take up the mantle and continue the work of God with passion and dedication. [27:57]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Who has passed the baton to you, and how can you honor their investment by passing it on to someone else? What specific actions can you take this week to mentor or encourage someone in their faith?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

It's a blessing to gather every Sunday as a church family, where each person is valuable and essential to the body of Christ. Our series, "From One Generation to the Next," is rooted in Psalm 145:4, emphasizing that our purpose extends beyond our lifetime. We aim to make a lasting impact that transcends generations, ensuring that the works of God are commended from one generation to the next. The church has thrived for over 2000 years because previous generations have faithfully passed on their faith and works.

We explored our purpose, grounded in Romans 8, which highlights our adoption into God's family and our new identity as His children. This new position grants us spiritual blessings and equips us for our purpose: to display the supernatural God. Whether at work, university, or in our daily lives, we are called to manifest God's presence.

Pastor Soph previously discussed the importance of vision and making a statement as a church. We are to be grounded in biblical truth, not swayed by popular opinion, and committed to passing on a strong foundation to the next generation. Our distinct characteristics as Audacious Church include not taking ourselves too seriously, being intentionally enthusiastic, and being unusually generous.

Today, we focused on being authentically relational and fiercely determined. Authentic relationships require time, commitment, and a willingness to be vulnerable. We must overcome busyness and past hurts to build deep, life-giving connections. Additionally, we are called to be fiercely determined, facing challenges with grit and resolve, inspired by Jesus' endurance of the cross.

As we run our race, we must ensure that we pass the baton effectively to the next generation, enabling them to start where we finish. This requires us to live with purpose, vision, and a commitment to building a church that makes a statement for our city. By the Spirit of God, we can achieve this, building authentic relationships and facing challenges with determination.

###

Key Takeaways

1. term vision gives our daily actions eternal significance. [03:40]
3. Authentic Relationships: Building deep, life-giving relationships requires time, commitment, and vulnerability. We must overcome busyness and past hurts to connect authentically with others. These relationships are essential for representing Christ well and creating a supportive community.

4. Fierce Determination: We are called to face challenges with grit and resolve, inspired by Jesus' endurance of the cross. This determination helps us overcome obstacles and fulfill our purpose, thinking in terms of solutions rather than problems.

5. Passing the Baton: As we run our race, we must ensure that we pass the baton effectively to the next generation. This involves living with purpose, vision, and a commitment to building a strong foundation for those who come after us. Our legacy is built on how well we prepare the next generation to continue the work of God.

### [03:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:09] - The Value of Every Member
[03:40] - Generational Impact
[05:16] - Our Purpose: Displaying the Supernatural God
[06:43] - Making a Statement as a Church
[07:59] - Recognizing Our Identity in Christ
[09:37] - The Responsibility of Our Time
[11:02] - Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
[12:26] - Cultural Distinctives of Audacious Church
[13:57] - Authentic Relationships
[15:43] - Building Deep Connections
[17:19] - Overcoming Busyness and Bruises
[18:59] - Healing from Past Hurts
[20:45] - Fierce Determination
[22:37] - Jesus' Endurance and Our Call
[24:29] - Living with Purpose and Vision
[27:16] - Passing the Baton Effectively
[28:32] - Invitation to Catch the Spirit of God
[29:15] - Empowered by the Spirit

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 145:4, what is the responsibility of one generation to the next? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on generational impact? [03:40]
In Romans 8:14-17, what new identity do believers receive, and how does this identity equip them for their purpose? [03:40]
What does John 13:34-35 say about the importance of love among believers, and how does this connect to the sermon’s point on authentic relationships? [15:43]
How did the sermon describe the characteristics of Audacious Church, and what are some examples given? [12:26]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of being adopted into God's family in Romans 8:14-17 change the way believers should view their purpose and identity? [03:40]
What does it mean to commend God's works from one generation to the next, and why is this important for the church's long-term vision? [03:40]
How can the command to love one another in John 13:34-35 be practically applied in building authentic relationships within the church? [15:43]
The sermon mentioned facing challenges with fierce determination, inspired by Jesus' endurance of the cross. How can believers cultivate this kind of determination in their own lives? [20:45]

Application Questions

Reflect on your role in the church. How can you contribute to ensuring that every member feels valued and essential? What specific actions can you take this week to show someone in the church that they are important? [02:09]
Think about the legacy you want to leave for the next generation. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith and works are passed on effectively? How can you start implementing these steps now? [03:40]
Building authentic relationships requires overcoming busyness and past hurts. Identify one relationship in your life that needs more time and commitment. What practical steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [15:43]
Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How can you approach it with fierce determination, inspired by Jesus' endurance of the cross? What specific actions can you take to focus on solutions rather than problems? [20:45]
Reflect on the cultural distinctives of Audacious Church mentioned in the sermon. Which of these distinctives do you find most challenging to embody, and why? What can you do to better align yourself with this distinctive? [12:26]
The sermon emphasized the importance of passing the baton to the next generation. Who in your life can you mentor or support to ensure they are prepared to continue the work of God? What specific steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth? [27:57]
How can you make a statement for Christ in your daily life, whether at work, university, or in your community? Identify one area where you can be more intentional about displaying the supernatural God. [05:16]

Sermon Clips

1. "And so every single person in this room and in every service today is valuable to God. Important to God. And also not just valuable and important to God, but to the church, to each other. And so Joel, who is up, Joel and Amy, they need you and you need them. Because together we're family and we're a body. And so everyone is super important. So don't miss out. Don't be the missing limb next week. We need you. And so let's keep in the good habit of making Sunday meeting, gathering, church. Weekly. Let's make it a priority. Stick in the calendar and then work out everything else." [02:09] (41 seconds) ( | | )

2. "We're talking about being a church that makes a statement. In other words, people looking and go, wow, there's something different about you. Wow. What is it? You make a statement when you step in a room. You make a statement with the words that you speak. You make a statement with the acts of generosity and how you are. People think, wow, there's something different about you. That's why Audacious has an exclamation at the start of the word. Because people go, why do you do that? We're a church that makes a statement. We're going to say something in our world, yes?" [06:43] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Isn't it amazing how people can recognise just through your characteristics, your traits, the way you carry yourself, your mannerisms, the words that you use. The atmosphere you create around your life. They can tell where you come from. They can tell who you are. And really what we're talking about today is what is the audacious characteristics, nature. That firstly comes from our nature and identity in Christ. That we are all to represent Christ. Christians literally means little Christ. We're Christ's ambassadors. And so we're supposed to display the supernatural God wherever we are." [07:59] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our life is like a mist, the Bible says, James 4, 14, that we're here one minute and gone the next. And so we've got a responsibility, not just to understand that we have a purpose, and we're to represent certain cultural distinctives, DNA, but we also recognise we've got one shot. We've got a few years on the planet before the next generation is going to pick up a baton. Are they going to... Hello? Hello? Hello? They've had enough. Someone's... Hello? Hello? Hello? Hey, all good. There we go. Um, lost the train. The train has left the station. I'm waiting for the next train. It's coming. Baton. Thank you." [09:37] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We've got to run as fast as we can in the time that we've got so that we can pass on the generation to the next generation. Because the next generation are with us for that few, that short transition period, you know, in a sprint relay where both runners are running. And we've got to ensure that we encourage them, keep running, keep running. We're still running. We're still sprinting. We're still going. And at the right time, we're able to release the baton. And the next generation doesn't start where we started. They start where we finish." [11:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

6. "We are designed to be interdependent. That we can lean on one another. We trust one another. We build connection and relationship with one another. We commit to the long-term for one another. Because our richness of relationship, is not microwaved. It's slow cooked. And so it requires time and commitment. I know many people don't like that word. It requires commitment and dedication. It requires celebrating the good times and keep going through the difficult times in order to have that rich aroma of deep, authentic relationships." [13:57] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "People are going to look at you and they're not just going to take who you are based on you. They're going to take who you are based on how you treat others. And that's how they're going to know that you are his disciple. And so we've got to build authentic, life-giving relationships with joint purpose and deep connection and deep relationships so that we can help represent Christ well. That people look at us, not just me. And they see something different about us. People in our city are looking at the church, especially now where everybody's looking for authentic connection and authentic, real relationships." [15:43] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The second thing that's going to stop you building authentic relationships is bruises. Busyness and bruises. In other words, previous relationships gone wrong have caused there to be hurt in your life and in your heart. That there's fracture and damage. And you've been hurt in the past. And it could have been genuine distrust. It could have been genuine disloyalty. It could have been people turning away from you. But it's caused a ongoing hurt in your life that now you view every new relationship through the lens of this fractured relationship." [18:59] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We have grit and resolve in all we do. We're not limited by the scale of the task or the obstacles we face. We think solutions, not problems. But just think about that. In every aspect of your life, solutions, not problems. Hebrews chapter 12, verse 2, speaking about Jesus, it said, for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning His shame, and He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. That's Jesus who Himself demonstrated this ability to face persecution and go through perseverance for the joy set before Him. He endured the cross." [20:45] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I've built authentic relationship with you, Timothy, so that you can catch everything that I caught and everything that Jesus filled me with and I witnessed firsthand. I'm passing on to you. Every church, Paul's speaking, that we've planted and we've seen established and churches that have now grown to be apostolic centres that in themselves are planting churches like Antioch, we're seeing incredible explosive growth all around this region and now in new continents. Timothy, now, while we first died and pioneered, you're gonna now build and establish and you're gonna keep building the church of God because right now, come on, lay your life down just as I laid my life down." [27:16] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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