Engaging Faith: Unity, Truth, and Community in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today marks the launch of Engage, a new initiative aimed at deepening our faith and community involvement. The church has come together beautifully, with everyone contributing their unique gifts to glorify Christ. This unity exemplifies our mission: to serve the community by sharing the gospel. We are starting a new series called "Engaging Faith," focusing on the fundamentals of our belief, much like a sports team revisits basics at the start of a new season.
We delved into John 14:1-7, where Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This statement is pivotal, as it sets Christianity apart from other religions and philosophies. We discussed Pascal's Wager, which argues that believing in God is the most rational choice given the stakes of eternal life. While some atheists like Richard Dawkins criticize religion, others like Christopher Hitchens and Jordan Peterson acknowledge its societal benefits. Even cultural figures like Russell Brand and Elon Musk have shown a newfound respect for Christianity.
Jesus' claim to be "the way" signifies that He is the fulfillment of God's promises, a path to holiness, and a way of life. Early Christians were known as "people of the way," emphasizing that following Jesus is a lifestyle. When Jesus says He is "the truth," He asserts that He is the ultimate reality, unchanging and eternal. This truth is not subjective but objective, grounded in the Word of God. Lastly, Jesus as "the life" means He gives both physical and spiritual life. He offers abundant life now and eternal life in the future.
To be part of this life, one must have faith in Jesus. This faith brings us into the family of God, where we find meaning, purpose, and community. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer, serving as a model for us. As we engage with our community, grow in our faith, and serve one another, we embody the life Jesus calls us to live.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unity in Diversity: Our church's successful launch of Engage highlights the beauty of unity in diversity. Each member's unique gifts contribute to a collective mission: to glorify Christ and share the gospel. This unity is a testament to the power of community in fulfilling God's purpose. [26:10]
2. Jesus as the Way: Jesus' claim to be "the way" is profound. It signifies that He is the fulfillment of God's promises and the path to holiness. Early Christians were known as "people of the way," emphasizing that following Jesus is a lifestyle, not just a belief. This way of life calls us to live in holiness and align our actions with God's will. [56:31]
3. Objective Truth: In a world of subjective truths, Jesus stands as the ultimate reality. His teachings are unchanging and eternal, grounded in the Word of God. This objective truth challenges us to align our lives with His teachings, even when it goes against cultural norms. [01:02:03]
4. Abundant and Eternal Life: Jesus offers both physical and spiritual life. He gives us abundant life now, filled with purpose and meaning, and promises eternal life in the future. This dual aspect of life underscores the richness of a relationship with Christ, providing hope and fulfillment. [01:06:22]
5. Faith and Community: Faith in Jesus brings us into the family of God, where we find community and support. Acts 2:42-47 serves as a model for us, showing the importance of teaching, fellowship, and prayer. As we engage with our community and grow in our faith, we embody the life Jesus calls us to live. [01:11:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Launch of Engage
[1:15] - Acknowledging Volunteers
[2:00] - Vision for Engage
[3:00] - Community and Unity
[4:00] - Introduction to Engaging Faith Series
[5:00] - John 14:1-7 Reading
[6:00] - Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
[7:00] - Pascal's Wager Explained
[8:00] - Atheist Perspectives on Religion
[9:00] - Cultural Christianity
[10:00] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of Promises
[11:00] - Living a Holy Life
[12:00] - Objective Truth in Jesus
[13:00] - Abundant and Eternal Life
[14:00] - Faith and Community
[15:00] - Acts 2:42-47 Model
[16:00] - Closing Prayer and Hymn
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 14:1-7
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life"? ([41:38])
2. How did the early Christians live according to Acts 2:42-47? ([01:12:20])
3. What is Pascal's Wager, and how does it relate to the rationality of believing in God? ([43:12])
4. How do cultural figures like Russell Brand and Elon Musk view Christianity, according to the sermon? ([50:25])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' claim to be "the way" significant in the context of fulfilling God's promises? ([57:18])
2. How does the concept of "objective truth" in Jesus challenge modern cultural norms? ([01:02:03])
3. What does it mean to have "abundant life" now and eternal life in the future through Jesus? ([01:06:22])
4. How does the early church's model in Acts 2:42-47 serve as a guide for our community today? ([01:12:20])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the unity in diversity within our church. How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to our collective mission of glorifying Christ and sharing the gospel? ([26:10])
2. Jesus calls us to live a holy life. What specific actions can you take this week to align your lifestyle with God's will? ([56:31])
3. In what ways can you stand firm in the objective truth of Jesus, even when it goes against cultural norms? ([01:02:03])
4. How can you experience and share the abundant life that Jesus offers in your daily interactions? ([01:06:22])
5. Faith in Jesus brings us into the family of God. How can you foster a sense of community and support within your small group or church? ([01:11:48])
6. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. How can you incorporate these elements into your personal and communal spiritual practices? ([01:12:20])
7. Think of someone in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, sharing the message that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? ([55:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Diversity
Our church's successful launch of Engage highlights the beauty of unity in diversity. Each member's unique gifts contribute to a collective mission: to glorify Christ and share the gospel. This unity is a testament to the power of community in fulfilling God's purpose. When we come together, we reflect the body of Christ, where each part is essential and valued. This unity is not just about working together but about celebrating our differences and using them to serve a greater purpose.
In a world that often emphasizes individualism, our church stands as a beacon of what it means to be united in Christ. This unity is a powerful witness to the world, showing that despite our differences, we can come together to serve and glorify God. As we continue to engage with our community, let us remember that our strength lies in our diversity and our shared mission to spread the gospel. [26:10]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Think of a unique gift or talent you have. How can you use it to contribute to the unity and mission of your church community this week?
Day 2: Jesus as the Way
Jesus' claim to be "the way" is profound. It signifies that He is the fulfillment of God's promises and the path to holiness. Early Christians were known as "people of the way," emphasizing that following Jesus is a lifestyle, not just a belief. This way of life calls us to live in holiness and align our actions with God's will.
Following Jesus means more than just believing in Him; it means living a life that reflects His teachings and example. It means making choices that honor God and demonstrate His love to others. As we strive to follow "the way," we are called to a higher standard of living, one that is marked by love, compassion, and integrity. [56:31]
Isaiah 35:8 (ESV): "And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can better align your actions with the teachings of Jesus? How can you start making changes today?
Day 3: Objective Truth
In a world of subjective truths, Jesus stands as the ultimate reality. His teachings are unchanging and eternal, grounded in the Word of God. This objective truth challenges us to align our lives with His teachings, even when it goes against cultural norms.
The concept of objective truth is increasingly countercultural in today's society, where personal beliefs and experiences often take precedence over absolute truths. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm in the truth of His Word. This means making decisions and living in a way that reflects the unchanging truth of Jesus, even when it is difficult or unpopular. [01:02:03]
Psalm 119:160 (ESV): "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."
Reflection: Identify a cultural norm or belief that conflicts with the teachings of Jesus. How can you stand firm in the truth of His Word in this area of your life?
Day 4: Abundant and Eternal Life
Jesus offers both physical and spiritual life. He gives us abundant life now, filled with purpose and meaning, and promises eternal life in the future. This dual aspect of life underscores the richness of a relationship with Christ, providing hope and fulfillment.
The abundant life that Jesus offers is not just about material blessings or a trouble-free existence. It is about experiencing the fullness of life that comes from knowing Him and living according to His purposes. This abundant life is marked by joy, peace, and a deep sense of purpose, even in the midst of challenges. And beyond this life, we have the promise of eternal life with Him, a hope that sustains us through all circumstances. [01:06:22]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel a lack of purpose or fulfillment. How can you invite Jesus into this area to experience the abundant life He offers?
Day 5: Faith and Community
Faith in Jesus brings us into the family of God, where we find community and support. Acts 2:42-47 serves as a model for us, showing the importance of teaching, fellowship, and prayer. As we engage with our community and grow in our faith, we embody the life Jesus calls us to live.
The early church provides a powerful example of what it means to live in community as followers of Christ. They were devoted to teaching, fellowship, and prayer, and they shared their lives and resources with one another. This sense of community is essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission to share the gospel. As we engage with our church community, let us be intentional about building relationships, supporting one another, and growing together in our faith. [01:11:48]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who may need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them this week to show the love of Christ?
Quotes
1. "Everybody has their gifts. Everybody has their specialty. But we are all one body working for one goal, to glorify Christ by sharing the good news of the gospel with our community. And that is where we are headed. We are a church. That's right. A church that serves the community by glorifying God and letting the world know that there is an answer, that there is a way, there is a truth, there is a life, and it's Jesus Christ." [26:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What I want to propose is that if we put Christianity back into that, it actually begins to make sense. When we have an understanding that God created everything, now we have meaning. Now we have purpose. Things begin to make sense. Society now has something to stand on. The world needs to grapple with the idea of God and how that factors into the equation about what this world, is all about and why we are here. It's going to answer all of the big questions." [55:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reality is though, is that we have to decide if his claims are true, and if we find them to be true, then everything else we do should center around that one understanding. And that really is the truth of it. Getting back to Pascal's wager, you know, if he's not real, then no big deal. But if he is real, if God is real, if Jesus is real, then everything you would think would revolve around him." [55:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He is faithful. Great is his faithfulness. You know, we have somebody that we can stand on, somebody that we can believe in. You know, for us, it goes beyond just a religion. And this is kind of maybe one of those pat answers, but it really is a relationship, isn't it? It's something that becomes part of our DNA. It becomes something where, we have a relationship with the creator of all things. And when we begin to understand who he is and the depth of his love for us, and how he has rescued us, there's just something that's deeper there." [53:07] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When Jesus says that he's, he's giving us physical life. He's giving us two things. He's giving us physical life, and he's giving us spiritual life. He gives spiritual life and physical life. Genesis 2-7, then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. Where does life come from? Well, it comes from God. Life comes in us when he breathed into our life." [01:06:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The way to the Father is simply this. That you have to have faith in Jesus. The way to this abundant life is simply to believe in Jesus. That's it. Believe in Jesus. Make him Lord of your life. That's all you need to do. John 14, 7 says this. If you know me, you know the Father. In other words, if you've made Jesus the way, the truth, and the life in your life, and you've put your faith in that, guess what? You are now one with the Father." [01:09:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we talk about Jesus. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the life. And all we need to do is believe on him. And make him Lord of our life. And we are part of his family." [01:14:54] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "He is the ultimate state of reality. He is the ultimate state of what is true versus what is not true. Once again, we have a lot of people out there that will say that, well, this is my truth, and you live your truth, and we will all live our truth together. But the reality is that there is only one truth, and that is Jesus. He is the ultimate truth. He is the ultimate right. He is the ultimate one who declares and defines what rightness is." [01:02:03] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "He is a way of living. In other words, we live a life that's centered on him. You know, in early Christian, Christendom, Christians were not called Christians. That was actually a mockery. They were mocking Christians by calling them Christians. Do you know what they were called early in Christianity? They were called the people of the way. The people of the way. And the way was Jesus." [59:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We worship a God who is ultimately holy. And a holy God cannot allow unholiness to be in his presence. And so he makes a way for us to be holy in spite of the fact that we are broken, that we do not match up to what God's qualifications are, what his expectations are. And so Jesus becomes a way, a way of holiness. He cloaks us in holiness so now we can boldly stand before the throne of grace." [01:00:16] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?