Faith in Action: Love, Joy, and Community

 

Summary

In these challenging times, it's crucial to remember the core of our faith and the opportunities that lie before us. As I reflect on the current situation, I am reminded of a moment with my family before we left for Hong Kong. Our five-year-old, Silas, expressed a profound sadness for those suffering in China, reminding us of the importance of looking beyond ourselves and focusing on the needs of others. This perspective is vital as we navigate a world where many are facing life-and-death situations and are open to deeper conversations about faith.

First, we must not lose our love. This is a time to ask God how we can serve others out of love for Him. The world is in need of compassion, and we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love to those around us. Secondly, we must hold onto our joy. Despite the inability to gather in large groups, we can find joy in the presence of God, whether alone or with a few others. The essence of our faith is not in numbers but in the depth of our communion with Christ and each other.

Furthermore, we must not lose our peace. The most repeated command in Scripture is "fear not," and we are called to live fearlessly, trusting in the peace that Christ gives us. This peace assures us that we have nothing to fear, not even death, because to live is Christ and to die is gain. Lastly, we must resist the temptation to isolate ourselves. While technology allows us to connect, it is not a substitute for the intimate community that Christ desires for His church. We must strive to maintain and deepen our connections with one another, even in these times of physical separation.

This period is a test of our resilience and preparedness as believers. For years, we've been preparing for a time when we might not have the luxury of large gatherings, and now that time has come. It's an opportunity to evaluate whether we have maintained our love, joy, and peace—the fruit of the Spirit. Let's seize this moment to reach out to a lost world, showing them that our faith remains strong and vibrant.

Key Takeaways:

1. Perspective Beyond Self: Silas's concern for those suffering in China highlights the importance of looking beyond our own circumstances and focusing on the needs of others. This perspective is crucial in a world where many are facing life-and-death situations, and it challenges us to be more compassionate and outward-focused. [01:30]

2. Love in Action: In these times, we are called to actively demonstrate love by asking God how we can serve others. This is a unique opportunity to show Christ's love to those around us, reminding us that our faith is not just about personal comfort but about reaching out to a hurting world. [02:33]

3. Joy in God's Presence: Despite the inability to gather in large groups, we can find joy in the presence of God, whether alone or with a few others. This joy is rooted in the deep communion we have with Christ, reminding us that the essence of our faith is not in numbers but in the depth of our relationship with Him. [03:44]

4. Peace Amidst Fear: The command to "fear not" is a reminder that we are called to live fearlessly, trusting in the peace that Christ gives us. This peace assures us that we have nothing to fear, not even death, because to live is Christ and to die is gain. [05:37]

5. Community and Connection: While technology allows us to connect, it is not a substitute for the intimate community that Christ desires for His church. We must strive to maintain and deepen our connections with one another, even in these times of physical separation, to reflect the unity and love that God desires for His people. [08:34]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - Introduction and Family Reflections
[00:54] - Silas's Perspective
[01:30] - Looking Beyond Ourselves
[02:04] - The Call to Love
[02:33] - Serving Others in Love
[03:07] - Holding onto Joy
[03:44] - Joy in God's Presence
[04:21] - Communion and Christ's Presence
[04:55] - Finding Joy in Simplicity
[05:37] - Embracing Peace
[06:11] - Fearlessness in Faith
[06:49] - Trusting God's Provision
[07:26] - Assurance of God's Love
[08:02] - The Danger of Isolation
[08:34] - Maintaining Community
[09:06] - Resilience and Preparedness
[10:01] - Preparing for the Future
[10:33] - Seizing the Opportunity
[11:11] - Closing and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
2. John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Silas's reaction to the news about people suffering in China, and how did it impact the family's perspective? [01:30]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of maintaining joy even when we cannot gather in large groups? [03:44]

3. How does the sermon describe the peace that Christ offers, and what is its impact on fear? [05:37]

4. What concerns does the pastor express about the potential for isolation during this time, and how does he suggest we address it? [08:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the pastor's reflection on Silas's concern for others challenge the congregation to shift their focus from themselves to the needs of others? [01:30]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that joy can be found in God's presence, even in solitude or small gatherings? [03:44]

3. How does the peace described in John 14:27 differ from the peace the world offers, according to the sermon? [05:37]

4. What does the pastor mean when he says that this period is a test of our resilience and preparedness as believers? [09:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were more focused on your own circumstances than on the needs of others. How can you shift your perspective to be more outward-focused this week? [01:30]

2. How can you actively demonstrate love to those around you during this time? Identify one specific action you can take to serve someone in your community. [02:33]

3. What are some practical ways you can find joy in God's presence this week, even if you are alone or with just a few people? [03:44]

4. Consider a fear you are currently facing. How can the peace of Christ, as described in John 14:27, help you overcome this fear? [05:37]

5. In what ways can you maintain and deepen your connections with others, despite physical separation? Identify one person you can reach out to this week to strengthen your community. [08:34]

6. How can you use this time of physical separation to prepare yourself spiritually for future challenges? What specific spiritual discipline can you focus on this week? [09:06]

7. Reflect on the pastor's message about resilience. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains strong and vibrant during challenging times? [10:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating a Compassionate Perspective Beyond Self
In a world filled with challenges, it is easy to become consumed by our own circumstances. However, the call to look beyond ourselves and focus on the needs of others is a profound reminder of our shared humanity. This perspective encourages us to be more compassionate and outward-focused, recognizing that many around us are facing life-and-death situations. By shifting our focus from self to others, we open ourselves to deeper conversations about faith and the opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love in tangible ways. [01:30]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is currently facing a difficult situation? How can you extend compassion and support to them today, even if it requires stepping out of your comfort zone?


Day 2: Love in Action: Serving Others as a Reflection of Faith
In these times, the call to actively demonstrate love is more important than ever. This involves asking God how we can serve others, not out of obligation, but out of genuine love for Him. Our faith is not just about personal comfort; it is about reaching out to a hurting world and showing Christ's love through our actions. This is a unique opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving those around us and making a difference in their lives. [02:33]

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week? How can you ensure that your actions are motivated by love rather than obligation?


Day 3: Finding Joy in God's Presence
Despite the challenges of not being able to gather in large groups, we can still find joy in the presence of God. This joy is not dependent on numbers but is rooted in the deep communion we have with Christ. Whether alone or with a few others, the essence of our faith is found in the depth of our relationship with Him. By focusing on this intimate connection, we can experience true joy that transcends circumstances. [03:44]

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to experience the joy of God's presence? What specific practices can help deepen your communion with Christ?


Day 4: Embracing Peace Amidst Fear
The command to "fear not" is a powerful reminder that we are called to live fearlessly, trusting in the peace that Christ gives us. This peace assures us that we have nothing to fear, not even death, because to live is Christ and to die is gain. By embracing this peace, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and assurance, knowing that God is in control. [05:37]

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27, ESV)

Reflection: What fears are currently holding you back from fully trusting in God's peace? How can you surrender these fears to Him and embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding?


Day 5: Building Community and Connection
While technology allows us to connect, it is not a substitute for the intimate community that Christ desires for His church. We must strive to maintain and deepen our connections with one another, even in times of physical separation. This reflects the unity and love that God desires for His people, reminding us that we are not meant to journey alone but in community with others. [08:34]

"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to encourage and support? How can you foster deeper connections despite physical distance?

Quotes


Silas, our five-year-old, we're like, hey, what do you think Silas, you excited to go to Hong Kong? And he just starts crying and he goes, I'm just so sad that all these people are dying in China. It was like this moment where you're just like, whoa, like he's actually the only one that has the right perspective right now. [00:01:15]

My prayer for you guys, number one, is that you stay loving, that during this time that you really be thinking, God, I love you, what do you want me to do out of love for you, and to be looking at the others around you in love and going, God, how can I serve these people? [00:02:33]

Don't lose your joy like the Bible commands as Philippians 4 rejoice in the Lord always. I know it's a weird time where you can't gather together as a big church and we're even trying to break up the churches into smaller clusters. You can find some disappointment, but man, don't stop rejoicing. [00:03:20]

Man, you can be alone in your room even if you're isolated and be in the presence of Almighty God, like you and him in a room together alone with the creator of the universe. We have to rejoice in that always, and not just that, but the joy of... [00:03:44]

Finally, I just want to say don't lose your peace. We are people that are supposed to be fearless, just absolutely fearless. The number one command, the most oft-repeated command in Scripture is fear not. I think of Christ's words in John 14 when he says, peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. [00:05:11]

This is the crux of everything we believe, is that I don't have to fear death. This is the way Christ wants me to live. What do I have to fear? If I die, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. When have you ever feared gain, like getting into the presence of God? [00:06:05]

I hope you have this peace with you. We have the peace that he says if you seek first the kingdom of God, all these things shall be added to you. So I walk around going, man, what could go wrong with me today? I know him, I don't fear death. [00:06:34]

I see a lot of people going, man, I'm just gonna podcast, I'm gonna isolate. My fear during this time for the US, for Hong Kong, anywhere is we can get so accustomed to being isolated and that we just go, man, I'm just gonna keep doing this. This is great, I'm gonna stay at home and be by myself. [00:08:02]

You guys know that is not the church that Christ wanted. He wanted such intimacy between his children, just like every parent does, where you just want them to be this bond, this inseparable bond. We can do all things through Christ, that means even during this time as you guys are on lockdown. [00:08:34]

There needs to be this resilience in us as believers, and I think that is what the world and the church is being shown right now, is how vulnerable, how volatile we are, that one little thing could mess things up. But man, you guys know this is what we've been working for for seven years. [00:09:01]

It's kind of crazy that for seven years we've been preaching, come on, you guys, we've got to get ready. There's gonna come a day when we can't get in these big gatherings, and there's gonna come a day when you're gonna need to know how to by yourself, no matter where you are, that you can thrive in your walk with God. [00:09:22]

Take advantage of this time, don't miss this opportunity. This is one of our greatest opportunities for reaching out to a lost world and showing them that we haven't lost our love, joy, and peace even at this moment. The enemy can't take that away from us. We love the Lord Jesus Christ and his church is alive and well. [00:10:40]

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