Finding Identity and Grace Through Christ's Sacrifice
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to partake in communion, a sacred act of worship that reminds us of the immense sacrifice Jesus made for us. Communion is open to all who follow Jesus and recognize the transformative power of His love and sacrifice. The bread symbolizes His body, given entirely for us, and the cup represents His blood, shed to purify us and establish a new covenant. This act is a profound reminder of the price Jesus paid for our eternal life, a life that is rich, satisfying, and abundant.
We also explored the stark contrast between Christianity and other belief systems, particularly Islam. In Islam, acceptance by Allah is based on one's deeds and efforts. In Christianity, however, it is Jesus who changes us and makes us righteous. This unique aspect of our faith underscores the unparalleled love and grace of Jesus, who came to lift us up and give us life.
Our discussion then shifted to the complex issues of identity, gender, and sexuality. We emphasized the importance of understanding our true identity in Christ, rather than in false gods like money, success, or even our gender and sexuality. We must be Bereans, examining the scriptures to discern the truth and not merely accepting what is preached without verification.
For those in the LGBTQ community, the message was clear: God loves you as you are. You are not a mistake, and you don't need to change your gender or sexuality to be affirmed. Jesus affirms you now, and your true identity and value are found in Him. For straight Christians, the call is to stand up and speak out with humility, kindness, and patience, always speaking the truth in love.
We also discussed the importance of keeping conversations alive, especially with those who hold opposing views. Like Paul in Athens, we should engage respectfully, find common ground, and gently turn the conversation towards God. Ultimately, we must trust God with the results, knowing that He loves the person we are speaking to more than we ever could.
### Key Takeaways
1. Communion as Worship: Communion is a profound act of worship that reminds us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. The bread and the cup symbolize His body and blood, given for our eternal life. This act is a reminder of the immense price Jesus paid for our salvation, and it calls us to live a life of gratitude and worship. [21:17]
2. Contrast with Other Beliefs: Christianity stands unique among world religions. While other belief systems, like Islam, emphasize human effort to gain divine acceptance, Christianity teaches that Jesus changes us and makes us righteous. This highlights the unparalleled love and grace of Jesus, who came to lift us up and give us life. [25:53]
3. True Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in Christ, not in false gods like money, success, or even our gender and sexuality. We must be Bereans, examining the scriptures to discern the truth. This helps us avoid the lies that the world tells us about our value and purpose. [33:44]
4. Loving the LGBTQ Community: For those in the LGBTQ community, it's crucial to understand that God loves you as you are. You are not a mistake, and you don't need to change your gender or sexuality to be affirmed. Jesus affirms you now, and your true identity and value are found in Him. [41:28]
5. Engaging with Grace and Truth: When engaging with those who hold opposing views, it's important to keep the conversation alive and turn it towards God. Like Paul in Athens, we should engage respectfully, find common ground, and gently introduce them to the truth of who God is. Ultimately, we must trust God with the results, knowing that He loves the person we are speaking to more than we ever could. [56:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:41] - The Significance of Communion
[21:17] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[24:15] - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood
[25:53] - Christianity vs. Other Beliefs
[32:16] - Our True Identity in Christ
[33:44] - The Lies of False Gods
[35:03] - Being Bereans
[39:58] - Message to the LGBTQ Community
[41:28] - God's Love and Affirmation
[44:18] - Standing Up with Humility
[46:50] - Speaking the Truth in Love
[51:08] - Different Callings for Christians
[55:13] - Engaging with Grace
[56:36] - Paul's Approach in Athens
[59:01] - Keeping the Conversation Alive
[01:06:33] - Turning the Conversation to God
[01:09:22] - Trusting God with the Results
[01:12:16] - Prayer and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Communion)
2. Acts 17:11 (Bereans)
3. 1 Peter 3:15 (Speaking with Gentleness and Respect)
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the bread and the cup symbolize in the act of communion according to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26? How does this relate to Jesus' sacrifice? ([21:17])
2. In Acts 17:11, what made the Berean Jews of more noble character compared to those in Thessalonica? How did they approach Paul's teachings? ([33:44])
3. According to 1 Peter 3:15, how should Christians respond when asked about their faith? What attitude should they maintain? ([45:31])
4. How did Paul engage with the people of Athens in Acts 17, and what was his approach to discussing their beliefs? ([56:36])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that communion is described as an act of worship and remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice? How does this shape a believer's understanding of salvation? ([21:17])
2. What does it mean to be a Berean in the context of examining the scriptures? How can this practice protect against false teachings? ([33:44])
3. How can Christians balance speaking the truth with love and gentleness, especially when engaging with those who hold opposing views? ([45:31])
4. What can we learn from Paul's method of finding common ground with the Athenians before introducing them to the truth of God? How can this be applied in modern conversations about faith? ([56:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal experience with communion. How does participating in this act of worship deepen your gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice? ([21:17])
2. In what ways can you adopt the Berean approach in your daily Bible study? How can this practice help you discern the truth in a world full of conflicting messages? ([33:44])
3. Think of a recent conversation where you had to defend your faith. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently to ensure you speak with gentleness and respect next time? ([45:31])
4. Identify a person in your life who holds a different belief system. How can you engage them in a respectful and meaningful conversation about faith, following Paul's example in Athens? ([56:36])
5. For those in the LGBTQ community, how can you show God's love and affirmation without compromising the truth of the gospel? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this love? ([41:28])
6. How can you keep conversations about faith alive with those who have opposing views? What strategies can you use to gently turn these conversations towards God? ([56:36])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by societal issues. How can you trust God with the results of your efforts, knowing that He loves the people you are engaging with more than you ever could? ([01:09:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Communion as Worship
Communion is a profound act of worship that reminds us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. The bread and the cup symbolize His body and blood, given for our eternal life. This act is a reminder of the immense price Jesus paid for our salvation, and it calls us to live a life of gratitude and worship. When we partake in communion, we are not just remembering a historical event; we are participating in a sacred moment that connects us to the very heart of our faith. It is a time to reflect on the love and grace that Jesus has extended to us and to renew our commitment to live in a way that honors His sacrifice.
Communion is open to all who follow Jesus and recognize the transformative power of His love and sacrifice. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the depth of God's love for us, a love that was willing to endure the cross for our sake. As we take the bread and the cup, we are reminded that our salvation is not something we earned but a gift freely given by Jesus. This realization should fill us with gratitude and inspire us to live lives that reflect His love and grace to others. [21:17]
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: As you partake in communion this week, take a moment to reflect on the immense sacrifice Jesus made for you. How can you live a life of gratitude and worship in response to His love?
Day 2: Christianity vs. Other Beliefs
Christianity stands unique among world religions. While other belief systems, like Islam, emphasize human effort to gain divine acceptance, Christianity teaches that Jesus changes us and makes us righteous. This highlights the unparalleled love and grace of Jesus, who came to lift us up and give us life. In Christianity, our acceptance by God is not based on our deeds but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This is a radical departure from the idea that we must earn our way to God through our efforts.
This unique aspect of our faith underscores the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace. It is not about what we can do for God, but what He has already done for us. This truth should fill us with a sense of awe and gratitude, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God not because of our efforts but because of His grace. It also challenges us to extend that same grace and love to others, recognizing that we are all in need of God's mercy. [25:53]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on the unique grace of Jesus that sets Christianity apart from other belief systems. How does this understanding change the way you view your relationship with God and others?
Day 3: True Identity in Christ
Our true identity is found in Christ, not in false gods like money, success, or even our gender and sexuality. We must be Bereans, examining the scriptures to discern the truth. This helps us avoid the lies that the world tells us about our value and purpose. In a world that constantly tries to define us by external factors, it is crucial to remember that our true worth and identity come from our relationship with Jesus.
Understanding our identity in Christ means recognizing that we are loved, valued, and accepted by God just as we are. It means rejecting the false narratives that the world offers and embracing the truth of who we are in Jesus. This requires a commitment to studying the scriptures and seeking God's truth above all else. By doing so, we can live confidently in our true identity and fulfill the purpose that God has for our lives. [33:44]
Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: Take some time to examine the scriptures and reflect on your true identity in Christ. What false gods or narratives do you need to reject in order to fully embrace who you are in Jesus?
Day 4: Loving the LGBTQ Community
For those in the LGBTQ community, it's crucial to understand that God loves you as you are. You are not a mistake, and you don't need to change your gender or sexuality to be affirmed. Jesus affirms you now, and your true identity and value are found in Him. This message is a powerful reminder of God's unconditional love and acceptance for all people, regardless of their background or identity.
For straight Christians, the call is to stand up and speak out with humility, kindness, and patience, always speaking the truth in love. It is important to create a welcoming and affirming environment where everyone can experience the love and grace of Jesus. This means listening, understanding, and extending compassion to those who may feel marginalized or misunderstood. By doing so, we can reflect the heart of Jesus and build a community that truly embodies His love. [41:28]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can create a more welcoming and affirming environment for the LGBTQ community in your church and personal life. How can you extend the love and grace of Jesus to those who may feel marginalized or misunderstood?
Day 5: Engaging with Grace and Truth
When engaging with those who hold opposing views, it's important to keep the conversation alive and turn it towards God. Like Paul in Athens, we should engage respectfully, find common ground, and gently introduce them to the truth of who God is. Ultimately, we must trust God with the results, knowing that He loves the person we are speaking to more than we ever could. This approach requires humility, patience, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions.
Engaging with grace and truth means being willing to listen and understand the perspectives of others, even when we disagree. It means finding ways to connect and build relationships, rather than creating division. By doing so, we can create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith and the love of God. Trusting God with the results allows us to release the pressure of trying to change others and instead focus on being faithful witnesses to His love and truth. [56:36]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who holds opposing views. How can you engage with them respectfully and gently introduce them to the truth of who God is? What steps can you take to build a relationship and keep the conversation alive?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "In Christianity, it's like just the opposite of that. Like, we accept Jesus, and then He changes us, and He makes us good enough, and He makes us righteous enough. And as you look at the religions and belief systems around the world, I think what you're going to find out is there's nobody else like Jesus. There's no other God that wants us enough to come for us, right?" [25:53] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God loves you, and wants the best for you. And he knows the best for you. I hope that you will not believe the lies that the trans movement would have you believe that you are like some sort of mistake, right? That the lies that you can't find peace and joy and love and real relationships in the sex and gender that God gave you." [41:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You don't have to change to be affirmed. And I hope that you will see that you don't, you can't change who God created you to be. And you don't need to. Because you're amazing. You're lovable now as you are. And I hope that you will see the beauty of you that God sees." [41:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The answer is in Jesus. And I would encourage you to find yourself, to find who you are, by seeing who He is. He's the One that created you. He's the One that knows you. He's the One that knows what's best for you. He's the One that wants what's best for you. He's the One that gave His life for you." [42:58] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We want to live a life that honors you. We want to live a life that's fun and exciting and meaningful. We want to live a life that lasts forever. So thank you for your instructions and your model about how to do that but lord right now we just want to stop and remember how it started that you came for us that you bled for us and that you died so that we could live so thank you for your blood in your name amen." [24:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In our sermons we've been talking a lot about how to live this life that Jesus came to give us, how to live this rich, satisfying, abundant life that Jesus came to give us, a life that's new and it's eternal. We've been talking a lot about how to walk out these steps of living this amazing life that he has for us." [19:41] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So for the last few weeks, we've been talking about our identity and who we really are in Christ. And we specifically talked about how easy it is to settle for finding our identity in false gods like money or like success or popularity or politics or religion and how those gods lied to us about us. About our identity and about our value and about our purpose." [32:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You should receive the messages with great eagerness and then you should examine the scriptures to see if what I say is true. And I'll just tell you, as you're passing through, I'm going to tell you this, if you're a pastor, this might sound weird, don't trust me. Don't trust me. You have a Bible, right? You have a Bible. If you don't have a Bible, go to the Connection Center after church today, they'll give you a Bible." [35:03] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So I think it's going to be really important if we're going to stand up, and if we're going to speak out, if that's what God's calling you should do, you should do that. But you should do it in humility, and you should do it in kindness, and you should do it in patience. This is 2 Timothy 2.24, because you're supposed to be doing this as a servant of God, right? Not to promote your own ideas, not to promote some political agenda." [45:31] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We do what he calls us to do. We do it in his strength. We do it in his power. We do it in his leading. We do it scripturally. We do it following Jesus. We do what he calls us to do. But we trust him with the results. There's a really neat proverb that says, we get the horse ready for battle, but God gives the victory." [01:09:22] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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