Finding Joy Through Authenticity and Inclusivity
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound concept of joy and how it relates to our authentic selves and our relationships with others. Using the analogy of a well-crafted soup recipe, we discussed how God, as the author of life, has created each of us with the perfect ingredients to live a joyful and fulfilling life. True joy, as defined by the neighboring movement, is the process of discovering and living in alignment with our core values and principles. This joy is not merely about happiness but about authenticity and living as God intended.
We delved into the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8. The eunuch, despite being marginalized and excluded from the temple, had a deep spiritual hunger. Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit, helped the eunuch understand the scriptures and introduced him to the good news of Jesus. This encounter led to the eunuch's baptism and his newfound joy in knowing that he was accepted and loved by God, regardless of societal norms or physical conditions.
The story of the eunuch teaches us that joy comes from knowing our worth in God's eyes and living authentically. It also emphasizes the importance of being good neighbors, as Philip was to the eunuch, by helping others discover their worth and joy in God. We also heard a touching story from a member of our congregation, Kristen Van Meter, who exemplified neighboring by helping her diverse set of neighbors in various ways, showing that everyone deserves to experience joy and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Joy Through Authenticity: True joy is found in discovering and living in alignment with our core values and principles, as God created us. This joy is not about constant happiness but about being our authentic selves and living as God intended. [16:01]
2. Inclusivity in God's Love: The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrates that God's love and acceptance are for everyone, regardless of societal norms or physical conditions. This inclusivity brings profound joy and a sense of belonging. [20:31]
3. The Role of a Good Neighbor: Being a good neighbor means helping others discover their worth and joy in God. Philip's willingness to guide the eunuch to understanding and baptism is a powerful example of neighboring that leads to spiritual fulfillment. [27:55]
4. Overcoming Exclusion: The church has historically excluded certain groups, causing harm. However, the true message of Jesus is one of inclusion and love for all. Recognizing and rectifying these past wrongs can help us better embody the love of Christ. [31:35]
5. Living Out Joy in Community: Sharing joy and love with our neighbors, as exemplified by Kristen Van Meter's story, shows the practical application of our faith. By helping others in diverse and meaningful ways, we can spread the joy and love of Jesus in our communities. [34:33]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - The Comfort of Soup
[2:30] - God as the Author of Life
[4:15] - Defining Joy
[6:00] - Joy in Authenticity
[8:30] - Inside Out and Joy
[10:45] - Joy Beyond Happiness
[12:30] - The Story of Philip and the Eunuch
[15:00] - The Eunuch's Spiritual Journey
[17:30] - Personal Reflections on Identity
[20:00] - Rediscovering Our Worth
[22:00] - The Good News for Everyone
[24:00] - The Eunuch's Baptism
[26:00] - Joy in Inclusion
[28:00] - Modern-Day Neighboring
[30:00] - Apology for Exclusion
[32:00] - Kristen Van Meter's Neighboring Story
[34:00] - Diverse Neighbors and Joy
[36:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 8:26-40
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the Ethiopian eunuch doing when Philip encountered him on the road? ([24:15])
2. How did Philip respond to the eunuch's question about understanding the scriptures? ([24:15])
3. What was the eunuch's reaction after being baptized by Philip? ([27:55])
4. How did the story of the eunuch illustrate the inclusivity of God's love? ([29:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our actions? ([24:15])
2. How does the eunuch's experience of exclusion and subsequent acceptance reflect the broader message of the gospel? ([20:31])
3. In what ways does the story of the eunuch challenge societal norms and expectations about who is worthy of God's love? ([27:55])
4. How does the concept of joy in the sermon differ from the common understanding of happiness? ([16:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or marginalized. How did that experience affect your sense of self-worth and joy? How can the story of the eunuch help you find joy in God's acceptance? ([20:31])
2. Think about your core values and principles. How can you align your daily actions more closely with these values to experience true joy? ([16:01])
3. How can you be a "Philip" to someone in your life who might feel excluded or marginalized? What practical steps can you take to help them discover their worth and joy in God? ([27:55])
4. The sermon mentioned the harm caused by the church's historical exclusion of certain groups. How can you contribute to making your church a more inclusive and loving community? ([31:35])
5. Kristen Van Meter's story highlighted practical ways of neighboring. Identify one neighbor or community member you can help this week. What specific actions will you take to show them love and support? ([34:33])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of your authentic self as created by God? What steps will you take this week to live more authentically? ([16:01])
7. Reflect on the idea that joy is not about constant happiness but about living authentically. How can you remind yourself of this truth in moments of sadness or frustration? ([16:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Through Authenticity
True joy is found in discovering and living in alignment with our core values and principles, as God created us. This joy is not about constant happiness but about being our authentic selves and living as God intended. When we live authentically, we experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. This authenticity allows us to connect more genuinely with others and with God, fostering a life that is rich in meaning and joy.
In the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, we see an example of someone who, despite societal exclusion, sought to understand and live out his faith authentically. The eunuch's joy came from knowing his worth in God's eyes and embracing his true self. This teaches us that our joy is deeply connected to our authenticity and our relationship with God. [16:01]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you feel you are not living authentically? How can you begin to align these areas with your core values and principles today?
Day 2: Inclusivity in God's Love
The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrates that God's love and acceptance are for everyone, regardless of societal norms or physical conditions. This inclusivity brings profound joy and a sense of belonging. The eunuch, despite being marginalized, found joy in knowing that he was accepted and loved by God. This story reminds us that God's love transcends all human barriers and that everyone is worthy of His love.
Inclusivity in God's love means recognizing and embracing the worth of every individual. It challenges us to look beyond societal labels and see people as God sees them. This perspective not only brings joy to those who feel excluded but also enriches our own spiritual journey by expanding our understanding of God's boundless love. [20:31]
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: Think of someone in your life who might feel excluded or marginalized. How can you show them God's inclusive love today?
Day 3: The Role of a Good Neighbor
Being a good neighbor means helping others discover their worth and joy in God. Philip's willingness to guide the eunuch to understanding and baptism is a powerful example of neighboring that leads to spiritual fulfillment. As good neighbors, we are called to support and uplift those around us, helping them to see their value in God's eyes and to experience the joy that comes from this realization.
This role involves active listening, empathy, and a willingness to share our faith and resources. By being present and supportive, we can make a significant impact on the lives of others, just as Philip did for the eunuch. This act of neighboring not only benefits those we help but also deepens our own faith and joy. [27:55]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Who in your community could use a good neighbor today? What practical steps can you take to support and uplift them?
Day 4: Overcoming Exclusion
The church has historically excluded certain groups, causing harm. However, the true message of Jesus is one of inclusion and love for all. Recognizing and rectifying these past wrongs can help us better embody the love of Christ. This involves acknowledging the pain caused by exclusion and actively working towards creating a more inclusive and loving community.
Overcoming exclusion requires humility, repentance, and a commitment to change. It means listening to those who have been hurt, learning from their experiences, and making intentional efforts to include and love everyone as Jesus did. This process not only heals those who have been excluded but also strengthens the church as a whole, making it a true reflection of Christ's love. [31:35]
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you may have unintentionally excluded someone. How can you seek forgiveness and work towards being more inclusive in the future?
Day 5: Living Out Joy in Community
Sharing joy and love with our neighbors, as exemplified by Kristen Van Meter's story, shows the practical application of our faith. By helping others in diverse and meaningful ways, we can spread the joy and love of Jesus in our communities. Living out joy in community means being proactive in our efforts to support and uplift those around us, creating an environment where everyone can experience God's love.
This involves acts of kindness, generosity, and genuine care for the well-being of others. By living out our faith in tangible ways, we not only bring joy to others but also experience a deeper sense of joy ourselves. This communal joy strengthens our bonds with one another and with God, creating a vibrant and loving community. [34:33]
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: What is one specific way you can share joy and love with your neighbors this week? How can you make this a regular practice in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "God is the author of life and has created us and when we recognize that God has created us with just the right ingredients and we live into that, we find joy. Now as we dig into what it means to for real love your neighbor, we find joy ourselves." [16:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I live my life not trying to live into any expectations or molds that I have that the world might have for me but only living in the reality knowing that God loves me, that God believes in me, that God’s rooting for me, that God is a God of forgiveness and God of grace then I discover my genuine self, the self that God created me to be." [22:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The story is about a man who went from being unwelcomed to finding joy through the lesson of a life measured and validated not by anything but the fact that God is a God for everyone and that Jesus came to save the whole world." [24:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There are people all over our world today on their own desert road. They’re wandering on these wilderness roads, trying to find ways. Where they fit in. People longing for some sort of spiritual connection of some sort. And maybe that’s you. Maybe you’re not even certain if you are welcome here." [30:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you discover or rediscover the joy of living an authentic life. You can imagine Jesus standing right there. Looking you in the eye saying you are loved. Philip was a neighbor. He was a neighbor who was willing to help this eunuch see that he was beloved. That he was held by God." [31:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Joy, the way the neighboring movement defines it, is the process of communicating, the process of discovering and then seeking to live aligned to the values and principles which we hold close. So joy for the neighboring movement is the process of discovering authenticity and then seeking to live that out in our lives." [16:01] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The eunuch was reading from Isaiah chapter 53, and it says they started there, and Philip explained the good news of Jesus. Because if you go to Isaiah 54. It talks about this new covenant. And then Isaiah 55 talks about the new creation. And then in Isaiah 56, there’s this blessing, even for outsiders, for foreigners, and yes, even for eunuchs." [26:14] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The world is loud. The world tells us who we should exclude and who we should include. But how do we make the message of Jesus. Louder. When you discover or rediscover the joy of living an authentic life. You can imagine Jesus standing right there. Looking you in the eye saying you are loved." [31:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Philip was a neighbor. He was a neighbor who was willing to help this eunuch see that he was beloved. That he was held by God. because of that and the spirit’s work. The eunuch gained access to joy. And if later tradition is believed. This eunuch became the first evangelist in his own native country. A good neighbor indeed." [32:43] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Kristen said this. She said loving, showing the love of God is so important. I have such gratitude. I have such joy for what Jesus has done for me. I want to show love to others to express my love for him. That. Is how we can be good neighbors. The first ingredient in neighboring is finding that joy." [35:34] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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