Finding Strength in Faith and Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, and welcome to worship at St. Michael on this 10th Sunday after Pentecost. We are coming off a wonderful Vacation Bible School week, filled with joy and excitement, and we look forward to next year. Today, we also send off our LAMP team, who will be traveling to Lac Rocher, Manitoba, to serve and spread the love of Christ.
We began our service with a heartfelt confession and received God's grace and forgiveness. We then delved into the Gospel of Mark, recounting the story of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm, a powerful reminder of His divine presence and authority. This led us to reflect on the importance of spiritual strength, as emphasized by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians.
St. Paul teaches us that true strength comes from within, rooted in our relationship with God. While physical strength has its value, it is the inner strength, nurtured by the Holy Spirit, that sustains us. This spiritual strength is not just about emotional or mental resilience but is deeply connected to our faith and the love of Christ that surpasses all understanding.
We are reminded that our bodies, though they may age and weaken, are temples of the Holy Spirit. God renews us daily, spiritually, and promises a future resurrection of our bodies, just as Christ was resurrected. This hope of glory is a profound mystery, yet it is the foundation of our faith.
As we send off our LAMP team, we are called to support them with our prayers and blessings. They go forth as representatives of our congregation and the broader mission of the church, bringing the light of Christ to the far north. We pray for their safety, boldness, and effectiveness in their ministry.
In our prayers, we also remember those who are grieving, those in need of healing, and those celebrating milestones in their lives. We ask for God's guidance in our upcoming elections and for His continued blessing on our congregation and its various ministries.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Strength Over Physical Strength: While physical strength has its benefits, true strength comes from within, nurtured by our relationship with God. St. Paul emphasizes that spiritual strength is the power in our inner being, renewed daily by the Holy Spirit. This inner strength sustains us through life's challenges and is far more valuable than physical prowess. [30:06]
2. The Promise of Resurrection: Our hope as Christians is not just in life after death but in the resurrection of our bodies. Just as Christ was resurrected, we too will be raised with new, glorified bodies. This promise of bodily resurrection gives us hope and assurance that our physical bodies, though they may decay, will be renewed. [34:35]
3. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: At our baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence within us. This indwelling of the Spirit empowers us with spiritual strength, faith, patience, peace, and joy. It is a profound mystery that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, filling us with the fullness of God. [39:22]
4. The Love of Christ Surpasses Knowledge: The love of Christ is beyond our understanding, yet it is the foundation of our spiritual strength. It is not about our love for God but His immense love for us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son. This unfathomable love gives us comfort and strength, even in the most challenging times. [42:27]
5. Supporting Our Missionaries: As we send off our LAMP team, we are reminded of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Our support through prayers and blessings is crucial for their mission. They go forth as representatives of our congregation, bringing the light of Christ to those in need. [55:53]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [05:15] - Vacation Bible School Recap
3. [06:11] - Sending Off the LAMP Team
4. [07:03] - Confession and Forgiveness
5. [08:40] - Announcement of God's Grace
6. [10:03] - Opening Prayer
7. [13:53] - Scripture Reading: Gospel of Mark
8. [17:28] - Jesus Walks on Water
9. [20:16] - Apostles' Creed
10. [21:33] - Children's Message
11. [26:56] - The Importance of Strength
12. [30:06] - Spiritual Strength in Ephesians
13. [34:35] - Promise of Resurrection
14. [39:22] - Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
15. [42:27] - The Love of Christ
16. [55:53] - Supporting Our Missionaries
17. [58:43] - Prayers for the Congregation
18. [01:06:13] - The Lord's Prayer
19. [01:09:25] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV)
> "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
> "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
3. John 6:63 (ESV)
> "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does St. Paul say about the source of our spiritual strength in Ephesians 3:16-19?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 4:16, what is happening to our inner and outer selves?
3. In John 6:63, what does Jesus say about the role of the Spirit and the flesh?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17) influence our understanding of spiritual strength? [40:11]
2. What does it mean for our inner self to be "renewed day by day" as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:16? How does this renewal happen? [31:26]
3. How does the promise of bodily resurrection (Ephesians 3:16-19) provide hope and assurance for believers? [34:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your physical strength. How did it compare to a time when you relied on your spiritual strength? What was the outcome in each situation? [30:06]
2. How can you nurture your inner spiritual strength daily? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your routine to ensure this renewal? [31:26]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? [39:22]
4. Think about the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. How can you remind yourself of this love during challenging times? What practical steps can you take to feel this love more deeply? [42:27]
5. The LAMP team is being sent off to serve and spread the love of Christ. How can you support missionaries and those serving in ministry? What specific actions can you take to show your support? [55:53]
6. Reflect on the promise of resurrection and eternal life. How does this promise affect your perspective on current struggles and challenges? [34:35]
7. How can you demonstrate the love of Christ in your community? Identify one person or group you can reach out to this week and share Christ's love with them. [40:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Inner Strength Rooted in God
True strength comes from within, nurtured by our relationship with God. St. Paul emphasizes that spiritual strength is the power in our inner being, renewed daily by the Holy Spirit. This inner strength sustains us through life's challenges and is far more valuable than physical prowess. While physical strength has its benefits, it is the spiritual strength that truly empowers us to face life's trials with resilience and faith. This strength is deeply connected to our faith and the love of Christ that surpasses all understanding. [30:06]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you rely on your inner spiritual strength to navigate through it? How can you continue to nurture this strength daily?
Day 2: The Promise of Bodily Resurrection
Our hope as Christians is not just in life after death but in the resurrection of our bodies. Just as Christ was resurrected, we too will be raised with new, glorified bodies. This promise of bodily resurrection gives us hope and assurance that our physical bodies, though they may decay, will be renewed. This hope of glory is a profound mystery, yet it is the foundation of our faith. It reminds us that our current sufferings and physical limitations are temporary and that we have a glorious future awaiting us. [34:35]
1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (ESV): "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."
Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection influence your perspective on physical suffering and aging? What steps can you take to live in the hope of this promise today?
Day 3: The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
At our baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence within us. This indwelling of the Spirit empowers us with spiritual strength, faith, patience, peace, and joy. It is a profound mystery that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, filling us with the fullness of God. This presence of the Holy Spirit within us is a constant source of comfort and guidance, helping us to live out our faith in practical ways every day. It is through the Spirit that we are able to experience the fullness of God's love and power in our lives. [39:22]
Romans 8:9-11 (ESV): "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt the guidance or comfort of the Holy Spirit. How can you become more aware of the Spirit's presence in your daily life?
Day 4: The Unfathomable Love of Christ
The love of Christ is beyond our understanding, yet it is the foundation of our spiritual strength. It is not about our love for God but His immense love for us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son. This unfathomable love gives us comfort and strength, even in the most challenging times. It is a love that surpasses knowledge and fills us with the fullness of God. Understanding and accepting this love can transform our lives, giving us the courage to face any situation with confidence and peace. [42:27]
Ephesians 3:18-19 (ESV): "May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: How has the love of Christ impacted your life? In what ways can you share this love with others around you today?
Day 5: Supporting Our Missionaries
As we send off our LAMP team, we are reminded of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Our support through prayers and blessings is crucial for their mission. They go forth as representatives of our congregation, bringing the light of Christ to those in need. This act of sending and supporting missionaries is a tangible way of participating in God's work around the world. It is a reminder that we are all called to be part of God's mission, whether by going, sending, or supporting through prayer and resources. [55:53]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you actively support missionaries in your community or abroad? What specific steps can you take today to pray for and encourage those who are spreading the Gospel?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We all like the idea of having strength. Not just physical strength, but emotional strength and mental strength. Sometimes in an effort to strengthen ourselves, we might enter into some sort of a routine and regimen of working out. People go to the Y and they go for a walk and they have a workout perhaps even within their own home." [27:55] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God will renew us day by day, spiritually, in our relationship to him, in the strength of our faith, in the confidence in his love, all of that internal strength. But the day will come when God will also renew us and remake us externally as well, because we believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting." [33:01] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So the Spirit of God accomplishes that, through the word, the word of Christ. And Christ takes up residence within us. Paul says this in verse 17. He says, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. So again, your body matters. God the Holy Spirit has moved in. At your baptism, Peter said, you'll receive the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit." [36:49] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "With Christ in you, you've got the hope of glory. With Christ in you, you've got the fullness of God. Within you. That's how much he loves you. That's how important you are to him and how much you matter. And with that indwelling of the Holy Spirit comes spiritual, supernatural strength of faith, of patience and peace and hope and joy and all those fruits of the Spirit." [46:42] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we can ask or imagine. According to his power at work within us. His power at work within us. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. Forever and ever. Amen." [47:30] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What does it take to be spiritually strong? Well, St. Paul talks about this in our epistle reading today from Ephesians chapter 3. And he says that spiritual strength is the power on the inside in your inner being. Now, again, it's certainly a good thing to be a good steward of your body and to take care of the outside. But we know it's really on the inside that is really the most important thing." [30:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The inner self can be renewed day by day. Well, here in Ephesians chapter 3, St. Paul says that God does this according to the riches of his glory. In other words, God has everything that could ever possibly be needed for our good. He's got all the resources of all the universe at his disposal, the riches of his glory. And he'll use everything within his power to bless us and to help us." [31:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So the way Jesus was when he came out of the tomb, alive and well and resurrected, is the way that we will be. Still us, not somebody else, still us, but nevertheless a new and improved person with the resurrection of the body. So we've got this. This promise of being remade. For today, it's going to be internal. For tomorrow, when Christ returns, it'll be external too, with the complete bodily resurrection from the dead." [34:35] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What gives us comfort and gives us spiritual strength is grasping what's really beyond us, the unfathomable love of God that surpasses knowledge. I was making a visit the other day at an assisted living place called Sue's Loving House, which is a loving care. And on my way out, one of the loving care workers there, knowing I was a pastor, she stopped me and said, I got a question for you." [42:27] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "With Christ in you, you've got the hope of glory. With Christ in you, you've got the fullness of God. Within you. That's how much he loves you. That's how important you are to him and how much you matter. And with that indwelling of the Holy Spirit comes spiritual, supernatural strength of faith, of patience and peace and hope and joy and all those fruits of the Spirit. All those things. All those things that we admire and might call spiritual strength." [46:42] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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