Following Jesus: Savior, Lord, and Our Foundation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered with great excitement and joy, celebrating worship, a baptism, and the return of Austin McCormick from his military service in Kuwait. We began our service with a call to worship, focusing on the many names and titles of Jesus, such as Alpha and Omega, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. This set the stage for our exploration of what it means to follow Jesus as both Savior and Lord.
We recited the Apostles' Creed, affirming our shared faith, and then witnessed the baptism of young Cooper, who publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism, as we discussed, is an outward sign of an inward grace, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
The core of our discussion centered on the dual roles of Jesus as Savior and Lord. We examined scriptures from Luke's Gospel, highlighting the announcement of Jesus' birth as the Savior and the teachings of Jesus about the importance of not just calling Him Lord but also following His commands. We delved into the historical context of the term "Lord," noting that early Christians' declaration of "Jesus is Lord" was a radical and counter-cultural statement, especially in a society that revered Caesar as the ultimate authority.
We also explored the broader meaning of salvation, drawing from William Tyndale's translation of the Bible, which used the word "health" to describe the wholeness and fullness of life that Jesus offers. This encompasses not just spiritual salvation but also physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
In conclusion, we reflected on the importance of putting Jesus' teachings into practice, likening it to building a house on a solid foundation. This involves daily, incremental acts of faith and obedience, rather than grand gestures. We were challenged to examine whether we truly live out our profession of Jesus as Lord and Savior in our everyday lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Jesus' Titles: Understanding the various titles of Jesus, such as Alpha and Omega, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, enriches our worship and deepens our relationship with Him. These titles are not just names but encapsulate His divine nature and His role in our lives. [16:38]
2. Baptism as a Public Declaration: Baptism is a profound act of faith, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the start of a new life in Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward grace, reminding us of our commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings. [31:07]
3. Jesus as Savior and Lord: Declaring Jesus as both Savior and Lord means recognizing Him as the one who saves us from sin and death and as the one who has authority over our lives. This dual recognition calls for a life of obedience and discipleship, following His commands and teachings. [49:46]
4. The Broader Meaning of Salvation: Salvation is not just about eternal life but encompasses the fullness of life, including physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Jesus came to offer us a holistic sense of health and wholeness, transforming every aspect of our lives. [57:53]
5. Building on a Solid Foundation: Following Jesus involves more than just verbal profession; it requires putting His words into practice. This is akin to building a house on a solid foundation, ensuring that our faith can withstand life's storms. Daily acts of faith and obedience are crucial in living out our commitment to Jesus. [59:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:09] - Honoring Austin McCormick
[16:38] - Call to Worship
[17:32] - Singing and Apostles' Creed
[30:24] - Introduction to Baptism
[31:07] - Cooper's Baptism
[32:36] - Baptismal Questions
[32:58] - Baptism Ceremony
[33:36] - Prayer for Cooper
[34:15] - Congregational Response
[44:19] - Morning Prayer
[46:29] - Becoming a Lord or Lady
[47:56] - Names and Titles of Jesus
[49:46] - Jesus as Savior and Lord
[50:41] - Luke 2: Birth of Jesus
[51:56] - Luke 6: Jesus' Teachings
[53:02] - Historical Context of "Lord"
[55:15] - Meaning of Salvation
[57:53] - William Tyndale's Translation
[59:36] - Building on a Solid Foundation
[01:01:11] - Taking Up Your Cross
[01:02:59] - Daily Acts of Faith
[01:04:29] - Invitation to Commit or Recommit
[01:06:10] - Closing Prayer
[01:09:20] - Bible Study Announcement
[01:10:43] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:8-12 (NIV)
> "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"
2. Luke 6:46-49 (NIV)
> "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
### Observation Questions
1. What titles of Jesus were highlighted during the call to worship? ([16:38])
2. What does baptism symbolize according to the sermon? ([31:07])
3. How did early Christians' declaration of "Jesus is Lord" contrast with the societal norms of their time? ([53:02])
4. What broader aspects of life does the sermon suggest are included in the concept of salvation? ([57:53])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of the angel's announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-12, and how does it relate to the dual roles of Jesus as Savior and Lord?
2. In Luke 6:46-49, why does Jesus emphasize the importance of putting His words into practice, and how does this relate to building a solid foundation in one's faith?
3. How does the historical context of the term "Lord" enhance our understanding of the early Christians' declaration of "Jesus is Lord"? ([53:02])
4. How does William Tyndale's translation of "salvation" as "health" expand our understanding of what Jesus offers us? ([57:53])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the various titles of Jesus mentioned in the sermon. How do these titles influence your personal relationship with Him? ([16:38])
2. Baptism is described as an outward sign of an inward grace. Have you experienced a moment in your life where you publicly declared your faith? How did it impact you? ([31:07])
3. The sermon challenges us to examine if we truly live out our profession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. What are some daily, incremental acts of faith and obedience you can incorporate into your life? ([59:36])
4. Considering the broader meaning of salvation, in what ways can you seek wholeness in your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being through your faith in Jesus? ([57:53])
5. The sermon likens following Jesus' teachings to building a house on a solid foundation. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure your faith is built on a strong foundation? ([59:36])
6. Reflect on the historical context of declaring "Jesus is Lord" in a society that revered Caesar. How can you make bold declarations of your faith in today's society? ([53:02])
7. The sermon concludes with a call to commit or recommit to making Jesus your Lord and Savior. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to following Jesus in your daily life? ([01:04:29])
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Titles of Jesus
Understanding the various titles of Jesus, such as Alpha and Omega, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, enriches our worship and deepens our relationship with Him. These titles are not just names but encapsulate His divine nature and His role in our lives. When we call Jesus the Alpha and Omega, we acknowledge Him as the beginning and the end, the eternal one who holds all of history in His hands. As the King of Kings, He reigns supreme over all earthly powers, and as the Lord of Lords, He is the ultimate authority in our lives. Reflecting on these titles helps us to see the multifaceted nature of Jesus and to worship Him more fully. [16:38]
Revelation 1:8 (ESV): "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords change the way you approach your daily life and decisions?
Day 2: Baptism as a Public Declaration
Baptism is a profound act of faith, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the start of a new life in Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward grace, reminding us of our commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings. When we witness a baptism, we are reminded of our own baptismal vows and the grace that God has extended to us. It is a public declaration of faith, a moment of joy and celebration for the individual and the community. Baptism calls us to remember that we are part of a larger body of believers, united in our faith in Jesus Christ. [31:07]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or the baptism of someone you know. How does this act of faith inspire you to live out your commitment to Jesus in your daily life?
Day 3: Jesus as Savior and Lord
Declaring Jesus as both Savior and Lord means recognizing Him as the one who saves us from sin and death and as the one who has authority over our lives. This dual recognition calls for a life of obedience and discipleship, following His commands and teachings. Early Christians' declaration of "Jesus is Lord" was a radical and counter-cultural statement, especially in a society that revered Caesar as the ultimate authority. Today, it still requires courage and commitment to live out this declaration in a world that often values self-reliance and independence. [49:46]
Luke 6:46 (ESV): "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: The Broader Meaning of Salvation
Salvation is not just about eternal life but encompasses the fullness of life, including physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Jesus came to offer us a holistic sense of health and wholeness, transforming every aspect of our lives. William Tyndale's translation of the Bible used the word "health" to describe this wholeness, emphasizing that salvation is about more than just the afterlife. It is about experiencing the abundant life that Jesus offers here and now, in every area of our lives. [57:53]
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: In what ways can you seek to experience the fullness of the salvation that Jesus offers in your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being today?
Day 5: Building on a Solid Foundation
Following Jesus involves more than just verbal profession; it requires putting His words into practice. This is akin to building a house on a solid foundation, ensuring that our faith can withstand life's storms. Daily acts of faith and obedience are crucial in living out our commitment to Jesus. It is through these small, consistent actions that we build a strong foundation for our lives, one that can endure challenges and trials. Jesus' teachings provide the blueprint for this solid foundation, guiding us in how to live faithfully and obediently. [59:36]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: What is one specific teaching of Jesus that you can put into practice today to strengthen your foundation of faith? How can you make this a daily habit?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Baptism is an outward invisible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. And so Cooper, a while back, gave his life to Jesus. And he comes now to do what all of us, as we join the church and as we become a part of, of following Jesus do. And that is to come through the sacrament of Christian baptism." [31:07] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus saves us by offering us eternal life. Therefore, when we die and we go to heaven, you know, we have Jesus as our Savior in that way. That also, that Jesus saves us from our human sin. Scripture tells us that, you know, all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Every single one of us sin, you know, sometimes daily, sometimes multiple times daily, but yet God forgives us of that sin." [55:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus came to give us life, to save us, to give us health and wholeness in life. And so that means a lot different than just, you know, sometimes the one-dimensional way in which we sometimes encounter some of these words. And so a Savior comes to save us, but a Lord then comes to rule over our lives, to rule over our lives." [58:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus says to his disciples, whoever wants to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. If we're going to follow Jesus as Lord and as a savior, as friend and king is the way, then we have to surrender our lives and follow out and to put into practice those words and those teachings that he has given us." [01:01:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we give our lives to Jesus when we follow after him in our Christian life you know it begins with that that decision to to accept him as our Lord and as our Savior and then to begin to put into practice those words that he has given us in his teaching." [01:02:59] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We also have something that we respond to here because baptism doesn't take place in a vacuum. It really takes all of us, you know, guarding and holding one another accountable and encouraging one another as we go along the way." [33:36] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so for those early Christians, in their earliest profession of faith, you know, we professed our faith with the Apostles' Creed earlier. Their earliest profession of faith was Jesus is Lord. That is the way that Christians would often greet one another. That's what they would say within their worship time. Jesus is Lord. And so for them, that meant something very, very specific. And it should to us as well." [53:52] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so Jesus, you know, we call him Savior and Lord. And so in order to illustrate this, he, you know, he taught what we read in the Scripture this morning. He says, why do you call me Lord and Lord? Don't just do what I say. Just don't just give my title and then not follow what I'm doing." [58:49] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes we look at something like that, like taking up your cross is a very, and it is a very serious thing, but we look at it in a way that, you know, sometimes maybe bring a negative effect. It's like a bunch of images. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was certainly a follower of Jesus during a very difficult time in Germany, and many of you know, may know his story. He worked to overthrow Hitler and was actually a modern-day martyr because of it." [01:01:54] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But in fact it looks more like this it looks more like going to the bank and taking that thousand dollars and getting it changed made into change and so that each day and each minute of each day we are giving out little bits by little bits as we following him step by step inch by inch as we pursue our lives in the Christian faith." [01:02:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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