From Meology to Theology: Embracing Community in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound difference between "meology" and theology, particularly in the context of the church. The focus was on moving from a self-centered view of faith to a community-centered one, as God intended. We delved into the vision of Legacy Church, emphasizing the importance of being planted in the house of the Lord, as described in Psalms 92:12-13. This scripture illustrates how the righteous flourish when they are part of God's community, much like palm trees and cedars of Lebanon, which are known for their strength and longevity.
We examined 1 Corinthians 12, which likens the church to a body with many parts, each essential and uniquely placed by God. This metaphor underscores the necessity of every member's contribution to the church's health and mission. The church is not just a building or an institution but a living body where each person plays a vital role.
The message also addressed common misconceptions about the church, such as the belief that faith can be personal and isolated. We countered this with Hebrews 10:24-25, which calls us to gather and encourage one another. The church is God's design, not a human institution, and it exists to glorify Christ, not man.
We shared personal stories to illustrate the transformative power of the church community, even amidst imperfections and hurt. The church is a place for healing, not isolation, and it is through community that God restores us. We are reminded that the church is not a museum for the perfect but a hospital for the broken.
Finally, we challenged the notion of routine Christianity, urging everyone to move beyond mere attendance to active participation and transformation. The church is meant to equip and awaken us, not entertain. We are called to be passionate, engaged members of the body of Christ, contributing to a legacy that will endure for generations.
Key Takeaways:
- Community Over Isolation: Faith is personal but never private. God designed us to live in community, not isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to meet together and encourage one another, emphasizing that our faith journey is meant to be shared. [12:04]
- The Church as a Body: Each member of the church is essential, much like parts of a body. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that every part has a unique role, and together, we form the body of Christ. This unity is crucial for the church's mission and health. [02:44]
- Healing Through Community: The church is a place for healing, not isolation. Psalms 34:18 assures us that God is close to the brokenhearted, and through community, He restores us. The church is a hospital for the broken, not a museum for the perfect. [18:14]
- Beyond Routine Christianity: Church is not about routine but relationships. Isaiah 29:13 warns against empty traditions, urging us to seek heart transformation. God desires devotion, not mere attendance, and calls us to be passionate worshippers. [30:04]
- Legacy and Growth: Being part of the church means flourishing like palm trees and cedars, as described in Psalms 92:12-13. This growth is slow but enduring, creating a legacy that impacts future generations. We are called to be part of this lasting legacy. [42:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Theology vs. Meology
- [01:30] - From Me to We: The Church as God Intended
- [02:06] - Flourishing in the House of the Lord
- [02:24] - The Church as a Body
- [04:16] - Legacy Church Vision
- [06:18] - Personal Journey to Faith
- [10:02] - Healing Within the Church
- [11:31] - Unchurched Perspective
- [15:49] - Dechurched Perspective
- [19:10] - Loving Jesus and His Church
- [26:53] - Overchurched Perspective
- [30:04] - Beyond Routine Christianity
- [36:17] - Serving and Legacy
- [42:09] - Flourishing Like Trees
- [44:42] - Invitation to Deeper Relationship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalms 92:12-13
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
- Hebrews 10:24-25
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalms 92:12-13, what are the characteristics of the righteous, and how are they compared to palm trees and cedars of Lebanon? How does this imagery relate to being part of a church community? [02:06]
2. In 1 Corinthians 12, how does Paul describe the church as a body? What does this metaphor suggest about the roles and importance of each member within the church? [02:24]
3. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together. What reasons are given for why believers should not neglect meeting together? [11:49]
4. The sermon mentioned personal stories of transformation within the church community. What role did community play in these stories, and how did it contribute to healing and growth? [10:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of the church as a body in 1 Corinthians 12 challenge the idea of individualism in faith? What implications does this have for how we view our role in the church? [02:44]
2. The sermon contrasts "meology" with theology. How does this distinction affect our understanding of faith and community? What are the dangers of a self-centered approach to faith? [01:48]
3. Hebrews 10:24-25 calls believers to encourage one another. What are some practical ways this encouragement can manifest in a church setting, especially for those who feel isolated or hurt? [12:04]
4. The sermon mentioned the concept of "routine Christianity." How does Isaiah 29:13 warn against this, and what does it suggest about the nature of true worship and devotion? [30:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church. Are you actively participating in the community, or do you find yourself more on the sidelines? What steps can you take to become more engaged? [39:03]
2. Think about a time when you felt hurt by the church or its members. How did you respond, and what role did forgiveness play in your healing process? How can you apply Psalms 34:18 in your journey toward healing? [18:14]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of moving beyond routine Christianity. What specific changes can you make in your spiritual practices to ensure they are heartfelt and not just habitual? [30:04]
4. Consider the metaphor of the church as a body. What unique gifts or talents do you have that could contribute to the health and mission of your church community? How can you start using them? [02:44]
5. The sermon challenged the notion of faith being personal but not private. How can you share your faith journey with others in a way that builds community and encourages mutual growth? [12:04]
6. Reflect on the idea of leaving a legacy through your involvement in the church. What kind of legacy do you want to leave for future generations, and what actions can you take now to contribute to that legacy? [42:09]
7. How can you support someone in your church who might be feeling isolated or disconnected? What practical steps can you take to reach out and include them in the community? [10:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith is Shared, Not Isolated
Faith is personal but never private. God designed us to live in community, not isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to meet together and encourage one another, emphasizing that our faith journey is meant to be shared. The church is a place where believers gather to support, uplift, and challenge each other in their walk with Christ. This communal aspect of faith is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience. When we isolate ourselves, we miss out on the richness of shared experiences and the strength that comes from being part of a community. [12:04]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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 10:23-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer encouragement or support? How can you make a habit of gathering with others to strengthen your faith?
Day 2: Unity in Diversity
The church is likened to a body with many parts, each essential and uniquely placed by God. This metaphor underscores the necessity of every member's contribution to the church's health and mission. Each person has a unique role to play, and together, we form the body of Christ. This unity is crucial for the church's mission and health, as it allows for a diversity of gifts and talents to be used for God's glory. When each member embraces their role, the church functions effectively and can impact the world around it. [02:44]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you bring to your church community? How can you use them to contribute to the unity and mission of the church?
Day 3: Healing in Community
The church is a place for healing, not isolation. Psalms 34:18 assures us that God is close to the brokenhearted, and through community, He restores us. The church is a hospital for the broken, not a museum for the perfect. In a world where many feel isolated and hurt, the church offers a sanctuary where individuals can find healing and restoration. By sharing our struggles and supporting one another, we allow God to work through us to bring healing and hope. [18:14]
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalms 34:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a hurt or burden you are carrying that you need to share with your church community? How can you open yourself to the healing that comes from being vulnerable with others?
Day 4: Beyond Routine to Relationship
Church is not about routine but relationships. Isaiah 29:13 warns against empty traditions, urging us to seek heart transformation. God desires devotion, not mere attendance, and calls us to be passionate worshippers. It's easy to fall into the habit of attending church out of obligation rather than genuine desire. However, God calls us to move beyond routine Christianity and engage in a vibrant, transformative relationship with Him and others. This requires intentionality and a willingness to be changed by His love and truth. [30:04]
"And the Lord said: 'Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.'" (Isaiah 29:13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed your faith to become routine? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and others in your church community?
Day 5: Flourishing for Future Generations
Being part of the church means flourishing like palm trees and cedars, as described in Psalms 92:12-13. This growth is slow but enduring, creating a legacy that impacts future generations. We are called to be part of this lasting legacy. The church is not just for the present but for the future, as we invest in the spiritual growth and development of those who will come after us. By being rooted in the community, we contribute to a legacy that will endure and bear fruit for generations to come. [42:09]
"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God." (Psalms 92:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How are you investing in the future of your church community? What legacy do you want to leave for the next generation of believers?
Quotes
"The human body has many parts but the many parts make up one whole body meaning all of us so it is with the body of Christ some of us are Jews some are Gentiles some are slaves some are free but we have all been baptized into one body by one spirit and we all share the same spirit yes the body has many parts many different parts not just one if the foot says 'I'm not part of the body because I'm not a hand,' that does not make it any less part of the body." [00:02:24]
"God never designed faith to be lived in isolation Hebrews 10:24 and 25 says this 'And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works not neglecting to meet together.' Not neglecting to meet together he says this multiple times throughout the Bible the truth is that I want you guys to remember from this is faith is personal but not never private god calls us to belong to his body not just believe in him." [00:11:49]
"Theology is the church isn't perfect but it is necessary it is 1 Corinthians 12 27 says now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it when you give your life to Jesus you are then saying that you are part of the body of Christ in order to be a part of the body you have to be a part of the body and do what it you were created to do and how to function the truth is church isn't about trusting people it's about trusting God's design the church is exist to glorify Christ not man." [00:13:30]
"Jesus didn't call perfect people he called sinners in need of grace he called sinners in the need of grace yes thank you Jesus matthew 9 verse 12 says this and 13 it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick for I have not come to call the righteous but sinners we kind of forget that when we come into the church but maybe you've never been taught it is that this is not a place of perfect people this is a hospital that is made up of the sick that is need of a doctor and a savior." [00:16:16]
"The church is a hospital for the broken not a museum for the perfect we are all broken people we all have fallen short of the glory of God i stand before you of that i stand before you of letting you know that I've been a hypocrite at times i haven't given up on the church and neither should you I've been hurt by leadership or members of the church the miology is I've been wounded by church people so I don't trust the church anymore the theology is hurt people can hurt others but healing comes through Christ not isolation." [00:17:00]
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Why does he say that it's because all of us are going to deal with some brokenheartedness and sometimes you misplace that with bitterness but you're just brokenhearted and you need to remember that it's okay because he's giving you emotions he's giving you feelings but what he's saying is don't stay stuck there remembering that who I am and I'm here to heal your broken heart." [00:18:14]
"Isaiah 29:13 says this 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me because you've made this a routine.' Church attendance without heart transformation it's empty it's empty god wants devotion not tradition he doesn't want you just checking off a list he's saying 'Is your life being transformed how is it being transformed how are you leaving out here differently than you came back in what is this prompting you to change in your life what is this prompting you to be different in your family at your workplace where's the passion.'" [00:30:04]
"The truth is God doesn't want reluctant churchgoers he wants worshippers whose hearts are alive in him the other thing is church is boring predictable not relevant i don't think that this church as long as we got Pastor Justin preaching there ain't nothing predictable about him but the meology is church doesn't excite me or feel meaningful in my life the theology is God's word is never boring our hearts just need an awakening an awakening." [00:31:30]
"Revelation 3 verse 15-16 i know all things that you do god saying this that you are neither hot nor cold i wish that you were one or the other but since you are like lukewarm water neither hot or cold I will spit you out of my mouth routine Christianity without passion is dangerous it's dangerous i wouldn't I wouldn't want that for any of you but we have to understand something church there's some of you in here that right now this message is something that you're going to have to wrestle with you're going to have to wrestle with." [00:32:57]
"Legacy Church God is taking this church to a place that only he can get the glory to and he needs people within his church who say 'This is my community this is my home this is where I want to be plugged in and I want to establish my roots.' He needs people then to help be a part of serving his church for our older saints who are retired and living the retired wonderful life you are not retired from serving God you are not you still got plenty more to do." [00:33:08]
"Palm trees are special for their adaptability to diverse climates providing food shelter and materials and holding significant cultural and religious symbolism across various civilizations a palm tree cedar of Lebanon there's many cedars there's many of them but this is the only one that the word of God mentions and that this is the only one that this tree grows slowly adding about 10 to 15 inches a year in height but can live for hundreds of years and ultimately reach over 100 ft in height." [00:42:09]
"He mentions these two trees as an example of who you are when you are in the house of God that you will flourish like these two trees and what does this mean is that you will withstand any diversity that comes your way as being a part of the body of Christ the church has withstand through COVID through anything else that it the world has to try to throw at us the church is still standing and he's saying that when you are part of the church you will flourish but you are like the palm tree you need to be ready for anything for anything any environment." [00:42:09]
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