Grace, Community, and the Heart of the Gospel
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, emphasizing that Jesus is our message and people are our heart. We delved into Acts 15, where the early church faced a significant theological debate about whether Gentile believers needed to adhere to Jewish customs, such as circumcision, to be saved. This debate highlighted the tension between law and grace, a theme that remains relevant today. The apostles, led by Peter and Paul, affirmed that salvation is through grace alone, not by works or adherence to the law. This truth is crucial for us to understand and communicate as we strive to make the gospel accessible to all.
We also discussed the importance of removing barriers that prevent people from coming to Christ. Too often, the church has been perceived as a place of judgment rather than grace, deterring many from seeking God. Our role is to present the gospel in a way that is inviting and authentic, acknowledging our imperfections and the grace that saves us. We are called to be reporters of the good news, focusing on what the church stands for rather than what it is against.
Furthermore, we explored practical ways to live out our values at Shiloh Church, emphasizing the importance of community, service, and authenticity. By engaging in Sunday services, life groups, GrowTrek, and Team Shiloh, we can foster an environment where people feel welcomed and connected. Our mission is to love God and love people, ensuring that everyone knows they are welcome on this journey of faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Salvation by Grace: The core message of the gospel is that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our works or adherence to the law. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn our salvation and invites us into a relationship with God based on His love and grace. [01:19:04]
- Removing Barriers: As a church, we must strive to remove any unnecessary barriers that prevent people from coming to Christ. This involves being authentic about our struggles and imperfections, ensuring that our message is one of grace and acceptance rather than judgment. [01:22:49]
- The Power of Community: Engaging in community through life groups and church gatherings is essential for spiritual growth. In community, we find support, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to live out our faith authentically and boldly. [01:36:38]
- Serving with Purpose: Serving others is a vital aspect of our faith journey. Through service, we develop our faith, mature spiritually, and fulfill our God-given purpose. It is through serving that we truly embody the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. [01:40:23]
- Authenticity in Faith: Being authentic in our faith means acknowledging our imperfections and relying on God's grace daily. It involves sharing our testimonies and being open about our journey, allowing others to see the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. [01:24:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01:01] - Overcoming Perceptions
[01:03:30] - The Church's Message
[01:04:27] - Hunger for God
[01:14:18] - Legalism vs. Grace
[01:19:04] - Salvation by Grace
[01:20:27] - The Role of the Church
[01:21:41] - Keeping the Message Simple
[01:22:49] - Removing Barriers
[01:24:04] - Authenticity in Faith
[01:25:51] - Welcoming All
[01:28:08] - Importance of Sunday
[01:31:06] - Gathering Together
[01:32:28] - Community and Worship
[01:34:05] - Prioritizing God
[01:35:46] - Life Groups and Community
[01:36:38] - The Power of Testimony
[01:39:40] - Discovering Purpose
[01:40:23] - Serving with Purpose
[01:44:53] - Communion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 15:1-11
- Romans 8:19
- Hebrews 10:24-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the main theological debate in Acts 15, and how did the apostles resolve it? [01:19:04]
2. How does Romans 8:19 relate to the sermon’s message about the world’s desire to know God? [01:04:27]
3. According to Hebrews 10:24-26, what is the importance of gathering together as a community of believers? [01:31:06]
4. What are some of the barriers mentioned in the sermon that prevent people from coming to Christ? [01:22:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the resolution of the debate in Acts 15 emphasize the importance of grace over law in the Christian faith? [01:19:04]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church can sometimes misrepresent the simplicity of the gospel? [01:21:41]
3. How can the church ensure that its message is inviting and not perceived as judgmental, according to the sermon? [01:22:49]
4. What role does community play in spiritual growth, as discussed in the sermon and supported by Hebrews 10:24-26? [01:31:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "laws" or traditions you hold onto that might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you focus more on grace? [01:19:04]
2. Think about your interactions with others: How can you ensure that your message about Jesus is one of grace and acceptance rather than judgment? [01:22:49]
3. Identify a barrier you might have unintentionally set up that could prevent someone from coming to Christ. What steps can you take to remove it? [01:22:49]
4. How can you actively participate in your church community to foster spiritual growth and support others in their faith journey? [01:31:06]
5. Consider your personal testimony: How can you share your story authentically to demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus in your life? [01:24:04]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to serve others and embody the heart of Jesus, as discussed in the sermon? [01:40:23]
7. Reflect on your commitment to attending church gatherings. How can you prioritize this in your life to ensure you are part of a supportive faith community? [01:31:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace as the Foundation of Salvation
The core message of the gospel is that salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not something earned by works or adherence to the law. This truth liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn their salvation and invites them into a relationship with God based on His love and grace. In Acts 15, the early church faced a significant theological debate about whether Gentile believers needed to adhere to Jewish customs to be saved. The apostles, led by Peter and Paul, affirmed that salvation is through grace alone, not by works. This understanding is crucial for believers today as they strive to make the gospel accessible to all, emphasizing that Jesus is the message and people are the heart. [01:19:04]
"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor through your actions? How can you rest in the assurance of His grace today?
Day 2: Breaking Down Barriers to Faith
As a church, it is essential to remove any unnecessary barriers that prevent people from coming to Christ. Too often, the church has been perceived as a place of judgment rather than grace, deterring many from seeking God. Believers are called to present the gospel in a way that is inviting and authentic, acknowledging their imperfections and the grace that saves them. By focusing on what the church stands for rather than what it is against, the message of grace and acceptance can be communicated effectively. This involves being open about struggles and ensuring that the church is a welcoming place for all. [01:22:49]
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7, ESV)
Reflection: What barriers might you be unintentionally placing between others and Christ? How can you actively work to remove them in your interactions this week?
Day 3: The Strength of Community
Engaging in community through life groups and church gatherings is essential for spiritual growth. In community, believers find support, encouragement, and accountability, helping them to live out their faith authentically and boldly. The church is not just a building but a body of believers who come together to worship, learn, and grow. By participating in community activities, individuals can foster an environment where people feel welcomed and connected, ensuring that everyone knows they are welcome on this journey of faith. [01:36:38]
"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 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a stronger sense of community within your church or small group this week?
Day 4: Serving with Intentionality
Serving others is a vital aspect of the faith journey. Through service, believers develop their faith, mature spiritually, and fulfill their God-given purpose. It is through serving that they truly embody the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. By engaging in acts of service, individuals can demonstrate the love of Christ to others and make a tangible impact in their communities. This involves being intentional about finding opportunities to serve and using one's unique gifts and talents to bless others. [01:40:23]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: What specific act of service can you commit to this week that aligns with your gifts and passions?
Day 5: Authenticity in the Journey of Faith
Being authentic in faith means acknowledging imperfections and relying on God's grace daily. It involves sharing testimonies and being open about one's journey, allowing others to see the transformative power of Jesus in their lives. Authenticity fosters genuine connections and encourages others to explore their faith without fear of judgment. By being transparent about struggles and victories, believers can inspire others to pursue a deeper relationship with God and experience His grace in their own lives. [01:24:04]
"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you be more transparent about your faith journey? How might this openness impact those around you?
Quotes
1. "And I wonder how many people have a deep desire to follow God. How many people in this world, in the Bay Area, have a desire to be part of a life-giving church, yet when they look at the church and they consider following God, their perception is that it's far too difficult. They start thinking things like, I'm not smart enough. I'm not good enough. I just blew it. I don't even have a Bible. I don't have anything to wear. I don't have a suit. I don't have a pinstripe suit. What are you supposed to do when you go to church? Do you kneel down at the door and do the signs of the cross? And all of these things detour people from ever trying." [01:01:01] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And we as a church need to present a better package. As a church, if people are our heart, we need to reach out to them. But the question is, what is the message we are sending each and every day? What kind of package are we using to deliver the greatest message ever told? Because we don't want the world to be hindered by the Problem of perception when it comes to God and the church. Because this can cause people to focus on the wrong things. Things that don't matter. Things that deflate and retreat and causes them to turn away from their desire to seek God." [01:03:30] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have the greatest gift in the world but we sometimes present it in the wrong packaging. Shiloh, we've got a pr problem because the truth is we have the greatest news ever that's been presented to humanity. It's not bad news, it's not average news, it is the best news that you can hear and it's simple and you and I needed saving and God sent Jesus down to give his life for us and because of us receiving Jesus we are saved." [01:07:00] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your job as the church is to be reporters and report on the good news of Jesus Christ but the reality is many people know more about what the church is against than what the church stands for and as the church we've done a bad job by giving us this image of perfection. We project perfection and it turns people away and so people look at the church and though they have a desire to follow God they think I'm not perfect like them so I don't belong there." [01:08:00] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Tell your neighbor, let's demolish the roadblocks and that's what we see here in Acts 15 there's this disagreement with the early church. I just want to say whether you're Christian or not disagreements are inevitable right when more than one person is involved there'll always be disagreements where there's a will there's I won't and the root of this disagreement was because of the difference between Judaism and Christianity." [01:10:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And I just want to be clear, at Shiloh, we want to remove every unnecessary barrier that keeps people from being a part of the kingdom of God. And I just want to be clear, at Shiloh, we want to remove every unnecessary barrier that keeps people from being a part of the kingdom of God. And I just want to hearing the message of Jesus Christ. It's a simple invitation to gather that makes people, if our invitation, this is what I've noticed, as I've invited people to church, they'll make statements like, I just, I'm a sinner. I don't know how to talk right. Or what should I wear?" [01:22:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need more Jesus followers who will stand up and say, people are our heart, and we can't project anything on people other than the gospel. Jesus Christ. Come on, people. Come on, Shiloh. Let's not stand in anyone's way. Someone's past did not stop them from being here. Everybody, I want to be clear. Everybody is welcome on this journey God has us on." [01:24:40] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And I believe we as a church need to do that. So what do we do, Shiloh Church? And today I want to share with you as we're talking about our values, four ways people can get connected at Shiloh. And if we could all get on the same page, I believe it's going to help us prepare forward to live on mission. Because Shiloh's not called to do everything, but we are called to do a few things, and we're called to do them well." [01:28:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And I want to break this myth right now because I believe there's some people here you think I don't have that great of a testimony. Pastor Melinda tells me, oh, I got saved at birth. I said, I wish I had your testimony. And some of you think I don't have a good testimony. I don't have that story. where I was a murderer who got saved and God, Gabriel walked into my cell and I saw the angel Gabriel and Virgin Mary and Moses walked in and next thing you know, I was a pastor and the court opened up the prison doors and I... Well, that's a pretty good testimony. But guess what? Your testimony is just as important. Why? Because it's yours and it's your story of what God has done in you. And that makes it powerful." [01:38:10] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And I just want to say to each one of you here praise God that he uses the good bad and ugly of our past we surrender it all to him amen and Paul's past made him uniquely qualified to challenge this pharisee's legalistic mindset tell your neighbor legalism go in Jesus's name." [01:14:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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