Growing Together in Christ: A Call to Fellowship

Summary

The resurrected Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting us into a life shaped by his authority, his story, and his ongoing presence. Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical event but the foundation of our identity and mission. He commissions us to make disciples, baptize, and teach, promising to be with us always. This calling is not abstract; it is lived out in the context of real relationships, both with Christ and with one another. At Trinity, our mission—making disciples who share Christ’s story with love—remains unchanged, but we continually seek God’s guidance for how to live it out faithfully in our current context.

Through prayerful discernment, our leaders sensed God’s specific call for this season: to be a church family who grows together in our relationships with Christ and one another. This vision centers on the biblical idea of fellowship—not just socializing, but a deep, intentional sharing of life, faith, and purpose. Church is not a building or a program; it is a living, Spirit-formed community, an assembly that Jesus himself is building to push back the darkness. We are called to be family, united by the blood of Christ, doing life together, supporting and challenging one another to grow.

Growth is not easy; it requires effort, vulnerability, and sacrifice. True relationships mean being known and knowing others, sharing burdens, and extending grace. Our relationship with Christ is central, but it is meant to be experienced in community. The “one another” commands of Scripture call us to love, forgive, and bear with each other, reflecting the love we have received from Jesus.

To live out this vision, we focus on four “L’s”: Live, Link, Lead, and Learn. We live life together through fellowship—praying, playing, and sharing everyday moments. We link with other churches and ministries, recognizing the broader body of Christ and working together for greater kingdom impact. We lead by influencing others toward Jesus, each of us called to step into leadership in our own spheres. And we learn, sitting at Jesus’ feet, prioritizing his Word and growing together in knowledge and grace.

All of this is empowered not by our own strength, but by God’s means of grace—baptism, communion, and the proclamation of his Word. As we lean into these gifts, we trust that God will do his work in and through us, building a church family that truly grows together in Christ and with one another.

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Key Takeaways

- The Resurrection as the Foundation for Life and Mission
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event but the living reality that shapes our identity and purpose. When someone rises from the dead and claims to be God, we are compelled to listen and respond. Our lives, decisions, and mission flow from the authority and presence of the risen Christ, who calls us to follow, trust, and obey him in all things. [03:12]

- Fellowship: More Than Socializing, a Spiritual Calling
Fellowship is not a casual gathering but a spiritual discipline where we intentionally share life, faith, and burdens. True fellowship means being known and knowing others, risking vulnerability, and extending grace. In these relationships, we experience the presence of Jesus, who often shows up in the ordinary moments of shared life, transforming them into sacred encounters. [14:27]

- The Church as an Offensive Force Against Darkness
The church is not a defensive institution but an active, Spirit-empowered community called to pierce the darkness. Jesus’ promise that the gates of hell will not prevail means we are to take initiative, bringing light and hope into the world. Our unity and shared mission make us a powerful force for good, advancing God’s kingdom together. [08:00]

- Linking with the Wider Body of Christ for Greater Impact
God’s vision for his people extends beyond our local congregation. By linking with other churches and ministries, we participate in the grander picture of the kingdom, sharing resources, encouragement, and mission. This broader fellowship reflects the unity Jesus prayed for and multiplies our effectiveness in making disciples and serving the world. [19:47]

- Relying on God’s Means of Grace for Transformation
Our efforts to live, link, lead, and learn are sustained by God’s means of grace—baptism, communion, and the Word. These are not mere rituals but channels through which God forgives, empowers, and unites us. As we lean into these gifts, we are reminded that it is ultimately God’s work in us that brings about true growth and transformation, both individually and as a church family. [27:19]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Called by the Risen Jesus
[02:30] - The Great Commission and Our Mission
[03:50] - Sharing Christ’s Story with Love
[05:20] - Discerning God’s Vision for Trinity
[06:45] - Unpacking “Church Family”
[08:00] - The Church: God’s Offensive Against Darkness
[09:30] - Family and Fellowship in Christ
[11:00] - The Call to Grow Together
[12:40] - Relationships: Being Known and Knowing Others
[14:27] - Living Life Together: Fellowship in Action
[17:38] - Linking with Other Churches and Ministries
[19:47] - The Power of Kingdom Collaboration
[21:10] - Leading Others to Jesus
[22:37] - Everyone is Called to Lead
[24:00] - Learning at the Feet of Jesus
[27:19] - God’s Means of Grace: Baptism, Communion, Word
[29:00] - Trusting God to Build His Church

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
> Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

3. Hebrews 10:24-25
> And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to his followers before he ascends to heaven?
2. According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are some practical benefits of living life together rather than alone?
3. In Hebrews 10:24-25, what are believers encouraged to do for one another, and why is meeting together emphasized?
4. The sermon described the church as an “offensive force against darkness” rather than just a defensive institution. What does this mean in your own words? [08:00]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is often seen as the foundation for the church’s mission. How does the promise of Jesus’ ongoing presence (“I am with you always”) affect the way believers carry out this mission? [03:12]
2. The sermon emphasized that “fellowship” is more than just socializing—it’s about sharing life, faith, and burdens. Why do you think true fellowship requires vulnerability and grace? [14:27]
3. The idea of “linking” with other churches and ministries was highlighted as important for greater kingdom impact. What might be some challenges and blessings of working together with Christians from different backgrounds? [19:47]
4. The sermon mentioned that growth in Christ and with one another is not easy and requires effort, vulnerability, and sacrifice. Why do you think God designed spiritual growth to happen in community rather than in isolation? [11:00]

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### Application Questions

1. Jesus calls each of us by name and invites us into his mission. Is there an area of your life where you sense Jesus is calling you to step out in faith or obedience right now? What would it look like to respond? [03:12]
2. The sermon described church as a family, not just a building or a program. Do you feel like you are part of a church family? If not, what is one step you could take to build deeper relationships at Trinity or in your faith community? [06:45]
3. True fellowship means being known and knowing others, sharing burdens, and extending grace. Is there someone in your life you need to be more open or vulnerable with? What holds you back from deeper relationships? [12:40]
4. The “four L’s” (Live, Link, Lead, Learn) were presented as ways to live out the church’s vision. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which one is most challenging? What is one practical step you could take this week to grow in the area that is hardest for you? [17:38]
5. The sermon encouraged linking with other churches and ministries for greater kingdom impact. Do you have relationships with Christians outside your own church? How could you intentionally encourage or partner with them in the coming months? [19:47]
6. The means of grace—baptism, communion, and God’s Word—are described as the ways God empowers and transforms us. How can you make more space in your life to receive these gifts regularly and with intention? [27:19]
7. Growth requires effort and sacrifice. Is there a specific area where you sense God is calling you to grow, either in your relationship with Christ or with others? What support or accountability do you need from your small group to take the next step? [11:00]

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Devotional

Day 1: Resurrection Shapes Our Identity and Mission
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical fact but the living foundation of who we are and why we exist. When Jesus rose from the dead, He demonstrated His authority over life and death, calling each of us personally to follow Him. This call shapes every decision, every relationship, and every mission we undertake. It is not a distant event but a present reality that compels us to live under His lordship and to share His story with love and obedience. Our identity is rooted in the risen Christ, and our purpose flows from His ongoing presence and authority in our lives. [03:12]

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” — 1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally remind yourself today that your identity and mission flow from the living reality of the resurrection, not just from past beliefs or traditions?

Day 2: Fellowship as Intentional Spiritual Life-Sharing
True fellowship goes far beyond casual socializing; it is a spiritual discipline where believers intentionally share their lives, faith, and burdens with one another. This kind of fellowship requires vulnerability, grace, and a willingness to be known deeply while also knowing others. In these shared moments, Jesus often reveals His presence, transforming ordinary interactions into sacred encounters. Fellowship is the soil in which faith grows, and it calls us to risk openness and mutual care, reflecting the love we have received from Christ. It is through this deep connection that the church becomes a family, united and growing together. [14:27]

“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: Who in your church family can you reach out to this week to share a burden or a blessing, stepping into deeper fellowship beyond surface-level conversation?

Day 3: The Church as a Spirit-Empowered Offensive Force
The church is not called to merely defend itself or maintain traditions but to actively push back the darkness in the world. Jesus’ promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church means that we are empowered to take initiative, bringing light, hope, and truth into places of despair and confusion. Our unity as a Spirit-formed community makes us a powerful force for good, advancing God’s kingdom through love, witness, and service. This offensive posture requires courage, faith, and a shared mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a darkened world. [08:00]

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.” — 1 Peter 3:13-14 (ESV)

Reflection: In what specific way can you take a step this week to bring light into a dark situation around you, trusting that the church is called to be an active force against darkness?

Day 4: Kingdom Impact Through Broader Church Collaboration
God’s vision for His people extends beyond any single congregation. By linking arms with other churches and ministries, believers participate in a larger, unified body that reflects Jesus’ prayer for oneness. This collaboration multiplies kingdom impact by sharing resources, encouragement, and mission efforts. It reminds us that the church is universal and that our local efforts gain strength and effectiveness when connected to the wider body of Christ. Kingdom collaboration invites humility, openness, and a willingness to work together for the sake of the gospel and the world’s transformation. [19:47]

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can encourage or participate in partnership with another church or ministry this month to strengthen the broader body of Christ?

Day 5: Transformation Through God’s Means of Grace
The growth and transformation of the church family are not achieved by human effort alone but through God’s gracious means: baptism, communion, and the faithful proclamation of His Word. These are not empty rituals but powerful channels through which God forgives, empowers, and unites His people. Leaning into these means of grace daily reminds believers that true change is God’s work in and through us. As we receive these gifts with faith, we are sustained and equipped to live, link, lead, and learn in the Spirit’s power, building a church that grows together in Christ. [27:19]

“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 1:10-11 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you more intentionally embrace baptism, communion, or Scripture this week as a means of grace to deepen your transformation and connection to the church family?

Quotes

So we are called, we are called by the resurrected one. He has called us by name, and that resurrected one is Jesus. We know his name. He knows our name, and we believe that this is true about Jesus, that yes, he was born. Yes, he had teachings. Yes, he did miracles. And yes, he was exactly who he said that he was, that he was, in fact, God. The crime that put him to the cross, and when he rose again from the dead, he showed the world, and there were witnesses of that moment, that Jesus rose again from the dead. When someone rises from the dead claiming to be God and proves that he is, what do you do with that? You listen to him. You listen to him. You listen to him. [00:00:54]

And so here we are, you're gathered here because of Jesus. Something about Jesus has brought you here in this moment. And so as we begin this moment here at Trinity, living the truth that he is risen from the dead, we hear what he said, the risen one. At the end of Matthew, Matthew's sermon gives us a statement from Jesus. We call it the Great Commission as he gets ready to go up to heaven and do what he's doing right now. And we're going to see him face to face someday. But before he left, he said, all authority in heaven and earth was given to me. [00:01:35]

And then what does he say? Therefore, take this authority, listen to me, go, right, live. And do what? Make disciples, right? Make disciples of Jesus, followers of me, he says. Make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them all that I have taught you to obey. And surely I am with you to the very end of the age. Jesus gave the power to live that out, right, the authority to live that out, and he gave a clear purpose, a clear purpose for his followers, and that's us here at Trinity, as followers of Jesus. And so we've been doing this for 140 years. We have a mission statement, a clear purpose with power. That mission statement, some of you know it, it's making disciples who share Christ's story with what? With love. We make disciples of who? Jesus. [00:02:06]

This has been our mission. It's not going to change. But as we live out this mission, we find ourselves here at Trinity in different seasons, going back to God and saying, God, how can we carry out this mission? How can we be more effective in this specific era, in time, in place? Is there something more specific that you're calling us to? And so leaders here at Trinity gathered. We gathered in the month of January, right? There were over 40 of us, I think 52 of us. We were gathered in what is called the fellowship hall. We were gathered in prayer, right? We came into that moment, lay leaders, staff leaders, and we said, God, where do you want to take us? And so we started just dreaming. We started talking. We were led in that moment to write down thoughts. And a main word kept coming up in that word was fellowship, fellowship. There's something about fellowship. Say that word for me. [00:03:28]

It really doesn't sound amazing, does it? But there's something about that word or just like God's leading us in a specific direction, this time and place and space in Utica, Michigan in 2025 to champion this word fellowship. And so we began to explore that word and just understanding what that was. And we came up with a statement and it's called our five year vision statement in case you're wondering right now. I'm going to put it up with the blanks and so you can fill in the blanks if you will. And so I want to share this with you. This is exciting. And so it goes like this. To be a church. [00:04:16]

blank can we have that up on screen to be a church family if you want to fill that to be a church family who grows together in our relationships with Christ and one another we're gonna put the fill in the blank up there for you right now so you don't have to stress out but to be a church family who grows together in our relationships with Christ and one another I don't know if you see that word fellowship in there I hope you see it right family what does that mean together right relationships one another and most certainly you see the word Christ right there and so we're not gonna not mention him because he's always part of everything we do and so that relationship with Christ stands at the center of it all but instead of just a relationship with Christ this is about in this time a relationship with Christ with others and so I don't know if that feels right feels good if you're like what is that that's nothing new in fact it's nothing new right that's spoken through the scriptures and this is nothing new that we came up with but for a specific time in this moment we believe God is calling us to this and so I want to encourage you if you have that welcome bulletin if you have this there what word stands out to you what word maybe challenges you what word concerns you what word inspires you what word is exciting you in this moment and as we look at this word I just want to unpack some of those words for us but church maybe that's the word a church is that an exciting word right what is church when you see that word what comes to mind is it a building is it a [00:04:49]

space is it a place for it we understand this i hope you understand this yes you can say you went to church but what are you saying when you're saying you went to church i'm going to church what is that about right church is not a building right it's the ecclesia it's the assembly of believers it's the community of believers that's the way it's been that's the definition of it church church church when i hear church i'll be honest with you i hear jesus speaking this promise when he says i will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it what does that mean when i hear church right i'm hearing is god's building this church and he's going to attack the gates of hell right what does that mean the gates of hades right gates do not attack i hope you know that right no one goes to battle with a gate before them certainly a shield maybe but your gates a defensive move so what is god telling us about the church the church is the weapon the church pierces the darkness the church is about offense not defense we need to go and we need to attack the darkness when i hear church that's what i'm thinking right we're an army right we're we're lethal towards darkness we're lighting up the darkness we're piercing the darkness that's the church and we live in that promise that jesus said i'm going to build my church i'm going to build my people in a family what comes to mind when you think of family i don't know what your family of origin is like where you're at with family in your life who you consider family if it's just blood or if it's bigger than that right but god's created us to be in [00:06:24]

family and I think a lot of us use a term we call the church our church home I don't know if you say that about Trinity or not I don't know where you are in your relationship with Trinity but is this your church family is this your church home right family family right we said a sermon last week right Jesus rises and then he says don't be afraid right dad's got this our father's got this what are we saying what is Jesus teaching us he's teaching us we're family we're brothers and sisters and we do share the same blood the blood of Jesus or family I don't know if you sense that this is your family if you want it to be your family but God's created this this church a community to be family be family that we can do life together like family family we'll talk more about that as we unpack this but who grows that word grow sometimes that's an intimidating word because I think a lot of us understand if we're gonna grow that's gonna take effort or he doesn't happen until it takes sacrifice I always think right no gain if there's no pain right grow right you go into the scriptures I love that we hear Peter out of all the disciples talking about growth because I think if you're familiar with the scriptures and you're familiar with Peter it seems like he has the most growth out of any of the disciples and here's what he says in first Peter chapter 3 verse 18 he says we need to grow in the grace of Christ and we need to grow in the knowledge of Christ right there's a call to growth and I don't know if that's intimidating for you or not but as we envision in the next five years that we as a [00:08:00]

I'll say this in the scriptures you hear the word you a lot and I think when we read the scriptures by ourselves which I want to encourage that but when you read it by yourself and you read the word you we forget that 95 % of the y -o -u's that are written in the English language are you all's you all's right you all you all you all we're not meant to be isolated or not meant to be alone we're supposed to do this together right you all and so hear that and then that word relationships is that a good word it might not sound amazing or anything but relationships right to me like that expresses something about intimacy right to be known and to know that we would grow together in our relationships that we would be known more and that we would know each other more and for a lot of us that takes a lot of effort and maybe we've already established our relationships but maybe God's calling us to get deeper and to get more vulnerable to be known right there can be fear there to actually have a real relationship with somebody to have a real relationship is where you are known where they know right your weaknesses your faults where there's grace being given back and you [00:09:52]

forth and they know your goodness right your giftedness people truly know you I don't know how many of us truly feel known that's what a true relationship is not just to feel known but that you know others and that takes effort I don't know how many of us have energy to actually know other people to slow down enough in our life and they have the capacity for more compassion or more forgiveness or more grace or more patience right but relationships with Christ I don't know how many of you circled Christ or thinking that's a good word but hopefully that's a good word right this is what we're about or we say this all the time and I love what Paul said he said I want to know Christ I want to know Christ he says I want to know the power of the resurrection is anyone here want to know the power of the resurrection in your life I see one hand going up two hands going up come on now I want to know the power of the resurrection Paul says that what is that I don't know what that is but I want that right there's strength there's power there's life when Jesus rose again from the dead I want to experience that in my life right here right now it's what Paul says do you want to know Christ more [00:11:13]

Paul also says right not just the resurrection but I want to have fellowship with him in his suffering I don't know how many of us want that but Paul says I'm gonna be so intimate with Jesus in my relationship with him when suffering comes into my life that's only going to connect me deeper to him and his sufferings for me there's something so rich so real about that and so do you want to know Christ and grow in your relationship with Christ not just Christ but one another right the scriptures are full of those [00:12:22]

one another's all right we're called to love one another we're called to be patient with one another we're called to forgive one another right love one another one another one another one another there's hundreds of one another's in the scriptures we're called to bear one another's burdens right to be a church family who grows together in our relationships with Christ and one another we believe that there is something right there's something real that this is being given to us by the spirit of God that God wants us to go deeper right and so let's talk about this let's unpack this a little bit more if you're taking notes there's four L's that we believe God's going to use to make this happen and we'll share this with you over the next five years certainly but the first L live live you can fill that in live Ecclesiastes chapter 4 9 through 12 says this two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil for if they fall one will lift up his fellow but woe to him who is alone when he falls and there's not another to lift him up again if two lie together they keep warm but how can one keep warm alone and though a man might prevail against one who is alone two will stand him a threefold cord is not quickly broken and praise God for that threefold cord which is him but live say that word fellowship with for me again fellowship that we will live life together actually have fellowship with each other right we have a room below us what's that called a fellowship hall right what's up with with this that we will live right this past Friday night we did an event here it was a fellowship event what was it we have reached out and we will for a moment here it was quite a few times yeah yeah Thank you. [00:12:49]

It was a cornhole tournament, right? We say this when it comes to this live. We want to pray together and play together, actually live life together. Why do we cornhole together? Fellowship, right? And there's devotions there. We did pray together. We connected in a way that it's just hard to connect as we're going through life together. But there was a connection there, right? And I love the resurrection accounts for us in the scriptures, right? There's a moment at the end of John, and I'm not quite sure why. It's like a negative moment, but the disciples are together. They're not alone. And what are they doing? Jesus isn't with them. Very last part of the Gospel of John. You know what they're doing? They're fellowshipping together. They're fishing together. I don't know how many of you get excited about fellowship and fishing, but I love the fishing, so I get what's going on there. I'm not going to knock the disciples for being hungry and for actually wanting to enjoy some time together or even make a living as they're disciples of Jesus. This is life. This is what we need to do to live. But you live by faith in that. So guess who shows up in that fellowship moment? [00:14:27]

Jesus showed up in that fellowship moment, and he encouraged that fellowship. He made food for them. He discipled them. He had an amazing moment with Peter in that moment. But picture this. If we could do shoulder -to -shoulder life together, and this is happening here at Trinity. We have this golf outing. Why are we doing that? We want to play together and pray together. And so Frank Tanana is going to be there. We're going to have scriptures at all the holes. We're going to pray together. But we're going to have fellowship, right? A bunch of women got together this past Wednesday here at Trinity in the morning. Moms. We're going to have a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of [00:15:32]

Warrior mom's breakfast. They made some crafts. They had some breakfast. What were they doing? Fellowshiping. This isn't a trick. God's called us to actually enjoy life together, to have fellowship together, and to have purposeful fellowship groups. Pastor Nick and his ministry here through the Christian Growth Board, we're encouraging fellowship groups. What does that mean? [00:16:03]

But a fellowship group, fellowship group. We're talking about that more here at Trinity, and so I don't know who you do fellowship with, but when you're doing fellowship with people, when you're living with people, you're family, and you're growing, and we do want to be intentional, yes, not just with one another, but with one another. Get that, because so many of us are growing with Christ, but we're alone in that, and it made in a big sense. [00:16:43]

So how do we encourage that? We believe living, this fellowship, this word fellowship, and live, something's going on there, and so who are you fellowshipping with? Who will you fellowship with as we move forward? Link, link is the second L. Hebrews chapter 10, verse 24 to 25. 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... [00:17:11]

see the day drawing near. And this passage can mean a lot of different things with meeting together. But let's just go here. Link, link. Let's talk about this. What does the link mean? Link means to network. Let's get deeper. Let's get biblical, right? I don't know how many of you have read the epistles, right? The Pauline epistles, right? The Apostle Paul wrote 13 sermons, letters that are in our New Testament out of the 27 books. And when you read those, I think a lot of us study like the first 90 % of those. [00:17:38]

And all of a sudden you get to the last chapter, usually how the chapter guys and ladies broke down the chapters. But all of a sudden, what is that about? Right? So -and -so and so -and -so and so -and -so in this church and this church and this church. Do this, say this, do that. What is that? It's networking. It's linking, right? The churches were not alone. These churches knew it wasn't just about Galatia. It wasn't just about Philippi. It wasn't just about Ephesus. They knew there's a bigger picture at play and they knew that God wanted them to link together and help each other with their resources and live in the grander picture that is not just one little church, right? We're the church. [00:18:12]

And so let's get together. Let's be the church. All right? What can this look like, right? This last summer, many of you joined us for an outdoor worship service. Do you remember that at 21 Mile Road? Some of you were there, we had like 700 of us there, but there was a couple other thousand people that were there as well. Where are they from, right? Shepherd's Gate, Emmanuel, other churches showed up, right? It was incredible. [00:18:51]

encouraged by the Michigan district who oversees all the ministries in the state of Michigan through the Lutheran Church. That was amazing. What a great link moment where we got a bigger picture of what God was up to within the kingdom of God, the grander picture. Some of you went to our day school here. We did a chapel service at Jimmy John's this fall. We led that. But guess who we invited? [00:19:14]

Think about our social ministry here at Trinity if you're familiar with it. We got Family Feud coming up. That's a link event. That's a network event. Our social ministry really champions this here more than other ministries. On Wednesday Forgotten Harvest shows up and we link with about 12 other ministries to help distribute food to them. There's an Oakland County tour. There's a Wayne County tour of all the different links, the network ministries that we work with. [00:19:47]

What can happen if it's not just about us but we get the grander picture of the kingdom of God? Can we grow together in our relationships? Can we have more kingdom impact when we live out the Great Commission? What can happen, right? That's exciting to dream about that and think about that. And I'll just ask this question. How many of you have Catholic friends? [00:20:14]

We're all brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, we have our own tribe, and we'll talk about our tribe as we go into this, but we've got to get the grander picture going on. In such a time as this, in 2025, I believe that God is calling us. We believe as leaders that this link thing is a big deal. [00:20:54]

The next L, lead, lead. Joshua 1, verse 6, be strong and courageous for you. You, and I'll tell you, that you there, it's one of those yous where that's just to Joshua. Right, you, Joshua, you. But get this, and I think we all understand this and own this, we got confirmation this Saturday. I don't know how many of you confirmands in the past or even in this moment chose be strong and courageous as your confirmation verse. [00:21:22]

Anyone choose that in your past life or it's still your life verse, right? Be strong and courageous. So many of us understand, yes, that was for Joshua directly, but I want that too, and God wants that for me. And so here's what God tells Joshua, but we understand he tells us. Right, be strong and courageous. You shall cause this people, you shall lead this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. And that was a very specific thing for Joshua in that time and place. But we understand land, and this might be deep, but get this, that land, you know who that land is? That land is Jesus. [00:21:48]

And guess who's called to lead others to Jesus? Us. Us as a community. Us as individuals. The lead, lead, lead. Right? Lead. Right? Stephanie gave that children's message. She mentioned the women at the empty tomb. Right? They were leaders. Right? I love here at Trinity that we have women who step up and lead. There was a powerful moment, that resurrection moment, when that gospel message was given to women first to empower them. Right? Hear that. But also men were given that too. Right? Lead. Leaders. And that word lead might make you uncomfortable. [00:22:37]

Because what does that mean? And are you a leader? And so many of us say, like, that person's a leader. I'm not a leader. We're all leaders. We're all influencers. Get that. Right? And some of us might only have the opportunity to influence one person. Some of us might be able to influence millions. We have someone here at Trinity who has a social media page or a million followers. It's about hunting, but it's also about Jesus. And so he's influencing people in that community. Right? For Jesus, which is amazing. But lead. Lead. Lead. Influence. Right? Some of you know I'm going to be taking a sabbatical coming up here to go into army officer training. Where I'm going to go through leadership courses. [00:23:15]

able to come back and really offer more leadership courses for us not just about what we're doing here at trinity but what we're doing in the community in the world and to empower you not through what the army is going to teach me and all the army protocols but to empower you through what we know God's Word has to say in it so I don't know how many of you are going to sign up for those leadership seminars leadership courses that we're going to offer but we're going to start offering more leadership classes and courses for us to feel more confident so that we can have that influence to go into this world and be the people that God has called us to be and certainly for us as trinity right that God would cause us to lead lead what does it look like the last L is learn learn in Luke chapter 10 we see this moment and it's with Mary and Martha and it says now as they went on their way the disciples Jesus entered a village and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house and she had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching she sat at the Lord's feet listened to his teaching but Martha was distracted with much serving and serving for the kingdom of God is good but Jesus is actually going to speak into that because a lot of times right when you're serving and you're not sitting at the feet of Jesus you're not making that the priority what's going to happen if you're serving anxiousness stress you're gonna burn out right there's a word there but learning here we go Martha was distracted with much serving and she went up to him and said Lord do you not care that my sister has left me to [00:24:05]

trinity right we're about learning right we have a school here for elementary school students even a preschool and why do we have a school here so that kids will learn about jesus sit at the feet of jesus through all the different academics the curriculum right that's what we're doing maybe in the next five years we'll have adult classes adult school here maybe like a 100 level 200 level a 300 level sitting at the feet of jesus just learning right bible studies right do we do those yes do we need to get better at that and grow in that absolutely yes right in so many of us are good with our personal bible studies right our individual bible studies and again i want to encourage that but i think god's taken us into this direction where he's saying hey yeah keep that up but do a devotion with someone else get to know me with someone else right engage with what's going on in this community that god has formed and created here in utica michigan right grow together together with jesus and with one another so there's something here god is on the move he's always on the move but we believe this so there's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here that's something here [00:26:03]

us to be a church family a church family like never before right who grows together in our relationships with christ and with one another and when i say that when i share that um what i know is this is we're going to put a lot of effort into this right and we do care but there's someone who cares more and we want to lean into him we're going to lean into god through this all um and i love that we're part of the tribe known as the lutheran church missouri synod right there's some confirmation students i'm not going to put you on the spot some of you are actually in my office this past week doing confirmation interviews and we talk about something called the means of grace the means of grace this is what god does and what god's going to do and we're going to allow him to do so that we can actually live out the mission and accomplish the vision that he's calling us to what does he do what are the means of grace confirmation class for everybody right now i'm going to put you on the spot what are the means of grace what's kind of unique about our tribe here of the lutheran church missouri synod right i'll give you a clue two of them are sacraments so let's talk about the sacraments do we know what a sacrament is class right baptism baptism what does god do in baptism what's god working in baptism why is it called the means of grace right there's forgiveness and he's welcoming us into his family right he's welcoming us into his family in baptism right that's his work and yes he's giving us the gospel it's a means of grace [00:27:19]

forgiveness and how many of us need forgiveness to live life all of us do and if we're going to do it together do we need forgiveness together yes and what else did he give us in baptism oh man the holy spirit the holy spirit right scriptures are clear forgiveness in the holy spirit do we need the holy spirit to be the people that he's calling us to be yes right it's his work giving us that what's the other sacrament communion holy communion the lord's supper right communion what's god doing in communion [00:28:55]

often here right often as often as we do it right god wants us to do it often right it's important for us to do this especially if we're trying hey god we want to do this for you he's saying let me do this for you let me do this for you don't forget let me do this for you this is gonna be my work let me give you this good gift and he promises to work through it and so yeah we do it every other week at all of our every other services we have a lot of different services going on here at trinity but maybe we're going to do communion every service every week as we move forward all right to let him do his work the means of grace right what he's doing to accomplish his mission through us and the other means you [00:29:56]

of grace the proclamation of his word that's a means of grace that's how god works through his word are we going to keep proclaiming his word is he going to keep proclaiming his word through us yeah we are committed right you all better be committed you all better be making sure your pastors and your leaders are proclaiming the word of god and if we're not you better tell us hey pastor what the heck what's going on here what are we even doing right the proclamation of his word we need to keep that here because god wants that here and he promises to do what through that to work faith the means of grace right and yeah we're going to work but he's working he's always working right it's about his commitment his resilience his perseverance his faithfulness to his promise that the church right the church will overcome the darkness the darkness will not overcome the church amen [00:30:32]

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