Honoring Sacrifice: Reviving Faith in Everyday Life
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. As we gather on this Memorial Day weekend, let us remember that this day is more than just the beginning of summer. It is a time to honor those who have given their lives for our freedom. We are always grateful for our servicemen and women, and today we set aside time to remember their ultimate sacrifice.
Today, we return to our series on the Book of Revelation. For those who are new or have missed a few weeks, let me catch you up. Revelation is a complex and often misunderstood book, but it was written by John, a leader in the early church, to seven specific churches under the oppression of the Roman Empire. These churches were facing persecution and needed guidance and encouragement.
John's messages to these churches often follow a pattern: he acknowledges their good deeds, offers criticism, and ends with a promise of hope. However, the message to the church in Sardis is different. It jumps straight into a warning, telling them that although they have a reputation for being alive, they are actually dead. This church had separated their faith from their daily lives, treating church activities as separate from the rest of their existence. This separation is a form of dead faith.
I shared a story from my time at a camp meeting in Conyers, where a little boy asked me to "pray" with him, but he actually meant "play." This mix-up led me to reflect on how playing and praying are more connected than we might realize. Both activities allow us to be ourselves, expressing our creativity and vulnerability. This connection is vital for a living faith, unlike the dead faith of the Sardis church.
The whole earth is God's temple, and if we treat any part of it as less than holy, we are draining it of life. The dead church needed to hear this message to become alive again. How will we respond to this message here at Hickory Flat in 2024? This past Friday was Aldersgate Day, commemorating John Wesley's heartwarming experience that set his life on fire for God. Wesley's enthusiasm and spirited preaching often got him kicked out of churches, but he continued to preach wherever he could, even on his father's grave. He famously said, "I look upon the whole world as my parish." Do we see our community as our parish, or do we separate our church life from the world outside?
We are called to build connections between the sacred and the secular, to be the salt and light in the world. God is present and active in our daily lives, both inside and outside the church. We must see and experience the living God among us and beyond our sanctuary doors.
Let's pray. God, we are thankful for these words, even though some are hard to hear. We know you are with us and call us to more than we can imagine. On this Aldersgate Sunday, warm our hearts and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Help us to be your faithful people, both inside and outside the church. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As we go into Memorial Day, let us remember those who have given their lives for our country. Our freedom is not free. Go in God's peace.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Memorial Day: Memorial Day is more than just the beginning of summer; it is a solemn day to honor those who have given their lives for our freedom. We must remember the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy because of their bravery. This day calls us to reflect on the cost of our liberty and to honor those who paid the ultimate price. [17:48]
2. The Connection Between Playing and Praying: The story of the little boy who confused "pray" with "play" serves as a reminder that both activities allow us to be our true selves. When we play, we express our creativity and delight, and when we pray, we expose our vulnerability and heart to God. Both are essential for a living faith, as they outwardly express the vitality of our relationship with God. [01:03:37]
3. The Whole Earth as God's Temple: Treating any part of the earth as less than holy drains it of life. The dead church in Sardis needed to hear this message to become alive again. We must recognize that the entire world is God's temple and treat it with the reverence it deserves. This perspective helps us see God's presence in all aspects of life, not just within the church walls. [01:09:53]
4. John Wesley's Example: John Wesley's experience at Aldersgate and his subsequent enthusiastic preaching, even when it got him kicked out of churches, serves as an inspiration. His famous words, "I look upon the whole world as my parish," challenge us to see our community as our parish. We must not separate our church life from the world outside but see our mission field everywhere we go. [01:11:42]
5. Building Connections Between the Sacred and Secular: We are called to build connections between the sacred and the secular, to be the salt and light in the world. God is present and active in our daily lives, both inside and outside the church. We must see and experience the living God among us and beyond our sanctuary doors, influencing the world with our faith. [01:12:48]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:48] - The Importance of Memorial Day
[41:19] - Returning to the Revelation Series
[01:03:37] - Playing and Praying
[01:09:53] - The Whole Earth as God's Temple
[01:11:42] - John Wesley's Example
[01:12:48] - Building Connections Between the Sacred and Secular
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 3:1-6 (Message to the Church in Sardis)
2. Revelation 2:18-29 (Message to the Church in Thyatira)
3. Matthew 5:13-16 (Salt and Light)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the main criticism John had for the church in Sardis? ([59:32])
2. How did John describe Jesus in his message to the church in Thyatira? ([51:49])
3. What was the little boy's mix-up between "pray" and "play," and what did it lead the pastor to reflect on? ([01:03:37])
4. What was John Wesley's famous response when criticized for preaching outside the church? ([01:11:42])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the church in Sardis was described as having a reputation for being alive but was actually dead? How does this apply to modern churches? ([59:32])
2. What does the connection between playing and praying reveal about the nature of a living faith? ([01:03:37])
3. How does the concept of the whole earth being God's temple challenge our daily interactions with the world? ([01:08:55])
4. In what ways can John Wesley's example of seeing the whole world as his parish inspire us to integrate our faith into our daily lives? ([01:11:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Memorial Day's significance. How can you honor those who have given their lives for our freedom in a meaningful way this year? ([17:48])
2. Think about your daily activities. How can you incorporate prayer into moments that might otherwise be considered "play" or leisure? ([01:03:37])
3. In what ways can you treat your workplace, home, or community as part of God's temple? What specific actions can you take to show reverence for these spaces? ([01:08:55])
4. John Wesley preached wherever he could, even on his father's grave. Are there unconventional places or ways you can share your faith? How can you start this week? ([01:11:42])
5. How can you build connections between the sacred and secular in your life? Identify one area where you can be more intentional about integrating your faith. ([01:12:48])
6. Reflect on the idea of being the salt and light in the world. What is one specific way you can influence your community positively this week? ([01:12:48])
7. The church in Sardis was criticized for separating their faith from their daily lives. Are there areas in your life where you have done the same? How can you bridge that gap? ([59:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring Sacrifice and Freedom
On Memorial Day, we are reminded that our freedom comes at a great cost. It is a day to honor those who have given their lives for our liberty. This day is not just a marker for the beginning of summer but a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. Their bravery and ultimate sacrifice have granted us the freedoms we enjoy today. Reflecting on this, we are called to be grateful and to remember the cost of our liberty. As we honor these heroes, let us also consider how we can live lives worthy of their sacrifice, embodying the values of freedom and service in our daily actions.
[17:48]
John 15:13 (ESV): "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Reflection: How can you honor the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in your daily life? What actions can you take to live in a way that reflects gratitude for the freedoms you enjoy?
Day 2: The Connection Between Playing and Praying
The story of the little boy who confused "pray" with "play" serves as a profound reminder that both activities allow us to be our true selves. When we play, we express our creativity, joy, and delight. When we pray, we expose our vulnerability and heart to God. Both are essential for a living faith, as they outwardly express the vitality of our relationship with God. This connection between playing and praying highlights the importance of integrating our faith into all aspects of our lives, allowing us to experience God's presence in both our joyful and solemn moments.
[01:03:37]
Psalm 104:33-34 (ESV): "I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a sense of playfulness and joy into your prayer life? What activities bring you joy and how can you invite God into those moments?
Day 3: The Whole Earth as God's Temple
Treating any part of the earth as less than holy drains it of life. The church in Sardis needed to hear this message to become alive again. We must recognize that the entire world is God's temple and treat it with the reverence it deserves. This perspective helps us see God's presence in all aspects of life, not just within the church walls. By acknowledging the sacredness of the world around us, we can better appreciate the beauty and sanctity of God's creation, leading us to live more mindful and respectful lives.
[01:09:53]
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV): "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
Reflection: In what ways can you treat the world around you as God's temple? How can you show reverence and care for God's creation in your daily actions?
Day 4: John Wesley's Example
John Wesley's experience at Aldersgate and his subsequent enthusiastic preaching, even when it got him kicked out of churches, serves as an inspiration. His famous words, "I look upon the whole world as my parish," challenge us to see our community as our parish. We must not separate our church life from the world outside but see our mission field everywhere we go. Wesley's example encourages us to be bold in our faith, sharing God's love and message with everyone we encounter, regardless of the setting.
[01:11:42]
Acts 20:20 (ESV): "How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house."
Reflection: How can you view your community as your parish? What steps can you take to share your faith and serve others in your everyday environments?
Day 5: Building Connections Between the Sacred and Secular
We are called to build connections between the sacred and the secular, to be the salt and light in the world. God is present and active in our daily lives, both inside and outside the church. We must see and experience the living God among us and beyond our sanctuary doors, influencing the world with our faith. By integrating our faith into all aspects of our lives, we can better reflect God's love and presence to those around us, making a meaningful impact in our communities.
[01:12:48]
Matthew 5:13-14 (ESV): "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: How can you build connections between the sacred and secular in your life? What practical steps can you take to be the salt and light in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we play, we are being ourselves. We're expressing our imagination and creativity and delight. Likewise, when we pray, we are also being ourselves, exposing our vulnerability and our heart to the God who made us in his image. When we play and when we pray, we are outwardly expressing the vitality of our faith. That proves that we are alive and well." [01:03:37]
2. "Memorial Day is much, much more than just the beginning of summer. Memorial Day is a day that set apart that we reminded that our freedom is not free, that all who served served well and served with some sacrifice to all and some families and some people are still dealing with the loss of their loved ones who gave their lives for our country." [17:48]
3. "We are invited to build the connection between the sacred and the secular, not to be corrupted by it, but to influence it, to be the salt and light in the world, to build this connection between the sacred and secular, to see how God is present and active in our daily lives, to move in our community and see, as that young person said in that survey, that God is working outside here." [01:12:48]
4. "I want to find a way to follow Jesus that connects with the world I live in. Another said, God is more at work outside the church than inside. And I want to be a part of that. They're not leaving the faith. They're not saying they don't believe in God. They are saying they're just not finding it in church. They're not finding the connection and the relevance inside of church." [01:07:45]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The whole earth is this temple in which angel hosts are crying out, Holy, holy, holy. If we treat any of it—its air, its land, its work, its money—as if it were anything other than holy, then we've polluted. We've leached the life out of it. And the life we take from it is God's life. The dead church needed to hear this message to become alive again." [01:08:55]
2. "Friends here in the Hickory Flat Church, do we look at the Hickory Flat community, the Canton community, this area of North? Do we look at that as our parish? Or do we separate what we do in here and what we discuss in here and what's happening outside there? We are called to be the church alive. And the church alive looks outside its walls and looks into the world as its parish." [01:11:42]
3. "We cannot divide areas in our lives that allow for God in areas in our life that are just for us. We cannot separate the church as the sacred and the playground as the secular. We cannot compartmentalize where we pray and where we play. Instead, the Christian life should be a playground. A playground of prayer where we are invited to experience joy, to embrace creativity, to ask questions and struggle with questions and explore our faith." [01:08:55]
4. "John is calling them out for it and says, that's dead. That is dead faith. That is dead religion. He says, I know your deeds. You have a reputation of being alive because you went to their church services. They're great. They're dynamic. They're entertaining. But outside of that, they really are dead. They are dead. They are dead. They are dead. To be out into the world, spreading the good news of the gospel." [01:06:00]
5. "Are you going to be loyal to the empire? Are you going to worship the emperor? Or are you going to be loyal to Christ? And worship Christ. That was really, and that is the thing that's over all of it, and that they struggled with, this overarching theme. Are you going to be loyal to the empire? Or are you going to be loyal to Christ? Is Christ going to speak into our morals and our ethics?" [48:53]
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