Investing in Lives: Generosity and Unity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to focus on missions, specifically the urgent need in Politz, Poland, where a new ministry center has been established. This center, similar to ours, has recently acquired property but now faces a $10,000 shortfall. We are called to stretch our faith and give generously to support this mission, recognizing that our contributions are investments in "true riches"—the lives and souls of people who will benefit from this ministry for decades to come.
We also took time to pray over our offerings, asking God to bless both the gift and the giver, and to multiply our contributions for His glory. We were reminded that giving brings us closer to God's heart, as it reflects His generosity.
In addition, we extended an invitation for prayer and salvation. Whether you are new to faith, have drifted away, or are facing personal challenges, today is the day to make a decision for Jesus or to seek prayer for your needs. We emphasized that God is limitless in His power and love, and He knows each of us intimately.
We transitioned into a time of communion, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus. His body was broken and His blood was shed so that we could be made whole and marked as His own. We were reminded to examine ourselves and recognize the unity we have in the body of Christ. This act of communion is a powerful reminder of the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and it calls us to live in unity and love as a family of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Generosity Reflects God's Heart: When we give, especially in times of need, we mirror the generosity of God. Our contributions to the Politz Center are not just financial transactions but investments in the lives and souls of people who will benefit from this ministry for years to come. This act of giving brings us closer to God's heart, as it reflects His own generous nature. [33:08]
2. The Power of Prayer and Salvation: Today is the day of salvation. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, and yesterday is gone. Whether you are new to faith, have drifted away, or are facing personal challenges, now is the time to make a decision for Jesus. God is quick to forgive and eager to welcome you back into His fold. [01:04:28]
3. God's Limitless Power and Love: We serve a God who is limitless in power, knowledge, and love. He knows each of us intimately and has set up the body of Christ as a place of refuge. His love for us is boundless, and He desires for us to know Him deeply and personally. [01:20:55]
4. The Significance of Communion: Communion is a powerful act of remembrance. It calls us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus—His body broken and His blood shed for our salvation. This act unifies us as the body of Christ and reminds us of the immense love and generosity of God. [01:21:49]
5. Unity in the Body of Christ: The common denominator for every believer is the testimony of what Christ has done for us. This unity is crucial, as everything else in the world will fade away. We are called to love one another and to remember that we are a family in Christ, bound together by His love and sacrifice. [01:25:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:31] - Opening Song of Praise
[1:09] - Focus on Missions: Politz, Poland
[3:08] - Prayer Over Offering
[4:02] - Invitation for Prayer and Salvation
[5:05] - God's Limitless Power and Love
[20:55] - Communion Introduction
[21:49] - The Significance of Communion
[22:42] - Instructions for Communion
[23:29] - Reading from 1 Corinthians 11
[24:40] - Self-Examination and Unity
[25:49] - The Common Denominator: Christ's Sacrifice
[26:26] - Family of God: A Loving Family
[27:16] - Receiving the Elements
[28:00] - Prayer Before Communion
[35:31] - Breaking of Bread
[36:20] - Drinking the Cup
[37:30] - The Power of Jesus' Blood
[38:12] - Victory in Jesus' Resurrection
[39:00] - Closing Prayer and Praise
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 - "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves."
2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
3. Romans 10:9-10 - "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the bread and the cup in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, what is the relationship between how we give and what we receive?
3. What does Romans 10:9-10 say about the process of salvation?
4. In the sermon, what specific need was highlighted for the Politz Center in Poland? [31:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of communion help us remember the sacrifice of Jesus, and why is self-examination important before partaking? [01:24:40]
2. What does it mean to give generously and cheerfully, and how does this reflect God's heart? [33:08]
3. How does the sermon emphasize the urgency of making a decision for Jesus today? [01:04:28]
4. In what ways does the sermon illustrate God's limitless power and love? [01:20:55]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave generously. How did it bring you closer to God's heart, and how can you apply this principle to support the Politz Center? [33:08]
2. Have you ever felt distant from God and needed to rededicate your life to Him? What steps can you take today to renew your commitment? [01:04:28]
3. How can you incorporate regular self-examination into your spiritual life, especially before taking communion? [01:24:40]
4. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's limitless power and love. How can you actively seek His guidance and strength in that area? [01:20:55]
5. How can you foster unity within your small group or church community, especially when differences arise? [01:25:49]
6. Identify one person in your life who might be open to hearing about Jesus. How can you share the message of salvation with them this week? [01:04:28]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your giving is done cheerfully and not under compulsion, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7?
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity as an Investment in Eternity
Generosity Reflects God's Heart: When we give, especially in times of need, we mirror the generosity of God. Our contributions to the Politz Center are not just financial transactions but investments in the lives and souls of people who will benefit from this ministry for years to come. This act of giving brings us closer to God's heart, as it reflects His own generous nature. [33:08]
In the act of giving, we are not merely parting with our resources; we are participating in God's work on earth. The new ministry center in Politz, Poland, is a tangible example of how our generosity can have a lasting impact. The $10,000 shortfall they face is an opportunity for us to stretch our faith and invest in "true riches"—the lives and souls of people who will benefit from this ministry for decades to come. When we give, we are not just meeting a financial need; we are sowing seeds that will bear fruit in the lives of countless individuals.
Our contributions are more than just money; they are expressions of our faith and trust in God's provision. By giving generously, we align our hearts with God's heart, reflecting His boundless generosity. This act of giving not only supports the mission but also brings us closer to God, as we participate in His work and experience the joy of being His hands and feet in the world.
Luke 6:38 (ESV): "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
Reflection: Think of a specific financial or material resource you can give to support a mission or ministry. How can you stretch your faith and trust God to provide for your needs as you give generously?
Day 2: The Urgency of Salvation
The Power of Prayer and Salvation: Today is the day of salvation. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, and yesterday is gone. Whether you are new to faith, have drifted away, or are facing personal challenges, now is the time to make a decision for Jesus. God is quick to forgive and eager to welcome you back into His fold. [01:04:28]
Salvation is a gift that is available to us today. We are not promised tomorrow, and the past is behind us. Whether you are new to faith, have drifted away, or are facing personal challenges, now is the time to make a decision for Jesus. God is always ready to forgive and welcome us back into His loving arms. The urgency of salvation cannot be overstated; it is a matter of eternal significance.
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and aligns our hearts with His will. When we pray for salvation, we are acknowledging our need for God and inviting Him into our lives. This act of surrender opens the door for God to work in us and through us, transforming our lives and drawing us closer to Him. Today is the day to make that decision, to seek prayer, and to experience the life-changing power of God's love and forgiveness.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to experience God's forgiveness and salvation? Take a moment to pray and invite Jesus into that area today.
Day 3: Experiencing God's Boundless Love
God's Limitless Power and Love: We serve a God who is limitless in power, knowledge, and love. He knows each of us intimately and has set up the body of Christ as a place of refuge. His love for us is boundless, and He desires for us to know Him deeply and personally. [01:20:55]
God's love for us is beyond measure. He is limitless in power, knowledge, and love, and He knows each of us intimately. This profound truth should fill us with awe and gratitude. God has established the body of Christ as a place of refuge, where we can experience His love and find support and encouragement from fellow believers. His love is not just a distant concept; it is a personal and transformative reality that He desires for each of us to know deeply.
In our daily lives, we often face challenges and uncertainties, but we can take comfort in knowing that God's love is constant and unchanging. He is always with us, guiding us, and providing for our needs. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we begin to understand the depth of His love and the extent of His power. This knowledge empowers us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that we are deeply loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father.
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God's limitless love for you? Spend time in prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal more of His love to you today.
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Communion
The Significance of Communion: Communion is a powerful act of remembrance. It calls us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus—His body broken and His blood shed for our salvation. This act unifies us as the body of Christ and reminds us of the immense love and generosity of God. [01:21:49]
Communion is a sacred practice that holds deep significance for believers. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His life so that we might be saved. His body was broken, and His blood was shed as a testament to His immense love and generosity. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love for us.
This act of remembrance is not just a personal reflection; it is a communal experience that unifies us as the body of Christ. When we come together to share in communion, we are acknowledging our shared faith and the bond that we have through Jesus. It is a powerful reminder that we are part of a larger family, united by the love and sacrifice of our Savior. This unity calls us to live in love and harmony with one another, reflecting the love of Christ in our relationships and interactions.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: As you prepare to take communion, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the unity we share as the body of Christ. How can you live out this unity and love in your daily interactions with others?
Day 5: Embracing Unity in Christ
Unity in the Body of Christ: The common denominator for every believer is the testimony of what Christ has done for us. This unity is crucial, as everything else in the world will fade away. We are called to love one another and to remember that we are a family in Christ, bound together by His love and sacrifice. [01:25:49]
The unity we share as believers is rooted in the testimony of what Christ has done for us. This common denominator transcends all differences and binds us together as a family in Christ. In a world where so many things are temporary and fleeting, the unity we have in Jesus is eternal and unchanging. It is a powerful reminder that we are not alone; we are part of a larger community of faith, bound together by the love and sacrifice of our Savior.
This unity calls us to love one another deeply and to live in harmony with our fellow believers. It challenges us to look beyond our differences and to focus on what unites us—our shared faith in Jesus Christ. As we embrace this unity, we are called to support and encourage one another, to bear each other's burdens, and to reflect the love of Christ in our relationships. This is not always easy, but it is a vital part of our witness to the world and our growth as followers of Jesus.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think of a fellow believer with whom you may have had disagreements or misunderstandings. How can you take a step towards reconciliation and unity with them today, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ?
Quotes
1. "With that rapid buildup, there are families that are starting to co-locate in that area. There's going to be a need for a ministry just like this. The need is already there. The need is already there. We have soldiers and airmen in the area that are, when they're on TDY, or they're now getting stationed there, they need a ministry and faith family environment like this. So, all of our open offering today, if you give your tithes, give your tithes, that's the Lord's. We honor the Lord with our tithe. It is His. But if you have open offerings to give, I want to encourage you and challenge you to have a faithful go to the Politz Center, okay? I want you to stretch it a little bit, all right? Stretch that faith more than you would think, because when God is in it, when God is in it, He can take what we give and multiply it. Amen?" [31:09] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everybody needs an opportunity to respond to the word. Everybody needs an opportunity to respond to what God is doing and to find a moment in his presence. This morning, if you have a moment, if you have not received Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, Scripture says today is the day of salvation. Today is the opportunity. We're not guaranteed tomorrow, and yesterday is gone. So today we have the opportunity to decide, yes, Lord, I accept your forgiveness, and I choose you to be my Savior. If that's you here today, or maybe you've stepped away, maybe you've drifted away, maybe you've faded away in your faith, and you're like, you know what? I need to come back to that decision. The Lord is mighty to save. He's quick to forgive. He's quick to hear the heart of the one who is repentant. He wants you to know him, and he wants you to know his presence in your life. But it's a choice. It's a choice that you get to have." [01:04:02] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We serve a God who is undeniable. We serve a God who is limitless in power. He's limitless in his knowledge. He's limitless in how he knows you and knows where you're at personally. And he knows you. And his love for you is absolutely limitless. And he has set up this body to be the agent, to be a living arc, if you will, for a place to find refuge in the body of Christ. And in this in this body, we have been given a commandment to remember what he has done for us, to remember how his body was broken for us, that the that we who are broken, could be unified within the body. We we are to remember how his blood was spilled for us, and it was spilled liberally. We only needed one drop from that pure that pure blood of the lamb. We only needed one drop to save all of humanity. There's enough power in one drop, but this shows how much he loves us that he gave liberally. That's how generous our God is. It cost him everything so that we that's that you and I could know his love for us." [01:20:55] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Lord's heart is recognizing that this is the body of Christ that to your right and to your left. We are the body of the Christ. Everything in this world is going to be. Gone one day the set for the souls that are to your left to your right and God's desire is that there be unity among his body. For the common unity that we have is that we all have a testimony of what Christ has done for us individually. Amen. That is the common denominator for every single person in this room is that Jesus did something for you and for me. He loves us. He loves you. He loves me and his desire. We had a saying in our family growing up whenever there were those moments when brothers and sisters would would be, you know, going back and forth. Mama would always kick in and remind us. We are a loving family. don't know if you had a mama like that or dad like that. Sometimes we need that reminder, right? Sister Yvonne. We are a loving family. This is the family. Of God. We are a loving family." [01:25:49] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Lord, I thank you for the cup. Lord, you went to battle for every single one of us. You even asked the Father if the cup should be passed from you, but you willingly held on and you willingly partook of the cup. The cup that is this juice that is symbolic of the wine, the spiritual wine, Lord, but it is symbolic of the blood that was shed for us. Or that the blood of Jesus has been applied to every single one of us. That you have marked us as your own. Lord, so when you look upon us, you no longer see our sinful selves in the past. Instead, you see the new creation that you've awakened us to, that you've brought us into new life with. Oh, God, you see us as the person you have intended us to be in you. I thank you, Lord. I thank you, Lord, for the blood of Jesus. I thank you, Lord, for the blood of Jesus applied to my life. I thank you, God, that we can plead the blood of Jesus over our lives, over our homes, over every aspect, oh, God. Lord, the sacrifice that you gave so freely, Lord, that you gave generously, oh, God, comes with power and authority that can only come from the pure blood of the Lamb. I thank you, oh, God, for that power and that authority that you've invested into our life, that we can claim the blood of Jesus applied to our life and the angel of death must pass over us, Lord." [01:37:30] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Lord, I thank you, oh, God, that you have called us, who are called according to your name, Lord, that we would be in your heavenly ranks, that we would be in your heavenly, that we would be in your heavenly, Lord, just, Lord, marching in behind you, oh, God, to see you do your work in setting this world, right, Lord, I glorify your name. I bless your name, oh, Lord. In the name of Jesus, bless this people, bless this house, oh, God. Lord, in you receive the glory. In Jesus' name we pray, amen and amen. Let's give the Lord a hand clap of praise." [01:39:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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