Inviting Others: Embracing Community and Transformative Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the essence of being a community that brings others to Jesus, inspired by the early church in Acts 2. The first followers of Jesus were deeply committed to learning, fellowship, and worship. They met in homes, shared meals, and saw God add to their community daily. This model of devotion and community is something we strive to emulate. We also discussed the importance of personal invitations in bringing people to church, as evidenced by a survey showing that 67% of attendees came because of a personal invite.
We delved into six reasons from 2 Corinthians 5:11-12 for why we should be bringers. First, we want others to experience the transformative power of Jesus that we have experienced. Second, we need to share the most exciting and eternal parts of our lives, like our faith. Third, it’s impossible to follow Jesus and not care about the people He cares about. Fourth, we must see others as Jesus sees them, not from a human point of view. Fifth, we need to help others take their next step in their faith journey. Finally, we must not lose focus on God’s calling for our church, which is to reconcile people to Him.
We also celebrated the hard work of volunteers who make our church a welcoming place. From those who manage the tech to those who serve in the nursery, everyone plays a crucial role. We emphasized that being a part of the church means actively participating and using our gifts to serve others. The message concluded with a call to action: to be broken for what breaks God’s heart and to be willing to work hard so that others can find Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Experience and Share the Goodness of Jesus: When we experience something transformative, like the love and grace of Jesus, it naturally compels us to share it with others. Just as we share good news or exciting experiences in our lives, we should be eager to share the life-changing message of Jesus. This is not just about evangelism but about inviting others into a community where they can experience the same joy and transformation we have. [06:26]
2. Eternal Excitement: While many things in life excite us, such as hobbies or sports, the most exciting and eternal aspect of our lives should be our relationship with Jesus. This excitement should be evident in how we live and interact with others, making our faith attractive and inviting. Sharing our faith should be as natural and enthusiastic as sharing our favorite pastimes. [12:22]
3. Caring for Others as Jesus Does: It is impossible to follow Jesus and not care about the people He cares about. This means going out of our way to help others, even when it’s inconvenient. Our actions should reflect the love and compassion of Jesus, showing that we genuinely care about the well-being of others. This is a practical demonstration of our faith. [19:07]
4. Seeing Others Through Jesus’ Eyes: We must stop evaluating people from a human perspective and start seeing them as Jesus does. This means recognizing that no one is a lost cause and that everyone has the potential to become a new person in Christ. By seeing others through Jesus’ eyes, we can extend grace and compassion, helping them take their next step in their faith journey. [22:36]
5. Focus on God’s Calling: Our church’s mission is to reconcile people to God, and we must not lose focus on this calling. This involves actively participating in the life of the church and using our gifts to serve others. It’s about being a blessing to others and working hard to create an environment where people can encounter Jesus. This mission requires dedication and a willingness to be broken for what breaks God’s heart. [25:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - The Early Church in Acts 2
[02:31] - Personal Invitations Matter
[03:46] - The Role of Technology in Ministry
[05:10] - Six Reasons to Be a Bringer
[06:26] - Sharing the Goodness of Jesus
[08:00] - Working Hard to Serve Others
[09:27] - Celebrating Changed Lives
[11:02] - Sharing Eternal Excitement
[12:22] - Fantasy Football and Faith
[14:28] - Crazy for God’s Glory
[16:05] - Tailgate Sunday and Connect Groups
[17:35] - Caring for Others as Jesus Does
[19:07] - Helping Others in Need
[20:33] - Serving in Innovation Kids
[22:36] - Seeing Others Through Jesus’ Eyes
[24:28] - Taking the Next Step
[25:07] - Focus on God’s Calling
[27:06] - Feeling Led to Serve
[29:11] - Celebrating Baptisms
[30:15] - Bringing Jesus to Work
[31:51] - Upcoming Series: You Got Game
[33:25] - Personal Call to Ministry
[35:15] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47
2. 2 Corinthians 5:11-12
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the key activities that the early church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to? ([01:15])
2. According to the survey mentioned in the sermon, what percentage of people came to church because of a personal invite? ([03:46])
3. What are the six reasons given in 2 Corinthians 5:11-12 for why we should be bringers? ([05:10])
4. How did the pastor describe the role of volunteers in making the church a welcoming place? ([08:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for us to share the transformative experiences we have had with Jesus, according to the sermon? ([06:26])
2. How does seeing others through Jesus' eyes change our interactions with them, as discussed in the sermon? ([22:36])
3. What does it mean to focus on God's calling for our church, and how can we actively participate in this mission? ([25:07])
4. How does the pastor's story about helping someone on the side of the road illustrate the principle of caring for others as Jesus does? ([19:07])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced something transformative in your faith. How did you share that experience with others, and how can you do so more effectively in the future? ([06:26])
2. Think about your daily interactions. How can you make your excitement about your relationship with Jesus more evident to those around you? ([12:22])
3. Identify someone in your life who might need help or support. What practical steps can you take this week to show them the love and compassion of Jesus? ([19:07])
4. Consider how you currently view people who are different from you or who you might find difficult to love. How can you start seeing them through Jesus' eyes and extend grace and compassion to them? ([22:36])
5. What specific gifts or talents do you have that you can use to serve others in your church community? How can you start using them more actively? ([08:00])
6. Reflect on the mission of your church to reconcile people to God. What is one concrete action you can take this week to help fulfill this mission? ([25:07])
7. The pastor mentioned being broken for what breaks God's heart. What breaks your heart, and how can you channel that emotion into action to serve others and bring them closer to Jesus? ([27:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Experience and Share the Goodness of Jesus
When we experience something transformative, like the love and grace of Jesus, it naturally compels us to share it with others. Just as we share good news or exciting experiences in our lives, we should be eager to share the life-changing message of Jesus. This is not just about evangelism but about inviting others into a community where they can experience the same joy and transformation we have. The early church in Acts 2 exemplified this by meeting in homes, sharing meals, and seeing God add to their community daily. This model of devotion and community is something we strive to emulate. [06:26]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you felt the transformative power of Jesus. How can you share this experience with someone in your life today?
Day 2: Eternal Excitement
While many things in life excite us, such as hobbies or sports, the most exciting and eternal aspect of our lives should be our relationship with Jesus. This excitement should be evident in how we live and interact with others, making our faith attractive and inviting. Sharing our faith should be as natural and enthusiastic as sharing our favorite pastimes. When we are genuinely excited about our faith, it becomes contagious, drawing others to the joy and hope we have in Jesus. [12:22]
1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: What is one way you can show your excitement for Jesus in your daily interactions this week? How can this excitement be a witness to others?
Day 3: Caring for Others as Jesus Does
It is impossible to follow Jesus and not care about the people He cares about. This means going out of our way to help others, even when it’s inconvenient. Our actions should reflect the love and compassion of Jesus, showing that we genuinely care about the well-being of others. This is a practical demonstration of our faith. When we care for others as Jesus does, we become His hands and feet, bringing His love and hope to a hurting world. [19:07]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is in need of help or encouragement. What specific action can you take today to show them the love and care of Jesus?
Day 4: Seeing Others Through Jesus’ Eyes
We must stop evaluating people from a human perspective and start seeing them as Jesus does. This means recognizing that no one is a lost cause and that everyone has the potential to become a new person in Christ. By seeing others through Jesus’ eyes, we can extend grace and compassion, helping them take their next step in their faith journey. This perspective shift allows us to be more patient, loving, and hopeful in our interactions with others. [22:36]
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (ESV): "From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Think of someone you have been viewing from a human perspective. How can you begin to see them through Jesus' eyes and extend grace to them today?
Day 5: Focus on God’s Calling
Our church’s mission is to reconcile people to God, and we must not lose focus on this calling. This involves actively participating in the life of the church and using our gifts to serve others. It’s about being a blessing to others and working hard to create an environment where people can encounter Jesus. This mission requires dedication and a willingness to be broken for what breaks God’s heart. By staying focused on God’s calling, we can make a significant impact in our community and beyond. [25:07]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your gifts to serve others in your church or community this week? How can you stay focused on God’s calling in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "In Acts 2 we see that all the believers devoted themselves, they gathered together this deep sense of all and they met together and shared everything that they had but it keeps going and it keeps going and it keeps going and it keeps going and it said they sold their property and possessions these are these are people that are getting rid of everything so that they could be a part of the church." [01:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We work hard to let others know about Jesus being involved in our lives, about what he's doing in our lives, what he's doing in our church, how. He is changing us, how he is shaping us, how he is making us, how we're surrendered, how there's a place where we can belong, where we can become and where we can bless. There's a place like that. And there's that's like no other place on this earth. There is the church." [08:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's impossible to follow Jesus and not care about the people that he cares about. He cared about that person on the side. The side of the road. But that's not, that's not how it always goes. Right? There's been plenty of times where I've continued driving and just prayed for the situation where I could have helped, where I could have stepped in, where I, where I could have slowed down, where I could have said they need help." [19:38] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We see others as Jesus sees them. That's what we see as Paul continues to talk, he says, so we've stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view, but how differently we know him now as the human point of view, you look at your neighbor and you hate that he hasn't mowed his lawn in five weeks. You look at the one that has the sign of the political person that you can't stand and, and you write them off. We have to see others as Jesus sees them." [22:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's impossible to follow Jesus and not care about the people he cares about. They, they come in at a perfect time. You see these awesome kids each and every week. They typically have gaps in their schedule of people that are signing up to serve, to work in the nursery, signing up to help out. They're not going to help you out in innovation kids. Is it, is it impossible for us to see them and say, you know what, somebody else will do that? I hope it is." [20:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We need to share the part of our lives that's most exciting and most eternal. Just a couple few days from now, almost like a week and a half, September 5th. You're going to sit back. You're going to. Pop on TV, some of you, and you're going to see the Chiefs, right? They're out there. They're ready to play. And then they're going to start spanning across the field. Right? And you're going to see some guy probably in his second or seventh drink stripped down to his Kansas City Chiefs Speedo and red and white body paint screaming at the top of his lungs." [14:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We can't lose focus on God's calling for our church. That's what we see with the apostle Paul as he says, and all of this is a gift from God who brought us back to himself and God has given us this task of reconciling people. This is our task. It's not just to be a spectator of people's lives changing. It's to be a participator and engage. Use whatever we have." [25:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Eternity is too long and hell is too hot for us to sit back and do nothing. So we try to make it as easy as possible. We try to have a good time. We try to go all out. Next week, we start a series called You Got Game. You're going to hear from one of my coaches. And it's been coaching me how to be a better leader, how to be a better pastor because I still have to become. There's still more that I can become. And so I need to submit to others as well." [31:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We work hard. We work hard to let others know about Jesus being involved in our lives, about what he's doing in our lives, what he's doing in our church, how. He is changing us, how he is shaping us, how he is making us, how we're surrendered, how there's a place where we can belong, where we can become and where we can bless. There's a place like that. And there's that's like no other place on this earth. There is the church." [08:00] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We need to share the part of our lives that's most exciting and most eternal. There's some things in our lives that are exciting, right? I announced on Facebook this week, some of you may have saw it. I know Jordan saw it. saw a bunch of cool videos. I'm going to go and share them with you. I'm not joking. I'm going to share it with you. He's going to share it with me. I'm not joking. I'm not joking. I'm not joking. I'm not joking. I've a new hobby and one thing that's going to be fun." [11:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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