Join the Team: Embracing Community and Service

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the joy of community and the importance of being part of a team, especially on this Super Bowl Sunday. We embraced the fun of wearing our favorite team apparel, reminding ourselves that life is meant to be enjoyed, and that includes our time in church. The theme of the day was "Join the Team," emphasizing the significance of being part of God's team and the church community. Just as in football, where teamwork is crucial, our spiritual journey is also a collective effort. We are called to recruit and build a strong team, both in our personal faith and within our church community.

The message highlighted the power of togetherness, using the acrostic "TEAM" - Together Everyone Achieves More. This concept is rooted in scripture, such as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which speaks to the strength found in unity. We explored the idea that being part of a team means supporting one another, just as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). The church, as a multi-generational and multi-ethnic community, benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching our collective journey.

We also discussed the importance of serving within the church, using our unique gifts and talents. Each of us has a role to play, and when we work together, we can achieve more for God's kingdom. The call to action was clear: join the team, serve where you're gifted, and be part of something greater than yourself. This is not just about filling roles but about fulfilling our purpose and experiencing the joy of contributing to the body of Christ.

Finally, we were reminded that our ultimate goal is to glorify God and spread His love. Whether through prayer, service, or simply being present, we are all part of a larger mission. As we move forward, let's embrace the opportunity to be part of God's team, knowing that together, we can make a significant impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Togetherness: Unity in the church is like hot coals that stay warm when together but grow cold when apart. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that two are better than one, and a cord of three strands is not easily broken. In our spiritual journey, we must support each other to stay strong and vibrant. [40:42]

2. Diversity Strengthens Us: Being a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church allows us to learn from different perspectives and experiences. This diversity helps us grow and see life from various viewpoints, enriching our community and strengthening our faith. [42:51]

3. Serving with Our Gifts: Each of us has unique gifts and talents that God has given us to serve His kingdom. Discovering and using these gifts in the church not only fulfills our purpose but also strengthens the body of Christ. [49:38]

4. Boundaries and Discipline: Just as in football, where boundaries keep the game in order, our spiritual lives require discipline and boundaries to thrive. This discipline helps us stay focused on our mission and avoid chaos. [52:25]

5. The Joy of Contribution: Being part of God's team means contributing to something greater than ourselves. Whether through prayer, service, or fellowship, our collective efforts glorify God and spread His love to others. [57:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [37:42] - Super Bowl Sunday Fun
- [39:18] - Join the Team
- [40:42] - The Power of Togetherness
- [42:51] - Diversity Strengthens Us
- [46:23] - The Joy of Prayer
- [47:24] - Serving with Our Gifts
- [49:38] - The Blessing of a Growing Church
- [50:39] - Building on the Rock
- [52:25] - Boundaries and Discipline
- [53:38] - The Importance of Leadership
- [54:24] - Rationalizing Boundaries
- [55:28] - The Call to Serve
- [57:06] - The Joy of Contribution
- [01:02:03] - Discovering Your Gifts
- [01:11:47] - The Church as a Team
- [01:18:57] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Join the Team

Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
2. Proverbs 27:17
3. Ephesians 4:16

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are the benefits of two people working together rather than alone? How does this relate to the concept of teamwork discussed in the sermon? [40:42]

2. How does the acrostic "TEAM" (Together Everyone Achieves More) reflect the message of Proverbs 27:17 about iron sharpening iron? [42:51]

3. In Ephesians 4:16, what does it mean for the body to be "joined and held together by every supporting ligament"? How does this imagery relate to the church community? [47:24]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of diversity within the church community? [42:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "Together Everyone Achieves More" challenge the idea of individualism in our spiritual journey? [39:18]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that diversity within the church strengthens the community? How can different perspectives and experiences contribute to spiritual growth? [42:51]

3. How does the sermon use the analogy of football to explain the importance of boundaries and discipline in our spiritual lives? [52:25]

4. What role does serving with our unique gifts play in fulfilling our purpose within the church, according to the sermon? [49:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of togetherness in your spiritual journey. How did it impact your faith, and how can you seek more opportunities for unity within your church community? [40:42]

2. Consider the diversity within your own church or small group. How can you actively learn from and appreciate different perspectives and experiences to enrich your faith? [42:51]

3. Identify a specific gift or talent you have. How can you use it to serve within your church community, and what steps will you take to get involved? [49:38]

4. Think about the boundaries and discipline in your spiritual life. Are there areas where you need to establish or strengthen boundaries to stay focused on your mission? [52:25]

5. How can you contribute to the joy of being part of God's team, whether through prayer, service, or fellowship? What is one specific action you can take this week to glorify God and spread His love? [57:06]

6. Reflect on the sermon’s call to action to "join the team." What is one area in your church where you feel called to serve, and how will you take the first step to get involved? [49:38]

7. How can you encourage others in your church to discover and use their gifts for God's kingdom? What role can you play in helping others find their place on the team? [49:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Strength of Unity
In our spiritual journey, unity is essential, much like the warmth of hot coals that stay together. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us of the strength found in togetherness, emphasizing that two are better than one and a cord of three strands is not easily broken. This principle applies to our church community, where supporting one another is crucial for maintaining spiritual vibrancy. Just as iron sharpens iron, we are called to uplift and encourage each other, ensuring that no one walks alone. [40:42]

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer support or encouragement, and how will you do it?


Day 2: Embracing Diversity
A multi-generational and multi-ethnic church community offers a wealth of perspectives and experiences that enrich our collective faith journey. This diversity allows us to learn from one another, broadening our understanding and strengthening our community. By embracing these differences, we grow in empathy and love, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. Our church becomes a tapestry of varied backgrounds, each contributing to a richer, more vibrant community. [42:51]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek to understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives within your church community this week?


Day 3: Serving with Purpose
Each of us has been uniquely gifted by God to serve His kingdom. Discovering and using these gifts within the church not only fulfills our purpose but also strengthens the body of Christ. When we serve where we are gifted, we contribute to a thriving community that can achieve more together. This is not just about filling roles but about experiencing the joy of contributing to something greater than ourselves. [49:38]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific gift or talent has God given you, and how can you use it to serve your church community this week?


Day 4: The Discipline of Boundaries
Just as in football, where boundaries keep the game in order, our spiritual lives require discipline and boundaries to thrive. These boundaries help us stay focused on our mission and avoid chaos. By setting and respecting these limits, we create a space where spiritual growth can occur, allowing us to remain steadfast in our faith journey. Discipline is not about restriction but about creating a framework for flourishing. [52:25]

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one boundary you need to establish or reinforce in your spiritual life to help you stay focused on your mission?


Day 5: The Joy of Contribution
Being part of God's team means contributing to something greater than ourselves. Whether through prayer, service, or fellowship, our collective efforts glorify God and spread His love to others. This contribution is not just about fulfilling duties but about experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of a larger mission. Together, we can make a significant impact for God's kingdom. [57:06]

"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: In what specific way can you contribute to your church community this week, and how will it help spread God's love?

Quotes



"Part of liberty being a multi-generational church has benefits because the younger have somebody out there older who's already gone ahead, been down that road. We've got mentors. We've got examples. And you've got the younger in the church who keep you young at heart, young in mind." [00:42:51] (20 seconds)


"And so it helps us see life from different viewpoints. It helps us when you walk in somebody else's shoes and put yourself in their situation. I think there's benefits to being a multi-site church where two churches, two congregations are stronger together." [00:43:59] (17 seconds)


"When we come together as congregations all around Hampton Roads, we're one church. And it gives us a greater impact. Think about just, what God has done at York River. Two churches merging together. And when they merge with Liberty Live, listen, we're stronger together." [00:44:26] (20 seconds)


"Listen, God's called us in the Great Commission to reach people. That's 1.8 million people we're taking to the gospel, too, but then we teach them. Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock." [00:50:39] (13 seconds)


"God just put a gift within us, and we know I was born to do this. Heart, that's what you have a passion to do. Abilities. Some people are creatives. They're musical. Like our team, they're putting out new songs. They just released one called Banner." [01:02:03] (17 seconds)


"I just want you to serve where you're gifted. All right? No guilt trip today. Join the team. Based on where you're gifted. And then the last one is experience. And, of course, we're talking about family and work and education, but I really think this is also about painful experiences in life." [01:03:39] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?