Today, I had the privilege of weaving together the theme of "Living Chosen" as part of our vision series, emphasizing our identity and mission as God's people. This theme is particularly poignant as we navigate a new season of ministry here at Mount Olive, focusing on how our values, rooted in God's timeless Word, guide our actions and interactions.
We began by acknowledging the profound impact of God's Word and Jesus in our lives—how they change us, restore our souls, and improve our relationships. This truth is not just theoretical; it's lived out daily as we keep Jesus at the center, resulting in more loving, generous, and compassionate interactions.
As we moved into the testimonies of our students, it was a celebration of faith and the role Jesus plays in their lives. Each student, having been baptized at a young age, publicly declared their faith, which is not the culmination but a step in their journey of faith. This public profession is a testament to how deeply we believe in the transformative power of living a life aligned with Jesus.
Elise, our first confirmant, shared her project, which beautifully tied the creation—specifically flowers—to our faith. This analogy reminds us that just as flowers are planted and rooted, we too are planted by God with a purpose. We are to reflect His goodness, grace, and love to those around us, making Jesus's love and grace tangible in their personal experiences.
Connor's story followed, highlighting the unexpected ways we can live out our faith. His choice of scripture, not traditionally associated with confirmation, demonstrated how Jesus's actions—like healing a man's ear during His arrest—exemplify compassion and love, qualities we are called to emulate.
Kaylee Culberson shared memories of church family and friendships, underscoring the importance of community in our faith journey. These relationships not only provide support but also help us grow and learn together, preparing us for an uncertain future with the assurance that God is with us.
Kate's testimony reminded us of the challenges and rewards of being for the community. She highlighted the importance of relying not on our strength but on Christ's, which enables us to persevere through difficulties and effectively serve others.
Harry, through his story about integrating prayer into everyday activities, reinforced the significance of constant communication with God. His practice of praying before games, meals, and bedtime exemplifies a life intertwined with prayer, helping him—and by extension, all of us—draw closer to God and see His work more clearly.
In conclusion, the sermon today was a rich tapestry of personal stories and theological insights, all pointing back to our central theme of living out our chosen identity as God's people. Each story, each reflection, brought to life the transformative power of a life lived in close communion with Jesus.
###
Key Takeaways
- 1. The Transformative Power of God's Word and Jesus God's Word and Jesus not only change lives but also restore and improve our relationships. This transformation is evident in how we interact with others, bringing more love, generosity, and compassion into our daily encounters. [01:05]
- 2. Living Out Our Faith Through Actions Our faith is not just about belief but also action. As demonstrated by our students, living out our faith means reflecting Jesus's love and grace in tangible ways to those around us, making His presence known and felt in every aspect of our lives. [10:18]
- 3. The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth Community is crucial in our spiritual journey. It provides a support system that helps us grow, learn, and face the uncertainties of life together, all while being anchored in the promise that God is with us. [20:50]
- 4. Relying on Christ in Challenges Facing challenges is part of our journey, but relying on Christ's strength rather than our own offers us the perseverance needed to navigate these difficulties. This reliance is a testament to the power of faith in action. [24:00]
- 5. Prayer as a Foundation for Daily Life Prayer should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives, not just reserved for moments of need. Regular communication with God helps us see Him more clearly and strengthens our relationship with Him, impacting every aspect of our lives.
### [28:09]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:05] - The Impact of God's Word and Jesus
- [10:18] - Faith Expressed Through Actions
- [20:50] - The Importance of Community
- [24:00] - Relying on Christ's Strength
- [28:09] - Prayer in Daily Life