Living Faith: Action, Community, and Covenant

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is a Verb—Living Out What We Believe

Faith is not just a set of beliefs or a philosophy to be held in our minds; it is a way of being that calls us to action in the world. True Christianity is not about intellectual assent alone, but about how we show up for one another, how we do good, and how we embody love and justice in our daily lives. When we move from belief to action, we participate in the healing and transformation that Jesus envisioned, making our faith visible and tangible in the world around us. [32:37]

James 2:14-17 (ESV)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Reflection: What is one concrete way you can put your faith into action today—perhaps by reaching out to someone in need or offering a small act of kindness?

Day 2: Take Hold of the Life That Is Really Life

We are invited to seize a life of generosity, goodness, and true connection—not just to wait for some distant promise, but to experience the richness of God’s presence here and now. Paul’s words remind us that eternal life is not only a future hope but a present reality, available when we live generously, love deeply, and resist the temptation to cling to things that cannot love us back. This is the “life that is really life,” a treasure to be uncovered in our everyday relationships and choices. [50:14]

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God inviting you to let go of something temporary in order to take hold of what is truly life-giving?

Day 3: The Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand—Transformation Now

Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, meaning that God’s reign of justice, peace, and love is breaking into our world right now. This calls us to an internal transformation—a turning around (metanoia)—that leads to a new way of living. Rather than waiting for a distant afterlife, we are called to participate in God’s kingdom by embodying its values in our relationships, our communities, and our daily choices. [51:43]

Matthew 4:17 (ESV)
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Reflection: Where do you see opportunities today to help bring God’s kingdom “at hand” into your home, workplace, or neighborhood?

Day 4: Covenants—Showing Up for Each Other

Covenants are sacred promises that guide how we show up for one another in community, reminding us that our faith is lived out in relationship. These agreements help us remember to act with kindness, respect, and accountability, especially when it is difficult. In a world where it is easy to forget how to treat each other well, covenants call us back to the practices that hold us together and help us build a community where all are valued and loved. [31:30]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally encourage or support someone in your faith community this week?

Day 5: Try Softer—Letting Go of Perfectionism in Doing Good

The invitation to “try softer” reminds us that living out our faith is not about striving for perfection or always getting it right, but about showing up with gentleness, humility, and a willingness to keep going. We are called to do good, to be generous, and to pour ourselves out for others—not from a place of pressure or self-criticism, but from a place of love and grace. In this way, we can sustain our efforts and find joy in the journey of faith. [55:10]

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to “try softer” instead of “trying harder” as you seek to do good and live out your faith?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the call to “do good” as a living expression of faith, especially as we continue to heal from the wounds of toxic Christianity. Rather than reducing faith to a set of beliefs or a mere philosophy, we are invited to embody our convictions through action—how we show up for one another, how we build community, and how we live out our covenants. The concept of covenant, appearing over 300 times in scripture, is not just a formality but a living guide for how we relate to each other, reminding us that faith is not just what we think but how we act together.

A personal story illustrated the challenges of living out this faith in a world where people sometimes feel emboldened to express exclusion or superiority. The encounter with a man who dismissed women in ministry was a stark reminder of the divisions that persist, even among those who claim the name of Christ. Yet, this moment also highlighted the importance of discerning when to engage and when to move on, and the need to root our identity not in others’ approval but in the love and justice Jesus modeled.

Drawing from Paul’s letter, we explored the idea that “life that is really life” is not a distant, future reward but a present reality available through generosity, goodness, and community. Theologians like Karl Barth and Jürgen Moltmann challenge us to resist escapist theologies that focus only on the afterlife, urging us instead to embrace the responsibilities and possibilities of this life. Jesus’ teachings, echoed in all three synoptic gospels, call us to recognize that the kingdom of heaven is at hand—here and now.

Faith, then, is a verb. It is not about being right or trying harder, but about “trying softer”—living with gentleness, generosity, and readiness to share. We are called to be rich in good works, to build covenants that hold us accountable to one another, and to take hold of the life that is truly life. In this, we find both challenge and hope: to do good, to be good, and to let our actions speak louder than our words.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith Is Embodied, Not Abstract Faith is not merely a set of beliefs or intellectual assent; it is a lived reality that calls us to action. The repeated biblical emphasis on covenant reminds us that our commitments to one another are central to our spiritual life. When we reduce faith to philosophy, we miss the transformative power of showing up for each other in tangible ways. [32:37]
2. Discernment in Engagement Not every confrontation or disagreement is worth our energy. Sometimes, the most faithful response is to walk away rather than to argue, especially when the other person is not open to genuine dialogue. Our worth and calling are not determined by others’ acceptance or understanding, but by our rootedness in God’s love and justice. [46:38]
3. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Now Jesus’ message that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” challenges us to seek the sacred in our present reality. Eternal life is not just a future hope but a quality of life available through generosity, justice, and love in the here and now. This perspective shifts our focus from escapism to active participation in God’s work today. [51:43]
4. Resisting Escapist Theology The temptation to focus solely on the afterlife can distract us from our responsibilities in this world. Theologians like Barth and Moltmann remind us that our calling is to help transform the mundane circumstances of those around us, especially the poor and marginalized. True faith is measured by our willingness to engage with the needs and injustices of our time. [54:14]
5. “Try Softer”: The Gentle Path of Goodness The invitation is not to strive harder or to obsess over being right, but to “try softer”—to approach life and faith with gentleness, generosity, and openness. Doing good is not about perfectionism but about a posture of readiness to share, to be kind, and to let love guide our actions. In this way, we take hold of “the life that is really life.”

** [55:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Community Updates
[03:10] - Bible Study and Youth Program News
[05:30] - Remembering Rev. Cal Kemper
[07:15] - Opening Song and Gathering
[10:00] - Breathing and Centering Prayer
[12:30] - Introduction to “Doing Good”
[15:00] - The Power of Covenant
[18:00] - Kids Build Their Own Covenant
[20:00] - Choir and Worship Transition
[22:00] - Personal Story: Anointing and Encounter on the Trail
[30:28] - Facing Exclusion and Responding with Grace
[45:14] - The Tale of Two Christs: Art and Reflection
[50:14] - Paul’s Letter: Life That Is Really Life
[52:52] - Theology: Beyond Escapism
[54:14] - Living Faith Here and Now
[55:39] - Community Sharing and Reflection
[64:57] - Offering and Generosity
[67:26] - Closing Song and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV) — > As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Matthew 4:17 (ESV) — > From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Observation Questions

According to 1 Timothy 6:17-19, what are the specific instructions Paul gives to those who are “rich in this present age”?
In the sermon, what is meant by “covenant,” and how often does this concept appear in the Bible? [[31:30]]
What was the main point of the personal story shared about the encounter on the trail? [[46:38]]
How does the sermon describe the difference between faith as a set of beliefs and faith as something we do? [[32:37]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect generosity and good works with “taking hold of the life that is really life”? What does this suggest about the purpose of faith? [[50:14]]
The sermon talks about “trying softer” instead of “trying harder.” What does this phrase mean in the context of living out faith? [[55:10]]
How does the idea that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” challenge the way people often think about faith and the afterlife? [[51:43]]
In the story about the man on the trail, what does the pastor’s response teach us about discernment in engagement and where we root our identity? [[46:38]]

Application Questions

The sermon says faith is not just what we believe, but how we show up for each other. What is one way you can “show up” for someone in your life this week? Be specific. [[32:37]]
Think about a time when you felt excluded or dismissed because of your faith or identity. How did you respond? Is there anything you would do differently now after hearing the sermon? [[46:38]]
The idea of “covenant” is central to how we relate to each other. Is there a relationship or commitment in your life that needs to be renewed or repaired? What is one step you can take toward that? [[31:30]]
The sermon challenges us to resist focusing only on the afterlife and instead to engage with the needs and injustices of our time. What is one local need or injustice you feel called to respond to? How might you take a first step? [[54:14]]
“Trying softer” means approaching life with gentleness and generosity, not perfectionism. Where in your life do you need to “try softer” instead of “trying harder”? What would that look like this week? [[55:10]]
Paul warns against “loving the things that can’t love us back.” Are there things in your life that you are tempted to put your hope in instead of God? How can you shift your focus? [[50:56]]
The sermon says, “Let us not give up on doing good.” What is one good work you feel nudged to do, even if it feels small or unnoticed? [[55:39]]

Sermon Clips

about how it's not just something in our head, but something we do, how we show up in the world. And so I don't know about you, but it's kind of hard to be thoughtful about how we show up in the world sometimes, right? Especially in groups. [00:30:56]

And all of these things help us remember how we show up together. Right?And I'm seeing how important that is right now because not everybody knows how to show up.Can I get an amen? Amen. [00:31:59]

So today we're talking about church as a verb and all the ways we do good and show up for each other. And so how wonderful that you get to build that covenant for you all too. So thank you for being a part of it. [00:33:37]

It's quite revealing that in 2025, a man is bold about walking up to a woman he doesn't know and then tells her right to her face that he doesn't believe she is equal.Now, if I were in another part of the country, I guess maybe I would have been less surprised.But it tells me more about the moment in which we find ourselves.It's okay to say it out loud now, whatever the it might be. Have you noticed that?Things many of us thought we kept in quiet, or at least in private. [00:47:17]

What stood out about the encounter is that of all the things to convey in that interaction, he felt it to be of the utmost importance to tell me how right he was and that I was wrong, even though he said he'd never been to church in a really long time, and that he was okay saying proudly that he was anti -feminist. [00:47:55]

I thought of how we ended the service last week by singing, we will know they are Christians by our love. [00:48:19]

I share this image because I think it's telling about the different Jesuses that some of us are following right now.And on the list of things to address as part of our series on healing from toxic Christianity is what I shared earlier, the idea that what matters more than anything else is belief, period. [00:49:14]

It seems like many are walking around thinking you can follow Jesus and not have an internal transformation, when really the very word metanoia you might remember in Greek is to turn around.So today this is what I want to speak to.The idea that following Jesus is just about what we believe, when really if our beliefs do not inspire a certain kind of living, a certain way of being in the world, it feels far from what Jesus actually said. [00:49:37]

You'll see he has lots of warnings for us too against the destruction and entrapment caused by loving the things that can't love us back, the ruin that can come from thinking the material is eternal. [00:50:56]

The point is tapping into a sense of the eternal in our present reality.And when we operate from the steeper place, it's as if we are treasure hunters.This is how I see it, seeking to uncover the heaven that is already here. [00:51:17]

I suspect that many have reduced Christianity to a philosophy making it only about belief because that requires very little of us. That's so much easier.But we cannot forget that in all three canonical gospels, Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is at hand. [00:52:02]

Now, these guys are no feminists, I'm sure.And they all believe that being Christian actually does give us responsibilities here on earth.It's about how we are now. [00:54:04]

Well, I actually do believe there is a realm beyond this one. I don't think Jesus' intention was for his teachings to be all about that.I believe he offered them to help us have a certain experience here and now, showing us what can be possible when we live from love. [00:54:17]

When we do justice and when we are generous, when we operate from kindness and being ready to pour out, to empty ourselves as Jesus showed, we can access a certain way of being in the world. [00:54:38]

This faith is not just a philosophy, but a path for how to be here and now, how to do good and be good, and to take hold of the life that is really life, in Paul's words.It's both harder and easier. [00:54:51]

Living what Jesus taught must move us from our heads into our actions.It's a faith on the move.To me, faith is a verb. [00:55:10]

There's no need to do it right or to be right or to try harder.In fact, in this time, I think we might take the words of the poet seriously.Perhaps the invitation is to try softer.Let us not give up on doing good. [00:55:22]

Beloved of God, do good, be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share. Try softer.May it be so. Amen. [00:58:34]

for being a part of our worship, for showing up for yourself and for each other and for the world that we are building together. [01:04:28]

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