Living Faith: Balancing Belief and Action in Christ
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing the complexity of the Christian faith and the challenge of distilling the essentials from the Bible's 66 books. I reflected on the ongoing work of defining core fundamentals that are crucial for identifying as part of the body of Christ. This task is not only personal but also communal as we, the church, grapple with our place in society and culture. We discussed the concept of being an inclusive church and the theological underpinnings that must support such an identity, acknowledging the dangers of proof texting and the need for a solid theological foundation.
I then transitioned to the significance of the post-Easter period, focusing on the ascension of Jesus and the appearances recorded in the Gospels. I emphasized the centrality of the Holy Spirit in these events, which breathes life into the church and sets everything in motion. This led to the introduction of two critical theological concepts: orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Orthodoxy pertains to our core doctrines and beliefs, distilled from Scripture and forming the theological lifeblood of our faith. Orthopraxy, on the other hand, is about living out those beliefs in the world, the practical expression of our faith.
I highlighted the importance of balancing orthodoxy with orthopraxy, using the example of our church's mission statement, which was established years before my arrival. The statement, "seeking to be disciples of Jesus who live their faith in the world," encapsulates both the theological understanding (orthodoxy) and the practical application (orthopraxy) of our faith. I stressed the discipline required to be a disciple of Christ and the necessity of living out our faith beyond just nurturing it on Sunday mornings.
I then delved into the specific narrative of the ascension in Acts, where Jesus commissions his disciples to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This commissioning is not a part-time endeavor but a full embodiment of integrity as Christians, lived out in the world. I pointed out the disciples' initial misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, expecting a restoration of Israel, and Jesus' correction that his vision was much larger. The ascension moment is where belief and action converge, powered by the Holy Spirit.
I concluded by emphasizing that being a Christian is more than just adhering to the common moral philosophy of loving one's neighbor, which is shared by many humanist and moral systems. As Christians, we are called to be witnesses, a calling that is deeply rooted in our integrity and lived out through our actions in the world. This witness is not limited to a specific place or time but extends to the ends of the earth, as Jesus commanded.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Christian faith is rich and complex, requiring us to continually seek the core fundamentals that define our identity as followers of Christ. This search is not just an intellectual exercise but a communal effort to understand our place within the broader society and culture. ([01:52])
2. The post-Easter period, particularly the ascension of Jesus, highlights the essential role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the church. Without the Spirit, our faith practices and commissioning would lack meaning and direction. ([06:56])
3. Orthodoxy and orthopraxy are two sides of the same coin in our Christian journey. Our beliefs must be deeply rooted in Scripture and doctrine (orthodoxy), but they must also be actively lived out in the world (orthopraxy) to truly embody the faith we profess. ([08:55])
4. The discipline of being a disciple involves both understanding and action. Our church's mission statement reflects this dual commitment to theological depth and practical faith expression, challenging us to live as true disciples of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. ([11:02])
5. Witnessing is the essence of our Christian calling, as demonstrated by Jesus' commissioning of his disciples. This witness goes beyond mere words; it is an active demonstration of our integrity and faith, reaching out to the farthest corners of the earth. ([14:02])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:6-11 - The Ascension of Jesus and His Commission to the Disciples
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission
3. John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples expecting Jesus to do when they asked if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel? (Acts 1:6)
2. How does Jesus respond to the disciples' question about restoring the kingdom, and what does He commission them to do instead? (Acts 1:7-8)
3. What is the significance of Jesus' ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:9-11? How does this event set the stage for the disciples' mission?
4. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission that Jesus gives to His disciples?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples misunderstood Jesus' mission, expecting a restoration of Israel? How does Jesus' response broaden their understanding of His mission? (Acts 1:6-8) [14:56]
2. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17 empower the disciples for their mission? Why is the Holy Spirit essential for the church's mission? [06:56]
3. In what ways do orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice) complement each other in the life of a Christian? How does the balance of these two concepts reflect in the church's mission statement? [08:55]
4. How does the concept of being a witness to the ends of the earth challenge the common moral philosophy of simply loving one's neighbor? What additional responsibilities does this calling entail for Christians? [13:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the church's mission statement: "seeking to be disciples of Jesus who live their faith in the world." How can you personally embody both orthodoxy and orthopraxy in your daily life? [10:12]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of living out our faith beyond Sunday mornings. What specific actions can you take this week to practice your faith in your community? [11:02]
3. Jesus' commissioning of His disciples to be witnesses to the ends of the earth is a call to active demonstration of faith. How can you be a witness in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles? [14:02]
4. The sermon discussed the challenge of being an inclusive church while maintaining core Christian beliefs. How can you contribute to creating an inclusive environment in your church without compromising essential doctrines? [03:39]
5. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers for their mission. How can you seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen your witness? [06:56]
6. The disciples initially misunderstood Jesus' mission, expecting a political restoration. Are there areas in your life where you might be misunderstanding God's broader mission? How can you align your expectations with His greater plan? [14:56]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of integrity in our witness. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions consistently reflect your faith and integrity as a Christian? [14:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Unearthing Our Faith's Core
Christian faith is not a static set of beliefs but a dynamic journey of discovery, where we continually seek to understand the core fundamentals that define us as followers of Christ. This process is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a shared endeavor that shapes our identity within the broader society and culture. It involves discerning the essence of our faith amidst the vast narrative of the Bible and the complexities of modern life. As we engage in this communal effort, we are called to reflect on how our understanding of Christianity informs our place in the world and our interactions with those around us. This is a journey that requires humility, as we acknowledge that our grasp of the divine is always partial, and a commitment to growth, as we strive to align our lives more closely with the teachings of Jesus.
[01:52]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: How does your current understanding of Christian fundamentals shape your interactions with those who hold different beliefs or values?
Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit
The post-Easter period reminds us of the Holy Spirit's vital role in empowering the church. The ascension of Jesus was not the end but the beginning of a new chapter for His followers, as the Holy Spirit descended to guide, comfort, and empower them for the mission ahead. This divine empowerment is what breathes life into our faith practices and gives direction to our calling. Without the Spirit, our actions lack the divine spark that ignites transformation within us and through us. As we consider the work of the Spirit in the early church, we are invited to reflect on how the Spirit is moving in our own lives and communities, prompting us to live out our faith with boldness and purpose.
[06:56]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your life, and how can you be more open to the Spirit's leading today?
Day 3: Belief and Action Intertwined
Orthodoxy and orthopraxy are inseparable elements of our Christian journey. Our beliefs, deeply rooted in Scripture and doctrine, form the foundation of our faith (orthodoxy). However, these beliefs are incomplete without their active expression in the world (orthopraxy). This balance is essential; it is not enough to hold correct doctrines if they do not translate into loving, just, and compassionate actions. As we strive to live out our faith, we must continually examine how our beliefs are shaping our behavior and how our behavior, in turn, is a testament to the truths we profess.
[08:55]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one belief you hold that needs to be more fully expressed in your actions, and what is a practical step you can take to live out that belief today?
Day 4: Discipleship Requires Discipline
The discipline of being a disciple involves a deep commitment to understanding and action. It is not enough to nurture our faith in the comfort of Sunday services; we must live it out in every aspect of our lives. This requires a disciplined approach to spiritual growth, one that encompasses both learning and doing. As we seek to be disciples of Jesus, we are challenged to integrate our faith into our daily decisions, interactions, and endeavors, allowing it to shape who we are and how we engage with the world around us.
[11:02]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your daily life where you can more intentionally practice the discipline of discipleship, and what might that look like in practical terms?
Day 5: Witnessing Beyond Words
Being a Christian witness is about more than verbal testimony; it is a lived demonstration of our integrity and faith. Jesus' commissioning of His disciples extends to us, calling us to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This mission is not confined to specific places or times but is a continuous call to embody the love, grace, and truth of Christ in every situation. As we embrace this calling, we are challenged to consider how our lives bear witness to the gospel and how we can more effectively share the transformative power of Christ's love with those we encounter.
[14:02]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: How can your life today serve as a witness to the love and truth of Jesus, and what is one specific action you can take to demonstrate this witness to someone?
Quotes
"Sometimes, I imagine it would have just been so much better if all the writers of the Gospels kind of gotten together and said, okay, what's the top 10? You know, what are the things we, the top 10 things, the absolute non-negotiables, this is what, you're going to call yourself follower of Jesus, these are your, this is it. Right here, boom. You don't got to wade through all this stuff. We're just going to give you the top 10. Didn't work that way." [01:52]
"So let's take it right down to Dominion Chalmers. Years before I arrived here, you went through a process and you arrived at this statement, seeking to be disciples of Jesus who lived their faith in the world. This is what you agreed upon as a church years ago. Seeking to be disciples of Jesus who lived their faith in the world. Can you see the two elements there? Can you see the orthodoxy and the orthopraxy?" [10:12]
"There is a discipline to being a disciple. Disciple. It's not a, those words aren't just kind of, oh, funny they sound alike. No, they mean a lot of the same thing. There's a discipline to calling yourself Christian. That's the work of forming faith, forming beliefs, having a defensible faith, having a theological understanding. And then once you, that, you live that into the world." [11:02]
"What makes you different as a Christian? There's gotta be more to it. And there is. There is. And Jesus gives us a pretty good glimpse of it in our ascension story. So, you think back to this moment when, before Jesus ascends into heaven, we have this kind of commissioning. And Matthew, of course, sort of really lays it out. But for us here in Acts, what is, what are we asked to do? Do you remember? Witness." [14:02]
"It is this moment where belief and action come together, powered by the Holy Spirit, and they still don't get it. And then even the, God sends the angels in this moment and says, okay, folks, wake up. Stop looking up to heaven. It's already in you. Jesus has already empowered you. Get out and do it. Stop looking up to heaven. It's already in you. already got that in you. Now, now we've got to push it into the world." [15:42]
"from a belief point of view you got to believe something about jesus christ if you don't then that's off the table but if all you do is spend all your time nurturing your belief your orthodoxy and you forget about your orthopraxy praxis action living out your faith orthopraxy is how you witness your faith in the world so you take your beliefs you then combine that through the power of the spirit that gets translated into a praxis a practice of your faith in the world" [08:55]
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