Living Faith: Engaging God's Word and Community

 

Summary

Today, we gathered to conclude our sermon series "You Asked For It," which has been a journey through various questions about faith, life, and God's word. We began by reflecting on the power of God's word and its relevance to our daily lives. It's not merely an academic book but a living, active force that speaks directly to our hearts and situations.

In our worship, we celebrated the freedom and victory we have in Christ, acknowledging His defeat of the grave and the forgiveness of our sins. This acknowledgment isn't just a statement; it's a call to live in the reality of what Jesus has accomplished. It's about letting the truths of the gospel overflow into every area of our lives, causing us to worship and live in a way that reflects our gratitude and understanding of His grace.

As we moved into discussing the practical aspects of our faith, I introduced a panel discussion with our church elders and a special guest, Rhianna, who helped facilitate our conversation. This format allowed us to address various complex questions that didn't necessarily fit into a single theme but were crucial for deepening our understanding and practice of faith.

One significant focus today was on the importance of discipleship and asking questions as a part of growing in our faith. We emphasized that it's not only okay to have questions, but it's also necessary for maturation in our spiritual lives. This approach to discipleship—being real about our doubts and curiosities—helps us engage more deeply with God's word and with each other.

We also explored the practical outworking of our faith in the context of mission and community impact. I shared about our church's vision and ongoing efforts to make disciples and start new churches, reflecting on how this mission aligns with the Great Commission. Our discussion underscored the importance of each member's involvement in these efforts, whether through direct evangelism, community service, or supporting global missions.

In closing, we were reminded of the centrality of the Bible in guiding our lives and decisions. The series wrapped up with a call to submit to God's word as the ultimate authority, encouraging everyone to filter life's questions and challenges through the scripture's truth.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Living Word of God - Today, we were reminded that the Bible is not just a historical document but a living, active force that penetrates our hearts and minds. It's essential for every believer to engage with Scripture not as a routine but as a vital source of life and guidance. [40:08]

2. The Power of Discipleship - Discipleship is not just about learning; it's about transforming. It involves asking tough questions and wrestling with the answers in a community of faith. This process is crucial for growth and maturity in our Christian walk. [39:09]

3. Community and Mission - We discussed how our church's mission is not just about growth in numbers but about making true disciples of Christ. This mission involves everyone in the church, from the newest believer to the seasoned elder, in the work of spreading the gospel and living it out in practical ways. [55:27]

4. Engagement in Social Justice - Our faith calls us to engage deeply with the world's pain, addressing issues like injustice, oppression, and suffering. Today, we were called to reflect Christ's love by actively seeking justice and serving the vulnerable and marginalized in our society. [58:20]

5. Steadfastness in Faith - In a world filled with numerous voices and opinions, the challenge for every believer is to remain steadfast in the truth of the Bible. We are encouraged to hold firmly to our biblical convictions, even when they are unpopular or misunderstood. [01:31:33]

### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
22:00 - Opening Worship and Prayer
23:57 - Introduction and Reflections on Church Growth
31:38 - Discussion on Ministry and Leadership Training
37:16 - Overview of the "You Asked For It" Series
40:08 - Panel Discussion Begins
55:27 - Emphasis on Discipleship and Community Impact
01:07:24 - Addressing Cultural and Sensitive Issues
01:22:51 - Handling Unanswered Prayers
01:28:21 - Closing Remarks and Call to Biblical Fidelity

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
3. Isaiah 1:16-17 - "Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 4:12, what characteristics are attributed to the word of God?
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His disciples?
3. What actions does Isaiah 1:16-17 encourage believers to take in their daily lives?
4. During the sermon, what was emphasized as the primary mission of the church? ([54:31])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of God's word in Hebrews 4:12 influence the way believers should approach the Bible in their daily lives?
2. What does Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 imply about the role of every believer in the mission of the church?
3. How can the actions listed in Isaiah 1:16-17 be seen as part of the Great Commission mentioned in Matthew 28:18-20?
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of asking questions as part of discipleship. How can this practice deepen one's faith and understanding of God's word? ([39:09])

### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Hebrews 4:12, how can you make your Bible reading more active and engaging, rather than a routine task?
2. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 is clear about making disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can start discipling. What steps will you take this week to begin that process?
3. Isaiah 1:16-17 calls for seeking justice and defending the oppressed. What is one specific way you can engage in social justice in your community this month? ([58:20])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of community and mission. How can you get more involved in your church's mission efforts, whether through direct evangelism, community service, or supporting global missions? ([55:27])
5. The sermon discussed the necessity of being real about doubts and curiosities in discipleship. What is one question or doubt you have about your faith that you can bring to your small group for discussion? ([39:09])
6. Considering the call to steadfastness in faith, what are some practical ways you can hold firmly to your biblical convictions in a world filled with numerous voices and opinions? ([01:31:33])
7. How can you let the truths of the gospel overflow into every area of your life, causing you to worship and live in a way that reflects your gratitude and understanding of His grace? ([22:00])

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging with the Living Word
The Bible is not just a historical document but a living, active force that penetrates our hearts and minds. It is essential for every believer to engage with Scripture not as a routine but as a vital source of life and guidance. The Word of God is alive, speaking directly to our situations and challenges, offering wisdom and insight that is applicable to our daily lives. As believers, the call is to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text and transform our understanding and actions accordingly. This engagement is not passive; it involves active reading, meditation, and application. [40:08]

Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Reflection: What specific time can you set aside daily to actively read and meditate on Scripture this week?

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Day 2: Transformation Through Discipleship
Discipleship is not just about learning; it's about transforming. It involves asking tough questions and wrestling with the answers in a community of faith. This process is crucial for growth and maturity in our Christian walk. True discipleship encourages believers to delve deep into their faith, confront their doubts, and seek answers that lead to a more profound understanding and relationship with God. It's a journey that requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to change. Engaging in such a transformative process helps believers to grow not only in knowledge but in character and spiritual depth. [39:09]

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: Who in your community can you partner with to discuss and explore challenging questions about your faith?

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Day 3: Active Participation in Community and Mission
Our church's mission is not just about growth in numbers but about making true disciples of Christ. This mission involves everyone in the church, from the newest believer to the seasoned elder, in the work of spreading the gospel and living it out in practical ways. The call to participate in the Great Commission is a collective effort that requires personal commitment to evangelism, community service, and global missions. This active participation not only furthers the kingdom of God but also deepens the individual's faith through practical application and service. [55:27]

1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to your church's mission in your local community this month?

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Day 4: Advocating for Justice as an Expression of Faith
Our faith calls us to engage deeply with the world's pain, addressing issues like injustice, oppression, and suffering. Today, we are called to reflect Christ's love by actively seeking justice and serving the vulnerable and marginalized in our society. This engagement is an essential expression of our faith, demonstrating the love and compassion of Jesus in tangible ways. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and address the broader issues affecting humanity, aligning our actions with the biblical call to love and serve others. [58:20]

Micah 6:8 ESV: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What is one issue of injustice in your community that you feel called to address, and how can you get involved?

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Day 5: Steadfastness in Biblical Truth
In a world filled with numerous voices and opinions, the challenge for every believer is to remain steadfast in the truth of the Bible. We are encouraged to hold firmly to our biblical convictions, even when they are unpopular or misunderstood. This steadfastness involves a deep commitment to the Scriptures as the ultimate authority in our lives, guiding our decisions and actions. It calls for courage and conviction, standing firm in our faith amidst societal pressures and shifting cultural norms. [01:31:33]

Colossians 2:6-7 ESV: "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to realign your actions to reflect the truth of Scripture?

Quotes

"So you may feel alone but Jesus is with you. And you have a savior who knows what it's like to be crucified for what he believes. So church don't give up. And in a world where we can get information even Christian information from any filter you want don't forsake the Bible." [01:31:47]( | | )

"Every one of our people got a chance to share the name of Jesus with someone and everybody had a chance to build a relationship that would lead to discipleship. That is the win of the church. Okay. So we gauge success of our mission, not by numerical growth, but by making disciples." [55:27](Download clip | | )

"Well, hey. If you have a Bible with you this morning. Go ahead and grab that. Get that out. We are going to have a good time today. So things are going to look a little bit different today. And so we are continuing in our sermon series, You Asked For It." [37:16]( | | )

"Let me just say this too. It's the same for every church. So I know this was specific to like our church and what is the mission work of impact church. But I just want you to know that biblically the mission of God is the same for every church." [53:32]( | | )

"And what that was, was to be a church that starts other churches. See, we got here not because I just woke up one day and had a good idea. We got here because there was a church in Fairfax County, Virginia, that had a vision to start more churches all throughout Northern Virginia and our nation's capital." [25:29](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

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