Living Faith: Integrating Belief into Daily Life
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound connection between our faith and our daily lives, emphasizing the inseparability of the two. I began by addressing the compartmentalization often seen in our spiritual lives, where faith is just one segment among many others. I stressed the importance of integrating our faith into every aspect of our existence, from parenting to professional endeavors, using them as tools for discipleship.
I then delved into the concept of the church without walls, not just as a physical notion but as a metaphor for breaking down the barriers within our own lives that prevent us from fully living out our faith. This led to a discussion on the nature of true discipleship, which involves inviting others not just to hear about our faith but to see it in action, to participate in our lives and learn through our example.
The sermon also covered the significance of the Lord's Supper as a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its role in reinforcing our faith and the love of God that it represents. This act of remembrance is not just about recalling Christ's suffering but also celebrating His resurrection and the hope it brings.
Further, I highlighted the challenges and misconceptions about church attendance and the purpose of our gatherings. I clarified that our meetings are not just for evangelism but primarily for the edification of believers, to spur them on in their faith and to equip them for the challenges of Christian living.
Lastly, I addressed the practical aspects of making disciples, which involves not only proclaiming the gospel but also inviting people into our lives to see the gospel lived out. This invitation to "come and see" is crucial for true understanding and transformation. It's about demonstrating the reality of our faith in everyday situations and ensuring that our actions align with the teachings of Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Integration of Faith and Life
Faith should permeate every aspect of our lives, not be confined to specific moments or settings. When we live out our faith authentically, every action and interaction becomes an opportunity for discipleship. This holistic approach challenges us to be consistent in our faith, whether at home, work, or in social settings. [01:34:57]
2. The Church Without Walls
The concept of a church without walls encourages us to dismantle the personal barriers that compartmentalize our faith. By doing so, we allow our spiritual life to influence all areas of our existence, inviting others to witness and learn from our living testimony. This openness not only fosters deeper relationships but also enhances our impact as disciples of Christ. [01:36:02]
3. The Lord's Supper as a Reminder of Divine Love
Participating in the Lord's Supper serves as a profound reminder of God’s immense love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It's a celebration of the redemption we have in Him, which should be a central element of our faith and gatherings, reinforcing the foundational truths of our belief. [01:39:23]
4. Purpose of Church Gatherings
Our gatherings should focus on edifying believers, not just evangelizing. While evangelism is crucial, the primary purpose of our meetings is to build up the faith of those who already believe, through teaching, fellowship, and communal worship. This strengthens the church and equips believers to carry out the Great Commission. [01:13:15]
5. Invitation to 'Come and See'
Making disciples involves more than just teaching; it requires us to invite others into our lives to see the gospel in action. This approach not only demonstrates the practical application of our beliefs but also allows others to experience the transformative power of the gospel firsthand. [01:27:45]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:13:15 - The Purpose of Church Gatherings
01:27:45 - The Invitation to 'Come and See'
01:34:57 - Integration of Faith and Life
01:36:02 - Breaking Down Walls
01:39:23 - Remembering Through Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:39 (NIV) - "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus invite the disciples to do in John 1:39?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "Come and you will see"? [55:11]
3. How does the pastor describe the difference between discipleship and disciple-making? [44:54]
4. What are the primary purposes of church gatherings as explained in the sermon? [01:13:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the invitation "Come and you will see" reveal about Jesus' approach to making disciples? [55:11]
2. How does integrating faith into every aspect of life challenge the common practice of compartmentalizing faith? [01:34:57]
3. Why is it important to invite others into our lives to see the gospel in action, according to the sermon? [56:53]
4. How does the Lord's Supper serve as a reminder of God's love and sacrifice, and why is this significant for believers? [01:39:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. In what areas do you tend to compartmentalize your faith, and how can you begin to integrate it more fully? [01:34:57]
2. Think about the concept of a "church without walls." What personal barriers do you need to dismantle to allow your faith to influence all areas of your life? [01:36:02]
3. How can you make your home, workplace, or social settings places where your faith is evident and inviting to others? [01:34:57]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of inviting others to "come and see" the gospel in action. Who in your life can you invite to experience your faith firsthand, and how will you do it? [56:53]
5. How can participating in the Lord's Supper deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection? [01:39:23]
6. What steps can you take to ensure that your church gatherings focus on edifying believers and equipping them for Christian living? [01:13:15]
7. Identify one person who is curious about faith. What specific action can you take this week to engage them in a spiritual conversation or invite them into your life? [56:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Infuses Every Aspect of Life
Faith should not be confined to specific moments or settings but should permeate every aspect of our lives. When faith becomes the lens through which we view all our actions and interactions, it transforms mundane activities into opportunities for discipleship. This holistic approach challenges believers to maintain consistency in their faith expressions, whether at home, in the workplace, or during social interactions. By living out faith authentically, every decision and relationship becomes a testament to one's beliefs, inviting others to witness the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. [01:34:57]
Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one routine activity during your day where you can more consciously incorporate your faith?
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Day 2: Breaking Down Personal Barriers to Faith
The concept of a church without walls is not just about physical spaces but also about breaking down the barriers within our own lives that compartmentalize our faith. By dismantling these internal walls, believers allow their spiritual life to influence all areas of their existence. This openness fosters deeper relationships and enhances the impact of discipleship, as others are invited to witness and learn from a living testimony. This approach encourages a more integrated and authentic spiritual life, where personal barriers are continuously identified and addressed. [01:36:02]
Ephesians 2:14 - "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: Identify a personal barrier that might be hindering your faith from fully influencing your daily interactions. How can you begin to dismantle it?
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Day 3: The Lord's Supper as a Profound Reminder
Participating in the Lord's Supper serves as a profound reminder of God’s immense love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This sacrament is not only about recalling Christ's suffering but also celebrating His resurrection and the hope it brings. It reinforces the foundational truths of our belief and reminds us of the redemption we have in Him. This act of remembrance should be a central element of our faith and gatherings, continually drawing us back to the core of our spiritual identity and mission. [01:39:23]
1 Corinthians 11:24-26 - "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How does participating in the Lord's Supper influence your understanding of God's love and sacrifice?
---
Day 4: Building Up Believers in Church Gatherings
Church gatherings should primarily focus on edifying believers, not just evangelizing. While evangelism is crucial, the primary purpose of our meetings is to build up the faith of those who already believe through teaching, fellowship, and communal worship. This strengthens the church and equips believers to carry out the Great Commission. By focusing on edification, believers are spurred on in their faith, better prepared to face the challenges of Christian living, and more effectively engage in making disciples. [01:13:15]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "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: In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual growth of others in your next church gathering?
---
Day 5: Invitation to 'Come and See'
Making disciples involves more than just teaching; it requires inviting others into our lives to see the gospel in action. This approach not only demonstrates the practical application of our beliefs but also allows others to experience the transformative power of the gospel firsthand. By living out the gospel authentically, believers provide a powerful witness that can lead to true understanding and transformation in others. This invitation to "come and see" is crucial for demonstrating the reality of our faith in everyday situations. [01:27:45]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Who can you invite this week to 'come and see' how you integrate your faith into your daily life?
Quotes
1. "OK, I said it five minutes less, though, so I got more time. Listen, be intentional to invite people into spaces where they can observe your lifestyle as much as you invite them into spaces to teach." [01:25:19]
2. "Well, it's to you and your life. The invitation is to walk with you. Right? You proclaim. They're investigating you. The invitation is to you. But this is the biggest problem with our church today. Not this one, but Western Christianity." [01:21:44]
3. "That I should forsake my flesh. And the things that I want to do. In my flesh. And the. And the. And the. And the perversions that exist in my mind. And in my body. And that give me instant gratification. And satisfaction. Is it really worth me. Leaving that. To follow Jesus." [59:41]
4. "They're met with not with resistance, but with understanding. are okay with being, as your word says, lamps on a hill. Not shaded. But fully illuminated. That my life is not my own. It's not just a great worship song. But that we begin to see our lives as tools of discipling." [01:34:57]
5. "It's a verb. Obviously. But it's. It is also indicative. And it is a middle verb. Right. And that stuff is very important. Because. And a middle verb. Is actually saying. That the subject is responsible. For. To receive the action." [01:02:52]
6. "Right. It's not convenient. But disciple making was never supposed to be. Right. But we got to start inviting people into more than just book education and cognitive learning. And we have to begin to invite them because you can tell me all types of things." [01:27:45]
7. "And I told you all this before. We can keep talking about the Jehovah witnesses. We could talk about the Hebrew Israelites. We could talk about all of these. What I would call a cult. But at the end of the day, they, they sit in three hour discipleship classes." [01:30:38]
8. "Just. The camera behind. It's the camera next to you. But there's a seriousness in this invitation. And it's so serious. That Jesus makes this. Jesus makes this assertion. Of actuality. What do I mean by that. Jesus was so confident." [01:01:05]
9. "We talked about. This investigation. After John proclaimed. The Bible says that. Andrew. An unnamed disciple. Which was John. He didn't name himself. Right. Followed after Jesus. And we talked about. How there was two stages." [53:29]
10. "I got it. Okay. Let me explain to you why it's dangerous, so I want you all to understand something. Imagine you invite a skeptic to church. And if you know me, I'm going to teach the Bible. So we're going to address real things." [01:18:43]
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