Living Faith: Remembering Jesus and Serving Others

Devotional

Day 1: Bringing Jesus' Sacrifice into Our Present Lives

When we remember Jesus, we are not just recalling a historical event but bringing the reality of His sacrifice and resurrection into our present lives. His blood still cleanses us from sin, and His resurrection life empowers us to live as He designed. This act of remembrance shapes our identity and who we are today. By partaking in communion, we are reminded that Jesus' presence is with us, and He desires to bless us. This remembrance is a powerful act that transforms our daily living and aligns us with God's purpose.

As we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, we are called to live in the power of His resurrection. This means allowing His life to influence our decisions, actions, and interactions with others. It is a call to live a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth. Remembering Jesus is not a passive act but an active engagement with His ongoing work in our lives. [21:14]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: How can you actively bring the reality of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection into your daily life today? What specific actions can you take to live in the power of His resurrection?

Day 2: Responding to Suffering with Genuine Faith

How we respond to others in their suffering reveals the genuineness of our faith. Jesus taught that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This principle calls us to care deeply for those in need and to act in ways that reflect our faith in Christ. Our response to suffering is a testament to our relationship with Jesus and our understanding of His teachings.

Caring for those in need is not just a duty but a reflection of Christ's love in us. It requires us to be compassionate, empathetic, and proactive in addressing the needs of others. Whether it is through providing support, offering a listening ear, or advocating for justice, our actions should demonstrate the love of Christ. [40:20]

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: Think of someone in your life who is currently suffering. How can you respond to their needs in a way that reflects the love and compassion of Christ today?

Day 3: Nehemiah's Example of Righteous Anger and Action

Nehemiah's response to the outcry of his people teaches us to care deeply for others, reflect thoughtfully on problems, and use our voices to make a difference. He did not exploit his position for personal gain but chose to serve and bless others, setting a powerful example for us to follow. Nehemiah's righteous anger led to decisive action that addressed the injustices faced by his people.

In our modern context, we are called to do the same. Whether it's through direct action, advocacy, or setting an example in our own lives, we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, making a difference in our communities and beyond. We may not be able to solve all the world's problems, but we can do something. And in doing so, we honor God and reflect the genuine nature of our faith. [49:11]

Nehemiah 5:6-7 (ESV): "I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, 'You are exacting interest, each from his brother.' And I held a great assembly against them."

Reflection: What is one injustice or problem in your community that stirs righteous anger in you? How can you take thoughtful and decisive action to address it today?

Day 4: The Church's Role in Championing Human Rights

Throughout history, the church has been a champion of human rights, caring for the poor, the mistreated, and the marginalized. This legacy continues today as Christians advocate for those at risk of being trafficked, the underserved medically, and the unborn. Our faith calls us to speak up and act on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be a voice for the voiceless and to stand up for justice. This involves not only addressing immediate needs but also advocating for systemic changes that promote human dignity and equality. By doing so, we reflect the heart of God and His desire for justice and mercy. [42:42]

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV): "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Reflection: Identify a specific human rights issue that you feel passionate about. How can you use your voice and resources to advocate for those affected by this issue today?

Day 5: We Can't Do It All, But We Can Do Something

While we may not be able to solve all the world's problems, we can do something. By asking God to show us where we can make a difference, we can use our unique positions and resources to bless others and honor Him. This mindset helps us focus on the specific ways God is calling us to act in our communities and beyond.

It is important to recognize that even small actions can have a significant impact. By being faithful in the little things, we contribute to the greater good and reflect God's love in tangible ways. Trusting God to guide us in our efforts ensures that we are aligned with His will and purpose. [01:07:15]

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: What is one small action you can take today to make a difference in your community? How can you ask God to guide you in this effort and trust Him with the results?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to remember Jesus, as He instructed us to do whenever we partake in communion. This act of remembrance is not just a recollection of past events but a bringing of those realities into our present lives. Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection continue to cleanse us from sin and empower us to live the life He designed for us. As we remember His name, we believe He is with us and desires to bless us.

We also reflected on the importance of how we respond to others in their suffering, as it reveals the genuineness of our faith. Jesus taught that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This principle is echoed throughout the New Testament, urging us to care deeply for those in need, whether they are facing economic hardship, injustice, or other forms of suffering.

We looked at the example of Nehemiah, who, upon hearing the outcry of his people, responded with righteous anger and took decisive action to address the injustices they were facing. Nehemiah's story teaches us to care deeply for others, reflect thoughtfully on problems, and use our voices to make a difference. He also set an example by his own behavior, choosing not to exploit his position for personal gain but to serve and bless others.

In our modern context, we are called to do the same. Whether it's through direct action, advocacy, or setting an example in our own lives, we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, making a difference in our communities and beyond. We may not be able to solve all the world's problems, but we can do something. And in doing so, we honor God and reflect the genuine nature of our faith.

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Key Takeaways

1. Remembering Jesus is a Present Reality: When we remember Jesus, we are not just recalling a historical event but bringing the reality of His sacrifice and resurrection into our present lives. His blood still cleanses us from sin, and His resurrection life empowers us to live as He designed. This act of remembrance shapes our identity and who we are today. [21:14]
2. Genuine Faith is Revealed in Our Response to Suffering: How we respond to others in their suffering reveals the genuineness of our faith. Jesus taught that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This principle calls us to care deeply for those in need and to act in ways that reflect our faith in Christ. [40:20]
3. Nehemiah's Example of Righteous Anger and Action: Nehemiah's response to the outcry of his people teaches us to care deeply for others, reflect thoughtfully on problems, and use our voices to make a difference. He did not exploit his position for personal gain but chose to serve and bless others, setting a powerful example for us to follow. [49:11]
4. The Church's Role in Championing Human Rights: Throughout history, the church has been a champion of human rights, caring for the poor, the mistreated, and the marginalized. This legacy continues today as Christians advocate for those at risk of being trafficked, the underserved medically, and the unborn. Our faith calls us to speak up and act on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. [42:42]
5. We Can't Do It All, But We Can Do Something: While we may not be able to solve all the world's problems, we can do something. By asking God to show us where we can make a difference, we can use our unique positions and resources to bless others and honor Him. This mindset helps us focus on the specific ways God is calling us to act in our communities and beyond. [01:07:15]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:14] - The Power of Remembering Jesus
[40:20] - Genuine Faith and Suffering
[49:11] - Nehemiah's Righteous Anger and Action
[42:42] - The Church's Role in Human Rights
[67:15] - We Can't Do It All, But We Can Do Something
[70:11] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Exodus 20:24 say about the significance of remembering God's name? How does this relate to the act of communion? [21:53]
In Matthew 25:40, what does Jesus say about our actions towards "the least of these"? How does this reflect the genuineness of our faith? [40:20]
What were the specific injustices Nehemiah addressed in Nehemiah 5:6-12? How did he respond to these issues? [49:11]

Interpretation Questions

How does the act of remembering Jesus during communion bring the reality of His sacrifice and resurrection into our present lives? [21:14]
Why is our response to others' suffering a measure of the genuineness of our faith, according to the sermon and Matthew 25:40? [40:20]
What can we learn from Nehemiah's example of righteous anger and decisive action in addressing the injustices faced by his people? [49:11]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you participated in communion. How did it impact your sense of Jesus' presence and His work in your life? How can you make this act of remembrance more meaningful in your daily life? [21:14]
Think about someone in your community who is suffering. How can you respond in a way that reflects the genuineness of your faith? What specific actions can you take this week? [40:20]
Nehemiah did not exploit his position for personal gain but chose to serve and bless others. Are there areas in your life where you can use your influence to help those in need? How can you start doing that today? [49:11]
The sermon mentioned that the church has historically been a champion of human rights. How can you and your small group advocate for those who are marginalized in your community? What steps can you take to make a difference? [42:42]
We may not be able to solve all the world's problems, but we can do something. What is one specific issue or need that God is calling you to address? How can you begin to take action in that area this week? [01:07:15]
Nehemiah reflected thoughtfully before taking action. How can you incorporate prayer and reflection into your decision-making process when addressing issues of injustice or suffering? [55:49]
Jesus invites us to be His hands and feet in our communities. What practical steps can you take to embody this calling in your daily interactions and relationships? [01:08:35]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "How you and I respond to others and their suffering reveals the genuineness of our faith. Can we say that aloud together? You ready? How we respond when others are suffering reveals the genuineness of our faith." [40:20] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When you make an impact on somebody in need. Someone in crisis. It's not just that person you're serving, you're actually serving him." [41:07] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How you and I respond when others are suffering reveals the genuineness of our faith. If your faith were to be measured on that basis, how genuine is your faith?" [44:38] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I can't do it all, but I can do something. Would you say that aloud with me? I can't do it all, but I can do something." [01:07:15] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The one who saved your life, who forgave you, didn't only die to save you and rescue you. He rose again. And when we invite him, he comes and lives within us. And he fills us with his compassion. His love. He gives us eyes to see. He gives us strength. And he'll lead you in the way to show you where you can make an impact." [01:09:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "But in the Bible, when you remember something, you're bringing it into the present. You're bringing the reality of that to now, that it shapes your identity, and who you are. And so for us, when we remember, Jesus wasn't just saying, remember that something happened, and you know, the dust-filled pages of history saying, remember it as though it's happening today. My blood still cleanses you from all sin. My new resurrection life is what can give you the ability to live the life I've designed for you." [21:14] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Nehemiah hears what is happening, hears these complaints, maybe he wasn't fully aware of them, maybe it just struck his own heart, but look what he does, and then let's just learn a couple of principles, how you and I can live today following his example. Verse 6, when I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind, and then accused the nobles and officials." [52:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Nehemiah, when he hears what's happening and the cries of the people, what is his response? He's angry, right? He's not angry because they go, you know what they're doing to your fields and your children. He's not, it's easy to get angry when the offense is against us, but when it's against other people, friends, care deeply for others. As a follower for Jesus in this world, you are the eyes of Jesus. You're the ears of Jesus. You want to see people like he does. Because they matter to you, because they matter to him." [54:49] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Nehemiah sets the example. One last thing here, care most about the audience of one. Here's how he closes verse 19. Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people, man. And he passed the test. He passed the test. He was like, God, I'm doing this ultimately for you. Lord sees and he will reward." [01:08:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When Jesus shows up on the scene, in a sense, he's like the better Moses, the better Nehemiah, the better. And you go, well, think of the, like Nehemiah, who was in exile, Jesus was in exile with his family down to Egypt. Like Nehemiah, who left the comforts of his palace life to come and to help people in their brokenness, Jesus left the wonder of heaven to come and to enter our brokenness. Like Nehemiah, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, not only to give materially and financially, but to offer his life as a ransom for many." [01:08:35] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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