Living Faithfully: Engaging Our Community with Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the incredible work God is doing through our community and beyond. We began by praying for the new church plant in Santa Monica, led by young leaders Brian and Scott. Their dedication and humility are inspiring, and we trust that God will use them mightily in this new venture. We also had the privilege of sending off Jeff and Christine Atherstone to Uganda, where they will train pastors. This mission is a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of stepping out in faith. It's a reminder that when we follow God's call, He provides in ways that exceed our expectations.
We also reflected on the recent outreach efforts in our community, where we distributed DVDs of the Gospel to thousands of homes. This initiative is a seed-planting effort, and now it's our responsibility to water those seeds through relationships and genuine love for our neighbors. The challenge is to live out our faith authentically, just as Jesus did, by being present in the lives of those around us.
I shared a personal story from my high school reunion, which highlighted the tension we often feel between the joy of knowing Christ and the sorrow for those who don't. This tension is a part of our Christian journey, as we long for others to experience the same joy and peace we have found in Jesus. It's a call to engage with the world, to be a light in the darkness, and to build meaningful relationships with those who don't yet know Him.
As we move forward, let's commit to living lives that reflect the love and grace of Jesus. Let's be intentional about knowing and loving our neighbors, not just as a means to an end, but because they are valuable and loved by God. May our lives be a testimony to His goodness, drawing others to Him through our actions and words.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Humility and Teamwork: Brian and Scott's journey in Santa Monica reminds us that humility and teamwork are crucial in ministry. When we stay humble and work together, God can use us to make a significant impact. It's not about our abilities but about our willingness to be used by Him. [01:13]
2. Faith in Action: Jeff and Christine's move to Uganda exemplifies stepping out in faith. When we trust God and follow His call, He provides in miraculous ways. Their story encourages us to dream big and trust that God will meet our needs as we pursue His purposes. [07:54]
3. Living Among the People: Jesus lived among the people, engaging with them in their everyday lives. We are called to do the same, to be present and build relationships with those around us. Our lives should be a light that draws others to Christ through genuine love and care. [30:48]
4. The Tension of Joy and Sorrow: As Christians, we experience the joy of knowing Christ and the sorrow for those who don't. This tension drives us to share the Gospel and live out our faith authentically. It's a reminder of the urgency and importance of our mission. [17:04]
5. Authentic Relationships: Building authentic relationships with our neighbors is essential. It's not about pushing an agenda but genuinely caring for them. When we live out our faith in love, it becomes attractive and contagious, opening doors for meaningful conversations about Jesus. [27:54]
YouTube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Personal Update
[00:29] - Prayer for Santa Monica Church
[01:37] - Exciting New Beginnings
[02:57] - Sending Off to Uganda
[04:31] - The Call to Africa
[06:06] - God's Provision
[07:16] - Community Support
[09:40] - Citywide Gospel Outreach
[12:16] - The Importance of Knowing Your Neighbors
[14:27] - Joy and Sorrow in Evangelism
[17:30] - The Sweet and Sour of End Times
[19:08] - Reflections from a High School Reunion
[25:00] - Engaging in a Busy Culture
[30:48] - Living Among the Unbelievers
[35:07] - The Call to Authentic Relationships
[38:54] - A Personal Encounter and Hope for Friends
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
2. 1 Peter 2:12 - "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
3. Romans 9:1-3 - "I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the key qualities that Brian and Scott exhibit in their ministry in Santa Monica, and how do these qualities contribute to their mission? [01:13]
2. How did Jeff and Christine Atherstone's experience in Uganda highlight the importance of stepping out in faith? [07:54]
3. What was the purpose of distributing DVDs of the Gospel in the community, and how does this relate to the concept of seed planting? [12:55]
4. How does the pastor describe the tension between joy and sorrow in the Christian journey, particularly in relation to his high school reunion experience? [17:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being a "light of the world" in Matthew 5:14-16 relate to the idea of living among the people and building authentic relationships? [30:04]
2. In what ways does 1 Peter 2:12 challenge Christians to live their lives among non-believers, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on engaging with the community? [30:48]
3. How does Romans 9:1-3 illustrate the tension between joy and sorrow that Christians experience, and how can this tension motivate believers to share the Gospel? [17:04]
4. What does the pastor mean when he talks about the importance of humility and teamwork in ministry, and how can this be applied in our own lives? [01:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith like Jeff and Christine. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your trust in God? [07:54]
2. Consider your current relationships with your neighbors. How can you be more intentional about building authentic connections with them this week? [27:54]
3. Identify a person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith, while respecting their boundaries? [17:04]
4. Think about a situation where you felt the tension between joy and sorrow in your faith journey. How did you navigate that tension, and what did you learn from it? [17:04]
5. How can you incorporate the qualities of humility and teamwork into your daily interactions, both in your personal life and in your ministry efforts? [01:13]
6. What specific actions can you take to let your light shine in your community, as described in Matthew 5:14-16? [30:04]
7. Reflect on the pastor’s story about his high school reunion. How can you cultivate a heart that genuinely cares for those who do not yet know Christ? [21:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Humility and Teamwork in Ministry
In the journey of ministry, humility and teamwork are essential components that allow God to work through us in powerful ways. Brian and Scott's new church plant in Santa Monica serves as a vivid example of this truth. Their dedication and humility are not just personal virtues but are foundational to the success of their mission. When individuals come together with a shared vision, putting aside personal ambitions for the greater good, they create an environment where God can move mightily. This is not about relying on our own abilities but about being open and willing to be used by God. As we engage in our own ministries, whether in our communities or workplaces, we are reminded that it is through humility and collaboration that we can make a significant impact. [01:13]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you practice more humility and teamwork to allow God to work through you more effectively?
Day 2: Faith in Action
Jeff and Christine's move to Uganda is a powerful testament to the concept of faith in action. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zone and trust in God's provision is a reminder that when we follow God's call, He meets our needs in ways that often exceed our expectations. This act of faith is not just about geographical relocation but about a heart posture that is open to God's leading, regardless of the circumstances. Their story encourages us to dream big and trust that God will provide as we pursue His purposes. It challenges us to consider what "stepping out in faith" looks like in our own lives and to trust that God is faithful to provide. [07:54]
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, and how can you take a tangible step towards that today?
Day 3: Living Among the People
Jesus' life was marked by His presence among the people, engaging with them in their everyday lives. This is a model for us to follow as we seek to live out our faith authentically. Being present in the lives of those around us means more than just physical proximity; it involves building genuine relationships and showing love and care. Our lives should be a light that draws others to Christ, not through forceful persuasion but through the authenticity of our love and actions. As we engage with our communities, we are called to be intentional about knowing and loving our neighbors, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in all we do. [30:48]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be more present in the lives of those around you this week, and what specific actions can you take to build genuine relationships with your neighbors?
Day 4: The Tension of Joy and Sorrow
As Christians, we often experience a tension between the joy of knowing Christ and the sorrow for those who do not yet know Him. This tension is a driving force that compels us to share the Gospel and live out our faith authentically. It is a reminder of the urgency and importance of our mission to be a light in the darkness. This duality of joy and sorrow is not a burden but a call to engage with the world around us, to build meaningful relationships, and to share the hope we have found in Jesus. It challenges us to be intentional in our interactions, always seeking to reflect the love and grace of Christ. [17:04]
"For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (Romans 9:3, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life do you feel a burden for because they do not yet know Christ, and how can you intentionally engage with them this week to share the love of Jesus?
Day 5: Authentic Relationships
Building authentic relationships with our neighbors is not about pushing an agenda but about genuinely caring for them. When we live out our faith in love, it becomes attractive and contagious, opening doors for meaningful conversations about Jesus. Authenticity in relationships means being real and vulnerable, showing genuine interest in the lives of others, and being willing to invest time and energy into those relationships. It is through these authentic connections that we can truly reflect the love of Christ and draw others to Him. As we go about our daily lives, let us be intentional in building relationships that are rooted in love and grace. [27:54]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of one neighbor or colleague you can reach out to this week to build a more authentic relationship. What specific steps can you take to show genuine care and interest in their life?
Quotes
I was listening to his message going Lord if this guy stays humble stays focused if he and Scott work together as a team we're going to make a dent in Santa Monica and that whole area and so right now they're having service their first church service out there at the Double Tree Hotel in Santa Monica. [00:01:14]
It's so cool when you step out in faith and you go okay God you got to come through for us and then things happen that just go over and Beyond and that's the life when you follow Christ because you can look at them and go oh man what a sacrifice are going to Africa or whatever else. [00:07:48]
We went to like 30,000 of the homes and see me Valley and gave them a DVD presentation of the Gospel just encouraging people to just check it out nothing pushy or whatever else and then the only ones that haven't gotten are the ones that have the sign that say no solicitors you know because we don't respect their you know not their privacy or whatever. [00:09:56]
It's like we threw a bunch of seeds out okay that's all we did we tossed a bunch of seeds out and now it's our job as the body of Christ to water those seeds you know then it's God's job to make it grow you know that's what scripture teaches you know that that that okay now it the point of it. [00:13:00]
How can I have joy when the people that I love the most don't believe in Jesus he goes I'm talking about my family that I'm just crazy about he goes and it just kills me every day to think that they reject Jesus and you're telling me just rejoice in the lord always I you know that's a great Point. [00:14:42]
Paul says look I'm not exaggerating I'm not lying to you right now I can stand with a clear conscience before the holy spirit this is the truth he goes right now I have such great sorrow in my heart he goes I have this unceasing anguish in my heart he goes I'm dying inside why he goes because my people my friends my brothers. [00:16:00]
It's this tension that we live with and some of you are living it I see it on your face I see your heads no and go yeah that's what I feel I hurt so badly some of you come here this morning and you have that great sorrow in your heart that unceasing anguish because of people that you love. [00:17:04]
Christ was amongst the people he was he hung out with people he was at some of the craziest parties with prostitutes thieves you know where they're laughing and drinking and Jesus was with them and and and the church people or the you know religious people would accuse him hey why are you hanging out with him why are you hanging out with them. [00:25:54]
Jesus created a following Jesus by his lifestyle attracted a ton of followers he lived a life amidst the culture to where everyone wanted to hang out with Jesus now once he started giving his message then that was a turnoff to most of them but I I I got to look at the scriptures Jesus created a following by his lifestyle. [00:28:00]
He says you are the light of the world in in in Matthew Chapter 5 he says you're the light of the world verse 14 he goes a city on a hill can't be hidden and he says in the same way no one would light a lamp and then put it under a bowl he goes instead no you put it up on its stand so it gives light to everyone. [00:29:36]
Live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us where are we supposed to be living our lives he says amongst in the center of those who don't believe in God so even even though they're going to accuse you of believing the wrong thing. [00:30:48]
I want to be more like Jesus he was out there he was just loving on people and yeah you know and and and he just enjoyed people and loved them and hung out with them and got into the world and they didn't believe what he taught a lot of them didn't but but you know what we can't just jump to the second part and say oh they don't believe what we believe. [00:42:49]
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