Living in Grace: Sacrificial Love and Obedience
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Friendship Church! Today, we gathered to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, who loves us so much that He has already died for us. This morning, we were reminded that we are here not for ourselves but for Jesus, who has already done the heavy lifting to show His love for us. We were encouraged to get off the hamster wheel of performing to be loved because grace has canceled the cancel culture.
We also discussed the various opportunities to serve within our church, including new ministries like "Mommy and Me" and the Washington Street Diner, which aims to help people get back on their feet. Additionally, we introduced Teresa, who has been trained as a Stephen Minister. This ministry focuses on providing one-to-one Christ-centered care to those who are stressed or hurting. Stephen Ministers are caregivers, but only God is the cure-giver.
We then delved into the importance of laying down our lives for others, just as Christ did for us. This is what sets Christianity apart from other religions. We are called to sacrifice for the eternal life that God promises us. Jesus' mission was to save souls, and He calls us to do the same. We were reminded of the importance of being a witness and sharing the gospel, even when it is inconvenient or difficult.
We also heard a powerful story about how one person's obedience to God can lead to a chain reaction of salvation, as seen in the life of Billy Graham. This illustrates the importance of being obedient to God's call, as the results are in His hands, not ours.
Finally, we were encouraged to develop a daily, minute-by-minute listening ear to the Holy Spirit, who guides us in all aspects of our lives. We were reminded that we are the only Bible some people will ever read, and God is counting on us to change the world with His power.
### Key Takeaways
1. Grace Over Performance: We are not here to perform or to be loved based on our actions. Jesus has already done the heavy lifting by dying for us, showing His immense love. This grace cancels the need for performance and allows us to rest in His love. [27:50]
2. Stephen Ministry: The Stephen Ministry is a beautiful, specialized ministry that provides one-to-one Christ-centered care to those who are stressed or hurting. Stephen Ministers are caregivers, but only God is the cure-giver. This ministry is a powerful way to bear one another's burdens. [37:08]
3. Sacrificial Love: Jesus calls us to lay down our lives for others, just as He did for us. This sacrificial love is what sets Christianity apart from other religions. We are called to prioritize eternal life over temporary comforts and to be willing to sacrifice for the sake of others' salvation. [50:26]
4. Obedience and Impact: One person's obedience to God can lead to a chain reaction of salvation, as seen in the life of Billy Graham. Our role is to be obedient and to sow the seeds; God is the one who brings the growth. This highlights the importance of our witness and the impact it can have. [01:00:27]
5. Listening to the Holy Spirit: Developing a daily, minute-by-minute listening ear to the Holy Spirit is crucial. The Holy Spirit guides us in all aspects of our lives, providing answers and direction. We must tune out distractions and focus on His voice to be effective vessels for God's work. [01:08:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:50] - Purpose of Worship
[28:20] - Greeting and Fellowship
[30:41] - Opportunities to Serve
[31:13] - New Ministries Introduction
[34:42] - Church App and Directory
[35:29] - Stephen Ministry Introduction
[37:08] - Role of Stephen Ministers
[38:11] - Support System for Stephen Ministers
[38:49] - Kingdom Care Ministry
[39:25] - Commissioning Prayer for Teresa
[40:29] - Offering and Tithing
[44:00] - The Gospel Message
[44:59] - Sacrificial Love
[50:26] - Eternal Life Priority
[52:25] - Jesus' Mission to Save Souls
[55:25] - Jesus' Relentless Mission
[58:24] - Early Church Leaders' Sacrifice
[01:00:27] - Obedience and Impact
[01:03:59] - Rising Persecution
[01:06:33] - The Holy Spirit as Advocate
[01:08:33] - Listening to the Holy Spirit
[01:10:05] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:18:39] - Jesus' Heart for the Lost
[01:19:12] - Call to the Altar
[01:20:28] - Prayer for the Lost
[01:20:57] - Benediction and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16 (NIV) - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. Mark 8:36-37 (NIV) - "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"
3. John 15:15-20 (NIV) - "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 3:16, what did God give to the world, and what is the promise for those who believe in Him?
2. In Mark 8:36-37, what does Jesus say about the value of gaining the whole world compared to one's soul?
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play according to John 15:15-20, and how long will He be with believers?
4. In the sermon, what new ministries were introduced, and what is the purpose of the Washington Street Diner? [31:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does John 3:16 encapsulate the message of the gospel, and why is it considered "good news"? [44:00]
2. What does Jesus mean in Mark 8:36-37 when He talks about gaining the whole world but losing one's soul? How does this relate to the concept of sacrificial love discussed in the sermon? [50:26]
3. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit, as described in John 15:15-20, empower believers to live out their faith daily? [01:10:37]
4. The sermon mentioned the story of Billy Graham's conversion and the chain reaction of salvation that followed. How does this illustrate the impact of one person's obedience to God's call? [01:00:27]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the concept of "Grace Over Performance" mentioned in the sermon. How can you remind yourself daily that you are loved by God not because of your actions but because of His grace? [27:50]
2. The Stephen Ministry focuses on providing one-to-one Christ-centered care. Is there someone in your life who is stressed or hurting that you can support in a similar way? How can you be a caregiver while trusting God to be the cure-giver? [37:08]
3. Jesus calls us to lay down our lives for others. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate sacrificial love in your community this week? [50:26]
4. Think about the story of Billy Graham's conversion. Is there someone in your life who might be the next link in a chain reaction of salvation? How can you be obedient to God's call to witness to them? [01:00:27]
5. Developing a daily, minute-by-minute listening ear to the Holy Spirit is crucial. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from hearing the Holy Spirit, and how can you minimize them this week? [01:08:33]
6. The sermon emphasized that we are the only Bible some people will ever read. How can you be a better witness to those around you, especially in your workplace or community? [01:09:35]
7. Reflect on the importance of being a witness even when it is inconvenient or difficult. Can you recall a time when you felt prompted to share the gospel but hesitated? What can you do differently next time to be more obedient to God's call? [01:00:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace Over Performance
Description: Grace is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith that liberates believers from the need to perform for love and acceptance. Jesus Christ has already demonstrated His immense love for us by dying on the cross, which means that our worth is not based on our actions but on His sacrifice. This grace cancels the need for performance and allows us to rest in His love. We are encouraged to step off the hamster wheel of trying to earn God's love and instead embrace the grace that has been freely given to us. This understanding transforms our relationship with God from one of striving to one of resting in His completed work. [27:50]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving for approval or love? How can you remind yourself today that God's grace has already made you worthy and loved?
Day 2: Stephen Ministry
Description: The Stephen Ministry is a specialized ministry within the church that provides one-to-one Christ-centered care to individuals who are stressed or hurting. Stephen Ministers are trained to offer compassionate support, but it is important to remember that they are caregivers, not cure-givers. Only God can bring true healing and restoration. This ministry exemplifies the biblical call to bear one another's burdens and to be a source of comfort and encouragement to those in need. By participating in or supporting this ministry, we can help create a community where people feel seen, heard, and loved. [37:08]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who is going through a difficult time? How can you offer them Christ-centered care and support today, even if it's just through a kind word or a listening ear?
Day 3: Sacrificial Love
Description: Jesus calls His followers to lay down their lives for others, just as He did for us. This sacrificial love is what sets Christianity apart from other religions. It involves prioritizing eternal life over temporary comforts and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others' salvation. This kind of love requires us to step out of our comfort zones and to be willing to give of ourselves, whether it be our time, resources, or even our lives. By doing so, we reflect the love of Christ and become a powerful witness to the world around us. [50:26]
1 John 3:16 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can show sacrificial love to someone in your life this week? How can you prioritize their needs over your own in a tangible way?
Day 4: Obedience and Impact
Description: One person's obedience to God can lead to a chain reaction of salvation, as illustrated by the life of Billy Graham. Our role is to be obedient to God's call and to sow the seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will bring the growth. This highlights the importance of our witness and the impact it can have on others. Even when it is inconvenient or difficult, our obedience can have far-reaching effects that we may never fully see or understand. By being faithful to God's call, we can be a part of His redemptive work in the world. [01:00:27]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt prompted by God to do something but hesitated. What steps can you take today to be more obedient to His call, trusting that He will use your actions for His purposes?
Day 5: Listening to the Holy Spirit
Description: Developing a daily, minute-by-minute listening ear to the Holy Spirit is crucial for living a life that is guided by God. The Holy Spirit provides direction, answers, and guidance in all aspects of our lives. To be effective vessels for God's work, we must tune out distractions and focus on His voice. This requires intentionality and practice, but the rewards are immense as we become more attuned to God's leading and more effective in our witness and ministry. By cultivating this habit, we can experience a deeper relationship with God and a greater impact in the world around us. [01:08:33]
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: What distractions in your life are preventing you from hearing the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you create space in your daily routine to listen more attentively to His voice?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We're here for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. And He loves you so much that He's already died for you. That's how good it is. He's already done it. He's already done the heavy lifting that you couldn't do, that I couldn't do, just to show you that He really loves you. And so this morning, the pressure's off. Get off the hamster wheel of performing to be loved. That doesn't exist here in God's presence. Amen? Because grace has canceled the cancel culture." [27:50] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Stephen minister is not a fixer. God works through the Stephen minister to provide the cure for the care receiver. The Stephen minister is a caregiver. Only God is the cure giver. Amen? That's good." [38:11] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reason why we talk about the Washington Street Diner is because that is a ministry of our church. Like I said before, I've never had a been a part of a church family that had a restaurant part of our ministry, but we're trying to help folks get up on their feet." [34:42] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The question is, where will you spend life in eternity? Heaven or hell? This question defines your everyday reality, if you follow Jesus. Christ came to tell us that life eternal is the priority. Not life temporary, but life eternal is the priority for us. And that is what we should daily live for, even sacrificing on this temporary side of glory for the eternal weight that God has for us." [51:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ came to save us. He then made our salvation a reality by accomplishing the work on the cross that we could not do for ourselves. And then he left us the instruction manual, the holy bible, and the ultimate life customer service representative, the divine holy spirit as Jesus called him, the spirit of truth to answer all of our questions." [01:08:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Stephen ministry helps the church carry out its mission by bearing one another's burdens Stephen ministry offers a way to organize equip and supervise a team of congregation members called Stephen ministers to provide one-to-one Christ centered care to people who are stressed or hurting anyone else stressed or hurting so like four of y'all are honest right now anybody else stressed or hurting yes we can all relate to that these stressors are hurts can be any number of things a new baby care of a relative a new job moving to a new city, divorce, children leaving home, or the loss of a loved one, to name a few things." [37:08] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus Christ, our example, while he was here 2,000 years ago when God put on skin and epidermis and walked a mile in our sandals to show us the way, the truth, and the life, he led us daily with his example in real time as he was on this every day, every second, relentless mission to save people's lives by saving their eternal soul because God in flesh, Jesus knew that if you get someone's eternal soul in order their temporary actions will follow. Amen? That's called your witness." [52:55] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus was on this relentless mission. We see this all throughout scripture. For example, Jesus, our example, when he was exhausted, and this shows us the humanity of the Son of God while he was here. It says when Jesus was tired in the middle of the day, and he was exhausted by the well there, and he still made time to tell this woman, which, by the way, back in the day, that was socially inappropriate, you know, for Jesus to strike up a conversation with a woman. But Jesus did that to show us that God's love is not limited. Amen?" [55:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus wants all people to be saved. Another example, two hours or less before Jesus' excruciating death that Jesus knew was going to take place as he was being tortured. He had been tortured, was going to be tortured worse. Even in the middle of all that, Jesus still would not quit as he was fixated on his mission of saving souls as he witnessed to the Roman governor Pilate who was interrogating him in John chapter 18. He wouldn't stop. He had to save one more soul for the Father because that's who God is. God is love." [57:55] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reason why we don't do this church is because humans forget how far someone went to save our life. And like I said last week, that's the crux of it, isn't it? We have all lost our first love because we're drowning in a sea of distractions. Like the guy on the life raft in the ocean, we, in American culture, we are drowning in a sea of salt water that we cannot drink, although we're surrounded by it. There's only one source of living water. God provides the source and the mission for us." [01:09:02] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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