Living in Truth: Community, Integrity, and Sacrifice

In our journey as a church, we have strived to align ourselves with the New Testament's teachings, emphasizing the importance of community and shared leadership. Just as a family is led by both a father and a mother, the church is guided by elders, not a singular pastor, reflecting the New Testament model. This approach extends to our handling of finances, where we follow the example of Jesus and the apostles, who never solicited funds or boasted about their ministries. This commitment to authenticity and integrity is crucial, especially in a world where many have strayed from these principles.

The early church and our own community, CFC, were both born through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual filling is not a one-time event but a continuous journey towards truth and integrity. The Holy Spirit, as the spirit of truth, compels us to live honestly, without deceit or pretense. This is a call to all believers to examine their lives and ensure they are not living a lie, as honesty is a cornerstone of our faith.

Humility and submission to authority are also vital aspects of our Christian walk. Jesus exemplified humility by becoming a servant and submitting to the will of the Father, even unto death. This humility is not about weakness but about strength under control, standing firm in our convictions without compromising our gentleness and grace. Similarly, submission to authority is a reflection of our respect for God's order, as rebellion against authority was the original sin that led to the fall of Lucifer.

As we build God's house, we must prioritize it over our own interests, ensuring that our offerings to God are genuine and costly, not mere leftovers. This principle of sacrificial giving is a testament to our devotion and respect for God. The New Covenant calls us to eliminate the divide between the sacred and the secular, living every aspect of our lives as holy unto the Lord.

Finally, we must guard against the corruption and compromise that have infiltrated many Christian communities. Our mission is to maintain a pure testimony for Christ, even if it means standing apart from the majority. This commitment to purity and wholehearted devotion to Christ is our legacy and our calling.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Community and Shared Leadership: The church is a family led by elders, reflecting the New Testament model of shared leadership. This approach emphasizes the importance of community and accountability, ensuring that no single person holds all authority. [00:31]
• 2. Integrity in Finances: Following the example of Jesus and the apostles, we avoid soliciting funds or boasting about our ministries. This commitment to financial integrity is crucial in maintaining authenticity and trust within the church. [01:27]
• 3. The Spirit of Truth: Being filled with the Holy Spirit means living a life of honesty and integrity. The Holy Spirit compels us to be truthful, ensuring that our lives reflect the truth of the Gospel. [06:47]
• 4. Humility and Submission: Jesus' humility and submission to the Father serve as a model for us. True humility is about strength under control, standing firm in our convictions while remaining gentle and gracious. [17:02]
• 5. Sacrificial Giving: Our offerings to God should be genuine and costly, reflecting our devotion and respect for Him. This principle of sacrificial giving is a testament to our commitment to prioritize God's house over our own interests. [42:15]
  ** [42:15]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:31] - New Testament Church Model
• [01:14] - Financial Integrity
• [02:47] - Respect for God's Servants
• [05:01] - Life Transformation through the Holy Spirit
• [06:47] - The Spirit of Truth
• [08:36] - Living Without Fear
• [10:14] - The Importance of Honesty
• [12:23] - The Remnant and the Bride
• [14:34] - Humility and Gentleness
• [16:19] - The Attitude of Christ
• [18:32] - Submission to Authority
• [21:16] - Teaching Respect and Honor
• [25:02] - Light from Scripture
• [27:49] - God's House as Our House
• [31:24] - The Family of God
• [35:09] - Sacred and Secular Unity
• [38:27] - True Purpose of Tithing
• [41:58] - Offering That Costs Something
• [44:08] - Calling to Full-Time Service
• [47:49] - Preserving a Pure Testimony

1. Revelation 14:1-5
2. Philippians 2:5-8
3. Haggai 1:4

1. According to the sermon, how does the New Testament model of church leadership differ from the common practice today? ([00:31])
2. What example did Jesus set regarding financial integrity, and how does this contrast with some modern practices? ([01:27])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, particularly concerning truth and honesty? ([06:47])
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of humility and submission, and how is this exemplified by Jesus? ([17:02])

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that shared leadership in the church can prevent the concentration of power and promote accountability? How might this reflect the New Testament model? ([00:31])
2. The sermon emphasizes financial integrity by following Jesus' example. How might this principle affect the trust and authenticity of a church community? ([01:27])
3. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth. How does this understanding challenge believers to live authentically and avoid deceit? ([06:47])
4. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' humility and submission as a model for believers, and what implications does this have for personal and communal Christian life? ([17:02])

1. Reflect on your own church experience. How does your church's leadership structure align with the New Testament model of shared leadership? What changes, if any, would you like to see? ([00:31])
2. Consider your personal approach to finances. How can you ensure that your financial dealings reflect the integrity and authenticity that Jesus modeled? ([01:27])
3. The sermon calls for honesty and integrity as a reflection of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with honesty? How can you address these challenges? ([06:47])
4. Jesus' humility is described as strength under control. In what situations do you find it difficult to remain humble and gentle? How can you practice humility in those situations? ([17:02])
5. The sermon speaks about sacrificial giving. What does sacrificial giving look like in your life, and how can you ensure that your offerings to God are genuine and costly? ([42:15])
6. The sermon warns against the corruption and compromise in Christian communities. How can you contribute to maintaining a pure testimony for Christ in your church? ([47:49])
7. Reflect on the divide between the sacred and the secular in your life. How can you live every aspect of your life as holy unto the Lord, eliminating this divide? ([35:53])