Living Loved: Embracing God's Love in Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate and send off our pastoral intern, Trevor, who has been a blessing to our church community. We reflected on the importance of living loved by God and loving others with God's love. This is not just a mission statement but a way of life that transforms us and those around us. We shared personal stories and memories, emphasizing the significance of quality time and the impact of love in our lives.
We used the analogy of a trampoline to illustrate how we can lift each other higher when we come together in unity and love. Just as children synchronize their jumps to reach greater heights, we too can achieve more when we align ourselves with God's love and mission. However, we also acknowledged that being part of a community can sometimes lead to hurt. Yet, like children who get back on the trampoline despite the pain, we must also return to our community, seeking reconciliation and healing.
We delved into 2 Thessalonians 3:5, which calls us to a full understanding and expression of God's love and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. This understanding transforms our lives, enabling us to live loved and to love others authentically. We discussed the importance of not just receiving God's love but also expressing it in our daily lives.
Living loved means more than just attending church; it means allowing God's love to permeate every aspect of our lives. We must learn to cook for ourselves spiritually, feeding on God's word daily, rather than relying solely on Sunday sermons. This spiritual nourishment equips us to love others genuinely and patiently, even when it's challenging.
Finally, we emphasized the need for patient love, especially within the church community. We must strive to love others as Christ loves us, with patience and endurance. This kind of love is transformative and serves as a testimony to the world of our discipleship. We concluded with an invitation for those who feel called to take the next step in their faith journey, whether it's committing to follow Jesus, seeking forgiveness, or getting baptized.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living Loved by God: Understanding and experiencing God's love brings fullness and meaning to our lives. It's not just about attending church but allowing God's love to transform our entire perspective. This love is patient, kind, and does not hold grudges, as described in 1 Corinthians 13. When we live loved, we reflect God's love to others, creating a welcoming and transformative community. [01:07:33]
2. The Power of Unity: Just as children synchronize their jumps on a trampoline to reach greater heights, we too can achieve more when we align ourselves with God's love and mission. Unity in the church allows us to lift each other higher, supporting and encouraging one another in our faith journeys. This collective effort magnifies our impact and helps us grow together. [01:00:24]
3. Healing from Hurt: Being part of a community can sometimes lead to hurt, but we must seek reconciliation and healing. Like children who get back on the trampoline despite the pain, we must return to our community, seeking to make amends and restore relationships. This process of forgiveness and healing is essential for a healthy and thriving church. [01:01:36]
4. Spiritual Nourishment: We must learn to feed ourselves spiritually by engaging with God's word daily. Relying solely on Sunday sermons is not enough; we need to develop a personal relationship with God through regular Bible study and prayer. This spiritual nourishment equips us to love others genuinely and to live out our faith authentically. [01:19:46]
5. Patient Love: Loving others with patience and endurance is crucial for a healthy church community. We must strive to love others as Christ loves us, even when it's challenging. This kind of love is transformative and serves as a testimony to the world of our discipleship. By loving patiently, we create an environment where people feel valued and supported. [01:21:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:06] - Introduction of Trevor
[48:19] - Pastor Ron's Prayer
[53:58] - Quality of Time
[54:45] - Church as a Family
[55:24] - Surrendering to God
[56:00] - Father's Day Memories
[57:49] - Trampoline Analogy
[59:01] - Living on Mission
[01:03:01] - Mission Statement
[01:06:14] - Live Loved
[01:07:33] - Full Understanding of Love
[01:09:06] - Broken Lenses
[01:10:34] - Leading Hearts
[01:12:02] - Reading God's Love Letters
[01:13:43] - Transformational Love
[01:15:11] - Expressing Love
[01:16:35] - Corinthians' Dysfunction
[01:18:13] - Fishing Analogy
[01:19:46] - Spiritual Nourishment
[01:21:25] - Love Patiently
[01:22:53] - Fun and Challenges
[01:24:38] - Proving Discipleship
[01:26:16] - Invitation to Faith
[01:27:49] - ABCs of Following Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Thessalonians 3:5: "May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ."
2. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
3. John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Thessalonians 3:5 say about the role of the Lord in leading our hearts? How does this relate to understanding and expressing God's love? [01:06:14]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, what are the characteristics of love? How do these characteristics help us understand what it means to live loved by God?
3. In John 13:34-35, what command does Jesus give to His disciples? How does this command serve as a testimony to the world?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of the trampoline illustrate the power of unity in the church? What does it mean to "synchronize our jumps" in a spiritual context? [01:00:24]
2. Reflect on the story of Nia and her brother on the trampoline. How does this story help us understand the importance of seeking reconciliation and healing within the church community? [01:01:36]
3. What does it mean to "live loved" according to the sermon? How does this concept go beyond merely attending church services? [01:07:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you felt truly loved and welcomed in a community. How did that experience impact you? How can you create a similar environment for others in your church? [01:07:33]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of spiritual nourishment. What are some practical ways you can "cook for yourself spiritually" and engage with God's word daily? [01:19:46]
3. Reflect on a situation where you were hurt by someone in your church community. How did you handle it? What steps can you take to seek reconciliation and healing in that relationship? [01:01:36]
4. How can you practice patient love in your daily interactions, especially with those who are difficult to love? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this kind of love? [01:21:25]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of living on mission. What does it mean for you to live on mission in your daily life? How can you align your actions with God's love and mission? [01:03:01]
6. Identify one person in your life who may be struggling to feel loved. What can you do this week to show them God's love in a tangible way? [01:24:38]
7. How can you contribute to the unity and growth of your church community? What specific role can you play in lifting others higher, as illustrated by the trampoline analogy? [01:00:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Living Loved by God
Living loved by God means allowing His love to transform every aspect of our lives. It’s not just about attending church services but about experiencing and reflecting God's love in our daily interactions. This love is patient, kind, and does not hold grudges, as described in 1 Corinthians 13. When we live loved, we create a welcoming and transformative community that mirrors God's love to others. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of understanding and expressing God's love in our lives. [01:07:33]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: How can you allow God's love to transform your perspective today? Think of one specific way you can reflect His love to someone in your life.
Day 2: The Power of Unity
Unity in the church is like children synchronizing their jumps on a trampoline to reach greater heights. When we align ourselves with God's love and mission, we can achieve more together than we could alone. This collective effort magnifies our impact and helps us grow together in our faith journeys. Unity allows us to lift each other higher, supporting and encouraging one another. It’s a powerful testimony of what can be achieved when we work together in love and harmony. [01:00:24]
Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV): "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the unity of your church community? Identify one action you can take this week to support and encourage someone in your congregation.
Day 3: Healing from Hurt
Being part of a community can sometimes lead to hurt, but we must seek reconciliation and healing. Like children who get back on the trampoline despite the pain, we must return to our community, seeking to make amends and restore relationships. This process of forgiveness and healing is essential for a healthy and thriving church. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to forgive, reflecting the love and grace that Christ has shown us. [01:01:36]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church community you need to reconcile with? Pray for the courage and humility to seek forgiveness and healing in that relationship.
Day 4: Spiritual Nourishment
We must learn to feed ourselves spiritually by engaging with God's word daily. Relying solely on Sunday sermons is not enough; we need to develop a personal relationship with God through regular Bible study and prayer. This spiritual nourishment equips us to love others genuinely and to live out our faith authentically. It’s about building a strong foundation in God's word that sustains us through life's challenges and enables us to be a source of strength and encouragement to others. [01:19:46]
Joshua 1:8 (ESV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Reflection: How can you incorporate daily Bible study and prayer into your routine? Identify a specific time and place where you can spend time with God each day.
Day 5: Patient Love
Loving others with patience and endurance is crucial for a healthy church community. We must strive to love others as Christ loves us, even when it's challenging. This kind of love is transformative and serves as a testimony to the world of our discipleship. By loving patiently, we create an environment where people feel valued and supported. It’s about showing grace and understanding, even in difficult situations, and being a reflection of Christ's love to those around us. [01:21:25]
1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV): "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them patient and enduring love this week? Pray for the strength and grace to love them as Christ loves you.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want you to not think about the length of time, but the quality of time. Because God's doing great things in Trevor's life. He's doing, he has good plans for you, too. Like, I just, I am so proud of our church. Not because I lead it, but because of how God has gathered it. I'm so proud of our church that is a family that where young leaders can take root. Where we can say like, hey, I don't care how long or how short you've been a follower of Jesus. If you believe you've got a call on your life, let's get to work. Let's see what God has for you." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, the truth is anytime you get a group of people together, they get hurt. Anytime you get a group of people together, someone does something stupid intentionally or otherwise, and it hurts somebody. And you can either be like the jerk that, that, that did it on purpose, or you can be like Nia's brother and, and be like, Hey, I hurt you. And I'm so sorry. I never wanted to do that. How can I make it right? And if the church behaved like that, our churches would be so healthy." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our mission is to live loved by God and love others with God's love. First, we have to receive love before we know how to love others. And so today, the first point, because I've told that, um, I went too long last, last sermon. So I'm going to try and speed it up here. We'll see how it goes. Number one, live love. That's the first part of the mission statement." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to learn to live loved because this world is broken. And if we don't live in the love that God gives us, that broken world will get inside of us and break us. God shows us love in John 3 16. We just finished a whole series on it. God so loved the world. He so loved the broken world." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God sent his son because he so loved you, but he didn't send his son so that you could soak up all his love and just hang on to it. You know, just kind of meditate on it. He sent you his son to love you so that you could love others so they could be loved by God. Do you get it? Like that's the recipe. That's the great mission of Jesus." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to thank you guys for being patient, but I want you to not think about the length of time, but the quality of time. Because God's doing great things in Trevor's life. He's doing, he has good plans for you, too. Like, I just, I am so proud of our church. Not because I lead it, but because of how God has gathered it. I'm so proud of our church that is a family that where young leaders can take root. Where we can say like, hey, I don't care how long or how short you've been a follower of Jesus. If you believe you've got a call on your life, let's get to work. Let's see what God has for you. And you all supported him and you all come alongside, not just him, generations of interns, that have been a part of this church. And we're so grateful to see, you know, the fruits later on of what God's doing." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, the truth is anytime you get a group of people together, they get hurt. Anytime you get a group of people together, someone does something stupid intentionally or otherwise, and it hurts somebody. And you can either be like the jerk that, that, that did it on purpose, or you can be like Nia's brother and, and be like, Hey, I hurt you. And I'm so sorry. I never wanted to do that. How can I make it right? And if the church behaved like that, our churches would be so healthy. There wouldn't be this stigma of church hurt everywhere you go where everybody wants to tell their story. I got one. I got like 50. Okay. I work here. Yeah. I've been hurt by the church and church people, people. Don't even come to this church have hurt me, but we have to decide we're going to get back on the trampoline because that's the hurting is not what the trampoline was made for." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to learn to live loved because this world is broken. And if we don't live in the love that God gives us, that broken world will get inside of us and break us. God shows us love in John 3 16. We just finished a whole series on it. God so loved the world. He so loved the broken world. Corinthians 13 tells us that love is patient. Love is kind. Doesn't hold grudges. Verse 13 of chapter 13, first Corinthians says this three things will last forever. Faith, hope, love. And the greatest of these is, know, when a church gets ahold of this, like it's more than just a follow-up strategy, you know, to keep people here. It's a transformational strategy." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see so many Christians. We need to learn that, that we could eat more. If we learn to cook for ourselves, we could eat more. Some of you, you, you wait for pastor Seth to bring this little airplane. That was a good sermon. You know, that's fantastic. But during the week, you're going to have to start getting those little puffs, you know, that, that, that just disintegrate. In your fingers with the moisture, you know what I'm talking about? Cheerios, you know, and you start eating those and you get a little more and a little more. At some point, you're going to need to learn to cook for yourself and eat because I can lead you to Jesus, but I cannot feed you every day." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "To be honest, uh, you know, some of you are a lot of fun to jump on the trampoline with. I get you. I come over here early and you know, they're, they're tuning up. They're getting their instruments ready. I come over here just to mess with them just to have fun. And, uh, cause they're fun. And then, uh, some of you, not you, of course, not you, but some other people, like I can't even jump on the same trampoline without us colliding all the time. You ever know anybody like that? Like you just, no matter what you do, it's, you're just, you just kind of keep rubbing them the wrong way. You getting rubbed the wrong way and just, it's chaos. But Jesus didn't say, Hey, uh, do everything in love except for that guy. He's a freak. Jesus just said, Paul told the Corinthian church, do everything in love. And Jesus teaches us about sacrificial love." (62 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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