Living Out Love: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truth that our actions and love for one another are the truest expressions of our faith. We began by reflecting on the stark reality faced by children in refugee camps, whose lives are a constant flight from danger, owning nothing more than the clothes on their backs. This poignant image served as a reminder of the urgency with which we must respond to the Gospel's call. We are implored to be open to where God is leading us, whether it is to go ourselves or to support others through our giving and prayers.

We then turned our attention to the vision of John, as described in the book of Revelation, where a multitude from every nation and language stands before the throne of God, united in worship. This powerful image underscores the global scope of God's redemptive plan and our role in reaching out to every tribe and tongue with the message of salvation.

Our discussion also honored the legacy of African American heroes, including the second black Secret Service agent who served President John F. Kennedy. We celebrated the diversity of the body of Christ, emphasizing that our church embraces all colors and backgrounds, reflecting the kingdom of God.

We were reminded of the importance of love and forgiveness in building strong relationships. Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet, even knowing that they would betray, deny, and doubt Him, was highlighted as the ultimate model of selfless love. We are commanded to love each other as Jesus loved us, which means loving without condition or limit.

The sermon concluded with a call to action, challenging us to express our love openly and to practice it in our daily lives. We were encouraged to join life groups as a practical way to develop relational skills and to be willing to pay the price of love, which often means getting out of our comfort zone.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gospel compels us to act with urgency and compassion, recognizing that our material possessions are temporary, but our spiritual legacy is eternal. We must be willing to support God's work, whether by going ourselves or by enabling others through our resources. [01:03:41]

- The vision of a diverse multitude worshiping before God's throne is a powerful reminder that the Church is called to be a global community. Our prayers and efforts should be directed toward reaching every people group with the love and salvation of Christ. [01:05:09]

- Celebrating the contributions of African American individuals and embracing diversity within the church reflects the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. We must intentionally build a church that represents the full spectrum of God's creation. [20:27]

- Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet is a profound lesson in humility and service. We must follow His example by serving others selflessly, loving to the utmost, and fostering relationships characterized by genuine care and sacrifice. [39:29]

- Love must be practiced and expressed openly. It is not enough to hold love in our hearts; we must demonstrate it through our actions and words, ensuring that those around us know they are valued and loved. [44:05]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:1, 12-14, 34-35 (NIV)
> "It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end... When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet... 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.'"

2. Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV)
> "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jesus take to demonstrate His love for His disciples in John 13? [39:41]
2. According to Revelation 7:9-10, who is included in the multitude standing before God's throne?
3. How did the sermon describe the living conditions of children in refugee camps? [01:03:09]
4. What example of love and friendship was highlighted in the story of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo? [36:12]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet significant in the context of love and service? [39:41]
2. How does the vision in Revelation 7:9-10 reflect the global scope of God's redemptive plan? [01:05:09]
3. What does the story of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo teach us about overcoming racial barriers through love and friendship? [36:12]
4. How does the sermon challenge us to express our love openly and practically in our daily lives? [44:05]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Jesus' example of washing the disciples' feet. How can you serve others in a similar selfless manner this week? [39:41]
2. The vision in Revelation 7:9-10 shows a diverse multitude worshiping God. How can you contribute to making your church community more inclusive and reflective of this vision? [01:05:09]
3. Think about the story of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Is there someone from a different background or race that you can reach out to and build a meaningful relationship with? [36:12]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of love and forgiveness in relationships. Is there someone you need to forgive or show more love to in your life? How will you take the first step? [37:22]
5. The pastor encouraged joining life groups to practice love and relational skills. Are you currently part of a life group? If not, what steps can you take to join one and engage more deeply with your church community? [49:01]
6. The sermon mentioned the urgency of responding to the Gospel's call. How can you support God's work, either by going yourself or by enabling others through your resources? [01:03:41]
7. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us. What specific actions can you take this week to show unconditional love to those around you? [42:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Urgency in Compassionate Action
The Gospel not only offers salvation but also calls for an active response to the needs of the world. Reflecting on the plight of children in refugee camps, it becomes clear that material possessions are fleeting, while the impact of spiritual actions can resonate eternally. The urgency to act is rooted in the understanding that faith is not passive; it is demonstrated through tangible support and sacrifice. Whether it is by physically going to serve or by providing resources and prayers, the call to action is a personal one, requiring a readiness to follow God's leading with immediacy and generosity. [01:03:41]

James 2:15-17 (ESV)
"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: How can you tangibly express your faith through compassionate action towards those in need this week?

Day 2: Embracing Global Diversity in Worship
The vision of a diverse multitude before God's throne is a vivid reminder that the Church is not limited by geography, language, or culture. This global community is united in worship and purpose, and every believer has a role in extending the message of salvation to all people groups. The diversity within the Church should mirror the diversity of God's creation, and efforts should be made to ensure that the Church is a place where every tribe and tongue can find a home and a voice. This vision compels believers to pray and work towards a Church that truly reflects the breadth of God's love for humanity. [01:05:09]

Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV)
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”"

Reflection: What steps can you take to foster a more inclusive and diverse worship experience within your community?

Day 3: Celebrating Diversity as God's Design
The contributions of African American individuals and the importance of diversity within the Church highlight the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. The Church should be a place where every individual, regardless of their background, can find belonging and purpose. Celebrating diversity is not just about recognizing differences but also about valuing the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings to the body of Christ. By intentionally building a church that represents the full spectrum of God's creation, believers can better reflect the kingdom of God on earth. [20:27]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV)
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a church environment that celebrates and honors diversity?

Day 4: Selfless Love as Jesus Modeled
Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet, even in the face of their impending betrayal, denial, and doubt, stands as the ultimate example of selfless love and service. This act teaches believers to love without condition or limit, to serve others humbly, and to build relationships based on genuine care and sacrifice. Love in the Christian context is not merely an emotion but an action, a commitment to the well-being of others, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This kind of love is transformative, both for the giver and the receiver, and it is this love that believers are called to practice in their daily lives. [39:29]

Philippians 2:3-5 (ESV)
"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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,"

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate selfless love and service in your relationships today?

Day 5: Love in Action and Expression
Love must be more than an internal sentiment; it must be actively demonstrated through words and deeds. The call to love as Jesus loved is a call to ensure that those around us feel valued and cherished. This means taking the initiative to express love in practical ways, whether through acts of kindness, words of affirmation, or simply being present in the lives of others. By making love visible, believers can create a ripple effect of positivity and grace that can change communities and the world. [44:05]

1 John 3:18 (ESV)
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: What specific action can you take today to show someone that they are loved and valued?

Quotes

1) "I don't know where God is calling you, but I ask you to be open. And if you can't go right now, I ask you to be part of our leave of legacy and to give financially." [01:03:41] (Download)

2) "Who are you taking with you? Who are you getting out of your comfort zone, inviting to church, inviting them for a meal, getting to know them to show Christ's love?" [01:05:09] (Download)

3) "We intentionally at the Father's House, we intentionally open our arms and reach out to people because we never wanted a white church. We wanted the church of the living God of Jesus Christ that is all colors." [20:27] (Download)

4) "Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Love each other when somebody betrays you. Love someone when they deny you and walk away." [42:19] (Download)

5) "The world is changed by your actions, not your opinions. People are changed by your actions, by your actions." [43:22] (Download)

6) "Learn from Jesus's example. He loved his disciples during his ministry on earth. And now he loved them to the very end. That just means that he loved them to the uttermost." [39:29] (Download)

7) "Love gets its hands dirty. Love takes a chance. Love gets out of its comfort zone. Sometimes we just might need to practice." [49:55] (Download)

8) "Love is not supposed to be kept quiet. Some of you men, the only time you kiss your wife and lover is when you're ready to get a little. It's not your grandma's shirt." [46:48] (Download)

9) "I wonder who the Lord is wanting you to reach out and be able to love them. So I'm a man. I don't tell anybody I love him. I don't want anybody think I'm gay. Why would you withhold?" [44:52] (Download)

10) "He said, I knew my coach, but he said, Brian's the first man, not the same color of me that I loved. Brian said the same thing. He said, I had no black friends. But he said, Gail became my friend." [36:22] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?