Living the Beautiful Gospel in Our Communities
Summary
In a sermon series titled "The Beautiful Gospel," the speaker delves into the profound and expansive nature of the gospel, emphasizing its power to transform lives and communities. The sermon draws from Jeremiah 29, a passage that has guided the church's vision and posture, particularly in the context of Central Square Church's urban setting. The speaker challenges the congregation to live cross-shaped lives, loving God and neighbors, and to engage with the world beyond the church walls.
The speaker reflects on the historical context of Jeremiah 29, where the Israelites were exiled to Babylon and instructed by God to build, plant, and seek the peace of the city. This message was counterintuitive to the Israelites, who expected a short exile and were influenced by false prophets promising a quick return. The speaker draws parallels to the modern church, urging Christians to commit to their cities, cultivate relationships, and serve the common good.
Personal stories are woven throughout the sermon, illustrating the impact of the church's engagement with the community. The speaker recounts various initiatives, such as soccer nights, prison letter writing, and advocacy at the State House. A touching story is shared about Consuela and Jason Fernandez, who grew up in the church and are now serving their community as adults. Another poignant narrative involves Charlene Holmes, a young girl from the church's Vacation Bible School whose tragic death led to a partnership between the church and the city, sparking a mission and movement.
The sermon also addresses the importance of maintaining a distinct Christian identity while serving the city. The speaker warns against losing one's "saltiness" and the value of staying connected to the church community. They emphasize that small actions, like mustard seeds, can grow into significant contributions to the city's well-being.
Finally, the speaker discusses the church's current project to restore its iconic clock tower, a beacon of the gospel in the neighborhood. They encourage the congregation to pledge and pray for the restoration, highlighting the journey of faith involved in such an endeavor.
Key Takeaways:
- The gospel calls for a life shaped by the cross, where love for God and neighbor is paramount. This love is not abstract but is demonstrated through tangible actions within our communities. The church's role is not confined to its walls but extends to the neighborhoods and cities, where believers are to seek the peace and prosperity of all. [01:25:41]
- Commitment to one's city is a biblical mandate, as seen in Jeremiah 29. Christians are called to move from consumption to cultivation, investing in the long-term well-being of their urban environments. This involves building houses, planting gardens, and fostering relationships, which in turn can lead to personal and communal peace. [01:12:02]
- The church must balance its outward service with inward identity. Engaging with the city should not come at the cost of losing our distinctiveness as followers of Christ. Regular worship and connection with the church community are essential to maintain this identity and purpose. [01:23:16]
- The impact of the church's mission can be both predictable and surprising, as seen in the diverse fruits of two decades of ministry. From soccer nights to advocacy, the church's influence extends far beyond its initial actions, affecting lives and shaping futures in ways that only become apparent over time. [01:28:35]
- The restoration of the church's clock tower is more than a building project; it is a symbol of the church's commitment to the city and the gospel's enduring presence. The congregation's participation through pledges and prayers is a testament to their faith and dedication to God's Kingdom Agenda. [01:36:45]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
Jeremiah 29:4-9 (NIV)
> This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the Lord.
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions does God give to the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:4-9 regarding their time in Babylon?
2. How does the speaker in the sermon relate the historical context of Jeremiah 29 to the modern church's mission in the city? [01:05:15]
3. What are some of the initiatives mentioned in the sermon that illustrate the church's engagement with the community? [01:28:35]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the church's clock tower restoration project? [01:35:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God instructed the Israelites to build houses and plant gardens in Babylon instead of waiting for a quick return to Jerusalem? [01:07:17]
2. How does the concept of living a "cross-shaped life" as described in the sermon apply to the way Christians should interact with their urban environments? [01:04:35]
3. What does it mean to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city," and how can this be practically implemented in today's context? [01:13:15]
4. How can maintaining a distinct Christian identity while serving the city prevent believers from losing their "saltiness"? [01:23:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in your community. Are there specific ways you can build deeper relationships and contribute to the common good, as suggested in the sermon? [01:12:02]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of staying connected to the church community to maintain one's Christian identity. How can you ensure that you balance outward service with regular worship and fellowship? [01:23:58]
3. Think about a time when you felt like you were just "passing through" a place or situation. How might God be calling you to be more present and committed where you are right now? [01:10:17]
4. The speaker shared personal stories of community engagement, such as soccer nights and prison letter writing. What small, tangible actions can you take to serve your neighborhood this week? [01:28:35]
5. The restoration of the church's clock tower is seen as a symbol of commitment to the city. What are some symbolic or practical projects you can support or initiate in your community to demonstrate your faith and dedication? [01:35:35]
6. How can you move from being a consumer of your city to a cultivator, as described in the sermon? Identify one area where you can start making a long-term investment. [01:12:02]
7. The sermon emphasizes the unpredictable and surprising impact of the church's mission. Share a story or example from your life where a small act of service led to unexpected positive outcomes. [01:29:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Living the Cross-Shaped Life
Embrace a life that mirrors the love of Christ, actively demonstrating care for God and neighbor within the community. This love is practical, visible in the way one interacts with and serves those around them, embodying the transformative power of the gospel. [01:25:41]
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: How can you show love to a neighbor or community member today in a way that reflects Christ's love for you?
Day 2: Commitment to Urban Flourishing
Invest in the long-term prosperity of the city, understanding that commitment to the urban environment is a reflection of God's love for all people. This means building, planting, and nurturing relationships that foster community peace and well-being. [01:12:02]
Jeremiah 29:7 - "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can contribute to the peace and prosperity of your city this week?
Day 3: Balancing Service with Identity
While serving the city, maintain a distinct Christian identity, ensuring that engagement with the world does not dilute the essence of faith. Staying connected to the church community is vital for spiritual nourishment and guidance. [01:23:16]
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."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your service to the community this week is rooted in your Christian identity?
Day 4: Unpredictable Impact of Ministry
Recognize that the church's influence can lead to both expected and unexpected outcomes, with small actions growing into significant contributions to the community's well-being over time. [01:28:35]
Zechariah 4:10 - "Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?"
Reflection: What small action can you take today that might have a lasting impact on someone's life?
Day 5: Restoring as an Act of Faith
The restoration of the church's clock tower symbolizes the congregation's commitment to the city and the enduring presence of the gospel. This act of faith is a beacon of hope and a testament to the church's dedication to God's Kingdom Agenda. [01:36:45]
Nehemiah 2:17-18 - "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.' I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work."
Reflection: In what ways can you support the restoration projects within your church or community, as a reflection of your commitment to God's work?
Quotes
"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked, and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. According to this definition, a city can be financially wealthy but still be poor." [01:20:01]
"Stay salty. When the people of Israel were carried into Babylon, when they were carried into exile, they were told to settle down, they were told to seek the peace of the city, but they were also told to keep their distinct identity as the people of God. Do you understand? God said seek the peace of the city, seek the well-being of the city, not to assimilate into the city." [01:21:47]
"Our actions that can feel as small as a mustard seed can grow into an entire harvest, and we don't have to change the world all the time. We just have to plant seeds and watch the Spirit of God animate those seeds and produce life and do things that are absolutely unimaginable." [01:33:54]
"This building is the city...that clock tower lets people know that there is a church here...it sets it apart from the surrounding buildings...that clock tower makes our neighborhood beautiful." [01:35:35]
"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it because if it prospers, you too will prosper." [57:45]
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