Passing on Connection: The Gift of Faith and Love
Summary
In this Advent season, we are invited to reflect on what we are passing on to others. The Gospel of Luke provides a unique introduction, emphasizing the importance of passing down the teachings and experiences of Jesus. Luke, like the Apostle Paul, understood the significance of stewarding the treasure of the Gospel and ensuring it was passed on accurately and meaningfully. This process of passing on is not just about information but about connection and relationship.
The story of Jesus is a story of connection—connection with God, with others, and with ourselves. It is about being present and attentive, much like the humorous illustration of the differences between men's and women's brains. Connection is deeper than physical proximity; it is about being truly present with one another. This is the essence of what we are called to pass on: the gift of connection and love.
The story of "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry serves as a poignant reminder of the wisdom in giving selflessly. The young couple in the story sacrifices their most prized possessions for each other, demonstrating that true wisdom lies in the act of giving. This Advent, we are encouraged to be like the Magi, wise in our giving, and to pass on the gift of love and generosity.
As we reflect on what we are passing on, we are reminded that our faith has been passed down through generations, from one person to another. This is our day to be deeply connected and to pass on the experience of life, love, and goodness. Let us be intentional in our connections and generous in our giving, knowing that what we pass on can have a profound impact on others.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Passing Down Faith: The Gospel of Luke highlights the significance of passing down the teachings of Jesus with accuracy and care. This is not just about preserving information but about ensuring that the essence of the Gospel—love, connection, and relationship—is passed on to future generations. [01:24]
2. Connection Over Proximity: True connection goes beyond physical presence. It involves being present, attentive, and engaged with others. This Advent, we are called to deepen our connections with God, ourselves, and those around us, recognizing that these connections have the power to heal and restore. [06:27]
3. The Wisdom of Selfless Giving: The story of "The Gift of the Magi" illustrates the wisdom in selfless giving. True wisdom is found in the act of giving, even when it involves personal sacrifice. This Advent, let us be wise in our giving, knowing that our generosity can have a lasting impact. [10:09]
4. The Legacy of Faith: Our faith has been passed down through generations, from one person to another. This is our opportunity to continue that legacy by being intentional in what we pass on to others. Let us be stewards of the treasure of the Gospel, ensuring that it is passed on with love and integrity. [12:00]
5. The Gift of Connection: In a world that often prioritizes individualism and space, we are reminded of the importance of connection. This Advent, let us prioritize being with others, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and passing on the gift of connection and love. [08:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - What Are You Passing On?
- [00:36] - Introduction to Luke's Gospel
- [01:05] - Luke's Purpose and Process
- [01:53] - The Tradition of Passing Down
- [02:34] - Oral Traditions and Storytelling
- [03:18] - Eyewitnesses and Servants of the Word
- [04:18] - The Gift of Connection
- [05:03] - The Humorous Brain Illustration
- [06:27] - The Power of Being Present
- [07:39] - What Will You Pass On?
- [08:40] - The Gift of the Magi Story
- [10:09] - The Wisdom of Giving
- [11:30] - Generosity and Legacy
- [12:00] - Passing on the Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:1-4
2. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3. John 15:27
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Luke emphasize about the process of passing down the teachings of Jesus in Luke 1:1-4? How does this relate to the concept of stewardship mentioned in the sermon? [01:05]
2. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul talks about passing on what he received. How does this passage connect with the idea of being a steward of the Gospel as discussed in the sermon? [03:02]
3. The sermon mentions the humorous illustration of men's and women's brains. How does this illustration relate to the concept of connection over proximity? [05:03]
4. How does the story of "The Gift of the Magi" illustrate the wisdom of selfless giving, as mentioned in the sermon? [09:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Luke's careful investigation and orderly account in Luke 1:1-4 reflect the importance of accuracy and care in passing down faith? What might this mean for us today? [01:05]
2. In what ways does the concept of being "Servants of the word" in Acts 1 relate to our responsibility to pass on our faith and experiences with God? [03:36]
3. The sermon discusses the power of being present and attentive. How might this idea challenge our current understanding of connection in relationships? [06:27]
4. Reflecting on the story of "The Gift of the Magi," what does it mean to be wise in our giving, and how can this wisdom impact our relationships and community? [10:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: What are you currently passing on to others? Is it faith, love, generosity, or something else? How can you be more intentional about what you pass on? [00:10]
2. Consider your connections with others. How can you deepen these connections beyond physical presence to truly be present and attentive? What practical steps can you take this week? [06:27]
3. Think about a time when you gave selflessly. How did it impact you and the recipient? How can you incorporate more selfless giving into your daily life? [10:09]
4. Our faith has been passed down through generations. What traditions or practices can you start or continue to ensure that you are passing on your faith to future generations? [12:00]
5. In a world that often prioritizes individualism, how can you prioritize connection and community in your life? What changes might you need to make to foster these connections? [08:08]
6. Identify one person in your life with whom you want to build a deeper connection. What specific action can you take this week to be more present and attentive with them? [06:10]
7. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. What steps can you take today to ensure that you are passing on a legacy of love, faith, and generosity? [11:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Stewarding the Gospel with Integrity
The Gospel of Luke emphasizes the importance of passing down the teachings of Jesus with accuracy and care. This is not merely about preserving information but ensuring that the essence of the Gospel—love, connection, and relationship—is conveyed to future generations. The act of passing down faith is a sacred responsibility, one that requires intentionality and integrity. As stewards of this treasure, we are called to ensure that the message of Jesus is shared in a way that is both truthful and transformative. [01:24]
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally share the essence of the Gospel with this week, ensuring that it is passed on with love and integrity?
Day 2: Presence Beyond Proximity
True connection goes beyond physical presence. It involves being present, attentive, and engaged with others. This Advent, we are called to deepen our connections with God, ourselves, and those around us, recognizing that these connections have the power to heal and restore. Being truly present means listening with our hearts and minds, offering our full attention to those we encounter. In a world filled with distractions, the gift of presence is a profound way to show love and care. [06:27]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs your full attention today. How can you be fully present with them, offering your undivided attention and care?
Day 3: The Wisdom of Sacrificial Giving
The story of "The Gift of the Magi" illustrates the wisdom in selfless giving. True wisdom is found in the act of giving, even when it involves personal sacrifice. This Advent, let us be wise in our giving, knowing that our generosity can have a lasting impact. The act of giving is not measured by the size of the gift but by the love and sacrifice behind it. As we give, we reflect the heart of God, who gave His only Son for us. [10:09]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can give sacrificially this week, reflecting the love and generosity of God to someone in need?
Day 4: Continuing the Legacy of Faith
Our faith has been passed down through generations, from one person to another. This is our opportunity to continue that legacy by being intentional in what we pass on to others. Let us be stewards of the treasure of the Gospel, ensuring that it is passed on with love and integrity. The legacy of faith is not just about words but about living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. As we live out our faith, we inspire others to do the same. [12:00]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the legacy of faith you are building. What intentional steps can you take to ensure that your faith is passed on to the next generation?
Day 5: Embracing the Gift of Connection
In a world that often prioritizes individualism and space, we are reminded of the importance of connection. This Advent, let us prioritize being with others, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and passing on the gift of connection and love. Connection is about more than just being together; it is about sharing life and building relationships that reflect the love of Christ. As we embrace the gift of connection, we create a community that supports and uplifts one another. [08:08]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space for deeper connections with those around you this week, sharing in their joys and burdens?
Quotes
"it's Advent and the question I want to invite you into today is what am I passing on to others Is it wise is it Worthy is it Faith love generosity is it fear hurry self- preoccupation one thing is for sure I will be passing something on this day what should it be" [00:00:00]
"many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that had been fulfilled Among Us just as they were handed down or passed on To Us by those who were from the first eyewitnesses and Servants of the word with this in mind since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning I too decided to write an orderly account for you most excellent theophilis so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" [00:00:44]
"you might wonder with Luke how did he come to write this gosp what was going on in this mind when he wrote it did he just Dash it off on a Saturday afternoon and his wife been pestering him to put something down did he know that he was writing the Holy Bible I don't think so what he knew was that he was stewarding a great treasure that little phrase um passed on is actually a technical expression" [00:01:28]
"there would be certain Traditions or certain teachings that people would want to have passed on carefully they were an oral Society but they have very careful ways of doing this in the ancient world and there would be an authorized Storyteller or teacher and then there would be a student a recipient and that technical expression is this material would be passed on or handed down from one to another and to receive it meant that you had to digest it thoroughly enough you had to actually memorize it to a certain degree so that it could be taught and explained to other people as well" [00:02:30]
"what you have experienced in your life especially if you have experienced God and goodness and love as it has come uniquely through Jesus you to be a steward of that so now the question is what am I passing on am I passing on the gift of ultimate connection" [00:04:09]
"to be connected to be with is something much deeper than just a matter of having two bodies in physical proximity it is a matter of connecting of paying attention of being aware God made us for connection with one another supremely with him with ourselves the interior of our own lives with our the world around us with its beauty with our task this moment right now for me to be connected with God and in some way with you" [00:06:12]
"when two people connect when their beings intersect closely something is poured out out of one and into the other that has the power to heal the soul of its deepest wounds and restore it to health and other this brings this especially deeply to the one person above all Jesus in Advent the one who receives experiences the joy of being healed the one who gives knows the even Greater Joy of being used to heal" [00:06:51]
"what you might think about today in this Advent season as we think about Luke diligently reflecting on how could he pass on his greatest treasure is what will I pass on to people around me today how can I be connected with God and then it may well be through a tradition or memories or a kind of a ritual that I want to establish with people that I love" [00:08:14]
"the story of Jim andela young impoverished couple who desperately want to give something wonderful to each other they have two objects of great worth her long beautiful lustrous hair and his heirloom watch and so secretly she cuts off her hair and sells it so she can buy him a gold chain worthy of his watch and he sells his watch so that he can buy her beautiful Ivory combs for her hair and they give each other those gifts and then realize that they are utterly useless although they have come with great price" [00:08:47]
"the Magi as you know were wise men wonderfully wise men who bought gifts to the newborn Christ child they were the first to give Christmas gifts being wise their gifts were doubtless wise ones and here I have told you the story of two children who were not wise each sold the most valuable thing he owned in order to buy a gift for the other but let me speak a last word to the wise of these days of all who give gifts these two were the most wise of all who give give and receive gifts such as they are the most wise everywhere they are the wise ones" [00:09:50]
"you have this day to pass on gifts those are words that I would give about as much as I know to be able to read in that setting to that little audience one more time but uh that is not available to me time passes in that way life passes in that way you had this day to pass on the experience supremely of life and God and love and goodness and if you know on the message of this one who came to abide with us that we're walking through in these days and then you get to be one to pass that on to others today pass on the gift of giving love" [00:10:45]
"you have the treasure today of being able to pass on something wonderful once Luke did our whole faith has just been passed on like that from one person to another one generation to another generation this is your day be deeply connected see you next time" [00:12:13]
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