Perseverance, Community, and Sharing Faith in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone! Today, we are diving into a message that is both challenging and encouraging. We began by discussing the importance of perseverance in our faith journey. We must push through difficulties and recognize that suffering with Jesus is part of our walk. This isn't about making superficial changes like adjusting the air conditioning or bringing back old traditions; it's about never getting comfortable in our pursuit of Jesus. We must always strive to grow closer to Him and not settle for a comfortable Christianity.
Next, we talked about our upcoming summer sermon series. Summer is a busy time with kids out of school and various events happening, but it's crucial not to shortchange Jesus during this season. We aim to make our services more casual to accommodate everyone's summer plans. For the next nine weeks, I'll be wearing shorts, and I encourage you to come as you are, even if you're heading to the lake right after service. The theme for this summer is "Porch Swings and Garage Bands," and we have some exciting worship formats planned.
We also discussed the importance of community and our upcoming community nights. These events are designed to help us connect with each other and build godly friendships. Whether it's a cornhole tournament, bingo, or trivia night, these gatherings are opportunities to strengthen our bonds and support one another in our faith journeys.
Moving on, we delved into the concept of evangelism. Every believer has an opportunity and an obligation to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This isn't just the job of the church as an institution; it's a personal responsibility for each of us. We referenced the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. If evangelism was important to Jesus, it should be important to us too.
We then explored the idea of living free from the fear of death. As Christians, we have hope and should not fear death because the grave is not the end. We sang the song "I Thank God," which encapsulates this attitude of gratitude and freedom. This life is temporary, and we should live it to the fullest with eternity in mind. Our ultimate goal is to be with Jesus, whether here, there, or in the air.
Finally, we concluded with a call to action. We must take seriously the task of sharing our faith. Each of us knows someone who doesn't know Jesus, and we should make it our mission to reach out to them. We introduced the concept of "the one," encouraging everyone to focus on one person they can pray for and share their faith with. This is not just about growing our church but about expanding the Kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Perseverance in Faith: We must push through difficulties and recognize that suffering with Jesus is part of our walk. This isn't about making superficial changes but about never getting comfortable in our pursuit of Jesus. We must always strive to grow closer to Him and not settle for a comfortable Christianity. [50:20]
2. Summer Sermon Series: Summer is a busy time, but it's crucial not to shortchange Jesus during this season. We aim to make our services more casual to accommodate everyone's summer plans. The theme for this summer is "Porch Swings and Garage Bands," and we have some exciting worship formats planned. [51:26]
3. Community and Evangelism: Every believer has an opportunity and an obligation to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This isn't just the job of the church as an institution; it's a personal responsibility for each of us. If evangelism was important to Jesus, it should be important to us too. [01:11:19]
4. Living Free from Fear of Death: As Christians, we have hope and should not fear death because the grave is not the end. We sang the song "I Thank God," which encapsulates this attitude of gratitude and freedom. This life is temporary, and we should live it to the fullest with eternity in mind. [55:12]
5. The One: We must take seriously the task of sharing our faith. Each of us knows someone who doesn't know Jesus, and we should make it our mission to reach out to them. Focus on one person you can pray for and share your faith with. This is not just about growing our church but about expanding the Kingdom of God. [01:29:36]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:16] - Sacrifice of Praise
[48:19] - Comfortable Christianity
[50:20] - Perseverance in Faith
[50:44] - Summer Sermon Series
[51:26] - Casual Summer Services
[52:17] - Worship Changes
[53:09] - Community Nights
[55:12] - Living Free from Fear of Death
[56:16] - Here, There, or In the Air
[57:56] - Eternal Perspective
[58:19] - Special Guests
[59:33] - Supporting Teen Challenge
[01:04:04] - Scriptures on Death and Eternity
[01:11:19] - Evangelism Obligation
[01:20:28] - Evangelism Class
[01:24:55] - Who Are You Taking with You?
[01:26:04] - Closing Prayer
[01:29:36] - The One
[01:32:00] - Final Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
> "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)
> "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NIV)
> "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 28:19-20 command believers to do, and what assurance does Jesus give at the end of this passage?
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what is the hope that Christians have regarding those who have died?
3. In 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, what does Paul say about being "at home in the body" versus being "at home with the Lord"?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the personal responsibility of evangelism discussed in the sermon? [01:11:19]
2. What comfort does 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 offer to Christians about death, and how does this align with the sermon’s message on living free from the fear of death? [55:12]
3. How might the perspective of being "away from the body and at home with the Lord" in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 influence a Christian's daily life and priorities? [56:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to persevere in your faith despite difficulties. How did you push through, and what did you learn from that experience? [49:53]
2. Summer can be a busy time with many distractions. What practical steps can you take to ensure you don’t shortchange your relationship with Jesus during this season? [51:06]
3. Community is essential in our faith journey. How can you actively participate in upcoming community nights or other church events to build godly friendships? [53:50]
4. Evangelism is a personal responsibility. Identify one person in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. What specific actions can you take this week to share your faith with them? [01:29:36]
5. The sermon emphasized living free from the fear of death. How does the hope of eternity with Jesus change your perspective on life’s challenges and priorities? [55:12]
6. The concept of "the one" was introduced in the sermon. Who is "the one" person you will focus on praying for and sharing your faith with? How will you commit to this mission? [01:29:36]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of not getting comfortable in our pursuit of Jesus. What are some areas in your spiritual life where you might be too comfortable, and how can you challenge yourself to grow closer to Him? [50:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Perseverance in Faith
Description: Perseverance in faith is essential for every believer. It involves pushing through difficulties and recognizing that suffering with Jesus is part of our walk. This isn't about making superficial changes like adjusting the air conditioning or bringing back old traditions; it's about never getting comfortable in our pursuit of Jesus. We must always strive to grow closer to Him and not settle for a comfortable Christianity. The journey of faith is not meant to be easy, but it is meant to be transformative. By enduring hardships and remaining steadfast, we grow in our relationship with Christ and become more like Him.
In our daily lives, this means embracing challenges and viewing them as opportunities for spiritual growth. It means not shying away from discomfort but seeing it as a necessary part of our spiritual development. When we persevere, we demonstrate our trust in God's plan and His timing. We show that our faith is not dependent on our circumstances but on our unwavering belief in His goodness and sovereignty. [50:20]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently facing a challenge? How can you view this challenge as an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and strengthen your faith?
Day 2: Summer Sermon Series
Description: Summer is a busy time with kids out of school and various events happening, but it's crucial not to shortchange Jesus during this season. The church aims to make services more casual to accommodate everyone's summer plans. For the next nine weeks, the theme will be "Porch Swings and Garage Bands," with exciting worship formats planned. This approach encourages everyone to come as they are, even if they're heading to the lake right after service. The goal is to ensure that Jesus remains a priority, even during the busy summer months.
This casual approach to summer services is a reminder that our relationship with Jesus should be integrated into every aspect of our lives, regardless of the season. It's about finding ways to stay connected to our faith community and continue growing spiritually, even when our schedules are packed. By making worship accessible and relevant to our summer activities, we can maintain our focus on Jesus and ensure that our faith remains a central part of our lives. [51:26]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you make sure that Jesus remains a priority in your life during the busy summer months? What practical steps can you take to stay connected to your faith community and continue growing spiritually?
Day 3: Community and Evangelism
Description: Every believer has an opportunity and an obligation to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This isn't just the job of the church as an institution; it's a personal responsibility for each of us. Evangelism is about building relationships and sharing the hope we have in Jesus with others. The Great Commission from Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the importance of evangelism in our faith journey. If evangelism was important to Jesus, it should be important to us too.
Sharing our faith can take many forms, from having conversations with friends and family to participating in community events designed to build godly friendships. It's about being intentional in our interactions and looking for opportunities to share the love of Christ with those around us. By doing so, we fulfill our calling as believers and help expand the Kingdom of God. [01:11:19]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus. How can you intentionally build a relationship with them and share the hope you have in Christ?
Day 4: Living Free from Fear of Death
Description: As Christians, we have hope and should not fear death because the grave is not the end. This life is temporary, and we should live it to the fullest with eternity in mind. The song "I Thank God" encapsulates this attitude of gratitude and freedom. Our ultimate goal is to be with Jesus, whether here, there, or in the air. This perspective allows us to live with joy and purpose, knowing that our future is secure in Christ.
Living free from the fear of death means embracing the hope we have in Jesus and allowing it to shape our daily lives. It means focusing on what truly matters and not getting bogged down by the temporary concerns of this world. By keeping our eyes on eternity, we can live with a sense of peace and confidence, knowing that our ultimate destination is with our Savior. [55:12]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How does the hope of eternity with Jesus change the way you live your daily life? What steps can you take to focus more on eternal things rather than temporary concerns?
Day 5: The One
Description: We must take seriously the task of sharing our faith. Each of us knows someone who doesn't know Jesus, and we should make it our mission to reach out to them. The concept of "the one" encourages everyone to focus on one person they can pray for and share their faith with. This is not just about growing our church but about expanding the Kingdom of God. By focusing on one person, we can make a significant impact and help lead them to a relationship with Jesus.
This approach to evangelism is both practical and powerful. It allows us to be intentional in our efforts and to invest deeply in the life of one individual. By praying for them, building a relationship with them, and sharing our faith with them, we can help them experience the love and hope that comes from knowing Jesus. [01:29:36]
Luke 15:4-7 (ESV): "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Reflection: Who is "the one" person in your life that you can pray for and share your faith with? What steps can you take this week to reach out to them and show them the love of Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are to value life and live it to the fullest everyday with eternity in mind. But here's the alarming truth: Most believers don't actually follow through on the task of sharing their faith. One study shows that only 43% of church goers say they feel a personal responsibility to share their beliefs about Jesus Christ with non-Christians. And even more alarming is that when asked, many of them say they have never shared their faith." [01:12:36]
2. "Life as we know it has a limited run, means it's going to end. However, the second season is guaranteed and it's never ending. Some of y'all don't know because y'all are too eloquent and educated to sit around and watch TV all the time. Some of you have binged TV shows before and you know the disappointment of finding one you actually like enough to watch all of it and it ending. Right? I mean, you know it's coming, but it's just tragic. And if it ends badly, I get angry. I don't know about you. I need resolution. I don't want to wonder what might have happened. I want you to tell me what happened." [01:10:04]
3. "Death is not an ending. Death is not a wall. It's a doorway. It's a gate. It's a transition into what lasts forever. And as children of God, we've got to know that. We have to get that." [01:03:48]
4. "We are to live free of fear when it comes to death because we know that the grave is not the end. Christians should never fear death. And yes, when someone dies that we love, is there sadness? Of course there is. It's the natural product. We should mourn, and sometimes it's hard, and sometimes we mourn more because we love them, and that shows. Nothing wrong with mourning. We absolutely should mourn. But we shouldn't mourn as those who don't have hope because we have hope." [55:12]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Every believer has an opportunity and an obligation to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Every believer. Look at your neighbor and say, 'That means you too.' It's an opportunity and an obligation. And listen, you've heard the Great Commission. I'll read it to you. Most of you can quote it. Matthew 28:19-20: 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" [01:11:19]
2. "We must take seriously the task of sharing our faith. Each one of you in this room knows somebody that doesn't know Jesus. Every one of you do. And while I think you should share your faith with everyone you know, and I pray that you do, I want to challenge you specifically to allow the Holy Spirit to put one of those people on your heart. I want you to pray for that one every morning. I want you to pray for that one every time they come to your mind. I want you to pray for that one every time you go to bed. I want you, every time you see them, to go out of your way to love them." [01:29:36]
3. "We have to persevere. We have to push through and recognize that Jesus, you know, the Bible talks about us suffering with him. And I'm not taking out the chairs. I'm not bringing back the old wooden pews. We're not going to change the sound system. We're not turning the AC up 10 degrees. There will not be pigeons in this sanctuary in the near future. But I pray we never get comfortable in our pursuit of Jesus." [50:20]
4. "One of the greatest things in life that determines how well your walk with the Lord goes is who you're hanging out with. It's been said by many different people that you show me your friends and I'll show you your future. So you need godly friends in your life that will help you. The other thing is there may be somebody else here who needs you. So show up." [53:50]
5. "We are to value life and live it to the fullest everyday with eternity in mind. But here's the alarming truth: Most believers don't actually follow through on the task of sharing their faith. One study shows that only 43% of church goers say they feel a personal responsibility to share their beliefs about Jesus Christ with non-Christians. And even more alarming is that when asked, many of them say they have never shared their faith." [01:12:36]
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