Rebuilding Faith: A Call to Worship and Community
Summary
In the exploration of the concept of rebuilding, the focus is on the importance of returning to foundational principles and commitments, particularly in the context of faith and community. The discussion begins with the acknowledgment that individuals and communities can sometimes lose their way, drifting off course from their intended direction. This deviation can result in a longer journey to reach the desired destination. The central mission of the church, as highlighted, is the Great Commission: to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them all that Christ commanded. This mission is emphasized as the primary focus for those who serve God.
The call to action is a "now homecoming" with God, where individuals are invited to return to God, who will reclaim and redeem them, offering an abundant future. This future is envisioned not only for the church but also for individuals and families. The discussion then shifts to the concept of worship in the Old Testament, where true worship celebrated the forgiveness of sin and pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is through the shedding of His blood that individuals are freed from the inherent slavery of sin. Worship is defined as the acknowledgment of God's authority in one's life, and it is through choosing Jesus, repenting of sins, and putting faith in Him that one can be saved and redeemed.
The importance of worship extends beyond the act of singing; it encompasses acknowledging the lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life. Worship is not confined to a church building but should permeate every aspect of one's existence. It can be expressed through various practices such as reading the Bible, prayer, journaling, fasting, singing, loving others, making moral decisions, and being good stewards of what God has entrusted to individuals. Recognizing God's sovereignty and being thankful for His grace are also integral to worship.
The historical context of worship is also explored, with references to the New Testament and the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for sins. The church building is identified as vital for the ability to worship and teach, a fact that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when church closures were acutely felt by many.
The narrative of the Israelites in the book of Ezra is used as an example of reclaiming and rebuilding. The Israelites, having been exiled, are stirred by God to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the Lord. This action is supported by King Cyrus of Persia, who acknowledges God's sovereignty and issues a decree allowing the Israelites to return and rebuild the temple. The temple's significance lies in its role as the center of worship and the dwelling place of God's holy presence. Under the law of Moses, the temple was where sacrifices for sins were offered.
The concept of free will is also addressed, with the understanding that while God is sovereign and in control of history, individuals still have the freedom to make choices and are responsible for their actions. The importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and humbling oneself before God is underscored.
In conclusion, the message encourages a return to God, a recommitment to the central mission of making disciples, and a holistic approach to worship that acknowledges God's sovereignty in every aspect of life. It calls for a rebuilding that is both spiritual and communal, drawing on the lessons from the past and looking forward to a future of redemption and abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey of faith can sometimes lead to a deviation from the intended path, which necessitates a conscious effort to realign with the core mission of the church: the Great Commission. This realignment is not just a return to a set of tasks but a recommitment to the transformative work of making disciples, baptizing, and teaching the ways of Christ. It is a reminder that the essence of the church's existence is to facilitate spiritual growth and maturity in its community. [22:15]
- Worship is a multifaceted expression of faith that goes beyond the walls of a church building. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and an act of submission to His authority in every aspect of life. Worship is not limited to singing or corporate gatherings; it is a lifestyle that includes personal devotion, ethical living, and stewardship of God's gifts. This comprehensive view of worship challenges individuals to integrate their faith into their daily lives, making every action an act of worship. [21:33]
- The historical narrative of the Israelites' return from exile to rebuild the temple serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual act of reclaiming and rebuilding one's faith. Just as the Israelites were stirred by God to restore the physical structure where His presence dwelled, individuals are called to restore their spiritual lives, ensuring that their hearts are temples where God's presence can dwell. This process involves repentance, renewal, and a dedication to the practices that foster a close relationship with God. [06:22]
- The sovereignty of God and the free will of humans coexist in a divine balance that is evident throughout history. While God orchestrates the grand narrative of history, each person is responsible for their choices and actions. This understanding encourages individuals to live with a sense of purpose and accountability, knowing that their lives contribute to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan while also being responsible for their personal decisions. [19:01]
- The act of rebuilding is not only about physical structures or institutions but also about restoring the sense of community and shared history. As individuals come together to rebuild, they are reminded of their collective identity and purpose. This sense of community is essential for supporting one another in the journey of faith and for maintaining a connection to the heritage that shapes beliefs and values. The rebuilding process thus becomes a communal effort that strengthens bonds and fosters unity within the faith community. [03:38]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ezra 1:1-11 - The decree of King Cyrus allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
2. Jeremiah 29:10 - The prophecy of the 70 years of exile and God's promise to bring the Israelites back.
3. Isaiah 45:1 - The prophecy about Cyrus being God's anointed to subdue nations and open doors.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of King Cyrus's decree in Ezra 1:1-11, and how did it fulfill the prophecy given by Jeremiah? ([04:17])
2. How did the Israelites respond to Cyrus's decree, and what actions did they take to support the rebuilding of the temple? ([05:42])
3. According to the sermon, why is the temple so important for the Israelites, and how does it relate to their worship practices? ([14:52])
4. What role does free will play in the narrative of the Israelites' return and rebuilding, as discussed in the sermon? ([19:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy in Ezra 1:1-11 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? ([12:17])
2. In what ways does the rebuilding of the temple serve as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and reclaiming one's faith, as mentioned in the sermon? ([06:22])
3. How does the concept of worship in the Old Testament, as described in the sermon, extend beyond the physical act of sacrifice to encompass a holistic approach to acknowledging God's sovereignty? ([20:57])
4. How does the sermon explain the balance between God's sovereignty and human free will, and what implications does this have for personal responsibility and accountability? ([19:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you had deviated from your intended spiritual path. What steps did you take, or can you take, to realign with God's mission for your life? ([22:15])
2. The sermon emphasizes that worship is not confined to a church building but should permeate every aspect of life. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond Sunday services? ([20:57])
3. The Israelites' return to Jerusalem was a communal effort. How can you contribute to rebuilding and strengthening your faith community today? ([03:38])
4. Considering the importance of the temple in the Israelites' worship, how can you ensure that your personal "temple" (your heart and life) is a place where God's presence dwells? ([14:52])
5. The sermon discusses the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and humbling oneself before God. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate accountability and humility in your spiritual journey? ([19:01])
6. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission by making disciples, baptizing, and teaching others about Christ in your current context? ([22:15])
7. Reflect on the various ways to worship mentioned in the sermon (e.g., reading the Bible, prayer, journaling, fasting, loving others). Which of these practices can you focus on this week to deepen your relationship with God? ([21:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Paths with the Great Commission
The journey of faith is a continuous alignment with the Great Commission, which calls for making disciples, baptizing, and teaching Christ's commandments. This alignment is a conscious effort to return to the transformative work that defines the church's purpose and ensures that the community grows spiritually. It is a reminder to focus on the essence of the church's existence and to facilitate maturity in faith. [22:15]
Matthew 28:19-20 - "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."
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to the Great Commission in your daily interactions with others?
Day 2: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship transcends the act of singing within the church walls and becomes a lifestyle of acknowledging God's sovereignty. It involves personal devotion, ethical living, and stewardship of God's gifts. This comprehensive view of worship challenges believers to integrate their faith into every aspect of their lives, making each action an act of submission to God's authority. [21:33]
Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Reflection: What are some daily activities you can transform into acts of worship by consciously acknowledging God's presence?
Day 3: Rebuilding Our Spiritual Temples
The historical narrative of the Israelites' return to rebuild the temple is a metaphor for the spiritual act of rebuilding one's faith. This process involves repentance, renewal, and dedication to practices that foster a close relationship with God, ensuring that our hearts are temples for His presence. [06:22]
Ezra 1:5 - "Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem."
Reflection: What are the areas in your spiritual life that need rebuilding, and what steps can you take to begin this process of restoration?
Day 4: Divine Balance of Sovereignty and Free Will
The coexistence of God's sovereignty and human free will is a divine balance that encourages living with purpose and accountability. Each person's choices contribute to the unfolding of God's plan, and this understanding calls for a responsible approach to decision-making. [19:01]
Philippians 2:12-13 - "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Reflection: How can you exercise your free will today in a way that aligns with God's sovereign plan for your life?
Day 5: Community and Shared History in Rebuilding
Rebuilding is a communal effort that not only restores structures but also reinforces the sense of shared history and identity within the faith community. This collective effort strengthens bonds and fosters unity, supporting one another in the journey of faith. [03:38]
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 actively participate in strengthening your faith community and contribute to its growth and unity?
Quotes
1) "When a ship wanders off course, it drifts off its heading... it's going to take longer to get to its final destination. Have we focused more on personal preference than we have on the mission of our church?" [22:15] (Download)
2) "It's time to have a now homecoming with God. He will reclaim his own and he'll bring them back to him; he'll redeem our past and he'll give us an abundant future." [22:51] (Download)
3) "We have to worship God and God Alone... Let Jesus Christ redeem us and bring us back to him. We are now ready to rebuild." [24:13] (Download)
4) "We take for granted our ability to conduct corporate Worship in a church building... that's why we maintain the building, because we want it to last." [20:17] (Download)
5) "Worship isn't solely about just singing songs; it's about acknowledging the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives." [20:57] (Download)
6) "Worship expresses the reality of God's sovereignty in the goodness of God in our lives and... should Encompass our whole lives." [21:33] (Download)
7) "Returning where you came from gives you a sense of community and a shared history of where you're going." [03:38] (Download)
8) "God remembers his promises even though we constantly and consistently fail, and he redeems our past mistakes for his purposes." [04:17] (Download)
9) "The temple is the center of worship for Israel... this is where the Bible records that God's holy presence dwells." [15:32] (Download)
10) "God is Sovereign and in control of everything to include history... but we still have a free will and are responsible for the Free Will actions that we take." [19:01] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 08, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?