Reconnecting with God and the Church Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship a living God, a God who is holy and ever-present in our lives. We were reminded that no matter what we face, God is still on the throne, working for His people and paving the way for us. We took a moment to express our love and need for God, acknowledging that Jesus is the answer to all our struggles. We praised God not just for what He does, but for who He is, committing to worship Him in both good times and bad.
We then transitioned to discussing the importance of the church. I shared my belief that there is a battle for the church, both from external forces and within its walls. Over the next several weeks, we will explore these battles and the significance of being part of a church community. We delved into Matthew 18, where Jesus teaches about the lost sheep, emphasizing that the one who strays is still part of the flock. This parable illustrates the danger of isolation and the importance of staying connected to the body of believers.
I shared the story of Shrek, a sheep that lived in isolation for six years, accumulating a heavy coat of wool that weighed him down. This serves as a metaphor for the baggage we carry when we isolate ourselves from the church. I encouraged everyone to reconnect with the church, emphasizing that we need each other to navigate life's storms. Jesus always leads us towards the church, as He loves the church and gave Himself up for it. He is the head of the church, and through it, He continues to work and build His kingdom.
We also discussed the importance of forgiveness within the church. Holding grudges disables our spiritual growth. Jesus, despite being betrayed and crucified by religious leaders, chose forgiveness, setting an example for us. I urged everyone to let go of past hurts and to reconnect with the church community, as we are better together. Finally, I invited everyone to lay down their burdens at the altar, trusting that God will take care of them and lead them to healing.
### Key Takeaways
1. God is Always on the Throne: No matter what challenges we face, God remains sovereign and active in our lives. He is paving the way for us, and with Him, all things are possible. This assurance should inspire us to worship Him not just for His deeds, but for His very nature. [37:20]
2. The Danger of Isolation: The parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18 teaches us that isolation from the church community makes us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Just like Shrek the sheep, who accumulated a burdensome coat in isolation, we too can accumulate emotional and spiritual baggage when we distance ourselves from the body of believers. [52:10]
3. The Church is Essential: Jesus loves the church and gave Himself up for it. He is the head of the church, and through it, He continues to work and build His kingdom. Being part of a church community is crucial for our spiritual growth and protection against the enemy. [01:01:28]
4. Forgiveness Over Bitterness: Holding grudges within the church hinders our spiritual growth. Jesus, despite being betrayed and crucified by religious leaders, chose forgiveness. We must follow His example and let go of past hurts to experience true healing and unity within the church. [01:12:23]
5. Healing Through Community: The church is a place of healing. When we lay down our burdens and reconnect with the church community, we find support and encouragement. Jesus is always leading us towards healing and restoration, and being part of a church helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. [01:13:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:20] - God is on the Throne
[38:04] - Expressing Our Need for God
[38:39] - Worship in All Circumstances
[39:20] - Stability in Chaos
[40:19] - Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance
[41:14] - The Importance of Church Community
[42:18] - Introduction to the Great Debate Series
[43:17] - The Battle for the Church
[44:18] - Matthew 18: The Lost Sheep
[45:39] - The Purpose of Jesus' Teachings
[48:06] - The Danger of Isolation
[50:47] - The Importance of Being Connected
[52:10] - The Story of Shrek the Sheep
[56:05] - The Need for Community in Storms
[57:18] - Jesus' Example of Community
[01:01:28] - Jesus Leads Us to the Church
[01:04:10] - The Enemy's Strategy
[01:08:14] - Jesus is Building the Church
[01:12:23] - Forgiveness Over Bitterness
[01:13:50] - Healing Through Community
[01:15:09] - Jesus' Example of Forgiveness
[01:18:01] - Invitation to Reconnect with the Church
[01:20:47] - Altar Call: Laying Down Burdens
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 18:12-14 (ESV)
> "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
2. Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV)
> "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
3. 1 John 4:20 (ESV)
> "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen."
### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18, what does the shepherd do when one sheep goes astray? ([50:47])
2. According to Ephesians 5:25-27, how did Christ demonstrate His love for the church?
3. What does 1 John 4:20 say about the relationship between loving God and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes the importance of going after the one lost sheep in Matthew 18? How does this reflect on the value of each individual in the church community? ([52:10])
2. How does the metaphor of Shrek the sheep illustrate the dangers of isolation from the church community? ([53:40])
3. In Ephesians 5:25-27, what does it mean for Christ to present the church "without spot or wrinkle"? How does this relate to our role within the church?
4. How does holding grudges within the church hinder our spiritual growth, according to the sermon and 1 John 4:20? ([01:12:23])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated from the church community. How did it affect your spiritual and emotional well-being? What steps can you take to reconnect with the church? ([56:05])
2. The sermon mentioned that Jesus always leads us towards the church. How can you actively seek to be more involved in your church community this week? ([01:01:28])
3. Think about someone in the church you may have a grudge against. What practical steps can you take to forgive them and restore that relationship? ([01:12:23])
4. How can you contribute to making your church a place of healing and support for others? Are there specific actions or ministries you can get involved in? ([01:13:50])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of laying down our burdens at the altar. What burdens are you carrying that you need to lay down before God? How can your small group support you in this? ([01:20:47])
6. Jesus' example of forgiveness was highlighted in the sermon. How can you emulate this in your daily interactions, especially within the church? ([01:15:09])
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of being connected to a body of believers. What are some practical ways you can ensure you are not living in isolation but are actively participating in the church community? ([49:21])
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives
No matter what challenges we face, God remains sovereign and active in our lives. He is paving the way for us, and with Him, all things are possible. This assurance should inspire us to worship Him not just for His deeds, but for His very nature. When we acknowledge God's sovereignty, we find peace and stability even in the midst of chaos. This understanding helps us to trust in His plan and timing, knowing that He is always working for our good and His glory.
In our daily lives, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the difficulties and uncertainties we encounter. However, remembering that God is on the throne can provide us with the strength and courage to face any situation. Worshiping God for who He is, rather than just what He does, deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith. Let us commit to praising God in both good times and bad, trusting that He is always in control. [37:20]
Psalm 103:19 (ESV): "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty in this situation and trust in His plan?
Day 2: The Perils of Isolation
The parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18 teaches us that isolation from the church community makes us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Just like Shrek the sheep, who accumulated a burdensome coat in isolation, we too can accumulate emotional and spiritual baggage when we distance ourselves from the body of believers. Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, despair, and a sense of being overwhelmed by life's challenges.
Being part of a church community provides us with the support, encouragement, and accountability we need to grow spiritually and emotionally. It helps us to stay connected to God and to each other, preventing us from carrying unnecessary burdens. By staying connected to the church, we can find the strength to navigate life's storms and avoid the pitfalls of isolation. [52:10]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt isolated. How did it affect you emotionally and spiritually? What steps can you take to reconnect with your church community?
Day 3: The Vital Role of the Church
Jesus loves the church and gave Himself up for it. He is the head of the church, and through it, He continues to work and build His kingdom. Being part of a church community is crucial for our spiritual growth and protection against the enemy. The church is not just a building or an event; it is a living, breathing community of believers who support and encourage one another in their faith journey.
The church provides a place for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service. It is where we can grow in our understanding of God's Word, develop meaningful relationships, and use our gifts to serve others. By being actively involved in the church, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us and be a part of His mission to reach the world with the gospel. [01:01:28]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the life of your church community? What specific steps can you take to be more involved and connected?
Day 4: Embracing Forgiveness
Holding grudges within the church hinders our spiritual growth. Jesus, despite being betrayed and crucified by religious leaders, chose forgiveness. We must follow His example and let go of past hurts to experience true healing and unity within the church. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual well-being and the health of our relationships.
When we hold onto bitterness and resentment, it creates barriers between us and others, and even between us and God. Forgiveness allows us to release the burden of anger and hurt, making way for healing and reconciliation. By choosing to forgive, we reflect the love and grace of Jesus, fostering a spirit of unity and peace within the church. [01:12:23]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Healing Through Community
The church is a place of healing. When we lay down our burdens and reconnect with the church community, we find support and encouragement. Jesus is always leading us towards healing and restoration, and being part of a church helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. The church provides a safe space where we can share our struggles, receive prayer, and find comfort in the presence of God and His people.
Healing is a journey that often requires the support of others. By being part of a church community, we can experience the love and care of fellow believers who walk alongside us in our times of need. The church is a place where we can find hope, strength, and the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. [01:13:50]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today? How can you seek support and prayer from your church community to help you find healing and restoration?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "No matter what you are facing in your life, we serve a God that is still on the throne, that is still working for his people, that is still going before you and paving the way. And here's what I know. As long as God is on our side, listen, the enemy may come after you, but with God, all things become possible because of you. Because he is the way, the truth, and the life." [37:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "On the good days and bad days, I will praise you. In the middle of the storm, in the middle of the sunshine, I will praise you. No matter what's going on, God, I will put you first in my life and I will never bow down to the lies of the enemy because you are holy." [39:20] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The enemy would love nothing more than to tell you a lie that nobody loves you and that God doesn't care about you. But here's what God told me today that I had to tell someone he is still for the church today. He is still in the church today. He is still fighting the enemy today. And while you come connected to the body of Christ, he is still fighting for you." [01:04:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is still building the church today, which means the gates of hell will not prevail against the church today. I got to tell you something for 2000 years, there's been a lot of men and women come that have taught and preached the word, but they're not, they're still standing today. But I will tell you what has made it and outlast every attack of the enemy. And that is the church." [01:08:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus will always lead you to forgiveness. Somebody needs to hear this. He's not going to lead you into bitterness. He's not going to do it. He he's he, you know, sometimes we get in this place to where, um, that we come to church, but we, we still don't like people in the church. I, I, I, I'm just going to be honest. You got a grudge so mad, so, so deep, um, that, that, that, that you're mad at people." [01:11:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I believe there's a battle going on for the church and in the church and of the church and it's not just a battle that is taking place outside of the church, but I believe it's a battle taking place inside the walls of the church. And so for the next several weeks Y'all don't put a time frame on it But I plan on teaching through some of the battles that we deal with Inside the walls of the church, and I've entitled it the great debate." [43:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are people that know Jesus that, that are no longer a part of a fellowship because of things that have happened in the past. Oh, let me be real with you this morning. There are some of you sitting in here that have been hurt by a church and you've been hurt deeply. I'm not asking you to raise your hand, but here's what I know. People in the church hurt people in the church." [48:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The great debate is, do I need the church? Do I, do I need the church? Do I need to be a part of the church? And today I hope to teach you exactly why you have to have the church. I'm not talking about a building. I'm not talking about a church. I'm not talking about going to a specific church, but I'm having, I'm talking about being connected to a body of believers that is bigger than just yourself." [49:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you hold onto a grudge against someone, someone else, somebody, some people, some family, you are disabling yourself. From the ability to grow spiritually. want to say that again. Somebody needs to know that if you hold a grudge at the church, at people, at people that said something, people that hurt you something, you are disabling yourself from your, your, the ability to grow spiritually." [01:13:50] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus went after the one, the one sheep that went astray. I believe there's some of you in here that Jesus is coming after today. I believe you've been trying to do it far too long alone. And it's time to come together with brothers and sisters. And look, here's the most beautiful thing about being together. When you're having a rough day, you've got brothers and sisters to lift you up. You've got family to get you through it." [01:19:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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