Reflecting God's Love: Our Call to Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series on reflecting God's love, focusing on what it means to be human and how we can live in God's image. Our foundational text is from Genesis 1:26-28, where God creates mankind in His image and gives us the responsibility to rule over the earth. This ruling is not about domination but about reflecting God's character—His love, grace, and compassion—into the world.
We are like angled mirrors, reflecting God's love to the world and returning praise and worship to Him. This reflection is not just an individual task but a communal one. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exemplifies perfect community and relationship. We, as individuals and as a church, are called to reflect this divine community. Our interactions, our togetherness, and our collective worship all contribute to this reflection.
However, our communities have often failed to reflect God's love perfectly due to our brokenness and sin. The analogy of a mirror ball helps us understand this better. A mirror ball doesn't have its own light; it reflects light that shines upon it. Similarly, we need God's light to shine on us to reflect His love effectively. Without God, our community might still do good things, but it won't reflect God's character.
We can be confident in God's character and His Word, which serves as a firm foundation. This confidence allows us to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled with reasons for anxiety. Jesus assures us that despite the troubles in this world, He has overcome it, and we can find peace in Him.
Reflecting God's love also means being present with others for their good, as Scott McKnight suggests. This presence mirrors Jesus' love and hospitality. As we celebrate 140 years of our faith community, we are reminded of the diverse ways Christians have reflected God's love throughout history. Our legacy should be one of confidence in God's character and a commitment to being a non-anxious presence in our fragile world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Reflecting God's Image: Being human means living in God's image, reflecting His love, grace, and compassion into the world. This is not about domination but about stewardship and care, mirroring the character of our Creator. [31:51]
2. Community and Trinity: The Trinity exemplifies perfect community and relationship. As individuals and as a church, we are called to reflect this divine community. Our collective worship and interactions are crucial in reflecting God's love. [34:54]
3. The Mirror Ball Analogy: Like a mirror ball that needs external light to shine, we need God's light to reflect His love effectively. Without God, our community might still do good things, but it won't reflect His character. [40:39]
4. Confidence in God's Character: Our confidence in God's character and His Word allows us to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled with reasons for anxiety. Jesus assures us that despite the troubles in this world, He has overcome it, and we can find peace in Him. [45:33]
5. Being Present for Others: Reflecting God's love means being present with others for their good. This presence mirrors Jesus' love and hospitality, showing that love is a commitment to be present with another for their benefit. [42:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:49] - Introduction to Reflecting God's Love
[31:51] - Genesis 1:26-28: Created in God's Image
[32:37] - Ruling in God's Image
[33:31] - The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
[34:54] - Community Reflecting God's Love
[36:06] - The Mirror Ball Analogy
[39:22] - Historical Failures and Brokenness
[40:39] - The Need for God's Light
[41:19] - God's Character in Exodus 34:6
[42:38] - Definition of Love by Scott McKnight
[43:21] - Confidence in God's Character
[44:05] - The Wise and Foolish Builders
[45:33] - Being a Non-Anxious Presence
[46:26] - 140 Years of Faith Community
[50:00] - Hebrews 10: Confidence in God's Promises
[52:15] - Invitation to Alpha Course
[52:55] - Hope Partnership and Reflecting God's Love
[54:13] - Prayer for Anxiety and Confidence
[55:28] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-28
2. Exodus 34:6
3. Hebrews 10:35
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities did God give to mankind when He created them in His image?
2. How does the analogy of the mirror ball help us understand our role in reflecting God's love? [40:39]
3. What characteristics of God are highlighted in Exodus 34:6, and how do they relate to our task of reflecting His love? [41:19]
4. What does Hebrews 10:35 encourage believers to do, and how does this relate to our confidence in God's character? [50:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to rule over the earth in the image of God, and how does this differ from domination? [32:37]
2. How can the concept of the Trinity as a perfect community influence the way we interact within our church community? [34:54]
3. In what ways can our confidence in God's character help us to be a non-anxious presence in today's world? [45:33]
4. How does being present with others for their good reflect Jesus' love and hospitality, as suggested by Scott McKnight? [42:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Genesis 1:26-28, how can you practice stewardship and care in your daily life rather than domination? What specific actions can you take this week to reflect God's character in your responsibilities?
2. Considering the mirror ball analogy, what are some practical ways you can ensure that God's light is shining on you so that you can reflect His love effectively? [40:39]
3. How can you contribute to creating a community that reflects the divine community of the Trinity? Think of one specific way you can foster better relationships within your church. [34:54]
4. In what areas of your life do you struggle with anxiety, and how can you apply the confidence in God's character to find peace in those areas? [45:33]
5. How can you be more present with others for their good, as Jesus was? Identify one person in your life who needs your presence and support, and plan a specific way to be there for them this week. [42:38]
6. Reflect on the historical failures of faith communities mentioned in the sermon. How can you learn from these past mistakes to better reflect God's love in your own community today? [39:22]
7. What steps can you take to build a firm foundation of faith in your life, as described in Hebrews 10:35? Consider joining a Bible study, prayer group, or another faith-building activity. [50:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting God's Image
Description: Being human means living in God's image, reflecting His love, grace, and compassion into the world. This is not about domination but about stewardship and care, mirroring the character of our Creator. Genesis 1:26-28 reminds us that we are created in God's image and given the responsibility to rule over the earth. This ruling is not about exerting power over others but about embodying God's love and care in our interactions with the world. We are called to be stewards of creation, reflecting God's character in all that we do. [31:51]
Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV): "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
Reflection: Think of one way you can reflect God's love, grace, and compassion in your daily interactions today. How can you be a better steward of the relationships and responsibilities entrusted to you?
Day 2: Community and Trinity
Description: The Trinity exemplifies perfect community and relationship. As individuals and as a church, we are called to reflect this divine community. Our collective worship and interactions are crucial in reflecting God's love. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit model a perfect relationship of love, unity, and mutual submission. We are invited to mirror this divine community in our relationships with one another, fostering a sense of togetherness and mutual support. Our church community should be a place where God's love is evident in our interactions and collective worship. [34:54]
John 17:20-23 (ESV): "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community and unity within your church? What specific actions can you take to reflect the love and unity of the Trinity in your relationships?
Day 3: The Mirror Ball Analogy
Description: Like a mirror ball that needs external light to shine, we need God's light to reflect His love effectively. Without God, our community might still do good things, but it won't reflect His character. The analogy of a mirror ball helps us understand that we do not have our own light; we reflect the light that shines upon us. Similarly, we need God's presence and guidance to truly reflect His love and character in our lives. Without His light, our efforts may be good but will lack the divine quality that comes from being in relationship with Him. [40:39]
2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV): "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite God's light to shine more brightly? How can you ensure that your actions and attitudes reflect His character more effectively?
Day 4: Confidence in God's Character
Description: Our confidence in God's character and His Word allows us to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled with reasons for anxiety. Jesus assures us that despite the troubles in this world, He has overcome it, and we can find peace in Him. This confidence is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and His promises. When we trust in His character, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. [45:33]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What are some specific anxieties or worries you are facing today? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's character and promises, allowing His peace to fill your heart?
Day 5: Being Present for Others
Description: Reflecting God's love means being present with others for their good. This presence mirrors Jesus' love and hospitality, showing that love is a commitment to be present with another for their benefit. Being present with others involves more than just physical presence; it means being emotionally and spiritually available, offering support, encouragement, and genuine care. This kind of presence reflects the love and hospitality of Jesus, who was always fully present with those He encountered, offering them His undivided attention and compassion. [42:38]
Romans 12:15-16 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs your presence and support today. How can you be more present with them, offering your time, attention, and care in a way that reflects Jesus' love and hospitality?
Quotes
1. "We are angled mirrors. We reflect to our world, our God, whom we reflect, and we return that reflection to heaven of praise and worship of this earth and all the people. The question is, who do we reflect? The question is about our God. And Ben reminded us that, Our God is a collection of, he is one person, but also three individual people, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." [33:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Trinity is the community of God. He is a collective. He is relationship. The eternal loving, the edifying and submitting relationship of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So we are individual children of God, disciples of Jesus, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. And my job as Christi is to reflect. I reflect God in the world I live in, together with the Holy Spirit, loving, bringing peace, being light, salt, sharing truth, partnering in God's work." [34:54] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The beautiful thing about this is that the beauty is in the fact that they're all touching each other. And this is why community reflects God's love together. It's not that we're just all in this. It's not that we're all in the same room. It's not just that we are known as the church. It's not just that we gather on a Sunday. It's that God reflects his character through our interactions, through our touching and being beside each other. And we see the impact that it creates." [38:23] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We could still enjoy each other's company. We'd get on. We might do some good things. But it doesn't reflect our God. It doesn't reflect our God. And this community, this community is all about our God. Our powerful God. Our all-knowing God. Our ever-present, always God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He was first, is first now, will always be first. And we are His wonderful creations. We also have His Word, His story, which gives insight to who He is and sets out the truth of who He is and how He is. He loves. And we get to reflect that love." [40:39] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Love is a commitment to be present with another for the other's good. Doesn't that reflect Jesus' love on earth? His presence with us for the good of the people around Him. Doesn't that reflect, our hospitable God, present with us and hospitable for the good of those around Him? We talked about that in our recent hospitality series. It reflects God's heart. Door of Hope, here's a question for you today. Are we confident in our God's character to work in and through our community in this fragile and uncertain world?" [42:38] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We can be confident, door of hope, in our foundation of faith. Because we are confident in our God and his character. Our confidence means that we can be a non-anxious presence in our culture. Sidebar here. There are so many real and valid reasons to be anxious today. I know. You could name a big list. For you. For others. Real wars going on in our world. Culture change. The cost of living and homelessness. Relation breakdown. All of these things are very, very valid reasons to be anxious." [44:49] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus had told us that we can put our foundation, our trust, our faith in him because his character is worthy and stands up to be a good foundation. Maybe today our reflection as a door of hope is a non-anxious presence in this fragile and uncertain world. We celebrated 140 years this week. For 140 years there has been a conflict. We have lost confidence in this faith community, in this little mirror ball in the world that God's character is sufficient, is a good foundation to build on." [45:33] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The body of Christ has been built on a foundation of Christ's life and his teachings. And you see it in so many different faith communities. In his book, Water from a Deep Well, Jared Sitzer moves through how our faith communities have reflected God's love in really, really diverse ways. In the early Christian community, they welcomed all new believers and created a place of belonging, reflection. Reflecting God's love. The desert fathers and mothers in the centuries after that showed what the struggle of faith could mean in reflecting God's love." [47:19] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Our confidence, door of hope, has been, and I hope it is now, in the character of our God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Individuals and the collective trinity. Our confidence is in the truth of his word. We can be confident. It is a firm foundation. And we have had wise stewards of that confidence over 140 years, building the house on that rock. And our confidence can be in that he calls us to partner with him in bringing his love to the world." [50:48] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We are image bearers of a beautiful God, Door of Hope. And I love being in this mirror ball with you. With you online, you get to be the mirror ball as well. Angled mirrors, individually reflecting God to those around us, reflecting worship back to Him. And mirror balls together, creating something in our community that we couldn't create by ourselves. Because God longs for us to be in community." [54:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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