Reflecting on Renewal: Embracing Discipleship and Evangelism

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness

God's past miracles within the community inspire faith and service, reminding us that the church is a catalyst for His work. Reflecting on the stories of those called to ministry encourages believers to see the church as more than a structure, but as a dynamic force for God's mission in the world. [48:12]

Hebrews 10:32-34 - "Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you witnessed or experienced God's miraculous work in your life or community? How did it shape your faith?

Day 2: Embracing Spiritual Metaphors

Life's challenges, like assembling furniture, can symbolize our spiritual journey's complexity, reminding us of the church's constant renewal and growth. These metaphors encourage believers to embrace change and seek continuous spiritual development. [32:23]

1 Peter 2:4-5 - "As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What recent life event has challenged you, and how can you interpret it as a metaphor for your spiritual growth?

Day 3: The Transformative Power of Hospitality

The story of Zacchaeus teaches the importance of seeking Jesus and the life-changing impact of hospitality and fellowship. Inviting others into our lives can lead to profound spiritual growth and a stronger faith community. [58:41]

Luke 14:12-14 - "Then Jesus said to his host, 'When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'"
Reflection: Who can you extend hospitality to this week as a means of fostering spiritual growth for both them and yourself?

Day 4: Committing to Discipleship Improvement

Acknowledging and committing to improve in discipleship is essential for spiritual maturity. This commitment extends beyond church services into every aspect of life, equipping believers for ministry. [46:50]

Ephesians 4:11-13 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel you could improve your discipleship? What practical steps can you take to grow in this area?

Day 5: Embracing the Church as a Spiritual Hospital

The church serves as a refuge for the sick and lost, focusing on love and discipleship rather than judgment. Welcoming all people into the church community is a testament to God's unconditional love. [01:04:03]

James 2:15-17 - "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a more welcoming and healing environment for those who are seeking refuge?

Sermon Summary

During a sermon at FBC Brunswick, the pastor, whose name is not provided in the title, shared a message of reflection, renewal, and discipleship as the congregation approached the end of the year. The pastor began by urging the congregation to remember the wonders and miracles God has performed, citing examples of church members who have gone on to serve in ministries and plant churches. The pastor stressed the importance of refocusing both individually and as a church, learning from past successes and failures to reach more people.

The pastor shared personal experiences, including attending a funeral and a wedding, and the challenges of assembling furniture, which he related to the disjointed nature of his message. He spoke of the church's evolution over his 12-year tenure, acknowledging the mix of loss and new growth within the congregation. The pastor emphasized the idea of starting anew with a clean slate and expressed gratitude for the blessings received.

Highlighting the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, the pastor encouraged the congregation to make spiritual resolutions and to practice hospitality by inviting others into their homes for fellowship and spiritual growth. The importance of assimilation and spreading God's word was underscored, with the pastor admitting his own shortcomings in discipleship and committing to improvement.

The pastor addressed feedback about his use of humor in sermons, promising to take God's word more seriously while acknowledging humor as part of his personality. He clarified the church's purpose as a spiritual hospital for the sick and lost, not just a social club. The pastor also shared his desire to see more people spiritually born in the church and his recent experience leading individuals to Christ.

The pastor challenged the congregation to prioritize evangelism, sharing the story of a youth group member known for openly talking about Jesus. He encouraged the congregation to attend evangelism training and to be bold in sharing their faith. The pastor also called for a worshipful approach to life and prayed for the children of the church, emphasizing the ministry of reconciliation and the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ.

Reflecting on his roles as a pastor, husband, and father, the pastor admitted to not fulfilling these roles to the best of his ability and expressed a desire for change. He discussed the church's goals, including community service and establishing new ministries, and encouraged the congregation to reflect on their involvement.

The pastor emphasized the importance of welcoming all people into the church, regardless of their sins, and the need for discipleship. He compared accepting Jesus to winning the universal lottery and encouraged the congregation to share the good news of God's love. The pastor confessed his own struggles with procrastination and forgetfulness, emphasizing the importance of giving God our first fruits.

In conclusion, the pastor urged the congregation to be present in the community, to stop "playing church," and to be committed to reaching people for God's kingdom. He envisioned a church so full that people would need to be sent to the balcony and prayed for God's provision. The pastor highlighted various accomplishments and areas for improvement within the church community and announced his intention to sing a song of gratitude with the congregation. Lastly, the pastor reflected on his personal challenges, including being diagnosed with ADD, and how medication has helped him become more focused and efficient.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 — "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

2. Luke 19:1-10
"He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.' So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, 'He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.' And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.' And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"

3. Psalm 105:5
"Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."

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Observation Questions

What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about those who are in Christ? How does this relate to the idea of starting anew with a clean slate? ([33:02])
In the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), what actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to him? ([58:04])
According to Psalm 105:5, what are we encouraged to remember? How does this tie into the pastor's message about reflecting on God's past miracles? ([47:29])
What did the pastor confess about his own shortcomings and how did he plan to address them? ([38:34])

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of being a "new creation" in 2 Corinthians 5:17 challenge us to live differently? What does it mean to no longer live for ourselves but for Christ? ([29:58])
Why is hospitality and inviting others into our homes significant in the story of Zacchaeus? How can this practice impact our spiritual growth and community? ([58:41])
The pastor mentioned the church as a "spiritual hospital" rather than a social club. How does this perspective change the way we view and interact with newcomers and those struggling with sin? ([51:34])
Reflecting on Psalm 105:5, why is it important to remember God's past works and miracles? How can this practice influence our faith and actions today? ([47:29])

Application Questions

The pastor admitted to not fulfilling his roles to the best of his ability and expressed a desire for change. What areas in your life do you feel need improvement, and how can you start making those changes? ([38:34])
Zacchaeus made a significant change in his life after encountering Jesus. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to seek Jesus more earnestly? How can you take practical steps to do so? ([58:04])
The pastor emphasized the importance of hospitality and inviting others into our homes. Who is someone you can invite over for fellowship this week, and how can this act of hospitality foster spiritual growth? ([58:41])
The pastor challenged the congregation to prioritize evangelism. What is one specific way you can be bold in sharing your faith this week? ([01:08:22])
Reflecting on the idea of the church as a spiritual hospital, how can you contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for those who are struggling? ([51:34])
The pastor spoke about the importance of remembering God's past miracles. Can you recall a specific instance where you witnessed God's work in your life or the life of someone else? How does this memory inspire you today? ([47:29])
The pastor mentioned his struggle with procrastination and forgetfulness. Is there a specific habit or behavior you need to address to give God your first fruits? How can you start making that change this week? ([01:02:49])

Sermon Clips

"We need to embrace this idea when it comes to our spiritual life and our dedication to following Christ and serving Christ and sharing Christ with other people." [58:04] (Download)

"Can I tell you that one thing I think we need to do more of is invite people to our houses if we want to grow deeper in relationships platonically, spiritually." [59:25] (Download)

"We are a hospital for people who are sick, who are dead, who are dying, who are lost in their trespasses and sin, and so we want messy people to come into our church because we're messy people who are just a little bit more cleaned up than they are." [52:22] (Download)

"Our sole purpose on the planet is to know God and enjoy him forever, and our Command from God is to tell other people. God didn't call me to save people because I can't; he called me to tell them the good news of God's love for them and more importantly to show it to them." [55:16] (Download)

"We need to refocus. What is our vision, what is our mission? To connect people with God, to connect people with one another. I long to have deeper friendships and relationship with other people." [55:59] (Download)

"Let's get serious about our relationship with God and our relationship with each other. Let's stop playing church and let's be the church." [01:11:32] (Download)

"God is come to seek and to save the Lost; he didn't come to find religious people. I just want you to love and serve the people that I've created and tell them about me and bring them to me." [01:07:37] (Download)

"Healthy churches plant churches and if this church is going to be healthy then one of the things we have to do is start thinking about how do we spread God's word through our community not by just trying to get people to come here but by sending people from here out to start new work." [44:51] (Download)

"One of our jobs is to equip the Saints to do the job of the ministry and this the equipping of the Saints to do the job of the ministry isn't just Sunday morning where you come here and listen to what I have to say it's the daily process of going out and preaching the gospel to every living creature." [47:29] (Download)

"If we're doing Christianity right, many of the people who come in this door and that door and that door are going to be the wrong kind of people... they are going to be sinners. Guess what, you're a sinner too." [01:04:03] (Download)

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