Standing Firm in Our Core Beliefs as the Church
Summary
In our ongoing series, "We Are the Church," we delve into the essence of what it means to be the church, emphasizing that it is not a building but the people of God. Today, we focus on the core beliefs that define us as a church community. In a world that is rapidly changing, we are called to stand firm in our core beliefs, which are expressed through our teachings and practices. Our beliefs are not hidden; they are accessible to all, and they are rooted in the fundamental Christian doctrine that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. The Bible is our ultimate authority, guiding our teachings and practices.
We identify as a Christian church, part of the global body of believers who worship Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We are also Protestant, aligning with the tradition that emphasizes the authority of Scripture over church traditions. As an evangelical church, we are committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and inviting personal responses to this message. Lastly, we are a Baptist or Bible church, practicing believers' baptism and maintaining independence from denominational hierarchies.
In the face of cultural shifts, we must remain steadfast in our core beliefs. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, instructs the church to be the pillar and foundation of truth, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the teachings of the Bible. Despite societal changes, the church is called to uphold the truth of God's Word and resist the temptation to conform to the world's changing values.
Our practices, such as communion and baptism, reinforce our core beliefs. Communion, in particular, is a profound expression of our faith, reminding us of Jesus' incarnation, sacrificial death, and promised return. As we partake in this sacred meal, we proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ and reaffirm our commitment to the core beliefs that have sustained our church for over 60 years.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is not a building but the people of God, called to stand firm in core beliefs despite a rapidly changing culture. Our identity is rooted in the global Christian community, emphasizing salvation through Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture. [01:20]
- As a Protestant church, we align with the tradition that prioritizes the Bible over church traditions, emphasizing the importance of personal faith and the sharing of the gospel. This commitment to Scripture guides our teachings and practices. [06:30]
- The church is the pillar and foundation of truth, tasked with upholding God's revealed truth in a world that often rejects objective reality. Our core beliefs must remain unwavering, grounded in the teachings of the Bible. [16:54]
- Communion is a vital practice that reinforces our core beliefs, reminding us of Jesus' incarnation, sacrificial death, and promised return. It is a proclamation of faith and a call to remain steadfast in our beliefs. [26:24]
- In a culture that often prioritizes personal truth over objective reality, the church must stand firm in its core beliefs, emphasizing that God's Word is the ultimate authority. Our practices and teachings must reflect this commitment to truth. [23:03]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:20] - Exploring Our Beliefs
[03:07] - Core Beliefs of Our Church
[04:24] - Christian and Protestant Identity
[06:30] - Evangelical and Baptist Distinctions
[08:06] - Historical Continuity and Change
[09:40] - Responding to Cultural Shifts
[12:27] - The Great Decline in Religion
[13:50] - Standing Firm in Core Beliefs
[16:05] - The Church as Pillar and Foundation
[16:54] - The Mystery of Godliness
[19:37] - Persevering in Faith
[21:08] - The Role of Pastors and Teachers
[23:03] - Truth in a Changing Culture
[24:55] - Communion as a Core Practice
[26:24] - Proclaiming Faith Through Communion
[30:11] - Invitation to the Lord's Table
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Timothy 3:14-16
#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are the four words used to describe the identity of the church, and how do they define the church's beliefs? [06:30]
2. What does the Apostle Paul instruct Timothy regarding the role of the church in 1 Timothy 3:15? How is the church described in this passage?
3. How does the practice of communion reinforce the church's core beliefs, as mentioned in the sermon? [26:24]
4. What societal changes were highlighted in the sermon, and how have they impacted the church's response to maintaining its core beliefs? [12:27]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of the church as the "pillar and foundation of truth" in 1 Timothy 3:15 relate to the church's responsibility in a changing culture? [16:05]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's core beliefs should remain unchanged despite cultural shifts? [13:50]
3. How does the practice of communion serve as a proclamation of faith, and what are the key elements of faith it emphasizes according to the sermon? [26:24]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between personal truth and objective truth, and how should the church navigate this tension? [23:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that the church is not a building but the people of God. How does this perspective change the way you view your role in the church community? [01:20]
2. In what ways can you personally stand firm in your core beliefs while engaging with a rapidly changing culture? Are there specific challenges you face in doing so? [13:50]
3. How can you actively participate in the church's mission to be the "pillar and foundation of truth" in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to uphold this responsibility? [16:05]
4. Communion is described as a vital practice that reinforces core beliefs. How does participating in communion impact your personal faith journey, and how can you prepare your heart for this practice? [26:24]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of aligning with God's Word over personal truth. How can you ensure that your beliefs and actions are grounded in Scripture rather than personal feelings? [23:03]
6. Consider the societal changes mentioned in the sermon. How can you engage with these changes in a way that reflects your faith and upholds the church's core beliefs? [12:27]
7. How can you encourage others in your church community to remain steadfast in their faith and core beliefs, especially in times of cultural pressure or change? [19:37]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as God's People, Not a Building
The church is not defined by its physical structure but by the people who embody the faith and teachings of Jesus Christ. In a world that is constantly evolving, the church is called to remain steadfast in its core beliefs, which are rooted in the global Christian community. These beliefs emphasize salvation through Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture. As members of this community, individuals are encouraged to live out their faith in a way that reflects these foundational truths. The church's identity is not confined to a location but is expressed through the lives and actions of its people. [01:20]
"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embody the essence of the church in your daily interactions and relationships today?
Day 2: Scripture Over Tradition
As a Protestant church, the emphasis is placed on the authority of the Bible over church traditions. This commitment to Scripture guides the teachings and practices of the church, ensuring that they remain aligned with the core beliefs of the Christian faith. The church encourages personal faith and the sharing of the gospel, inviting individuals to engage with the Bible as the ultimate source of truth. In doing so, the church seeks to foster a community that is grounded in the teachings of Scripture, rather than the shifting sands of human tradition. [06:30]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one tradition or practice in your life that you can evaluate in light of Scripture today?
Day 3: Upholding Truth in a Changing World
The church is described as the pillar and foundation of truth, tasked with upholding God's revealed truth in a world that often rejects objective reality. Despite societal changes, the church is called to remain unwavering in its core beliefs, which are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. This steadfastness is essential in a culture that frequently prioritizes personal truth over objective reality. By adhering to the truth of God's Word, the church can provide a stable foundation for its members, offering guidance and support in navigating the complexities of modern life. [16:54]
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you stand firm in God's truth today, even when it contradicts societal norms?
Day 4: Communion as a Proclamation of Faith
Communion is a vital practice within the church that reinforces its core beliefs. It serves as a profound expression of faith, reminding believers of Jesus' incarnation, sacrificial death, and promised return. As individuals partake in this sacred meal, they proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ and reaffirm their commitment to the core beliefs that have sustained the church for generations. Communion is not merely a ritual but a call to remain steadfast in one's beliefs, even in the face of cultural shifts and challenges. [26:24]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: How does participating in communion deepen your understanding and commitment to your faith today?
Day 5: God's Word as the Ultimate Authority
In a culture that often prioritizes personal truth over objective reality, the church must stand firm in its core beliefs, emphasizing that God's Word is the ultimate authority. The teachings and practices of the church should reflect this commitment to truth, providing a clear and unwavering foundation for its members. By upholding the authority of Scripture, the church can offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life, ensuring that their faith remains grounded in the unchanging truth of God's Word. [23:03]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to realign your actions with the authority of God's Word today?
Quotes
1) "Even in a rapidly changing culture, we are called to stand firm in our core beliefs, expressed in our teachings and practices as a church. I'm going to talk about three important words, beliefs, teachings and practices, and how it all relates to standing firm in a rapidly changing culture. So let me start with a basic question. What are the core beliefs of our church? Well, we don't hide them. They are available in our literature rack for anyone who comes to our church. They're available right on our website. And if you print them out from our website, it's about three pages, double sided." [02:30] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "At living faith, we believe that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. And the word of God is our authority and the sole basis for the teaching and preaching in our church. And that's the core essence of our faith, the core beliefs. Now, if you say, but where do you fit? Where does this church fit within the larger scope of Christianity and in the world? I could use four words to describe where our church fits, and each word gets a little bit narrower in terms of where we fit within the larger scope of the christian world." [03:47] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "In a rapidly changing culture, should we remain steady in our core beliefs or change with the times? Think about the year 1962. It was a great year for Mets fans, but also for our church. That's all I'll say. 1962. Our church in this community was founded. Cedar Bridge chapel started as a home church under pastor Archie. Eventually it became the Laurelton Park Baptist Church under the long 40 plus year tenure of pastor Fisher, the Laurelton Park Baptist Church. And that ministry continues even this day. Under our current calling as living Faith Bible Church, there's that same continuity. Our name has essentially changed three times, but our core beliefs have not." [09:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The Bible makes that very clear when we turn to a book of the Bible called one Timothy. As you turn there in your bibles to one Timothy, I want to focus on chapter three. First Timothy is a book written by the apostle Paul to a young pastor by the name of Timothy to instruct him of how to manage and govern a church as a pastor. And as we dive into chapter three, we're going to see today that as a church, although we have changed our styles of ministry over the last 60 plus years, we're called in that book and in all passages of scripture to stand firm in our core beliefs, in our teachings." [14:00] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The church was designed to be the pillar and ground of truth. It has to represent God's revealed truth and hold unwavering to God's word, because the church is built upon God's revealed word and designed to walk in that word. The church is the pillar and ground of truth. And I believe that it is the pillar and ground of truth. Today, in a culture that is largely abandoning the notion of objective truth, resulting in what we would call truth decay." [22:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Modern man seeks to be true to himself rather than conform thoughts, feelings, and actions to objective reality. Man's inner life becomes the source of truth. Authenticity to inner feelings, rather than adherence to transcendent truths becomes the norm. The modern self, then, is not accountable to theologians who preach on how to conform oneself to God, but to the therapists who counsel how to be true to oneself. Do you see that in our culture, where we've lost this sense of objective truth with a capital t, and we've replaced it with an inner notion of my truth? I define reality by my truth. It's all around us." [23:03] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "In our church, we celebrate two ordinances. We call them ordinances because they are two ways in which God and Jesus Christ has ordained for us to practice our faith, to reinforce our faith. One of those ordinances is baptism. And as I said, we're starting a baptism class. And if anyone is interested in expressing their faith in Jesus and believers baptism, we invite you to inquire about that. But the second fundamental practice or ordinance that we celebrate once a month in this church is called communion or the Lord's supper. And what is involved in that, and how does that reinforce our core beliefs?" [24:55] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "When we celebrate the Lord's supper or communion, we are allowing ourselves to proclaim. Paul uses the word proclaim our faith. And what's our faith in? Our faith is in Jesus Christ as expressed in these three great truths of Jesus Christ. We proclaim his incarnation because it says in the scripture, on the night he was betrayed, we proclaim that there was this real person, Jesus, who entered history, who lived on a certain day, who acted on a certain night, who ate with his disciples and drank with them and taught with them and lived with them. We proclaim there's a real savior who came among us." [26:24] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
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