Trailblazer: Committing to the Kingdom Journey

 

Summary

Summary:

Today marks the beginning of our new series, "Trailblazer: Walking the Path of Commitment," which is also our membership class. Our mission is to guide people to find and follow Jesus, and this series will explore the foundational elements of our church's mission. We are using the metaphor of hiking and trailblazing, inspired by our proximity to the Appalachian Trail, to illustrate the spiritual journey from death to life. Our church is built on the principles of the Kingdom of God, Discipleship, and Community, with the Kingdom of God as the foundation. The Kingdom is not just a future promise but a present reality that we are called to participate in, beginning with salvation.

Salvation is the first step in entering the Kingdom of God, followed by baptism, which is a public declaration of faith. We explored the "Romans Road" to salvation, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God through Jesus Christ, not something earned by works. Baptism, while not necessary for salvation, is an important step of obedience and public commitment to Christ. We are called to discover our spiritual gifts and find our place in ministry, serving God's Kingdom through evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship.

As Kingdom ambassadors, we are tasked with bringing hope, love, and justice to a broken world. We must care for all people, recognizing their inherent dignity as creations of God. Our lives should reflect the love and kindness of God, leading others to repentance. We are encouraged to share our faith stories, as they are powerful testimonies of God's work in our lives. If you haven't accepted Christ, I urge you to take that first step today. If you have, consider how you can serve and share your story with others. Let us commit to being trailblazers for God's Kingdom, living out our faith boldly and publicly.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Kingdom of God is Here and Now: The Kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality that we are called to participate in. It begins with salvation, which is the first step in entering the Kingdom. Salvation is a gift from God through Jesus Christ, not something we can earn through our own efforts. [06:35]

2. Baptism as a Public Declaration: Baptism is an important step of obedience and a public declaration of our faith in Christ. It symbolizes our identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. While it is not necessary for salvation, it is a significant act of commitment to the body of Christ. [13:05]

3. Discovering and Using Spiritual Gifts: Every believer has been given spiritual gifts by God to serve His Kingdom. Discovering and using these gifts is essential for fulfilling our purpose as part of the church. We are called to engage in ministry, using our unique gifts to serve others and glorify God. [19:24]

4. Living as Kingdom Ambassadors: As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to bring hope, love, and justice to a broken world. This involves caring for all people, regardless of their beliefs, and treating them with dignity and respect. Our actions should reflect the love and kindness of God, leading others to repentance. [30:35]

5. Sharing Our Faith Stories: Our personal faith stories are powerful testimonies of God's work in our lives. Sharing these stories can inspire and encourage others on their spiritual journeys. We are encouraged to reflect on and share our stories as a way to connect with others and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. [37:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:09] - Introduction to Trailblazer Series
- [06:35] - The Kingdom of God and Salvation
- [09:32] - The Romans Road to Salvation
- [12:35] - Baptism: A Public Declaration
- [17:30] - Discovering Your Purpose
- [19:24] - Spiritual Gifts and Ministry
- [22:12] - Creative Ministries and Opportunities
- [27:34] - Hospitality and Welcome Teams
- [30:35] - Living as Kingdom Ambassadors
- [37:09] - Sharing Your Faith Story
- [40:12] - Closing Prayer and Commitments

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Trailblazer: Walking the Path of Commitment

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
2. Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the "Romans Road" in understanding salvation, as discussed in the sermon? [06:35]

2. How does the pastor describe the relationship between salvation and baptism? [12:35]

3. What are some examples of spiritual gifts mentioned in the sermon, and how are they intended to be used within the church? [19:24]

4. According to the sermon, what does it mean to live as a Kingdom ambassador in today's world? [30:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of the Kingdom of God being a present reality challenge or affirm your current understanding of your faith journey? [04:09]

2. In what ways does baptism serve as a public declaration of faith, and why is this important for believers? [13:05]

3. How can discovering and using one's spiritual gifts contribute to the mission of guiding people to find and follow Jesus? [19:24]

4. What practical steps can believers take to embody the role of a Kingdom ambassador, especially in a world that may not share their beliefs? [30:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal faith story. How can sharing it with others serve as a testimony of God's work in your life? [37:09]

2. If you have not yet been baptized, what steps can you take to make this public declaration of your faith? If you have been baptized, how can you support others in taking this step? [13:05]

3. Identify one spiritual gift you believe you have. How can you use this gift to serve in a specific ministry within the church? [19:24]

4. Consider a situation in your life where you can act as a Kingdom ambassador. What actions can you take to bring hope, love, and justice to that situation? [30:35]

5. How can you make a commitment to live out your faith more boldly and publicly in your daily life? What might be holding you back from doing so? [37:50]

6. Think of someone in your life who might be open to hearing about your faith journey. How can you initiate a conversation with them this week? [37:09]

7. What is one area of your life where you feel called to grow in your commitment to Christ? What practical steps can you take to pursue this growth? [37:09]

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God is a Present Reality
The Kingdom of God is not merely a distant hope but a present reality that believers are invited to participate in. It begins with the transformative act of salvation, which is a gift from God through Jesus Christ, not something that can be earned through human effort. This understanding shifts the focus from striving to receive God's favor to living in the grace already given. As believers, recognizing the Kingdom's presence in daily life encourages a life of active faith, where one is continually aware of God's work in and through them. This perspective invites believers to live with purpose, knowing that their actions contribute to the unfolding of God's Kingdom here and now. [06:35]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the Kingdom of God today, recognizing it as a present reality in your life?


Day 2: Baptism as a Symbol of Commitment
Baptism serves as a public declaration of faith and a symbolic act of obedience, representing a believer's identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. While it is not a requirement for salvation, baptism is a significant step in a believer's spiritual journey, marking their commitment to follow Christ and be part of His body, the Church. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating a willingness to live out one's faith openly and courageously. It is an invitation to the community to witness and support the believer's journey, fostering a sense of belonging and accountability within the church family. [13:05]

"Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your life reflect the commitment you made? If not, what steps can you take to explore this act of faith?


Day 3: Discovering and Using Spiritual Gifts
Every believer is endowed with spiritual gifts, unique abilities given by God to serve His Kingdom and fulfill their purpose within the church. Discovering and utilizing these gifts is crucial for personal growth and the edification of the church community. Engaging in ministry allows believers to use their gifts to serve others, glorifying God and advancing His Kingdom. This process involves prayerful reflection, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and being open to opportunities to serve. By embracing their spiritual gifts, believers can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy in their walk with Christ. [19:24]

"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)

Reflection: What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you, and how can you use them to serve others in your community this week?


Day 4: Living as Kingdom Ambassadors
As ambassadors for Christ, believers are called to embody hope, love, and justice in a world that is often broken and hurting. This calling involves caring for all people, regardless of their beliefs, and treating them with dignity and respect. By reflecting God's love and kindness in their actions, believers can lead others to repentance and a relationship with Christ. This role as an ambassador is not limited to words but is demonstrated through actions that align with the values of the Kingdom of God. It is a daily commitment to live out one's faith in a way that impacts the world positively and draws others to the transformative power of the Gospel. [30:35]

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you act as an ambassador for Christ in your interactions with others today, bringing hope and love into their lives?


Day 5: Sharing Our Faith Stories
Personal faith stories are powerful testimonies of God's work in an individual's life, serving as a source of inspiration and encouragement for others on their spiritual journeys. Sharing these stories can create connections and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. Believers are encouraged to reflect on their experiences with God and be open to sharing them with others, whether in casual conversations or more formal settings. This practice not only strengthens one's faith but also provides an opportunity to witness to others, inviting them to explore their own relationship with God. [37:09]

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one significant way God has worked in your life, and how can you share this story with someone who might need encouragement today?

Quotes

The Kingdom of God is here and now, and we are called to participate in it. And this begins with the first step. And the first step is salvation. [00:04:09]

The first step is salvation followed by baptism, followed by salvation. Spiritual growth and engaging in the mission of the church. Our ultimate purpose, as I said, a few minutes ago is to guide people, to find and follow Jesus. [00:06:19]

We enter God's kingdom by accepting Jesus Christ, Lord and savior. There's a great method, a great pathway. If I can use that analogy or a road that helps us to understand salvation. And that's called the Romans road. [00:07:06]

The good news is that the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. You can get that perfection. You can, you can be restored to a relationship with God and that right relationship that God wants with you, not through your own works, but through your relationship with Jesus, because he gives us that gift. [00:08:13]

If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, believe in our hearts that he raised us from the dead, you will be saved. It's not some long, hard thing that we have to do. There's no works that we can do. The Bible tells us it's not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us. [00:11:27]

What baptism is, is our public declaration of our saving faith in Christ. In Matthew, chapter 28, it tells us, Jesus says, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, calling them to be saved, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. [00:13:05]

Every believer, believe it or not, has been given by God spiritual gifts to serve God's kingdom. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, it says this, now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit. There's one spirit who's given us all gifts. And there are varieties of service, but the same Lord. [00:19:24]

We need people who are greeters, people who, it's their responsibility. It's their ministry. So go up to people who are visiting or people who haven't been here for a while, or even people who come here every week and say, hey, how's it going? Nice to see you. How are you doing? [00:27:48]

We are supposed to care about people who are being mistreated in society even if we don't agree with them on any level whatsoever because every person who's ever been alive on this planet or anyone who's alive now or will be alive has been created in the image and likeness of God and is worthy of dignity and respect. [00:31:10]

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ God making his appeal through us we implore you on behalf of God be reconciled to God these people that we don't agree with spiritually emotionally intellectually politically are still loved and cared for by God and we are required we are asked by God to appeal to them to show them the love of God. [00:34:40]

A great way to get used to doing that is by having a story to tell what's the story we tell well it's our faith story how did you come to christ what convinced you to follow christ what's your faith story well one way you can work that out is you can tell that story so a bit of homework for you if you're serious about being a member of the crossings community church is to go to our website and fill out this little form. [00:37:09]

If you haven't accepted christ that's the first step the journey of a thousand miles it's with the first step believe on the lord jesus christ and you'll be saved if you're saved and haven't been baptized again please be baptized the waters of baptism don't wash your sin away but they help you to publicly identify as part of the body of christ. [00:41:38]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?