Transformative Influence: Faith, Community, and Action
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the theme of influence, both in how we are influenced and how we influence others. This is part of our ongoing series, "Influencers," where we reflect on the impact of our actions and faith in our daily lives. We began by acknowledging the importance of the liturgical season, a time to celebrate God's work in the everyday moments of our lives. This is where God often does the most transformative work on us. We were reminded of our mission to make disciples and grow in our own discipleship, emphasizing the importance of living out our faith in tangible ways.
The story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman was a focal point, illustrating the power of faith and persistence. Despite Jesus initially being focused on his mission to the Israelites, the woman's unwavering faith and humility moved him to heal her daughter. This narrative challenges us to consider how we respond to those who seek our help and how our faith can inspire others. It also highlights the importance of being open to God's work in unexpected ways and through unexpected people.
We also engaged in communal prayer, lifting up our joys and concerns, and reflecting on how our faith aligns with God's mission. This was a time to recognize the influence we have in the world and to offer ourselves and our gifts to God. The act of communion served as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity we share as the body of Christ, encouraging us to go forth and influence the world with love and grace.
As we concluded, we were invited to participate in upcoming events and opportunities for spiritual growth, such as the Alpha course and Messy Church. These gatherings provide spaces for rich spiritual discussions and community building, reinforcing our commitment to being a transformative presence in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Everyday Influence: Our everyday actions and interactions are where God often does the most transformative work. We are called to be mindful of how we influence others and how we are influenced, ensuring that our lives reflect God's love and grace. [05:07]
- Faith and Persistence: The story of the Syrophoenician woman teaches us about the power of faith and persistence. Her unwavering belief in Jesus' ability to heal her daughter, despite initial rejection, challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith and open to God's work in unexpected ways. [12:19]
- Communal Prayer and Reflection: Lifting up our joys and concerns in prayer is a powerful way to align our lives with God's mission. It reminds us of the influence we have in the world and the importance of offering ourselves and our gifts to God for His purposes. [39:48]
- Unity in Communion: The act of communion is a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity we share as the body of Christ. It encourages us to go forth and influence the world with love, grace, and a spirit of reconciliation. [47:24]
- Opportunities for Spiritual Growth: Engaging in community events like the Alpha course and Messy Church provides opportunities for spiritual growth and rich discussions. These gatherings reinforce our commitment to being a transformative presence in the world and building each other up in faith. [53:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:07] - Celebrating God in the Everyday
- [06:47] - Worship Series: Influencers
- [09:28] - Children's Story Introduction
- [10:32] - The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith
- [12:19] - Jesus' Response and Healing
- [13:55] - Lessons from the Story
- [14:36] - Inspired by Faith
- [18:24] - Hymn: I Surrender All
- [39:48] - Communal Prayer and Concerns
- [41:47] - Offering and Thanksgiving
- [45:39] - Prayer of Salvation History
- [46:19] - Communion Invitation
- [48:25] - The Lord's Prayer
- [53:43] - Announcements and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Influencers"
Bible Reading:
- Mark 7:24-30 (The story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman)
- Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (The Lord's Supper)
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of the Syrophoenician woman, how does Jesus initially respond to her request, and what changes his mind? ([11:36])
2. What are some examples from the sermon of how everyday actions can be influential in our faith journey? ([05:07])
3. How does the act of communion serve as a reminder of our unity in Christ according to the sermon? ([47:24])
4. What opportunities for spiritual growth were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they contribute to our mission of making disciples? ([53:43])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the persistence of the Syrophoenician woman teach us about faith and humility in seeking Jesus' help? How might this apply to our own prayer life? ([12:19])
2. How does the sermon suggest that communal prayer aligns our lives with God's mission? What might this look like in a practical sense? ([39:48])
3. In what ways does the sermon challenge us to be open to God's work through unexpected people or situations? How can this openness influence our daily interactions? ([13:55])
4. How does participating in community events like the Alpha course and Messy Church reinforce our commitment to being a transformative presence in the world? ([53:43])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where your everyday actions influenced someone else. How did it reflect God's love and grace? What might you do differently next time? ([05:07])
2. Think of a time when you faced rejection or a challenge in your faith journey. How can the story of the Syrophoenician woman inspire you to remain persistent and faithful? ([12:19])
3. How can you incorporate communal prayer into your daily routine to better align your life with God's mission? What specific steps will you take this week? ([39:48])
4. Consider someone in your life who might be an unexpected source of God's work. How can you be more open to their influence and what steps can you take to engage with them? ([13:55])
5. Identify one upcoming community event or spiritual growth opportunity you can participate in. How will this help you grow in your faith and influence others positively? ([53:43])
6. Reflect on the unity we share in Christ through communion. How can this understanding shape your interactions with others in your community? ([47:24])
7. What specific action can you take this week to live out the Great Commission in your daily life? How can you make disciples in your current context? ([53:43])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Everyday Influence
In our daily lives, we often underestimate the impact of our actions and interactions. Yet, it is in these everyday moments that God often does His most transformative work. We are called to be mindful of how we influence others and how we are influenced, ensuring that our lives reflect God's love and grace. This means being intentional about our words, actions, and attitudes, recognizing that they can either draw people closer to God or push them away. As we navigate our daily routines, we should strive to be vessels of God's love, allowing His grace to flow through us to those around us. [05:07]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you may not have reflected God's love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to be a positive influence?
Day 2: Faith and Persistence in the Face of Rejection
The story of the Syrophoenician woman is a powerful testament to the strength of faith and persistence. Despite facing initial rejection from Jesus, her unwavering belief in His ability to heal her daughter led to a miraculous outcome. This narrative challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we encounter obstacles or feel overlooked. It encourages us to trust in God's timing and to be open to His work in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. By holding onto our faith and being persistent in our prayers and actions, we can experience God's transformative power in our lives. [12:19]
"And he said to her, 'For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.'" (Mark 7:29, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel rejected or overlooked? How can you persist in faith and seek God's guidance in this area?
Day 3: Aligning Our Lives with God's Mission Through Prayer
Communal prayer is a powerful way to align our lives with God's mission. By lifting up our joys and concerns, we recognize the influence we have in the world and the importance of offering ourselves and our gifts to God for His purposes. Prayer is not just about asking for what we need but also about listening to God's voice and aligning our hearts with His will. As we engage in prayer, we are reminded of our role in God's mission and the impact we can have when we live in accordance with His purposes. [39:48]
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to align more closely with God's mission? How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek His guidance?
Day 4: Unity and Reconciliation Through Communion
The act of communion is a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity we share as the body of Christ. It encourages us to go forth and influence the world with love, grace, and a spirit of reconciliation. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the bond we share with fellow believers and the call to live in harmony with one another. This unity is not just for our benefit but is meant to be a witness to the world of God's love and grace. By embracing this unity, we can be agents of reconciliation and peace in a divided world. [47:24]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation? How can you take a step towards unity and peace with them today?
Day 5: Opportunities for Spiritual Growth and Community Building
Engaging in community events like the Alpha course and Messy Church provides opportunities for spiritual growth and rich discussions. These gatherings reinforce our commitment to being a transformative presence in the world and building each other up in faith. By participating in these events, we can deepen our understanding of God's word, strengthen our relationships with fellow believers, and be equipped to share God's love with others. These opportunities for growth are not just for our benefit but are meant to empower us to be a light in the world, reflecting God's love and grace to those around us. [53:43]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can engage more deeply with your faith community this week? How can you encourage others to join you in this journey of spiritual growth?
Quotes
We welcome those who are joining us online. Our worship bulletin is on our website. If you go to cunaumc .org and then hit Sunday Services, you can get our worship bulletin. And if this is your first time joining us, we especially welcome you here. As we celebrate what God has done, what God is up to, what God continues doing, and most importantly, as we live out our mission to make disciples, to grow in our own discipleship and to make disciples of God. [00:05:32] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It's just the scraps on the floor. And then Jesus is suddenly inspired and impressed by this person who came to him, who just, her faith was so strong, she knew that Jesus could heal her daughter. And he says, you're right. And you can go home, and your daughter is cured. [00:12:19] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I get so inspired when I spend time with people who show their faith. It fills me with energy and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm. And it kind of sounds like Jesus kind of got pretty enthusiastic and energized too. [00:14:44] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Lord, we lift up these prayers to you. Our concerns, our joys. Lord, give us glimpses into the way that you are influencing this world. [00:42:39] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so now having heard the word proclaimed we respond in thanksgiving and we begin with our offering our offering boxes up here if you brought in a gift for the church this morning you can also use the qr code if you'd like to use a credit card or use my favorite method which is that automatic withdrawal on your bank account because then you don't have to remember anything like what month it is and it is also a time of reflecting that there is much that we offer to god our time our attention our giftedness who we are and that we offer god our influence to use for god's good purposes as forgiven and reconciled people let us offer ourselves and our gifts to god amen [00:42:56] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
You bestowed upon every living thing life and breath, impact and influence. No matter how many battles we wage, within ourselves, with others, and against you, your promise and your influence of peace and abundance continue. [00:46:19] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Holy are you and blessed is your son Jesus to those who felt powerless, who were imprisoned. He said your trust in God has set you free. You are a child of God. Go and make disciples. [00:46:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
After supper he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to the disciples and said, drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. [00:47:24] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Make them be for us the body, and the soul, and the body and blood of Christ, that we may be the body of Christ for the world. [00:47:56] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
in your bulletin eternal God we give thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your spirit to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord amen and so now we are at our sending being sent transformed to influence the world and we begin with announcements um if you are interested in alpha either as a participant or core team member please sign up we have had three different people from the community like not part of the church contact us and expressed interest in this way of discussing having rich spiritual discussions because the truth is there's really no place to have that and so we need a core team of people from this congregation to be part of that so we have a little sign up please sign up for that if you're interested we're going to be meeting Sunday afternoon starting January 12th next Sunday as we continue our worship series on influencers we're going to be looking at building others up at ministry and we're going to be receiving a new member Kathy's eegers is going to be a new member and we're going to be looking at building others up at ministry and we're going to be reaffirming her baptism and becoming a member of this church today is messy church and we have got a wall of boxes back there which we're going to build up here for messy church and they're going to come a tumbling down so we start at 4 30. it's a great event for kids and adults so we have a few flyers left if you want to go take those out to friends and family we start at 4 30. if you are visiting and would like to give us your info you can use this QR code or there's a card in the back are there any other announcements [00:54:32] (130 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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