Transformative Love: Marriages, Community, and God's Mission
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the transformative power of God in our lives, particularly through the lens of marriage and community. We began by reflecting on the recent Marriage Enrichment Weekend, which was a profound blessing for many couples. The theme, "Mission Possible," encouraged us to view our marriages as instruments in God's hands to draw others closer to Jesus. This event was a testament to the power of giving and community support, as it was made possible through the faithful contributions of our church family. We rejoiced in the testimonies of couples who decided to fight for their marriages, highlighting the life-changing impact of God's work among us.
I also addressed the recent political climate, particularly the distressing rhetoric towards women during the election cycle. As a church leader, I apologized to the women in our congregation for the disrespect they may have endured. I emphasized our commitment to ensuring that our church remains a place of respect and dignity for all. While I refrain from political endorsements, I stressed the importance of praying for our leaders, regardless of our personal views, as instructed by the Bible.
Our focus then shifted to the parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15, which illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost. We are called to be like the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. This parable challenges us to adjust our perception of God, seeing Him as merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love. Our mission as a church is to prioritize reaching the lost, reflecting the heart of Jesus, who came to seek and save those who are lost.
As we move forward, we are committed to being a light in the darkness, actively engaging in the mission of bringing others to Christ. We are reminded that our role is to encourage others to hear God's word, allowing the Holy Spirit to draw them to salvation. This is not just about filling our church but about populating heaven. We are called to be proactive in our outreach, inviting friends and neighbors to experience the joy of the gospel and the community of the church.
Key Takeaways:
- Marriage as a Mission: Our marriages can be powerful tools in God's hands to draw others closer to Jesus. By viewing our relationships as part of God's mission, we can experience transformation and become testimonies of His grace. This perspective encourages us to fight for our marriages and seek God's purpose in them. [20:36]
- Respect and Dignity in the Church: As a church, we must ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity, especially in light of the recent political climate. We are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. [22:49]
- God's Relentless Pursuit: The parable of the lost sheep reminds us of God's relentless pursuit of the lost. We are called to join in this mission, prioritizing reaching those who are far from God and celebrating their return to Him. [41:18]
- Prayer and Outreach: Our responsibility is to pray for our leaders and actively engage in outreach to the lost. By praying for the harvest and being willing to be part of the answer, we can see lives transformed by the power of the gospel. [56:20]
- Being a Light in Darkness: We are called to be a light in a dark world, guiding others to Christ through our actions and words. By being genuine friends and sharing the gospel, we can lead others to experience the joy and community of the church. [01:14:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:36] - Apology and Respect
[22:49] - Prayer for Leaders
[26:17] - Call to Prayer
[31:10] - Giving and Community Support
[35:37] - Missions and Outreach
[38:12] - Worship and Praise
[41:18] - Parable of the Lost Sheep
[42:49] - Vision for 2025
[44:18] - Perception of God
[45:14] - God's Merciful Nature
[47:23] - Making Jesus Rejoice
[48:24] - Remembering Jesus' Mission
[50:00] - Publicans and Sinners
[51:59] - Receiving Sinners
[53:02] - Seeking Shepherd
[54:33] - Priority of Reaching the Lost
[56:20] - Lifeguard Analogy
[58:41] - Proactive Care
[59:37] - Reflecting on Jesus' Mission
[01:00:14] - Rejoicing in Salvation
[01:01:02] - Lost and Found
[01:03:11] - The Enemy's Intentions
[01:04:56] - Praying for the Harvest
[01:07:40] - Being Part of the Answer
[01:09:31] - Jesus Rejoices
[01:10:25] - Making Jesus Rejoice
[01:11:15] - Joy in Heaven
[01:12:21] - Invitation to Church
[01:13:14] - Being a Light
[01:14:46] - Friendship and Evangelism
[01:15:31] - Invitation Strategy
[01:16:56] - Power of God's Word
[01:17:46] - Encouraging Others
[01:18:28] - Jesus' Fulfillment
[01:19:17] - Loving Kindness
[01:20:24] - Culture Shift
[01:21:56] - Invitation to Church
[01:23:20] - Creativity in Outreach
[01:24:40] - Genuine Invitation
[01:25:39] - Packing Heaven
[01:26:19] - Purpose of Remaining
[01:27:05] - Chasing the Lost
[01:28:21] - Divine Purpose
[01:29:11] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:30:14] - Celebrating the Found
[01:31:51] - Simple Plan of Salvation
[01:33:32] - Next Steps in Faith
[01:34:25] - Closing and Praise
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 15:1-7
- Psalm 103:8
- Luke 19:10
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Observation Questions:
1. In the parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15, what actions does the shepherd take when he realizes one sheep is missing? How does he respond upon finding it? [41:18]
2. According to Psalm 103:8, how is God described in terms of His character and attitude towards us?
3. What does Luke 19:10 reveal about the purpose of Jesus' mission on earth?
4. During the sermon, what was the pastor's response to the political climate and its impact on women in the congregation? [22:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable of the lost sheep challenge common perceptions of God's character, and what does it suggest about His priorities? [44:18]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that marriages can serve as a mission to draw others closer to Jesus? [20:36]
3. How does the pastor's apology to women in the congregation reflect the church's commitment to respect and dignity? [22:49]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that the church's mission is not just about filling the church but populating heaven? [01:25:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own perception of God. How does the description in Psalm 103:8 align or differ from your view, and how might this affect your relationship with Him?
2. Consider your marriage or close relationships. How can you view them as part of God's mission, and what steps can you take to strengthen them in this context? [20:36]
3. In light of the pastor's apology, how can you contribute to creating a respectful and dignified environment in your church community? [22:49]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of praying for leaders. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine, regardless of your political views? [26:17]
5. Think of someone in your life who might be "lost" in terms of faith. What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to them and share the love of Christ? [01:14:46]
6. How can you be a light in your community, actively engaging in outreach and inviting others to experience the joy of the gospel? [01:14:46]
7. Reflect on the idea of being proactive in your faith, like a lifeguard on duty. What specific actions can you take to prevent spiritual danger and support those in distress? [56:20]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Marriage as a Divine Mission
Our marriages are not just personal relationships but are powerful tools in God's hands to draw others closer to Jesus. By viewing our relationships as part of God's mission, we can experience transformation and become testimonies of His grace. This perspective encourages us to fight for our marriages and seek God's purpose in them. When we see our marriages as a mission, we are reminded that they are not just about personal happiness but about reflecting God's love and grace to the world. This understanding can lead to a deeper commitment to nurturing and protecting our marriages, knowing that they have a greater purpose in God's plan. [20:36]
Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."
Reflection: How can you intentionally use your marriage to reflect God's love and grace to those around you today?
Day 2: Creating a Culture of Respect and Dignity
In light of the recent political climate, it is crucial for the church to be a place where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. This commitment reflects the love and grace of Jesus, ensuring that the church remains a safe and respectful environment for all. By fostering a culture of respect, we can counteract the negative rhetoric and attitudes that may be prevalent in society. This involves actively listening to and valuing each person, regardless of their background or experiences, and creating an inclusive community that mirrors the heart of Christ. [22:49]
James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to ensure that your interactions with others reflect the respect and dignity that Jesus exemplifies?
Day 3: Joining in God's Relentless Pursuit
The parable of the lost sheep reminds us of God's relentless pursuit of the lost. We are called to join in this mission, prioritizing reaching those who are far from God and celebrating their return to Him. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and actively seeking those who may feel disconnected or distant from God. By embodying the heart of the shepherd, we can demonstrate God's love and compassion, showing others that they are valued and cherished by their Creator. [41:18]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: Who in your life might be feeling lost or disconnected from God, and how can you reach out to them with love and compassion today?
Day 4: The Power of Prayer and Outreach
Our responsibility is to pray for our leaders and actively engage in outreach to the lost. By praying for the harvest and being willing to be part of the answer, we can see lives transformed by the power of the gospel. This involves not only praying for those in positions of authority but also for those who have yet to experience the love of Christ. Through intentional outreach, we can be vessels of God's grace, inviting others to experience the transformative power of His love. [56:20]
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer for leaders and outreach to those who are lost into your daily routine this week?
Day 5: Being a Light in the Darkness
We are called to be a light in a dark world, guiding others to Christ through our actions and words. By being genuine friends and sharing the gospel, we can lead others to experience the joy and community of the church. This involves living out our faith authentically, allowing others to see the hope and joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus. As we shine our light, we can illuminate the path for others, inviting them to join us in the journey of faith. [01:14:46]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What specific ways can you let your light shine in your community this week, and who can you invite to experience the joy of the gospel with you?
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Quotes
We have a responsibility to uphold and pray for our leaders. Regardless of if we agree or disagree, it's our responsibility. To pray. And so that's what we're going to do this morning. Before we get into our offering, we're going to pray. We're going to pray. We're going to pray because this is what the Bible instructs us to do. Amen? [00:25:48] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We pray, O God, we pray, O God, that righteousness would be exalted in this nation. We pray, O God, that sin would come down, that we would bring down every work of the enemy, and that righteousness would be exalted. O God, for you said in your word that when wickedness is in authority, the people groan, but when the righteous are in authority, O God, the people will rejoice. [00:30:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If I were to sum up 2025 in two words, the two words would simply be soul saved. Let me say that. Let me try that one more time because this side, a few of y'all got it. I want to see if this side can get it. I said if we were to look at 2025 and really sum it up in two words, the two words really would be soul. Soul saved. [00:43:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The emphasis of this parable, my brothers and sisters, is really not the lost sheep. It's the seeking shepherd. The title of this parable really should be changed from the lost sheep to the seeking shepherd. Because the essence of the gospel is a shepherd seeking lost sheep. Therefore, reaching lost people should be the top priority in kingdom living. [00:54:24] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
In the same way, like a lifeguard who is always on duty, he is watching over us. He is seeking to save those who are in danger. And he's offering to rescue even before we become, we fully recognize that we are in need ourselves. If you want to be active in chasing the lost and celebrating the found, you got to first remember why Jesus came. [00:59:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When we think of God, we should think of a seeking shepherd. And his reaction when a lost person is found or saved. In Jesus' parable, that we just read Luke chapter 15. When the shepherd, Lord I feel your presence. When the shepherd finds the lost sheep. Eh, he picks it up. He lays it on his shoulders. And the Bible says, go to verse 5. Verse 5. He picks it up, he lays it on his shoulder, and the Bible says, rejoicing. [01:00:04] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When we faithfully pray to the Lord of the harvest and seek to win the lost, Jesus rejoices. Now, he might rejoice in some of those other times, but I don't know because that ain't in the Bible. But I do know what is in the word of God is when I fervently and faithfully pray for lost souls and I go out and I'm actively chasing the lost, he rejoices. [01:11:01] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I want to be part of chasing the lost and celebrating the found. I love a good party. I said, I love a good party. And we have to be excited when people that were lost are now found. I said, we got to be excited when people that were lost are now found. I almost called this message the lost and found church. [01:27:19] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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