Transformative Power of Worship in Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the significance of worship and its transformative power in our lives and community. Drawing from Ephesians 2:19-22, we explored how worship builds intimacy with God and each other, fosters unity, and declares Jesus as our King. We began by acknowledging our shared identity as members of God's household, no longer strangers or foreigners. This sense of belonging is crucial, especially in a world that often emphasizes division and individualism.
We delved into the life of George Shane, whose journey from Scotland to Canada in the 1800s exemplifies the courage and faith required to spread the gospel. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made to establish our church and the importance of welcoming the foreigner and the alien among us. This historical context enriched our understanding of the scripture, emphasizing that we are all part of a larger narrative of faith and mission.
Personal anecdotes highlighted the challenges of feeling like an outsider, whether due to cultural differences or other barriers. These experiences resonate with the biblical theme of no longer being strangers but fellow citizens with God's people. Worship, therefore, is not just a personal act but a communal one that draws us closer to each other and to God.
We also discussed the role of worship in building unity. Despite our differences—be it cultural, economic, or social—worship unites us in a common purpose and identity. It is a powerful act that the enemy despises because it brings us together as one body in Christ. Worship is an intentional effort, not just a feeling, and it requires us to engage with God and each other deeply.
Finally, we affirmed that worship places Jesus at the center, acknowledging Him as our King. This declaration is vital for our church's identity and mission. As we continue to worship together, we are reminded that this is the house of the Lord, built on the foundation of Christ, and we are called to live out this truth in our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worship Builds Intimacy: Worship fosters a deep connection with God and with each other. It moves beyond mere acquaintance to a profound understanding and love that mirrors the relationship within the Trinity. This intimacy is essential for a thriving spiritual community. [38:31]
2. Worship Fosters Unity: Despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, worship unites us as one body in Christ. It is a powerful act that transcends individual differences and brings us together in a shared purpose and identity. The enemy hates this unity because it strengthens the church. [46:31]
3. Worship Declares Jesus as King: In worship, we acknowledge Jesus as our King and place Him at the center of our lives and community. This declaration is crucial for maintaining the focus and direction of our church, reminding us that we are here to serve His kingdom. [54:03]
4. Historical Context Enriches Worship: Reflecting on the sacrifices and journeys of those who came before us, like George Shane, deepens our appreciation for our faith and mission. Their stories remind us of the courage and dedication required to spread the gospel and build a welcoming community. [30:48]
5. Worship is a Communal Act: Worship is not just a personal experience but a communal one that draws us closer to each other and to God. It challenges the individualistic mindset prevalent in society and calls us to engage deeply with our spiritual family. [42:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:37] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22
[30:48] - The Journey of George Shane
[32:50] - Feeling Like an Outsider
[34:52] - Personal Experiences of Alienation
[36:34] - Discovering Unity in Worship
[38:31] - Intimacy Through Worship
[40:43] - Lessons from a Jewish Community
[42:33] - Challenging Individualism in the Church
[44:27] - The Blurry Line Between Family and Friends
[46:31] - Worship Builds Unity
[48:20] - The Collision Course of Church Life
[50:13] - The Power of Worship
[51:41] - Struggling Together in Worship
[54:03] - Worship Declares Jesus as King
[56:44] - Recap and Prayer
[58:04] - Acknowledging God's Role in Our Unity
[59:32] - Open Arms for All
[01:00:18] - A Call for Mission
[01:01:07] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[01:03:47] - Closing Blessing and Doxology
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV): "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:19-22, what are believers no longer considered to be? What new identity do they have?
2. How does the sermon describe the journey and sacrifices of George Shane? What was his mission when he came to Canada? [30:48]
3. What personal experiences did the pastor share about feeling like an outsider? How did these experiences relate to the theme of being no longer strangers? [34:52]
4. What does the pastor say about the role of worship in building intimacy and unity within the church? [38:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household" as described in Ephesians 2:19? How does this new identity impact our daily lives and interactions within the church?
2. Reflecting on George Shane's story, what can we learn about the importance of welcoming and supporting newcomers in our community? [30:48]
3. How does the pastor's experience of feeling like an outsider highlight the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming church environment? [34:52]
4. In what ways does worship help to foster unity among diverse members of the church? Why is this unity significant for the church's mission and identity? [46:31]
#### Application Questions
1. How can you personally contribute to building intimacy within your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to get to know others more deeply? [38:31]
2. Think about a time when you felt like an outsider. How did you overcome that feeling, and how can you use that experience to help others feel more included in your church? [34:52]
3. Worship is described as a communal act that challenges individualism. How can you shift your mindset from individualism to a more community-focused approach in your worship and daily life? [42:33]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in worship. What practical steps can you take to promote unity within your church, especially among members with different backgrounds and experiences? [46:31]
5. Reflect on the declaration that "worship places Jesus at the center." How can you ensure that Jesus remains the focal point of your worship and daily activities? [54:03]
6. How can the historical context of your church's founding, like the story of George Shane, inspire you to engage more deeply with your church's mission and outreach efforts? [30:48]
7. Identify one person in your church who might feel like an outsider. What specific actions can you take this week to make them feel more welcomed and included? [34:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Worship Cultivates Deep Connection
Worship fosters a deep connection with God and with each other. It moves beyond mere acquaintance to a profound understanding and love that mirrors the relationship within the Trinity. This intimacy is essential for a thriving spiritual community. Worship is not just about singing songs or reciting prayers; it is about engaging with God on a personal level and allowing that relationship to transform our interactions with others. When we worship together, we are reminded of our shared identity as members of God's household, which strengthens our bonds and deepens our love for one another. [38:31]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt a deep connection with God during worship. How did that experience impact your relationship with others in your spiritual community?
Day 2: Worship Unites Diverse Backgrounds
Despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, worship unites us as one body in Christ. It is a powerful act that transcends individual differences and brings us together in a shared purpose and identity. The enemy hates this unity because it strengthens the church. Worship is an intentional effort, not just a feeling, and it requires us to engage with God and each other deeply. When we come together in worship, we declare that our differences do not divide us but rather enrich our collective experience of God's love and grace. [46:31]
Colossians 3:11 (ESV): "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt united with others in worship despite your differences. How can you actively promote unity in your church community today?
Day 3: Worship Proclaims Jesus as King
In worship, we acknowledge Jesus as our King and place Him at the center of our lives and community. This declaration is crucial for maintaining the focus and direction of our church, reminding us that we are here to serve His kingdom. Worship is a powerful act of submission and recognition of Jesus' lordship over every aspect of our lives. By placing Jesus at the center, we align our hearts and minds with His will, allowing His reign to guide our actions and decisions. [54:03]
Revelation 5:12-13 (ESV): "Saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'"
Reflection: What does it mean for you to declare Jesus as King in your daily life? How can you make this declaration more evident in your actions and decisions today?
Day 4: Historical Context Deepens Faith
Reflecting on the sacrifices and journeys of those who came before us, like George Shane, deepens our appreciation for our faith and mission. Their stories remind us of the courage and dedication required to spread the gospel and build a welcoming community. Understanding the historical context of our faith helps us to see ourselves as part of a larger narrative, one that spans generations and continents. This perspective can inspire us to live out our faith with greater commitment and to welcome others into our community with open arms. [30:48]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Think about the sacrifices made by those who came before you in your faith journey. How can their stories inspire you to live out your faith more boldly and welcome others into your community?
Day 5: Worship as a Communal Act
Worship is not just a personal experience but a communal one that draws us closer to each other and to God. It challenges the individualistic mindset prevalent in society and calls us to engage deeply with our spiritual family. In a world that often emphasizes division and individualism, worship reminds us of our shared identity and purpose as members of God's household. By worshiping together, we strengthen our bonds and create a sense of belonging that is essential for a thriving spiritual community. [42:33]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "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. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community in your church through worship? What specific actions can you take to engage more deeply with your spiritual family today?
Quotes
1. "Could you imagine this in that age coming all the way here not knowing what exactly would happen but comes here anyway to share the gospel to preach the gospel there wasn't a church for miles on end and starts a new one here and later on this church shane church would be dedicated to him." [32:50] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There is something about worship when we're drawn into the gospel. It does something. God calls us and beckons us to worship him because it does something in our lives that is much more significant than just singing and just hearing a few words by the boring pastor on a Sunday morning. It's so much more than that. There is power in worship." [38:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Worship builds intimacy with God, with one another. Worship builds unity in the Holy Spirit. And third, worship declares that he is our king." [56:44] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The truth is the enemy hates when we worship, and do you know why the enemy hates when we worship? Because it unites us. It brings us together as God. It's church and his people. The enemy delights in division. I have to warn our church this morning on this anniversary Sunday. The enemy delights in division. He does, but the Holy Spirit delights in unity, but unity is an effort. Worship is an effort. It's not a feeling." [54:03] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Imagine this. There's all kinds of people in the church, but what worship does is unite people. It is where the power of the Lord begins to do His work. It's where His purpose for our lives collide with one another. And I say collide, or that use of that word, collision, is that often church is like a huge collision course, where all sorts of lives come together and they clash with one another. Why? Because we're all different in some ways." [50:13] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Worship declares that this is the house of the Lord. Amen. Is this the house of the Lord? It's not the house of James Yang, all right? It's not the house of any of our elders' names. It's not the house even of our brother. George Shane, whom this church is founded under. This is the house of the Lord. We are acknowledging together in unison that he takes the lead. We worship and acknowledge the power of God. Not what I can do. Not what I have done. Not what we are capable of. But what God has done and will do and continue to do in us. Worship declares that Jesus is our King." [56:44] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Worship, draws us closer in company with one another. It does that. It should. It should draw us into closer intimacy with one another, to know each other even more, to know God together. It's not an individual pursuit, but it is a pursuit that we must walk together. And worship happens together as much as it does in private." [46:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we look at verse 19, it says, so then you are no longer strangers and aliens, it says. It says, consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but you are fellow citizens with God's people and also members of the household. What does it mean that we worship? And what does worship do? The very first thing that it ought to do in our hearts, our lives, as the church, and as individuals, as God's people, is that it builds intimacy, not only with God, but also our neighbor." [38:31] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "There are some of us who are struggling deeply with our finances. Every day we're pinching pennies just to get by. There are some of us don't feel that at all. There are some of us who are going through pain and difficulty with our bodies, and some of us feel healthy and are extremely athletic and working out every day. God bless your soul, right? But imagine this. There's all kinds of people in the church, but what worship does is unite people." [48:20] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There is something about worship when we're drawn into the gospel. It does something. God calls us and beckons us to worship him because it does something in our lives that is much more significant than just singing and just hearing a few words by the boring pastor on a Sunday morning. It's so much more than that. There is power in worship." [38:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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