Transforming Culture Through Undeniable Faith and Action
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to discuss the importance of living out our faith in a culture that often seems opposed to Christian values. We began by acknowledging the current political climate and the need for prayer for our leaders, regardless of our personal opinions. We also prayed for our mission team heading to Langley, Kentucky, and reflected on our ongoing series, "Undeniable Faith," focusing on 1 Thessalonians.
We explored the concept of loving our neighbors, even when it's difficult, as Jesus commanded in Mark 12:30-31. This led us to consider how we can engage with a culture that often contradicts our beliefs. We discussed two common but flawed approaches: hiding from the world and accepting worldly trends. Instead, we are called to transform the culture without being transformed by it.
Paul's letter to the Thessalonians offers practical advice for how to do this. First, focus on what we know for sure, such as the certainty of Jesus' return. Second, live as children of the day, letting our light shine in a dark world. Third, stay awake and alert, avoiding spiritual complacency. Fourth, stay sober, avoiding the pitfalls of substance abuse and other distractions. Finally, be prepared by putting on the armor of faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
To truly transform the culture, we must make three crucial choices: be changed by Jesus, be relational, and choose to live differently. These choices will enable us to engage the world effectively and glorify God in all that we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. Focus on Certainties: In a world full of uncertainties and conflicting ideologies, it's crucial to focus on the certainties of our faith. Jesus Christ is coming again, and we should live in preparation for that moment. Avoid getting caught up in arguments about things that are not clearly defined in Scripture. Instead, focus on the core truths of the Gospel: Jesus died, was buried, resurrected, and will return. [43:08]
2. Live as Children of the Day: We are called to be a light in a dark world. This means living in such a way that others can see the light of Christ in us. Whether it's through community service, like our upcoming serve day at Cornerstone Elementary, or simply being a positive influence in our workplaces and neighborhoods, our actions should point others to Jesus. [46:57]
3. Stay Spiritually Awake: Just as Eutychus fell asleep during Paul's sermon and faced dire consequences, we too can fall into spiritual slumber. Staying spiritually awake means being vigilant in our faith, not allowing the distractions of life to pull us away from our relationship with God. This vigilance is crucial for engaging effectively with the culture around us. [50:57]
4. Stay Sober: Substance abuse and other forms of escapism can dull our spiritual senses and make us ineffective witnesses for Christ. Staying sober allows us to remain alert and focused on our mission to transform the culture. It also sets a positive example for others, showing that we live by a different set of values. [52:21]
5. Be Prepared: God has given us spiritual armor to protect us from the influences of the world. By putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation, we can stand firm against cultural pressures. This preparation enables us to engage the world without being conformed to it, ultimately glorifying God in all that we do. [53:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:49] - Community Announcements
[27:13] - Prayer for Leaders and Nation
[28:18] - Introduction to Sermon
[29:24] - The Challenge of Loving Our Neighbors
[31:49] - Engaging a Contradictory Culture
[33:13] - Two Common but Flawed Approaches
[35:43] - The Call to Transform Culture
[40:31] - Practical Steps from 1 Thessalonians
[43:08] - Focus on Certainties
[44:27] - Live as Children of the Day
[46:57] - Stay Spiritually Awake
[50:57] - Stay Sober
[52:21] - Be Prepared
[55:10] - Three Crucial Choices
[59:08] - Conclusion and Invitation
[01:00:25] - Membership Welcome
[01:05:44] - Prayer for Mission Trip
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8: "Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying there is peace and security, then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."
2. Mark 12:30-31: "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these."
3. Matthew 5:14-16: "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key instructions Paul gives to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 about living as children of the day?
2. According to Mark 12:30-31, what are the two greatest commandments that Jesus emphasizes?
3. How does Jesus describe the role of believers in Matthew 5:14-16, and what is the purpose of letting our light shine?
4. In the sermon, what are the two common but flawed approaches to engaging with culture that were discussed? ([33:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of staying awake and sober in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7? How does this relate to our spiritual vigilance?
2. How can loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31) be challenging in today's cultural climate? ([30:43])
3. What does it mean to be a light in the world according to Matthew 5:14-16, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives?
4. How does the sermon suggest we balance engaging with culture without being conformed by it? ([35:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there areas where you find it difficult to stay spiritually awake and alert? What steps can you take to improve your spiritual vigilance? ([50:57])
2. Think of a specific neighbor or coworker who is difficult to love. What practical actions can you take this week to show them love as Jesus commanded in Mark 12:30-31? ([30:43])
3. Identify one way you can let your light shine in your community this week, whether through service, kindness, or sharing your faith. How can you ensure that your actions point others to Jesus? ([46:57])
4. Are there any cultural trends or behaviors you have been tempted to accept that contradict your faith? How can you stand firm in your beliefs while still engaging with those around you? ([36:47])
5. What are some practical ways you can prepare yourself spiritually to engage with the culture without being conformed by it? Consider the spiritual armor mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:8. ([52:21])
6. How can you be more relational in your approach to sharing the gospel? Think of one person you can reach out to this week to build a meaningful connection. ([56:29])
7. Reflect on your current lifestyle: Are there areas where you need to choose to live differently to better reflect your faith? What specific changes can you make this week to align more closely with biblical principles? ([57:46])
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
#### Day 1: Focus on Certainties
Theme: Anchor your life in the certainties of faith.
Description: In a world filled with uncertainties and conflicting ideologies, it is crucial to anchor our lives in the certainties of our faith. One of the most significant certainties is the return of Jesus Christ. This truth should shape how we live our daily lives, encouraging us to prepare for that moment with anticipation and hope. Rather than getting caught up in debates over less clear aspects of Scripture, we should focus on the core truths of the Gospel: Jesus died, was buried, resurrected, and will return. This focus helps us maintain a clear perspective and purpose in our spiritual journey. [43:08]
Bible Passage: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)
Reflection: What are the core truths of the Gospel that you can focus on today to anchor your faith amidst life's uncertainties?
#### Day 2: Live as Children of the Day
Theme: Shine the light of Christ in your daily actions.
Description: We are called to be a light in a dark world, living in such a way that others can see the light of Christ in us. This means our actions, whether through community service, like participating in a serve day at a local school, or simply being a positive influence in our workplaces and neighborhoods, should point others to Jesus. By living as children of the day, we reflect the love and truth of Christ, making a tangible impact on those around us. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to the hope we have in Jesus. [46:57]
Bible Passage: "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." (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you let your light shine in a specific situation today, pointing others to Jesus through your actions?
#### Day 3: Stay Spiritually Awake
Theme: Remain vigilant in your faith.
Description: Just as Eutychus fell asleep during Paul's sermon and faced dire consequences, we too can fall into spiritual slumber if we are not careful. Staying spiritually awake means being vigilant in our faith, not allowing the distractions of life to pull us away from our relationship with God. This vigilance is crucial for engaging effectively with the culture around us. By staying spiritually alert, we can discern the times and respond appropriately, ensuring that our faith remains vibrant and active. [50:57]
Bible Passage: "But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, ESV)
Reflection: What are some distractions in your life that may be causing you to fall into spiritual slumber? How can you address them today to stay spiritually awake?
#### Day 4: Stay Sober
Theme: Maintain spiritual clarity by avoiding escapism.
Description: Substance abuse and other forms of escapism can dull our spiritual senses and make us ineffective witnesses for Christ. Staying sober allows us to remain alert and focused on our mission to transform the culture. It also sets a positive example for others, showing that we live by a different set of values. By maintaining spiritual clarity, we can better discern God's will and respond to His leading in our lives, making a meaningful impact on those around us. [52:21]
Bible Passage: "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: Are there any forms of escapism in your life that are dulling your spiritual senses? How can you take steps today to maintain spiritual clarity and focus?
#### Day 5: Be Prepared
Theme: Equip yourself with spiritual armor.
Description: God has given us spiritual armor to protect us from the influences of the world. By putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation, we can stand firm against cultural pressures. This preparation enables us to engage the world without being conformed to it, ultimately glorifying God in all that we do. Being prepared means actively seeking to grow in our faith, love, and hope, ensuring that we are equipped to face the challenges of life with confidence and grace. [53:42]
Bible Passage: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively put on the spiritual armor of faith, love, and hope today to stand firm against cultural pressures?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But at the end of the day, loving people is the very thing that we are called by God to actually do, even when it's hard. And it might be hard to do in Uno. It might be hard to do in Nine Square. But I think if we're honest with ourselves, sometimes just the concept of showing love to our neighbor is just hard to do in life in general." [30:43] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The simple answer is we are called as the church, we the church, are to transform the culture and not allow the culture to transform us. It is not allowed to transform us in the way we think and the things that we do. That's how it should be approached." [33:13] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said in Matthew 5, 14 and 15, 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. We put a light on a stand to what? To give light. To give light to the house, to be seen." [46:57] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are a reflection of the true light that is Jesus Christ, and it cannot be hidden. Be real about who you are, and let the light be seen in our community. You know, you heard in the announcements, we talked about a serve day with Cornerstone Elementary. Why would we go down on a Sunday afternoon and serve a school in our community? To let the church's light be seen." [46:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are called by God to transform the world around us, but that all starts with us choosing to be transformed by Jesus Christ. Jesus, the one who died. The one who was buried and the one who was resurrected. Resurrected to give us eternal life. All of us. His church. That's why he came. To give us that gift." [59:08] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "How do we love a neighbor who oftentimes seems to be unlovable? How do you love a neighbor who constantly gives you dirty looks when you look across the fence at them, or they throw things into your yard, or they just totally avoid you at all costs, or they mow their yard three times a week and you feel obligated to keep up with them? How do you love people like that? That's hard." [31:49] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How are we expected, and this is a fair question people have asked us, how am I expected to stand for life when you're living in a culture that says abortion is legal? Deal with it. How do we proclaim the name of Jesus boldly when the culture says all religions lead to the same place and all through the same God, because essentially they say all the gods are actually the same?" [31:49] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we never watch anything secular, like the news, for example, how are we going to know how to pray for our world? You know, one study shows that 94% of all believers will convert by the time they are 18 years old, and the bulk of those that convert will do so by the time they're actually 14." [34:32] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you have surrendered to God and your life doesn't reflect any of the changes that should be seen by a Christian, or if the changes haven't made any kind of impact, you have to start questioning, what do I have to do to change? What steps do I need to take in order to get on track and live the way God is asking me to live?" [55:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you don't desire to live different, you will fight the way the world fights. You will engage in meaningless arguments and never be fully prepared with the truth that is Jesus Christ that is what you need to transform lives. That is what's needed. It's not our hard stances. It's not pushy attitudes." [59:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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