Transforming Lives Through an Outward-Facing Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the heart and mission of North Point Community Church, emphasizing our commitment to being an outward-facing church that welcomes everyone, regardless of their background or current beliefs. We believe that following Jesus makes life better and makes us better at life, not because it makes us superior, but because it transforms us into better versions of ourselves. Our mission is to inspire people to follow Jesus, even if they aren't convinced of everything we believe, because we know that His teachings can lead to a more fulfilling life.
We discussed the importance of being a church that is not just for insiders—those who seem to have it all together—but for everyone, including those with questions, doubts, and messy lives. Our goal is to create an environment where people feel heard and respected, where they can explore faith without feeling judged. This requires us to resist the natural gravitational pull of churches to focus inwardly and instead remain focused on reaching out to those who are far from God.
We also addressed some common criticisms, such as the notion that a large church must be doing something wrong or that we lack depth. True depth, we argued, is not about complex teachings but about deep application—living out the teachings of Jesus in a way that requires trust and reliance on God. This kind of sacrificial love and service is the deepest expression of faith.
Our church's influence extends globally through the Irresistible Church Network, which has inspired churches worldwide to adopt our model of being outward-facing and culturally relevant. This global impact is a testament to the power of our mission and the dedication of our community.
Finally, we considered three critical questions that guide our mission: What do people see, hear, and experience when they encounter us? These questions help ensure that we remain a welcoming, engaging, and impactful community that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Following Jesus Transforms Lives: Embracing the teachings of Jesus makes us better at life, not because it makes us superior, but because it transforms us into better versions of ourselves. This transformation is not about having all the answers but about living a life of love and service. [01:31]
- Outward-Facing Mission: Our church is committed to being outward-facing, welcoming everyone, including those with doubts and messy lives. This requires resisting the natural pull to focus inwardly and instead focusing on reaching those far from God. [03:09]
- True Depth in Faith: True depth in faith is not about complex teachings but about deep application—living out the teachings of Jesus in a way that requires trust and reliance on God. Sacrificial love and service are the deepest expressions of faith. [13:26]
- Global Influence: Our church's influence extends globally through the Irresistible Church Network, inspiring churches worldwide to adopt our model of being outward-facing and culturally relevant. This global impact is a testament to the power of our mission. [20:24]
- Mission-Critical Questions: We must continually ask ourselves what people see, hear, and experience when they encounter us. These questions help ensure that we remain a welcoming, engaging, and impactful community that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. [29:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Homecoming Series
[00:38] - Why We Do What We Do
[01:19] - Following Jesus Makes Life Better
[02:00] - Our Mission: Inspire People to Follow Jesus
[03:09] - Creating an Outward-Facing Church
[04:26] - Challenges of Being Outward-Facing
[07:18] - Resisting the Pull Toward Insiders
[11:08] - Addressing Criticisms
[13:26] - True Depth in Faith
[18:09] - Being Deep and Wide
[20:24] - Global Influence of Our Church
[25:28] - Your Impact Worldwide
[29:58] - Mission-Critical Questions
[39:05] - Ensuring a Healthy Church
[40:45] - Apostle Paul's Mission and Our Call
[44:21] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 15:19 - "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
3. John 13:34-35 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the mission of North Point Community Church as described in the sermon? How does this mission align with the teachings of Jesus? [02:00]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of being an "outward-facing" church? What are some challenges mentioned in maintaining this focus? [03:09]
3. According to the sermon, what is the difference between "deep teaching" and "deep application"? How is this concept illustrated? [11:19]
4. What global impact has North Point Community Church had through the Irresistible Church Network? How does this reflect the church's mission? [20:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Acts 15:19 relate to the church's mission of being outward-facing and welcoming to all? What obstacles might modern churches need to remove to be more inclusive?
2. In what ways does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 challenge churches to be both deep and wide in their mission? How does this apply to North Point's approach? [18:22]
3. How does the command to love one another in John 13:34-35 serve as a foundation for the church's mission and community interactions? How is this love demonstrated in practical ways? [13:26]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of being a church for those with questions and doubts. How can a church create an environment where people feel safe to explore their faith? [05:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience with church communities. Have you ever felt like an outsider? How can you contribute to making your church more welcoming to newcomers? [05:30]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial love and service. Identify one way you can practice sacrificial love in your community this week. [13:53]
3. Consider the mission-critical questions: What do people see, hear, and experience when they encounter you or your church? How can you improve these aspects in your personal interactions? [29:58]
4. How can you personally resist the gravitational pull to focus inwardly and instead reach out to those who are far from God? What specific actions can you take this week? [07:18]
5. The sermon discusses the global influence of the church. How can you support or participate in your church's global mission efforts? What steps can you take to be more involved? [20:24]
6. Reflect on the concept of "deep application" in your own life. What is one teaching of Jesus that you can apply more deeply this week? How will you do it? [12:08]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and words reflect the love and teachings of Jesus in your daily life? Identify one area where you can improve and set a goal for this week. [38:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Jesus' Teachings
Embracing the teachings of Jesus is not about superiority but about transformation. It is about becoming a better version of oneself through love and service. This transformation is not achieved by having all the answers but by living a life that reflects Jesus' teachings. The journey of following Jesus is one of continuous growth, where His teachings guide us to a more fulfilling life. This transformation is a testament to the power of His love and the impact it can have on our lives. [01:31]
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs transformation through Jesus' teachings today? How can you actively seek His guidance in this area?
Day 2: Embracing an Outward-Facing Mission
An outward-facing mission is about welcoming everyone, regardless of their doubts or life circumstances. It requires resisting the natural tendency to focus inwardly and instead reaching out to those who are far from God. This mission is about creating an environment where people feel heard and respected, allowing them to explore faith without judgment. By focusing on those who may feel distant from God, we embody the love and acceptance that Jesus taught. [03:09]
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life might feel far from God? How can you extend a welcoming hand to them this week?
Day 3: Depth Through Application
True depth in faith is not measured by complex teachings but by the application of Jesus' teachings in our lives. It is about living out these teachings in a way that requires trust and reliance on God. Sacrificial love and service are the deepest expressions of faith, demonstrating a commitment to living as Jesus did. This depth is about embodying the principles of love, service, and trust in everyday actions, reflecting the core of Jesus' message. [13:26]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you apply Jesus' teachings more deeply in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to live out your faith more fully?
Day 4: Global Influence Through Community
The global influence of a church is a testament to the power of its mission and the dedication of its community. By inspiring churches worldwide to adopt an outward-facing and culturally relevant model, the church extends its impact beyond local boundaries. This influence is a reflection of the commitment to spreading the teachings of Jesus and creating a welcoming environment for all. The global reach of the church highlights the universal appeal and transformative power of its mission. [20:24]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the global mission of spreading Jesus' teachings? What role can you play in extending the church's influence beyond your local community?
Day 5: Mission-Critical Questions for Reflection
Asking mission-critical questions helps ensure that the church remains a welcoming, engaging, and impactful community. These questions focus on what people see, hear, and experience when they encounter the church. By continually reflecting on these aspects, the church can align its actions with the love and teachings of Jesus. This reflection is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant community that truly embodies the mission of inspiring people to follow Jesus. [29:58]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What do people see, hear, and experience when they encounter you as a representative of your faith? How can you ensure that your actions reflect the love and teachings of Jesus?
Quotes
We have a saying around here if you haven't heard it before. Basically we say that following Jesus has made our lives better and made us better at life. And that doesn't mean that we're better than anybody else. It just means that we feel like we are better off than we were before we started following Jesus. Because it's made our lives better. Not necessarily easier, but better. And it's definitely made us better at life. Following Jesus has made me a much better husband, a way better father than I would be otherwise. It makes us better employers and better employees, better citizens, better neighbors, that we just believe following Jesus has made our lives better and makes us better at life. [00:28:55]
A church that is outward facing, a church that has unchurched people in mind, A church that understands that people don't always want answers. Sometimes they just want to be heard, that people have answers that can't, they're questions that can't be answered, that everybody is a mess at some point in their life. And we want to be an outward facing church because we believe Jesus was an outward facing person and people who were nothing like him liked him. And we wanna be the kind of church that where people who are nothing necessarily like us or don't even normally like people like us, would have to find themselves kind of liking us and respecting us because we took on the tone and the posture and the approach of our savior. [00:32:05]
We wanted to create a church for the people who had questions and who have doubts and who would say, Hey, you know what, this isn't a criticism of myself, but my life's a bit of a mess. Is it okay for messy people, people with loose ends, people with strange families, you know, difficult family backgrounds. Don't even ask me about how my, how blended my family is. It's more blended than you wanna know. We wanted to create an outward facing church for people, all kinds of people to come and really discover what it means to follow Jesus with all their questions and with all their doubts without feeling judged and without feeling pressure to have their life all together. [00:55:15]
There is only deep application. This is what you find in the gospels. This is what you find the apostle Paul talking about. There's only deep application doing and applying. That's why we talk about it all the time here. Doing and applying is what makes the difference. Doing and applying is what makes the difference is why Jesus said, anyone who hears these words of mind and writes them in a notebook, no. Anyone who hears these words of mind and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his life on a rock, a foundation that would not shift regardless of the storms. Doing is what makes the difference. [00:12:31]
The deepest thing on planet earth is love. The deepest expression of the deepest thing on planet earth is an expression of love. And sacrificial love is as deep as you will ever, ever, ever go. It's simple. It's not confusing, but it's not difficult. So there is no such thing as deep teaching. But there are deep Christians and you've met these people and they amaze you. Many of you are these people and you are amazing. It's the thing I love most about our church. When I hear stories of people doing extraordinary things, making extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of other people with their generosity, with their time, with their patience, with their love. [00:13:22]
We want our church to be deep and we want our church to be wide. We want it to be, when I say deep, we wanna be theologically grounded. We want to be grounded and anchored to the resurrection of Jesus. The anchor of our faith is not the whole Bible. The anchor of our faith is an event, something that happened in history that causes us to believe that Jesus is who Jesus claims to be and that we can take his teaching seriously. And then from Jesus, we have the Apostle Paul who applies it. We have the Old Testament. That's the story leading up to it. So we want to be anchored to Jesus, the teaching of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus. [00:18:11]
We wanna be as wide as the whole world. We wanna be this wide. We it's, it's the Christmas story. We wanna be as wide as what the angel said when they announced to the shepherds that God is doing something in the world right now. It is good news of great joy for all the church people. No, it is good news of great joy for all people. It's why Jesus sent his disciples into all the world, every generation, every culture, every person, every mess, every mess up, every single kind of sin imaginable. This is good news of great joy for all people. [00:19:36]
Currently there are about 90. There are actually exactly 97 churches that are part of this network in the us. But the big news is this, that over the last few years we have launched networks in different parts of the world and they are growing like crazy. And it's because of what you've done. So currently we have a church network in the United Kingdom, Latin America, Australia. And we just launched a new network in South Africa. And what happens is these churches and these networks, they run your game plan, they follow our model. They, in fact, they call their environments the same things we do. Wambaland and transit and up street. They preach our sermons, they just contextualize it for their particular culture. [00:20:44]
We try to remove every unnecessary obstacle in terms of how we live our lives and what we do corporately and how we do church and how we talk about Jesus and how we present the gospel. Because again, what the angel said is true, it's good news of great joy for all people. That everybody means everybody. Everybody is invited, everybody is welcome and everybody can be included in the kingdom that Jesus came to establish on planet earth. So in the few minutes I have remaining, what I wanna do is I want to give you three questions to consider. [00:28:30]
What do people see when they see us in at home and hear, what do people hear when they hear us talk and when they are in our building? And what do they experience when they experience us? I want to tease each of these out for just a couple of minutes and then I'll let you go. What do people see? This is so practical. Do our facilities, this is the big deal. Do our facilities look like we're expecting guests and their children? This is not a trick question. When is your house the cleanest when you're expecting children? No guests, right? Your husband, your wife. No, no. Your guest. Right? [00:29:58]
These questions are mission critical to what God has called us to do as a local church. We determine the answers to these questions and the answers to these questions may determine whether or not somebody comes back to church. Not just this church, any church. Because in a church this size, every Sunday there is somebody that's gonna give it one more shot. Every church this size, every Sunday there's somebody bringing somebody and they are praying like crazy that I'm on my game, that the music's good and it's not too long and it's not too loud, but it's just right. They're praying like crazy that their friends' children love those environments. [00:39:38]
If you love this church, it's because the group that came before you we're committed to answering those three questions correctly. If we're gonna be the church that the next generation continues to love and benefit from, then this generation, us, those of us in the room, those of you who watch, we've gotta be equally as committed. So let's continue to be the by all possible means, church. And if you are not a Christian, now you know what we're up to and we don't want a thing from you, but we certainly want something for you. [00:44:21]
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