Understanding God: Worship, Repentance, and Global Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the hard work and dedication of our worship team, choir ministry, and all those who contribute to our services, especially those involved in our 8 o'clock service. As we transition back to our regular worship center, we anticipate God's incredible work among us. We also highlighted various church activities, including a women's Bible study, a student trip, and an upcoming baptism service.
Our guest, Vladimir from the Czech Republic, shared his mission work, reminding us of the global nature of the gospel. We prayed for the 43 churches in the Czech Republic and their efforts to reach the lost, including refugees from Ukraine.
We concluded our "Packing List" series, focusing on what to take into the next chapter of our church and what to leave behind. Today, we discussed the final item we should not pack: ignorance of God. Using Acts 17, we examined Paul's encounter with the Athenians, who were deeply religious but ignorant of the true God. Paul’s message to them, and to us, is foundational: God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all. He is not confined to temples or idols and does not need anything from us. Instead, He gives us life and breath and desires a relationship with us.
Paul's description of God in Acts 17 is a masterclass in theology, covering the doctrines of God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, and union with Christ. He emphasized that God commands all people to repent and believe, as judgment is coming through Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead. This message is crucial for us today, as we often make God into something He is not, believing lies about His nature and our relationship with Him.
We must understand who God is and why we worship Him. He is the Creator and Sustainer who loves us despite our faults and provides salvation through Jesus. This understanding should drive us to live in obedience and share this truth with others. As we move forward, let us not miss the true nature of God and the importance of repentance and belief.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Community and Service: Our church thrives because of the dedication of many individuals, from the worship team to the unsung heroes like greeters and AV technicians. Their commitment reflects the body of Christ working together, emphasizing that church is not just about the staff but about everyone playing their part. [22:05]
2. Global Perspective of the Gospel: Vladimir's mission work in the Czech Republic reminds us that the gospel is global. We must not be short-sighted, thinking the gospel is only for our local context. Praying for and supporting global missions helps us fulfill the Great Commission, taking the name of the Lord to the nations. [29:38]
3. Understanding True Worship: Paul’s encounter with the Athenians in Acts 17 highlights the difference between being religious and truly knowing God. We can be religious, doing all the right activities, but miss the essence of worship, which is about repentance and obedience, not just rituals. [51:54]
4. God’s Nature and Our Response: God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all. He does not need anything from us but gives us life and breath. Understanding His nature should lead us to worship Him in spirit and truth, acknowledging our dependence on Him and living in obedience. [52:45]
5. The Call to Repentance: God commands all people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ, as judgment is coming. This call to repentance is not about religious activities but about a genuine turning away from sin and living in obedience to God’s Word. This is the foundation of our faith and relationship with God. [01:27:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:05] - Appreciation for Service Teams
[22:58] - Work Day Announcement
[23:30] - Upcoming Events
[24:12] - Baptism Service
[24:31] - Introduction of Vladimir
[29:38] - Prayer for Global Missions
[51:15] - Packing List Series Conclusion
[51:54] - Ignorance of God
[52:45] - Paul's Encounter in Athens
[53:32] - Context of Areopagus
[54:23] - Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers
[56:00] - Paul's Message to the Athenians
[57:42] - Modern Parallels
[59:48] - Paul's Theological Masterclass
[01:27:08] - Call to Repentance
[01:31:30] - Final Charge and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Acts 17:16-34
### Observation Questions
1. What distressed Paul when he arrived in Athens, and how did he respond to it? ([52:45])
2. Who were the two groups of philosophers Paul encountered in Athens, and what were their main beliefs? ([54:23])
3. What was the significance of the altar to the "unknown god" that Paul mentioned in his speech? ([01:00:45])
4. According to Paul, what are some key attributes of God as described in Acts 17:24-25? ([01:09:13])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul chose to address the Athenians' religious practices by referencing their altar to an "unknown god"? How does this approach help in sharing the gospel? ([01:00:45])
2. How does Paul's description of God as the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord challenge the Athenians' understanding of their gods? ([01:09:13])
3. What does Paul mean when he says that God "commands all people everywhere to repent"? How does this command relate to the nature of God as described in Acts 17? ([01:25:44])
4. How does the concept of God not being confined to temples or idols impact our understanding of worship and relationship with Him? ([01:09:13])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the various roles within the church community, such as the worship team, greeters, and AV technicians. How can you show appreciation for their service, and what role can you play in supporting the church community? ([22:05])
2. Vladimir's mission work in the Czech Republic highlights the global nature of the gospel. How can you personally support global missions, whether through prayer, financial support, or other means? ([29:38])
3. Paul emphasized the importance of knowing the true nature of God rather than just being religious. In what ways might you be practicing religion without truly knowing God? How can you deepen your understanding and relationship with Him? ([01:01:26])
4. The sermon discussed the importance of repentance and obedience over mere religious activities. What are some specific areas in your life where you need to repent and turn towards obedience to God's Word? ([01:27:08])
5. How can you ensure that your worship is genuine and not just a ritual? What steps can you take to connect your heart to God in honesty, transparency, and vulnerability? ([01:02:12])
6. Considering Paul's message about the true nature of God, how can you share this understanding with others who may have misconceptions about God? What practical steps can you take to engage in such conversations? ([01:24:40])
7. Reflect on the idea that God does not need anything from us but gives us life and breath. How does this understanding affect your daily life and your approach to serving God and others? ([01:09:13])
Devotional
Day 1: The Body of Christ in Action
The church thrives on the dedication and hard work of its members. From the worship team to the greeters and AV technicians, every role is crucial in creating a vibrant and welcoming community. This collective effort reflects the body of Christ working together, where each person plays a vital part. It’s a reminder that church is not just about the staff but about everyone contributing their gifts and talents for the glory of God. This sense of community and service is essential for the church to function effectively and fulfill its mission. [22:05]
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: Think of a way you can contribute to your church community this week. Is there a specific area where your gifts and talents can be used to serve others?
Day 2: The Global Reach of the Gospel
The gospel is not confined to our local context but is a global message of hope and salvation. Vladimir's mission work in the Czech Republic serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. The gospel transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, calling us to support and pray for global missions. By doing so, we participate in the Great Commission, taking the name of the Lord to the nations and supporting efforts to reach the lost, including refugees and those in difficult circumstances. [29:38]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you support global missions today? Consider praying for a specific missionary or mission field, or find a way to contribute financially to global mission efforts.
Day 3: True Worship Beyond Rituals
Paul’s encounter with the Athenians in Acts 17 highlights the difference between being religious and truly knowing God. The Athenians were deeply religious, yet they were ignorant of the true God. True worship goes beyond rituals and religious activities; it is about repentance, obedience, and a genuine relationship with God. This understanding challenges us to examine our own worship practices and ensure that they are rooted in a true knowledge of God and a heartfelt response to His love and grace. [51:54]
Isaiah 29:13 (ESV)
"And the Lord said: 'Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your worship practices. Are there areas where you are going through the motions without truly engaging with God? How can you deepen your worship experience to make it more genuine and heartfelt?
Day 4: Understanding God's Nature
God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all. He is not confined to temples or idols and does not need anything from us. Instead, He gives us life and breath and desires a relationship with us. Understanding His nature should lead us to worship Him in spirit and truth, acknowledging our dependence on Him and living in obedience. This foundational understanding of who God is shapes our worship and our daily lives, driving us to live in a way that honors Him. [52:45]
Acts 17:24-25 (ESV)
"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."
Reflection: How does understanding God's nature as Creator and Sustainer impact your daily life? What changes can you make to live more fully in acknowledgment of His sovereignty and provision?
Day 5: The Call to Repentance
God commands all people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ, as judgment is coming. This call to repentance is not about religious activities but about a genuine turning away from sin and living in obedience to God’s Word. It is the foundation of our faith and relationship with God. Repentance involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of our sins, a sincere desire to turn away from them, and a commitment to follow Jesus. This call is urgent and essential for our spiritual growth and salvation. [01:27:08]
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of disobedience in your life that you need to repent of today? Take time to confess it to God, seek His forgiveness, and commit to turning away from it and following His ways.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I believe sometimes we get too focused in that the gospel is just here, but this is a global gospel and we are to take the name of the Lord to the nations. And so we want to pray for the nations and we want to pray for Vladimir and what he's doing." [29:38] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have made him into something that he's not. We've believed the lie that God's okay with the little sins as long as it's not the big ones. We've believed the lie that God doesn't see sin that Scripture says is sin anymore. We believe that God's more of our buddy than our Lord." [01:07:23] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We live in a culture where people go. I don't even know what I'm supposed to be doing. God knows. We should be seeking him. You should be trying to figure out. There is no happenstance with God. There's no accident. His knowing is beyond our understanding." [01:20:25] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We can't just come in and do the religious activity that we're supposed to do and pray and tithe and attend and read and just check and check and check and check and never really encounter God through Christ in honesty, transparency, and vulnerability. We can't do that." [01:02:12] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We live in a world where science and technology almost double in every, every couple of days and what we know and what can be known. We live in a world where they're, uh, we're so smart. We don't even need authoritative truth, right?" [58:15] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our final item that we are not going to pack is an ignorance of God. And if you've got your Bible, we're going to be in Acts chapter 17. And this will all make sense when we work our way through this." [51:54] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have this quick list on the screen of things that we've talked about. We've packed unity in the body, the action of sharing the gospel, an intentional outward focus on our community and forgiveness. And we've chosen not to pack unengaged worship, a lack of faith, and shame." [51:15] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We should probably hear that charge too, because we're really good at being religious. We're not really good at being holy. We're really good at being religious, but we're not really good at being obedient. We're really good about being religious, but we're not really good about being Christ like." [01:01:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We can't make God into something that he's not. We can't. We can't really make him into something less than he really is. Because in the past. God overlooked such ignorance. But now. Now. He's commanded all people. Everywhere. To repent." [01:26:24] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to know who it is that we worship. And why we worship him. Because listen we live in a culture where. Because my grandpa said so. Doesn't matter anymore. Why do you go to church? Well because my parents did. Well that doesn't matter. Why do you go? Why do you believe this about God? I don't know. I just. The preacher said so. Well that doesn't matter." [01:24:18] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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