Unity in Diversity: Embracing Grace and Common Ground
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continue our "Do Unto Others Kindness" campaign during this 2024 election season. Reflecting on my time in Kansas City, I shared how the city's famous barbecue serves as both a unifying and dividing factor. This analogy helps us understand the importance of finding common ground, especially in our faith communities. Kansas City barbecue, with its diverse styles and passionate followers, mirrors the diversity within Christianity. Despite our differences in practices and beliefs, we are united by our love for Jesus Christ.
Today is also World Communion Sunday, a day when Christians worldwide celebrate the unity of the body of Christ. This unity is often challenged by our differences, but the core message of Jesus is about inclusion and grace. The book of Acts shows us that early Christians had significant disagreements, yet God emphasized that the main point is Jesus Christ and His offer of salvation through grace.
Our reading from Matthew 7 reminds us not to judge others but to focus on our own shortcomings. Jesus came to save, not to judge, and He brought together a diverse group of followers, from fishermen to tax collectors to women who defied societal norms. This diverse group found common ground in Jesus, just as we should strive to do.
We also discussed how God's grace extends beyond the boundaries of our faith. The story of the wise men from Persia and Jonah's mission to Nineveh illustrate that God's message is for everyone, even those we might consider enemies. Our second reading from Romans 14:19 encourages us to strive for peace and build each other up, even when it's difficult.
As we gather for communion, let's reflect on the things that harden our hearts and make it difficult to love others. Let's focus on finding common ground and loving each other as Jesus taught us. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. Finding Common Ground: Just as Kansas City barbecue brings people together despite their preferences, we should seek common ground in our faith and relationships. This common ground helps us build stronger, more inclusive communities. [01:32]
2. Unity in Diversity: Christianity, like Kansas City barbecue, is a big tent with many different practices and beliefs. Despite these differences, we are united by our love for Jesus Christ and His message of grace and salvation. [04:16]
3. Avoiding Judgment: Jesus teaches us not to judge others but to focus on our own shortcomings. By removing the "log" from our own eye, we can better help others and build a more compassionate community. [05:53]
4. God's Inclusive Grace: Stories like the wise men from Persia and Jonah's mission to Nineveh show that God's grace extends to everyone, even those we might consider enemies. This challenges us to extend our love and kindness beyond our comfort zones. [10:25]
5. Striving for Peace: Romans 14:19 encourages us to strive for peace and build each other up. This is especially important during divisive times, as it helps us focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. [12:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - Kansas City Barbecue: Unity and Diversity
[02:56] - Finding Common Ground
[04:16] - World Communion Sunday
[05:53] - Matthew 7: Avoiding Judgment
[06:53] - Jesus' Inclusive Table
[08:03] - Diverse Followers of Jesus
[09:10] - Devotional Guide Introduction
[10:25] - God's Grace Beyond Boundaries
[11:41] - Jonah and Nineveh
[12:58] - Romans 14: Striving for Peace
[14:27] - Communion and Common Ground
[15:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:1-7 (NIV)
> "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
2. Romans 14:19 (NIV)
> "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about judging others in Matthew 7:1-7? How does He illustrate this teaching? [05:53]
2. According to Romans 14:19, what should we strive for in our interactions with others? [12:58]
3. How does the diversity of Jesus' followers, as described in the sermon, reflect the message of inclusion and grace? [06:53]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate God's grace extending beyond the boundaries of our faith? [10:25]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of Kansas City barbecue help us understand the concept of finding common ground in our faith communities? [01:32]
2. In what ways does the celebration of World Communion Sunday emphasize the unity of the body of Christ despite our differences? [04:16]
3. How can the story of the wise men from Persia and Jonah's mission to Nineveh challenge our understanding of God's inclusive grace? [10:25]
4. What does it mean to strive for peace and build each other up, especially during divisive times, as mentioned in Romans 14:19? [12:58]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone harshly. How can you apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-7 to change your approach in the future? [05:53]
2. Think about a person or group you find difficult to love. How can you extend God's grace to them, as illustrated by the stories of the wise men and Jonah? [10:25]
3. What are some practical steps you can take to find common ground with someone you disagree with, both within and outside the church? [01:32]
4. How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ in your local church, especially during times of disagreement or division? [04:16]
5. Identify one area in your life where you can strive for peace and build others up, as encouraged in Romans 14:19. What specific actions will you take this week? [12:58]
6. During this election season, how can you participate in the "Do Unto Others Kindness" campaign in a way that reflects Jesus' message of inclusion and grace? [00:00]
7. As we gather for communion, what are some things that harden your heart and make it difficult to love others? How can you address these issues to better follow Jesus' teachings? [14:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Finding Common Ground in Faith and Relationships
In our diverse world, finding common ground is essential for building strong, inclusive communities. Just as Kansas City barbecue brings people together despite their different preferences, we should seek common ground in our faith and relationships. This common ground helps us to understand and appreciate each other's differences while focusing on what unites us. By doing so, we can create a more harmonious and loving community that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. [01:32]
Romans 12:16 (ESV): "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."
Reflection: Think of a person in your life with whom you have significant differences. How can you find common ground with them today to build a stronger relationship?
Day 2: Unity in Diversity within Christianity
Christianity, like Kansas City barbecue, is a big tent with many different practices and beliefs. Despite these differences, we are united by our love for Jesus Christ and His message of grace and salvation. This unity in diversity is a testament to the inclusive nature of the Christian faith, where all are welcome regardless of their background or beliefs. Embracing this diversity can help us to grow in our faith and build a more inclusive and loving community. [04:16]
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (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."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or different within a community. How can you extend grace and inclusion to someone who might feel the same way today?
Day 3: Avoiding Judgment and Focusing on Self-Improvement
Jesus teaches us not to judge others but to focus on our own shortcomings. By removing the "log" from our own eye, we can better help others and build a more compassionate community. This teaching reminds us that self-reflection and personal growth are essential for fostering a loving and supportive environment. By focusing on our own imperfections, we can become more empathetic and understanding towards others. [05:53]
James 4:11-12 (ESV): "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
Reflection: Identify a judgmental thought you have had recently. How can you shift your focus to your own growth and improvement instead?
Day 4: Embracing God's Inclusive Grace
Stories like the wise men from Persia and Jonah's mission to Nineveh show that God's grace extends to everyone, even those we might consider enemies. This challenges us to extend our love and kindness beyond our comfort zones. God's inclusive grace calls us to love and accept all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. By doing so, we can reflect the boundless love and grace of God in our own lives. [10:25]
Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love or accept. How can you extend God's grace and kindness to them today?
Day 5: Striving for Peace and Building Each Other Up
Romans 14:19 encourages us to strive for peace and build each other up. This is especially important during divisive times, as it helps us focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. By seeking peace and encouraging one another, we can create a more supportive and loving community that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. This commitment to peace and mutual support is essential for fostering a harmonious and inclusive environment. [12:58]
Ephesians 4:3 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Consider a conflict or disagreement you are currently facing. What steps can you take today to promote peace and build up the other person involved?
Quotes
1. "As we think this week about common ground, I think this is a big piece of being kind to each other. Where are the places that we share something with our neighbor? Where we can stand together on common ground? Where those Venn diagrams of our differences overlap? Because for a lot of us there's a huge area in the middle where we are overlapping. And for most of us there isn't actually that much that ends up Cancer and подтimizing cocoa, when we don't know where we're hanging off the sides where we don't agree on it so in the case of Kansas City there's a huge area of we love barbecue and then it's the smaller areas of we love Joe's or we love Jack Stacks or we love Arthur Bryant's." [02:56] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Today is also World Communion Sunday this is the first Sunday in October and Christians around the world are celebrating communion today and we are thinking about the unity of the body of Christ of how Jesus called us together to be the church and to do the work of Jesus Christ in the world today as we wait for Jesus to return now just like Kansas City barbecue Christianity is one of those big tents where we are proud to be Christians and to be followers of Jesus but over the years we have gotten really really good at dividing ourselves over the small areas that we disagree how do we read the Bible how do we do communion how do we do do baptism." [04:16] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is reminding us that he did not come to sit in judgment on all of us. Jesus came to save us. Jesus came to bring people together, people who didn't think that they belonged together. When you look at the table that Jesus sets, the table that his followers gathered at, you had blue-collar fishermen, tradesmen, men who worked with their hands, men who had a hard time washing that fish. Some of them were older and establishing their lives. Peter's mother-in-law was healed by Jesus, and so it must mean that Peter was married. But some of the disciples who were fishermen must have been apprentices, must have still been teenagers, still learning the trade." [06:53] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus was not here judging. Jesus was here including, bringing people together, finding the common ground, usually around a table, usually around food, and finding some peace. Now, we have a devotional guide that's available. You can pick up some copies in the lobby, or you could go online. It's on our homepage. There's a button to get a hold of it. And it's six weeks of devotions that are tied to this theme of finding kindness during a difficult election season." [09:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus did not come just to save the Christians, as we talked about last sermon. But Jesus and God have a number of occasions where clearly God is reaching out to people outside the Jewish tradition, outside the area of Israel, and reaching people that could be a little puzzling. So, in one case, we've got Jesus' birth. Now, we read, and most of us remember, that there was a star that was shining in the sky, a bright star, perhaps a supernova. And three guys, normally called the wise men, show up from the east. What exactly do they mean by from the east? Most likely, there is a religious tradition in the area of Persia, which we now call Iran, called Zoroastrianism, and they studied the skies." [10:25] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jonah was judging the people of Nineveh, and Jonah did not want to bring God's grace to them. But God won out, and in the end, the people of Nineveh repented and accepted God's grace. Our second reading today comes from Romans chapter 14, verse 19. So let's strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. It was hard for Jonah to think about peace and building up the Assyrians, the people who lived in Nineveh. It is hard for us to think about building certain people up, people that we find it much easier to judge than to love. But this is what Jesus is about." [12:58] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus did not just come for our personal salvation, our own personal ticket into heaven. Jesus came that God's grace would be shared with all people, the people in Jerusalem, the people in Judea, the people in Samaria, the people in Israel, the people across the Greek world, the people around the entire world, the people today that we find it hard to love. Jesus is about a message of community, about loving our neighbor, about bringing people together, no matter what we do. Jesus is about bringing people together, no matter what we do." [14:27] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "This week, let's not worry about splinters and logs. Let's not judge others. Instead, let's find our common ground and see how we can love each other. Amen." [14:27] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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