Unveiling the Hidden: Embracing Authentic Faith

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound metaphor of icebergs to understand our spiritual lives. Icebergs, with 90% of their mass hidden beneath the surface, symbolize the unseen parts of our lives that often remain concealed from others. This hidden portion can contain both treasures and challenges, much like our inner selves. As we celebrate Baptism Sunday, we are reminded that baptism is an outward declaration of an inward transformation, a step into the light of Jesus' freedom and truth.

Our society often targets the unseen 90% of our lives, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. This influence can manifest in various ways, including the pervasive issue of pornography, which affects mental health and relationships. The call today is to bring these hidden struggles into the light, acknowledging that they impact our visible lives. We must strive to be authentic Christians, allowing Christ to transform us from the inside out.

The Apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians remind us that we carry the treasure of God's light in our fragile, imperfect selves. Despite our struggles, we are renewed daily by God's grace. Baptism is a powerful symbol of this renewal, a public commitment to follow Jesus and live in His light. It is a call to press into our faith, endure challenges, and trust God with our lives.

Today, we are invited to make a choice: to press into our faith, endure life's trials, and trust God with our journey. Whether it's a first-time decision or a recommitment, baptism is a step towards living authentically as a disciple of Christ. It's a declaration that we belong to Jesus, and it's a commitment to live out our faith daily, allowing God's light to shine through us.

Key Takeaways:

- The Iceberg Metaphor: Our lives are like icebergs, with much hidden beneath the surface. This hidden part can contain both treasures and struggles. Bringing these to light allows God to transform us from the inside out, impacting the visible parts of our lives. [04:35]

- Society's Influence: Society often targets our unseen 90%, influencing our thoughts and beliefs. This can manifest in struggles like pornography, which affects mental health and relationships. We must bring these hidden struggles into the light and allow Christ to transform us. [09:18]

- Authentic Christianity: We are called to be authentic Christians, allowing Christ to transform us from the inside out. This means acknowledging our struggles and allowing God's light to shine through us, impacting the world around us. [12:41]

- The Power of Baptism: Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward transformation. It symbolizes our commitment to follow Jesus and live in His light. It's a step towards living authentically as a disciple of Christ. [18:39]

- Making a Choice: We are invited to make a choice: to press into our faith, endure life's trials, and trust God with our journey. Whether it's a first-time decision or a recommitment, baptism is a step towards living authentically as a disciple of Christ. [35:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [04:35] - The Iceberg Metaphor
- [06:06] - Hidden Parts of Our Lives
- [07:55] - Society's Influence
- [09:18] - Addressing Pornography
- [11:08] - Stepping into the Light
- [12:41] - Authentic Christianity
- [13:59] - 2 Corinthians Reading
- [15:36] - Treasure in Jars of Clay
- [17:36] - Eternal Perspective
- [18:39] - The Power of Baptism
- [19:52] - Making a Choice
- [20:34] - Pressing In
- [27:00] - Enduring Trials
- [30:20] - Trusting God
- [35:09] - Call to Baptism
- [38:47] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the iceberg metaphor reveal about the hidden aspects of our lives, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [04:35]

2. How does society influence the unseen 90% of our lives, according to the sermon? [07:55]

3. What are some of the effects of pornography mentioned in the sermon, and how do they impact individuals and relationships? [09:18]

4. How does the Apostle Paul describe the treasure we carry in our "jars of clay" in 2 Corinthians 4? [15:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the iceberg metaphor challenge individuals to examine their inner lives and bring hidden struggles into the light? [06:06]

2. How can the influence of society on our unseen lives be countered by living authentically as Christians? [12:41]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of baptism in a believer's life, and how does it symbolize an inward transformation? [18:39]

4. How does the concept of being "renewed day by day" in 2 Corinthians 4:16 relate to the challenges and struggles we face in our spiritual journey? [17:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the iceberg metaphor. What hidden aspects of your life might you need to bring into the light for transformation? How can you start this process? [04:35]

2. Society often influences our thoughts and beliefs. Identify one area where you feel this influence strongly. How can you counteract it with your faith? [07:55]

3. The sermon discusses the impact of pornography on mental health and relationships. If this is a struggle for you or someone you know, what steps can be taken to seek help and healing? [09:18]

4. Baptism is described as an outward declaration of an inward transformation. If you have been baptized, how can you continue to live out this commitment daily? If not, what might be holding you back from taking this step? [18:39]

5. The sermon calls for authenticity in our Christian walk. What does being an authentic Christian mean to you, and how can you practice this in your daily life? [12:41]

6. Consider the idea of being "renewed day by day." What daily practices or habits can you incorporate to ensure you are being spiritually renewed? [17:36]

7. The sermon invites us to make a choice to press into our faith, endure trials, and trust God. What specific choice can you make this week to deepen your faith journey? [35:09]

Devotional

Day 1: The Hidden Depths of Our Spiritual Lives
Our lives are like icebergs, with much hidden beneath the surface. This hidden part can contain both treasures and struggles. Bringing these to light allows God to transform us from the inside out, impacting the visible parts of our lives. The iceberg metaphor reminds us that the majority of our spiritual life is unseen, much like the submerged portion of an iceberg. This hidden part of us can hold both the treasures of our faith and the challenges we face. By bringing these hidden aspects into the light, we allow God to work within us, transforming us from the inside out. This transformation impacts not only our inner selves but also the visible parts of our lives, influencing how we interact with the world around us. [04:35]

"For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light." (Luke 8:17, ESV)

Reflection: What hidden part of your life do you need to bring into the light for God to transform today?

Day 2: Society's Influence on Our Inner World
Society often targets our unseen 90%, influencing our thoughts and beliefs. This can manifest in struggles like pornography, which affects mental health and relationships. We must bring these hidden struggles into the light and allow Christ to transform us. The unseen parts of our lives are often influenced by societal pressures and norms. These influences can shape our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, sometimes leading to struggles such as pornography, which can have detrimental effects on mental health and relationships. By acknowledging these hidden struggles and bringing them into the light, we open ourselves to Christ's transformative power. This process requires honesty and courage, as we confront the parts of ourselves that we may prefer to keep hidden. [09:18]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What societal influence do you need to confront and bring into the light for transformation today?

Day 3: Living as Authentic Christians
We are called to be authentic Christians, allowing Christ to transform us from the inside out. This means acknowledging our struggles and allowing God's light to shine through us, impacting the world around us. Authentic Christianity involves a willingness to be vulnerable and honest about our struggles, allowing Christ to work within us. This transformation is not just for our benefit but also for the world around us, as God's light shines through our lives. By living authentically, we become vessels of God's grace and truth, impacting those we encounter. This journey requires a commitment to daily surrender and trust in God's transformative power. [12:41]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you allow God's light to shine through you in a specific situation today?

Day 4: The Symbolism and Power of Baptism
Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward transformation. It symbolizes our commitment to follow Jesus and live in His light. It's a step towards living authentically as a disciple of Christ. Baptism serves as a powerful symbol of the inward transformation that occurs when we commit to following Jesus. It is an outward declaration of our faith and a commitment to live in the light of Christ. This act of obedience signifies our desire to live authentically as disciples, allowing God's light to guide our path. Baptism is not just a one-time event but a continual reminder of our commitment to live out our faith daily. [18:39]

"Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: What does living out your baptismal commitment look like in your daily life today?

Day 5: Choosing Faith and Trusting God
We are invited to make a choice: to press into our faith, endure life's trials, and trust God with our journey. Whether it's a first-time decision or a recommitment, baptism is a step towards living authentically as a disciple of Christ. Life presents us with choices, and as followers of Christ, we are invited to choose faith, even in the face of trials. This choice involves pressing into our faith, enduring challenges, and trusting God with our journey. Baptism represents a step towards this commitment, whether it is a first-time decision or a recommitment to live authentically as a disciple of Christ. By choosing faith, we declare our trust in God's plan and His ability to guide us through life's challenges. [35:09]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What specific trial are you facing today, and how can you choose to trust God with it?

Quotes

1) "Doing a little bit of research over time, and I was just, more facts. Icebergs, they melt, the melted water of an iceberg can impact the ocean's ecosystem because it provides nutrients that was frozen in there for millennia or thousands of years. And then this one was my favorite one. Icebergs can contain ancient or rare minerals and stones revealing hidden treasures when melted. I was like, oh, ancient of days. Who knows that song? Blessings and honor. That's the first song that came into my mind. Glory and power. Because I was like, the ancient of days is inside of me. How rare and how beautiful is what he's trying to bring into the world?" [06:06] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "The society we live in is going, vying for your 90%. So, you know, I'm going to give you a five -minute warning. So that what comes out in the 10%, they have real estate on, right? So the world we live in is going for your mind. How many people, this stinking thing, how many times have you thought, oh, I really ought to get a new rug? And before you know it, you're on Facebook. New rug advert comes up on your phone. Going for your mind. Is that my conspiracy theory coming in hot there? Is it just me? It's just me. Is it just me? Okay, just me. Just me. Just me. But going for your intelligence. The society we live in, it goes for your emotions. It even goes for your belief systems." [07:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "And so we are, we're talking about Baptism Sunday. Today is Baptism Sunday. And we're talking about what it means to have. To have a community of people stepping out of darkness into the light. Into the light of Jesus' freedom. The light of his will and of his way. This, amongst many things, there are many things, because some of us, all sorts of things going on in the world, in the 90 % that goes on in our mind. This, though, one of the biggest areas that's eating our society. Our society alive today. And if you are not one of that statistic, you're affected by it. Because there's people in our world, our friends, our people who are in this stronghold. And I came to tell you today that it isn't okay." [12:02] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And Christ is saying, I can see. I can see the whole iceberg. All day, every day. And we have to be realistic about the outer world. Starting from the inner transformation. And that's what the beauty of faith is. That's what the beauty of baptism is. And so we're going to read today from 2 Corinthians. And I'm going to read 18 verses. Because I believe that this is a really succinct word. In the book. The word of God itself. To help us navigate this whole world. Not just talking about pornography. I'm talking about all the sins. All the things that snare. All the temptations. that anger for those of us who think that we're beyond all of that things that make that just tie us up on the inside unforgiveness it's all in there" [13:59] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "It's time to make a choice. God is asking for a pure bride. A pure bride. You know, when Jesus was on this earth, he came and as he was gathering his disciples, the very first thing he did, in discipleship, was baptize. You get baptized and then you're invited into discipleship. And I just don't know, if we're saying that at Elan, our role, Matthew 28, is to make disciples, part of that is to create a space where baptism is a natural course. You can't call yourself a true disciple if you know, if you're in your heart, you haven't been truly, or you haven't made that outward expression to say, I know this world is a bit crazy, but I belong to Jesus. And to tell the world that. To tell the world." [18:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "And so, it's time today. It's time, the Lord is saying, it's time for you, if you have never been baptized, to let the people around you know. Who you love. Who you really love. It's time. But then also, if you're feeling weary in your faith. If you're like, I've been baptized and this world is weary. Take heart. It's time to make a choice. To recommit yourself. To that first love. Because it is a marathon. And it's layer upon layer. And the choice is daily. I choose. I choose today to not enter into the valley of temptation. Though it's not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to listen to the voice and walk towards it. And live there. It is. In every area. I'm not just talking about pornography." [19:52] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "We have to be able to listen to God in order to obey him, not to understand him. Because there are so many times God is going to give a directive in the moment of life that you're in, because you can only see linear, right? And God's got this four, five deep perspective. And you're trying to usurp his authority. You're trying to usurp his authority with your 3D point of view, 1D point of view. I don't believe you. If you're like this, then I can't serve you. When you've only got, the Bible is, we only see in part. How can we have truth in fullness when we only see in part? And therefore, there has to be someone outside of us that understands truth. And I dare to believe that it's my God and my savior and his rhema. Word is true." [23:07] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And so the invitation is to call on that helper daily in the very moments. I think what tends to happen is when we're in those weak moments of, oh, I'm just gonna, I'm just gonna do this because I don't want to feel. I don't want to feel anymore. This is too hard. I want to, I just want to disappear. I need to isolate and disappear. Therefore, this will help me. That's the moment that God is inviting you to invite him into. It's the hardest thing to do because it's the very, it's the very opposite. It's the very opposite to the human nature that we are holding on to. And God is saying, if you could just invite me, no matter how dirty that feels like, if you could just invite me into that moment, I promise I could help you. I promise." [27:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "And that's why baptism is so important. You don't come into a church, you don't come into a church, you don't come into a church to be baptized if you're perfect. Messy people come to be cleaned, to be purified, to repent. The church needs people that are not afraid to show God to be God. So as we are standing in this position and we're looking around and we're not afraid of mess, what that says is that we are actually not afraid of God. We're not afraid of God. We're not afraid of God. We're not afraid of the hard stuff. And that's what the people outside are going to look at and say, oh, taste and see that the Lord is good." [32:43] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "And so I want to encourage you today, whether it's a renewal or it's for the first time, it's time to make a choice that I'm going to make an outward declaration of an inner choice, whether I'm going to do that for the first time or renewing that choice that I made. Christ himself can see us what's under the iceberg what's over the iceberg and the by nature of the fact that you're here and if you're online and you need to be here for the next service you listen to the voice of the Father to discern you discern you discern but if God's speaking to you you and saying, I kind of feel like you've been living the 10 % Christian life and I see your iceberg. Make a choice. Are you going to press in? Are you going to endure? Are you going to trust me?" [35:09] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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