Worshiping Together: Faith and Resilience in Crisis
Summary
In these challenging times, as we gather in the sanctuary of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, we are reminded of the importance of worship, even when we cannot physically come together. The coronavirus pandemic has restricted our ability to gather in large numbers, but it has not restricted our ability to worship and praise God. Through technology, we are able to reach into homes and touch lives, continuing to challenge and encourage each other spiritually. This crisis is a reminder that God is still on the throne, and His goodness remains unchanged.
Our special Sunday morning live worship service is a testament to our resilience and faith. Despite the limitations, we are united as a family, both physically and spiritually, to lead and minister to our church family and the broader body of Christ. This is a time to seek God's perspective and understand that He often speaks through the circumstances He allows into our lives. These disruptions are not without purpose; they are opportunities for us to experience His favor in new ways.
The trials we face as individuals and as a nation are not meant to stop us. Instead, they are a call to become part of God's unshakable kingdom. Even though our church building may be empty, our hearts and spirits are full, for we are the church. We are called to continue moving forward, to keep being the church, and to embrace the opportunities that God places before us. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is with us, guiding us through these times.
Key Takeaways:
1. Worship transcends physical boundaries. Even when we cannot gather in person, we can still come together in spirit and truth to worship God. This crisis has shown us the power of technology to connect and uplift each other in faith. [00:12]
2. God's sovereignty remains unchanged despite our circumstances. The pandemic is a reminder that God is still on the throne, and His goodness endures. Our faith should not waver, for He is with us in every trial. [01:05]
3. Disruptions are divine opportunities. God allows certain circumstances to create new opportunities for His favor. This trial is a chance for us to become part of His unshakable kingdom and experience His grace in new ways. [02:08]
4. The church is not a building; it is the people. Even when our physical spaces are empty, our hearts are full. We are the church, and we are called to continue being the church, no matter the circumstances. [02:46]
5. Perseverance in faith is essential. Hard times cannot stop us from fulfilling our calling. We must keep moving forward, trusting in God's plan and remaining steadfast in our faith. [02:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Worship in Scattered Places
[00:26] - Embracing Technology for Worship
[01:05] - God's Unchanging Sovereignty
[01:15] - Family-Led Worship
[01:44] - Preparing for Live Worship
[02:08] - Divine Opportunities in Crisis
[02:31] - Becoming Part of the Unshakable Kingdom
[02:46] - The Church Beyond Walls
[02:55] - Continuing the Journey
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 12:28 - "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."
2. John 4:23-24 - "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."
Observation Questions:
1. How has technology played a role in allowing us to continue worshiping together despite physical restrictions? [00:26]
2. What does the sermon suggest about God's sovereignty during the pandemic? [01:05]
3. How does the sermon describe the church's identity beyond its physical building? [02:46]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that disruptions can be seen as divine opportunities? [02:08]
2. How does the concept of an "unshakable kingdom" relate to the current trials we face? [02:31]
3. What does it mean to worship "in spirit and in truth" in the context of the current global situation? [00:12]
Application Questions:
1. How can you use technology to enhance your personal worship experience at home? What specific steps can you take this week to make your home a place of worship? [00:26]
2. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might viewing it as a divine opportunity change your perspective or response? [02:08]
3. In what ways can you contribute to the church community, even when not physically present in the church building? [02:46]
4. How can you remain steadfast in your faith during these challenging times? Identify one practice you can adopt to strengthen your faith this week. [02:31]
5. Think of a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult situation. How can that experience encourage you to trust in His sovereignty now? [01:05]
6. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate that you are part of God's unshakable kingdom in your daily life? [02:31]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to see the current crisis as an opportunity for spiritual growth? [02:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Worship Without Walls
In these times of physical separation, worship transcends physical boundaries, allowing us to connect with God and each other through spirit and truth. The pandemic has shown us the power of technology to bridge the gap, enabling us to gather virtually and uplift one another in faith. This is a reminder that worship is not confined to a building but is a heartfelt expression of our devotion to God, wherever we are. [00:12]
"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a sacred space in your home to enhance your personal worship experience today?
Day 2: Unwavering Sovereignty
Despite the challenges we face, God's sovereignty remains unchanged. The pandemic serves as a reminder that God is still on the throne, and His goodness endures through every trial. Our faith should remain steadfast, knowing that He is with us in every circumstance, guiding us and providing strength. [01:05]
"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." (Psalm 33:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to trust in God's unchanging sovereignty today?
Day 3: Divine Opportunities in Disruption
Disruptions in our lives are not without purpose; they are divine opportunities to experience God's favor in new ways. Through the trials we face, God invites us to become part of His unshakable kingdom, using these moments to grow in faith and grace. This is a chance to see His hand at work, even in the midst of uncertainty. [02:08]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: What unexpected opportunity has arisen from a recent disruption in your life, and how can you embrace it as part of God's plan?
Day 4: The Church Beyond Walls
The church is not a building; it is the people who gather in faith. Even when our physical spaces are empty, our hearts are full, and we are called to continue being the church in every circumstance. This is a time to embrace our identity as the body of Christ, united in purpose and mission, regardless of where we are. [02:46]
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in being the church this week, even if you cannot physically gather with others?
Day 5: Perseverance in Faith
Perseverance in faith is essential, especially in hard times. The trials we face cannot stop us from fulfilling our calling. We must keep moving forward, trusting in God's plan and remaining steadfast in our faith, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [02:31]
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to persevere in your faith journey, despite the challenges you face?
Quotes
"We're preparing for our special Sunday morning live worship service decentralized because of the limitations due to the Coronavirus. So, we're all putting this together and we want to minister to our church family as well as the broader body of Christ that we really need to have God's perspective in this crisis." [00:01:32]
"God is talking and one of the ways God speaks is through allowing circumstances into our lives and into our world that are not pleasant. The reason He allows a disruption is because He wants to create a new opportunity for His favor. So this trial that we are going through as individuals and as a nation has created an opportunity for you to become part of this unshakable kingdom." [00:02:08]
"Well I'm gathered here in the sanctuary in Oak Cliff Bible fellowship, my home church, and we're so excited to be able to come up with a concept of touching people in their scattered places. You know, we've been restricted in gathering in light of the coronavirus and so—but we still need to worship, we still need to go to give God the praise He's due." [00:00:03]
"So, we're gonna worship anyway, because God is still good He's still on the throne and we're just gonna do it online and I'm happy that we're gonna be able to do it as a family. My dad is gonna be leading it, all my siblings are gonna be there on the stage and we're going to be leading everyone who joins." [00:01:05]
"Everybody knows about the virus that's been going on and they did a little thing in Dallas County where we can't come together and worship more than 500. So, we're gonna worship anyway, because God is still good He's still on the throne and we're just gonna do it online." [00:00:56]
"God is talking and one of the ways God speaks is through allowing circumstances into our lives and into our world that are not pleasant. The reason He allows a disruption is because He wants to create a new opportunity for His favor." [00:02:08]
"So this trial that we are going through as individuals and as a nation has created an opportunity for you to become part of this unshakable kingdom. We're closing it out, they're hard times but they can't stop us, they can't stop you. God has called us to continue to keep going." [00:02:31]
"We're able to have our worship service today even though the church was empty, it was actually full because that's who we are: we are the church. So keep being it. Let's go." [00:02:46]
"God is talking and one of the ways God speaks is through allowing circumstances into our lives and into our world that are not pleasant. The reason He allows a disruption is because He wants to create a new opportunity for His favor." [00:02:08]
"So this trial that we are going through as individuals and as a nation has created an opportunity for you to become part of this unshakable kingdom. We're closing it out, they're hard times but they can't stop us, they can't stop you. God has called us to continue to keep going." [00:02:31]
"We're able to have our worship service today even though the church was empty, it was actually full because that's who we are: we are the church. So keep being it. Let's go." [00:02:46]
"God is talking and one of the ways God speaks is through allowing circumstances into our lives and into our world that are not pleasant. The reason He allows a disruption is because He wants to create a new opportunity for His favor." [00:02:08]
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