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Embracing Authenticity in a Flawed Church

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – Should the Church be like Culture?

In your journey of faith, you may have often heard the phrase, “The church is full of hypocrites.” Perhaps you’ve even felt the sting of this accusation yourself. But let’s pause and consider on what it truly means to be part of the church, a community of believers striving to follow Christ.

You are not alone in your imperfections. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, addressed a church fraught with issues, yet he began by affirming their identity in Christ. “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Despite their struggles, Paul reminded them—and you—that your identity in Christ remains unchanged. You are sanctified, set apart for a divine purpose if you have repented of your sins and are following Jesus.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when your actions don’t always align with your beliefs. You might find yourself acting in contradiction to your faith, but remember, you are a work in progress. As the old song goes, “He’s still working on me.” God’s grace is at work in you, transforming you day by day. If you say no to your sinful desires and yes to the Spirit of God you are being transformed. That is how transformation takes place. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

In a world that often values appearance over authenticity, you are called to be genuine. The church is not a place for perfect people; it’s a sanctuary for those who recognize their need for a Savior. The condition here is to recognize and confess sin, not to simply continue in it as usual. You are invited to take off the mask of perfection and embrace the grace that God offers. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Your journey extends beyond your personal transformation; it’s about impacting the world around you. You are called to be a vessel of purification, carrying the presence of God into your community (John 2:1-2). As you live out your faith, you confirm Christ’s transformative power to those around you. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

In the face of cultural pressures, you are encouraged to stand firm in your faith (Hebrews 10:39). The world may try to shape you, but you are called to be transformed by the renewing of your mind and no longer conform to the world and cultural norms (Romans 12:2). As you wait for the Lord’s return, know that you lack nothing. God has equipped you with every spiritual gift you need to persevere.

Remember, God is faithful. He has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ. As you navigate the challenges of life, lean on His faithfulness. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Embrace your identity in Christ, live authentically, and let His grace transform you. You are set apart for a purpose, and through you, God’s love and message will impact the world where you live, work, learn, play, and worship.

For more, check out this TALK.

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Embrace Your Faith: The Call to Go All In with Jesus

Embracing the Call: Going All In with Jesus

In a world that often encourages us to dip our toes into various commitments without fully diving in, the call to go “all in” with Jesus is both radical and transformative. This call, rooted in the Gospel of John, challenges us to examine our lives and align them with the life-changing power of Christ.

This series of “Going All In” blog posts invites us to explore the Book of John, where the concept of belief is central. But this belief is not just an intellectual agreement; it is a wholehearted surrender involving our heart, soul, and mind. Jesus, our Creator, went all in for us by sacrificing Himself on the cross, and in response, we are called to go all in with Him.

The journey of going all in begins with recognizing Jesus as our Creator. John 1:1-3 reminds us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the source of all creation. Understanding this truth compels us to trust that He knows what is best for us. Our Creator, who knows us intimately, invites us to a life of purpose and fulfillment in Him.

Going all in also means representing Jesus in our daily lives. John the Baptist is a model, pointing others to the true Light, Jesus Christ. We are not the light ourselves, but we are called to reflect His light in a world often shrouded in darkness. This involves a shift from self-centered ambitions to a life that glorifies God and serves others.

I challenge you to examine whether we are truly all in or holding back. It’s not about achieving perfection but about the direction of our lives. Are you moving towards Christ or away from Him? This introspection requires you to consider your motivations and the areas where you might be resisting God’s transformative work.

Being born again is a central theme in this journey. John 1:12-13 speaks of those who receive and believe in Jesus being given the right to become children of God. This new birth signifies a fresh start, a life where you are no longer defined by your past but by your identity in Christ. It is an invitation to live in the fullness of His grace and truth.

Finally, going all in with Jesus means embracing His revelation of the Father. Jesus, in His life and teachings, reveals the true character of God—full of grace and truth. As you grow in your relationship with Him, you are called to embody these attributes, becoming living testimonies of His love and mercy.

In conclusion, the call to go all in with Jesus is a call to a life of transformation, purpose, and deep relationship with our Creator. It is an invitation to let go of worldly pursuits and embrace the abundant life He offers. As you embark on this journey, or continue what was already started, you are empowered to live fully for Him, knowing that He went all in for you. Commit to this path, trusting that in going all in with Jesus, you find your true self and the life you were created to live.

For more, check out this TALK, or you can read the book by Dan Grider, Going All In.

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Embrace Community: The Impact of Church Attendance

Your Presence Matters To Your Church

In our fast-paced, individualistic society, it’s easy to overlook the significance of gathering together as a church. However, as we delve into the teachings of the Bible, we find that our presence in church is not just a routine or obligation; it is a vital part of our spiritual journey and growth. Last week, we explored how our presence matters to God. This week, we turn our focus to how our presence matters to our church community.

The Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good

1 Corinthians 12:7 states, “Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This verse underscores that every believer receives a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the entire church. These manifestations, or evidences of the Spirit, are the unique gifts and abilities God bestows upon us. They are meant to be used to help one another grow in Christ and live out the Christian life.

When we gather as a church, we bring these special manifestations with us. Our presence, therefore, is not just about filling a seat; it is about contributing to the body of Christ. When we are absent, the church misses out on the unique gifts we bring. In a world that often treats church as a spectator sport, we are reminded that true church life involves active participation and engagement.

Using Our Gifts to Serve Others

1 Peter 4:10 encourages us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” This call to action is clear: our gifts are not for hoarding but for serving. Whether it’s a gift of compassion, generosity, teaching, or encouragement, we are to use these gifts to build up the church and glorify God.

The fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are universal gifts given to all believers, shaping us to be more like Christ. When we bring these fruits into our church gatherings, we transform the atmosphere, making it a place of love and support.

The Importance of Community

Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that we are one body with many members, each with different functions. This imagery of the church as a body highlights our interdependence. Just as a body cannot function properly without all its parts, the church cannot fulfill its mission without each member contributing their unique gifts.

Our presence in church matters because we are vital to the mission of the church. We are called to impact the world with the love and message of Jesus Christ. This mission is not something we can accomplish alone; it requires the collective effort of the entire church body.

Taking Action

So, what can we do? First, we need to show up. Our physical presence is the first step in contributing to the church community. Second, we need to get involved. Discover your spiritual gifts and find ways to use them within the church. If you’re unsure of your gifts, consider taking a spiritual gifts inventory (Click Here), which can provide insight into how God has uniquely equipped you.

Lastly, remember that someone in the church needs you. Your smile, your encouragement, your willingness to listen—these small acts can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Church is not just a place to receive; it is a place to give and to serve.

In conclusion, your presence in church matters. It matters to God, it matters to the church, and it matters to the mission of spreading the love and message of Jesus Christ. Let us embrace our roles as active participants in the body of Christ, using our gifts to serve and uplift one another. When we gather, we truly matter.

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Why Attending Church Matters to God

Your Presence Matters: The Importance of Gathering in Worship

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to become distracted and disconnected from those around us. We often find ourselves in crowded rooms, yet isolated, glued to our phones and devices. This isn’t a sermon against technology, but rather a call to recognize the importance of being present—especially in our spiritual lives.

Your Presence Matters. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This passage, often quoted in the context of church discipline, holds a broader principle: when we gather in Jesus’ name, He is with us. This isn’t just about being physically present but being engaged and participating in what God is doing.

The writer of Hebrews also emphasizes the importance of gathering: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). When we gather, we encourage and spur one another on toward love and good deeds. We miss out on this mutual encouragement when we skip the gathering.

Jesus Himself made a habit of gathering with others. Luke 4:16 tells us that Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, “as was his custom.” If Jesus, the Son of God, prioritized gathering with God’s people, how much more should we? Our presence in church is not just about fulfilling a religious duty; it’s about forming a habit that shapes our lives and aligns us with Jesus’ priorities.

Have you ever gone to church even when you didn’t want to? Often, we find that when we push through our reluctance, we end up having a meaningful experience. It’s not just about attending a service; it’s about engaging with the community and allowing God to work in our hearts. Whether we’re tired, frustrated, or have a good excuse to skip, showing up matters. It reveals that our priority is Jesus’ priority.

Our presence in church is also a key part of worship. Jesus told the woman at the well that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). Attending the gathering is an act of worship, a witness, and a way to learn, submit, serve, sing, preach, teach, and listen. It’s about being obedient and worshiping God together.

Never underestimate the power of your presence. When you gather with like-minded believers, it impacts everyone around you. Your presence invites God’s presence into the gathering, and something special happens when the church comes together.

So, if Jesus wants you to attend church regularly, will you do it? Most Christians today attend church only 25% to 50% of the time. Would you be willing to commit to making your church attendance 80% or more? Remember, you form your habits, but your habits form you. Make gathering with God’s people a priority, and let it shape your life in a way that honors Him.

Your presence matters. It matters to God, it matters to the church, and it matters to your spiritual growth. Let’s commit to being present, engaged, and part of what God is doing in our midst.