Celebration CA '23 - Session 5 (Church Updates)

CELEBRATION CALIFORNIAa family camp with our family of churchesMay, '23 @ Hume LakeBetter Together with Steve WhitmerScripture References: 1 Timothy 4:1-16, Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:15, John 13:34, 1 John 2:7-8, 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21Intro:Acknowledgment of the previous sermon on the church as family.The tension: following Jesus vs. pursuing personal desires.The call to obedience: a theme throughout the New Testament.Key Points:Obedience as a Response to Love:Jesus's words in John 14:15: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."Obedience is not merely a duty, but an expression of love for Christ.The Nature of Obedience:Jesus's example: complete obedience to the Father, even to the point of death (Philippians 2).The disciples' call to obey Jesus's commands (Matthew 28:19-20).Paul's emphasis on obedience in his letters (1 Timothy 4:13-16).The Challenge of Obedience:The world's influence: competing voices and desires.The difficulty of following Jesus's commands in a culture that prioritizes self-interest.The need to define love according to Scripture, not cultural norms.The Importance of Doctrine and Life:The interconnectedness of belief and behavior.The danger of separating "creeds" and "deeds."The call to pursue "sound doctrine" that leads to a life of obedience.The Call to Action:We are called to obey Jesus, even when it is difficult or costly.Obedience is a defining characteristic of a true disciple.The example of the early church: a community shaped by obedience.The Church's Mission and Obedience:The Great Commission: to make disciples, baptize, and teach obedience (Matthew 28:19-20).The church's purpose: to be a community of obedience, reflecting Christ to the world.Obedience as a means of living out the gospel.Conclusion:Obedience is not optional, but a central aspect of following Jesus.It is a response to His love and a vital part of the Christian life.We must strive to obey Him in all things, even when it is challenging.Call to Action:Examine your own life: are you obedient to Christ's commands?Identify areas where you are struggling to obey.Seek God's help to live a life of obedience.Remember that obedience flows from love for Christ.Embrace the call to be a disciple who both believes and obeys.Strive to be a church that models obedience to the world.  Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.