
Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church exists to behold Jesus and put his brilliance on display. Radiant Church is a gospel-centered Christian church located in Visalia, California. We think that the best way to put Jesus' brilliance on display is by living obedient to the Word of God, surrendered to the Spirit of God, and devoted to the mission of God. To learn more, visit us at www.radiantvisalia.com
Radiant Church Visalia
Celebration CA '23 - Session 5 (Church Updates)
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Steve Whitmer
CELEBRATION CALIFORNIA
a family camp with our family of churches
May, '23 @ Hume Lake
Better Together with Steve Whitmer
Scripture 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 5:19-21
Intro:
- 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.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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