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Celebration CA '23 - Session 5 (Church Updates)

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.

 


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