WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 Welcome to Ontario Community Church. 00:00:05.400 --> 00:00:09.960 I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and you're listening to the Sermon Podcast from January 25, 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:10.960 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:45.500 In today's message, How We Belong Into One Body in Christ, we will be turning to Ephesians 00:00:45.500 --> 00:00:53.000 chapter 2, verses 18 through 22, where the Apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ we are 00:00:53.000 --> 00:01:00.280 no longer strangers or outsiders, but fellow citizens, members of God's household, and part 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:02.380 of one unified body. 00:01:03.100 --> 00:01:07.340 Belonging then begins with a response to Christ, but it does not end there. 00:01:07.980 --> 00:01:14.400 As we grow closer to God, we are drawn closer to one another, built together on Jesus Christ 00:01:14.400 --> 00:01:19.980 as the cornerstone, and we are shaped into a dwelling place for God by the Holy Spirit. 00:01:19.980 --> 00:01:23.579 And before we begin, I want you to consider this. 00:01:24.180 --> 00:01:30.200 Have you ever felt disconnected, unseen, or maybe even like you don't quite fit in? 00:01:30.840 --> 00:01:36.780 Scripture shows us that God has always been in the busyness of bringing people near, near 00:01:36.780 --> 00:01:39.580 to himself, and closer to one another. 00:01:40.439 --> 00:01:46.400 So, wherever or whenever you're listening from today, whether you're a long-time church family, 00:01:46.400 --> 00:01:51.780 or you're exploring faith, or you're simply searching for something more, I want you to 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:52.320 know this. 00:01:52.960 --> 00:01:54.280 You are invited. 00:01:54.800 --> 00:01:55.900 You are welcome. 00:01:56.719 --> 00:01:58.440 You are loved by Christ. 00:01:58.780 --> 00:01:59.820 And you belong. 00:02:00.460 --> 00:02:03.240 Now, let's open God's Word together. 00:02:06.140 --> 00:02:07.700 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:02:08.680 --> 00:02:11.500 So we're going to go ahead and get started today. 00:02:11.500 --> 00:02:20.500 Today's sermon is titled, How We Belong Into One Body in Christ. 00:02:21.520 --> 00:02:28.979 It's so important for us to realize and to recognize that Jesus Christ extends an invitation 00:02:28.979 --> 00:02:31.080 to each and every one of us. 00:02:31.460 --> 00:02:34.500 It's just like how many of us have received an RSVP. 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:38.340 I hope that all of us have received an RSVP at least at one point in their life. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:43.620 birthday party, wedding celebration, you know, all sorts of celebrations that happen. 00:02:44.599 --> 00:02:50.740 Well, Christ extends an invitation for us, and it's up to us to respond to that invitation, 00:02:51.219 --> 00:02:53.000 whether saying yes or no. 00:02:54.280 --> 00:03:00.599 And in receiving salvation, in responding to Christ, Christ has brought us near to God. 00:03:00.599 --> 00:03:07.799 And in doing so, as we draw closer to God, we certainly should draw close to one another. 00:03:08.500 --> 00:03:11.120 And because of this, we are to gather. 00:03:11.759 --> 00:03:15.620 We are to be united in Christ as one body, as the church. 00:03:16.400 --> 00:03:24.840 And in Christ, we belong to a body, a household, as people who are being molded together in Christ. 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:33.080 And Christ calls for us to draw near to him, to respond to his calling, to respond to salvation, 00:03:33.080 --> 00:03:39.819 and to be placed on a journey in Christ as you journey with Christ. 00:03:40.560 --> 00:03:48.480 It's not just a journey that you have individually, but a journey that we embark on together, united. 00:03:48.479 --> 00:03:53.699 And we are to focus on the things that bring us together, and we are to seek the higher things 00:03:53.699 --> 00:03:59.159 rather than the things that divide us and the things that distract us from the Lord. 00:04:00.519 --> 00:04:04.899 And as we go into this, we're going to be turning to Ephesians. 00:04:05.019 --> 00:04:09.459 But before we do, let's go ahead and open in a word of prayer, and we'll go ahead and get started. 00:04:09.460 --> 00:04:15.240 Father God, I am so grateful for this time for us to gather together. 00:04:16.460 --> 00:04:20.699 Friends, visitors, people that are online. 00:04:21.240 --> 00:04:26.800 I pray for every single person who is here in this place and here online, 00:04:26.900 --> 00:04:29.819 and even those that will be listening to our sermon recording, 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:36.639 that they know that they are loved by you, that you provide a better way for our life. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:40.939 When the world is showing darkness, you give us light. 00:04:41.479 --> 00:04:45.519 When the world is full of lies and chaos, you provide truth. 00:04:46.379 --> 00:04:50.759 And when the world is speaking about such hatred and hostility and even death, 00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:54.919 you provide life everlasting, safety and security. 00:04:56.360 --> 00:05:00.919 And I pray that this message will honor and glorify you, Father, 00:05:01.459 --> 00:05:05.459 and that it will be understood by those who are listening and those who are watching 00:05:05.459 --> 00:05:06.519 and those that are here. 00:05:07.419 --> 00:05:09.759 You are an amazing God. 00:05:10.319 --> 00:05:14.159 You have provided a much better way than what the world has to offer. 00:05:14.500 --> 00:05:15.739 And we thank you for that. 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:19.699 We thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, being the way, the truth and the life. 00:05:20.539 --> 00:05:23.279 And you invite all of us to belong, 00:05:23.939 --> 00:05:25.299 to belong with you, 00:05:25.799 --> 00:05:28.599 to be united with you 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:31.520 as we journey in life together, 00:05:32.180 --> 00:05:34.700 in our spiritual walk and journey in you. 00:05:35.640 --> 00:05:37.920 We love you and we praise you. 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:41.439 It is in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:05:41.540 --> 00:05:42.820 the cornerstone of our faith, 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:44.740 that we pray and we all say together, 00:05:44.840 --> 00:05:45.920 can I get an amen, church? 00:05:46.379 --> 00:05:46.700 Amen. 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:48.379 And so, 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:51.199 we have this image here. 00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:52.599 Let's go ahead and put it on. 00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:56.479 It's after the prayer slide. 00:05:56.599 --> 00:05:57.979 But as we're going here, 00:05:58.019 --> 00:05:59.279 I want you to think for a moment. 00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:01.959 If someone were to ask you, 00:06:02.659 --> 00:06:04.419 why do you go to church? 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:08.360 I'm sure the answer that you can respond to or give 00:06:08.360 --> 00:06:10.419 would be very different than the person next to you. 00:06:10.420 --> 00:06:14.660 Some people come because they want to experience the presence of God 00:06:14.660 --> 00:06:17.600 through worship and spirit and song, right? 00:06:17.740 --> 00:06:18.600 Praising the Lord. 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:20.360 And just as Matt was saying earlier, 00:06:20.680 --> 00:06:22.080 making a joyful noise. 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:25.000 I love how the text says to make a joyful noise 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:29.480 and it's not about your ability to sing harmony or to sing melody. 00:06:29.819 --> 00:06:31.080 In fact, making a noise, 00:06:31.180 --> 00:06:33.900 we can think of, well, noise, right? 00:06:34.020 --> 00:06:35.720 Not necessarily performances, 00:06:35.960 --> 00:06:39.660 but the heart and the intention of praising God for who he is, 00:06:39.660 --> 00:06:40.800 for what he has done, 00:06:40.900 --> 00:06:42.520 and that he fulfills his promises. 00:06:43.200 --> 00:06:46.320 What an amazing opportunity for us to gather together 00:06:46.320 --> 00:06:48.320 and for us to worship the living God 00:06:48.320 --> 00:06:52.240 who changed the course of history by sending his son, Jesus Christ. 00:06:52.580 --> 00:06:54.760 Maybe you might answer differently. 00:06:55.380 --> 00:06:56.460 Maybe it's not the music. 00:06:56.580 --> 00:06:58.220 Maybe it's just coming together 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:01.580 and being present with your brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:07:01.960 --> 00:07:03.620 That is something that is remarkable 00:07:03.620 --> 00:07:06.620 and that is something that is a great way to gather. 00:07:06.620 --> 00:07:12.699 The ability to talk with those that have the same values. 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:15.540 Those that are wanting to draw near to the Lord. 00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:18.040 Those that are wanting to come closer to God 00:07:18.040 --> 00:07:23.220 and to be transformed more into what Christ has in store for us. 00:07:24.840 --> 00:07:26.220 How you answer that. 00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:28.800 Why do you attend church? 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:30.879 I just gave a couple of reasons. 00:07:31.060 --> 00:07:33.540 And of course, you may have one that is unique to your own. 00:07:34.060 --> 00:07:37.639 And that's okay to have a completely different kind of answer. 00:07:38.540 --> 00:07:44.020 It might be something that church is much more than something that we attend 00:07:44.020 --> 00:07:45.400 or something that we do. 00:07:45.560 --> 00:07:49.680 It is about being part of something that is greater than yourself. 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:51.939 Being on a journey in Christ, 00:07:52.080 --> 00:07:55.139 not only being transformed individually, but collectively. 00:07:55.139 --> 00:08:01.479 Scripture gives us a much deeper and more powerful vision for the church. 00:08:02.099 --> 00:08:04.099 And when we think about it in the New Testament, 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:07.959 we think about how Scripture describes the church, 00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:10.500 well, more than a building, 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:13.519 more than a service or more than a program. 00:08:13.719 --> 00:08:16.259 Scripture describes the church as a people, 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:19.240 as a living body, as a household, 00:08:19.300 --> 00:08:21.899 as we will find in the Ephesians text, 00:08:21.899 --> 00:08:24.659 and a family that journeys together in Christ. 00:08:25.139 --> 00:08:29.459 I want you to think of that image when you think of Christ as the great shepherd 00:08:29.459 --> 00:08:33.600 and how he journeys with his sheep into green pastures, 00:08:33.699 --> 00:08:35.939 into safety and to security, right? 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:38.779 You may think that you have, you know, 00:08:38.840 --> 00:08:42.439 maybe 10 or 100 or however many sheep that are journeying together. 00:08:43.319 --> 00:08:46.980 The journey, you as an individual person, 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:49.259 you're obviously journeying with Christ. 00:08:49.439 --> 00:08:51.220 And when you journey together, 00:08:51.779 --> 00:08:53.100 think of the encouragement, 00:08:53.519 --> 00:08:54.899 think of the building up, 00:08:54.899 --> 00:08:57.819 think of how you can see transformation. 00:08:57.819 --> 00:08:59.519 And even there are times, 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:03.120 think about how in your own journey in Christ, 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:07.459 how there have been hills and there have been valleys. 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:11.980 There have been moments where you're journeying and things get tough, right? 00:09:12.579 --> 00:09:16.019 And there have been moments where things have been easier. 00:09:16.019 --> 00:09:17.980 Not only does that, 00:09:17.980 --> 00:09:22.079 is that directly applicable to your individual walk, 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:27.539 but we can think of how churches have been through trials and tribulations as well. 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:30.240 Seasons where there may be pressure. 00:09:30.819 --> 00:09:34.319 There may be seasons where it's just a lot is going on. 00:09:34.320 --> 00:09:37.879 And we have to think of the importance of that. 00:09:39.940 --> 00:09:42.720 A family that journeys together in Christ. 00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:45.759 And when we think of this idea of how we belong, 00:09:45.759 --> 00:09:48.379 it begins with response. 00:09:48.920 --> 00:09:52.180 It begins with you saying yes or no to Jesus Christ 00:09:52.180 --> 00:09:56.279 and receiving the salvation that is freely available to all who believe. 00:09:56.759 --> 00:10:00.000 It is not something that we earn. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:03.159 It is something that has been done for us. 00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:09.840 It is not something that we can possibly earn on our own. 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:11.279 But it is done. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:15.740 Think of the difference between the word do and done. 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:20.039 You think of do, the things you have to do, the endless checklist. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:23.279 How many of you guys have a checklist of things you got to do? 00:10:23.320 --> 00:10:23.820 You can be honest. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:24.679 We can be honest here. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:27.519 Or maybe you don't have a checklist for a reason, right? 00:10:27.860 --> 00:10:29.299 You still have a list of things to do. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:30.240 You just don't want to admit it. 00:10:30.259 --> 00:10:30.939 I get it, right? 00:10:31.259 --> 00:10:33.299 We all have things that we have to do. 00:10:33.359 --> 00:10:36.339 And we feel accomplished when we do our homework, right? 00:10:36.979 --> 00:10:38.899 Or if we don't, we feel bad about it, right? 00:10:38.939 --> 00:10:42.579 Or if you have your household chores or your... 00:10:42.579 --> 00:10:45.219 I know when I used to work in a bank, 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:47.759 I had a checklist of everything I had to do every day. 00:10:47.819 --> 00:10:51.019 And if that checklist was not done, I did not leave, right? 00:10:51.099 --> 00:10:53.599 Some of us may live in that kind of structure or format. 00:10:53.779 --> 00:10:56.639 And that's how it is in the world that we live in. 00:10:56.639 --> 00:10:58.620 But when it comes to the things of God, 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:00.659 His ways are higher. 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:03.580 And He has the checklist already done saying, 00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:05.220 Jesus paid it all. 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:07.519 And how remarkable that is. 00:11:07.539 --> 00:11:08.740 And we praise God for that. 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:11.700 Done as opposed to due. 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:15.919 And so belonging is something we receive through Christ. 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:18.560 We grow individually and we grow together. 00:11:18.560 --> 00:11:20.639 And we live out with one another. 00:11:21.419 --> 00:11:22.720 Building up one another. 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:23.919 Encouraging one another. 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:25.740 And being present for one another. 00:11:25.979 --> 00:11:28.639 Should something happen in your life. 00:11:29.299 --> 00:11:32.779 Now, for many of us, we've had good moments, right? 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.740 We've had bad moments. 00:11:35.099 --> 00:11:37.519 Think of the famous saying, the good, the bad, and the what? 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:39.199 The ugly, right? 00:11:39.339 --> 00:11:41.559 It's not the good, the great, and the okay. 00:11:41.559 --> 00:11:42.639 All right? 00:11:42.699 --> 00:11:43.879 It's not the good and the bad. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:45.199 It's the good, the bad, and the ugly. 00:11:45.959 --> 00:11:48.799 We think about the experiences that we have in our life. 00:11:48.839 --> 00:11:52.559 And how we, as the body of Christ, are to support one another. 00:11:52.699 --> 00:11:53.659 Pray for one another. 00:11:53.719 --> 00:11:55.179 And be present with one another. 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:56.459 Whatever it is. 00:11:56.460 --> 00:11:59.440 Even in the celebration of the birth of a child. 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:02.980 Or if someone is sick, being present for them. 00:12:03.060 --> 00:12:07.060 Making a phone call and making sure, hey, how can I pray for you? 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:11.680 Or, I don't even know the words to say, but I'm going to be here for you. 00:12:12.160 --> 00:12:14.460 I'm going to come and visit, even if it's just for 10 minutes. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:17.440 These are the kind of things that the body of Christ we are called to do. 00:12:18.580 --> 00:12:21.740 So, let's turn to Ephesians. 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:22.720 It's going to be Ephesians. 00:12:22.800 --> 00:12:23.460 Open your Bibles. 00:12:23.460 --> 00:12:24.780 Ephesians chapter 2. 00:12:26.460 --> 00:12:28.920 Verses 19 through 22. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:32.500 It's right on the title slide. 00:12:32.620 --> 00:12:34.759 You are welcome to use your ESVP Bible. 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:36.680 Or, really, any Bible of choice. 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:38.019 New International. 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:38.720 New Living. 00:12:38.920 --> 00:12:39.820 New American Standard. 00:12:40.780 --> 00:12:44.639 I just learned that the New Revised Standard Version has an updated version. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:46.060 It's like the 2021 edition. 00:12:46.680 --> 00:12:48.639 I guess I was used to the 1989 version. 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:49.940 But, that's a whole different story. 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:56.440 So, in that, let's turn our Bibles to Ephesians chapter 2. 00:12:56.460 --> 00:13:00.500 We're going to have verse 19 through 22. 00:13:00.639 --> 00:13:03.500 But, I actually want to start in verse 14. 00:13:04.920 --> 00:13:06.180 Are we all there, church? 00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:07.920 Okay. 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:11.240 So, Ephesians 2. 00:13:11.920 --> 00:13:15.620 And, we'll do verses 14 to 22. 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:17.779 I know it says on here 19 through 22. 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:19.600 That's the main crux of it. 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:22.100 But, we're going to go to have a little more context here. 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:24.139 Church, can we read this together? 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:45.439 Verse 16. 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:51.900 Verse 16, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the Christ, thereby killing 00:13:51.900 --> 00:13:52.580 hostility, right? 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:55.020 It's talking about one body, right? 00:13:55.280 --> 00:13:59.000 Verse 17, and he came and preached what to you? 00:13:59.560 --> 00:14:03.420 Peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 00:14:03.460 --> 00:14:04.300 This is very important. 00:14:04.300 --> 00:14:07.080 Those that were near and those that were far, right? 00:14:07.140 --> 00:14:09.580 This message of peace is getting preached out. 00:14:10.380 --> 00:14:13.680 Then in verse 18, through him, we have what? 00:14:13.679 --> 00:14:16.439 What? Access in one spirit to the Father. 00:14:16.959 --> 00:14:18.219 So you are no longer what? 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:19.399 And there's two words that pop up. 00:14:20.079 --> 00:14:22.399 Strangers and aliens, right? 00:14:22.699 --> 00:14:23.659 But you are what? 00:14:23.799 --> 00:14:28.319 Fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. 00:14:28.359 --> 00:14:32.799 That's beautiful language, talking about the invitation that God has for us to be a member 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:35.000 of the household of God is powerful language. 00:14:35.419 --> 00:14:38.740 Verse 20, built on the foundation of the what? 00:14:38.859 --> 00:14:39.240 Of the who? 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.459 Apostles and prophets. 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:44.540 Christ Jesus himself being the what? 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:51.440 The cornerstone in whom the, this is important, the whole structure being joined together grows 00:14:51.440 --> 00:14:53.180 into a holy temple of the Lord. 00:14:53.180 --> 00:14:56.620 Talking about the building up and the establishment of the church. 00:14:56.700 --> 00:14:58.560 We think of Christ as our foundation. 00:14:58.740 --> 00:15:02.139 We think of the apostles and the prophets that's all being laid apart. 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:06.299 And this idea, this imagery, we can go ahead and put that on the screen. 00:15:06.419 --> 00:15:09.379 That image where you have Christ as the cornerstone, right? 00:15:09.419 --> 00:15:10.919 Being built together through Christ. 00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:16.059 You see that the, I tried to find as accurate of a representation, but the cornerstone being 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:20.080 the most important stone that is bridging together two sides, right? 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:25.059 And we think about this, the prophets then representing in the Old Testament and then the apostles 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:28.379 of the New Testament and Christ is bringing it together, right? 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:30.399 So it's just, we can think of the image of a bridge. 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:34.480 We can think of the image as the cornerstone, but Christ being the most significant part 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:35.820 that brings the two together. 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:41.259 And when we're thinking about the text, when it says, if you go back in scripture, when 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:44.120 it's mentioning in verse 21, in whom, right? 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:50.320 In Christ, the whole structure is being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 00:15:50.320 --> 00:15:57.820 So we have the foundation then, and what we're seeing in this kind of imagery is a building, 00:15:58.200 --> 00:16:00.820 a structure, a temple for the Lord. 00:16:00.900 --> 00:16:03.240 Isn't that beautiful imagery we think about that? 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:05.260 That it's being constructed, right? 00:16:05.300 --> 00:16:10.540 When we think of the language throughout scripture, that the kingdom of God is being established. 00:16:10.640 --> 00:16:12.260 The kingdom of God is here, right? 00:16:12.300 --> 00:16:16.000 And we're thinking about how we're to spread the gospel to all the ends of the earth. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:21.379 It is the continuation of the building, in this sense, the holy temple, or the building 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:22.460 of the kingdom of God. 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:27.779 We can see this kind of parallel language that exists, and it's beautiful language nonetheless. 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:38.240 So, verse 22, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:39.860 by who? 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.980 The Holy Spirit, right? 00:16:42.059 --> 00:16:44.799 So we see this kind of language that's happening, right? 00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:48.559 And the important piece, as we are observing the text, right? 00:16:48.599 --> 00:16:51.459 Because here at Ontario Community Church, we have a three-prong process. 00:16:51.839 --> 00:16:52.519 Observe the text. 00:16:52.579 --> 00:16:53.539 We're going to read it, by golly. 00:16:53.979 --> 00:16:55.000 We're going to read the word of God. 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:55.179 Amen? 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:56.000 Right? 00:16:56.059 --> 00:16:57.979 And we're going to see what's exactly going on here. 00:16:58.059 --> 00:17:00.120 Then the second is the I. 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:01.240 It's the interpretation. 00:17:01.620 --> 00:17:03.740 What are the lessons that we can learn from this? 00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:05.259 And then third is the application. 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:07.480 What can we do about this? 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:14.079 And so, being no longer strangers and aliens, but being fellow citizens. 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:15.940 Now, it's very important. 00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:21.480 If you still have your Bibles open, in verse 19, I always find it very interesting where 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:23.819 it's giving this distinction between strangers and aliens. 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:26.160 Have you ever wondered why it specifically says that? 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:29.400 You think, well, can you just all lump them into one? 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:32.759 Just say, you know, you're all aliens or you're all strangers and it's a done deal. 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:36.680 It's talking about something that I think is very interesting and it's very important. 00:17:37.319 --> 00:17:41.859 When you're talking about both of these categories are talking about the Gentiles. 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:47.859 So, for those of you that know scripture much better, you have Gentile and you have the Jews, 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:48.160 right? 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:52.480 You have the people of God, which salvation was originally available for them. 00:17:52.619 --> 00:17:55.759 And then when Christ came, salvation became available to who? 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:57.319 To everybody, right? 00:17:57.539 --> 00:18:02.740 So, you have the Gentiles then, which you have the stranger, which are, these are people 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:05.200 that are completely outside of the people of God. 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:10.200 They're physically away and they're also outside of the covenant of God, okay? 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:17.720 And then you have aliens, which is being represented as those who are wanting to become Jewish 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:20.240 or want, or they're living and doing life. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:25.879 They may even be worshiping the Old Testament God, but they're not a part of the fold yet. 00:18:26.059 --> 00:18:28.339 And that's how it was in the Old Testament. 00:18:28.339 --> 00:18:33.480 There is still this distinction of physical separation from the Jewish people and also 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:36.539 the covenantal separation from the people. 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:42.439 And what's happening here is you have the Jews as members of the household of God. 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:45.899 That is the old system, this separation between Gentile and Jew. 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:51.559 But some of you may be thinking of the verse that in Christ there is neither Gentile nor Jew, 00:18:51.699 --> 00:18:51.919 right? 00:18:52.519 --> 00:18:53.759 And so this is interesting. 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:57.960 Here it's showing what the separation used to be like, right? 00:18:58.440 --> 00:19:01.920 Physical separation as well as covenantal separation. 00:19:02.379 --> 00:19:06.920 But it is not so anymore that when we are considering the new covenant, in other words, 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:11.759 when Christ is coming here to the earth and he changes the course of history by his miracles, 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:15.519 his teachings, his death, burial, and resurrection, the fulfillment of prophecy, 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:21.160 all of these things that were happening, it is providing a new way where Gentiles and Jew 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:23.420 can enter into the new covenant. 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:24.240 Amen? 00:19:24.700 --> 00:19:26.019 Does that make sense, church? 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:31.060 We can see that there is a new system that is being provided by Christ. 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:36.740 And it's just such an interesting distinction because I've read that verse so many times 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:38.880 and I'm like, strangers and aliens. 00:19:39.140 --> 00:19:41.920 It's just kind of a strange thing that's happening in here. 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:44.560 And you go on further within the text, right? 00:19:44.820 --> 00:19:49.759 To be made a fellow citizen, to be welcomed into the household of God. 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:55.519 And we think of how important it is for us as Christians to remember the fact that not only 00:19:55.519 --> 00:20:00.840 are we supposed to focus on the unity that exists within Christianity, but also the fact 00:20:00.840 --> 00:20:06.560 that no matter who you are, no matter what it is you have gone through, no matter what you 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:11.379 are going through, no matter how tall or skinny you are, no matter what the color of your skin 00:20:11.379 --> 00:20:15.879 is, no, all of those different kinds of things, the invitation is for you. 00:20:16.419 --> 00:20:19.139 The invitation is for you to respond. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:23.419 And only you can decide if you're going to receive salvation in Jesus Christ. 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.799 Can I get an amen in that one? 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:26.559 How powerful that is. 00:20:26.619 --> 00:20:28.659 It's not just one select people group. 00:20:28.879 --> 00:20:30.819 It goes beyond that to everyone. 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:38.079 And we can think of how, for many of us, you may know a person who has an incredible, 00:20:38.619 --> 00:20:45.599 tragic, insane, crazy, you can put whatever word you want, backstory, right? 00:20:46.179 --> 00:20:47.919 The life before Christ. 00:20:48.679 --> 00:20:55.159 And then in knowing Christ, how that was the moment that changed everything. 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:57.019 Think about that. 00:20:57.019 --> 00:21:03.839 I think of in my own personal life, how before I was a Christian, I was a very different type 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:04.359 of person. 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:11.019 And in receiving salvation and letting God work in and through me, much like how the Lord 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:17.480 should work in and through you, mold you, transform you, follow in the footsteps of Christ 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.799 as Christ leads you. 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:23.119 And you will be transformed to be more like Christ. 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:30.239 And I think of this image that we have, our stained glass and this invitation, his arms 00:21:30.239 --> 00:21:33.199 being wide open for all of us. 00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:38.319 How many of us seek for security? 00:21:39.139 --> 00:21:43.199 How many of us seek for safety in this life? 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:48.519 And I don't know about you, I can't find a lot of security in the world, right? 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.519 Even banks close. 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:53.000 How many of you guys watched It's a Wonderful Life, right? 00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:56.179 Where the bank closes and Mr. Potter, right? 00:21:56.219 --> 00:21:58.419 He wants to give, what is it, 10 cents on the dollar. 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:01.719 That's not a good deal there, right? 00:22:02.179 --> 00:22:04.359 But we think of institutions. 00:22:04.719 --> 00:22:09.719 We think of how so much just fades away in the world. 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:14.439 But when we are standing on, we think of that building, right? 00:22:14.479 --> 00:22:15.899 I want you to look at this image here. 00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:18.059 To be welcome. 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:20.519 Welcome to the household of God, right? 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:22.119 You have this image of this older guy. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:26.500 And I actually put in here white garments. 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:29.119 And that's actually a very biblical thing, right? 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:30.579 You see that not only in parables. 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:31.680 You see that within Revelation. 00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:36.799 You find that throughout Scripture about, many of you will know this language, from filthy 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:38.039 rags, right? 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:39.700 To going into new garments. 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:44.340 I love how in Revelation, I think it's in Revelation 22, where it mentions, blessed is 00:22:44.340 --> 00:22:45.779 the man who washes his robes. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:47.360 Such a weird verse in there. 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:49.100 What in the world does that mean, right? 00:22:49.340 --> 00:22:55.279 Well, in Christ, our robes are going to be washed then, and they will be made white. 00:22:55.480 --> 00:23:00.620 And we can also even think in parabolic language, in the parables, the wedding feast, right? 00:23:00.640 --> 00:23:01.519 The great banquet. 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:04.539 How you put on new clothes. 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:09.019 Or when you think of putting on the new self. 00:23:10.099 --> 00:23:15.039 There's all these kind of connections that we can think of when we are being received into 00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:16.159 the household of God. 00:23:16.619 --> 00:23:19.180 And what a powerful image you can think of. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.539 To be welcomed. 00:23:20.700 --> 00:23:22.000 No longer a stranger. 00:23:22.139 --> 00:23:23.440 No longer an outcast. 00:23:23.539 --> 00:23:28.420 No longer someone that people may say, oh no, we don't want your kind around. 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:30.259 Not any longer. 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:34.940 But it is Christ welcoming you into that household. 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:38.660 To be treated as a brother or sister in Christ. 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:40.799 To be members of a household. 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:41.900 Not visitors. 00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:43.720 Not guests. 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:45.940 But to be a part of the family of God. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:51.920 And to think of this imagery as people are entering into the flock, as it were, or the 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:52.299 family. 00:23:52.400 --> 00:23:53.839 You can think of all this different imagery. 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:56.500 How we're being built up together. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:24:02.039 And what a powerful celebration it is when someone receives Jesus Christ. 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:03.519 When someone receives salvation. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:05.680 Or when someone gets baptized. 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:13.099 That's a time for us to celebrate another person as they are receiving salvation and growing 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:13.960 in Christ. 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:15.579 How powerful that is. 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:18.039 And that imagery being built together. 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:20.940 And Christ being the cornerstone. 00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:23.839 Powerful and beautiful language. 00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:31.199 And this passage tells us from then and even now that belonging is individually you enter 00:24:31.199 --> 00:24:32.199 into a community. 00:24:32.679 --> 00:24:36.279 And what community can we think of than the local church? 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:39.079 For us to be present with one another. 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.859 To help one another. 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:47.899 I always love when in times when I've entered church throughout my walk with the Lord and 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:56.019 you have a Bible study and the Lord reveals something, a truth to one person and it gets shared to 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:59.479 another and you just start learning and helping one another grow. 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.919 It's a remarkable thing. 00:25:00.959 --> 00:25:01.819 That's one example. 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:12.299 Sometimes it's the laying on of hands. 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:26.019 Sometimes it's just, well, when we think of bearing one another's burdens, it's okay to be present with one another. 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:28.119 That's what we're called to do. 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:29.420 And let me tell you something. 00:25:30.099 --> 00:25:31.680 Is the world like that? 00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:36.420 Maybe a support group might have something like that, right? 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:49.519 But even at that, it's still not the same as the intentionality, as the healing, the spiritual healing that happens in the church. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:55.220 And that's something that, let me tell you, the world does not offer that. 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:58.319 But it's something that is different. 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:02.980 Because God provides a better way for us. 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:06.220 And so in all of this, we are welcomed. 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.299 We go on this journey. 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:08.879 We get built together in Christ. 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:11.259 And it all begins with that decision in Christ. 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:18.700 It's part of, we are being saved by grace through faith into the family of God. 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:21.420 And so let's go to that next slide then. 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:25.819 So what is scripture teaching us then, right? 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:31.759 That belonging into a community, right? 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:33.480 The body of Christ, the church. 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:36.539 Well, are we all the same? 00:26:37.380 --> 00:26:38.580 There's one answer to that. 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.039 It's no. 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.779 We're not all the same, right? 00:26:41.100 --> 00:26:43.000 Now, certainly we're all part of the family of God. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:44.140 I get that. 00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:46.779 But we're all different parts of the body, right? 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:49.940 We all have different spiritual giftings. 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:54.660 Where we are at in our spiritual walk with the Lord, it may be different than the person next to you. 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:55.420 You'd be surprised. 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:59.339 What is God revealing to you specifically in this moment? 00:26:59.420 --> 00:27:01.819 Or what has God revealed to you this week? 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:03.700 It could be through prayer. 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:06.339 The still, silent voice of the Lord. 00:27:06.879 --> 00:27:08.839 It could be through the studying of scripture. 00:27:08.839 --> 00:27:15.619 It could be that random person you met on the street that somehow answered a prayer of something you've been wrestling with. 00:27:15.679 --> 00:27:16.740 I've had that happen before. 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:18.339 It's really bizarre. 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:21.000 But hey, God can work in incredible ways. 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:26.259 It's about responding to Christ and being in the community of believers together. 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:29.160 A place for healing, growth, and formation. 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:31.460 And as well as transformation. 00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:40.039 The Apostle Paul, when he writes in Ephesians, is clear that we belong because Christ has reconciled us to God. 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:44.640 And through reconciliation, we get bound together. 00:27:44.640 --> 00:27:47.720 That's why we have to take care of one another, right? 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:53.920 I mean, we think of, and I know in a lot of Sunday schools or children's church, they always say like, 00:27:54.320 --> 00:27:55.759 imagine if you didn't have an ear, right? 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:57.280 You want to have your ear back on, right? 00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:59.900 Well, we can think about that even as adults, right? 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:03.460 Every part of the body is important in the eyes of God. 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:07.960 And you need all of those parts to function together well. 00:28:08.540 --> 00:28:09.900 And to do effective ministry. 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.440 Think about that. 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:17.240 Like, how remarkable is it that there's different parts of the body and we are to be united in Christ in that? 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:18.140 Not divided. 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:23.259 I mean, are you going to say, you know, like, I don't need my foot. 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:25.360 I don't need you. 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:27.039 You're really bugging me today. 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.360 Get out of here, right? 00:28:28.920 --> 00:28:32.779 It wouldn't make, it completely defies any sort of logic or understanding, right? 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:35.320 So then why are we doing that with the body of Christ? 00:28:36.279 --> 00:28:40.700 Why are we dividing over things that are unnecessary or things that are elementary? 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:45.539 Just as I mentioned in Hebrews, where it gives a list of the elementary things. 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:48.660 And we are to go beyond those elementary things. 00:28:48.880 --> 00:28:51.120 It's not to say those elementary things are not important. 00:28:52.080 --> 00:28:53.319 We build the foundation. 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:55.080 We keep building upon that. 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:57.279 Our foundation is in Christ then. 00:28:57.279 --> 00:29:05.740 And so throughout the New Testament, Paul repeatedly uses the body language to describe the church, right? 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:07.660 Different gifts doing life together. 00:29:07.879 --> 00:29:10.379 A place for encouragement, love, and unity. 00:29:10.799 --> 00:29:13.980 And just as I mentioned, you don't need your foot anymore, right? 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:16.480 There's no isolation. 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:19.680 Instead, we build up the body of Christ. 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.700 We build up the church. 00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:22.019 We build up the community. 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:25.259 To belong to Christ then is to belong to the body. 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:32.660 And the body needs to come together not to be isolated, not to be divided, not to be separated, or to be alone. 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:40.460 Just like how important it is for us to not forsake us gathering together. 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:45.799 But for us to have the intention for us to gather together. 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:47.059 Now I get it. 00:29:47.140 --> 00:29:48.299 There's times we get sick. 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:50.319 There's times where life happens. 00:29:50.600 --> 00:29:53.519 But we still have that intention for us to gather together. 00:29:54.019 --> 00:29:57.059 We are made for greater things then. 00:29:57.460 --> 00:30:02.039 And God provides a better way for our own lives, right? 00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:05.279 For us personally, the transformation that happens within us, 00:30:05.380 --> 00:30:09.180 but also the transformation that exists in our own church community. 00:30:09.180 --> 00:30:12.779 And we think for a moment, as we are being built up, 00:30:13.000 --> 00:30:17.080 we go out into the community and we share the gospel message. 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:21.279 We share our own stories of how Christ has transformed our lives, 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:24.880 how the Lord has been there in every season of life. 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:30.700 We have to think we are called to be Christ-like. 00:30:31.160 --> 00:30:34.320 We are to grow collectively, build up one another, 00:30:34.320 --> 00:30:37.299 and do incredible things in the name of Christ. 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:39.980 We are to have an active faith. 00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:45.339 And when we think of being a Christian, a follower of Christ, 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:50.819 we think that, let us remember that faith is personal, 00:30:51.379 --> 00:30:52.740 but it's not private. 00:30:53.599 --> 00:30:55.220 And I want you to understand the difference. 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:58.259 You have a personal relationship with Christ, 00:30:58.519 --> 00:31:00.500 but it's not meant to be private. 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:02.539 It's meant to be part of the body. 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:06.399 And it's meant to, when we think of all of these different parables 00:31:06.399 --> 00:31:07.799 and different parts of scripture, right? 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:10.379 Letting the light shine, 00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:13.319 or being salt and light for others to see, 00:31:13.379 --> 00:31:15.200 to be the city on the hill. 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:19.859 There's so many types of patterns and things that we can see within scripture 00:31:19.859 --> 00:31:21.680 that helps us with our understanding. 00:31:22.159 --> 00:31:24.099 And when we disconnect from the body, 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:26.779 we become more vulnerable. 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:30.339 Just how important it is, 00:31:30.399 --> 00:31:37.500 even when Christ mentions that he leaves the 99 to go after the 1. 00:31:39.099 --> 00:31:42.119 You think about that because the 1 is vulnerable. 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.019 Right? 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:45.879 How important that is. 00:31:46.779 --> 00:31:48.460 We now go to the next slide, 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.859 which is our application then, 00:31:49.899 --> 00:31:52.399 and how do we live this out, right? 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:54.040 And there's three things. 00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:58.600 You know, belonging is intentional. 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:01.860 It's not just a catchphrase. 00:32:02.060 --> 00:32:03.240 And you've probably heard that, you know, 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:05.200 saying all the time that you belong here. 00:32:05.580 --> 00:32:08.580 But it's a calling that is lived out. 00:32:10.080 --> 00:32:11.759 Belonging through presence. 00:32:13.080 --> 00:32:14.220 We think about this, 00:32:14.320 --> 00:32:16.940 that presence is more than just showing up physically. 00:32:17.140 --> 00:32:19.000 Well, certainly we need to show up physically, right? 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:20.200 But it's certainly more than that. 00:32:20.200 --> 00:32:22.160 It's choosing to be available, 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:26.460 to be open and engaged with God and with one another. 00:32:28.220 --> 00:32:29.279 Think about that. 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:33.059 And consider for a moment how difficult it can be 00:32:33.059 --> 00:32:35.120 to be present in the moment 00:32:35.120 --> 00:32:37.940 with modern day distractions, right? 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:42.240 You know, I always give the example of the telephone, right? 00:32:42.519 --> 00:32:43.519 Of the cell phone. 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:46.580 Sometimes when I am answering a text 00:32:46.580 --> 00:32:47.940 and I'm playing with my kids 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:50.559 and I'm sitting down and I'm playing blocks or whatever 00:32:50.559 --> 00:32:52.360 and I'm doing, you know, 00:32:52.580 --> 00:32:54.680 I'm doing a little text. 00:32:54.920 --> 00:32:58.640 I cannot tell you how much it impacts me 00:32:58.640 --> 00:33:01.539 if my kid grabs my face, right? 00:33:01.720 --> 00:33:01.860 Yeah. 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:05.220 Grabs my face and is like, 00:33:05.460 --> 00:33:07.500 no, dad, look at me. 00:33:07.860 --> 00:33:09.840 Not that darn phone, right? 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:15.519 And that's just one of many of the distractions that we have, right? 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:18.339 For some of us with our cell phones, 00:33:18.439 --> 00:33:21.759 we know the exact sound when a text comes through 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:26.179 or the exact sound when you get a email message, right? 00:33:26.439 --> 00:33:29.480 It's like we've been programmed to know exactly those kind of things, right? 00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:32.439 We just have to be intentional when we're being in the present moment 00:33:32.439 --> 00:33:35.379 and being mindful of any sort of distraction that we have. 00:33:35.380 --> 00:33:39.260 Well, we think that God is present with us today. 00:33:39.740 --> 00:33:42.400 Well, we should be present with one another 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:44.600 and present with the Lord. 00:33:45.540 --> 00:33:48.160 Let us respond to God's call in our life, right? 00:33:49.160 --> 00:33:52.020 To be in the presence of the Lord. 00:33:52.960 --> 00:33:53.820 We think about that. 00:33:54.660 --> 00:33:57.280 You think God gets distracted with a cell phone? 00:33:57.380 --> 00:33:57.600 No. 00:33:58.140 --> 00:33:59.820 We want to be in the presence of the Lord. 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:01.800 I mean, that doesn't make sense, right? 00:34:02.620 --> 00:34:04.580 But we want to be in the presence of the Lord. 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:09.019 But we think about, for us, being present with one another. 00:34:09.900 --> 00:34:11.840 And that requires intentionality. 00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:13.860 That requires effort at times. 00:34:14.639 --> 00:34:17.539 And certainly, it can get so easy to get distracted. 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:18.099 I get it. 00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:20.559 So let us respond then. 00:34:21.840 --> 00:34:23.719 Begin our spiritual journey in Him. 00:34:24.319 --> 00:34:26.960 Being present, being intentional, mindful to God, 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:28.659 and mindful to others as well. 00:34:28.659 --> 00:34:34.480 And belonging begins when we make the simple but the decision to show up. 00:34:34.980 --> 00:34:37.239 When we show up and when we're intentional, 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:39.239 does that mean you've got to be perfect? 00:34:40.259 --> 00:34:40.699 Well, no. 00:34:41.940 --> 00:34:44.799 It's just like when you show up for someone who is in need. 00:34:45.879 --> 00:34:48.639 You know, you may not be wearing the cleanest clothes. 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:51.539 You may not, your hair may not be in the best, you know, 00:34:51.739 --> 00:34:53.719 you may not even be smelling good, right? 00:34:54.079 --> 00:34:55.199 Whatever it is. 00:34:56.659 --> 00:35:00.339 Being present does not mean you have to be perfect. 00:35:01.759 --> 00:35:04.259 Showing up and just being there. 00:35:04.759 --> 00:35:05.719 Being aware. 00:35:07.079 --> 00:35:08.799 You don't have to have everything together 00:35:08.799 --> 00:35:11.400 to belong into the family of God. 00:35:11.400 --> 00:35:14.160 You have to turn to Christ, 00:35:14.240 --> 00:35:16.059 being the way, the truth, and the life. 00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:19.000 And I want you to think about that question then. 00:35:20.720 --> 00:35:22.059 Am I truly present? 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:23.940 Or am I not? 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:25.920 Just something for you to think of. 00:35:26.559 --> 00:35:30.380 The second thing then is belonging through participation then. 00:35:31.200 --> 00:35:33.160 In 1 Corinthians 12.18, 00:35:33.680 --> 00:35:34.200 where it says, 00:35:34.200 --> 00:35:36.260 God arranged the members in the body, 00:35:36.460 --> 00:35:38.480 each one of them as He chose. 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:41.659 That Christ invites us to come and see 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:43.059 who He is, 00:35:43.240 --> 00:35:45.579 and that Christ offers a better way for our lives. 00:35:45.880 --> 00:35:48.059 From coming and seeing that the Lord is good, 00:35:48.139 --> 00:35:48.740 to joining, 00:35:49.780 --> 00:35:51.699 through joining comes action. 00:35:52.440 --> 00:35:55.260 That we are to participate in the body of Christ. 00:35:55.920 --> 00:35:56.920 Some of you may remember 00:35:56.920 --> 00:35:59.000 when I went over the parable 00:35:59.000 --> 00:36:00.780 of the children in the marketplace. 00:36:01.000 --> 00:36:02.179 How many of you may or 00:36:02.179 --> 00:36:04.039 may not know what I'm talking about, 00:36:04.079 --> 00:36:04.639 and that's all right. 00:36:05.340 --> 00:36:07.240 That parable was talking about 00:36:07.239 --> 00:36:10.679 how there are these children in the marketplace, 00:36:11.359 --> 00:36:12.959 and there was a time of mourning 00:36:12.959 --> 00:36:14.799 and a time of celebration. 00:36:15.279 --> 00:36:16.159 But the children, 00:36:17.299 --> 00:36:18.099 what did they do? 00:36:19.159 --> 00:36:20.339 They just sat there. 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:22.239 The scripture says that 00:36:22.239 --> 00:36:23.599 we played the lute, 00:36:23.679 --> 00:36:24.659 we played the heart. 00:36:25.339 --> 00:36:27.099 There was even a time of mourning, 00:36:27.219 --> 00:36:28.000 but you did nothing. 00:36:29.419 --> 00:36:31.599 And it's such an unusual parable. 00:36:31.899 --> 00:36:32.239 You're like, 00:36:32.239 --> 00:36:35.659 don't be like idle children. 00:36:36.839 --> 00:36:38.679 Some commentators say, 00:36:38.839 --> 00:36:40.099 don't be like spoiled children 00:36:40.099 --> 00:36:42.219 that are just sitting by 00:36:42.219 --> 00:36:43.939 and letting life pass by. 00:36:44.339 --> 00:36:45.239 But in any sense, 00:36:45.299 --> 00:36:47.019 we have to think of this idea 00:36:47.019 --> 00:36:48.359 of participation. 00:36:49.819 --> 00:36:50.539 Discovering that 00:36:50.539 --> 00:36:52.139 God has given all 00:36:52.139 --> 00:36:53.539 gifts and abilities, 00:36:54.219 --> 00:36:56.299 not just for recognition, 00:36:56.459 --> 00:36:57.779 but for the health of the body. 00:36:57.780 --> 00:36:59.460 that we contribute, 00:36:59.600 --> 00:36:59.780 right? 00:36:59.800 --> 00:37:00.940 When we think of stewardship, 00:37:01.120 --> 00:37:02.200 contributing our time, 00:37:02.300 --> 00:37:02.760 our talent, 00:37:02.840 --> 00:37:03.420 and our treasures, 00:37:03.580 --> 00:37:04.960 as well as our testimony, 00:37:05.120 --> 00:37:05.720 our story. 00:37:06.540 --> 00:37:07.900 We're to help one another 00:37:07.900 --> 00:37:09.640 and to do great things 00:37:09.640 --> 00:37:10.900 in the name of Christ. 00:37:11.800 --> 00:37:12.780 And we have to think, 00:37:13.400 --> 00:37:14.220 a body needs 00:37:14.900 --> 00:37:16.380 all of the parts. 00:37:17.220 --> 00:37:17.560 Otherwise, 00:37:17.560 --> 00:37:18.480 if you're missing 00:37:18.480 --> 00:37:20.440 certain parts of the body, 00:37:20.620 --> 00:37:21.540 you're going to be in trouble. 00:37:22.620 --> 00:37:22.820 I mean, 00:37:22.840 --> 00:37:23.480 that's the reality 00:37:23.480 --> 00:37:24.420 in the physical world. 00:37:24.420 --> 00:37:25.240 When we think of 00:37:25.240 --> 00:37:26.059 the spiritual world, 00:37:26.159 --> 00:37:27.860 we need all parts of the body. 00:37:29.240 --> 00:37:29.940 And so participation 00:37:29.940 --> 00:37:31.480 then includes serving, 00:37:32.300 --> 00:37:32.480 right? 00:37:32.599 --> 00:37:33.860 Serving in the local church 00:37:33.860 --> 00:37:35.340 or serving in the community, 00:37:35.519 --> 00:37:35.840 praying, 00:37:36.119 --> 00:37:36.440 learning, 00:37:37.240 --> 00:37:37.500 giving, 00:37:37.920 --> 00:37:38.820 doing life together. 00:37:39.320 --> 00:37:41.260 So don't just be idle. 00:37:41.700 --> 00:37:42.360 Be active. 00:37:43.079 --> 00:37:43.860 And so belonging 00:37:43.860 --> 00:37:45.059 through participation. 00:37:45.659 --> 00:37:46.579 And we think about it 00:37:46.579 --> 00:37:47.579 that belonging, 00:37:47.760 --> 00:37:47.940 right, 00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:48.840 it deepens 00:37:48.840 --> 00:37:50.099 when we serve 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:50.920 side by side. 00:37:51.920 --> 00:37:52.159 You know, 00:37:52.220 --> 00:37:53.980 I love being present 00:37:53.980 --> 00:37:55.099 and I love participating 00:37:55.099 --> 00:37:56.199 as best as I can. 00:37:56.280 --> 00:37:57.840 It helps in my faith journey. 00:37:58.539 --> 00:37:59.480 And I hope that it does 00:37:59.480 --> 00:38:00.320 for you as well. 00:38:01.800 --> 00:38:03.159 Ask yourself the question then, 00:38:03.199 --> 00:38:04.519 where is God inviting me 00:38:04.519 --> 00:38:05.240 to participate? 00:38:06.380 --> 00:38:07.519 The third thing then 00:38:07.519 --> 00:38:08.920 is belonging 00:38:08.920 --> 00:38:09.920 through partnership, 00:38:10.980 --> 00:38:11.280 right? 00:38:11.340 --> 00:38:12.539 As Ephesians is saying, 00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:13.300 join together, 00:38:13.440 --> 00:38:14.500 being built together. 00:38:15.099 --> 00:38:16.360 It's a shift from 00:38:16.360 --> 00:38:19.599 in mindset to 00:38:19.599 --> 00:38:22.320 I am a part of the family of God. 00:38:22.320 --> 00:38:23.940 And what a big shift 00:38:23.940 --> 00:38:24.600 that is, 00:38:24.660 --> 00:38:24.860 right? 00:38:24.940 --> 00:38:28.160 We not only are receiving 00:38:28.160 --> 00:38:30.000 the word of God, 00:38:30.100 --> 00:38:32.420 but we are actively giving. 00:38:32.880 --> 00:38:33.920 We begin asking, 00:38:34.120 --> 00:38:35.780 how is God calling us 00:38:35.780 --> 00:38:38.460 to build up the church, 00:38:39.120 --> 00:38:40.660 to build up one another? 00:38:41.160 --> 00:38:42.660 Because God wants us 00:38:42.660 --> 00:38:43.160 to grow, 00:38:43.280 --> 00:38:43.580 right, 00:38:44.000 --> 00:38:44.840 like a tree 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:46.420 and to produce 00:38:46.420 --> 00:38:47.240 what? 00:38:48.200 --> 00:38:49.140 Fruit, right? 00:38:49.519 --> 00:38:50.440 It's a pretty easy one. 00:38:50.440 --> 00:38:50.960 We think of, 00:38:51.360 --> 00:38:52.860 if you got an apple tree 00:38:52.860 --> 00:38:53.920 or an orange tree, 00:38:54.079 --> 00:38:54.679 apricot, 00:38:54.780 --> 00:38:55.179 or, you know, 00:38:55.220 --> 00:38:57.139 you got grapes on the vine, 00:38:57.280 --> 00:38:58.440 you'd be pretty frustrated 00:38:58.440 --> 00:38:59.679 if it didn't produce fruit, 00:38:59.740 --> 00:38:59.940 right? 00:39:01.260 --> 00:39:02.360 You might be patient with it, 00:39:02.400 --> 00:39:02.940 hoping, you know, 00:39:02.980 --> 00:39:03.760 eventually you're going 00:39:03.760 --> 00:39:04.480 to produce something. 00:39:04.619 --> 00:39:05.840 But we think of that 00:39:05.840 --> 00:39:06.619 kind of imagery. 00:39:06.780 --> 00:39:07.539 We are designed 00:39:07.539 --> 00:39:08.980 to produce fruit. 00:39:10.200 --> 00:39:11.700 What a beautiful image 00:39:11.700 --> 00:39:12.440 that is 00:39:12.440 --> 00:39:14.260 when we think of this. 00:39:15.139 --> 00:39:15.539 So, 00:39:15.679 --> 00:39:16.559 remember that image. 00:39:16.619 --> 00:39:17.280 Can we put that image 00:39:17.280 --> 00:39:18.800 of Christ as the cornerstone 00:39:18.800 --> 00:39:19.640 back on? 00:39:20.860 --> 00:39:22.220 We think about this 00:39:22.220 --> 00:39:24.180 being built up. 00:39:24.960 --> 00:39:25.600 We have, 00:39:26.460 --> 00:39:27.120 we're building up 00:39:27.120 --> 00:39:27.680 the church 00:39:27.680 --> 00:39:28.640 and the body 00:39:28.640 --> 00:39:30.080 and in the process. 00:39:30.700 --> 00:39:31.680 As the church 00:39:31.680 --> 00:39:32.580 is being built, 00:39:32.840 --> 00:39:34.200 as the body of Christ, 00:39:34.320 --> 00:39:35.720 as you individually 00:39:35.720 --> 00:39:36.980 are being built up, 00:39:38.200 --> 00:39:39.360 not only are we 00:39:39.360 --> 00:39:40.240 being transformed 00:39:40.240 --> 00:39:40.920 individually 00:39:40.920 --> 00:39:41.700 and collectively, 00:39:42.019 --> 00:39:42.900 but the world 00:39:42.900 --> 00:39:43.680 can see that. 00:39:44.600 --> 00:39:45.280 You want to know 00:39:45.280 --> 00:39:46.460 how to change culture. 00:39:46.460 --> 00:39:48.340 let God transform you. 00:39:48.860 --> 00:39:50.019 Let God transform 00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:50.880 all of us. 00:39:51.599 --> 00:39:52.539 And in so doing, 00:39:53.000 --> 00:39:53.960 people will see. 00:39:54.079 --> 00:39:54.699 They will know. 00:39:55.159 --> 00:39:56.059 They will know us 00:39:56.059 --> 00:39:56.699 by our love, 00:39:56.760 --> 00:39:57.820 just as the song says. 00:39:57.880 --> 00:39:58.619 They will know us 00:39:58.619 --> 00:39:59.920 by the words that we speak 00:39:59.920 --> 00:40:00.500 and the actions 00:40:00.500 --> 00:40:01.699 that we do. 00:40:01.900 --> 00:40:04.019 Being more Christ-like. 00:40:05.400 --> 00:40:06.599 I don't know about you, 00:40:06.940 --> 00:40:07.720 but if there's anyone 00:40:07.720 --> 00:40:08.480 I want to follow, 00:40:08.579 --> 00:40:09.039 it's Christ. 00:40:09.119 --> 00:40:09.639 Because when we think 00:40:09.639 --> 00:40:10.720 of all these other people, 00:40:12.199 --> 00:40:12.920 politicians, 00:40:13.440 --> 00:40:13.920 I'm not going to go 00:40:13.920 --> 00:40:14.800 too much into this, right? 00:40:16.840 --> 00:40:17.240 Celebrities. 00:40:18.440 --> 00:40:19.500 You want to follow them? 00:40:20.380 --> 00:40:21.099 I mean, yeah, 00:40:21.099 --> 00:40:21.679 they're famous 00:40:21.679 --> 00:40:22.539 or whatever, right? 00:40:22.579 --> 00:40:23.519 They have policy, 00:40:23.619 --> 00:40:24.320 whatever it is, 00:40:24.460 --> 00:40:25.800 but it's nothing 00:40:25.800 --> 00:40:27.480 compared to what 00:40:27.480 --> 00:40:28.900 Christ is showing. 00:40:29.800 --> 00:40:31.380 A much better way 00:40:31.380 --> 00:40:32.220 for our lives. 00:40:33.340 --> 00:40:33.780 And so, 00:40:34.240 --> 00:40:35.699 belonging matters, 00:40:36.159 --> 00:40:37.179 and we've got to make 00:40:37.179 --> 00:40:37.659 a commitment 00:40:37.659 --> 00:40:38.380 faithfully 00:40:38.380 --> 00:40:39.740 and relationally. 00:40:40.280 --> 00:40:41.300 And ask yourself 00:40:41.300 --> 00:40:41.840 the question, 00:40:41.960 --> 00:40:42.960 do you see yourself 00:40:42.960 --> 00:40:43.800 as a part of what 00:40:43.800 --> 00:40:44.780 God is building up? 00:40:44.780 --> 00:40:46.820 reflect on that 00:40:46.820 --> 00:40:47.560 sometime. 00:40:48.980 --> 00:40:49.400 And so, 00:40:49.560 --> 00:40:50.000 in this, 00:40:50.100 --> 00:40:50.680 let's go to that 00:40:50.680 --> 00:40:51.800 next slide then. 00:40:53.700 --> 00:40:55.200 Have that same image. 00:40:55.960 --> 00:40:56.240 Welcome 00:40:56.240 --> 00:40:57.920 to the household. 00:40:58.500 --> 00:40:59.600 And how important 00:40:59.600 --> 00:41:00.120 it is 00:41:00.120 --> 00:41:01.320 that there is 00:41:01.320 --> 00:41:01.780 an invitation 00:41:01.780 --> 00:41:02.600 for you. 00:41:03.260 --> 00:41:04.600 There is a better way 00:41:04.600 --> 00:41:05.700 that Christ has 00:41:05.700 --> 00:41:06.340 for you. 00:41:07.500 --> 00:41:08.180 Think of how 00:41:08.180 --> 00:41:08.440 that, 00:41:09.160 --> 00:41:09.820 what the text 00:41:09.820 --> 00:41:10.620 is talking about, 00:41:10.700 --> 00:41:11.700 no longer being 00:41:11.699 --> 00:41:12.319 a stranger 00:41:12.319 --> 00:41:13.799 and no longer 00:41:13.799 --> 00:41:14.679 being an alien, 00:41:14.799 --> 00:41:15.319 but becoming 00:41:15.319 --> 00:41:15.779 a member 00:41:15.779 --> 00:41:16.980 of the family. 00:41:17.859 --> 00:41:19.179 We think about this 00:41:19.179 --> 00:41:20.159 not only in the text, 00:41:20.259 --> 00:41:21.339 but in our own lives, 00:41:21.679 --> 00:41:23.299 being received, 00:41:24.879 --> 00:41:26.059 receiving salvation, 00:41:26.679 --> 00:41:27.439 being welcomed 00:41:27.439 --> 00:41:29.259 into the local church. 00:41:29.899 --> 00:41:31.179 This is how someone 00:41:31.179 --> 00:41:32.519 becomes a disciple 00:41:32.519 --> 00:41:33.119 of Christ. 00:41:33.439 --> 00:41:34.500 This is how someone 00:41:34.500 --> 00:41:35.339 is molded 00:41:35.339 --> 00:41:36.059 and formed, 00:41:36.699 --> 00:41:38.000 becoming a part 00:41:38.000 --> 00:41:38.519 of the body 00:41:38.519 --> 00:41:40.559 and being active 00:41:40.559 --> 00:41:41.019 in that. 00:41:41.159 --> 00:41:42.539 Let God mold you 00:41:42.539 --> 00:41:44.219 and let us build 00:41:44.219 --> 00:41:45.340 one another in faith. 00:41:45.440 --> 00:41:46.219 We all need 00:41:46.219 --> 00:41:47.239 a place to belong. 00:41:47.900 --> 00:41:48.539 We all need 00:41:48.539 --> 00:41:49.320 a place where we 00:41:49.320 --> 00:41:50.159 can feel safe 00:41:50.159 --> 00:41:50.800 and secure. 00:41:51.179 --> 00:41:52.179 And Christ offers 00:41:52.179 --> 00:41:52.960 us for a way 00:41:52.960 --> 00:41:54.400 to belong to him 00:41:54.400 --> 00:41:56.039 and to one another. 00:41:56.199 --> 00:41:57.480 And let us respond 00:41:57.480 --> 00:41:58.579 to that calling. 00:41:58.960 --> 00:41:59.719 Let us belong 00:41:59.719 --> 00:42:01.159 to the family of God. 00:42:01.639 --> 00:42:02.800 And we think about this, 00:42:02.960 --> 00:42:03.360 belonging 00:42:03.360 --> 00:42:05.259 is God's gift. 00:42:06.119 --> 00:42:07.000 It begins 00:42:07.000 --> 00:42:08.480 with response. 00:42:09.280 --> 00:42:10.300 And I want you 00:42:10.300 --> 00:42:11.579 to think about this 00:42:11.579 --> 00:42:12.759 as we close today. 00:42:13.659 --> 00:42:15.420 You were not meant 00:42:15.420 --> 00:42:16.739 to do life alone. 00:42:17.440 --> 00:42:18.800 You were not meant 00:42:18.800 --> 00:42:19.739 to be separated 00:42:19.739 --> 00:42:20.519 from people. 00:42:20.679 --> 00:42:21.340 You were meant 00:42:21.340 --> 00:42:22.980 to be connected 00:42:22.980 --> 00:42:24.599 with a community 00:42:24.599 --> 00:42:25.980 as well 00:42:25.980 --> 00:42:27.519 as with the Lord. 00:42:28.759 --> 00:42:29.900 You were not meant to. 00:42:30.159 --> 00:42:31.300 You think of that saying 00:42:31.300 --> 00:42:32.179 that no man 00:42:32.179 --> 00:42:33.119 is an island, right? 00:42:33.159 --> 00:42:33.519 How many of you 00:42:33.519 --> 00:42:34.780 heard that one before, right? 00:42:36.259 --> 00:42:37.599 Be a part of something 00:42:37.599 --> 00:42:38.539 greater than yourself. 00:42:39.460 --> 00:42:40.579 Receive salvation 00:42:40.579 --> 00:42:41.719 and grow in him 00:42:41.719 --> 00:42:42.679 and be transformed 00:42:42.679 --> 00:42:43.380 and belong 00:42:43.380 --> 00:42:44.480 to a community 00:42:44.480 --> 00:42:46.039 that cares about you. 00:42:47.239 --> 00:42:48.380 That is called 00:42:48.380 --> 00:42:50.519 to love one another 00:42:50.519 --> 00:42:51.460 just as Christ 00:42:51.460 --> 00:42:52.719 has loved us. 00:42:53.839 --> 00:42:54.380 And so, 00:42:54.980 --> 00:42:56.039 Christ has made 00:42:56.039 --> 00:42:57.380 a place for you. 00:42:58.239 --> 00:42:59.539 May you respond 00:42:59.539 --> 00:43:01.259 and let us belong 00:43:01.259 --> 00:43:01.940 together. 00:43:02.259 --> 00:43:03.119 Let's pray together. 00:43:03.119 --> 00:43:04.519 Father God, 00:43:04.579 --> 00:43:05.539 we thank you 00:43:05.539 --> 00:43:07.119 for this time 00:43:07.119 --> 00:43:07.940 and this opportunity 00:43:07.940 --> 00:43:08.759 for us to gather 00:43:08.759 --> 00:43:09.699 as we have gone over 00:43:09.699 --> 00:43:11.380 this text in Ephesians 00:43:11.380 --> 00:43:12.619 about belonging 00:43:12.619 --> 00:43:13.359 and the importance 00:43:13.359 --> 00:43:13.759 of this, 00:43:13.839 --> 00:43:14.619 that you extend 00:43:14.619 --> 00:43:15.099 an invitation 00:43:15.099 --> 00:43:16.119 for each and every 00:43:16.119 --> 00:43:16.619 one of us 00:43:16.619 --> 00:43:17.519 to respond 00:43:17.519 --> 00:43:19.539 to salvation, 00:43:19.900 --> 00:43:20.940 to your calling 00:43:20.940 --> 00:43:22.380 for our individual lives 00:43:22.380 --> 00:43:23.219 and to belong 00:43:23.219 --> 00:43:24.059 in a community 00:43:24.059 --> 00:43:24.739 of believers 00:43:24.739 --> 00:43:26.579 that help build up 00:43:26.579 --> 00:43:27.119 one another. 00:43:27.400 --> 00:43:28.799 May we join together 00:43:28.799 --> 00:43:30.339 as the body of Christ. 00:43:31.579 --> 00:43:32.679 May we not be divided. 00:43:32.679 --> 00:43:33.639 May we not attack 00:43:33.639 --> 00:43:34.139 one another, 00:43:34.319 --> 00:43:35.639 but may we seek you 00:43:35.639 --> 00:43:37.000 as the source of life. 00:43:37.519 --> 00:43:38.579 May we be molded 00:43:38.579 --> 00:43:39.460 by you. 00:43:39.940 --> 00:43:41.059 May we be transformed 00:43:41.059 --> 00:43:43.599 so that others 00:43:43.599 --> 00:43:44.919 can see, 00:43:45.239 --> 00:43:46.259 to come and see 00:43:46.259 --> 00:43:47.139 that the Lord 00:43:47.139 --> 00:43:48.000 is good. 00:43:49.339 --> 00:43:49.919 May we 00:43:49.919 --> 00:43:51.339 be a beacon 00:43:51.339 --> 00:43:51.819 of hope 00:43:51.819 --> 00:43:52.719 that shines 00:43:52.719 --> 00:43:54.419 your light, 00:43:54.839 --> 00:43:55.799 the light of Christ 00:43:55.799 --> 00:43:56.579 through us 00:43:56.579 --> 00:43:57.659 so that others 00:43:57.659 --> 00:43:58.199 can see. 00:43:59.619 --> 00:44:00.539 We thank you 00:44:00.539 --> 00:44:01.079 so much 00:44:01.079 --> 00:44:03.059 for this time 00:44:03.059 --> 00:44:03.619 once again. 00:44:04.119 --> 00:44:04.860 I pray for everyone 00:44:04.860 --> 00:44:05.440 that is here 00:44:05.440 --> 00:44:06.079 in this place 00:44:06.079 --> 00:44:06.960 at this moment 00:44:06.960 --> 00:44:08.000 as we are 00:44:08.000 --> 00:44:09.079 broadcasting live, 00:44:09.259 --> 00:44:10.219 everyone that's 00:44:10.219 --> 00:44:10.759 in person, 00:44:10.960 --> 00:44:11.940 everyone that's online, 00:44:12.179 --> 00:44:12.860 everyone that will 00:44:12.860 --> 00:44:13.779 watch or listen 00:44:13.779 --> 00:44:15.340 sometime in the future. 00:44:16.659 --> 00:44:17.239 To you 00:44:17.239 --> 00:44:18.599 be the glory. 00:44:19.460 --> 00:44:20.619 And it is in the name 00:44:20.619 --> 00:44:21.079 of Jesus 00:44:21.079 --> 00:44:22.139 that we pray 00:44:22.139 --> 00:44:23.000 and we all say together, 00:44:23.079 --> 00:44:23.699 Amen, church? 00:44:24.039 --> 00:44:24.460 Amen. 00:44:24.460 --> 00:44:24.519 Amen. 00:44:24.519 --> 00:44:28.780 Thank you for joining us 00:44:28.780 --> 00:44:29.739 for today's message 00:44:29.739 --> 00:44:31.559 from Ontario Community Church. 00:44:32.059 --> 00:44:32.539 Today, 00:44:32.800 --> 00:44:33.900 we reflected on 00:44:33.900 --> 00:44:35.019 what it truly means 00:44:35.019 --> 00:44:35.579 to belong, 00:44:36.239 --> 00:44:37.019 not as visitors, 00:44:37.639 --> 00:44:38.619 not as outsiders, 00:44:39.000 --> 00:44:39.860 but as members 00:44:39.860 --> 00:44:41.039 of God's household 00:44:41.039 --> 00:44:42.960 and part of one body 00:44:42.960 --> 00:44:44.659 united in Christ. 00:44:45.559 --> 00:44:46.920 Ephesians reminds us 00:44:46.920 --> 00:44:48.239 that through Christ, 00:44:48.559 --> 00:44:49.480 the dividing walls 00:44:49.480 --> 00:44:50.759 have been torn down. 00:44:51.179 --> 00:44:52.259 We are brought near 00:44:52.260 --> 00:44:52.980 by grace 00:44:52.980 --> 00:44:54.420 and we are joined together 00:44:54.420 --> 00:44:55.180 by faith 00:44:55.180 --> 00:44:56.720 and we are built 00:44:56.720 --> 00:44:57.620 upon Christ 00:44:57.620 --> 00:44:58.980 as our foundation. 00:44:59.880 --> 00:45:00.620 Belonging, then, 00:45:00.940 --> 00:45:01.820 is not passive. 00:45:02.440 --> 00:45:03.380 It is lived out 00:45:03.380 --> 00:45:04.160 through presence, 00:45:04.680 --> 00:45:05.080 participation, 00:45:05.640 --> 00:45:06.420 and partnership, 00:45:06.980 --> 00:45:08.200 walking alongside 00:45:08.200 --> 00:45:08.880 one another, 00:45:09.380 --> 00:45:10.760 bearing burdens together, 00:45:11.080 --> 00:45:12.440 and growing in Christ 00:45:12.440 --> 00:45:13.760 not just as an individual, 00:45:14.260 --> 00:45:15.520 but as a community. 00:45:16.320 --> 00:45:17.180 You were never meant 00:45:17.180 --> 00:45:18.380 to do life alone. 00:45:19.020 --> 00:45:20.140 You were created 00:45:20.140 --> 00:45:21.160 for connection, 00:45:21.159 --> 00:45:22.440 for transformation, 00:45:23.159 --> 00:45:23.839 and for a faith 00:45:23.839 --> 00:45:25.119 that is personal, 00:45:25.519 --> 00:45:27.179 but it is never isolated. 00:45:27.799 --> 00:45:29.420 As we move forward together, 00:45:29.799 --> 00:45:30.599 may you know 00:45:30.599 --> 00:45:32.019 that your place 00:45:32.019 --> 00:45:33.440 in the body of Christ, 00:45:33.779 --> 00:45:34.440 it matters. 00:45:34.920 --> 00:45:36.399 Your story matters, 00:45:36.819 --> 00:45:38.500 and your presence matters. 00:45:39.139 --> 00:45:40.399 If you'd like to explore 00:45:40.399 --> 00:45:41.739 today's message further, 00:45:42.059 --> 00:45:43.699 you can find this sermon 00:45:43.699 --> 00:45:45.379 as well as other sermons, 00:45:45.879 --> 00:45:46.519 sermon notes, 00:45:46.699 --> 00:45:47.119 slides, 00:45:47.319 --> 00:45:47.920 Bible studies, 00:45:47.920 --> 00:45:49.440 and additional resources 00:45:49.440 --> 00:45:53.539 at sermons.ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:45:53.780 --> 00:45:55.420 You can also connect with us 00:45:55.420 --> 00:45:56.079 on YouTube, 00:45:56.639 --> 00:45:56.940 Rumble, 00:45:57.380 --> 00:45:57.760 Facebook, 00:45:58.180 --> 00:45:58.579 Instagram, 00:45:59.000 --> 00:45:59.659 and TikTok, 00:46:00.119 --> 00:46:01.340 as well as wherever 00:46:01.340 --> 00:46:02.659 you listen to your podcasts. 00:46:03.200 --> 00:46:04.559 May the Lord bless you 00:46:04.559 --> 00:46:05.240 and keep you. 00:46:05.680 --> 00:46:06.740 May He draw you 00:46:06.740 --> 00:46:07.780 closer to Him 00:46:07.780 --> 00:46:09.680 and closer to His people. 00:46:09.940 --> 00:46:11.360 And may you continue 00:46:11.360 --> 00:46:12.059 to discover 00:46:12.059 --> 00:46:13.139 what it means 00:46:13.139 --> 00:46:13.820 to belong 00:46:13.820 --> 00:46:14.920 to Christ 00:46:14.920 --> 00:46:16.680 and to one another. 00:46:17.280 --> 00:46:18.099 God bless you 00:46:18.099 --> 00:46:19.639 and thank you for listening. 00:46:19.639 --> 00:46:49.619 and thank you for listening. 00:46:49.639 --> 00:47:19.619 God bless you. 00:47:19.639 --> 00:47:49.619 God bless you.