Dec. 29, 2024

The sermon begins at 19:20 min into the video. The music is licensed under CCLI Copyright #2723035 and Streaming Media #22024223 licenses.

Let The …

Living the New Life Together: Unity, Peace, and Grace in Christ

The overarching theme of Pastor Dave’s sermon today is the practical application of Christian living within the community of believers, emphasizing unity, peace, and the active role of scripture in daily life and fellowship.

Imagine stepping into a life where every day, you are not just living but thriving in the joy and peace of Christ alongside a community of believers. He explores how our position in Christ transforms us into individuals who radiate love, peace, and gratitude. We learn that by putting off old habits like malice and anger, and dressing in virtues like kindness and humility, we can truly live out the grace of God. Our journey does not stop at personal transformation; it extends into how we interact within the church, our families, and beyond. Pastor Dave encourages us to embrace this call to live harmoniously, to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, and be a beacon of hope and love, all to the glory of God.

Key Highlights:

• Position in Christ: Emphasizing our identity and righteousness in Christ.
• Putting Off and On: Discarding negative behaviors and adopting grace-filled characteristics.
• Community and Unity: The necessity of being part of the universal and local body of Christ.
• Practical Application: Living out sanctification in daily life, especially in community settings.
• Peace and Harmony: Encouraging peace among believers, advocating for peacemaking.
• Scripture's Role: The importance of letting the Word of Christ influence and guide interactions.

Scriptural References:

• Colossians 3:12 talks about virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as qualities we should "wear" like clothes, encouraging believers to live out these virtues in their community.
• Colossians 3:15 suggests that peace should guide both personal and group relationships with the phrase, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts."
• Colossians 3:16 emphasizes the role of scripture in teaching, advising, and singing together with the instruction to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."
• Colossians 3:17 urges that all actions and words should honor Christ and be done with gratitude, instructing believers to do everything in Jesus’ name, giving thanks to God through Him.

Action Items:

• Engage in Fellowship: Actively participate in local and universal church activities, supporting and connecting with other believers.
• Cultivate Peace: Work towards peace within personal relationships, especially within the church community.
• Immerse in Scripture: Regularly study, discuss, and apply the Bible in both personal life and community gatherings.
• Live Authentically Christian: Conduct every aspect of life in a way that reflects Christ's love and teachings.
• Be Thankful: Maintain an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances.

Final Thoughts or Prayers:

Pastor Dave concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of a thankful heart and living a life that glorifies God. The prayer asks for strength and empowerment to live out these teachings, promoting a community where Christ's light shines brightly. The final call is for unity, peace, and a collective commitment to embody Christ's message in daily life, encouraging faith in others through example.