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Introduction

How does this passage change the way I relate to people? We have to apply the Word so that it transforms how we relate with others. How many of you guys have heard from someone you know that doesn’t believe in Jesus say they hate Christians because of the way that they have been treated by people that proclaim the name of Jesus? It seems like that number continues to grow and continues to be the normal conversation I have had with people about Jesus and why they are so reluctant. So, if the Bible is not changing how we relate to and treat others then we have to step back and think about why we read the Bible and if we are reading it for a check list at the end of the day or if we are really allowing it to change the way that we live and interact with other people.

Applying the Bible to our Families

As the majority of you are kids in your family and your parents or guardians are taking care of you financially, physically, and hopefully helping you along spiritually we have to apply the Bible ( The Shema) is an instruction for parents to disciple their kids. And some passages are pretty easy to apply as a parent like “Do not provoke my children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Other passages take some digging in order to apply them to your relationships with your family like that says “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” So when you want to do something to your sibling because of something they did remember this Scripture and allow it to transform how you would react or interact in situations that make you want to lash out or fight fire with fire. Humility is considering others more important than yourself.

Ex. says “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” This doesn’t speak directly to your parents or your guardians or your sister or your brother but it can have implications there. For example, instead of shrugging off your responsibilities at home (i.e. taking the trash out, doing the dishes, folding the clothes, cleaning your room, cooking a meal, sweeping and vacuuming, making your bed, etc.) do those things without complaining or rolling your eyes but do it with joy.

Applying the Bible to our Church

God has called us to community. So many times we wait around for community and a place that you connect and belong to to just show up at your front door step. I found an awesome quote today from “Community is never found, it is built.” Biblical community takes some work. Biblical community takes intentional time spent with others that believe in Jesus. That’s why we invite everyone to be here in this space every Wednesday and on Sundays. That’s why we encourage leaders to plan at least one outing with their students a semester and once during the summer.

We encourage (), we accept one another (), we uplift, we speak words of wisdom to each other (), we smile with each other, we laugh with each other, we hear each other out, we are patient with one another, we carry each other’s burdens (), we are devoted to one another in brotherly love (). If you’re not plugged into the community of believers it is really hard to apply these things only to yourself. You’re only applying these truths and Scriptures when we are in relationship with others.

Ex. “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” --->It is hard to apply this passage when you are in isolation…how do you give without somewhere or someone to give to? We should give to further and support the needs of our brothers and sisters. When we are in the context of the local church we see real people in need of our care and generosity.

Applying the Bible to our Mission

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” “The world’s darkness can be overwhelming. Our souls recognize the wrongness of fallen creation…but no matter how devastating the darkness becomes, there is One who has overcome it. ()

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” “The world’s darkness can be overwhelming. Our souls recognize the wrongness of fallen creation…but no matter how devastating the darkness becomes, there is One who has overcome it. ()

“We don’t just apply the Word of God for our own benefit and the benefit of the church, but also for the sake of those who do not yet know and worship Jesus.” If you’re constantly around people that are like-minded with you it is going to be a lot easier to apply forgiveness, grace, mercy, love and other actions that we should be displaying, but when we are intentionally spending some time around people that it might be harder to do these things for.

The more you care for people the more you will be

“God is light () and he has made us children of light (). We are a community of light-bearers.” (Ex. Have lights cut out and have students turn on their phone flashlights.)

“To not live a life of mission is to be disobedient to God. This is not something that superstar Christians do, rather it is the expected outcome of the life of all of God’s people.”

Be vocal about your faith.

Conclusion

FCM= Family, Church, Mission