The Church On Brand
Sermon Notes
Welcome to On Brand! We're kicking off the series by delving into the notion of embodying the "On Brand" identity as followers of Christ, in line with the church's vision and values. The aim of the series is to explore the application of these principles and objectives in believers' everyday lives. The term "On Brand" emphasizes five core values: authenticity, Bible-based, community, discipleship, and engagement.
Central to the church's mission is the call to guide all individuals toward becoming committed disciples of Christ. The five core "On Brand" values encompass living authentically and transparently, placing faith in the authority of God's Word, fostering genuine community bonds, fostering disciple-making, and actively participating in the world as Christ's representatives. The series is designed to offer practical insights and real-world instances of how believers can embrace these values in their daily existence, fostering enduring and significant transformation in their communities. Being "On Brand" as Christ's followers entails embodying authenticity, rootedness in Scripture, active community involvement, dedicated disciple-making, and impactful worldly engagement for the sake of Christ's message.
Here are five values that are "on brand" for the church...
Living Authentically
This value champions honesty, transparency, and integrity in line with biblical teachings. Sharing personal struggles within a supportive community is crucial in preventing spiritual apathy.
Living authentically combats loneliness and promotes genuine relationships, encouraging believers to openly share doubts, anxieties, and hardships. The church is a safe space for vulnerability and support, countering the idea of dismissing those in need.
The church should have a culture where struggles are openly discussed. We desire to foster a secure environment where believers can share burdens and grow spiritually.God's love appears in favorable and challenging times, convicting hidden sins, and offering new life through trust in Him. This love liberates, humbles, and strengthens us, as noted by Tim Keller.
Trusts God's Word
Scripture is our guide and authority, providing God's perspective in every aspect of our lives. Reading the Bible helps us align our lives with its guidance and see the world as God does.
Scripture corrects us lovingly, like a GPS app recalibrating us. It encourages aligning actions with God's guidance, fostering maturity and growth in godliness.
Scripture renews the mind and leads to growth. Commitment to its study and resources like The Bible Recap is crucial.
Live in Community
The importance of consistent, ongoing relationships that encourage love and good deeds is vital for our growth. Regular interaction in a community helps foster support, challenge, and growth among believers.
Community is cultivated, not stumbled upon. Pursuit, patience, and prioritization are key. While challenging, the rewards of support and protection make it worth the effort.
Gathering regularly with others who encourage practicing biblical principles like speaking truth in love, offering counsel from God's Word, and showing generosity and forgiveness. Community has always been vital, demonstrated even in ancient accounts like Pliny the Younger's observations of early Christians' commitment to meeting and living according to shared values.
Make Disciples of Christ
The church's primary goal is to be and create disciples fully devoted to Christ's teachings.
Christ's directive to make disciples is paramount, defining the church's essential purpose and responsibility.
The church's mission surpasses worldly pursuits, bearing the most vital message of eternal life and motivating engagement in the church and at home.
Engage Our World
The church's mission is to seek and save the lost, as Jesus did, through evangelism and active participation in the community.
Living on a purposeful mission to engage the city, the church partners with Christ to build an enduring community that transcends the power of death.
Followers of Christ are agents of preservation and illumination, impacting society with values that promote better lives and strategically placing themselves where they can bring light to the darkness.
Discussion Questions
How does the value of authenticity impact our relationships and growth as believers? How can we practically apply openness and transparency within our community?
What does it mean for the Scriptures to be "God-breathed," and why is it crucial to anchor our beliefs in them? How can we avoid misusing the phrase "God told me" and instead align ourselves with God's Word?
Why is a consistent and ongoing community essential for our spiritual development? How can we actively engage in meaningful relationships that encourage growth and accountability?
What distinguishes the mission of making disciples from merely calling people to become Christians? How can we integrate this mission into our daily lives and interactions?
How can we embody the role of salt and light in our communities? What steps can we take to actively engage with our world, sharing Christ's message and positively impacting our surroundings?