Part 2: The Ecosystem of Transformation
We exist to see people transformed by Jesus
Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
The goal of discipleship is for our whole life to look like Jesus.
Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV) Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Ecosystem of Maturity / Transformation
Transformation happens in relationship with Jesus (discipleship).
What is the church’s role in this growth, maturity, and transformation?
“We create environments that cultivate relationship with Jesus”
Worship — Community — Serving
Transformation is Relational
John 15:1-8 (ESV) “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
Galatians 5:22-23a (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…
You cannot have the life God promises without God’s presence.
The goal of discipleship is to “root” / “build” our life entirely around Jesus’ presence and Word. This is the life that abides in Him and His Word and bears much fruit. If you truly live this discipleship, you will be transformed, and there will be evidence (fruit).
Worship
The purpose of cultivating our worship environment for the gathering of the church is direct our attention and affection directly toward the Lord Jesus, practicing the experience of His presence and to hear His voice. We nurture this experience through practices of Spirit, Scripture, and Sacraments.
We create worship environments for people to encounter God and be moved to respond.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is present in our gathering to make accessible the direct experience and encounter with God’s presence. We open the Scriptures (the written Word) to grow in our understanding of truth, to see Jesus (the Living Word), and walk in the way he guides us in. We express our praise and thanksgiving, our adoration and awe, in worshiping together and (often) coming to the Lord’s Table to fully receive and participate in the work of Jesus. All of which are all about beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus by which we are transformed.
We create worship environments for people to encounter God and be moved to respond.
Our corporate gatherings for worship are for much more than just an experience with God. We gather together for worship, for experiencing His presence, for listening to the Word that we might learn His voice and know His heart in order that we live our everyday lives attentive to His presence and voice. We practice honoring the Lord Jesus in the gathering of the church that we would live affectionate in love for Him and worship of Him throughout the week. The goal of our worship gatherings is not just the gathering itself, but training us how to recognize God’s presence, mature our intimate connection with Him, and remain attentive to His voice shepherding our whole lives. This is how our lives continue to be transformed beyond the gathering of the church for worship.
The goal of discipleship is for our whole life to look like Jesus.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Our habit of gathering on the first day of the week makes a statement about your priorities. When we prioritize our worship by gathering on the first day of the week, overcoming the obstacles and inconveniences, directing our feelings and emotions toward the Lord, we make a statement about what is most important to us: our relationship with God. And this is not something done in isolation, but in community.
Conclusion
Though our relationship with the Lord (beholding His glory) must have a personal aspect to it, it is not a privatized relationship. Our maturity and transformation must move beyond our private life and bring us into community. Beholding the glory of Jesus that transforms us has an aspect being the personal into community. To fully see Jesus, we need the family of God.
Worship — Community — Serving
Romans 8:29 (NLT) For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Church is not an event you go to, it is a family to belong to.
Worship — Community — Serving