"Shaped by Love, Called to Follow"

Reference

Luke 14:25-33

Sermon Summary

Imagine sunlight spilling over a garden, nurturing every flower into bloom—this is how God’s love reaches each of us, shaping our hearts and guiding our steps. God’s love is not distant or abstract; it is intimate, persistent, and life-giving, calling each of us—young and old—into a journey of discipleship marked by courage, commitment, and compassion. Jeremiah reminds us that God is always at work within us, turning our lives toward hope and goodness. Psalm 139 assures us that we are fully known and wholly loved, and that nothing about us is hidden from God. Faith, as Philemon teaches, is not just a private conviction but a lived reality, expressed in our relationships and our care for one another.

Discipleship is not a solitary path. It is a shared journey, a community of light and hope where every person has a place and every voice matters. On this Rally Day, we especially lift up our children, affirming that they are not just the future of the church—they are its present. Their voices, questions, joys, and fears must be welcomed and honored. We are called to be a church where children are seen, heard, and loved, not only those in our pews but also those across the world who live in fear and uncertainty—immigrant children, children in Palestine, and all who hunger for safety and belonging.

To follow Christ is to notice these realities and respond with love. It means cultivating courage for ourselves and for others, bearing one another’s burdens, and acting justly. It means celebrating the laughter and wonder of children, and creating space for them in worship, decision-making, and every aspect of church life. Including children is not just a matter of policy but a reflection of the gospel itself. When someone is hungry for love, affirmation, or even food, it is our calling to provide as best we can.

Mission is not just about giving money; it is about doing—volunteering, reaching out, and offering presence and prayer. Prayer itself takes many forms, from traditional postures to moments of gratitude and wonder in daily life. As we pray and act, we hold all children in our hearts, advocating for justice and teaching the next generation to live out faith through love. As we leave, may we carry the sunlight of God’s love into the world, shaping hearts, opening minds, and lifting every voice.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s love is both intimate and persistent, shaping each of us with care and calling us to a life of hope and goodness.This love is not reserved for a select few but is poured out on all, inviting us to see ourselves and others as beloved, worthy, and called to transformation. When we allow ourselves to be shaped by this love, we become agents of hope in a world that desperately needs it. [00:10]
2. Discipleship is a communal journey, not a solitary one.True faith is lived out in relationship—with God, with our neighbors, and especially with those who are vulnerable or overlooked. We are called to bear one another’s burdens, to celebrate together, and to create a community where every person, especially children, is valued and included. [01:30]
3. The voices of children are essential to the life of the church.If we claim that children are the future, we must also affirm that they are the present—worthy of being heard, seen, and loved. Including children in worship, decision-making, and learning is not just a kindness but a gospel imperative, reflecting the heart of Christ for the little ones. [02:14]
4. Mission is more than financial giving; it is embodied action.Each of us, regardless of age or ability, has something to offer—whether it’s volunteering, reaching out to someone in need, or simply offering a listening ear. Our calling is to respond to hunger, loneliness, and injustice with tangible acts of love, knowing that even small gestures can be expressions of God’s grace. [09:28]
5. Prayer is not confined to a single form or posture.It can be found in music, in moments of gratitude, in acts of kindness, and in the beauty of creation. As we pray, we are called to remember and advocate for children everywhere, especially those who live in fear or want, and to let our prayers move us to compassionate action and justice. [10:51]