AVBC - Sunday - 07/26/26 - Sermon Title: “Growing to Maturity/Kingdom Impact (Building up the church to build up the world)” – “The Better Together: Building the Body” - Sermon Series – (Part 3 and 4) – 1 Corinthians 1:18, Matthew 5:1-16

 Sunday 07/26/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Growing to Maturity/Kingdom Impact (Building up the church to build up the world)” – “The Better Together: Building the Body” - Sermon Series – (Part 3 and 4) – 1 Corinthians 1:18,   Matthew 5:1-16

(Cover Picture – Sermon on the Mount)

          On Sunday June 28^th, we started a new four-week sermon series here at AVBC called “The Better Together: Building the Body” sermon series. The general idea behind this sermon series is that we all have gifts and graces from God that we can use to make the world better. We have various spiritual gifts, we have various general gifts, like being good at sports, music, etc. What do we do with the natural gifting that God has given us? Further, do we know fully what all our gifts are? Some of us might be very aware of what are gifts are not, but what has God given us in the way of gifts and graces? Graces can be defined as “Free, unearned gifts and inner divine powers given by God to people. They help humans grow closer to God, find strength to do good things, and receive forgiveness and eternal life” (https://www.google.com/search?q=definition+of+spiritual+graces).

          Maybe in school, some of us were great at math, and maybe some of us were not. Some of us loved history or social studies, and some did not. Some of us loved Physical Education, and some did not. Some loved cross country and track and field, and some loved watching in the bleachers. Some were drawn to music or theater, some to computers, some to prepare for work in a trade, the military, college, etc. We are all different, but we are all united in Jesus Christ. The many gifts and graces that we have come together in this church, so that we can fulfill the mission of our church. The mission of the Adams Village Baptist Church which in printed in our bulletin, once again is:

OUR MISSION:   

“We are a Christ-Like community where people are inspired to share their time and talent to glorify God and experience His love as they grow in faith and fellowship”.

          Not all of us are called to preach, to sing, to construct, to administrate, etc., but we all have gifts and graces, and God has given them to all of us. On the entrance table to the Sanctuary for this morning, we have the “Spiritual Gifts Survey” that I put out a few weeks ago. This “Spiritual Gifts Survey” has 80-statements that you put a number 1-5 in to help you determine or understand more your spiritual gifts. You can chart this out, and this survey will tell you more the spiritual gifts God has given you. Why is this important? It’s important, so that everything God has given you around gifts and graces, you can then use to the glory of Jesus Christ not only at the Adams Village Baptist Church, but in the world.

          In my opinion a good pastor or priest in some ways is like a coach. We teach, we lead, but we are called to help lead people closer to Christ, to empower them, and the to strengthen their gifts and grace. As a result of this, we all get better, and our faith and impact get better. Or another way to say it is this, leaders help create and grow leaders. Leaders want the best in a person to grow, to be sharpened, and homed in on. Leaders want you to be the best God has made you to be, so that this church and the world is better because of you and the gifts and graces that God has given you.

          In the first two weeks of this sermon series, we discussed different spiritual gifts, as well gifts and graces in general. On the third week, I was off, as I created this sermon series months ago. As the saying goes through, “We make plans, and God laughs”. Last week, we were blessed to have our ABCNYS Executive Minister Rev. Jerrod Hugenot here to preach, so the last two Sundays were “the best sermons that I never gave”. As a result, I am going to tie together, what was originally a four-week sermon series together this morning. In combining then my last two sermons for this sermon series, my message this morning is called, “Growing to Maturity/Kingdom Impact (Building up the church to build up the world)”. The idea behind this final sermon in this “The Better Together: Building the Body” sermon series is how can we further grow, discover, and use our gifts and graces here and everywhere? The reality is my friends, the world needs you, needs your gifts, need your love, and Jesus has called us all to serve and love like him.

(1 Corinthians 1:18 – Cross Picture)

          In our first scripture this morning, from the Apostle Paul’s letter or epistle, which is a fancy word for letter, he tells the church in Corinth or the Corinthians in 1:18, this once again:

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

¹⁸ For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18, NRSV).

          As you have heard me say before, the center of the church, and the center of the Christian faith is Jesus. Jesus is the person of God that came to earth, taught us, loved us, died for us, rose again, and showed us the way to live and love. Now of course we read in Matthew 22:37-40, this of Jesus:

³⁷ He said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” ³⁸ This is the greatest and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’     (Mt. 22:37-40, NRSV). 

          The question then, is what does the world look like if we were all to fully love God and our neighbor as ourselves? My answer to this, is “The Sermon on the Mount”

(Jesus – Sermon on the Mount Picture)

          My main preaching scripture for this morning is the gospel of Matthew 5:1-12 with Matthew 5:13-16 added in, commonly called “The Sermon on the Mount”. Some churches that I have served have asked me to annually to give a sermon on giving, and when I have, I have jokingly called that sermon, “The Semon on the Amount”. In this picture we have actor Jonathon Roumie, who portrays Jesus in the show “The Chosen”. If you have not seen “The Chosen” I strongly encourage you all to watch it, as it is great. It is one of the most accurate depictions of Jesus. Now “The Sermon on the Mount” is only in the gospel of Matthew, but there is a shorter version of this in the gospel of Luke called, “The Sermon on the Plain,” as Jesus gave this on a plain or flat area and not on a mountain.

          Outside then of the love God and love your neighbor as yourself, “The Sermon on the Mount” is considered by many scholars to be the most comprehensive single body of Jesus’ moral and ethical teaching. What does Jesus say, once again in Matthew 5:1-12, with Matthew 5:13-16 added in again? Here it is:

(Jesus – Sermon on the Mount Picture)

The Beatitudes

5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.                                                                                        ² Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

³ ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

⁵ ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

⁶ ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

⁷ ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

⁸ ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

⁹ ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰ ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Mt. 5:1-11, NRSV).

Salt and Light

¹³ ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ¹⁴ ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Mt. 5:13-16, NRSV).

 

Here is another picture of actor Jonathon Roumie in “The Chosen” depicting Jesus, preaching “The Sermon on the Mount”. In this scene of “The Sermon on the Mount” being deliver the highest moral and ethical standards of Jesus Christ our Lord are being taught. A level of love, forgiveness, care, and selflessness that many of strive after our lives in our faith in Christ. This idea that when the fullness of God’s Kingdom comes to this earth, when Christ returns will a scene of perfection, of mercy, of righteousness, justice, and hope. The world as Christians that we are striving to build and create through the Holy Spirit will come to full fruition.

(Sermon on the Mount – Words Picture)

Here is picture of many of key words in Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”. In fact, in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah, or the Prophet Isaiah, we hear in chapter 11:1-9 this prophetic scripture of what it will be like on “the day of the Lord,” that day of Jesus’ return”:

The Peaceful Kingdom

11 A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. ² The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. ³ His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; ⁴ but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. ⁵ Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. ⁶ The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
⁷ The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together;
 and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. ⁸ The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
⁹ They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea                                       (Isa. 11:1-9, NRSV).

If you ever struggle with the evils and bad realities of this world, so do I sometimes. Yet, we have a promise from Christ that we do not labor in vain. Amen. Our VBS kids and adults this past Tuesday and Wednesday night assembled twenty-five “brave bags” for kids that are struggling with abuse and difficulty. Does this solve the problem that these bags might ease just a little? No, but we are called to be salt and light. We are called to be love, when there is precious little. For this is why Christ came. When we as people, and when we as the church do this, you will see a church revived, growing, strong, and steadfast. Why? Because we do this together, and when we combine all our spiritual gifts, and all our gifts and graces together, we are pushing back against everything in this world that is seeking to tear down mercy, righteousness, holiness, kindness, and love. I don’t know about you, but I seek every day to be part of this push back, and I believe in our country we need another Jesus movement. A movement where we radically love and serve Christ, by radically loving and serving each other. This, my brothers and sisters, is the answer, I believe for any church that is struggling, shrinking, and potentially thinking they won’t make. God has given us everything we need to continue to be everything that Adams Village Baptist Church has always been. For we stand in a line of heroes, and we stand on the shoulders of Giants.

(Sermon on the Mount – Constitution of the Kingdom Picture)

          This all comes together as the “Constitution of the Kingdom,” as “The Sermon on the Mount” “outlines the spiritual laws and principles taught by Jesus in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7” (https://www.google.com/search?q=the+consitution+of+the+kingdom&oq=the+consitution+of+the+kingdom).

Remember that Jesus said everything in the Old Testament Laws and all the prophets of the Old Testament, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc., can all be summed by loving God with everything you have, and loving your neighbor as yourself. This my brothers and sisters is the fullness of the Kingdom of God that Jesus brought further into being when came to earth. The same Kingdom of God that we are called to pursue and work towards with all our various gifts and graces while we are on earth, until Christ comes to usher in the fullness of God’s Kingdom. For on that day as it says in Isaiah 11:6:

⁶ The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them  (Isa. 11:6, NSRV).

 

So, what is the answer I think for us and for churches in 2026? The same answer that it was two-thousand years ago, Jesus, His Gospel, and His love. For Jesus Christ and His gospel are the hope of the world. The gifts and grace that you have, that I have, that your friends and family have are needed in this community and this world, for Christ has called us all to serve Him.

          Some application points of how we can take this “Growing to Maturity/Kingdom Impact (Building up the church to build up the world)” – “The Better Together: Building the Body” - sermon series out the door with us, and to our annual church picnic, here some take aways from “The Sermon on the Mount.” These are ways that we can continue to learn, to grow, and take this into Adams and world:

“The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' longest recorded teaching, found in Matthew chapters 5 to 7. It holds immense significance because it defines Christian discipleship, reshapes the understanding of God's law, and outlines kingdom ethics”.

Core Teachings and Structure

·         The Beatitudes: Opens with blessings for the humble, merciful, and peacemakers, shifting focus to inner character.

·         Fulfilling the Law: Jesus explains that he came to fulfill the law by addressing the heart behind actions (like anger and lust) rather than just outward rules.

·         Practical Ethics: Includes famous concepts like the Golden Rule, the Lord’s Prayer, and instructions to love and pray for enemies.

Spiritual and Historical Impact

·         Redefining Power: Contrasts worldly power with humility, love, and radical forgiveness.

·         Universal Influence: Shapes non-violent resistance movements and global ethical frameworks outside of Christianity.

·         Heart Transformation: Serves as a mirror showing human limitation while pointing believers toward grace and spiritual renewal.

(https://www.google.com/search?q=the+significance+of+the+sermon+on+the+mount).

 

          Our faith in Christ, our walk with Christ, and our ability to live this out as people, and as a church, I believe through the power of the Holy Spirit will guide this church to a brighter and brighter future. Imagine what God will do, as many of us have seen what He has already done. May we use are gifts and graces this day and always, for Christ has called us to serve and love like Him. Amen.

AVBC - Communion Sunday - 07/05/26 - Sermon Title: “Christ's Gifts to the Church” (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers equipping us) – “The Better Together: Building the Body” - Sermon Series – (Part 2 of 4) – 1 Corinthians 12:1-14, 1 Peter 4:10-11

 Sunday 07/05/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Christ's Gifts to the Church” (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers equipping us) – “The Better Together: Building the Body” - Sermon Series – (Part 2 of 4) – 1 Corinthians 12:1-14,      1 Peter 4:10-11 

(Cover Picture – Using Your Spiritual Gifts)  

          Last week we began a new sermon series called “The Better Together: Building the Body” sermon series. The hope of this sermon series is that it brings us together more as the body of Christ, and in general. Last Sunday, we discussed the idea of being “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience)”. This was a very opportune time to give this sermon, as yesterday we celebrated our 250^th July 4^th. A holiday where the thirteen colonies decided to declare their independence from the British Empire. After fighting the British for five-years, we won our freedom, we then had a government for eight-years called the “Articles of Confederation” that was decentralized and weak. In 1787 we had a constitution, then in 1791 the bill of rights. We of course had our first president of the United States of America, George Washington in 1789. “The Better Together: Building the Body” sermon series, as we are called to grow, improve, and grow closer to Christ.

          This morning, I want to talk about gifts. Not the gifts we give each other for Christmas or for birthdays, but the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us, through Christ. More specifically, this morning’s sermon is called, “Christ's Gifts to the Church” (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers equipping us), but I will also expand upon this to discuss a variety of gifts. While yesterday, we celebrated 250 years of the Declaration of Independence that led to our country, the United State of America, our first President George Washington wasn’t perfect. He certainly had gifts, but there were other gifts that he did not have. Washington also owned slaves and had other flaws and sins. Yet, we all have gifts from God. This church, as we look around this morning, has many gifts and graces. We have people in this congregation and in general that are capable and gifted to do a great variety of things for Jesus.

          For example, we have some amazing teachers in this church. You will notice on the piano here up front, on one of the tables in the session or fellowship room, and on one the big tables in the back of the sanctuary, we have a “Spiritual Gifts Survey.” It is 80 things that you can respond to, 1 being very low, and 5 being very high. This will help you to learn, reaffirm, or grow more deeply into your spiritual gifts. One such gift is the gift of teaching. As far as other general gifts, we have people in the church, for example, skilled in carpentry and electrical work. For example, I asked Jason Whalen this past week if we can put a plug out in, in the back left corner of this church. Jason reminded me though that it would probably help if electrical wires actually existed back there to then put a plug outlet in. Meaning if there are no electric wires in the wall under the picture of Rev. Burton, then how can we install a plug outlet. It made perfect sense when he explained it to me, but clearly Jason is gifted in areas like electrical and carpentry. While most of what we are talking about this morning are spiritual gifts, I would argue that all the gifts that we have individually, and as a church, allow us to better serve Christ, serve each other, and to better carry out the mission of our church. We have some talented people in this church on the way cooking, food preparation, and etc., and some that are not gifted in this area. We have some people who are gifted musically, and some people that are not. We are all gifted differently.

          I have some spiritual gifts, and some gifts in general, and so do you. Yet, I do not have all the gifts needed for this church to fully fulfill our mission. Given this, the church needs you, and the world needs your spiritual gifts and your general gifts. Together, the Holy Spirit gives us all we need for the church to successfully fulfill its mission. Further, every pastor has different gifts. I probably have some gifts that our two retired pastors here have, and I know that they both have gifts that I do not. Yet together, the Holy Spirit gives us as a church, as the Body of Christ what we need to fulfill our mission.

          Why is this important?

(Jesus Is Lord – Venn Diagram Picture)

I found this great Venn Diagram that explains this. The church, we as Christian, both individually and together are called to bring people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Yet we are at the same time called to serve and love each other. When we have a variety of spiritual gifts and general gifts, we are then able to carry out the mission of the church much more effectively. In the bottom right of the inside of our weekly church bulletins, we find our church mission, that is titled “Our Mission”. The mission of the Adams Village Baptist Church is:

OUR MISSION:

We are a Christ-Like community where people are inspired to share their time and talent to glorify God and experience His love as they grow in faith and fellowship.

 

          So, we are a “Christ-Like Community,” or as I like to call it, “Jesus People,” where people are inspired to share their time and talent to glorify God, experience God’s love, as we all grow in faith and fellowship. We can only do this fully and effectively when have a variety of spiritual and general gifts working together for the glory of God. This “Jesus Is Lord” Venn Diagram then makes sense, because have the needs of the world, and then spiritual and general gifts that we all have. When we then apply our spiritual and general gifts to the work of the of gospel and needs of Adams and the world, we better fulfill the mission of our church in Adams, and in the world.

(1 Corinthians 12:27- Body of Christ Picture)

          In this way, as we hear in 1 Corinthians 12:27, beyond what I read this morning, as to not read for an hour, we hear that we together, are the “Body of Christ.” What part of this church, the “Body of Christ” are you then? An ear?  A nose? An elbow?

          As far as “Spiritual Gifts” as described in the Bible, there are many. Here is a picture that discussed many of them:

(Spiritual Gifts- Words/Descriptions Picture)

You probably have some gifts I do not have, and vice versa. This is what makes the body of Chris so amazing! We do this thing called faith and church together, because no person can do this alone! Further, Jesus never wanted us to do faith or church alone. While there are different lists of spiritual gifts, this 80-statement survey that I discussed, which are up front on the piano, on the back table on the sanctuary, and in the session of fellowship room, will help us all to once again, discover, or grow in our spiritual gifts. What are the fifteen spiritual gifts in this “Spiritual Gifts Survey?”

          Here is a chart of spiritual gifts:

(Spiritual Gifts- Chart Picture)

          What are your spiritual gifts? Take the survey, and can you even chart out your results? For the needs of the world and the needs of the ministry of the church are always there, especially as our church is growing. We could use more Sunday School teachers. Do you have the spiritual gift of teaching?

          Even though we only read 1 Corinthians 12:1-14 this morning, 1 Corinthians 12-14 is wealth of scripture on spiritual gifts, unity, and many other things. As I showed us all the picture of a human body representing 1 Corinthians 12:25, here is a picture of 1 Corinthians 12:25-27:

(1 Corinthians 12:25-27- Trees and Mountains Picture)

What the takeaway is in this picture is that: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it” While this message is called, once again: “Christ's Gifts to the Church” (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers equipping us), not all of us are called to create new ministries and churches, be missionaries, preach, speak prophetically or through the Holy Spirit, be an evangelist preacher like Rev. Billy Graham, or be a pastor, and or a teacher. We are not all called to be up here, or teaching, but all our spiritual gifts and general gifts are important. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it”.

(1 Peter 4:10- Man with a Bible Picture)

          In this picture, we hear what is says in 1 Peter 4:10, once again, which is “As each has received a gift, use it to serve on another (1 Pet. 4:10).

(1 Peter 4:10-11- Be the Gift Picture)

I found another great picture of our 1 Peter 4:10-11 reading for this morning. This picture summarizes 1 Peter 4:10-11, that says, “Be the Gift”. Whatever your spiritual gifts and general gifts are, use them for God’s glory. Jesus wants all of us to “Be the Gift”. Again, please feel free to take the “Spiritual Gifts Survey” to learn, rediscover or grow in your spiritual gifts.

When I first planned this four week “The Better Together: Building the Body” sermon series, I did not know that I would be off this next Sunday July 12^th, or that our New York State American Baptist Church Executive Ministry Rev. Jerrod Hugenot would be preaching here on Sunday July 19^th. So, on Sunday July 26^th, I will give a sermon to pull this whole sermon series together, as we make plans, and God laughs.

          As we make plans, as we discover, rediscover, and or strengthen our spiritual gifts and general gifts, I have something funny to show you all. You see one the of spiritual gifts in our “Spiritual Gifts Survey” is “Pastor/Shepherd.” The question to ask then is this, does everybody have the spiritual gift of being a “Pastor/Shepherd?” The answer is no and how would someone know this is the case? Let me introduce you to my friend “Duncan”:

(Pastor Joke - Picture)

          Pastors/Shepherds are set apart by God but not set above. Set apart, for a specific calling, and God has gifted us different for this calling. At the same time all of God’s gifts and general gifts are needed, and none are any better or worse than the others. For brothers and sisters, we are “Better Together: Building the Body” of Christ together.

          To have this sermon walk out the church doors with us this morning and into our week ahead, here are some application points for us to consider:

Spiritual gifts are divine abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the common good and to build up the church. The primary scriptures detailing these gifts are located in the New Testament, predominantly in the writings of the Apostle Paul.

 

The three main chapters outlining these gifts include:

 

1. 1 Corinthians 12

This is the most comprehensive chapter detailing the diversity of gifts, emphasizing that they all come from the same Spirit but have different functions.

 

·         The Gifts: Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

 

2. Romans 12:6-8

This passage highlights practical and operational gifts used in service and community life.

 

·         The Gifts: Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy.

 

 

3. Ephesians 4:11

This passage focuses on leadership and equipping gifts given to individuals to prepare the church for ministry.

 

·         The Gifts: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

 

4. 1 Peter 4:10-11

This serves as a great summarizing scripture, reminding believers that gifts are meant to be actively used to serve others as stewards of God’s grace.

(https://www.google.com/search?q=scriptures+that+contain+spiritual+gifts)

 

          Brothers and sisters in Christ, not only do we have spiritual gifts and general gifts, we are all also called to be a gift to each other. For when we do this, we become the fullness of the body of Christ, we best fulfill the mission of the church, for we “Better Together: Building the Body” of Christ together. Amen.

AVBC - July 4th Sunday - 06/28/26 - Sermon Title: “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience)” – “The Better Together: Building the Body” - Sermon Series – (Part 1 of 4) - Ephesians 4:1-16, Romans 12:3-8, Colossians 1:18

 Sunday 06/28/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience)” – “The Better Together: Building the Body” - Sermon Series – (Part 1 of 4) - Ephesians 4:1-16, Romans 12:3-8, Colossians 1:18                               

(Cover Picture – Semi-Quincentennial)  

          This morning, as we said at the beginning of the service and throughout the service, we are, in part, celebrating and honoring this morning, this coming Saturday, July 4^th. This July 4th though, will be 250 years since the signing of Declaration of Independence, by what many people call our “Founding Fathers.” This document declared that the Thirteenth British Colonies at the time were now free and independent from British rule, including of course, New York.  The British Empire, the largest empire in the world at the time, was not going to let the Thirteen Colonies of what would become the beginning of the United States go without a fight though.

          As result, the American Colonists fought for five years, until we gained our freedom in 1781. Our first government was called “The Articles of Confederation,” which was decentralized and did not have the power and authority of the United States Government that we have today. Then in 1789, our first President General George Washington was elected. In 1789, we had our constitution, our three branches of government, and this is when our Republic formally started.

          This Saturday, July 4^th, we will celebrate the 250^th anniversary of when our Founding Fathers declared that our Thirteen Colonies were free, but it took another thirteen years until we formally became the United States of America, as we are today. What a journey the last two hundred and fifty years has been! We have had multiple wars, the railroads, the interstate highway system, the end of slavery, women getting the right to the vote, civil rights, 9/11 and countless other things. Despite a Civil War, two World Wars, and multiple social changes and movements, the United States of American has endured.

          In a similar way, as followers of Christ, we are called to grow, to change, and to draw closer to Christ, as our church is in it’s 180^th year of ministry as a congregation. Yet through all the ups and downs that our country and world have gone through this church has endured, and we are as strong and as united as ever. Amen! We still love Jesus, still the love the Bible, and still love and serve each other, and the world. Or to say it another way, we are “Better Together.” When I chose this sermon series weeks ago, I did not think about the fact that this Saturday July 4^th is the two-hundred and fiftieth year of the signing of Declaration of Independence.

In God’s great providence and wisdom, we are starting our new four-week sermon series called “The Better Together: Building the Body”. This morning in our first installment of this, this message is called “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience)”. As we will celebrate our 250^th anniversary of the declaration of independence and the vast history of our country, what a timely message we have this morning, of being “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience).” It is amazing that throughout the history of our country and the world that we still believe when the scriptures instruct us to be united, to come together as the body of Christ. The unifying force of the Christian Church has always been the same. This unifying force is Jesus Christ, and His body, which is us.

In looking at our reading from Ephesians 4:1-16, we hear once again this morning:

(Ephesians 4:2 - Beach Picture)

Unity in the Body of Christ

 

4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3, RSV). 

Being united in Christ, means that we are called to love and to care for each other. As I said, our church congregation has existed for one-hundred and eighty years, and generationally, we have been united through the love of Jesus Christ. I might like Diet Pepsi, and you might like Diet Coke, but we are all united in Christ. I might like my sports team, and you might like yours, but we share our unity in Jesus Christ.

(Ephesians 4:1-6- Pillars Picture)

          In fact, the Apostle Paul reminds the church in Ephesus or the Ephesians, in 4:4-6 that:

⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:4-6, RSV).

          As the body Christ, we are called to be united, through the Holy Spirit. We are also all called by one Lord or Jesus Christ, one common faith, and one God and Father of us all. This God is above all and through all, and in all. We are all also called to one baptism, while some churches baptize infants, and some churches believe the person should be of age to decide for themselves to be baptized. We are called to love each other, even though we are not all the same. We are not all the same age, and our lives can be all different from each other. Further, we do not all have the same gifts and graces as each other. Some people are Ford people. Some people are Chevy people. Look around, you know who you are! Some people like Dockers pants, some people don’t. Some people love spicy and sour food, and some people do not. You see, we are all called, gifted, and equipped differently. For as we are reminded in Ephesians 4:7

 ⁷ But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift      (Eph. 4:7, NRSV).

 

Therefore, we are all gifted through Christ differently.

 

          Picking up in Ephesians 4:8, we hear, once again: 

 

⁸ Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.” ⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things             (Eph. 4:8-10, NRSV).

In referencing Psalm 68:18, regarding a victorious king climbing a mountain and sharing its plunder and spoils with his people. In a similar way, Jesus is victorious over death, ascends to heaven like a mountain, and he shares His grace, His love, and His various gifts are with us. While the scriptures list various spiritual gifts, what we hear in Ephesians 4:11 are these specific gifts:

¹¹ And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, (Eph. 4:11, RSV).

 

Some of us are called to be Apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and some teachers. These gifts exist:

¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love (Eph. 4:1-16, RSV).

This “The Better Together: Building the Body” sermon series, emphasizes various spiritual and other gifts that we have, and the need to be “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience),” growing to spiritual maturity, and building up the church have an even bigger missional of kingdom impact.

          This morning then, I am going to focus more on the being “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience),” and next Sunday I will unpack some of these spiritual gifts more specifically. Then Pastor Bud is preaching on Sunday July 12^th, and our New York State Region of the American Baptist Church Executive Minister, Rev. Jerrod Hugenot will be preaching here on Sunday July 19^th. I will tie this whole sermon series together on Sunday July 26^th.

This morning though, this is more an overview of how Christ has called us all to live, to love, and to be a Christians, as people, and as the church. As a church, we are all important to the function and success of the body of Christ, of this Church. Each person here, absent, or watching online, is part of the body of Christ. In a matter of speaking then, we are all like puzzle pieces and the body of Christ is the complete puzzle, with Christ as the head.

(Romans 12:3-8- Puzzle Pieces Picture)

          As we hear in our reading from Romans 12:3-8, once again, it says,

³ For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him. ⁴ For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, ⁵ so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ⁶ Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; ⁷ if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; ⁸ he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness           (Rom. 12:3-8, RSV).

 

          That we should not think of ourselves more highly than we need to. We should not be too proud, too self-righteous, or too superior. We are called to think with sober judgement, according to the measure of faith that God has given us. For we as Christians, and a church are one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, ⁵ so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. We have different gifts and graces from God. Some have the gift of prophecy, of service, of teaching, exhortation or encouragement, giving or contributing generously, giving aid, leading, acts of mercy, and doing this cheerfully. Again, I will unpack some of these spiritual gifts more next Sunday.       

(Romans 12:3-8– Cross Picture)

The body of Christ though is “Better Together,” as we are “Building the Body” together. We are therefore, once again, are “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience),” and together we make up the church. Together we are united like the cross of Christ. In fact, in the Apostle Paul’s letter or epistle to the church in Colossae or the Colossians, we hear this of Jesus in 1:18:

(Colossians 1:18 – Green Picture)    

¹⁸ He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent (Col. 1:18, RSV).

 

          For Jesus Christ is the head of the church, not Pastor Paul, or anyone.

(Jesus Is the Head of the Church – Picture)

          To take this sermon with you out into Adams and world, let us look at some application points for this morning:

Ephesians 4:2 commands believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" by embodying specific relational virtues: complete humility, gentleness, and patience, while "bearing with one another in love." These qualities are foundational for protecting the "unity of the Spirit" within the church.

 

Core Virtues of Unity:

The Apostle Paul outlines four essential attitudes required to actively maintain unity and peace within the body of believers:

 

·         Humility (Lowliness): Recognizing and valuing others above yourself. It involves letting go of pride and the need to always be right.

 

·         Gentleness (Meekness): Not weakness, but power under control. It means responding to others with care, avoiding harshness and aggression.

 

·         Patience (Longsuffering): Enduring difficulties and offenses without immediately retaliating or seeking revenge.

 

·         Bearing With in Love (Forbearance): Actively tolerating the differences, weaknesses, and quirks of others. Love keeps these virtues active rather than passive.

 

The Context of "Calling"

Ephesians 4:1-3 marks a transition in the letter. The first three chapters explain what God has done to unite humanity through Jesus Christ (breaking down the walls between Jews and Gentiles). Chapter 4 shifts to practical application, urging Christians to live out this spiritual reality in their daily relationships.

Maintaining vs. Creating Unity

A key distinction in this verse is that believers are not told to create unity; rather, they are exhorted to maintain or preserve the unity that the Holy Spirit has already established. It requires diligent, intentional effort to keep the "bond of peace" intact.

How to Apply It Today

To practice this calling in a modern church or community setting, the text suggests:

 

·         Prioritizing community and church fellowship over individual preferences.

 

·         Communicating with grace instead of reacting with anger.

 

·         Allowing grace for human imperfection by forgiving others as Christ has forgiven you (https://www.google.com/search?q=Ephesians+4%3A2+Called+to+Unity).

 

Brothers and sisters, we are “Called to Unity (Humility, gentleness, patience).” For we are “Better Together,” as we are “Building the Body” of Christ together. Amen.

AVBC - Dads and Grads Sunday - 06/21/26 - Sermon Title: “A Miracle Turned into a Movement” – “The Power of Transformation” Sermon Series – (Part 6 of 6) – Acts 2:42-47, Acts 9

 Sunday 06/21/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “A Miracle Turned into a Movement” – “The Power of Transformation” Sermon Series – (Part 6 of 6) – (Father’s Day) - Acts 2:42-47, Acts 9    

(Cover Picture – Dads and Grads Sunday)

          For the last five-weeks we have been walking together through our sermon series, called “The Power of Transformation.” In this sermon series thus far, we have talked about “When You’re Stuck in the Cocoon,” “New Life, New Creation,” “The Battle of the Mind,” “The Spirit’s Work in Us,” and last Sunday, “Putting on the New Self.” When we come to Christ, as Lord as Savior, we are changed, and we are “transformed.” Even so, there times in our lives where we may feel “stuck in a cocoon.” There are also times in our lives of faith, where we will experience “New Life, New Creation.” There are times in our lives of faith where we will struggle with “The Battle of the Mind,” as we sometimes can get stuck in our own heads. As we live the life of faith, we draw upon the Holy Spirit, through “The Spirit’s Work in Us,” and as we grow closer to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to “Put on the New Self.”

          Brothers and sisters, there is nothing more powerful than a changed life, nothing more powerful than a changed mind, nothing more powerful than a changed church, or a changed community. In this final installment of this “The Power of Transformation” sermon series, this morning, I want to discuss, briefly, “A Miracle Turned into a Movement.” If the goal of the Christian faith is to know Christ, to be changed by Christ, to follow Christ, and to continue to become more like Christ, then the question I want us to consider this morning is this, who is eligible to be a Christian? Who is allowed to be a follower of Jesus, who is allowed to be in this church, and who can accept and receive salvation in Jesus Christ? Who gets to continue to pursue Jesus, and who gets to continue to grow in grace and holiness, to be more and more like Jesus?

          The answer to all of these my friends, is every single person on this earth. Every person in Adams, every person in Jefferson County, every person in New York State, every person in the United States of America, and every person in the world. For we are all loved and created by God, and Jesus died for us all, no exceptions. We all have a share in the grace, the hope, the mercy, the power, and the transformation through Jesus Christ, if we but turn to Him.

          What some of us might not know though is that in the first 15-20-years of the Christian faith, the faith was not open to everyone. In fact, the first Christians were not even called “Christian.” The first followers of Jesus were called “The Way,” The first Christians were in Jerusalem or within miles of Jerusalem, and they were a sect of sorts of the Jewish people. They believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior, but “The Way,” the first believers of Jesus were all converts or persons within Judaism. The idea that Jesus was for everyone was not yet a universal belief.

          In our reading this morning from Acts 2:42-47 we have a scene in the early Christian movement. The world “Christian” itself was coined in the ancient city of Antioch, in Syria, as an insult for these “Christ followers.” Followers of Jesus Christ, or “Christians,” as we are now called as followers of Jesus. During the Jewish Passover celebration in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit moved on the day of Pentecost, the disciples spoke in various tongues our languages of the people below that came for Passover celebration. The Apostle Peter comes down from the Upper Room, preaches a sermon for the books, and about three-thousand people come to Christ.

(Acts 2:42-47- Picture)

          In our reading from Acts 2:42-47, we have this scene from the early church, where the first followers of Jesus. This is what Acts 2:42-47 says once again:

“⁴² And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, RSV).

Life among the Believers

“⁴³ And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common; ⁴⁵ and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:43-47, RSV).

These first followers of Jesus, or “The Way,” once again, dedicated themselves the teachings of Jesus’s original disciples or apostles, prayed together, broke bread together, and fellowshipped together. What about the rest of us though?

(Acts 2:42 Bullet Points- Picture)

          How than can the movement of following Jesus Christ, or “The Way,” becoming something for the entire world? Enter in the “Conversion of Saul of Tarsus.” Instead of reading all the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, or first called followers Jesus Christ chapter 9, let me summarize it for you:

(Conversion of Saul of Tarsus- Picture)

Acts Chapter 9 details the dramatic conversion of Saul from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle and showcases two miraculous healings by Peter. It is a pivotal turning point where the Christian gospel begins to expand rapidly.

1. Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus (Verses 1-19)

·         The Encounter: Saul, armed with authority to arrest Christians, travels to Damascus. A blinding heavenly light flashes, and he hears the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

(Acts 9:4 – “Saul Why Are You Persecuting Me?” – Picture)

·         The Blindness: Saul is struck blind and led into Damascus, where he fasts and prays for three days.

·         Ananias's Obedience: God sends a disciple named Ananias to restore Saul's sight. Though initially fearful, Ananias obeys, lays hands on Saul, and the "scales" fall from Saul's eyes. Saul is baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.

2. Saul's Early Preaching and Escape (Verses 19-30)

·         Preaching in Damascus: Saul immediately begins boldly preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God, stunning the Jewish community.

·         The Escape: When Jewish leaders plot to kill him, his followers lower him over the city wall in a basket at night.

·         Jerusalem Welcome: Upon arriving in Jerusalem, disciples are initially afraid of him. Barnabas vouches for Saul, allowing him to be accepted and preach boldly in the city.

3. Peter's Miracles in Lydda and Joppa (Verses 31-43)

·         Aeneas Healed: In Lydda, Peter heals a paralyzed man named Aeneas, leading many in the region to turn to the Lord.

·         Tabitha Resurrected: In Joppa, a faithful disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) dies. Peter prays and commands her to rise, bringing her back to life. This major miracle results in widespread belief across Joppa

(https://www.google.com/search?q=%E2%80%9CA+Miracle+Turned+into+a+Movement).

 

So, the first Christians or “The Way” which were converted Jews, a new movement in Judaism, is now potentially a movement for the whole world. In fact, the first big church conference or debate was called the “Jerusalem Conference,” because the Jewish religious leader Saul of Tarsus, who is now the Christian leader called the Apostle Paul, believes all people, including non-Jews should be able to be followers of Jesus Christ. So here is what the “Jerusalem Conference” is:

(Jerusalem Conference – Picture)   

The Council of Jerusalem (circa 48–50 AD), recorded in Acts 15, was a pivotal meeting of early Christian leaders. It resolved a massive theological dispute: whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses to be saved.

 

The council concluded that salvation is by grace through faith, and that Gentiles should not be burdened with the Jewish Law. To maintain peace and fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers, they issued the Apostolic Decree, requesting that Gentiles avoid specific practices associated with paganism.

 

The Core Debates

·         The Problem: Certain Jewish Christians (from the Pharisee sect) traveled to Antioch teaching that Gentiles must strictly follow the Mosaic Law, specifically circumcision, to achieve salvation.

·         The Defense: Paul and Barnabas argued strongly against this. Peter also spoke up, referencing his earlier vision and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on uncircumcised Gentiles (the household of Cornelius), proving God accepts them by faith.

·         The Decision: James, the brother of Jesus and a central leader in Jerusalem, proposed a middle path: do not make it difficult for Gentiles turning to God, but provide behavioral guidelines to allow both groups to coexist and share meals.

(https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=ec2bff8bd1e2ef21&sxsrf=ANbL-n6GoDiZ2Pf7EGHNI9_olVyJpXyJpA%3A1781625377219&q=jerusalem+conference+acts).

 

          As a result, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who them became the Apostle Paul, and the Jerusalem Conference, the whole world can be part of the Christian faith. Are we willing to offer this hope and love to world that desperately needs now more than ever?

(The Transforming Power of Christ – Picture)

          Through this “The Power of Transformation” sermon series, we have discussed ways that we can we struggle or experience set backs in our lives, but we have also heard about the hope we have in Jesus, through each other, through great churches like this, through people who changing the world, and through the fact that Jesus loves everyone! We live this thing called faith and live out together. The Apostle Paul then, who was Saul or Tarsus, hate filled and a persecutor of the Christians experienced “The Power of Transformation.” He had times where he was stuck, where he was furthered transformed, times where he was stuck in his own head, times where he experienced the Holy Spirit, and was part of a “A Miracle Turned into a Movement.” The same Apostle Paul who said that he was the “chief of all sinners.” Nearly two thousand years later, we are part of the biggest faith in the entire world, a faith open to everyone, and faith that calls us into “The Power of Transformation.”

          We are going to fail sometimes, we are going to fall short sometimes, but we have the greatest gift that the world has ever been given, named Jesus. As we continue to grow in faith individually, and as a church, it is my hope and prayer that we continue experience “The Power of Transformation,” as we draw closer to Christ and to each other. For brothers and sisters, this is why Jesus came, and why were not meant to just exist, but to Thrive through Jesus Christ. Amen.