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.

AVBC - Sunday - 06/14/26 - Sermon Title: “Putting On the New Self” – “The Power of Transformation” Sermon Series – (Part 5 of 6) – Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10

Sunday 06/14/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Putting On the New Self” – “The Power of Transformation” Sermon Series – (Part 5 of 6) – Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10     

(Cover Picture – Put On The New Self)

          This morning, we are continuing our six-week “The Power of Transformation” sermon series. So far in this sermon series, we have talked about “When You’re Stuck in the Cocoon,” “New Life, New Creation,” “The Battle of the Mind,” and “The Spirit’s Work in Us.” Beyond repenting of our sin, guilt, and shame and coming to Christ as Lord and Savior, the goal of the Christian faith is become more and more like Jesus. This “sanctification,” is the process of becoming holier and more righteous, so that we, as I said, become more and more like Jesus.

          The day we meet Jesus, begin to follow Jesus, as well as the day that we get baptized are great days, and are powerful spiritual experiences. Yet, the journey with Christ and each other on this earth continues, as we all are called to seek “The Power of Transformation.” Sometimes in our lives, when get stuck in “cocoons” or struggles in our lives, which can hold us back from becoming more like Jesus. We then might have times in our lives where we feel the fullness of “New Life, New Creation” through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we can get stuck in our own head or have “The Battle of the Mind” that I discussed a couple of weeks ago. Last Sunday, I talked about the importance of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of God, and work of the Spirit in us. The power of God and the person of God that moves in us, in our lives, and in the church. The power of God that fills us, gives us hope, mercy, love, grace, and power.

(Butterfly Cocoon – Picture)

          In this fifth sermon in this “The Power of Transformation” sermon series, I want to discuss “Putting On the New Self.” You see like caterpillar that goes into a cocoon and comes out as a butterfly, as I discussed on the first week of this sermon series, we are called to continue to change. I am called to continue to change, so that I might be more and more like Jesus Christ. In doing so, things in us that are not good or not Godly will continue to be shed and removed from us. Remember faith in Christ is a free gift, but becoming like Jesus, or “sanctification,” is the journey of a lifetime. This morning, therefore, I want to talk about “Putting On the New Self.” Now it is no secret that we have had some heat and humidity this past week! Has anyone else noticed the heat and the humidity this week? Of course, I still think that it is much better than the winter, but we have had a lot of humidity and heat this week. In fact, did anyone go out this week to mow, to do lawn or garden work, or something else, and after you felt hot, sweaty, and funky?

          Sometimes people come from working outside, and we sometimes have that blade of grass on our four heads that got there somehow. Maybe we then take a shower, and put on some fresh clothes, as does it not feel so great when we are hot, sticky, and want to be refreshed? In a similar way when we come in clean and up and change into fresh clothes we are “Putting On the New Self.” For some of us it could be that we were out shoveling snow in the cold of winter and then we came in and wrapped ourselves in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. That feeling of being warm when you are so cold. What is it like to “Put On the New Self.” There is nothing like feeling refreshed, feeling clean, and feeling made new!

          For those that lovingly like to pick on me for my sermon series and sermon titles being planned months in advance, sometimes God has a plan that we do not know. For me, often, in fact! You see, this “The Power of Transformation” sermon series was picked out like 3-4 months ago. When I picked this sermon series out through the Holy Spirit, I had no idea that I would be baptizing two people on Sunday June 14^th. Why is this significant and Holy Spirit filled? Well because my message this morning is called, once again, “Putting On the New Self.” When we are baptized, we go into the water, and we spiritually die to ourselves. We die to our sin, our brokenness, our guilt, and our shame. We spiritually die with Christ, and then we come up out the water as a new creation. We spiritually die with Christ, and we spiritually rise with Christ. Or to say it another way, as our baptism robes signify, we are “Putting On the New Self.” White is the color of purity, and the white robes of baptism therefore signify “Putting On the New Self.” Yet we also do this when we come to Christ, and hopefully we strive to do this every single day of our lives here on earth.

          Another amazing Holy Spirit thing is this: when I googled pictures entitled “Putting On the New Self” this is one of the first pictures that came up:

(Jesus Putting a Baptism Robe On A Man- Picture)  

This picture is a powerful depiction of putting on our new selves in Jesus Christ. You can see the humility, the emotion, and gratitude in this man’s face, as Jesus puts the “new self” of righteousness, holiness, mercy, and hope on this new creation of a man. I was so moved by this picture in fact, that I have a copy of this for both people getting baptized this morning. This is a reminder that in the waters of baptism, and in general, we are called to “Put On the New Self” in Christ, through the Holy Spirit.

          As we continue to grow in our faith, as Christians, and as people, where do we need in our live to “Put On the New Self?” How can we trust God more, and embrace the love of Jesus even more than we do right now? Further, what would it be like to surrender our worries, our struggles, our hopes, our fears, etc. at the feet of Jesus Christ our Lord? The goal the Christian faith to live like and become like Jesus Christ. I’m getting there, myself brothers and sisters, but I am far from all the way there completely. We are called to “Put On the New Self.”

(Ephesians 4:22-24 – Jesus’ Hand - Picture)

          In our reading for this morning from the Apostle Paul’s letter or Epistle to the church in Ephesus or the Ephesians, he says in 4:22-24, once again, this:

²² Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, ²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:22-24, RSV).

How many of us, if we are honest, still have more to put off? How many of us, if we are honest, still have more righteousness and holiness to put on? Our journeys of faith, our journeys with Christ should continue to help us to “Put On the New Self.” Jesus reaches out to us. God loves us, and the Holy Spirit fills us and guides us. Our faith, our lives, were designed to be lived out together. We are a church that seeks Christ and we are all welcome on this journey!

(Ephesians 4:24 – Picture)

We are called to be like God, to be righteous and holy, even if we all still have work to do.

(Colossians 3:9-10 – God and Devil – Picture)

          In our reading from the Apostle Paul’s letter or epistle to the church in Colossae or Colossians, we hear this, once again in 3:9-10:

⁹ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (Col. 3:9-10, RSV).

If you are not perfect yet, guess what, neither am I, but every day let us strive to love more, care more, forgive more, and to be more like Jesus. Today we will have two people symbolically “Putting On the New Self” in the waters of baptism, two people “Putting On the New Self” in joining this church but may we all strive to get just a little closer. As we do, we will change for the better, and the world around us will get just a little bit better.

          How do we then take the idea of “Putting On the New Self” in our lives and in the world so that we might continue to pursue the “The Power of Transformation”? Here are some ideas and application points for us to consider this morning:

Putting on the new self in Christ is a transformative spiritual journey based on the Apostle Paul's teachings in the Bible. It requires intentionally shedding old, sinful habits and actively embracing a Christ-like life of righteousness, compassion, and truth.

 

 

The Concept

Rooted in Ephesians 4:22-24, this concept uses the metaphor of changing your clothes.

·         Put Off the Old Self: Discarding your former, destructive way of living that is driven by deceitful desires.

·         Be Renewed: Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and perspective.

·         Put On the New Self: Actively clothing yourself in virtues modeled after God’s own character.

Practical Examples

The transformation isn't just about avoiding bad behavior; it’s about replacing negative habits with positive, Godly actions.

 

 

·         Speak Truth, Not Lies: Ephesians 4:25 calls believers to discard falsehoods and speak truthfully to one another.

·         Share, Don't Steal: Ephesians 4:28 encourages doing honest work so you can help those in need.

·         Build Up, Don't Tear Down: Ephesians 4:29 instructs believers to avoid foul language and only use words that encourage others.

·         Be Compassionate, Not Bitter: Ephesians 4:31-32 commands the removal of malice and anger, replacing it with kindness and forgiveness.

 

 

How to Live It Daily

The new self is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. You can begin putting on the new self by focusing on daily practices like:

 

·         Immersing in Scripture: Reading the Bible to understand the teachings of Jesus.

·         Prayer: Surrendering your daily struggles and seeking God's guidance.

·         Fellowship: Surrounding yourself with a supportive church community to grow in faith together.

 

So, it is true that I pick out sermon titles and sermon series months in advance, but this morning with two baptisms and two new church membership we are hoping that not only these folks, but all of us will “Put On the New Self.” We can then say, we are not who were, we are more like Jesus. Then we can say this over and over again, knowing we will fall and that we will fail. Yet we keep striving and keep getting closer for this is “The Power of Transformation,” and this is “Putting On the New Self.” Amen.

(Baptism Water – Picture)