I Belong, You Belong, We Belong
#BeUMC - Part 4
Sunday, July 16 , 2023
1 Corinthians 12:12-20
John replied, “Master, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he isn’t in our group of followers.” But Jesus replied, “Don’t stop him, because whoever isn’t against you is for you.”
Luke 9:49-50
This week’s sermon, “I Belong, You Belong, We Belong” comes to us from special guest Rev. Katie Lineberger. Listen here…
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From “Catholic Spirit: Sermon 39” - John Wesley
Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. (¶4)
Hold you fast that which you believe is most acceptable to God, and I will do the same. I believe the Episcopal form of church government to be scriptural and apostolical. If you think the Presbyterian or Independent is better, think so still, and act accordingly. I believe infants ought to be baptized; and that this may be done either by dipping or sprinkling. If you are otherwise persuaded, be so still, and follow your own persuasion. … I have no desire to dispute with you one moment upon any of the preceding heads. Let all these smaller points stand aside. Let them never come into sight. “If thine heart is as my heart,” if thou lovest God and all [hu}mankind, I ask no more: “give me thine hand.” (§II, ¶2)
We are social creatures, designed to live in community. We celebrate family bonds, community Oes, and even feel a kinship with fellow fans of our favorite football team. Sometimes, however, our ideas about belonging are corrupted and we begin to draw defined circles too closely. When we view the “other” as one of “them,” we have entered into dangerous territory. Jesus is quick to correct his disciples when they begin to talk about “us.” Jesus modeled the ways we should be more accepting of the beautiful diversity intrinsic in the people of God.
As United Methodists, our inclusiveness requires more than simply welcoming people in worship on Sundays.
We are a people who seek justice.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream
Amos 5:24
Scriptural holiness entails more than personal piety; love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world. (Book of Discipline, ¶102.1—Our Doctrinal Heritage)
We are a resilient people.
We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
It is easy to feel disheartened in our world. A global pandemic, racial injustice, climate change, economic worries, political divisiveness, family issues, and so much more threaten to steal our joy every day. Yet as people of God, we are people of hope, a hope that gives us strength to rebound even from the most difficult of circumstances. Our faith makes us resilient.
We are a welcoming people.
Keep loving each other like family. Don’t neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it. Remember prisoners as if you were in prison with them, and people who are mistreated as if you were in their place.
Hebrews 13:1-3
Being a welcoming person of God entails more than inviting people into spaces where we feel most comfortable. Christ also compels us out into the world, to meet people wherever they are, and to serve as a welcoming presence to others.
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- excerpts from #BeUMC Study Guide
You can download the complete discussion guide at https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/our-people/beumc