26-0107wc Transcript

(0:04) Del Tackett’s The Engagement Project, Tour 9, "The Band of Brothers." (0:10) Del Tackett’s Engagement Project reaches a pivotal moment in Tour 9, "The Band of Brothers," (0:17) where the focus shifts to practical communal engagement rooted in profound biblical truths. (0:24) Part 1 builds on prior tours by emphasizing the believer’s intimate union with God (0:30) and how this empowers authentic love within the body of Christ.

(0:36) Tackett opens by reflecting the story of Moses in the veil in Exodus and 2 Corinthians chapter 3. (0:45) Moses veiled his face to hide the fading glory after encountering God. (0:52) In contrast, New Testament believers experienced no such fading (0:56) because the Spirit of the Lord abides with us forever, (1:01) transforming us from glory to glory with unveiled faces. (1:06) This permanent indwelling removes any barrier.

(1:10) We behold God’s glory directly and are changed by it. (1:14) This truth escalates as Tackett explores the fullness of the triune God living within us. (1:21) The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make their home in every believer.

(1:27) John chapter 14, verse 23. (1:30) This isn’t a distant deity, but the entire Godhead residing inwardly. (1:37) Such reality isn’t for mere comfort.

It’s for enablement. (1:42) God dwells in us so we might do His will, (1:45) empowered by His presence to live out the kingdom life in a broken world. (1:51) At the heart of this empowerment is Jesus' new command, (1:55) love one another as I have loved you, John 13, 34.

(2:00) Tackett stresses this directive is specifically for believers within the church. (2:06) It’s modeled on Christ’s sacrificial love for His disciples, (2:09) laying down His life, washing their feet, and serving humbly. (2:15) This love must be deep and authentic, not superficial politeness or casual friendship.

(2:22) It’s the kind that binds the body together as one. (2:27) To flesh this out, Tackett examines the one another commands scattered throughout the New Testament. (2:33) Bear one another’s burdens, forgive one another, confess sins to one another, (2:38) encourage one another, and more.

(2:42) These reciprocal imperatives demonstrate how agape love operates practically, (2:49) mutually edifying, correcting, and supporting in a community committed to growth in Christlikeness. (2:57) Recognizing the challenges of modern isolation, Tackett passionately urges participants (3:03) to join a life group or small community dedicated to this kind of love. (3:09) These groups aren’t optional Bible studies, but intentional bands committed to one another, (3:15) praying together, sharing life, and holding each other accountable to God’s will.

(3:21) In such settings, the indwelling spirit manifests powerfully, fostering unity and strength. (3:29) The tour then addresses the often misunderstood phrase, (3:33) as yourself, in Love Your Neighbor As Yourself. (3:38) Many interpret this as license for self-fulfillment.

(3:42) Follow your heart, chase your dreams, unchecked. (3:46) Tackett counters this cultural distortion, (3:49) arguing it leads to following one’s own sinful script rather than God’s script. (3:55) Using the biblical definition of agape, others focus sacrificial love, applied even to self, (4:04) Tackett explains true self-love requires self-denial.

(4:09) We must say no to fleshly desires that destroy, (4:14) and yes to choices promoting our God-designed shalom, our peace, wholeness, and flourishing. (4:22) This self-love manifests in three key pursuits. (4:25) First, physical and mental health.

(4:28) Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, stewarding them through exercise, rest, nutrition, (4:36) and emotional care honors God and equips us for service. (4:41) Second, pursuing excellence in all we do. (4:44) Whether vocation, hobbies, or ministry, we offer our best as worship, Colossians 3.23, (4:52) reflecting God’s excellence and avoiding mediocrity born of laziness.

(4:58) Third, pursuing deep relationships. (5:01) Humans are made in the image of a relational trinity. (5:04) Isolation contradicts our design.

(5:06) Investing in meaningful connections with family, friends, and church (5:11) mirrors God’s nature and combats loneliness. (5:16) These pursuits aren’t selfish. (5:19) They position us to love others effectively.

(5:22) A healthy, excellent, relationally rich believer overflows with capacity to serve the body and engage the world. (5:31) Part one thus establishes the internal foundation for engagement. (5:36) God’s indwelling presence enabling deep love within a committed community.

(5:42) By loving ourselves biblically, denying self for shalom, (5:46) we become equipped to form the band of brothers needed for kingdom advance. (5:53) This sets the stage for overcoming obstacles and stepping into visionary action in part two. (6:00) Thank you.