Living in Light: Salvation, Sanctification, and Authenticity
Summary
In a sermon delivered on December 24, 2023, at the Depoe Bay Campus, the pastor, whose name is not discernible from the title, spoke about the significance of salvation and sanctification in the Christian life. Salvation, as described, is the act of being saved, while sanctification is the continuous process of becoming more like Jesus. The pastor urged the congregation to live out their faith in a manner that reflects Jesus' light to others, fostering a love relationship with God. The importance of fellowship was also stressed, highlighting that it is more than just attending church; it is about sharing a common love for the Savior and encouraging one another in faith.
The pastor warned against the dangers of false teachings and the distractions of the world, using the example of commercials selling guardian angels. They emphasized the need for believers to live in community and support each other. The sermon also included a reflection on the excitement in Heaven when Jesus came to Earth, with a reminder that God's love is unconditional and does not require us to be perfect.
A personal story was shared about receiving a job offer, which was seen as a sign of God's intervention. The pastor discussed the passage of time and the importance of seizing opportunities, referencing Peter's denial of Jesus and the need to fill the Jesus-shaped void in our lives.
The pastor spoke about living an authentic Christian life, sharing an anecdote about a lunch with a friend and discussing the need for authenticity. They expressed a commitment to being consistent in their faith both inside and outside the church, and the transformative power of accepting Jesus.
The sermon also included a humorous note about the pastor's attire for special occasions and an announcement about a Bible reading plan. The pastor expressed that Christmas brought Heaven down and invited the congregation to join in the Bible reading plan.
The importance of understanding the Word of God was highlighted, with a reminder that sanctification is key to discerning truth from falsehood. The pastor described the joy of receiving gifts, with Jesus being the greatest and most perfect gift.
Personal testimony and fellowship with God were emphasized, with the pastor sharing their experience of the word of life and inviting others into fellowship. They warned against claiming fellowship with God while walking in darkness and encouraged walking in the light.
The congregation was led in praise and prayer, acknowledging God's greatness and praying for those with specific needs. The pastor prayed for healing, breakthroughs, and comfort, recognizing God's perfect timing.
The sermon concluded with prayers for transformation, reflections on the challenges of the past year, and testimonies of God's miraculous interventions. The offering time was acknowledged, with different giving options and a prayer for financial needs. Announcements were made, including a Korean New Year's Festival and the launch of a youth group, with a brief pause to resolve technical difficulties.
Key Takeaways:
- Salvation and sanctification are both crucial aspects of the Christian journey. While salvation is the initial step of being saved, sanctification is the lifelong process of growing to resemble Jesus more closely. This growth is not just for personal edification but also serves as a beacon to others, demonstrating the transformative power of a life lived in Christ. [45:29]
- Fellowship among believers is essential for spiritual growth and protection against false teachings. By engaging in genuine community, Christians can support each other, share common experiences of God's love, and stand firm against the distractions and deceptions of the world. This fellowship is a safeguard that keeps faith vibrant and accountable. [47:22]
- God's love is unconditional and does not require us to have our lives perfectly aligned before we come to Him. This love was demonstrated in the most profound way when Heaven came down to Earth with the birth of Jesus. The Christmas story is a reminder that God's grace is available to all, regardless of our imperfections. [30:55]
- Authenticity in one's Christian walk is attractive to others and reflects the true nature of God's light. Living a life that is consistent both in private and in public is a testament to the genuine transformation that comes from a relationship with Jesus. This authenticity can be a powerful witness to those who are seeking truth and meaning in their lives. [44:08]
- Personal testimony is a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel. When believers share how they have experienced God's presence and work in their lives, it invites others into a deeper understanding and fellowship with God. Walking in the light and being transparent about our struggles and need for God's grace can open doors for others to receive the same forgiveness and love. [40:42]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 1:1-10 - "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. If we say, 'We have fellowship with him,' and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, 'We have no sin,' we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, 'We have not sinned,' we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
2. Matthew 1:18-25 - "The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated 'God is with us.' When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 John 1:1-10 say about the nature of God and our relationship with Him?
2. How did Joseph respond to the angel's message in Matthew 1:18-25, and what does this tell us about his character?
3. According to the sermon, what are the two key aspects of the Christian journey? ([45:29])
4. What example did the pastor use to illustrate the importance of authenticity in our Christian walk? ([44:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of walking in the light, as described in 1 John 1:7, relate to the idea of living an authentic Christian life? ([44:08])
2. In what ways does the story of Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25 demonstrate obedience and trust in God's plan?
3. How can the process of sanctification help believers discern truth from falsehood, as mentioned in the sermon? ([48:43])
4. What does the pastor mean by saying that God's love is unconditional and does not require us to be perfect before coming to Him? ([30:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel you are not walking in the light? How can you address these areas to live more authentically? ([44:08])
2. Think about a time when you had to trust God's plan even when it didn't make sense. How did that experience shape your faith, similar to Joseph's experience in Matthew 1:18-25?
3. How can you actively participate in the process of sanctification in your daily life? What steps can you take to grow more like Jesus each day? ([45:29])
4. In what ways can you foster genuine fellowship within your church community to support each other against false teachings and distractions? ([47:22])
5. Share a personal testimony of how you have experienced God's presence in your life. How can sharing this testimony with others invite them into a deeper fellowship with God? ([40:42])
6. How can you demonstrate God's unconditional love to those around you, especially during the Christmas season? ([30:55])
7. Identify one specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction? ([48:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Growth Through Sanctification
Sanctification is the journey of becoming more Christ-like every day. It's a transformative process that requires dedication and a willingness to let go of old habits and embrace a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. This growth is a testament to the power of God's work within, shining through actions and interactions with others. [45:29]
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 - "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable."
Reflection: What is one habit you can change or adopt this week to better reflect Christ's character in your daily life?
Day 2: The Strength of Christian Fellowship
True fellowship is more than just attending church; it's about building a community that shares a love for Christ and supports each other in faith. This kind of fellowship is vital for spiritual growth and serves as a defense against the false teachings and distractions of the world. It's in this shared experience that faith becomes vibrant and accountable. [47:22]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you contribute to strengthening the fellowship within your church community this week?
Day 3: Embracing God's Unconditional Love
God's love is a gift that doesn't require perfection from us. The birth of Jesus is a profound demonstration of this love, showing that grace is available to everyone. Understanding and accepting this unconditional love is the first step towards a life filled with grace and forgiveness. [30:55]
Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: How can you show grace to someone who may not meet your expectations, just as God has shown grace to you?
Day 4: Authenticity in Faith
Living an authentic Christian life means being consistent in faith both in private and in public. This authenticity is not only attractive to others but also a true reflection of God's light. It's through genuine transformation that one's life becomes a powerful witness to the truth and meaning found in Jesus. [44:08]
James 1:22-24 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your actions reflect your faith more authentically in both your private and public life?
Day 5: The Power of Personal Testimony
Sharing personal experiences of God's presence and work in one's life is a powerful way to invite others into a deeper understanding and fellowship with God. Being transparent about struggles and the need for God's grace can open doors for others to receive the same forgiveness and love. [40:42]
1 Peter 3:15-16 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Reflection: Can you share a recent experience where you felt God's presence or intervention in your life with someone this week?
Quotes
"Sometimes when we look at life circumstances, we can't understand why or we don't know the reason, and yet we serve a God who says, 'Hey, watch this,' and the same day He answers prayer." [35:50] (Download)
"Time flies by and moments get away. Procrastination usually wins out in our lives, and we're left with voids." [38:00] (Download)
"It's a Jesus-sized hole that only Jesus can fill, the same Jesus who by choice left the portals of heaven and came to fill that void in a world that we could never fill." [38:45] (Download)
"I believe that people all around us are looking for authenticity in our lives; they want us to be the same people we are inside these walls that we are outside these walls." [43:26] (Download)
"Live authentically so that the Light of Christ shines through us; that's what John was trying to say in this message." [44:49] (Download)
"Tomorrow I'm going to live more like Jesus than I did the day before and if you and I will get to the place where it's not just about salvation and it becomes about walking our lives out in the sanctification and letting the light of Jesus Shine through us." [45:29] (Download)
"The Greek word koinonia is the Greek word for fellowship and it means that we have something in common... we have that thread in common that's the love of the Savior." [46:08] (Download)
"It's more than getting saved, it's more than getting into heaven, it's about how do I walk out my faith in a way that encourages other people to want to walk out their faith." [47:22] (Download)
"Imagine the excitement of Heaven that Jesus was coming to begin the Redemption of all mankind on Earth. That God was willing to send his only son to me is mindblowing." [29:33] (Download)
"God's love was unconditional, it was for all of us, and yet he didn't require me to get fixed before he offered me his love. He didn't require us to have all of life's circumstances all work out." [30:14] (Download)
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