Tag: Assurance of salvation

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Stir Up and Encourage One Another

Summary of my sermon, based on Hebrews 10:19-25. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 4, 2026.

Our confidence before God doesn’t come from a spiritual “winning streak” or perfect routines, but from Jesus. Think about confidence the way a team’s championship odds change: they move when wins are on the board. In the Christian life, the decisive win is Christ’s finished work—not our day-to-day highs and lows. He lived sinlessly, died in our place, rose in power, and now brings us into the Father’s presence.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19, 22, ESV). That is the bedrock of assurance.

Why did we ever need such confidence? Because God’s holiness and our sin create a real separation. In the Old Testament, only the high priest entered the Holy of Holies, only once a year, and only with cleansing and sacrifice (see Leviticus 16). The tabernacle curtain embodied that barrier. But when Jesus died, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51, ESV). By His blood, the way is open. Now we draw near with hearts made clean and bodies washed (Hebrews 10:22).

Two distortions erode that gift. First, “Jesus plus.” We start believing we’re accepted because of Jesus and our devotions, attendance, giving, or serving. Those are good fruits, but they are not the root. We don’t add to the cross; we respond to it. Second, trusting the strength of our faith rather than the Savior. Doubts come, trials shake us, and we worry our weak faith disqualifies us. But even “faith like a grain of mustard seed” moves mountains (Matthew 17:20, ESV). Like the desperate father, we pray, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, ESV). Our confidence rests in Christ Himself; He strengthens and guards us.

On that foundation, Hebrews gives a clear, practical call: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23, ESV). And then: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (v. 24). That little phrase “consider how” matters. It’s intentional attention, not accidental encouragement. To “consider” is to notice a brother’s burdens, a sister’s gifts, and think creatively about what would actually help them take the next step toward love and obedience.

That kind of thoughtful care requires proximity. So Hebrews adds: “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25, ESV). Streaming is a grace when illness, weather, or distance intervene; but as a rule, embodied fellowship is the ordinary means God uses to grow us. In the room we see each other’s eyes, hear the real tone beneath the “I’m fine,” and obey the Spirit’s nudge to pray, serve, give, or simply listen. The church isn’t a content platform; it’s a Spirit-filled people.

So what does “considering how to stir up” look like this week? Notice who seemed weary on Sunday, who rejoiced, who was missing. Act with a text, a call, a visit, a meal, a prayer, or a practical offer to help. Aim at love and good works; encouragement isn’t mere compliments, it’s oxygen for obedience.

And when we gather at the Lord’s Table, we rehearse the source of our confidence again: Christ’s body given, Christ’s blood shed—for you, for us. Communion is not a reward for the strong but nourishment for the weak who are clinging to Jesus. It recenters our assurance on His finished work, and it rekindles our commitment to “one another” life.

Come boldly—not because you’re on a roll, but because Jesus reigns. Hold fast—not because you never wobble, but because He never wavers. And look around the room—there’s someone God is asking you to “consider” this week. Encourage them toward love and good works until the Day dawns.

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Called for an Attitude

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 12:1-12. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on July 27, 2025.

Back in 2012, a lot of people were caught up in the “end-of-the-world” predictions tied to the Mayan calendar. Some even thought it might be the day of the rapture. That might sound odd because the Mayan prophecy had nothing to do with Christianity, yet some believers connected the two. Opportunists even profited from that fear. One man, Bart Centre, started a company called Eternal Earth-Bound Pets USA. His pitch was simple: if the rapture took place and Christians disappeared, their pets would need care. For $135 upfront—plus $20 per additional animal—atheist employees promised to collect your pets within 24 hours. To ensure they wouldn’t be “raptured” themselves, those workers were even asked to say something blasphemous against the Holy Spirit.

That detail points us to a serious topic: What does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit? Jesus calls it “the unforgivable sin” in Luke 12:10: “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” For centuries, Christians have wrestled with this verse. Some—like John Bunyan—feared they had committed it, though he eventually realized he hadn’t. Others, like Puritan John Child, were consumed by guilt and despair.

So what does this actually mean? And could someone commit it accidentally?

The best place to start is context. Luke 12 begins with Jesus warning about hypocrisy: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (v.1). Hypocrisy spreads like yeast in bread—it puffs up, but it also creates holes. You might hide those gaps for a time, but Jesus says: “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known” (vv.2–3). Judgment Day will expose everything—both sin and good works (1 Timothy 5:24–25). That reality is why Jesus urges His followers to fear God rather than people: “Do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:4–5).

This isn’t a call to panic but to reverence. God’s power is like Niagara Falls—awesome, overwhelming, and not something to treat lightly. Yet Jesus immediately reminds us: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows” (vv.6–7). The same God who judges sin also cares deeply for those who trust Him, enough to send His Son as our Savior.

From there, Jesus explains that we must not only fear God the Father but also acknowledge God the Son: “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God” (vv.8–9). Denying Christ is hypocrisy in action—professing faith inwardly but refusing to stand for Him outwardly. Without Christ as our advocate (1 John 2:1), we have no defense on Judgment Day.

Then comes the difficult verse: “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven” (v.10). Why is insulting Jesus forgivable, but blaspheming the Spirit is not?

Other Gospels help explain. In Matthew 12 and Mark 3, Jesus gives this warning after the Pharisees claim He casts out demons by Satan’s power: “He has an unclean spirit” (Mark 3:30). Calling the Spirit’s work “evil” is an extreme, deliberate rejection. But Luke’s broader context points to a more general truth: resisting the Spirit’s conviction is unforgivable because it leaves a person unwilling to repent. Jesus said in John 16:8, “When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” If someone continually rejects that conviction—attributing God’s work to Satan or dismissing it entirely—they close the door to salvation.

In other words, the “unforgivable sin” is not a careless word; it’s a hardened heart that permanently rejects the Spirit’s call to repent and trust Christ. If you’re worried you’ve committed it, that very concern is evidence you haven’t.

This passage closes with a promise: “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:11–12). Those who fear God rather than man will find courage, not despair.

Romans 8:38–39 sums it up: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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The Transfiguration

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:28-36. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 20, 2024.

The stories of Moses and the Tent of Meeting in Exodus set the stage for understanding one of the most awe-inspiring moments in the Gospels: the transfiguration of Jesus. Moses had a unique intimacy with God, described as speaking “face to face” (Exodus 33:11), though not literally seeing God’s face. When Moses asked to see God’s glory, the Lord hid him in the cleft of a rock, allowing him only a glimpse of His back while proclaiming His merciful and gracious character (Exodus 34:5–6). The effect of this divine encounter was visible—Moses’ face shone so brightly that the Israelites were afraid, and he had to wear a veil (Exodus 34:29–30).

Fast forward to the New Testament, and we find Jesus ascending a mountain with Peter, James, and John. There, His divine glory was revealed. Luke 9:29 describes, “The appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.” Unlike Moses, whose face reflected God’s glory, Jesus radiated His own glory, for He is God. This moment wasn’t just a display of divine splendor; it was a confirmation of His identity and mission.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus on the mountain deepens the significance. Moses, the great lawgiver, and Elijah, the great prophet, represent the Law and the Prophets—both pointing to Jesus. They spoke with Him about His “departure” (Luke 9:31), a reference to His impending death and resurrection. This affirmed that Jesus’ mission to suffer and die wasn’t a departure from God’s plan but its fulfillment. Isaiah 53 foretells this: “He was pierced for our transgressions… and with his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Peter, in his zeal, misunderstood the event. Suggesting tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Luke 9:33), he seemed to place Jesus on equal footing with the other two. But the voice of God corrected this: “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35). This declaration echoes through Scripture, affirming Jesus’ unique status as God’s Son and the culmination of all the Law and Prophets.

The imagery here connects back to the Old Testament. The cloud that enveloped them recalls the Shekinah glory, the visible presence of God, which guided Israel and filled the temple (Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 8:10). In Jesus, God’s glory is no longer distant or veiled—it has become incarnate. As John 1:14 proclaims, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.”

The transfiguration is not merely an isolated miracle; it’s a powerful affirmation of Jesus’ divine nature and His purpose to redeem humanity. Like the disciples, we can sometimes misunderstand or undervalue His glory, but Scripture calls us to see Jesus for who He truly is: the Son of God, the Savior, and the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. In Him, the full radiance of God’s glory shines, not to terrify, but to invite us into His presence.

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The Love that We Need

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 2:12-17. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on February 5, 2023.

Remember the time when smartphones revolutionized our lives? While they brought numerous benefits, they also became a major source of distraction. Similarly, in our journey of faith, we often get distracted by the allurements of the world, hindering our focus on the profound love that Christ offers. In the writings of the apostle John, we find a compelling message of assurance: when we truly know, love, and obey Jesus, we can have confidence in our salvation.

The Love of Christ Gives Salvation

In the first portion of 1 John 2:12-14, John repeatedly affirms his message to different groups within the church, emphasizing the fundamental aspects of salvation. He reminds “little children” that their sins are forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. To the “fathers,” he emphasizes their intimate knowledge of Jesus, the one who existed from the beginning. Addressing the “young men,” John celebrates their victory over the evil one. By knowing the Father and being strengthened by the Word of God, they have overcome. Through the love of Christ, we receive the gift of salvation, which leads to exaltation and victory over the forces of darkness.

John’s poetic expressions in this passage resonate with the Psalms, which frequently exalt God for His salvation. We are encouraged to sing and proclaim the wonders of our redemption. As we exalt God, our hearts are stirred with a passionate love for Jesus. Salvation not only delivers us from sin but also empowers us to live victoriously in Christ. Ephesians 6:10-12 further reinforces this truth, urging us to put on the armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Through salvation, we gain the strength to resist and overcome the attacks of the enemy.

The Love of Christ Gives Eternity

John’s exhortation continues in 1 John 2:15-17, where he warns against loving the world and its temporary allurements. The desires of the flesh, the lustful cravings of the eyes, and the prideful pursuits of life are not aligned with God’s purposes. Instead, we are called to align ourselves with the will of God, for the world and its desires are transient. By embracing the love of Christ and living in obedience to God’s will, we secure an eternal existence. Our love for God should transcend the fleeting pleasures that the world offers.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we must refocus our attention on the profound love that Christ has bestowed upon us. By exalting God for our salvation, finding strength in Christ to overcome the evil one, and turning away from the transient desires of the world, we can confidently walk in the assurance of our salvation. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, knowing Him intimately, loving Him fervently, and obeying Him faithfully. In Him, we find eternal life and the unwavering assurance of our salvation.

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How We Know We’re Saved

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 2:3-11. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 29, 2023.

People often question and doubt their assurance of salvation, especially when faced with the reality of sin in their lives. While the Bible teaches that we are justified by grace through faith, doubts can still creep in. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The more honest you are about your sinfulness and your shortcomings, the more glorious Christ’s salvation becomes.” So how can we have confidence in our salvation? In 1 John 2:3-11, we find guidance on knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus as the basis for our assurance of salvation.

We Know Jesus When We Obey Him

To have assurance of salvation, we must know Jesus. And we come to know Him through obedience. The Apostle John writes, “By this, we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). Obedience is not about earning salvation through works, but rather the evidence of a genuine relationship with Christ. When we walk in obedience, we reflect our knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is.

Obedience to Jesus goes hand in hand with keeping His commandments. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for Jesus is demonstrated by our obedience to His teachings. The commandments of Christ are not burdensome but rather the path to abundant life and true freedom (1 John 5:3). By embracing His commandments and aligning our lives with His teachings, we grow in our assurance of salvation.

In order to obey Jesus, we must first know His commandments. The Bible is the primary source for understanding His teachings and commands. Psalm 1:2 encourages us to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture is crucial for our spiritual growth and knowing Jesus more intimately. It may seem daunting, but there are resources available to help us understand and apply God’s Word effectively.

When we obey Jesus and keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us. This perfection refers to the maturing and completion of His love within us. Through our obedience, we align ourselves with God’s love and allow it to work in and through us. This perfect love brings assurance and confidence in our relationship with Christ. As we walk in obedience, His love becomes evident in our lives and impacts our relationships with others.

We Know Jesus When We Love One Another

A key aspect of knowing Jesus is loving one another. John writes, “Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him, there is no cause for stumbling” (1 John 2:10). Our love for others is a tangible expression of our relationship with Jesus. When we genuinely love one another, we demonstrate that we know Him. This love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through our actions, sacrificial service, forgiveness, and compassion towards others.

Doubts about our salvation can arise, but we can find assurance by seeking to know Jesus more intimately. Our knowledge of Jesus grows as we walk in obedience to His commandments, grounded in Scripture. This obedience is not about works-based salvation but evidence of our genuine faith. As we keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us, leading to a deepened assurance of salvation. Furthermore, our love for one another reflects our relationship with Jesus and strengthens our confidence in Him. So let us pursue a deeper knowledge of Jesus, rooted in obedience and love, finding assurance in Him.