Tag: Holiness

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Do So More And More

Summary of my stand-alone sermon, based on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto (Family Camp) on August 27, 2023.

In today’s sermon, we dive into a somewhat challenging and often misunderstood passage from 1 Thessalonians 4. This passage is frequently associated with discussions of sexual ethics, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. To fully grasp its meaning, we must consider the broader context of the letter.

The Apostle Paul visited Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, where he faced opposition but successfully shared the Gospel with some. Due to this abrupt departure, Paul couldn’t provide comprehensive teaching to the new believers. Later, Timothy’s report on their faith and love prompted Paul to write 1 Thessalonians. In this letter, Paul commends and encourages them while addressing the essential topic of the Parousia (Christ’s second coming) and guiding them in living out their faith.

Commendation and Encouragement
In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue their walk with Christ, emphasizing growth and excellence in their faith. As a pastor, I resonate with Paul’s desire to commend and encourage the congregation. Despite challenges, including divisions, loss of meeting space, and a pandemic, the church has remained strong.

Today, we celebrate seven individuals’ baptisms—a testament to the community’s effort in nurturing their faith. To the baptism candidates, remember that you’re formally joining our community today, and I encourage you to engage fully, just as those before you have done.

Warning About the World
Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6, emphasizing that the Lord avenges these transgressions. Thessalonica’s Roman-influenced culture encouraged sexual behavior contrary to the Gospel. Paul urges believers to abstain and control their bodies.

In today’s world, our culture is similarly saturated with sexualized messages, emphasizing individual autonomy and self-entitlement. The proliferation of gender pronouns exemplifies this trend. Christianity, however, stands in stark contrast, asserting that we belong to the Lord.

Holiness for Gospel Fluency
Holiness doesn’t mean superiority but rather being set apart for God’s purposes. Leviticus 11:44 and Philippians 2:5-8 remind us of the importance of holiness. As Christians, we are called to be distinct from the culture around us, not by our judgment but by our Christ-like character.

As we reflect on 1 Thessalonians 4, we see Paul’s encouragement to excel in our faith and his warning against conforming to the world’s patterns of behavior. In a culture that prioritizes individual autonomy, we must remember that we belong to the Lord and live in holiness, setting ourselves apart for His purposes.

May we continue to grow in Gospel Fluency, understanding our culture while standing firmly in our identity as children of God. Let us excel still more in our faith, just as the Thessalonians did, and may our lives always be pleasing to God.

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What the World Needs to Hear

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 1:5-2:2. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 8, 2023. My first sermon as Pastor of GCF Toronto.

Recent events, such as the FTX cryptocurrency scandal, highlight the world’s increasing denial of sin and accountability. We see individuals refusing to take responsibility for their actions, while society enables and even supports sinful behaviors. In a world that denies its sinfulness, it is crucial for us to preach the complete Gospel. By examining 1 John 1:5-2:2, we can gain insights into how the Gospel message addresses the world’s denial of sin and offers hope in Jesus Christ.

God is Light

In our current cultural climate, where sin is denied and relativism prevails, it is essential to begin with the truth that God is Light. This truth confronts the world’s distorted perception of morality and emphasizes the holiness and righteousness of God. The Apostle John, in his letter, proclaims, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). By starting with this foundational truth, we expose the darkness of the world and the need for righteousness to have fellowship with God.

We Are Sinful

To preach the complete Gospel, we must affirm that we are sinful. Society often denies sin or minimizes its impact, promoting self-righteousness and a false sense of moral superiority. Yet, the Bible declares, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It is crucial to confront the world with the reality of sin and its consequences. By acknowledging our sinfulness, we can experience forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).

Jesus Saves

In the face of human sinfulness, the complete Gospel offers hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. As we acknowledge our sin, we find assurance that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus, the propitiation for our sins, took upon Himself the punishment we deserved and offers redemption to all who believe in Him (1 John 2:2).

Preach the Complete Gospel

In a world that denies sin, the urgency to preach the complete Gospel cannot be overstated. We must challenge the distorted narratives and false beliefs that lead people astray. The Four Spiritual Laws, once effective, must now be supplemented with a clear message about the righteousness of God and our sinfulness. We need to address the world’s misplaced values, where good is called evil and evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20). By presenting the complete Gospel, we provide a pathway for people to come to the light and find redemption through Jesus Christ.

We can learn from the Way of the Master evangelism approach, which emphasizes the importance of addressing sin before sharing the good news of salvation. Like Peter and Isaiah, who recognized their sinfulness in the presence of a holy God, we must help people acknowledge their own sin and their need for a Savior. By pointing to Jesus Christ as the advocate and propitiation for our sins, we offer hope and forgiveness.

In a world that denies sin, preachers and believers must boldly proclaim the complete Gospel. We start with the foundation that God is Light, exposing the darkness of sin and highlighting the need for righteousness. By acknowledging our sinfulness and accepting Jesus Christ as our advocate and propitiation, we find forgiveness and redemption. Let us rise to the challenge of sharing the complete Gospel, bringing light to a world that desperately needs to hear the truth.