Defending the Gospel

In Galatians 2:1-10, Paul shares a pivotal moment in his ministry when he traveled to Jerusalem to meet with the church leaders. Fourteen years after his conversion, Paul, along with Barnabas and Titus, set out on a mission to ensure that the gospel he was preaching to the Gentiles aligned with the broader Christian movement. This was no small matter—the stakes were high. The early church was wrestling with whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish laws, like circumcision, to be fully accepted. Paul’s visit wasn’t just about getting approval; it was about safeguarding the truth of the gospel and ensuring that the church remained united.

The meeting with the church leaders, including James, Peter, and John, was a crucial moment of holy conferencing rather than confrontation. Paul presented the gospel message that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through adherence to the law. The leaders recognized the grace given to Paul and acknowledged that God was at work in different ways among different people. They extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas, affirming that their mission to the Gentiles was just as valid as the mission to the Jews. This was a significant step in embracing the diversity within the church while staying united in the core message of the gospel.

This passage speaks powerfully to the church today. It reminds us that unity in Christ doesn’t mean we all have to look the same or agree on every detail. Instead, it’s about being united in our shared faith and mission to spread the good news of Jesus. Paul’s experience teaches us that we must respect and celebrate the diverse ways God is working among us. We’re called to support and encourage one another, recognizing that every person’s contribution to the body of Christ is valuable. In a world often divided, the church must be a beacon of unity, love, and grace, welcoming all who seek to follow Jesus.

Key points of sermon

Called by Grace

The focus is on Paul’s transformation and the authority of the gospel as described in Galatians 1:11-24. Paul asserts that the gospel he preaches was received directly through a revelation from Jesus Christ, not from human sources. This claim establishes his apostolic authority, placing his message on equal footing with that of the original apostles. Paul’s personal testimony, detailing his former life as a zealous persecutor of the church and his radical conversion, emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace.

Paul’s recounting of his journey from persecutor to apostle highlights the significance of grace in his life. He was deeply entrenched in Judaism, advancing in his religious career, yet God intervened, revealing Christ to him and calling him to preach to the Gentiles. Paul emphasizes that his mission and message are divinely ordained, independent of the Jerusalem apostles, underscoring the purity and divine origin of his gospel. This independence was crucial as Paul confronted challenges to his authority, particularly from those who sought to impose Mosaic law on Gentile believers.

The message draws parallels between Paul’s experience and the Wesleyan understanding of grace, including prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. It emphasizes the importance of personal testimony in sharing the gospel, as Paul’s story serves as a powerful example of God’s ability to transform lives. The reflection concludes by challenging believers to think about their own experiences of God’s grace and to share their testimonies with others, reinforcing the idea that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transformative power.

No Other Gospel

Galatians focuses on the critical importance of holding fast to the true gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In a world where false teachings and philosophies distort the core message of Christianity, Paul’s letter to the Galatians serves as a vital reminder to remain vigilant and discerning. The letter emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn through our efforts or lose by breaking the law. It challenges believers to live in the freedom Christ offers, resisting the temptation to conform to misleading doctrines and staying rooted in the truth of the gospel.

Paul’s letter also addresses the role of the Mosaic Law for believers, explaining that while the law cannot justify us, it remains valuable as a guide for righteous living and sanctification. Paul is deeply concerned with the Galatians’ quick desertion of the true gospel for a distorted one, which he sees as a fundamental betrayal of the faith. He uses strong language to warn against any attempt to alter the gospel, emphasizing that it cannot be adapted to different cultural contexts without compromising its truth. The letter underscores the high stakes of remaining faithful to the unchanging gospel message.

The teachings from Galatians  resonate with contemporary challenges such as the prosperity gospel, the idea of following one’s heart without God’s guidance, the reality of Hell, and the false belief in universal salvation. These modern distortions of the gospel undermine the necessity of faith in Christ alone and the urgency of the gospel’s call to repentance and transformation. The series calls believers to stand firm in the true gospel, resist pressures to conform, and live out the gospel with integrity, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship Through Trials

This sermon, based on James 1:2-4, we explores the call to find joy in the middle of trials. James encourages us to see life’s challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for spiritual growth. He teaches that enduring trials with a joyful heart produces perseverance, which leads to maturity and completeness in our faith. This perspective transforms our struggles into a journey toward becoming true disciples of Christ, reflecting His character and deepening our reliance on God.

We look at the practical aspects of moving from mere belief to authentic discipleship. It highlights the importance of cultivating a joyful perspective, engaging in community support, and committing to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading, and acts of service. By adopting these practices, we can navigate personal and communal challenges, strengthening our faith and character. The message underscores that perseverance is an active, steadfast faithfulness that equips us for God’s purposes.

The sermon draws inspiration from biblical narratives and contemporary examples, illustrating how trials can lead to significant spiritual growth. Stories of figures like Joseph, the Apostle Paul, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer serve as powerful reminders of how enduring adversity with faith can lead to profound maturity. It concludes with a call to embrace trials as divine opportunities for growth, ultimately leading to a complete and mature faith that reflects God’s love and grace in every aspect of our lives.

Discipleship in the World

This sermon explores the transformative journey from simply believing in Christ to actively living as His disciples. It draws inspiration from the early church in the Book of Acts, highlighting how the first believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This commitment created a strong, united community that reflected Christ’s love and generosity, showing us the importance of moving beyond passive faith to active discipleship.

In Acts 2:42-47, the early Christians exemplify a vibrant community where their faith in Christ bonded them together. They shared their possessions, supported one another, and lived out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways. This generosity and communal living were not forced but stemmed naturally from their transformed hearts. The sermon emphasizes that modern believers should also immerse themselves in Scripture, build genuine relationships, participate in communion, and make prayer central to their lives, thus creating a community that draws others to Christ.

Believers need to embrace this vision of discipleship, committing to God’s agenda over their own. It calls for a faith that is evident in actions, words, and love for others, encouraging a life of service and evangelism. By following the example of the early church, believers can reflect the love and kindness of Christ, impacting the world and bringing His kingdom to earth.

Living in the Word

Studying scripture is essential for those who want to truly follow Jesus Christ. The Bible is where we find God’s truth, which provides guidance and wisdom for living in accordance with His will. By immersing ourselves in scripture, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s character, His promises, and His commandments, which are vital for establishing a solid foundation of faith. This foundation enables us to face life’s challenges with confidence and hope.

Scripture acts as a guide for discipleship. Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels show us how to follow Him, love others, and serve with humility and compassion. Studying these teachings helps us understand the principles and practices that define the life of a disciple. It equips us to embody the values of the Kingdom of God and transforms our hearts and minds to align with His purpose, influencing our daily actions and interactions.

Regular engagement with scripture helps us build a closer relationship with God. The words of the Bible come to life through the Holy Spirit, speaking directly to our hearts and circumstances. This intimate communication strengthens our faith, deepens our love for Him, and empowers us to fulfill our calling as disciples. By studying and meditating on His Word, we grow in spiritual maturity, becoming more attuned to His voice and more committed to His mission. In essence, scripture is not just a book to be read but a living, dynamic force that shapes us into true followers of Christ.

Living in the Word

Called to Follow

Christians are called to be disciples because discipleship is at the core of following Jesus. When Jesus called His first disciples, He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This call was not just about learning from Him but also about living a life that mirrors His teachings and mission. Discipleship entails a deep, personal connection with Jesus, where believers are changed by His love and grace. As disciples, Christians commit to growing in their faith, embodying Christ-like qualities, and spreading the gospel to others, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches the ends of the earth.

Being a disciple also means embracing a life of constant learning and growth. Jesus instructed His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), which requires a dedication to grasping and applying His teachings in everyday life. Discipleship is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. This journey involves studying the Scriptures, engaging in prayer, participating in the Christian community, and seeking to understand God’s will. As disciples, Christians are equipped to face life’s challenges with faith and wisdom, making decisions that honor God and demonstrate His love to the world.

Also, discipleship promotes a sense of responsibility and community within the body of Christ. In the early church, believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship” (Acts 2:42), emphasizing the importance of learning and growing together. By being disciples, Christians support and encourage one another, building each other up in love and good works. This community helps believers to stay focused on their mission, provides strength during difficult times, and creates opportunities for mutual edification. In this way, discipleship not only strengthens individual faith but also fortifies the entire Christian community, enabling it to be a powerful witness to God’s transformative love.

For God so Loved the World: The Gift of the Son

Most of us know John 3:16 by heart: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It’s a verse we’ve seen everywhere—from bumper stickers to sporting events. But can we recite the next verse as easily? John 3:17 says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

Jesus spoke these words when he was talking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who sought Jesus under the cover of night, yearning to understand His teachings. This encounter not only presents us with the most beloved verse but also reveals the great truth about God’s love and Jesus’ mission.

On Trinity Sunday, we will look at the infinite love of the Father, the selfless mission of the Son, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. We will explore how understanding Jesus’ mission to save rather than to condemn can influence our approach to sharing the gospel.

Join us as we explore the depth of God’s love and how it calls us to reach out to everyone, especially those we might consider unworthy. Reflect on the all-encompassing scope of God’s love and our role in spreading this love through our actions and interactions. This message encourages us to see every person as a cherished creation of God and to live out the gospel with genuine compassion and empathy. If you are unable to join us in person, listen to the full sermon below.

Preserved from Evil – The Protective Prayer of Jesus on Mother’s Day

It’s a beautiful sight all to see mothers gently resting their hands on their children’s foreheads and whispering heartfelt prayers for their protection and guidance. This simple yet powerful gesture speaks volumes about the depth of a mother’s love and her fierce desire to keep her loved ones safe from harm. Mother’s Day is a special time for us to celebrate this unwavering maternal commitment and the incredible lengths moms go to shield their little ones.

This protective instinct is also reflected in a touching biblical moment, where Jesus pleads with His Father in John 17, asking not to take His followers out of this messy world but rather to protect them from evil as they navigate life’s many challenges. His request gets to the heart of the profound resilience and inner strength required to not just survive adversity but thrive in the midst of it. This resilience is mirrored in the steadfast love of a nurturing mother.

Just as moms don’t wish to remove their kids from the world entirely but instead hope to equip them with the courage and wisdom to face its harsh realities, so too did Jesus pray for His disciples’ safekeeping within the world, not separation from it. His prayer and a mother’s prayers flow from that same deep wellspring of loving hope, acting as beacons to guide loved ones through stormy seas, not avoiding those turbulent waters altogether.

These prayers aren’t about building a cozy bunker from life’s difficulties, but about cultivating an unshakeable inner sanctuary of strength, resilience, and faith to withstand whatever trials may come. At their core, these prayers share the sacred purpose of preparing loved ones to journey through adversity, not just shielding them completely.

While Jesus calls His followers to engage in this world’s issues and realities, He also challenges them – and us – to remain set apart from its toxic influences and temptations. This divine protection is not some lofty, esoteric concept but a tangible, ever-present source of help and deliverance. It’s the wisdom that guides tough ethical choices, the inner fortitude that helps us stand firm for our convictions when pressured to compromise, and the boldness to share our faith despite opposition. Like a nurturing mother preparing her children to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and integrity, Christ equips us not just to survive this broken world but to engage with it fully while staying true to our sacred calling.

A Call to Sacrificial Love

In John 15:12-13, Jesus gives a final instruction to His followers, saying, “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This mandate is the foundation of Christian ethical behavior, emphasizing love as the supreme virtue that should guide all actions, including the complex task of confronting sin. When we address wrongdoing within our communities, it’s essential that our approach is not just about enforcing moral laws but an expression of deep, sacrificial love. This approach reframes confrontation as an act of love and care rather than an act of judgment.

Confronting sin within this framework requires a balance of truth and grace. It means holding firm to God’s standards while extending the grace that God shows us every day. It challenges us to reflect on how Jesus interacted with sinners. He never compromised His message, yet always extended compassion and mercy. His interactions with the woman caught in adultery, or the tax collector Zacchaeus underscored His commitment to redeem rather than condemn. Applying this to our lives today means approaching those who err with an open, forgiving heart that hopes for reconciliation and restoration.

Practically, confronting sin with love and grace could look like having honest, private conversations instead of public callouts, which align more with biblical admonitions (Matthew 18:15-17). It involves actively listening and understanding the struggles of the other person, offering support and accountability without alienation. This process not only aids in healing the one being confronted but also nurtures a more compassionate community that mirrors the unconditional love of Christ. By emulating this love, believers set a profound example of how to live out the gospel in everyday interactions, making the church a faithful refuge and a beacon of hope in a world rife with judgment and division.