Scripture References: Acts 2:1-4; John 1:29-34; Revelation 3:20; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 19:1-6; Luke 24:49

Intro: Welcome. Today, on Pentecost Sunday (or reflecting on Pentecost), we celebrate the Holy Spirit's outpouring on the church. God is a pursuing God, seeking relationship. Jesus's ministry involves both taking away sin (as the Lamb) and baptizing us with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33-34). Do we embrace this full ministry? My prayer today is that all of us would encounter the Holy Spirit afresh.

Key Points:

1. God Pursues for Relationship: God isn't distant; He pursues us relentlessly. Jesus knocks at our door (Rev 3:20). Receiving the Holy Spirit is surrendering to His loving pursuit, desiring connection with Him.
2. The Pentecost Outpouring (Acts 2:1-4): The promised Holy Spirit came suddenly, externally ("sound like a mighty rushing wind," "tongues of fire"), and universally ("rested on each," "all were filled"). This wasn't a quiet internal shift but a powerful, noticeable event empowering the church.
3. Power for God's "More": God has more for us than we often realize ("Made for More"). He calls us to a mission bigger than ourselves (Matt 28:19-20). The Holy Spirit provides the supernatural power needed to fulfill this "more," equipping us for witness and service (Acts 1:8). If we aren't living for God's big purposes, the need for His power might not seem urgent.
4. Pentecost Fulfilled: Just as Jesus fulfilled the Passover feast (His death as the Lamb), the Spirit's coming in Acts 2 fulfilled the Feast of Pentecost. This highlights it as a crucial event in God's redemptive plan. It reversed Babel's division, uniting diverse people by the Spirit.
5. The Promise is For YOU (Acts 2:38-39): Peter declared the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit is not just for the initial disciples but for their children and "for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." If God has called you, this empowering experience is available to you.
6. Receiving the Spirit (Acts 19:1-6): While the Spirit indwells every believer at salvation, Scripture distinguishes an experience of receiving the Spirit for empowerment. Paul asked believers, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when [or after] you believed?" It involves actively welcoming and yielding to the Spirit who already lives within, moving from His presence merely being in the house to Him being welcomed throughout the house.

Conclusion: Jesus desires not only to forgive our sins but also to baptize us, immerse us, fill us with His Holy Spirit for power, intimacy, and mission. This Pentecost experience is a promised gift for all believers, received by faith. It comes suddenly, from God, empowering us beyond our natural abilities.

Call to Action:

• Ask yourself: Have I only embraced Jesus as Lamb, or also as Baptizer in the Holy Spirit?
• Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? Are you actively receiving from Him daily?
• Open the door: Respond to His knocking. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you completely.
• Ask in Faith: Specifically ask the Father for the baptism/filling of the Holy Spirit, trusting His promise to give good gifts.
• Expect Him: He loves to show up more than we love to ask. Be ready to receive His power and presence.

radiantvisalia.com
confluencechurches.org
with Bryan Mowrey

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

radiantvisalia.com
1 John: The Last Hours, Antichrists & You Don’t Need Anyone to Teach You.  (1 John 2:18-29)

Scripture References: 1 John 2:18-29, Matthew 24, John 15, 1 John 4.

Intro:

• Introduction, highlighting the timely topic of antichrists near Halloween.
• Overview of the sermon's structure: clarifying statements, signs of antichrists, and safeguards.

Key Points:

• Clarifying Statements:
  • "It is the last hour": Refers to the period between Jesus' first and second coming.
  • Purpose is to promote urgency and readiness, not fear or panic.
  • "Antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come": Emphasizes present danger, not just future.
  • Antichrist means "opposed to Christ" or "instead of Christ."
  • "You have no need that anyone should teach you": Addressed to counter Gnostic claims of special knowledge.
  • John reinforces the sufficiency of apostolic teaching and the Holy Spirit's anointing.
• Signs of Antichrists:
  • Deception: Actively leading others into false teaching (1 John 4:1).
  • Denial: Rejecting Jesus as the Christ, denying His deity and humanity.
  • Departure: Leaving the community of believers, indicating they were never truly part of it.
• Safeguards Against Antichrists:
  • Christ According to the Apostles: Abiding in the teachings from the beginning.
  • Emphasizing the authority of the apostolic witness.
  • Anointing from Christ: Relying on the Holy Spirit's anointing for knowledge and empowerment.
  • Recognizing the cognitive effect of the anointing.
  • Abiding in Christ: Making Christ one's home, dwelling in Him.
  • Drawing from Jesus' teaching in John 15 about abiding in the vine.

Conclusion:

• The "last hour" calls for urgent, righteous living.
• Antichrists deceive, deny, and depart, posing a present threat.
• Safeguards against them are apostolic teaching, the Holy Spirit's anointing, and abiding in Christ.
• Abiding in Christ, as taught by Jesus, is crucial for bearing fruit and resisting deception.

Call to Action:

• Live with a sense of urgency, knowing we are in the last hour.
• Be discerning, testing spirits and teachings against apostolic truth.
• Rely on the Holy Spirit's anointing for knowledge and guidance.
• Abide in Christ, making Him your home and dwelling in His presence.
• Hold fast to the teachings from the beginning, resisting novel doctrines.
• Embrace the community of believers, rejecting the notion of isolated faith.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

 Listen to Lori's sermon on 10-22-23 if you missed it:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/554773/13823496

Scripture References: 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 4:1-11

Intro: These sermon notes cover the Q&A discussion recorded following the sermon on 1 John 2:15-17 ("Do Not Love the World"). Featuring guest preacher Lori Riley, this session unpacks definitions, diagnostics, and practical steps related to resisting the allure of "the world." (Includes apology for missing previous week's Q&A).

Key Points:

1. Defining "The World" (v. 15): Recap of Lori's sermon definition: Not people or creation, but the system, mindset, and values organized apart from and independent of God. It's driven by: 
   • Lust of the Flesh (v. 16): Over-desire for physical gratification (food, sex, comfort, etc.). Good desires become controlling.
   • Lust of the Eyes (v. 16): Greed, covetousness, envy; obsession with appearance/possessions. What we see fuels wanting more.
   • Pride of Life (v. 16): Self-sufficiency; finding identity and glory in achievements, status, possessions. Leads to perceived independence from God. (Often subtle and dangerous).
2. Worldliness Within Believers: John's warning is primarily to the church. We can embrace worldly systems even while using biblical principles if God isn't the ultimate goal (e.g., pursuing flourishing without dependence on God).
3. Identifying "Over-Desire" (When Desire Becomes Lust): How do we recognize when a good desire has crossed into sinful "love of the world"? 
   • Hiding/Secrecy: Concealing the behavior or extent of the desire.
   • Misplaced Satisfaction: Turning to the desire/object instead of God for comfort, identity, or fulfillment.
   • Justification/Comparison: Using worldly norms ("everyone does it") to excuse behavior, ignoring the Spirit's specific conviction ("Others may; I cannot").
   • Inability to Abstain: Testing the desire by trying to go without it reveals its control.
4. Combating Worldliness: More than just willpower ("Stop it!"): 
   • Spiritual Disciplines: Intentional practices build resistance. Engagement (doing the opposite – e.g., generosity vs. greed) and Abstinence (fasting, solitude, secrecy – choosing dependence on God alone).
   • Bring Desires to God: Instead of suppressing/hiding desires, bring the underlying longing (for beauty, home, significance) to God in prayer, trusting Him as the true Source.
   • Know & Apply God's Word: Actively counter the world's powerful, often subtle narratives (about success, beauty, independence) with the truth of Scripture (faithfulness, interdependence, true identity). We must be discipled by the Word more than the world.

Conclusion: Resisting the love of the world requires accurately identifying its manifestations (lust of flesh/eyes, pride of life) in our own hearts. Through honest self-assessment, engaging spiritual disciplines, bringing our deep longings to God, and grounding ourselves in His Word, we can cultivate hearts that love the Father above the world's allure.

Call to Action: Honestly examine where "the world" might have a hold on your desires and identity. Use the signs (hiding, misplaced satisfaction, justification, inability to abstain) as diagnostics. Engage spiritual disciplines to reorient your heart. Bring your longings directly to God. Saturate yourself in Scripture's counter-narrative.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

radiantvisalia.com
In but not of the World (1 John 2:15-17)

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 19, Matthew 13, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 11, Philippians 2:20, Hebrews 11, Philippians 2:20, Hebrews 11, Philippians 2:20, Hebrews 11

Intro:

• John's letter contrasts love of the Father with love of the world.
• Two contrasting stories: rich young ruler (Matthew 19) and treasure in the field (Matthew 13).
• Call to examine our hearts and responses to Christ.

What is the "World"?

• Not the physical world (creation is good).
• Not people (we are called to love them).
• The world is: 
  • The collective momentum and values of human beings (Lloyd-Jones).
  • Sin that brought together has a force behind it that is hard to resist.
  • The whole outlook upon life that is exclusive of God.
  • A life that is based upon this world and this life only.
• A force and a current, a spirit of this age (Ephesians 2:2-3).
• Directed by Satan, the "prince of this world."
• The world is a war for our love, time, affection, attention, money, and talents.
• It offers temporary rewards: comfort, power, prestige, pleasure.
• Promises life without God, wholeness without God.

Three Ways the World Functions:

• Desires/Lusts of the Flesh:
  • Physical, bodily desires, sensuality, bodily pleasures.
  • Includes sexual temptation, but not limited to it.
  • Food, drink, gratification, control.
  • Lie: It will make you happy and satisfied.
• Desires/Lusts of the Eyes:
  • Greed, covetousness, discontent.
  • Obsession with appearance and show.
  • Eyes are the vehicle of our attention.
  • What we see shapes what we want.
  • Lie: It won’t hurt to look.
• Pride of Life:
  • Pride in livelihood, goods, possessions.
  • Striving for worldly honor, influence, social status.
  • Self-glorification, contempt for others.
  • Lie: It will make me significant.

Resisting the World:

• This playbook is used from the beginning (Garden of Eden, temptation of Jesus).
• The world is passing away (1 John 2:17).
• Love of the world and love of the Father are opposed.
• The love of the world will eventually drive out the love of the Father.
• The more we're focused on God, the more we start to love the things that he loves.

Loving the Father More:

• Live for Eternity:
  • Remember the resurrection.
  • Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
  • This world is temporary; an inheritance awaits (1 Peter 1).
• Deny Yourself:
  • The world tells us our desires are good, but we must deny ourselves.
  • Kill desires, crucify the flesh, live by the Spirit (Galatians 2:20).
  • Don’t be deceived by the world.
  • Don't just lay things down to be empty-handed, but to take hold of Christ.
• Treasure Christ:
  • Feast on superior pleasure in Christ.
  • Desires are meant to be filled, but only Christ can truly satisfy.
  • Gaze on Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
  • The things of this world will grow strangely dim.

Conclusion:

• Call to live for eternity, deny self, and treasure Christ.
• Urgency to choose God over the world.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

This week on the Next Day Q&A podcast, we welcome guest Jerrod Turner, who pastors our sister church in Tulare.  We catch up with Jerrod, get an update on Radiant Tulare, hear about Travis' trip to Turkey, and jump into questions on brotherly love.

Listen to Jerrod's sermon on 10-15-23 if you missed it:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/554773/13780689

Scripture References: 1 John 2:7-17; Matthew 18:15-20

Intro: These sermon notes cover the Q&A session recorded immediately following the sermon on 1 John 2:7-17 (The New Commandment: Loving Others). Featuring guest preacher Jared Turner (pastor, Radiant Tulare), this discussion explores listener questions and further reflections on the challenges and realities of loving one another within the church.

Key Points:

1. Context & Observations: Brief update on Radiant Tulare's exciting growth. Jared's observations on returning to Radiant Visalia (new faces, changes). Playful discussion about listener engagement during sermons (head nods appreciated!).
2. Singing Scripture: Explored the reason behind singing a portion of 1 John during the sermon: To help the congregation receive the fatherly, assuring words as a blessing, moving beyond mere analysis, reflecting how deep theology naturally flows into worship. The passage itself has a poetic structure.
3. The Personal Cost of Loving Others: Jared shared vulnerably about the pastoral challenge of consistently loving and giving when relationships feel one-sided or unreciprocated. Key Insights: 
   • Need to ground identity in Christ, not ministry role or people's responses.
   • Must continually receive God's love to sustain outflowing love (1 John 4:19).
   • God's love must be the truest thing about us, more defining than our weaknesses or others' perceptions.
4. Loving When Hurt By Authority (Listener Question): Addressed the difficult scenario of being unknowingly hurt by a leader. 
   • Initial Steps: Prayerfully discern if/when to address it. Consider the nature/severity of the offense (abuse requires different protocols than misunderstandings or sins of omission).
   • If Addressing Directly (cf. Matthew 18): Talk to the person, not about them. Assume the best about their motives initially. Clearly explain the action and how it impacted you. Aim for reconciliation.
   • Empathy is Key: The person bringing the hurt needs empathy for the leader's pressures; the leader needs empathy for the courage it takes to confront authority.
   • Sins of Omission: Often linked to unmet expectations. May require personal processing and releasing expectations before God prior to (or instead of) confrontation.

Conclusion: This Q&A sermon discussion with Jared Turner highlighted the practical challenges of obeying the command to love one another, especially in the context of leadership and potential hurts. It emphasized grounding our ability to love in receiving God's love and navigating conflict with wisdom, courage, and empathy.

Call to Action: Anchor your ability to love others in your identity as one deeply loved by God. If hurt by someone in the church (including leadership), prayerfully discern the wise and loving path forward, seeking reconciliation where appropriate. Practice empathy in conflict. Continue discussing how to apply 1 John's command to love.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

radiantvisalia.com
Brotherly Love (1 John 2:7-14)

Scripture: 1 John 2:7-8, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 2:15-17, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 John 5:1, John 6:40, John 13:34-35, John 14:15-17, John 15, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 2:2, Exodus 34:6-7

Intro:

• John's letter: A message of truth and a call to love.
• Contradictions: love of the Father vs. love of the world.
• Two stories with a similar treasure, different responses: 
  • Rich young ruler (Matthew 19).
  • Treasure hidden in a field (Matthew 13).
• What is our heart's response to the call to love the Father?

Old and New Commandments:

• 1 John 2:7-8: Old commandment (love one another) given by Jesus (John 13:34).
• Old: Love and unity expected between brothers.
• New: Jesus is the role model for loving others.
• Jesus's love: exclusive message, inclusive love. 
  • Loved disciples, friends (John 11), even enemies (Romans 5:6-8).
  • Supreme demonstration: the cross.

Are You Living in the Light?

• 1 John 2:8: Brotherly love is true in Jesus and in you (plural).
• Brotherly love exists in the community of Christ.
• Contrasts: darkness (hate) vs. light (love).
• Are you living contrary to what we know love is?
• 1 Corinthians 13: Love is patient, kind, etc.
• Challenge: Are we living in the light of 1 Corinthians 13?

John's Pastoral Exhortation:

• John's tone: a loving father singing truth over a weary church.
• 1 John 2:12-14: 
  • Little children: sins are forgiven.
  • Young Christians: have overcome the evil one.
  • Fathers/Mothers: know Him who is from the beginning.
• These are truths for all Christians.
• Sins are forgiven through Jesus's work.
• Young Christians have overcome the world through faith (John 16:33).
• Mature Christians know God deeply (Exodus 34:6-7).

A Vision to Know God:

• Prioritize a vision to know God above all else.
• Revelation 4: The four living creatures. 
  • Eyes to see God.
  • Unending worship.
  • God is worthy of our complete devotion.
• If we could just see God more, we would love Him more.

Call to Action:

• Examine your heart and motives.
• Confess your sins to God and others (James 5:16).
• Receive prayer for healing and restoration.
• Submit to Jesus as Lord.
• Love God and others as Christ loved us.
• Pursue unity in the church (Ephesians 4:1-6).

Conclusion:

• Christian life is about loving God and loving others.
• Unity is found in Christ and expressed through our actions.
• Be a church that is known for its love and unity.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

Listen to Glenn's sermon on 10-8-23 if you missed it:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/554773/13738839

Show notes:
--
John Piper:  "Jesus Christ Is an Advocate for Sinners"
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/messages-by-desiring-god/id196050704?i=1000622667227

Mike Winger's thoughts on Limited Atonement, Universalism:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblethinker/id1358056327?i=1000521923397

Scripture References: 1 John 1:8-2:2; James 5:16; Hebrews 12; Matthew 12:31-32

Intro: These sermon notes cover the "Next Day Q&A" discussion following the previous sermon on 1 John 1:8-2:2, which focused on confessing sin, Jesus as our Advocate, and propitiation. Featuring guest Matt Flummer, this session addresses listener questions on these topics and related theological points.

Key Points:

1. Responding to Confession: Revisited how to respond when someone confesses sin: Balance truth (take sin seriously) and mercy (don't act shocked or lecture). Affirm their courage and lead them to Jesus in prayer. Allow grace if you were the one hurt by the sin.
2. Ongoing Need for Confession: Reaffirmed the necessity of confessing current sins (James 5, Lord's Prayer, Gen 3) for relational health, personal healing, and acknowledging sin's weight, even though ultimate forgiveness is secured in Christ.
3. God's Anger & Jesus as Advocate: Addressed concerns about God still being angry and needing Jesus to appease Him. 
   • God's anger against sin stems from His love and justice (indifference to evil would be unloving).
   • For believers, God's response to sin is loving discipline aimed at redemption (Heb 12), not condemning wrath.
   • Jesus advocates with the unified Father, based on His completed work, not against Him.
4. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit: Explained why this sin is unforgivable (Matt 12:31-32). It represents a final, hardened rejection of the Spirit's clear testimony about Jesus, attributing God's work to evil. It's unforgivable because it constitutes a refusal of the only means of forgiveness (Christ's work applied by the Spirit).
5. Extent of the Atonement (1 John 2:2): Discussed the phrase "propitiation... for the sins of the whole world." 
   • Rejected universalism (salvation requires faith).
   • Explored Limited Atonement (Calvinist view: Christ died only for the elect) vs. Unlimited Atonement (Arminian/other view: Christ's death was sufficient for everyone but is applied only to believers).
   • Emphasized this is a secondary theological issue allowing for disagreement within Christian unity.

Conclusion: This Q&A sermon provided practical guidance on confession, clarified God's loving discipline versus wrath for believers, explained the nature of the unforgivable sin, and explored different perspectives on the scope of Christ's atonement, highlighting the importance of unity in core gospel truths.

Call to Action: Continue to practice confession honestly and receive others' confessions graciously. Rest in God's loving discipline, not fearing His wrath if you are in Christ. Be assured all sin is covered by Christ for those who believe (barring final rejection). Focus on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and maintain unity on essential doctrines.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

radiantvisalia.com
The Greatest Defense Attorney (1 John 2:3-6)

Scripture References: 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2, Romans 3:22-26, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Ephesians 2, 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 2:11, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Proverbs 28, Romans 5:6-8, Hebrews 4, 1 Peter 2:20-23, Acts 2, Acts 9, Acts 11:19-30, Acts 13:1-3

Intro:

• The importance of understanding the full gospel message.
• Addressing the tendency to focus on only parts of the gospel.
• The need to preach the full message, including God's wrath and propitiation.

The Problem of Sin:

• Sin is a real problem, and we must acknowledge its seriousness.
• The Bible is clear about what constitutes sin (Galatians 5:19-21).
• Romans 3:22-26: All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
• God’s wrath is a real consequence of sin.

Jesus, the Propitiation:

• Jesus’ death on the cross was more than just a consequence of sin; it was a propitiation.
• Propitiation: to turn away wrath from.
• Jesus took the wrath of God upon himself, satisfying God’s justice.
• This is the core of the gospel message.

The Full Gospel:

• The gospel is not just “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.”
• It includes: 
  • God’s attitude towards sin.
  • What Jesus did on the cross.
  • God's plan and future for our lives.
• 2 Corinthians 5:19-21: God reconciled the world to himself through Christ.
• Emphasis on the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and its implications.

Call to Action:

• Preach the full gospel message, including God’s wrath and propitiation.
• Don’t shy away from the difficult truths of sin and judgment.
• Emphasize the love and mercy of God found in the cross.
• Invite people to receive forgiveness and enter into a relationship with God.
• Respond to the gospel by believing and repenting.
• Live a life worthy of the calling we have received.

Conclusion:

• The gospel is a message of hope and reconciliation.
• Jesus's sacrifice is the foundation of our faith.
• We are called to share the full gospel message with the world.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

This week on the Next Day Q&A podcast, we welcome our very first guest! We tackle questions on confession & talk about deconstruction. 

Listen to Katelynn Martin's Testimony if you missed it:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/554773/13694493

Scripture References: James 5:16; Genesis 3:8-13; Matthew 6:12 (Lord's Prayer); Matthew 18:15-20

Intro: These sermon notes capture the Next Day Q&A discussion, starting with an apology for missing the previous week. Featuring guest Caitlin Martin, this session revisits listener questions about confession (following the sermon on 1 John 1:8-2:2) and explores insights from Caitlin's testimony regarding faith deconstruction.

Key Points:

1. Responding to Confession (Listener Question): How should one respond when someone confesses sin? 
   • Goal: Maintain a balance of truth and mercy.
   • Do Not: Make light of the sin (it demeans the confession and the cross); act shocked; pile on with reasons why they shouldn't have done it.
   • Do: Respond briefly and positively, affirming their courage; lead them to Jesus in prayer for His truth and mercy.
   • Note: If you were directly hurt by the sin confessed, allow yourself space to process; the confessor should understand this.
2. The Ongoing Need for Confession (Listener Question): Why confess current sins if all sins (past, present, future) are forgiven? 
   • Biblical Basis: Commanded (James 5), modeled by God seeking Adam/Eve's admission (Gen 3), included in daily prayer (Lord's Prayer).
   • Purpose: Primarily for our benefit – acknowledging sin's weight, promoting healing through voicing it, maintaining open relationship with God and others. Hiding suggests incomplete healing or reception of forgiveness.
3. Guest Insights: Caitlin Martin on Deconstruction:
   • Finding Life in Church History/Theology: During deconstruction, Caitlin found these helpful because: they offered voices perceived as less biased than current leaders; showed others throughout history asked similar hard questions (not alone); provided a sense of belonging to an enduring historical faith family; demonstrated God's faithfulness through past crises.
   • Advice for Those Deconstructing: Don't fear difficult feelings or questions (God can handle them); seek to rediscover Jesus Himself amid the uncertainty; trust He wants to be found.
   • Clinging to Jesus: Acknowledged the element of grace in being able to hold onto faith in Jesus even when other beliefs seem to crumble, echoing the disciples' sentiment, "Lord, to whom shall we go?"

Conclusion: This Q&A sermon offered practical guidance on handling confession, affirmed the value of ongoing confession for relational health, and provided perspective on navigating faith deconstruction by learning from church history and clinging to Jesus, enriched by Caitlin Martin's personal testimony.

Call to Action: Receive confessions with grace and truth. Practice confession yourself for healing and open relationships. If facing deconstruction, explore the wisdom of historical Christianity and anchor yourself in Jesus. Extend forgiveness for last week's missed podcast!

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.

Scripture References: 1 John 1:5-6; 1 John 1:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 4:12; Genesis 3

Intro: Continuing our series in 1 John, we explore the call to walk in the light (1 John 1:5-6). Today's message is a personal testimony, reflecting on how God's living Word (Heb 4:12) illuminated a hidden reality. It's a journey from perceived righteousness to confronting hidden sin, and finding the true gospel wasn't what was initially lived out.

Key Points:

1. The Facade of Works: Grew up in church, active in charismatic practices, missions (YWAM), youth ministry. Equated spiritual experiences and activities (gifts, worship highs, evangelism) with evidence of being near God and being a "good Christian." Intellectually knew the gospel of grace, but internalized and lived from a gospel of works – doing the right things to be accepted.
2. The Revealing Vision: A vivid image came: a perfect china doll face (self-perception) peeling away to reveal rotten, decaying flesh underneath. This was a merciful revelation of hidden sinful nature, previously denied ("I don't sin"). Exposed self-righteousness despite years of "serving God." (Reflects 1 John 1:8 - deceiving ourselves).
3. Disillusionment and Clinging: This exposure led to confusion, anger, grief, feeling like a fraud. Wanted to walk away from the version of Christianity experienced. Importantly, felt self-condemned but never God-condemned. Despite the turmoil, a core love for Jesus remained, becoming the only anchor.
4. Rebuilding on Grace: Began relearning the true biblical gospel: salvation by grace through faith, not works (Eph 2:8-9). Found resonance and answers in church history and theology, realizing core faith questions aren't new. Sought a sustainable, genuine devotion based on truth, not just fleeting experiences.
5. Communion's True Meaning: Previously meaningless, communion now connects to Genesis 3. Adam/Eve hiding behind fig leaves (self-effort/covering) had to be exposed before God mercifully clothed them with animal skins (grace/sacrifice). Communion is embodying this: confessing our inability to save ourselves (taking off fig leaves) and receiving Christ's perfect sacrifice (His covering) again and again.

Conclusion: The journey from a works-based faith, hidden behind a facade of "goodness," involved a painful but necessary confrontation with personal sinfulness. True freedom isn't found in trying harder but in confessing our need and receiving the gift of grace through Christ's finished work. Salvation is God's gift, not our achievement.

Call to Action: Honestly examine your own heart: Are you relying on your works and experiences for acceptance, or resting purely in God's grace? Embrace confession, not as condemnation, but as the path to receiving the freedom and true covering found only in Jesus. Approach communion as a tangible act of receiving this unearned gift.

radiantvisalia.com
With Katelynn Martin

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.