August 20 2023

Frankie / General

Jesus Christ / Assurance of salvation / Romans 10:5–13

Our motivation

1. I must admit that everything I have in my life and all my experiences haven't come about solely through my efforts or decisions. I believe they are gifts from God, my Father and Saviour. He has guided me to live, learn, and worship according to His will and plan. This firm belief has led me to understand that I've been under His guidance since I embraced Christianity. While preparing this sermon, I came across an introductory article in the Message Bible, translated by Eugene Peterson. One particular sentence deeply resonated with me: 

"God is not a peripheral figure; He's not an option, not just a presence on weekends. God is at the very core and the outermost edge; He is the beginning and the end; God, God, God."

2. I'd like to ask you: Who is God in your life? What does it truly mean to believe in Jesus and to follow His path? What's the purpose of our presence here today? Let's take a moment to close our eyes and ponder these questions. Before we delve into this sermon, let's reflect on His love and grace. God isn't a deity confined to weekends, and His influence isn't limited by religious boundaries. He's the Creator of us all, granting us new life and a meaningful way of living. God encompasses everything we need.

3. In the journey of life, our aspirations encompass a range of pursuits: securing employment for sustenance, seeking education for a prosperous future, and more. Our ultimate aim revolves around fulfilling personal desires and ambitions. Another term that aligns with 'desire' is 'motive.' When our motives are well-grounded, they set the foundation for a successful life. Conversely, misguided motives can lead us astray. Within the realm of spirituality, the Bible presents two significant concepts: "Predestination" and "foreknowledge." "Predestination" delves into God's unchanging plan and actions related to salvation, while "foreknowledge" pertains to His profound understanding of us. 

4. Interestingly, these teachings also shed light on our motives. Yet, exclusively focusing on deciphering the differences between these terms might not fully illuminate why they're included in the Bible. Instead, it's essential to contemplate why these terms hold significance for Christians. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been deeply involved in orchestrating VBS (Vacation Bible School) alongside our committed church volunteers. Simultaneously, we've actively engaged in outreach within the Key First Nation community, collaborating with the Calgary Korean Church. As I've taken the lead in both the VBS and outreach endeavors, I've found myself reflecting on the underlying motivations that drive us towards these substantial undertakings. What propels us to embark on such significant efforts? Do these endeavors originate from our personal aspirations? Can we attribute these actions to our innate sense of morality? As we gather for today's sermon, I invite you to join me in contemplating God's teachings. Together, let's uncover the genuine motivations that underpin our actions.To delve deeper into this, let's turn to Romans 10:5-13.

Romans 10:5–7 NKJV

For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

Romans 10:8–10 NKJV

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:11–13 NKJV

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

5. When we organize events like outreaches or VBS sessions, we often turn to prayer in order to gain insight into God's plan. This practice is of utmost importance, as God's commitments are intricately woven into His divine plan, referred to as the covenant. Consequently, the terms "promise" and "covenant" hold a paramount significance when we seek to grasp the nature of God's actions in the Bible. The very structure of His work is built upon these assurances. A prominent illustration of this can be seen in God's communication with Moses. He assured Moses that He would uphold the covenant made four centuries earlier with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – a promise that He undeniably fulfilled. The arrival of Jesus on Earth unfolded as a result of God's meticulous fulfillment of promises outlined in Scripture. This is precisely why the writers of the gospel extensively referenced and interwove various passages from the Scriptures. In essence, our events and actions find their anchor in God's promises and covenants. This profound connection deepens our comprehension of His divine operations, enriching our understanding of how His plan unfolds.

Matthew 1:22–23 (NASB95)

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

Mark 1:1–3 (ESV)

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ”

6. The term "predestination" inherently carries a notion of fulfillment. This is because, when a task is assigned, its completion is anticipated. For example, when I undertake the task of repairing a computer, I systematically troubleshoot using either the manual or my own experience. Typically, within the initial five minutes, I can discern whether I can resolve the issue or not. Once I've gauged its condition through diagnosis, I proceed with subsequent steps. Likewise, as we embark on organizing a VBS, we hold aspirations for a successful event with specific attendance figures and appropriate programs. In a similar vein, God evaluates our conditions and circumstances, assessing our alignment with the purpose of His kingdom and His divine work. He conducts a thorough examination, delving into the depths of our hearts and minds through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Just as I assess the feasibility of repairing a computer, God evaluates our readiness to accompany Him on His divine journey.

Romans 8:26–27 M:BCL

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God.

7. God possesses an intimate understanding of our hearts and minds, a truth that holds regardless of whether we once resided in the realm of sin. Furthermore, God is acutely aware that we lack the means to resolve our inherent predicament of sin. This recognition is deeply rooted in God's role as our creator and in His grand design for our lives. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that, quite frankly, we are unable to elevate our circumstances unaided by God, despite His awareness of our nature. This limitation persists because our hearts and minds were once marred by elements such as greed, malice, and even vindictiveness when we remained estranged from God. Friends and acquaintances have often inquired about my ability to assemble a specific number of volunteers for the VBS and outreach initiatives at this juncture. Over my 16 years of ministry, I've uncovered a method for recruiting volunteers within the church community. The key lies in initially acquainting people with the profound love of God and consistently nurturing this understanding. By sharing my unwavering enthusiasm and fervor for Jesus and His divine endeavors, I gradually sow the seeds of inspiration. Over time, this approach yields results, as individuals begin to recognize their potential impact. It's essential to recognize that people often remain disinterested in seeking God's presence when they exist outside His embrace; their unfamiliarity with how to establish a connection with Him further compounds this detachment.

Ephesians 2:1–3 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

8. However, it's important for us to remember to praise and give thanks to the Lord for His limitless acts of love on our behalf. Even though we can't solve our struggles with sin on our own, it's comforting to know that God understands the depths of our hearts. He has taken it upon Himself to evaluate our situations and where we stand. In doing so, He has designed a path for our redemption that goes beyond our current circumstances. This predetermined path towards renewal is none other than through Jesus Christ, the one who brings salvation. God has charted this course with a purpose that goes beyond our current condition. Therefore, all those chosen by God are called to follow this life-changing path. These individuals, the ones selected by God, are the recipients of His divine predestination. Their journey as believers has already been set in motion by the actions of Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:14–16 NKJV

Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

9. However, there are some who misconstrue the doctrine of predestination. They hold the belief that even if they continue to sin after being saved, they will be absolved because of their predestined status. This perspective often leads to the misconception that once saved, they need not concern themselves with following God's path, as salvation isn't contingent upon their behavior. I find this to be a misguided understanding. The doctrine of predestination actually offers insights into cultivating the right motivations for our Christian journey. Salvation follows God's way, not our own. God's work isn't dictated by our actions, but rather by His divine determination. Thus, when God chooses us and envelops us in His presence, it calls for us to respond in the right manner. Being aligned with Him and His predetermined plan awakens our will, enabling us to make righteous choices and undertake meaningful actions. I recall a visit to the residential school in Muskowekwan First Nation, where an elder guided our tour. He recounted his firsthand experiences from the residential school, providing a vivid perspective. Upon concluding the tour, he inquired why the Calgary team had chosen to visit the site. The response was rooted in the love of God. This decision stemmed from God's predestination and His divine purpose.

Colossians 3:1–4 NKJV

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:12–14 NKJV

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Colossians 3:15–17 NKJV

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

10. The concepts of predestination and free will based on the foreknowledge don't represent conflicting teachings; rather, they offer distinct perspectives. Predestination centers on God and His divine plan, while free will based on the foreknowledge focuses on human responses to God's salvation and calls for obedience. The emphasis is on God's work and man's reaction to it. This distinction underscores the significance of sharing the gospel, which is essentially the narrative of Jesus Christ. The essence of the good news revolves around Jesus Christ, and it's through our lives that we can exemplify His story, especially when we exist within the realm of God's predestination. Through this, we can illuminate the proper motivations for those who might be uncertain about how to navigate life. Jesus embodies life itself, devoid of any darkness. He stands as our Lord and Savior, the driving force behind the Calgary church team's journey to the Key First Nation, a trip spanning over 1000km and involving four cars. God's predestined salvation prompted our church to organize the VBS and outreach initiatives. These endeavors bear meaning because they are rooted in Jesus Christ, enabled by God's love and mercy. In the absence of these divine attributes, our efforts would be in vain. Therefore, let us turn our focus towards God, adhering to His path, and let us share the gospel that God has imparted through His Son, Jesus Christ.