John 14:6

1. Members of Calgary Korean Church arrived yesterday at Almond Tree Ministries in The Key First Nation for a week-long summer outreach program. I will be joining them, and our church's senior youth and young adults will assist with the VBS at Keeseekoose First Nation tomorrow. I wholeheartedly agree that fulfilling the Great Commission is paramount for churches globally, regardless of available resources. This Commission is a core tenet of our faith, as we shared previously. To remain steadfast in this mission, it's crucial to continuously reinforce the foundation of our faith in Jesus. History, as demonstrated in the book of Judges, reveals how easily people can stray from this path if they neglect this vital practice.

Judges 21:25 NRSV

In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.

2. Today, I prepared a sermon on the foundation of Christian salvation. I want to begin by asking: What is salvation? Does it mean entering heaven after death? Does it mean living a sin-free life on Earth? What does it truly mean to be saved? Nowadays, AI models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are trending in technology due to their ability to provide answers to various questions. I, too, posed a question to AI.

1. Salvation: A Multifaceted Concept: Salvation encompasses various dimensions, including spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. It's not limited to a single definition but rather a transformative experience with far-reaching implications.

2. Heaven and Earthly Life: While salvation does promise eternal life in heaven, it also impacts our lives on Earth. It empowers us to overcome sin, experience inner peace, and live in accordance with God's will.

3. A Journey, Not Just a Destination: Salvation isn't merely an end goal but a continuous journey of faith and transformation. It involves a deepening relationship with God, personal growth, and a commitment to living a righteous life.

3. This definition of salvation as a multifaceted concept encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, promising both eternal life and earthly transformation, resonates deeply with me. It encapsulates the essence of salvation, which is why Ephesians 2:8-9 eloquently explains how we attain it.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NLT

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

John 14:6 NIV

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

4. We are familiar with the scriptural truth that salvation is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. Salvation guides our lives; without Jesus at its core, it becomes merely human effort. If our lives aren't built on the foundation of Jesus, they will crumble.

5. When discussing salvation with students or dedicated Christians, they often express a strong belief in doctrines like Calvinism, Arminianism, or Lutheranism. While I respect their opinions, it's important to remember that doctrines are human interpretations of the Bible, not the Bible itself. They can aid our understanding but should never replace direct engagement with Scripture. Similarly, while listening to sermons during morning devotionals can be beneficial, we must not forget that sermons are also interpretations. To truly understand salvation, we must turn to the source itself—the Bible—which speaks of Jesus Christ, the way to salvation.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 MSG

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

6. In reality, reading and understanding the Bible can be challenging. Before encountering Jesus, I rarely opened the Bible outside of Sunday service, and when I did, it often put me to sleep. However, God miraculously transformed my perspective.

7. Though I didn't experience a dramatic encounter with God during a three-day prayer meeting at age 21, I believe He planted a question within me about prayer. This question led me to seek answers in the Bible, where I ultimately discovered the meaning of salvation. Reflecting on this pivotal time, I realize that without God's intervention and the Holy Spirit's guidance, I wouldn't have turned to the Bible. It was only when the Holy Spirit entered my life, aligning my will with God's, that I began to earnestly engage with His Word.

Romans 1:20–22 NKJV

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,

John 15:5 NRSV

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

John 14:15–17 NRSV

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

8. Salvation marks the beginning of our new life in Christ, not the final stage. As Christians, we embark on a journey of living as saved individuals, empowered by Jesus to walk a new path. He reveals this new life to us and sends the Holy Spirit as our Helper, guiding us as we navigate this journey. Even when we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit illuminates its meaning, helping us understand and apply God's Word to our lives.

Romans 8:1–2 NLT

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

9. I love how the NLT version of Romans 8:1-2 beautifully captures "the power of the Life-Giving Spirit." God not only grants us a new life in Christ but also equips us with the power to live it. Unlike worldly employers who often provide only a motive (such as a salary), leaving us to figure out the rest, God generously gives us both the identity and the power source for our new life.

10. Therefore, our Christian life is a journey of being justified by God for our new identity in Christ and sanctified by Him as we grow in this new life on Earth. Through our relationship with God in Christ, we are empowered to produce the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting Jesus' character in our lives.

Galatians 5:22–23 NASB 2020

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

11. As Christians, we often face the dilemma of balancing faith and work. However, faith is not merely knowing about God but listening to His Word and obeying His voice. This is where justification and sanctification come in. Justification is God imparting His character to us, while sanctification is us demonstrating that character in our lives. As Christians, our calling is to make God known to the world through both our words and actions.

12. Therefore, I encourage you to start reading the Bible to know God intimately. Then, live your life in the Spirit. God will fill you with His Word and guide you on His path through the Holy Spirit.

 Follow-up questions

1. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is not just the final destination but the beginning of a new life. How can we actively live out this new life in Christ daily, amidst the challenges and distractions of the world?

2. The speaker mentioned their personal struggle with reading the Bible before encountering Jesus. What practical tips or strategies would you suggest to someone who finds it difficult to engage with the Bible?

3. The concept of the Holy Spirit as our Helper is highlighted. How can we cultivate a deeper sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives, and how does this impact our understanding of salvation?

4.  The sermon distinguishes between justification (God imparting His character to us) and sanctification (demonstrating that character). How can we actively participate in the process of sanctification and grow in our likeness to Christ?

5.  The speaker encourages us to make God known through both words and actions. In what practical ways can we share our faith with others in our daily interactions and relationships?

6.  The sermon concludes with an invitation to read the Bible and live in the Spirit. What specific steps can we take to prioritize these practices in our busy lives and ensure they are not just occasional activities but integral parts of our daily routine?