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November 5, 2023 - 1 John 3:1-3

 Living Between the Now and Not Yet

This Sunday we'll celebrate All Saints Day and reflect on what it means to live as saints passing through this world as citizens of God's kingdom. Our text from 1 John 3 reminds us that we have already been adopted as God's children through Christ's sacrifice, yet what we will become has not been fully revealed.


In the sermon I'll be focusing on three key themes:


  1. We live in holy tension between the "already" and the "not yet" - already claimed by God yet still being transformed into Christ's image.
  2. Our growth in holiness and sanctification is a lifelong process as God molds us gradually into the likeness of Jesus.
  3. Our hope of beholding Christ face-to-face motivates us to pursue purity of heart in this life.


To illustrate these themes, we'll look at the evolving stories of saints like Augustine, Therese of Lisieux, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who aimed toward heaven while navigating the complexity of life on earth.


As we prepare our hearts for Sunday, here are some questions to ponder:

  • What tensions or paradoxes do you experience in trying to follow Jesus in today's culture? How can the example of the saints inspire you?
  • What spiritual practices or habits help you make steady progress in your lifelong journey of sanctification?
  • How can fixing your hope more fully on seeing Jesus strengthen and spur you on toward greater Christlikeness?


Let's encourage one another with the stories of saints who have gone before us and redouble our efforts to live as saints awaiting our eternal home. I look forward to worshiping with you all as we glorify our holy God this All Saints Day!


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