Jon Harkey, a dedicated member of the Passion City Church DC team, joins a lively discussion about the depths of 1 John and what it truly means to follow Jesus. The conversation navigates the balance of grace and redemption, emphasizing that holiness stems from salvation, not as its prerequisite. They delve into living in light and love, illustrating how genuine faith blossoms through obedience and community support. Personal struggles with sin and the transformative power of Jesus' love take center stage, encouraging listeners to find assurance in their faith journey.
Genuine faith involves understanding the assurance of salvation, which is rooted in grace rather than perfection in behavior.
The importance of community is highlighted as believers are encouraged to support one another while allowing individual freedom in faith development.
Engaging honestly with God during difficult times fosters deeper intimacy, showcasing that struggles can lead to a more authentic relationship.
Deep dives
The Engagement Journey
The narrative of a complex engagement process highlights the challenges faced before a proposal. The speaker recounts the chaotic lead-up, including moving out of a dorm and uncertainty about traveling to Houston. Amidst the confusion, there were miscommunications regarding the engagement ring and last-minute preparations had to be made. Ultimately, the stressful journey culminated in a successful proposal, illustrating the unpredictable nature of planning such significant moments.
Assurance of Salvation
A significant topic addressed is the assurance of salvation, particularly the struggle many face regarding their spiritual state. It is acknowledged that feelings of guilt and lingering sin can lead believers to question their salvation. The discussion emphasizes that salvation is a gift based on grace, not dependent on perfect behavior. The speaker encourages individuals to embrace their struggle with sin as an indicator of spiritual life, stating that the desire for repentance is itself evidence of being saved.
The Role of Community in Faith
The communal aspect of spirituality is explored, highlighting the balance between personal faith and collective experience within a church community. Discussions involve the importance of accountability and encouraging one another in faith, while also recognizing that each person's journey is unique. The speaker emphasizes that while it's important to lovingly confront sin, individuals should not act as 'fruit inspectors' judging others' faith solely based on outward actions. The essence of true community is both support and the freedom to grow in faith without undue scrutiny.
Understanding Redemption
The concept of redemption and the necessity of grace is intricately discussed, particularly how God addresses sin. The speaker cites the theological understanding that sin requires payment, and through Jesus, believers receive grace despite their failures. This understanding of grace alleviates the pressure of earning God’s favor and transforms the believer's actions into responses of love rather than obligation. The implication is that recognition of one's need for grace leads to a deeper relationship with God, allowing individuals to walk in freedom rather than fear.
Finding Intimacy in Struggles
The struggle with faith and God during difficult times is recognized as an opportunity for deeper intimacy with Him. The speaker encourages expressing feelings of disappointment or anger toward God, as these emotions can lead to a wrestling match that ultimately strengthens faith. Using the Psalms as a guide for honest prayer, the idea that one should continue engaging with God, even in frustration, is reinforced. This process of confronting God in one's struggles is seen as a pathway to healing and a more authentic relationship.
What does real faith look like? In his letters, the disciple John tackles that question and explores what it looks like to truly follow Jesus. In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Jon Harkey, Thomas Barr, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to take a deeper look at 1 John and consider how we can apply the truths of Scripture to our lives today.