Foundational Gifts

Proclaiming the words of Yahweh

Deuteronomy is an amazing book, the most quoted Old Testament book by Jesus. Deuteronomy contains "the words of Moses," the sermons of Moses to Israel before he dies. He preaches to a young audience, a community that is now 60 years or younger. Moses preaches to explain the expectations of Yahweh, to clarify his priorities and expectations for them as they enter the land of promise. Moses will review their history and offer a clear admonition (Deut. 1-4 [https://ref.ly/Deut.%201-4;esv?t=biblia]), Moses then moves to the law and the expectations of the law for the people of God (Deut. 5-28 [https://ref.ly/Deut.%205-28;esv?t=biblia]), and finally, Moses offers the potential consequences of rejection and rebellion against Yahweh (Deut. 29-30 [https://ref.ly/Deut.%2029-30;esv?t=biblia]). Through Moses, Yahweh graciously and clearly directs his people to follow his words, to follow his priorities in their lives and choices. As believers, we must also hear the words of Yahweh and humbly obey. As Hebrews reminds us, Yahweh has now spoken to us through his son, Jesus.  Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

Light, Sin and Fellowship

John begins to address the antagonists by first presenting foundational truths about God: God is truth and there is not darkness in him at all. John then addresses several irrefutable issues that are true about us as human beings. With all of this in view, John calls believers to walk in light and enjoy real fellowship with God through Jesus.  1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer believers assurance of their salvation. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, as John notes, this is only through Jesus, a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. But John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8 [https://ref.ly/1%20John%201.6-8;esv?t=biblia]; 3:9-10 [https://ref.ly/1%20John%203.9-10;esv?t=biblia]; 5:18 [https://ref.ly/1%20John%205.18;esv?t=biblia]. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? Is this actually John’s point? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, throughout this letter, John never veers from the clear assertion that all who believe that Jesus is the Messiah have been born again (1 John 5:1a [https://ref.ly/1%20John%205.1a;esv?t=biblia]). Believing this truth saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief, not vice versa.

The Incarnate, Word of Life

The purposes of John enable us to understand genuine fellowship with Jesus. You must understand these purposes of John.  1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer believers assurance of their salvation. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, as John notes, this is only through Jesus, a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. But John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8 [https://ref.ly/1%20John%201.6-8;esv?t=biblia]; 3:9-10 [https://ref.ly/1%20John%203.9-10;esv?t=biblia]; 5:18 [https://ref.ly/1%20John%205.18;esv?t=biblia]. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? Is this actually John’s point? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, throughout this letter, John never veers from the clear assertion that all who believe that Jesus is the Messiah have been born again (1 John 5:1a [https://ref.ly/1%20John%205.1a;esv?t=biblia]). Believing this truth saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief, not vice versa.

Jesus is the Gospel

Our message is a critical foundational element for the church. The message of the church must be firmly fixed on Jesus, Christ-centered and gospel-oriented. The gospel is an essential focus of our message. What is the gospel? What is required in a gospel presentation? Does the word gospel have to be used repeatedly? Does the word gospel make our message gospel-centered? This is the focus of our message as a church. John is deeply concerned that these believers understand and are certain of the truth of the gospel. The gospel is Jesus, as John clearly states. Belief in Jesus produces new birth, regeneration. John offers witnesses that confirm the validity of Jesus, both his life and ministry and his sacrifice death. These witnesses include the water, the blood, the Spirit and the Father. Each in unity declares the validity of Jesus. As John concludes here, Jesus is the gospel; you must believe the testimony of God about Jesus; eternal life is in Jesus. The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

The Shocking Servant of Yahweh

As we celebrate the Lord's table together, we want to commemorate the sacrificial work of Jesus on our behalf. We rejoice in his work on the cross for our sins. Isaiah writes in the fourth of the Servant Songs, recorded in Isaiah, of the sacrificial atoning work of Jesus on our behalf. Isaiah uniquely prophecies of the coming sacrifice of Jesus, the suffering he would endure on our behalf. Because of his sacrifice for us, Jesus is worthy of exaltation and worship because he alone purifies humanity from sin.  Celebrating the Lord’s Table together as a body of believers affirms our personal testimony of salvation and draws us together in unity around the sacrifice of Jesus. As a church, we strive to exalt him in our gathering and interactions together. Communion reminds us of our reasons for gathering every week – it’s Jesus and his sacrifice for our sins.