Date Posted: 2025-10-20 03:41:36 | Video Duration: 01:09:13
Highland Park Presbyterian Church recently hosted a sermon that delved deeply into the themes of sanctification, loving oneself, and loving one’s neighbor. The sermon, based on 1 Thessalonians, was a compelling call to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of holiness and love in our daily lives.
The pastor began by addressing the congregation’s longstanding tradition of gathering to worship and learn from the scriptures. “We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that as you receive from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more,” he said, quoting 1 Thessalonians 4:1. This call to continual growth in faith and love set the tone for the sermon.
Central to the message was the concept of sanctification, defined as the ongoing process of being made holy and becoming more like Christ. The pastor explained that sanctification is part of a three-fold work of salvation that includes justification, sanctification, and glorification. He emphasized, “I stand in justification. I’m justified by what God has done. I can say today that I’m in relationship with him because of Jesus.” This relationship, the pastor noted, is not static but dynamic and transformative.
The sermon also explored the theme of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, drawing from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The pastor encouraged the congregation to view their bodies as sacred, created by God with appetites and desires that should be honored and managed under the lordship of Jesus Christ. “Whenever God says no, it’s always for our protection and provision,” he reminded the congregation, highlighting the importance of maintaining boundaries to protect the gifts God has given.
In addition to personal holiness, the pastor addressed the importance of loving one’s neighbor, as instructed by Jesus. He cited 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, urging the congregation to “aspire to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands.” This, he explained, is the foundation for building a community based on love and respect, where outsiders can see the integrity and consistency of believers’ lives.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, inviting the congregation to consider how they might love more intentionally and quiet the noise in their lives. “Small steps of obedience create large waves of influence,” the pastor said, encouraging everyone to identify areas for personal growth and community engagement.
As the service came to a close, the congregation was invited to stand and affirm their faith with the words of the Apostles’ Creed, followed by a benediction. The sermon was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the importance of living a life that honors God and serves others.
For those interested in further exploring these themes, the pastor recommended reading 1 Thessalonians and reflecting on how its teachings can be applied to personal and community life. Highland Park Presbyterian Church continues to offer opportunities for worship, study, and service, inviting all to participate in the journey of faith.
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