Things Can Change | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of unity and purity in the Christian witness on earth. The speaker highlights how the ongoing hidden sin and disunity among Christians are making it difficult for non-believers to see the authenticity of Christ's teachings. We are called to be a light to the world, but our actions and attitudes are often far from this ideal.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 4:13-16 - This passage emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, calling us to become mature in Christ and to reach the fullness of our potential. The speaker notes that we are called to be a group that is unified in love and purpose.
• Matthew 28:24-12 - In this passage, Jesus warns about the end times and the increase in lawlessness. However, he also emphasizes that his followers will not fall away because they have been given the power to overcome through their purity and love for one another.
• Genesis 2:16-17 - This passage highlights God's original intention for humanity to live in a state of purity and obedience. The speaker notes that, despite Adam and Eve's failure, God still desires his people to live according to his commands and to be different from the world.
• Leviticus 20:26 - This passage emphasizes God's desire for his people to be separate from the rest of the world. The speaker notes that this is not just about rules, but about living a life of purity and obedience to God's commands.
• Psalm 51:10-12 - In this passage, David prays for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. The speaker notes that this is an example of the kind of humility and dependence on God that we need in order to live a life of purity and obedience.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - This passage emphasizes the importance of living as temples of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. The speaker notes that this means we must be careful about the kind of thoughts and attitudes we allow to dwell in our hearts.
• James 1:21-25 - In this passage, James emphasizes the importance of being doers of the Word, rather than just hearers. The speaker notes that this requires us to put into practice what we learn from Scripture and to live a life of obedience to God's commands.

Key Takeaways

• The ongoing hidden sin and disunity among Christians are making it difficult for non-believers to see the authenticity of Christ's teachings. We must take responsibility for our own lives and relationships, rather than blaming others or external circumstances.
• God desires his people to live in a state of purity and obedience, not just as a means of following rules, but as a way of living out their love for him. This requires us to be humble and dependent on God's Spirit within us.
• The church is called to be a light to the world, shining brightly through our lives of purity and love for one another. We must not give up in the face of difficulty or adversity, but rather rely on God's power and presence within us.
• We have the power to overcome sin and disunity through our dependence on God's Spirit and our commitment to living a life of obedience to his commands.

This Week's Challenge

Take time this week to examine your own heart and relationships. Ask yourself: "Am I hiding any sin or struggling with impure thoughts or attitudes?" "How can I take responsibility for my own life and relationships, rather than blaming others or external circumstances?" "How can I live out my love for God in a way that shines brightly to the world around me?"

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas of your life where you feel like you're struggling with impure thoughts or attitudes? How can you ask God for forgiveness and cleansing, and seek to live a more obedient life?
• How do you think the world would respond if they saw Christians living in unity and purity? What steps can you take this week to promote greater unity and love among your fellow believers?
• What does it mean to you to be a "temple of the Holy Spirit"? How can you live out this reality in your daily life, and shine brightly as a light to the world around you?