Holy Living and Our Heavenly Homeland
November 19, 2023 · 2:12:19 · Watch on YouTube ↗
These notes - summary, key points, and highlighted thoughts - were generated by AI from the recording and are not the preacher’s exact words.
Summary
The service carried two connected messages. The first centered on holiness, drawn from Matthew 7, where Jesus warns that a tree is known by its fruit and that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom. The preacher stressed that genuine faith is proven not by words but by a changed life. Holiness is God's own nature planted in us by the Holy Spirit, who separates us from sin and shapes us into the image of Christ. Faith without works is dead (James 2), and God's will for us is our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4).
A sharp warning followed: many will do mighty works in the name of the Lord - prophesying, casting out demons, performing wonders - yet hear "I never knew you." There is a real difference between acting in His name and acting by His will. Only those who truly belong to God, who know Him and obey Him, actually do His will. Being filled with the Spirit is shown first of all by a holy life, not merely by speaking in tongues.
The second message called believers to live as strangers and pilgrims on earth (Hebrews 11). Like Abraham, Moses, and Job, who looked beyond their circumstances to a homeland God Himself prepares, we are not to anchor our hearts in this passing world. Our life is a vapor (James 4), so we plan saying "if the Lord wills" and keep our faith not just on our lips but in our hearts. Whatever may be taken from us, our Redeemer lives, and heaven is our true home.
Key Points
- A tree is known by its fruit; real faith shows up in a changed life, not in words alone.
- Holiness is God's nature placed in us by the Holy Spirit, who separates us from sin.
- Faith without works is dead, and God's will for us is our sanctification.
- Doing things in His name is not the same as doing them by His will - He knows His own.
- Being filled with the Spirit is seen first in holy living, not only in speaking in tongues.
- We are strangers and pilgrims here; our true homeland is the heaven Christ prepared.
- Hold faith in your heart, not just on your lips, and trust that your Redeemer lives.
Devotional
Ask yourself today what fruit your life is actually producing, because the heart eventually shows itself in words and deeds. Holiness is not something you manufacture; it is God's own life poured into you by the Spirit, and your part is simple obedience. Refuse to settle for faith that only lives on your lips - let it take root in your heart and move your hands. And when this world tries to make you feel at home, remember you are a pilgrim whose Redeemer lives and whose true country is still ahead.
By their fruit you will know them - a changed life, not just the right words.
You can do many things in His name and still never do them by His will.
We are strangers here; our Redeemer lives, and heaven is our real home.
