Jesus is the Gate but what are the Walls? | Pastor Dennis Lumley | 25/01

Understanding Jesus as the Gate

Introduction to the Gospel of John

• The speaker begins by reading from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verses 7 to 12, using the Passion Translation for its valued language.

Key Teachings from John 10:7-12

• Jesus identifies Himself as "the gate" for the flock, emphasizing that He is essential for entry into life and freedom. The term "gate" can also be translated as "door."

• Those who came before Him are labeled as thieves who aim to steal and destroy; in contrast, Jesus offers abundant life. He describes Himself as a good shepherd who sacrifices for His sheep.

The Exclusivity of Christ

• The speaker reiterates that there is no other way to God except through Jesus, referencing John 14:6 where Jesus states He is "the way, the truth, and the life." This underscores the exclusivity of salvation through Him.

• It’s highlighted that salvation isn’t just about eternal life but includes benefits during our earthly lives due to Christ's victory on the cross. These benefits manifest in transformative ways in believers' lives.

Transformation Through Christ

• Entering through Jesus (the gate) leads to significant changes in individuals’ lives and communities; it’s not merely about intentions or discipline but involves a work of the Holy Spirit leading to ongoing transformation.

• The speaker emphasizes that God's work in believers is progressive; while some may feel unworthy or guilty at times, they should remember that God is still working within them.

The Symbolism of Gates and Walls

Importance of Structural Support

• The discussion shifts towards physical gates observed by the speaker at a property; these gates symbolize something larger than themselves—they require support structures (walls). Gates do not exist independently but are fixed and supported by something substantial.

Understanding Spiritual Walls

• In John 10:1, it’s noted that those who do not enter through the gate but climb over walls are likened to thieves—this indicates barriers (walls) exist around spiritual truths and safety provided by Christ.

Dangers Beyond the Walls

• There’s an acknowledgment of dangers outside these walls—wolves represent threats waiting for those who venture away from safety within God's fold; many have left seeking fulfillment elsewhere only to encounter danger instead.

Understanding the Walls of Salvation and Their Significance

The Concept of Walls and Gates

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding not just the gate but also the walls that provide protection, suggesting a deeper exploration into their significance in life.

Insights from Isaiah 60

• The discussion references Isaiah 60, highlighting it as a prophetic chapter about God reversing darkness and restoring glory to Jerusalem.

• Key themes include the coming of light and God's intention to restore not only physical structures but also spiritual conditions.

Restoration Beyond Physical Structures

• The restoration mentioned goes beyond architecture; it encompasses emotional and spiritual healing, indicating a divine intervention that surpasses human achievements.

• An example is given regarding Japan's tsunami defenses, illustrating human efforts to protect lives, which parallels God's promise for Jerusalem.

Prophetic Fulfillment and Spiritual Implications

• Isaiah 60:18 is cited, stating that violence will cease in the land, with walls referred to as "salvation" and gates as "praise," emphasizing their protective role.

• While physical fulfillment is still awaited, there are indications that spiritual aspects are already being realized in people's lives today.

Transformation Through Faith

• The speaker discusses how regions filled with fear can transform through faith when individuals find their way to the gate.

• Personal testimonies illustrate this transformation from fear and hatred to faith, love, and gentleness after entering through the gate.

Staying Within the Walls of Salvation

• Those who experience peace must learn to remain within these walls; it's suggested that discipline plays a crucial role in maintaining this state of salvation.

• Emphasis on grace and free will indicates that while divine help is essential, personal commitment is necessary for sustaining spiritual growth.

The Importance of Staying Within the Walls of Salvation

The Power and Authority of the Gate

• The concept of salvation is likened to a gate, which holds significant power and authority; entering through it leads to radical changes in life.

• The walls surrounding this gate provide safety, and those who have experienced transformation within these walls learn to recognize warning signs that could lead them astray.

The Journey Through the Narrow Way

• After entering the gate, individuals must navigate a narrow path representing their life journey towards spiritual maturity.

• There is a risk associated with frequently leaving and re-entering this safe space; eventually, one may find themselves unable to return due to injury or danger.

Disciplines for Maintaining Salvation

• Emphasizing the need for discipline, it's crucial for believers to remain within the protective walls of salvation after recognizing and celebrating their entry through the gate.

• Reference is made to 2 Corinthians 12:9, highlighting that grace is sufficient within these walls, allowing individuals to celebrate their weaknesses as they experience Christ's power.

Spiritual Apathy and Its Consequences

• Acknowledges that spiritual fatigue can lead individuals away from focusing on important verses or teachings; this state can be described as a "spiritual stupor."

• It’s essential not only to understand but also agree on living within or outside these walls; there are solutions available for those struggling spiritually.

Living Inside vs. Outside the Walls

• Ephesians 4:17-19 emphasizes not living like unbelievers outside the walls of salvation; such lifestyles stem from corrupted logic and moral darkness.

• Those outside these walls often surrender their lives due to spiritual apathy, leading them into impurity and obsession—this highlights why compassion should drive believers to help others see clearly.

Ephesians 4:25-29: The Importance of Truthfulness

Discarding Dishonesty

• The speaker emphasizes the dangers of dishonesty, urging listeners to discard every form of lying to be known as truthful individuals.

• A reference is made to Jesus' teaching that one's "yes" should be "yes" and "no" should be "no," highlighting the importance of clear communication without deceit.

The Challenge of Honesty

• The speaker shares personal struggles with honesty, noting the temptation to embellish or misrepresent truths when unable to provide a definitive answer.

• It is advised that if one cannot say yes or no, it is better not to say anything at all, reinforcing the idea that honesty is crucial in maintaining integrity.

Managing Emotions and Anger

• The discussion shifts to emotional management, warning against allowing anger to lead one into sin. Listeners are encouraged not to let unresolved feelings linger overnight.

• Daily reflection on interactions and emotions is recommended; sorting through feelings before sleep can prevent bitterness from taking root.

Forgiveness as a Daily Practice

• A personal testimony about forgiveness illustrates its complexity; the speaker recounts forgiving someone repeatedly until true forgiveness was achieved.

• Emphasizing the significance of forgiveness in Christian faith, it's noted that mental acknowledgment must align with heartfelt acceptance for genuine reconciliation.

Protecting Relationships Through Forgiveness

• The speaker stresses learning valuable lessons from past experiences with forgiveness, particularly regarding protecting family relationships.

• Continuous effort in forgiving others is highlighted as essential for personal peace and relational harmony within families.

Recognizing and Resisting the Devil's Influence

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

• The Holy Spirit aids in recognizing the devil's manipulations, allowing believers to resist his influence effectively.

• Reference to James 4:7-8 emphasizes the importance of submitting to God and resisting the devil, which leads to spiritual protection and closeness with God.

• Acknowledging when one is being drawn into a "devilish game" is crucial; resistance involves both recognition of the attack and submission to God for strength.

Conduct Within Salvation

• Believers are encouraged to abandon theft and instead work hard for an honest living, highlighting a stark contrast between behaviors inside and outside the faith community.

• The call for repentance from stealing includes a shift towards generosity, emphasizing that those within salvation should live distinctly different lives compared to those outside.

Language Reflecting Inner Change

• Recognizing negative behaviors (like stealing or selfishness) prompts a need for change; believers are urged to adopt generous attitudes instead.

• Ephesians 4:29 warns against letting hateful words emerge from one's mouth; instead, believers should speak words of encouragement that reflect grace.

The Importance of Speech

• The speaker reflects on how church arguments can lead to ugly language, stressing that true followers should strive for uplifting communication.

• Emphasizes that our speech reveals our relationship with God; speaking kindly reflects closeness with Him while harsh words indicate distance from His nature.

Kingdom Values in Action

• Jesus' warning about speaking lies highlights the importance of integrity in communication; believers must ensure their words align with God's truth.

• Encouragement is given to practice grace in judgment towards others, as everyone has faced struggles. This fosters a culture of support rather than criticism among believers.

Understanding Our Salvation and the Role of the Holy Spirit

The Process of Salvation

• Full salvation is not experienced until we meet Jesus face to face; this ongoing process requires awareness and reflection for our benefit and that of others.

• The Holy Spirit seals believers in Christ, emphasizing a special relationship that should not be taken for granted or grieved through negative behaviors.

Conduct Within the Community

• Believers are encouraged to lay aside negative behaviors such as bitterness and insults, promoting kindness and forgiveness within the church community.

• The call to forgive one another stems from God's grace towards us, highlighting the importance of mutual affection among believers.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit offers transformative power beyond self-discipline; rejecting this influence can lead to grieving Him.

• Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is highlighted as an unforgivable sin, indicating a serious warning about how we treat His presence in our lives.

Learning from Experiences

• Feelings of guilt or conviction indicate that one has not committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit; it reflects a healthy relationship with Him.

• Growth in faith involves learning from mistakes; believers should recognize their slip-ups as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

Maintaining Discipline in Faith

• Christians often reflect on missed opportunities for responses but can learn to prepare better for future interactions through experience.

• Living within "the walls of salvation" requires discipline and submission to God’s guidance, ensuring alignment with His will amidst challenges.

Practicing Faith Together

• The church serves as a practice ground for living out faith with like-minded individuals, fostering growth before engaging with broader communities.

• Believers are reminded that they live in a different spiritual realm compared to those outside their faith community, reinforcing their unique identity.

Communion and the Holy Spirit

The Significance of Communion

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of communion, indicating a transition into a spiritual realm and acknowledging the significance of this act in their faith community.

• Acknowledgment is given to the team for their hard work in preparing for the service, highlighting teamwork and dedication as essential elements in worship.

• The wafer used during communion symbolizes Jesus' body, reminding participants to reflect on its meaning as they partake.

• The juice represents Jesus' blood shed for forgiveness, reinforcing the theme of redemption through sacrifice.

Invoking the Holy Spirit

• The speaker calls for discipline among believers to remain within salvation's boundaries, emphasizing that it requires active choice and desire for spiritual growth.

• A prayer is offered to acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice and invite the Holy Spirit’s presence, recognizing Him as a guide and helper in faith.

• There is an appeal for filling with the Holy Spirit, seeking transformation and renewal of minds among congregants.

Personal Reflection and Community Needs

• Acknowledgment of individual struggles within the congregation leads to a collective invitation for divine assistance from the Holy Spirit.

• The speaker prays for an overwhelming presence of love from God to fill each participant during this moment of worship.

Overflowing with Spiritual Abundance

• Emphasis on being filled until overflowing suggests that true fulfillment comes from sharing God's love with others; it's not just about personal benefit but also communal impact.

• Encouragement is given to seek out areas needing divine intervention while inviting continuous filling by the Holy Spirit.