In a world of division, what is the solution for the community of faith? In this service, we explore the words of John and his call for believers to remember their identity as God's children. By embracing this identity, we are called to a life that is counter-cultural to the pursuit of power and self-interest.
Drawing on the concepts of Theosis from Orthodox theology and Christian Perfection from John Wesley, we learn that as God's children, we are on a journey of becoming more and more like God each day. This transformation is not a solitary effort but a communal one, rooted in the idea that "none of us are free till all of us are free."
The sermon concludes by grounding this call to action in John Wesley's Three Simple Rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God. Join us as we explore what it means to live as God's children and embody God's love in a world that desperately needs it.
Reflection Questions for the week:
- In what ways do the "ways of Rome" (the pursuit of wealth and power, isolation, and indifference to the suffering of others) show up in my own life or in our community today?
- The sermon mentions that as God's children, our liberation is tied to one another. How can I actively work towards the flourishing and liberation of others, especially those who are different from me?
- The sermon concludes with John Wesley's three rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. Which of these three rules do I find most challenging to live out, and what is one small step I can take this week to improve in that area?
