Core Values 2025: Holiness

This lecture focuses on the concept of holiness, emphasizing its importance in the Christian faith through a detailed examination of 1 Peter 1:13-16 and its historical context. The speaker begins by highlighting the call to holiness, urging the audience to prepare their minds for action and to exercise self-control, underlining that their lives should reflect obedience as “God's obedient children.” The message stresses the need for a transformative mindset that moves away from past behaviors, with the speaker quoting scriptures to reinforce the imperative: “You must be holy because I am holy.”

Transitioning from the scriptural foundation, the lecture draws on Thomas Merton's reflections on a conversation with a Hindu man named Brahmachari, who claimed that the impact of Christian missionaries in India was minimal due to a lack of holiness among them. This provocative viewpoint sets the stage for the speaker to explore the broader implications of holiness in Christian life and ministry. The emphasis here is on the urgency to cultivate holiness, paralleling it with church planting, suggesting that while establishing good systems is necessary, the true foundation should be the pursuit of becoming saints—individuals marked by the holiness of God.

The discussion is situated within the context of a Core Value series, where spirituality intersects with community identity. The speaker notes recent cultural trends that show a growing interest in depth and authenticity among younger generations, alluding to a shift from mere skillfulness to a deeper pursuit of a "full-fat faith" that prioritizes holiness. The lecture further articulates the challenges faced by early Christians, highlighting the societal pressures of the time and encouraging perseverance in faith to anticipate the ultimate revelation of Jesus Christ.

As the narrative progresses, the speaker presents a multi-faceted exploration of what holiness means. Drawing connections with the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus, the lecture points out that holiness signifies distinction for a special purpose. The speaker invokes the idea that God's people are called to exhibit different behaviors and mindsets, reminiscent of their unique identity as a reflection of God's character. Illustrative anecdotes underscore the distinction between the mundane and the sacred, asserting that holiness encapsulates a transformative relationship with God, driven by His grace and love rather than human merit.

The lecture intricately weaves together historical anecdotes, biblical texts, and personal experiences, illustrating that holiness is not just about external compliance but also internal renovation through the Holy Spirit's influence. The speaker conveys that genuine holiness stems from spending time with Jesus and allowing His life to permeate every aspect of a believer’s existence. The idea of cooperation with God in cultivating character is emphasized as a pivotal aspect of the Christian journey.

In closing, the speaker challenges the congregation to reflect on their personal experiences and the state of their spiritual growth. The call to holiness is framed as a communal endeavor, encouraging the audience to seek a deeper relationship with God that spills over into their community. The lecture concludes with a poignant prayer for the Spirit’s empowerment to facilitate this transformation, reinforcing the theme that a life marked by holiness is what will ultimately serve the good of the city and glorify God. Through comprehensive engagement with scripture and practical applications, the message resonates as a call to action for contemporary believers to embody holiness in all areas of life.