Fresh Life...How a Pursuit of holiness give greater meaning to the redemption of Jesus.

I think I have told you before that I love to fly fish. When I lived in Colorado I spent hours wading through local rivers and streams but one of my favorite memories was early on when I was just beginning to fly fish.

It was in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison with a guy who went to my church who was and is an avid fly fisherman .

On the trip, I found myself in the middle of the powerful current, struggling to maintain my balance while casting my line making it difficult to focus on our fishing not to mention a little scary.

It was then that my more experienced friend said, "Stay close to the bank where the current is slower. It will help you stay steady and focused on your cast."

Following his advice, I moved towards the riverbank where the water was shallower and the current was gentler. Carefully navigating the rocks and boulders along the edge of the river.

After I made this small change I was able to maintain my balance and improve the accuracy of my casts.

Though I didn't catch any fish that day, I can look back on it as a day of enjoyment and not one where I constantly felt in danger of being swept down the river…Simply by listening to my friends advice to stay closer to the bank....

When it comes to our Spiritual walk This same idea of staying close to the river bank can be applied to our journey of personal and corporate Holiness.

It's easy to see how Jesus Redemption saves us from sin and death that is why we spend so much time speaking about it.

But what about holiness?

Holiness is harder becuase this is where real practical change comes in. This is where we give up worldly pursuits, This is where visible and meaningful change happens.

Redemption is the current that flows through the river, carrying us from our former state of sin and brokenness to new life in Christ.

However Holiness, like the river's banks, provides the structure and direction for our lives, guiding us towards the fullness of God's purposes.

Without the banks, the river would overflow and lose its way; without holiness, our lives would lack the direction and purpose that comes from living in God's will.

Together, Redemption and Holiness form a Powerful Force that Transforms us and brings us closer to the Heart of God.

When we talk about redemption, we focus on the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. While this is an important aspect, it is essential not overlook the fact that Christ's redemption not only saves us but it also enables us to live a holy life.

Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to become the people God created us to be...This means that we are not only forgiven, but we are also empowered to pursue holiness.

It is easy to make the case and many do that redemption is essential and holiness is optional…however this is not the case.

Holiness is not an option for Christians; it is a requirement.

In 1 Peter 1:16, we read that God says, "Be holy, for I am holy." This is not a suggestion, but a command.

Holiness is not about avoiding sin, but it's about becoming more like Christ and living in alignment with God's will By allowing Holy Spirit to fill us with God’s Holiness…

Holiness is not about what we do it is about who we are In Christ.

In 1 Peter 1:17-23, we see the relationship between redemption and holiness much more clearly.

1 Peter 1:17-23

“17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

Peter reminds us that Redemption makes Holiness not only possible but preferable.

A proper understanding of the of redemption or salvation compels us to pursue holiness and live a life that honors God by allowing Holy Spirit to change those things that are truly important to us

It is in God’s power over sin that we are able live a fresh life that reflects God's character.

A Fresh life is possible when we commit to pursuing holiness through daily surrender to Christ and intentional choices that align with His will.

So how do we pursue holiness?

It starts with daily surrender to Christ and intentional choices that align with His will.

We cannot become holy on our own, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit, are we able to become more like Christ. This means surrendering our will to God’s…This act of surrender is an every day every moment thing because Holy Spirit will not impose on us…..

As we Surrender ourselves and our will to God we are empowered to intentionally choose those things that align with God’s will.

This is only done by knowing what and who we are surrendering to.

That is why the practices of Studying the Bible, praying, gathering in worship, service to others and seeking God's guidance in every aspect of our lives is so important.

Living our lives this way may seem overwhelming at first…I get it…so instead of changing every aspect of you life maybe just start with one thing.

Make a specific commitment to pursue holiness in one area of your life starting today.

This might mean choosing to forgive someone who has hurt you

Resisting a temptation that has been holding you back, or

Simply saying no to an attitude of activity that if you are honest is leading you and your family away from a fresh life of Holiness.

Maybe it means choosing to focus on a spiritual practice instead of less essential activity.

Whatever it is, make a commitment to pursue holiness in that area, and ask God to give you the strength to follow through.

By pursuing holiness, we can experience the fullness of life and the blessings that come from walking in alignment with God's will.

Pursuing holiness is not about following rules or being good; it's about experiencing the fullness of life that God has for us.

Reciving communion is a wonderful way to remember Jesus died to impart God’s holiness to us…It reminds us that redemption is the river of power that flows through us…transforming our minds and our hearts…but holiness is the bank of the river that gives us stability and direction.

Possible Altar Call to Surrender during Communion

Communion:

Receiving Communion helps us pursue holiness by reminding us of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the redemption it brings.

Just as staying close to the riverbank helps us maintain balance while fly fishing, pursuing holiness provides structure and direction in our lives.

Communion Directions