A Note from Michael Gossett
Navigating Tension
Have you ever seen the Golden Gate Bridge? I honestly have never been to the area and have only seen pictures. It is truly an engineering masterpiece. It is by far one of the most incredible and iconic bridges. However, what is most impressive is the way that it is built and the way it functions. The Golden Gate Bridge functions through a tension system that relies heavily on carefully calibrated cables that are under immense tension in order to maintain the structure and stability of the bridge. The main cables, which are anchored at both ends, bear the weight of the roadway and then in turn transfer the weight to the towers. The towers then distribute that weight to the ground. The tension in the cables is what allows the bridge to be so very long while maintaining the strength required against wind, traffic, as well as the shifting earth below it.
Tensions are not something to be ignored in life, but rather paid careful attention to. It has been said that tensions are not necessarily problems to be solved, but rather managed. There are many tensions that you and I wrestle with daily, but one that the Apostle John addresses is holding fast to our faith while being pulled away by the world. It seems that daily our lives are being pulled in two different directions. We are faced with the way of the world and the way of Christ. This is not a problem to be solved, but rather a tension to be managed. We cannot get rid of the world that pulls us away, nor can we get rid of our flesh that wants to indulge in worldly things. We live in tension.
One of the things that John helps us realize quickly, is that this tension is not a weakness designed to drag us away, but instead it is necessary in order to enable us to reflect the glory of Christ all the more. John captures this reality in 1 John 2:15-17, urging us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” How do we reconcile this call with verses like John 3:16, where we are reminded that “God so loved the world”? Are we to withdraw from the world or immerse ourselves in it? How can we live in such tension without breaking?
Be Distinct
This tension of living distinct lives while engaging the world has been a central theme for God’s people throughout history. From the beginning, God called His people to live differently from the surrounding nations. In Exodus 19:5-6, He told Israel, “Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.” Israel’s distinctiveness was meant to show the surrounding nations God’s holiness to the world.
In the New Testament, this call is reiterated for the church. Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Our distinctiveness is not about superiority but about bearing witness to God’s transformative truth.
But how do we live distinctly in a world that constantly pulls us toward conformity? The early church faced this tension as they resisted the pagan practices of the Roman Empire. They refused to bow to idols or participate in immoral cultural norms, often paying the price with their lives. Centuries later, during the Reformation, leaders like Martin Luther called Christians back to distinct living, grounded in Scripture alone, rejecting the corruption that had crept into the church.
Today, our challenge is different contextually but similar in many ways. We face the subtle pull of materialism, relativism, and a culture that celebrates self over God. This world is full of distractions that aim to displace our love for the Lord. John names these distractions in 1 John 2:16 as “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions.” These forces pull at our hearts, tempting us to exchange eternal treasures for temporary gains.
The Antidote for Worldliness
The antidote is: Love God. Simply said, but obviously a challenge in our lives. Loving God is not just an emotion; it is a commitment that shapes every aspect of our lives. In Deuteronomy 6:5, we are commanded to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This kind of love is holistic. It consumes our thoughts, drives our decisions, and prioritizes our lives around God’s Word and purpose for our lives.
Jesus emphasized this when He said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commands” (John 14:15). Love for God is inseparable from obedience. It is not enough to feel affection for Him on Sunday mornings; our love must translate into daily choices that reflect His character.
Here are three ways we can practically love God:
- Worship Him Fully: True worship isn’t limited to music or church gatherings. Romans 12:1-2 reminds us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Worship is a lifestyle, a continual offering of ourselves to God in gratitude and surrender.
- Reject Compromise: Loving God means choosing Him over the world’s fleeting pleasures. Matthew 6:24 warns, “No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.” Like a gardener pulling out weeds to allow healthy plants to grow, we must remove the sin that competes for our devotion.
- Seek Eternal Treasures: The things of this world—possessions, status, and pleasures—are passing away. John reminds us in 1 John 2:17, “And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” Fixing our eyes on eternal rewards transforms how we live and love.
Our Example
Jesus provides the ultimate example of how to live in the world without being consumed by it. In John 17:15-18, He prayed for His disciples, “I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” Jesus sent us into the world to bear witness to His truth, knowing that our distinctiveness would make us stand out.
This call requires vigilance. Like the Golden Gate Bridge, which depends on being anchored securely, we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word and prayer. Without these foundations, the tension of living as Christians in a fallen world can overwhelm us.
When we love God above all else, our lives become marked by peace, joy, and contentment. We no longer chase the empty promises of the world because we are satisfied in Him. Paul understood this when he wrote, “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13).
Our love for God also overflows into love for others. Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). True love for God changes how we treat people, from acts of kindness to sharing the gospel with those who are lost.
A Life Worth Living
As Leonard Ravenhill once asked, “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” This question should challenge us daily. The world offers countless distractions, but only God offers eternal life. In a world that pulls us in every direction, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and live lives that reflect His glory.
Questions to Consider:
- What worldly desires or habits are competing with your love for God?
- How does your life reflect the distinctiveness of a follower of Christ?
- In what areas have you been tempted to compromise your faith?
- How can you cultivate a lifestyle of worship beyond Sunday gatherings?
- What steps can you take to focus more on eternal treasures and less on temporary gains?
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, you have called me to live in this world but not be of it. Teach me to love you with all of my heart, soul, and strength. Help me to resist the pull of worldly distractions and remain anchored in your truth. Transform my heart so that my life reflects your holiness and love. Lord, please give me the courage to live distinctly, shining as a light in a dark world. Help my love for you draw others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.
Have you ever wanted to step into the pages of Scripture? To stand where the Apostle Paul proclaimed the Gospel and witness the incredible sites of his missionary journeys? Now is your chance!
I’m inviting you to join my wife, Katie, and me for a trip of a lifetime as we explore the rich history and profound theology of Paul’s ministry in the ancient world. Together, from October 26 to November 4, 2025, we’ll walk in Paul’s footsteps and experience the lands that shaped the early church and transformed history.
📍 Highlights of Our Journey:
Philippi: Visit the site of Paul’s first church plant in Europe and where Lydia, the first European convert, was baptized.
Thessalonica & Berea: Discover the cities where Paul’s teachings inspired the faithful and stirred the hearts of seekers.
Athens & Corinth: Stand in awe at Mars Hill, where Paul preached the Gospel to Greek philosophers, and explore the vibrant city of Corinth.
Ephesus: Explore the ruins of ancient cities pivotal to Paul’s mission and the spread of Christianity.
Greek Islands & Crete: Sail through the beauty of the same seas as Paul while reflecting on his journey to these historic lands.
🗓 Trip Dates: October 26–November 4, 2025
📖 What You’ll Gain:
- Transformative teaching at every site to deepen your understanding of Paul’s life and theology.
- Opportunities for spiritual reflection and meaningful fellowship with others.
- Memories that will bring the Bible to life like never before.
💬 What Past Travelers Have Said:
“Walking through Philippi and standing in the very places where Paul shared the Gospel was unforgettable. This journey truly transformed how I read Scripture.”
“Standing in the ruins of Corinth, where Paul wrote to the early church, gave me a deeper appreciation for his letters. This trip made the Bible come alive in ways I never imagined.”
“Sailing the Greek islands and visiting Crete reminded me of the challenges Paul faced and the power of the Gospel to overcome them. It was an unforgettable spiritual and historical experience.”
“Hearing the teaching at Philippi and seeing the baptistry where Lydia might have been baptized brought tears to my eyes. This journey deepened my faith and my understanding of Scripture.”
Reserve Your Spot Today!
This exclusive experience is limited, so don’t wait to secure your place. Click here to register or reply to this email with questions.
Let’s make this journey together—learning, growing, and experiencing the powerful story of the Apostle Paul in a way that will inspire your faith for years to come.
P.S. Invite a friend or loved one to join you. This shared experience will be one you’ll cherish forever!
Space is limited, so please sign up as early as possible.
We’re kicking off week 2 of a brand-new series in the Gospel of Luke, and you don’t want to miss it! This week, we’ll dive into Luke 1:5-25—“Fragile Faith, Faithful God” – The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple who trusted God even when it seemed like He was silent. Their story reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans are always greater than our own. 🙌
Whether you’re searching for hope, encouragement, or just a place to belong, this message is for you. Come worship with us, bring your family and friends, and let’s experience God’s faithfulness together!
⛪ When: THIS SUNDAY!
⏰ Worship Service Times: 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Tyler Campus, Flint Campus, and Español (11:00 am worship only)
We can’t wait to see YOU there! Let’s start the year strong, grounded in God’s Word.
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett