A Note from Michael Gossett
Ingredients to the Christian Life
Ingredients Matter
Imagine trying to bake a cake without sugar or bread without yeast. The final product might look similar, but the taste and texture would be entirely off. Ingredients matter! Each element plays a crucial role in creating something delicious and complete. In the same way, Christianity has essential “ingredients” that define what it truly is. The book of 1 John provides us with fundamental truths that help us live in alignment with what it means to be a follower of Christ. Let’s explore the four keys that John gives us to unlock the truth of Christianity.
Key Ingredients for those in Christ
The first ingredient that we see from the book of 1 John is the ingredient of joy. 1 John 1:4 tells us that the purpose of John’s letter is “to promote joy.” Joy is foundational to the Christian life and is evidence of salvation. Joy is not superficial happiness but deep and enduring that comes from our faith. This echoes the teachings of Puritan writers like Thomas Watson, who said, “Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good; whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear.” True Christian joy is anchored in our union with Christ, a joy that cannot be shaken by circumstances.
Another ingredient is purity, as John explains in 1 John 2:1, “I am writing you these things so that you may not sin.” Purity was a key theme for many Reformers like John Calvin, who taught that the Christian life is one of mortification of sin and vivification in Christ. Calvin believed that true purity could only be achieved by continuously turning away from sin and towards God in dependence on His grace. He said, “No one can travel so far that he does not need to keep making progress along the road.” This pursuit of purity is part of our sanctification, the process by which God conforms us to the image of His Son.
The third ingredient that we see in the Christian life is truth. True Christianity also protects us from error, providing us with discernment to navigate this world of misinformation. John writes in 1 John 2:26, “I have written these things to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.” This concern for protecting believers from false teaching is also evident in the works of the Reformers like Martin Luther, who stood boldly against doctrinal error to protect the integrity of the Gospel. Luther warned of false teachers who would lead believers astray and emphasized the importance of holding fast to Scripture as the ultimate authority.
The last ingredient that we see in the Christian faith is assurance. John writes to provide assurance, helping us know with confidence that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13). The Puritans often spoke of the “assurance of salvation” as a precious gift that believers should seek. Richard Baxter, for instance, encouraged Christians to examine their lives for the evidence of God’s work in their hearts and to rest in the promises of God’s Word, which give us a firm foundation for our hope. Assurance is not found in our own efforts but in Christ’s finished work, and it is this assurance that brings peace and joy to the believer.
Why Go Back to Basics?
Professional athletes spend years perfecting their skills. Even after reaching the top of their game, they still spend hours practicing the fundamentals—the basic drills and exercises that form the foundation of their sport. Why? Because without mastering the basics, even the most talented athlete will falter when faced with challenges. In the same way, as believers, we must regularly revisit the basic truths of our faith to ensure that our foundation is strong. By doing so, we are better prepared to face the challenges of life, resist temptation, and grow deeper in our walk with Christ. Sometimes we need to revisit the basics to deepen our commitment and strengthen our confidence. These four ingredients—joy, purity, truth, and assurance—remind us of what authentic Christianity looks like. They help us unlock joy, purity, truth, and assurance in our daily walk with Christ. As the Puritans often emphasized, the Christian life is a journey of continual growth, requiring us to return again and again to the foundational truths of the Gospel. As John Owen put it, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” We must remain vigilant in our pursuit of purity, joy, and assurance, knowing that these are the marks of a true and growing believer.
Consider and Pray
What ingredients define your life? What ingredients are you carrying that are not in line with a life in Christ? Are you experiencing the joy, purity, truth, and assurance that come from knowing Him? These are the keys to living the Christian life fully. Let the wisdom of the Puritans and Reformers guide you as you return to the foundational truths of the faith and seek to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ.
I want to invite you to join my wife, Katie, and me on a journey of a lifetime. We are going back to visit the sites primarily focused on Paul’s second missionary journey,October 26-November 4th, 2025. I have mentioned these sites in my sermons from Philippians because it was on Paul’s second missionary journey that the Lord brought him to Philippi. However, there is much more on this trip! Here is the itinerary of all the places we have planned to visit.
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1 (OCT 26): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from DFW for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Bus to/from DFW is included in the price.
DAY 2 (OCT 27): INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Thessaloniki. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 3 (OCT 28): THESSALONIKI/KAVALA/PHILIPPI: Begin the day traveling near the port of Kavala, where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. This port was also a destination for Luke the evangelist when he sailed from Troas. See a Byzantine castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the ruins of an acropolis. Follow the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and sowed the seeds of Christianity. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. Meander down the riverbank to the site of Lydia’s baptism, the first baptism on European soil. Return to Thessaloniki, where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. Visit one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Lunch included.
DAY 4 (OCT 29): THESSALONIKI/BEREA/KALAMBAKA: In the morning, spend time in the ancient city of Thessaloniki. Explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and see the Rotunda. View the triumphal Arch of Galerius and continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower. Next, travel to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient bema, where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. Head south to view the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
DAY 5 (OCT 30): METEORA/THERMOPYLAE/ATHENS: Take in the striking monasteries of Meteorathat seem to hang in the air, crowning the summits of these pinnacles with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops. Dangerously hanging over the stunning abysses, these primitive dwellings compose one of the most fascinating sites on earth. A special treat awaits with a visit to one of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display. Journey through the amazing countryside, taking in the beauty of Greece. Stop at the mountain pass of Thermopylae, the location where the Greeks victoriously fought for their freedom during the Greco-Persian wars in 480 BC. See the statue of Leonidas, king of the Greek city-state Sparta. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 (OCT 31): ATHENS/LAVRIO/MYKONOS: Begin the day with a drive to the Port of Lavrio and step aboard The Discovery to start a 4-day Greek Islands cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the Island of Mykonos, world-renowned for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.
DAY 7 (NOV 1): EPHESUS, TURKEY/PATMOS, GREECE: Step off the ship at Kusadasi and into nearby Ephesus, Turkey, Asia Minor’s greatest archeological site. This Greek and Roman city has been remarkably preserved. Step along the broad marble where Paul walked. Gaze at the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Temple of Hadrian, and The Celsus Library. Marvel at the massive theater where Paul was opposed for speaking boldly about Christ. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising aboard The Discovery to the island of Patmos, built on a mass of volcanic rock. The island marks the site where the apostle John was exiled. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he received the vision he recorded in the book of Revelation. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.
DAY 8 (NOV 2): CRETE/SANTORINI: Arrive in Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and the cradle of the Ancient Minoan Civilization. This island is where the Apostle Paul spent time as he was being transported to Rome as a prisoner and where Titus remained to help the churches. Take a leisure walk through Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and enjoy the shopping and local culture. Board The Discovery for an afternoon cruise to the famous island of Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Perched atop high cliffs, savor the island’s breathtaking views from Oia. Dinner and overnight on the ship. Lunch included onboard.
DAY 9 (NOV 3): ATHENS/CORINTH: Early morning arrival in Athens to begin the day’s excursion. Proceed to Corinth through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the Corinthian Canal, then tour the ruins of this ancient city. Return to Athens to view the world-renowned Acropolis and marvel at the ancient glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading for the cause of Christianity. Dinner and overnight in Athens. Lunch included.
DAY 10 (NOV 4): ATHENS/USA: Transfer to Athens airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
Come and join us on this incredible trip! You can sign up HERE! Space is limited, so please sign up as early as possible.
THIS SUNDAY! We are finishing our series in Philippians, In Christ. This week, we will study Philippians 4:10–23, titled “The Secret of Contentment.” Everyone is looking for contentment, but how do you find it? Paul helps us navigate this life on this side of eternity with the ability to not only stand firm and withstand the storms but to do so with contentment. It will be a great Sunday to gather together as we worship, see baptisms, see new members, see new believers, and serve Him faithfully!
WMO: This Sunday, our World Mission Offering officially begins! At Green Acres, missions is truly part of our DNA. Thanks to your dedication to service and generosity, our church has the honor of supporting church plants, missionaries, and ministries not only in East Texas but across the nation and around the world. Your contributions to our World Mission Offering make this extensive support possible. I am thrilled about the 25+ mission trips our Missions Team has planned for 2025 and eager to see how the Lord will impact both those we serve and those who serve. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to sharing the transforming truth of Jesus across the world! Learn more
Bed Build: We have a unique opportunity to serve our community on November 27th at 5:30pm in the Parking Garage. Our 10th annual grace emBEDded bed build will the night before Thanksgiving. Grace emBEDded exists to provide hand-made beds for children facing foster placement. What better way to start the giving season than giving your time for the sake of a child? Sign up HERE!
Parent Commitment: More than 20 families have signed up for our Parent Commitment services this Sunday across our campuses. This is incredible! All the parents who are participating are committing to raising their child in the church and with the church. We are thankful to see the Lord moving in our families and parents leading their children in discipleship.
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett