Skip to main content

SPB Sermons || The Future Indicative || Matthew 5:48 || Rev Josh Lenon

The Future Indicative - Matthew 5:48

The Future Indicative – Matthew 5:48

We had the joy of welcoming Rev. Josh Lenon from Red Door Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, to St. Paul’s and St. Barnabas (SPB) this past Sunday. His message deeply resonated with our congregation, challenging and uplifting us as he explored the powerful “Future Indicative” in Matthew 5:48. This passage, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect,” can often feel daunting. But Rev. Lenon helped us see it as a promise from Jesus—an assurance that God is actively at work in us, shaping us into His likeness.

In his message, Rev. Lenon explained that Jesus’ words here are not a present imperative, an impossible demand to be flawless now. Instead, they are a future promise, spoken in what biblical scholars call the “Future Indicative” tense, meaning that this perfection is something we are moving toward, with God Himself leading us on this journey. The perfection Jesus speaks of is not about flawless performance but about becoming whole and mature, fully realized in our identity as children of God. This promise, Rev. Lenon explained, brings incredible hope to all of us who sometimes feel overwhelmed by our imperfections.

Drawing from his experience at Red Door Community Church, Josh shared insights on how this future hope can transform the way we live now. He reminded us that God’s promise to make us “perfect” as He is perfect isn’t meant to discourage us, but to inspire us to trust in His ongoing work within us. Each of us, as followers of Christ, are being molded day by day into His image, becoming a living example of His love, mercy, and grace.

Rev. Lenon also pointed to the larger context of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls us to a radical love that includes even our enemies. This call to love is at the core of God’s transformative work in us, and it’s a reflection of His own nature. We are invited to reflect God’s character in our lives, even as we are assured that He is working in us to bring this about.

If you missed Sunday’s service, we invite you to catch up and meditate on this profound teaching. Rev. Lenon’s message calls us to a hopeful view of our journey of faith, encouraging us to trust in God’s promise to complete His good work in us. This “Future Indicative” shapes our lives today, giving us courage and purpose as we seek to live as a reflection of Christ in our community and beyond.

Watch the service now and reflect on the profound assurance that God is at work in you, shaping you into His image:

May this message encourage you as you walk the path God is shaping for you, knowing that we are all on a journey toward becoming the people He has called us to be. Together, let’s embrace the hopeful promise of transformation and live out the call to love as Jesus loved, assured that we are being shaped into His perfect image, just as He has promised.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPB Sermons || Sent Like the Son || JOhn 20:19-23

Sent Like the Son – Family Worship at SPB Belfast (Sunday 27th April 2025) On the evening of Easter Sunday, as fear gripped the disciples behind locked doors, Jesus appeared among them and spoke the words they most needed to hear: "Peace be with you." At St Paul’s & St Barnabas this Sunday, we reflected on John 20:19-31 and the incredible transformation that the resurrection brings — not just to history, but to our hearts and lives today. We joined the disciples in their fear and doubt, seeing how even the testimony of Mary Magdalene couldn’t unlock their fear. Yet no locked door could keep out the risen Christ. Jesus appeared, scars and all, speaking peace into their brokenness. His scars weren't signs of defeat, but emblems of the victory won at the Cross — a reminder that by His wounds, we are healed. Jesus did not come to rebuke His followers, but to comfort them with His presence, speak peace into their hearts, and to co...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast As we journey toward Easter this year at St Paul’s & St Barnabas in North Belfast, we invite you to take part in our Holy Week services under the theme “This Is the Hour.” This powerful phrase comes from John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks of the appointed time—the hour—for which He came into the world. From Gethsemane to glory, Jesus moves with divine purpose toward the cross and the empty tomb. We are invited to walk with Him in that hour: to sit in the sorrow of betrayal, to receive the grace of service, to stand at the foot of the cross, and to rejoice at the dawn of resurrection. Our Holy Week reflections will follow the Gospel of John, focusing each evening on a key moment in Jesus’ journey. All services begin at 7:30 pm , and we warmly welcome you to come just as you are. Tuesday 15th April – 6:30pm Easter Community Prayer Walk Meeting at Salv...
Post a Comment
Read more

Opportunities To Gather and Grow || SPB NOTES || Coming up to Winter 2024

As we enter a season full of opportunities to gather and grow, I want to encourage everyone to participate in the life of our church. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Gathering is a vital part of our faith, and these events are designed to strengthen our fellowship, prayer life, and outreach efforts. Each event, whether it’s our community prayer meeting, the winter coat project, or the Advent services, is a chance for us to come together as the body of Christ, using the unique gifts God has given us. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 highlights that we are all members of one body, and every part is needed to function as God intended. When we gather, pray, and support the church’s work, we not only bless each other but our entire community. I encourage you to engage deeply in these events and find where you can serve. Whether it’s helping ...
Post a Comment
Read more