This past Sunday, the message centered on Revelation 21. The message emphasized how it is the redemptive Christ that comes to us, not us to Him. We see this in the context of the new earth to be, "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." (Rev 21:2)
I've been reflecting on that a bit. That's exactly how Christ works. It is His initiative that brings reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21), not the other way around. Yet, so often, it's hard for us to accept this incredible gift. I get caught in a "must earn" mentality.
Christ freely left Glory, on His initiative, with us in mind to save. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't earn or know how to earn salvation. I still struggle with the concept of even accepting such an incredible offering, it's contrary to my conditioning here in this world, yet Christ compels us to, and it is my pride that keeps me from acknowledging His incredible gift.
Lord, help me let go of my earning power, let me latch on to the gift of Your salvation, that you so lovingly offered.
Showing posts with label Revelation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revelation. Show all posts
6.07.2010
2.14.2010
what God thinks and feels
I'll speak for me first. I am often most wrapped up in myself. My desires, my thoughts, my wants, my needs. They come first.
I think we as a community do that as well, even as a worshipping universal church. Part of our fallen nature pridefully put us first. We deem the fruit on the tree appropriate to eat, although God had restricted it for our good. We think we know better.
My point is, do we genuinely think about what God feels or how He might react to things we set out to do or thoughts we might have, before WE act? A great deal of theology, studying God's economy, is even seen through a dedicated bias towards understanding God's relationship to man. Understanding God as He fits into the human experience and history.
May I offer that this is completely backwards, yet we continue to live in this predominant, mainstream thinking. The better question might be: how does man, by grace, fit into the desires of God's heart and movement to bring the Kingdom here to earth?
After all, it is God's story. God's creation. God's universe. By grace He's invited us to take part. By His mercy He gave us breath to participate. By love He saved us when we took for granted His gift.
We're still like society pre-Copernicus. The earth is still the center of the universe. God fits into our experience when it's convenient and appropriate.
If you don't think so, I would challenge that doesn't our society, and members within the church, wouldn't it look radically different in so many lives and actions, if we truly believed God first on a deep level?
Psalm 22:3 declares: "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." (NLV)
Now God doesn't need our praises to survive, but I do think they affect Him. When we choose to withhold our praises by our stupid selfish actions, I think the Lord gets more uncomfortable sitting in His chair.
We know the end story. Revelation 5:6 promises: "Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."
The text specifically describes location. "standing in the center of the throne..." Christ, at the end, and as He should always be, is the center of attention.
Do we think about what God thinks and feels before we take action? Do we consider His purposes?
I think we as a community do that as well, even as a worshipping universal church. Part of our fallen nature pridefully put us first. We deem the fruit on the tree appropriate to eat, although God had restricted it for our good. We think we know better.
My point is, do we genuinely think about what God feels or how He might react to things we set out to do or thoughts we might have, before WE act? A great deal of theology, studying God's economy, is even seen through a dedicated bias towards understanding God's relationship to man. Understanding God as He fits into the human experience and history.
May I offer that this is completely backwards, yet we continue to live in this predominant, mainstream thinking. The better question might be: how does man, by grace, fit into the desires of God's heart and movement to bring the Kingdom here to earth?
After all, it is God's story. God's creation. God's universe. By grace He's invited us to take part. By His mercy He gave us breath to participate. By love He saved us when we took for granted His gift.
We're still like society pre-Copernicus. The earth is still the center of the universe. God fits into our experience when it's convenient and appropriate.
If you don't think so, I would challenge that doesn't our society, and members within the church, wouldn't it look radically different in so many lives and actions, if we truly believed God first on a deep level?
Psalm 22:3 declares: "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." (NLV)
Now God doesn't need our praises to survive, but I do think they affect Him. When we choose to withhold our praises by our stupid selfish actions, I think the Lord gets more uncomfortable sitting in His chair.
We know the end story. Revelation 5:6 promises: "Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."
The text specifically describes location. "standing in the center of the throne..." Christ, at the end, and as He should always be, is the center of attention.
Do we think about what God thinks and feels before we take action? Do we consider His purposes?
11.17.2009
failing to eagerly wait
I'm not sure if it's because I'm mostly a pessimist, but I have really been dropping the ball on eagerly waiting for the redemption of both the world and the New Jerusalem and my own redemption.
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:45-51 NIV)
Part of eagerly waiting for the appointed promise is to "give them their food at the proper time...". I take that to mean that we are to constantly be serving and encouraging fellow servants (other believers) as well as non-believers. We are to be in a constant mindset with the gospel on the tip of our tongue...always sharing it in word and deed.
After all, Paul writes that "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed." Romans 8:19. The specific 'creation' word in the Greek that Paul uses, ktisis, is taken to mean a "creature" of creation, as in Gentiles, non-believers.
Now that's interesting. Even non-believers are eagerly waiting for the redemption. Which I think makes perfect sense. Non-believers, whether they like it or not, admit it or not, I believe were originally created in the image of God to worship Him and reflect His glory. And when that doesn't happen, something is off and not right ("subjected to frustration"...Romans 8:20).
The point is, as believers in Christ, we have the vision and promise of Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem.
For living out my present faith, I would do good to more eagerly anticipate Christ's return and actually try to believe in His promise and listen to His words.
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:45-51 NIV)
Part of eagerly waiting for the appointed promise is to "give them their food at the proper time...". I take that to mean that we are to constantly be serving and encouraging fellow servants (other believers) as well as non-believers. We are to be in a constant mindset with the gospel on the tip of our tongue...always sharing it in word and deed.
After all, Paul writes that "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed." Romans 8:19. The specific 'creation' word in the Greek that Paul uses, ktisis, is taken to mean a "creature" of creation, as in Gentiles, non-believers.
Now that's interesting. Even non-believers are eagerly waiting for the redemption. Which I think makes perfect sense. Non-believers, whether they like it or not, admit it or not, I believe were originally created in the image of God to worship Him and reflect His glory. And when that doesn't happen, something is off and not right ("subjected to frustration"...Romans 8:20).
The point is, as believers in Christ, we have the vision and promise of Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem.
For living out my present faith, I would do good to more eagerly anticipate Christ's return and actually try to believe in His promise and listen to His words.
10.29.2009
the beginning too!!
I tend so often to view and live out a faith that sees Christ as the end of all things.
Like Paul says in Romans 10:4, Christ in many ways tends to be the end goal. The end goal of worship, of trying to honor, of trying to live like and live for, of trying not to sin against...
I seem to so easily forget that Jesus is the beginning too!!
And I know that in my mind (John 1), but not in the way I live my life out.
I should do a better job at believing Jesus, for He very plainly says "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." (Revelation 22:13).
That's crazy to me, because dare I say, Jesus encourages that we can and we will do greater things than He did while He was here on earth.
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:12-14 NIV)
Now, I need to be clear. We're not nor I am not as an individual going to save the world from their sin...and I doubt that I'll be resurrected to this physical life again, it could happen, I believe I'll be resurrected in Christ, but not back to the earth as I knew it. And Christ is very clear. Apart from Him, we're toast in our ability to do anything. It is only through Him can we do "greater" things than He did.
A distinction is necessary: I think we'll be able to do greater things than Jesus in the "what" but not in the "how" He did them.
Take any of Christ's examples. The miracle of feeding 5,000 people. It's going to be difficult to replicate just creating bread out of nothing, but we can grow wheat, bake it, and then distribute it to hungry mouths...it'll take time, but we can feed thousands of people. Even raising Lazarus from the dead dare I say. Modern science and doctors can do amazing things nowadays, to bring people "back" from death...but we'll never do it like Jesus did by just saying "Lazarus, come out!"
I don't often tend to look at Jesus as an "enabler" but I think that is what Scripture is telling me. Again, my perspective is often that Christ is the end of the law, the end goal in worship, the end goal in all I try to do...but I think Scripture is trying to convince me that He's much more than that.
He's the beginning of all things that are on God's heart. Sharing the truth of the gospel. Feeding starving people. Serving the poor. Healing the sick. Comforting the broken-hearted. Dissipating hate. Reconciling lost relationships.
It can only be done 1. because of Jesus and 2. with dependence upon Him.
Jesus, help me always remember You are the beginning, the starting point of all things too!!
Like Paul says in Romans 10:4, Christ in many ways tends to be the end goal. The end goal of worship, of trying to honor, of trying to live like and live for, of trying not to sin against...
I seem to so easily forget that Jesus is the beginning too!!
And I know that in my mind (John 1), but not in the way I live my life out.
I should do a better job at believing Jesus, for He very plainly says "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." (Revelation 22:13).
That's crazy to me, because dare I say, Jesus encourages that we can and we will do greater things than He did while He was here on earth.
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:12-14 NIV)
Now, I need to be clear. We're not nor I am not as an individual going to save the world from their sin...and I doubt that I'll be resurrected to this physical life again, it could happen, I believe I'll be resurrected in Christ, but not back to the earth as I knew it. And Christ is very clear. Apart from Him, we're toast in our ability to do anything. It is only through Him can we do "greater" things than He did.
A distinction is necessary: I think we'll be able to do greater things than Jesus in the "what" but not in the "how" He did them.
Take any of Christ's examples. The miracle of feeding 5,000 people. It's going to be difficult to replicate just creating bread out of nothing, but we can grow wheat, bake it, and then distribute it to hungry mouths...it'll take time, but we can feed thousands of people. Even raising Lazarus from the dead dare I say. Modern science and doctors can do amazing things nowadays, to bring people "back" from death...but we'll never do it like Jesus did by just saying "Lazarus, come out!"
I don't often tend to look at Jesus as an "enabler" but I think that is what Scripture is telling me. Again, my perspective is often that Christ is the end of the law, the end goal in worship, the end goal in all I try to do...but I think Scripture is trying to convince me that He's much more than that.
He's the beginning of all things that are on God's heart. Sharing the truth of the gospel. Feeding starving people. Serving the poor. Healing the sick. Comforting the broken-hearted. Dissipating hate. Reconciling lost relationships.
It can only be done 1. because of Jesus and 2. with dependence upon Him.
Jesus, help me always remember You are the beginning, the starting point of all things too!!
5.01.2009
we're different, yes. But Jesus remains unchanging.
This past week, spending time again in a foreign country, going to church, worship events, or spending time in fellowship with non-US believers, I was reminded of something important.
The body of Christ in its most authentic sense really knows no national, cultural, ethnic or racial boundaries. Jesus is the center and reason for our salvation. We (around the world "we") all have this to celebrate!
Yes, differences exist. Yes, different groups and individuals within the worldwide church differ on worship styles, worship songs, theological teachings and emphases. The diversity of these elements, I think, brings great pleasure to God. The fact that believers at Church Y in Nashville, TN worship through style such and such while at the same time Church X in Buenos Aires worship differently through style so and so -- God really digs that!
Differences can go too far to where they cross the line of appropriate and pleasing worship to God. But in the differences, I don't think they should be considered wrong by one group or another.
"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:12-13 NIV)
In the end, we are going to unite before the throne to worship and celebrate the great gift of grace we find in Christ, and Christ alone.
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9 NIV)
The body of Christ in its most authentic sense really knows no national, cultural, ethnic or racial boundaries. Jesus is the center and reason for our salvation. We (around the world "we") all have this to celebrate!
Yes, differences exist. Yes, different groups and individuals within the worldwide church differ on worship styles, worship songs, theological teachings and emphases. The diversity of these elements, I think, brings great pleasure to God. The fact that believers at Church Y in Nashville, TN worship through style such and such while at the same time Church X in Buenos Aires worship differently through style so and so -- God really digs that!
Differences can go too far to where they cross the line of appropriate and pleasing worship to God. But in the differences, I don't think they should be considered wrong by one group or another.
"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:12-13 NIV)
In the end, we are going to unite before the throne to worship and celebrate the great gift of grace we find in Christ, and Christ alone.
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9 NIV)
11.17.2008
the vision before the work
If you are to sit down and build a house, what needs to happen first?
Of course, building a foundation is an important early step, but even before that, don't you have to sit down and imagine, in detail, the finished product? What each room will look like, how each fixture contributes to each room that contributes to the overall architectural functionality and design of the house.
As we seek to be brothers and sisters who desire to share the gospel with those who have not tasted the quenching and fulfilling of salvation through Jesus, are we daring and actually taking time to imagine and dream what that is to look like? Do we allow our minds to wander what our schools, neighborhoods, families, and individual relationships will look like with Christ as the centerpiece of those structures?
If we aren't, I think we should be.
In Revelation, we have a recorded vision like that. We to I think should feel free and be convicted to regularly dream big dreams of the power of salvation in Christ before we actually set out to go about being His hands and feet and seeking to share the gospel with others.
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Of course, building a foundation is an important early step, but even before that, don't you have to sit down and imagine, in detail, the finished product? What each room will look like, how each fixture contributes to each room that contributes to the overall architectural functionality and design of the house.
As we seek to be brothers and sisters who desire to share the gospel with those who have not tasted the quenching and fulfilling of salvation through Jesus, are we daring and actually taking time to imagine and dream what that is to look like? Do we allow our minds to wander what our schools, neighborhoods, families, and individual relationships will look like with Christ as the centerpiece of those structures?
If we aren't, I think we should be.
In Revelation, we have a recorded vision like that. We to I think should feel free and be convicted to regularly dream big dreams of the power of salvation in Christ before we actually set out to go about being His hands and feet and seeking to share the gospel with others.
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:6-14 NIV)
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