Today's sermon was from Revelation 7:9-17. It's entitled, "When we've been there Ten Thousand Years!"
There are several reasons for us to think about heaven:
1. It frees us from excessive dependence upon earthly wealth and comfort.
2. A focus on heaven enables us to respond appropriately to the injustices of this life.
3. A contemplative focus on heaven produces the fruit of endurance and perseverance now.
In Revelation 7: 15-17, there are at least 8 blessings promised that we will experience in heaven:
1. We will stand before the throne of God.
2. We will have the pleasure of serving Him night and day.
3. God will shelter us with His presence.
4, 5, 6&7 are all drawn from Isaiah 49:10, "They shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them."
8. God "will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth."
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Martin Luther
I watched the movie Luther. It is about Martin Luther; the medieval German protestant reformer. I had read a lot about Luther, but never found him to be the most interesting of historical figures. However, this movie changed my opinion! The way he confronted the abuses of the church, and refused to compromise in the face of extreme opposition is so inspiring! Plus, he translated the entire Bible into German and was single handedly responsible for the 16th century reformation!
I pray to be that unwavering in my own faith!
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Cover Artist Meeting
I had a meeting today with the cover artist for my book. The artist's name is Scott Solier (not sure if the last name is spelled right).
He asked me if I had anything in mind. I told him I envisioned raised hands symbolizing an offer to God.
He asked me what I thought about using MY hands. He thought it would really make an impact since I have a cross tattoo on my right middle finger, and a Bible on the inside of my right wrist. He also came up with the idea of showing my hands writing the first few words of my book. I absolutely love the idea! I am very excited!
Scott said something to me that really made an impact. He said, "Surround yourself with people who are your biggest fans."
That is something I want to remind others to do; Surround yourself with people who are your biggest fans!
That is something I want to remind others to do; Surround yourself with people who are your biggest fans!
Predestination
On the book, "Relaxing with God," author Andrew Farley, addresses the "hot button" topic of predestination.
He references Romans 9:30, "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith..."
He references Romans 9:30, "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith..."
For some time, I have been a pretty staunch Calvinist; that God chooses some but not others to be saved.
However, Farley is suggesting that God's predestination is really about him preselecting the Gentiles to receive the gospel Too!
Very thought provoking!
Sermon
Today's sermon was from Revelation 7:1-17 & 14:1-5. It's entitled, "The Servants of God: Sealed and Safe."
Revelation 7 is really an answer to a question posed in Revelation 6:17: "If the world is the object of God's wrath, how will Christians survive?"
The answer is found in Revelation 7:3:
We have the seal of the Holy Spirit on our foreheads, which is God's mark of possession over us, and is used to preserve Christians when the world and Satan come against us.
Throughout the book of Revelation, Satan is attempting to parody the Holy Spirit. The mark of the beast is not actually 666. It is a parody/demonic counterfeit of God's seal that is on believers.
The 144,000 that is referenced in Revelation 7:4 are the messianic (non-violent) army whom conquer the enemy. This army is a reference to the totality of churches. It includes you and me!
In Revelation 14:4, when John speaks of those who have not been defiled by women, but have kept themselves chaste, is an analogy for those who have continued in the faith and not succumbed to the world.
Revelation 7 is really an answer to a question posed in Revelation 6:17: "If the world is the object of God's wrath, how will Christians survive?"
The answer is found in Revelation 7:3:
We have the seal of the Holy Spirit on our foreheads, which is God's mark of possession over us, and is used to preserve Christians when the world and Satan come against us.
Throughout the book of Revelation, Satan is attempting to parody the Holy Spirit. The mark of the beast is not actually 666. It is a parody/demonic counterfeit of God's seal that is on believers.
The 144,000 that is referenced in Revelation 7:4 are the messianic (non-violent) army whom conquer the enemy. This army is a reference to the totality of churches. It includes you and me!
In Revelation 14:4, when John speaks of those who have not been defiled by women, but have kept themselves chaste, is an analogy for those who have continued in the faith and not succumbed to the world.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Legacy of an Adopted Child Poem
Once there were two women who did not know each other.
One you do not remember; the other you call mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star; the other became your sun.
The first gave you life; the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love; the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality; the other gave you a name.
One gave you a seed of talent; the other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions; the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile; the other dried your tears.
One sought for a home that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child, and her hope was not denied.
And now you ask me through your tears
The age old question of the years; heredity or environment-
which are you the product of?
Neither my darling, neither...just two different kinds of love.💙💚💛💜
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Great Night
I went to the Scope Ministries banquet evening, where Andrew Farley was the guest speaker.
He is the author of Relaxing With God, among many other books.
He was amazing! He asked this question:
Do you focus more on how big your sin is or how big your God is?
I also heard two amazing testimonies from people who had struggled with a law based relationship with God, and how they have experienced freedom.
It's not about following rules, but allowing Christ to rule in our hearts and in our lives!
Andrew Farley
Check out @DrAndrewFarley’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/DrAndrewFarley/status/917421967925567494?s=09
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Predestination continued
I finished reading the section on predestination from Andrew Farley's book. Here are some final thoughts.
When we read Ephesians to study predestination we find a use of we/us versus you. Early in the letter, Paul says "we" were predestined, and then he goes on to say "you also" were included.
So, who is the "we?' Jews. Who is the "you also?" Gentiles.
It's a plural you. The point is that "we Jews" were always picked as God's chosen people. But now, under God's new way, "you Gentiles" are also included.
What if predestination is not about you at the exclusion of your next-door neighbor? What if it's actually about God's radical and controversial move to include the Gentiles in the gospel?
That is why we find predestination explicitly taught in Ephesians and Romans-two letter to the Gentiles. And that's why Paul is the only one to discuss it at length, because he was the apostle to the Gentiles!
The doctrine of predestination is not taught in any comprehensive way in Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1, 2 or 3 John, or any epistles written to the Jews. Because the Jews already knew that Israel had been chosen!
It is not necessary that we get the doctrine of predestination "right" in order to ensure our salvation. It's just an area that I have particular interest in, and I think Andrew Farley's interpretation is brilliant!
When we read Ephesians to study predestination we find a use of we/us versus you. Early in the letter, Paul says "we" were predestined, and then he goes on to say "you also" were included.
So, who is the "we?' Jews. Who is the "you also?" Gentiles.
It's a plural you. The point is that "we Jews" were always picked as God's chosen people. But now, under God's new way, "you Gentiles" are also included.
What if predestination is not about you at the exclusion of your next-door neighbor? What if it's actually about God's radical and controversial move to include the Gentiles in the gospel?
That is why we find predestination explicitly taught in Ephesians and Romans-two letter to the Gentiles. And that's why Paul is the only one to discuss it at length, because he was the apostle to the Gentiles!
The doctrine of predestination is not taught in any comprehensive way in Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1, 2 or 3 John, or any epistles written to the Jews. Because the Jews already knew that Israel had been chosen!
It is not necessary that we get the doctrine of predestination "right" in order to ensure our salvation. It's just an area that I have particular interest in, and I think Andrew Farley's interpretation is brilliant!
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