This message concludes our study on many of the beliefs we hold to be true at Hillside. There are many other beliefs we could talk about but we’ve covered the major issues. It is foundational that we believe the Bible contains the Words of God, that Jesus sacrificed his life to free the world from Sin, that we may have eternal life and walk by the Spirit of God in every day decisions. We only need to submit ourselves to God through Jesus Christ. It is a great life!
Our focus in these past two weeks has been on the end of time. The end of all things will come soon. I hope you are ready to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. The one item that will make you ready is your name written in the Book of Life. You get your name written in the Book of Life by surrendering your life to God through belief in His Son Jesus. (Romans 6:23, Rev. 13:8)
I had an interesting experience this week that got me thinking about my readiness to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Twice a year, I will gather with a group of other Assembly of God Pastors to interview new candidates for licensing with our Fellowship. Sometimes, we must decide that a person needs to wait on receiving their licensing until they finished other requirements. So this week, one of the candidates was returning after about 6 months because we had rejected his application for licensing. He and his wife had taken care of the things we had asked; even going further than we had requested – cutting back fixed expenses and completing more theological training. We all felt confident about approving them for licensing with the Assembly of God Fellowship. They had made some real changes in the past few months.
The exciting part of this experience was listening to the sacrifices they had made in an effort to loosen the world’s hold on their lives – more affordable rent, saving account, and budgeting for one-time expenses in advance. It was refreshing to hear how they had adjusted their life to meet the Call of God upon their lives to minister the Gospel. Then, one of my partner interviewers asked this question, "Do you feel like moving into a smaller home is a great sacrifice?" The candidates responded, "No, the house is still big enough for our family, but for less money. It has allowed us to live in freedom while still receiving a 10% decrease in pay from my job because of economic troubles." Amazed.
How wonderful…God will empower us to break the hold of the world on our lives. This is what I believe is the point of studying the end of time. If you read the book of Revelation from this prospective you will get so much more from it. Many people study what the Bible says about the end of the world in an effort to figure out all the details of how it will happen. Revelation was not written so you would know exactly how everything would happen, but to encourage Christians to let go of the world and concern for the world, instead holding tightly to Jesus. I hope more than anything that you make the decision to hold tightly to Jesus.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
JESUS WILL RETURN - Acts 1:9-11
Jesus will return - this topic is debated with passion among Christian Denominations because no one really knows how it's all going to end. Most Christians are in agreement that Jesus will return to Earth, it's just the how that's confusing. What we do know is that some things are going to change, which is what I will focus on in this blog.
The first big change will be the removal of the church or what some have called the Rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 offers a clear picture of what will happen to the dead and living persons in Christ upon his return. The second big change will be the 1,000 year reign of Christ on Earth – that’s right – Jesus is going to establish a kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years. The Bible says, Jesus “will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south…then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” (Zech 14:4-5)
It will be an awesome event for sure. Revelation 19:11-16 adds to Zechariah’s vision with a picture of Jesus, the King of kings, coming from heaven on a white horse to take possession of his kingdom. He has a sharp sword, wears a blood stained robe, and is followed by the armies of heaven. Again, it is an awesome event!
So what is the purpose of this reign? This Reign of Christ crushes the manifestation of Satan’s power. Up to this point in human history – evil has only been restrained from full manifestation as the Holy Spirit works through the church (God’s people). This explains our constant struggle with evil. At the rapture, the church is removed, so Satan has full range (or as Revelation talks about the Beast) to exercise his will on the Earth. The persecution of individuals who don’t want to follow the Beast, which means they are following God, will be great. Also, the judgment of God will be great, but the Beast and his followers will continue in rebellion against God. They get even more angry and bitter.
This period is often called the Tribulation. Evil is no longer held back, there are few witnesses to Christ’s work on the Cross, and God’s judgment is being delivered in full measure. Many people chart this period as a seven year period. The end of this period is marked by Jesus’ physical second coming to Earth to establish his kingdom (Rev. 19) – the restoration of King David’s rule. The Beast and Satan are locked away. People are free to live without persecution. There is still tension between those living within Jerusalem and those living outside. However, God’s Children will live in the presence of the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah.
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released and makes one last attempt to overthrow heaven. He is defeated, judged and thrown into the lake of fire. This is the official end, new Heaven and new Earth – we live in peace with God forever. (Revelation 20, 21)
Ah, a quick summary of the end for sure. There is so much we don’t know about the end of human history. You can see in the Bible pictures of the end times in Daniel and Revelation. Much of it is difficult to understand because the writers of these letters are seeing pictures of the future not necessarily specific details. They offer us sketches of the future, an overall perspective of the end, which is a picture of God as the final judge, one who is very powerful and merciful to those who put their trust in him. We have no need to worry about the end of time. God promises to meet our every need.
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9
The first big change will be the removal of the church or what some have called the Rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 offers a clear picture of what will happen to the dead and living persons in Christ upon his return. The second big change will be the 1,000 year reign of Christ on Earth – that’s right – Jesus is going to establish a kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years. The Bible says, Jesus “will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south…then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” (Zech 14:4-5)
It will be an awesome event for sure. Revelation 19:11-16 adds to Zechariah’s vision with a picture of Jesus, the King of kings, coming from heaven on a white horse to take possession of his kingdom. He has a sharp sword, wears a blood stained robe, and is followed by the armies of heaven. Again, it is an awesome event!
So what is the purpose of this reign? This Reign of Christ crushes the manifestation of Satan’s power. Up to this point in human history – evil has only been restrained from full manifestation as the Holy Spirit works through the church (God’s people). This explains our constant struggle with evil. At the rapture, the church is removed, so Satan has full range (or as Revelation talks about the Beast) to exercise his will on the Earth. The persecution of individuals who don’t want to follow the Beast, which means they are following God, will be great. Also, the judgment of God will be great, but the Beast and his followers will continue in rebellion against God. They get even more angry and bitter.
This period is often called the Tribulation. Evil is no longer held back, there are few witnesses to Christ’s work on the Cross, and God’s judgment is being delivered in full measure. Many people chart this period as a seven year period. The end of this period is marked by Jesus’ physical second coming to Earth to establish his kingdom (Rev. 19) – the restoration of King David’s rule. The Beast and Satan are locked away. People are free to live without persecution. There is still tension between those living within Jerusalem and those living outside. However, God’s Children will live in the presence of the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah.
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released and makes one last attempt to overthrow heaven. He is defeated, judged and thrown into the lake of fire. This is the official end, new Heaven and new Earth – we live in peace with God forever. (Revelation 20, 21)
Ah, a quick summary of the end for sure. There is so much we don’t know about the end of human history. You can see in the Bible pictures of the end times in Daniel and Revelation. Much of it is difficult to understand because the writers of these letters are seeing pictures of the future not necessarily specific details. They offer us sketches of the future, an overall perspective of the end, which is a picture of God as the final judge, one who is very powerful and merciful to those who put their trust in him. We have no need to worry about the end of time. God promises to meet our every need.
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
THE MINISTRY - 1 Tim. 2:5-7
Even though Jesus Christ appointed apostles, pastors and such to bear testimony of his name and lead the church (both local churches and The Church - Christians worldwide), he entrusted the ministry of the church to ALL its members. And what I mean by ministry is the demonstration of God’s love and forgiveness to the world. The Great Commission; people being baptized and discipled, is in the hands of the church. Every believer is part of this administration of God’s message to the lost world. We are all ministering priests, actively serving with the gifts bestowed by the sovereign Spirit of God. Every one receives a gift(s) from God for the building up of the church (1 Peter 4:10).
The church is a living organism. As people are added to the assembly, they mature, reproduce, and care for each other by hurting with those who hurt and rejoicing with those who have victories. A church will grow in this envirnoment; as it does, there arises a need for the organism to provide the expanding community with capable leadership. If capable leadership is not chosen, the community will get off track; wandering down strange paths of teaching or becoming disorganized to the point of confusion and ineffectiveness.
In very practical terms, the church chooses a few members who show gifting and dedication for the leading of the organization to be set apart (Ordained) as its Ministers; all the while holding to the principle focus of every member of the organism a minister. These Ministers are gifted by the Lord Jesus for the quipping and organizing of the church. Ephesians 4:11-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-16 talk in great length about these roles or offices given to the church. The Apostle Paul says at the opening of his letter to the church in Galatia, “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…” Paul clearly had an understanding of a special calling by God or an ordination (setting apart for service) on his life to serve the church. Throughout the New Testament, we hear of people being set apart for service or special mission on behalf of the Lord and His Church for ministry. (Acts. 13:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:14)
However, don't forget: the ministry of the church is entrusted to the people as a whole. Like it says in Revelation 1:4-6:
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Jesus freed you from your bondage to sinful living so that you could live for him as a priest serving God. A priest's function is to assist people in connecting with God, hearing confessions, and praying for the sick – all a witness of Christ’s love. Each of these activities and many more are entrusted to us (you) as the church. In summary, here are some questions to think about before Sunday:
1. Do I have an understanding of my role as a priest in the church? Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelations 1:-4-6; Hebrews 10:18-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-7
2. Do I have an understanding of my role under the ordained leader(s) of the church? Scriptures: Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:1-4; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5
3. Am I acting/functioning like a priest in the church?
4. Am I called to serve the church as a person set apart for a specific purpose?
The church is a living organism. As people are added to the assembly, they mature, reproduce, and care for each other by hurting with those who hurt and rejoicing with those who have victories. A church will grow in this envirnoment; as it does, there arises a need for the organism to provide the expanding community with capable leadership. If capable leadership is not chosen, the community will get off track; wandering down strange paths of teaching or becoming disorganized to the point of confusion and ineffectiveness.
In very practical terms, the church chooses a few members who show gifting and dedication for the leading of the organization to be set apart (Ordained) as its Ministers; all the while holding to the principle focus of every member of the organism a minister. These Ministers are gifted by the Lord Jesus for the quipping and organizing of the church. Ephesians 4:11-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-16 talk in great length about these roles or offices given to the church. The Apostle Paul says at the opening of his letter to the church in Galatia, “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…” Paul clearly had an understanding of a special calling by God or an ordination (setting apart for service) on his life to serve the church. Throughout the New Testament, we hear of people being set apart for service or special mission on behalf of the Lord and His Church for ministry. (Acts. 13:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:14)
However, don't forget: the ministry of the church is entrusted to the people as a whole. Like it says in Revelation 1:4-6:
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Jesus freed you from your bondage to sinful living so that you could live for him as a priest serving God. A priest's function is to assist people in connecting with God, hearing confessions, and praying for the sick – all a witness of Christ’s love. Each of these activities and many more are entrusted to us (you) as the church. In summary, here are some questions to think about before Sunday:
1. Do I have an understanding of my role as a priest in the church? Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelations 1:-4-6; Hebrews 10:18-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-7
2. Do I have an understanding of my role under the ordained leader(s) of the church? Scriptures: Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:1-4; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5
3. Am I acting/functioning like a priest in the church?
4. Am I called to serve the church as a person set apart for a specific purpose?
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