"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Final words from Paul to his (spiritual) son Timothy. Soon, Nero would have Paul's head. Paul knew it was coming.
He frames his end differently.
Like that of a warrior who has fought well in a good cause against relentless and difficult enemies.
Like that of a runner who has been on a long-distance course, and often thought about dropping off the route, quitting...but didn't.
Like that of a pilgrim who may have wondered many a time whether clinging to hope would ever be worth it...and it was.
An embattled warrior. A determined runner. An expectant pilgrim.
LIFE IS CHALLENGING
Recently, a bright and gifted young man on a football team suddenly left the team just after the season began. Why? It was so sudden, unexpected. An over-eager local sports reporter couldn't help but overreach in a front-sports-page article on the "systemic" problems with the football program. Nice guess, but wrong.
The truth was that the player was struggling with anxiety disorder, and returned to the team within 2 weeks. This disorder can paralyze even the best and brightest, leaving someone weary and disoriented.
It's not uncommon in our society. Oddly, though we live in (arguably) the greatest country in the world, we often can become the most stressed and unhappy people on the planet.
Bottom line - life gets rough for just about everyone.
LIFE IS A TOUGH FIGHT, A LONG RACE, A HOPE-DIMMING JOURNEY
In the midst of our anxieties--the challenges we face, the foes we have to fight, the length of the run, the weariness of the journey--the Holy Spirit's call, and provided enablement to us, is to lift our heads. We can finish well.
You can fight a good fight.
You can finish a long race without quitting.
You can complete a journey in which the path is often not clear by holding fast to your faith in Christ.
And here is the reward - "Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord -- the righteous judge -- will award to me on that Day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).
"Righteousness" here - captured in the reward of a crown -- is about fighting a good fight, finishing the race, keeping the faith. It's the right way to live life, and it's living life rightly. The crown will be a recognition that you fought well, didn't quit, kept believing.
May I encourage you - in whatever may be "eating your lunch" these days - by the Spirit keep fighting well, keep running well keep believing well. Your Lord has pioneered the path ahead. He finished, and He can help you each day get one more leg closer to that glorious finish line.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Saturday, September 13, 2014
READINESS - in every season
"Be ready, in season, out of season."
Perhaps one of our (spiritual) enemy's most subtle strategies is to convince us that there are times to be spiritually in tune, and there are other times when it is just fine to be out of tune. Ready one time, not ready the next.
What I don't hear is THAT from Paul, the Apostle.
His viewpoint was that the door of opportunity could be narrowing. In fact, it would narrow. "The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3).
Presently, it's open. Men will listen to Biblical truth, although the rest of what Paul predicted does appear to be happening. "Men with gather around them a great number of teaching who say what their itching hears want to hear."
Quite a pic. People having the itch of their ears rubbed and relieved by what they want to hear, rather than with the truth.
READINESS
With each day, I realize that each one is filled with opportunity to minister the truth and grace of God. "Look for Jesus in your day," Paul Miller urges in A PRAYING LIFE. Indeed.
Recently on a road trip with the ISU Cyclones, I dragged my sorry frame out of bed early and against the aching cries of my lower back I went to the Fitness Center of the Marriott. I hoped walking down there that it would be empty, so my obvious lack of fitness would not be exposed to the general public.
My self-absorbed wish was not granted. Two ISU coaches were there, one a graduate assistant working out the running machine more vigorously than I dared, and a second our running backs coach, who looked like he's lived in Gold's Gym the last 25 years.
Still, I worked out my more modest routine. And while doing my last set of pushups, I was prompted to approach Coach Ayeni (former running back and safety for Northwestern). It led to some sweet conversation, and prayer for his work with our great kids. His handshake did not crush my feeble right hand bones...but it was firm!
PRAY FOR IT...LOOK FOR IT
Our own days are shorter than we know. The doors are still open to bring the interest of Christ and the love of Christ to someone new, someone you've not met before, someone who (as I've found over and over again) will welcome your kind initiative and even a prayer for their day.
Pray for it. Look for it. Be filled with the Spirit. Let the Spirit flow through you (John 7:37-39).
Perhaps one of our (spiritual) enemy's most subtle strategies is to convince us that there are times to be spiritually in tune, and there are other times when it is just fine to be out of tune. Ready one time, not ready the next.
What I don't hear is THAT from Paul, the Apostle.
His viewpoint was that the door of opportunity could be narrowing. In fact, it would narrow. "The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3).
Presently, it's open. Men will listen to Biblical truth, although the rest of what Paul predicted does appear to be happening. "Men with gather around them a great number of teaching who say what their itching hears want to hear."
Quite a pic. People having the itch of their ears rubbed and relieved by what they want to hear, rather than with the truth.
READINESS
With each day, I realize that each one is filled with opportunity to minister the truth and grace of God. "Look for Jesus in your day," Paul Miller urges in A PRAYING LIFE. Indeed.
Recently on a road trip with the ISU Cyclones, I dragged my sorry frame out of bed early and against the aching cries of my lower back I went to the Fitness Center of the Marriott. I hoped walking down there that it would be empty, so my obvious lack of fitness would not be exposed to the general public.
My self-absorbed wish was not granted. Two ISU coaches were there, one a graduate assistant working out the running machine more vigorously than I dared, and a second our running backs coach, who looked like he's lived in Gold's Gym the last 25 years.
Still, I worked out my more modest routine. And while doing my last set of pushups, I was prompted to approach Coach Ayeni (former running back and safety for Northwestern). It led to some sweet conversation, and prayer for his work with our great kids. His handshake did not crush my feeble right hand bones...but it was firm!
PRAY FOR IT...LOOK FOR IT
Our own days are shorter than we know. The doors are still open to bring the interest of Christ and the love of Christ to someone new, someone you've not met before, someone who (as I've found over and over again) will welcome your kind initiative and even a prayer for their day.
Pray for it. Look for it. Be filled with the Spirit. Let the Spirit flow through you (John 7:37-39).
Monday, September 1, 2014
WHEN SOMEONE ASKS ABOUT HEAVEN
"My dad is asking about HEAVEN. What should I say to him?"
Wow. What a wonderful opportunity. Here's what I'd suggest.
First, do a bit of research yourself. The Bible has much to say about "heaven," which is a more general term which needs some clarifying. So you need to dig a little. Here are some digging spots.
* HEAVEN - the word "heaven" is variously used in the bible. It can refer to our earth's atmosphere, or also to the region of the starry hosts (universe). It can also refer to the place where a manifestation of God's presence can be found (cf. Isaiah 6 "God's throneroom" or 2 Corinthians 12, a "third heaven"). So often, the "context" (i.e., surrounding verses) will indicate which heaven is in view.
* A PLACE - typically, people mean by heaven a "place to live where God is and that is perfect". Jesus spoke to his disciples about "going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house" (John 14:1-3), and after His preparation, he would "come back to them and receive them unto himself."
* WHEN I DIE and WHEN I AM RESURRECTED - Paul spoke of a reality or place where Christ is where those who are "in Christ" go when their bodies cease functioning. "To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Considering his own pending death, Paul wrote he preferred "to depart and be with Christ, which is very much better" (Phil 1:23). So, for those who have trusted in Christ's death and resurrection for them, they may have confidence that eternal life has been given to them (John 3:16), and that their death is an upgrade into he presence of Christ, or heaven (if you will). And, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-16 teaches us that our bodies will be resurrected at the end of time, rejoined to our spirit/soul, and like the resurrection body of the Lord himself (1 John 3:1-3, cf. 1 Corinthians 15:35-57).
* OUR ETERNAL HOME - finally, the Bible speaks of a permanent eternal home for God's redeemed people, a "new heaven and new earth" at the center of which is a marvelous city, a "new Jerusalem," described in Revelation 21-22. Entry into this comes after a kingdom era on the earth (Revelation 20:1-6), and the final judgment of the unsaved (Revelation 20:11-15). The reality of hell is described there, and it is for those are without salvation in Christ. The description in Revelation 21-22 is quite compelling, and speaks of our eternal "heaven," our future home.
Second, ask him some more questions. What does he want to know about heaven? What source does he trust for answers (the Bible, the movies, talk shows)? My desire in further inquiry would be to understand what he is feeling (if he is willing to share it), why he is interested, and what he'd like to know. Ultimately, the best source for any answers would be the Scriptures.
Third, help him understand the way to heaven. Focus on Biblical passages like John 3:16, John 5:24, John 14:1-6, and 1 John 5:11-12. Simple faith in Christ, which opens the door to heaven, can be expressed in this wonderful prayer. Use it with him, if he is willing:
Father in Heaven
Today I choose to place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone.
I believe He died in my place to pay the penalty my sin deserves.
I believe You raised Him from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.
By faith I receive the gift of His righteousness in the place of my sin.
Thank you.
Help me to grow in Christ.
Amen.
Then...show him again 1 John 5:11-12! He's ready for heaven.
Wow. What a wonderful opportunity. Here's what I'd suggest.
First, do a bit of research yourself. The Bible has much to say about "heaven," which is a more general term which needs some clarifying. So you need to dig a little. Here are some digging spots.
* HEAVEN - the word "heaven" is variously used in the bible. It can refer to our earth's atmosphere, or also to the region of the starry hosts (universe). It can also refer to the place where a manifestation of God's presence can be found (cf. Isaiah 6 "God's throneroom" or 2 Corinthians 12, a "third heaven"). So often, the "context" (i.e., surrounding verses) will indicate which heaven is in view.
* A PLACE - typically, people mean by heaven a "place to live where God is and that is perfect". Jesus spoke to his disciples about "going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house" (John 14:1-3), and after His preparation, he would "come back to them and receive them unto himself."
* WHEN I DIE and WHEN I AM RESURRECTED - Paul spoke of a reality or place where Christ is where those who are "in Christ" go when their bodies cease functioning. "To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Considering his own pending death, Paul wrote he preferred "to depart and be with Christ, which is very much better" (Phil 1:23). So, for those who have trusted in Christ's death and resurrection for them, they may have confidence that eternal life has been given to them (John 3:16), and that their death is an upgrade into he presence of Christ, or heaven (if you will). And, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-16 teaches us that our bodies will be resurrected at the end of time, rejoined to our spirit/soul, and like the resurrection body of the Lord himself (1 John 3:1-3, cf. 1 Corinthians 15:35-57).
* OUR ETERNAL HOME - finally, the Bible speaks of a permanent eternal home for God's redeemed people, a "new heaven and new earth" at the center of which is a marvelous city, a "new Jerusalem," described in Revelation 21-22. Entry into this comes after a kingdom era on the earth (Revelation 20:1-6), and the final judgment of the unsaved (Revelation 20:11-15). The reality of hell is described there, and it is for those are without salvation in Christ. The description in Revelation 21-22 is quite compelling, and speaks of our eternal "heaven," our future home.
Second, ask him some more questions. What does he want to know about heaven? What source does he trust for answers (the Bible, the movies, talk shows)? My desire in further inquiry would be to understand what he is feeling (if he is willing to share it), why he is interested, and what he'd like to know. Ultimately, the best source for any answers would be the Scriptures.
Third, help him understand the way to heaven. Focus on Biblical passages like John 3:16, John 5:24, John 14:1-6, and 1 John 5:11-12. Simple faith in Christ, which opens the door to heaven, can be expressed in this wonderful prayer. Use it with him, if he is willing:
Father in Heaven
Today I choose to place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone.
I believe He died in my place to pay the penalty my sin deserves.
I believe You raised Him from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.
By faith I receive the gift of His righteousness in the place of my sin.
Thank you.
Help me to grow in Christ.
Amen.
Then...show him again 1 John 5:11-12! He's ready for heaven.
HEARING GOD'S VOICE
"How do I know when God is speaking to me?"
I love these kinds of questions. They are so important
GOT EARS?
Often when Jesus taught, he would begin what he would say, or end it, with an interesting statement. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
I take it from that kind of goad that Jesus indicates that God is speaking to us all the time. The real issue is if we are tuned in, or not. Often we are not. We expect God to come at us like the rest of today's information - in 10 or 15 or 30 or 60 second advertisements, or in sound bites from giggling millennials on early morning television programs. We read more tweets, Facebook postings, or entertainment magazines than we do Scripture.
Got ears? Then listen to Jesus. So how do you do that?
GOT SCRIPTURE?
"All Scripture is God-breathed, and is therefore profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. So that the person of God will be thoroughly equipped, ready for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Paul's explanation to Timothy about the helpfulness of Scripture cannot be overlooked if we want to hear regularly from God. Simply put, God speaks to us personally through Scripture. When we read it - with understanding (i.e., taking note of its context and contents), God's Spirit will speak to us about what to believe (teaching), what needs to be stopped in my life (reproof), what needs to be lived instead (correction), and how to get strong in living rightly (training in righteousness). With this approach, take some time to read EPHESIANS for a moment. I guarantee you that God will teach you, reprove you, correct you, and give you some training in excellent living. He will speak.
The challenge is - will you agree with what He says, and will you obey His promptings?
GOT THE SPIRIT?
Christians are reminded , pretty regularly, that they are the host-home of a living Person, the Holy Spirit of God. He takes Scripture and speaks to us through it. He also speaks in applying Scripture to the opportunities of our daily lives. For example, when Scripture says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), I find the Spirit prompting me all the time to pray.
When a Cyclone player goes down with a leg injury, I sense God's Spirit saying "pray!!!" When I'm in a conversation with someone new, and does not know Christ, I sense God's Spirit saying, "pray for his heart to open up to Christ." When I'm walking and memorizing Scripture, I sense God's Spirit saying, "Here's what this means for you."
Ask the Holy Spirit to talk to you. He will. You'll start thinking things from Him you never would have said to yourself.
GOT GODLY FRIENDS?
Proverbs 11:14 says, "in an abundance of counselors, there is safety." Frequently, God speaks through godly, trusted friends who themselves are full of Scripture, the Spirit, and living-for-Christ experience. Seek some mentors of this ilk! Unpack with them, and listen. Jesus uses "his Body" as it speaks the truth in love to one another, to bring us to maturity (cf. Ephesians 4:12-16).
Often, godly friends will help you hear what God is saying to you about very specific situations. Many of our decisions are not "right vs. wrong" ones, but rather "wise vs. unwise" calls. Wisdom is fully available from God (James 1:3-5), and often in the mouths of our walking-with-Jesus friends.
MAKE LISTENING A PRAYER REQUEST
Simply put, reflect often on Scripture, lean into the Holy Spirit, spend time with godly friends - I think you'll find God coming in loud and clear...if you've "got ears."
I love these kinds of questions. They are so important
GOT EARS?
Often when Jesus taught, he would begin what he would say, or end it, with an interesting statement. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
I take it from that kind of goad that Jesus indicates that God is speaking to us all the time. The real issue is if we are tuned in, or not. Often we are not. We expect God to come at us like the rest of today's information - in 10 or 15 or 30 or 60 second advertisements, or in sound bites from giggling millennials on early morning television programs. We read more tweets, Facebook postings, or entertainment magazines than we do Scripture.
Got ears? Then listen to Jesus. So how do you do that?
GOT SCRIPTURE?
"All Scripture is God-breathed, and is therefore profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. So that the person of God will be thoroughly equipped, ready for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Paul's explanation to Timothy about the helpfulness of Scripture cannot be overlooked if we want to hear regularly from God. Simply put, God speaks to us personally through Scripture. When we read it - with understanding (i.e., taking note of its context and contents), God's Spirit will speak to us about what to believe (teaching), what needs to be stopped in my life (reproof), what needs to be lived instead (correction), and how to get strong in living rightly (training in righteousness). With this approach, take some time to read EPHESIANS for a moment. I guarantee you that God will teach you, reprove you, correct you, and give you some training in excellent living. He will speak.
The challenge is - will you agree with what He says, and will you obey His promptings?
GOT THE SPIRIT?
Christians are reminded , pretty regularly, that they are the host-home of a living Person, the Holy Spirit of God. He takes Scripture and speaks to us through it. He also speaks in applying Scripture to the opportunities of our daily lives. For example, when Scripture says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), I find the Spirit prompting me all the time to pray.
When a Cyclone player goes down with a leg injury, I sense God's Spirit saying "pray!!!" When I'm in a conversation with someone new, and does not know Christ, I sense God's Spirit saying, "pray for his heart to open up to Christ." When I'm walking and memorizing Scripture, I sense God's Spirit saying, "Here's what this means for you."
Ask the Holy Spirit to talk to you. He will. You'll start thinking things from Him you never would have said to yourself.
GOT GODLY FRIENDS?
Proverbs 11:14 says, "in an abundance of counselors, there is safety." Frequently, God speaks through godly, trusted friends who themselves are full of Scripture, the Spirit, and living-for-Christ experience. Seek some mentors of this ilk! Unpack with them, and listen. Jesus uses "his Body" as it speaks the truth in love to one another, to bring us to maturity (cf. Ephesians 4:12-16).
Often, godly friends will help you hear what God is saying to you about very specific situations. Many of our decisions are not "right vs. wrong" ones, but rather "wise vs. unwise" calls. Wisdom is fully available from God (James 1:3-5), and often in the mouths of our walking-with-Jesus friends.
MAKE LISTENING A PRAYER REQUEST
Simply put, reflect often on Scripture, lean into the Holy Spirit, spend time with godly friends - I think you'll find God coming in loud and clear...if you've "got ears."
HOW TO VIEW THE MIDDLE EAST
"What should my response be to what's going on in the Middle East?" someone asked recently. "And what should our response be as 'a Christian nation'?"
The inquiry as to what might be a personal "response" to events in the Middle East could use some sharpening. A response to whom? To friends who ask in a coffee shop conversation? To your Congressional representative? To the international student from Jordan who wants to know 'where you stand'?
I have "a response" if you will. I think people, starting with me, and everyone else needs a Biblical world view.
WHAT IS A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW?
A biblical worldview is seeing the world and what goes on in it through the lens provided us by God's Spirit in the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament. But even that "lens" needs a clarification. It is to look at reality believing that God has revealed in Scripture (1) who He is, (2) what He is up to in the universe He created and the affairs of humanity whom He loves.
Can something helpful from a Biblical approach be summarized as speaking to "the Middle East"? Perhaps. Here is my attempt.
People in every country -- be those countries located in the Middle East or anywhere else on the planet -- are called to believe that God wants to, and will, bless all peoples through Abraham's "seed," that is, the Person of The Lord Jesus Christ. History's most important person came through the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, and David. Israel is God's chosen nation, and He has always intended to bless the world through His people.
Jesus Christ The Lord, the Messiah, is, as Isaiah declared, the Prince of Peace and humanity's Wonderful Counselor (cf. Isaiah 9). Thus, there will never be peace in the hearts of individuals nor in the relationships between nations, until hearts and knees and thrones and kingdoms are bent before Him, and submitted to His righteous rule. Sin and selfishness are what stirs people to bad, self-serving relations, and also nations to conquest and war. Only Christ can effectively put sin and death and all its relentless collateral damage aside. Only then comes "shalom," the unique peace of God to a restless, sinful humanity.
WHAT TO SUPPORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Usually, questions like those at the beginning of this blog are also wondering about what we - those with a Biblical worldview - should politically and personally support in the Middle East. Should we be "on the side of" Israel? the Palestinians? The citizenry and governments of surrounding nations like Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, etc.?
I believe that the world one day will be blessed as Israel is in right relationship with Her Messiah, that His kingdom and "David's throne" will be reestablished in the region of Jerusalem and Palestine. That He will reign righteously over the nations, and they will be glad for His equitable rule and the blessings of the Kingdom era.
The truth is that Israel today is over 70% secular. It is not oriented to God's Messiah. She needs to be. But so do the surrounding nations. "There is salvation in none other," said Peter. "There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be delivered (or saved)" (Acts 4:12).
Support the spread of the Gospel in the Middle East. Support governments in the Middle East who will allow open and free gospel-sharing about the Person of Christ. Pray for conditions in all nations where the good news about what can be found when trusting in Jesus Christ can be understood and embraced (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-8).
The inquiry as to what might be a personal "response" to events in the Middle East could use some sharpening. A response to whom? To friends who ask in a coffee shop conversation? To your Congressional representative? To the international student from Jordan who wants to know 'where you stand'?
I have "a response" if you will. I think people, starting with me, and everyone else needs a Biblical world view.
WHAT IS A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW?
A biblical worldview is seeing the world and what goes on in it through the lens provided us by God's Spirit in the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament. But even that "lens" needs a clarification. It is to look at reality believing that God has revealed in Scripture (1) who He is, (2) what He is up to in the universe He created and the affairs of humanity whom He loves.
Can something helpful from a Biblical approach be summarized as speaking to "the Middle East"? Perhaps. Here is my attempt.
People in every country -- be those countries located in the Middle East or anywhere else on the planet -- are called to believe that God wants to, and will, bless all peoples through Abraham's "seed," that is, the Person of The Lord Jesus Christ. History's most important person came through the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, and David. Israel is God's chosen nation, and He has always intended to bless the world through His people.
Jesus Christ The Lord, the Messiah, is, as Isaiah declared, the Prince of Peace and humanity's Wonderful Counselor (cf. Isaiah 9). Thus, there will never be peace in the hearts of individuals nor in the relationships between nations, until hearts and knees and thrones and kingdoms are bent before Him, and submitted to His righteous rule. Sin and selfishness are what stirs people to bad, self-serving relations, and also nations to conquest and war. Only Christ can effectively put sin and death and all its relentless collateral damage aside. Only then comes "shalom," the unique peace of God to a restless, sinful humanity.
WHAT TO SUPPORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Usually, questions like those at the beginning of this blog are also wondering about what we - those with a Biblical worldview - should politically and personally support in the Middle East. Should we be "on the side of" Israel? the Palestinians? The citizenry and governments of surrounding nations like Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, etc.?
I believe that the world one day will be blessed as Israel is in right relationship with Her Messiah, that His kingdom and "David's throne" will be reestablished in the region of Jerusalem and Palestine. That He will reign righteously over the nations, and they will be glad for His equitable rule and the blessings of the Kingdom era.
The truth is that Israel today is over 70% secular. It is not oriented to God's Messiah. She needs to be. But so do the surrounding nations. "There is salvation in none other," said Peter. "There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be delivered (or saved)" (Acts 4:12).
Support the spread of the Gospel in the Middle East. Support governments in the Middle East who will allow open and free gospel-sharing about the Person of Christ. Pray for conditions in all nations where the good news about what can be found when trusting in Jesus Christ can be understood and embraced (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-8).
"Thy Kingdom Come" - Controversial?
Are we in God's promised Kingdom today?
Rejecting their Messiah, ethnic/national Israel have no future in God's plans, right?
Isn't today's believing Church the "true Israel"?
Isn't Jesus reigning today on his father David's throne?
Is teaching something other than "yes" to these questions "controversial"?
"Lord, is at this time you are going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6) After 40 days of becoming convinced that their crucified Master, Israel's Messiah, was in fact raised bodily from the dead, and His teaching about 'the kingdom of God,' it is pretty clear that His disciple/apostles believed -- from what Jesus had said -- that Israel had a future, in a kingdom.
Jesus' reply appears to affirm their expectation. What he doesn't say is "No, you've got it wrong. There is no future kingdom to be restored for Israel. The kingdom is the Church you will be launching when the Spirit comes upon you."
What he says is, "You are not to know the times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority." Hmmm.
IS THERE A FUTURE EARTHLY KINGDOM FOR ISRAEL AND THE WORLD
I was asked -- after recently teaching from Scripture that a future kingdom for Israel is still in God's plan -- if I were teaching a view that was controversial and out-of-sync with what most Christians today believe. Here's what I think to be true.
(1) Most Christians don't have a clue about "what's next" or the possibility of a "future earthly kingdom." Frankly, most pastors don't either. The Scripture is not carefully studied about these matters, and it is rarely preached about.
(2) If by "most Christans" we mean the total count in the world today - estimated at just over 2 billion (or about 30% of the world's population), and 1.2 billion are Roman Catholic, 270 million are Orthodox, 74 million are Lutheran...and on it goes -- you might argue that "most Christians" believe that we are in the promised Kingdom today because the "church is the kingdom." That is to say, you have a Roman Catholic view on what God's word says about the coming Kingdom.
(3) When Jesus came the first time, he fulfilled God's Old Testament promises regarding the Person and Coming of the Messiah literally, not figuratively. He was physically, literally born to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David's lineage. His conception was in a virgin who had not known a man. He was literally born in Bethlehem. He literally carried away the physical diseases of Israel in his healing ministry. He literally rode into Jerusalem on a colt, and the nation watched it (the Zechariah prophesy was not to be figuratively understood that he was simply a humble person...though, of couse, he was). He literally was disfigured beyond recognition. He was literally placed in a rich man's tomb (again, it wasn't that he was merely honored by rich or notable people...though he was that too).
Literal promises were fulfilled to Israel in a real-time, real life Messiah.
So what gives us -- who interpret the Old Testament promises regarding a Kingdom era for Israel -- the permission to interpret "figuratively" those promises, and see them (so-called) fulfilled (rather loosely speaking) in today's Church? Personally, I don't have that permission. Do you? Does the Roman Church? Or the Orthodox Church? Do the Lutherans have that permisson? Or perhaps the Presbyterians?
(4) Finally, while many Christians either don't have a clue about what is coming next or have simply adopted (what may be called) a "majority view" (hmmm, how often is the majority right anyway?), there are millions of Christians who have studied the Scriptures and think otherwise.
What I am teaching is what may be called the "pre-millennial" view of what's next. Namely, that Jesus will return bodily, and will restore the Kingdom to Israel when His Father's plan calls for it in the timeline of human history, and that the glorious things still spoken of by the Old Testament prophets (cf. Acts 3:17-21) will yet happen.
"Father in Heaven, Let your name be regarded as Holy, Let Your Kingdom come, Let your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven..."
Rejecting their Messiah, ethnic/national Israel have no future in God's plans, right?
Isn't today's believing Church the "true Israel"?
Isn't Jesus reigning today on his father David's throne?
Is teaching something other than "yes" to these questions "controversial"?
"Lord, is at this time you are going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6) After 40 days of becoming convinced that their crucified Master, Israel's Messiah, was in fact raised bodily from the dead, and His teaching about 'the kingdom of God,' it is pretty clear that His disciple/apostles believed -- from what Jesus had said -- that Israel had a future, in a kingdom.
Jesus' reply appears to affirm their expectation. What he doesn't say is "No, you've got it wrong. There is no future kingdom to be restored for Israel. The kingdom is the Church you will be launching when the Spirit comes upon you."
What he says is, "You are not to know the times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority." Hmmm.
IS THERE A FUTURE EARTHLY KINGDOM FOR ISRAEL AND THE WORLD
I was asked -- after recently teaching from Scripture that a future kingdom for Israel is still in God's plan -- if I were teaching a view that was controversial and out-of-sync with what most Christians today believe. Here's what I think to be true.
(1) Most Christians don't have a clue about "what's next" or the possibility of a "future earthly kingdom." Frankly, most pastors don't either. The Scripture is not carefully studied about these matters, and it is rarely preached about.
(2) If by "most Christans" we mean the total count in the world today - estimated at just over 2 billion (or about 30% of the world's population), and 1.2 billion are Roman Catholic, 270 million are Orthodox, 74 million are Lutheran...and on it goes -- you might argue that "most Christians" believe that we are in the promised Kingdom today because the "church is the kingdom." That is to say, you have a Roman Catholic view on what God's word says about the coming Kingdom.
(3) When Jesus came the first time, he fulfilled God's Old Testament promises regarding the Person and Coming of the Messiah literally, not figuratively. He was physically, literally born to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David's lineage. His conception was in a virgin who had not known a man. He was literally born in Bethlehem. He literally carried away the physical diseases of Israel in his healing ministry. He literally rode into Jerusalem on a colt, and the nation watched it (the Zechariah prophesy was not to be figuratively understood that he was simply a humble person...though, of couse, he was). He literally was disfigured beyond recognition. He was literally placed in a rich man's tomb (again, it wasn't that he was merely honored by rich or notable people...though he was that too).
Literal promises were fulfilled to Israel in a real-time, real life Messiah.
So what gives us -- who interpret the Old Testament promises regarding a Kingdom era for Israel -- the permission to interpret "figuratively" those promises, and see them (so-called) fulfilled (rather loosely speaking) in today's Church? Personally, I don't have that permission. Do you? Does the Roman Church? Or the Orthodox Church? Do the Lutherans have that permisson? Or perhaps the Presbyterians?
(4) Finally, while many Christians either don't have a clue about what is coming next or have simply adopted (what may be called) a "majority view" (hmmm, how often is the majority right anyway?), there are millions of Christians who have studied the Scriptures and think otherwise.
What I am teaching is what may be called the "pre-millennial" view of what's next. Namely, that Jesus will return bodily, and will restore the Kingdom to Israel when His Father's plan calls for it in the timeline of human history, and that the glorious things still spoken of by the Old Testament prophets (cf. Acts 3:17-21) will yet happen.
"Father in Heaven, Let your name be regarded as Holy, Let Your Kingdom come, Let your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven..."
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