Talk outline
Heaven in us before we are in heaven
Sunday 9 July 2006
Bible Passage: Revelation 7:9-12
Speaker: Jonathan Lamb
(Langham Partnership International)
Introduction:
Thinking about heaven
Richard Sibbes: 'Heaven was in him before he was in heaven'
1. The Vision is God's Family verse 9
Revelation 14:6; Genesis 15:5; 22:17
Why is it difficult for Christians to hold the vision of God's worldwide purposes and global family?
- the tolerant spirit : we are told not to absolutise or universalise our view that Jesus is the Saviour of the world.
- shrinking horizons : even Christians are affected by the tendency to focus on personal concerns and local needs, rather than the challenge of worldwide mission and the global church.
2. The Reason is God's Gospel verses 9,10
- what they wear : the white robes are a symbol of their right standing with God.
- what they hold : palm branches are a symbol of victory and rejoicing.
- what they shout : the 'salvation' shout of verse 10
Two practical applications:
- with one voice : the importance of unity
- Christ at the centre : the importance of the message
3. The Focus is God's Glory verses 11,12
The final verses demonstrate that the focus in heaven will the glory of God. Our task is to anticipate that day by 'declaring his glory among the nations'.
'A world Christian is someone who is so gripped by the glory of God and the glory of his global purpose, that he chooses to align himself with God's mission to fill the earth with the knowledge of his glory as the waters cover the sea. The burning prayer of the world Christian is: Let the peoples praise thee O God, let all the peoples praise thee.' (David Bryant)
For further thought:
- Shrinking horizons: is it true that our interests are getting smaller? How can we resist the temptation to focus only on personal and local concerns, and engage with the worldwide church?
- Jesus the only Way: is it true that there is a crisis of confidence amongst Christians? How do we restore our commitment to proclaim Christ?
- Christian unity: is it true that our witness is harmed by our divisions? How can we strengthen our unity as believers, and demonstrate the truth of the gospel through this partnership globally?
- Concern for God's glory: i s it true that our limited commitment to evangelism and mission is because we have so little passion for God's glory? How can we change this?
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Last updated
10-Jul-2006