A Christopher Wright Sermon Summary Let’s explain a few concepts regarding the end times. Some people focus too much on the millennium, a term that appears only in one passage[1] in Revelation, which is a book filled with symbolic imagery. Others focus on the rapture and Christians being snatched away[2]. Instead, our focus should be on Christ’s return. Furthermore, the New Testament has nothing on the Israel state. The Old Testament’s promises to the Israelites are fulfilled in Christ, not through any holy land[3]. Gentiles and Jews share the same inheritance in Christ[4].
In the end times, Christ will return personally[5]. All will see His glorious return[6], and the dead will be raised[7]. Christ will be the fair and merciful judge[8]. His judgments will last forever[9], with all wrongs exposed[10] and all wickedness destroyed[11]. His judgments will be based on what we know and our situations[12], according to our deeds and our lives[13]. We are justified through faith, and our deeds will show whether we lived in faith[14]. God will transform His creation into the new heaven and earth, with no more death, mourning, pain, impurity, strife, violence, war, or sin. Many will go to heaven, but earth is the final home. God will come down to be with us on earth[15]. We will openly see God’s face[16]. We will live with God in our gloriously resurrected bodies[17]. The corrupted physical creation will be cleansed of its curse. All people and animals will live peacefully together, praising and honoring God[18]. The new earth includes the city in Revelation, a secure, spacious, and beautiful place, like the garden of Eden, but with the tree of life always there for us. People will bring into the city their glorious and honorable splendor, filling the city with their cultural richness, and we will enjoy the work of our hands there[19]. Until that day, we should faithfully do what He has told us to do, so we’ll be ready for the end times. Rest in our sovereign God, who will redeem us and put all things right again[20]. Also, let us thank God for giving us a new birth and a living hope through Christ’s death and resurrection[21]. Thank God for giving us a real life in His new creation. Summarized from Chapters 9-11 of The God I Don’t Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith by Christopher Wright. 1 - Revelation 20 2 - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and Matthew 24:40-41 3 - Hebrews 13:14, Acts 13:32-33, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 4:11-12 4 - Ephesians 2:11-3:6; Hebrews 3:12-4:11, 4:14, 8:1, 10:21, 13:10, 6:19-20, 10:19, 12:22, 12:28 5 - Acts 1:10-11, James 5:7-9; 1 John 2:28 6 - Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Titus 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 7 - Revelation 20:11-13, Philippians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:35-43, Matthew 22:23-33 8 - Revelation 5:6; John 5:22-23; Acts 10:42-43, 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Psalm 33:13-15, 103:14; Luke 23:34; 1 Timothy 1:13 9 - 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10 10 - John 5:25-29; Job 24:12, 23-24 11 - 2 Peter 3:10 12 - John 3:19-21; Romans 1:19-20, 2:12-16 13 - Revelation 20:12-13, 2 Corinthians 5:10 14 - Matthew 7:21-23 15 - Revelation 21-22; Isaiah 65:17, 25 16 - Revelation 21:3, 22:3-4 17 - Luke 24:37-39; John 21:4-13; Acts 2:24, 3:15, 13:29-30, Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:11, 23 18 - Isaiah 65:25; Revelation 4:7, 5:13-14 19 - Revelation 21:24-27, Isaiah 65:21-23. 20 - Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 96:11-13 21 - 1 Peter 1:3
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A 高銘謙 Sermon Summary Let’s learn from God’s promise and examples after examples of God fulfilling them in 2 Chronicles.
In Chapter 6, Solomon prayed to God about His promise in Deuteronomy 28. God responded, affirming that rebellion led to curses, but that forgiveness would come if they humbled themselves, prayed and sought God’s face, and turned from wickedness (2 Chronicles 7:12-16). Humility means to accept ourselves as God’s creation. Praying to God is an act of humility. We don’t pray if we think we can handle everything. Seeking God’s face means following God’s commands, where seeking with all your heart being similar to loving God with all your heart in Deuteronomy (2Chronicles 15:12). In the bible, to love God isn’t just a feeling, but a commitment to follow His command as an expression of that love (John 14:21). Solomon’s prayer concludes with God’s promised love (2 Chronicles 6:42). 2 Chronicles repeats the refrain: “He is good; his love endures forever,” a reminder that God will always keep His promise, specifically the promise in 7:14 (2 Chronicles 5:13). 2 Chronicles 7:14 is on admitting sin, repenting, and receiving forgiveness, like salvation through faith (1 John 1:9). In the Old Testament, prayers went through the temple. Later, John identified Christ as the temple, which Christ rebuilt in three days. So, prayers now go through Christ, not Solomon’s temple. Chapters 10-36 describe the rise and fall of the several kings, illustrating the promise of verse 7:14 in action. A common pattern repeats itself: a king would seek God and be blessed, but then grow arrogant and abandon God, leading to his downfall. But repentance brings salvation. Let’s look at the following examples in 2Chronicles:
May we learn from history so we don’t repeat these mistakes. Summary of a sermon titled “2 Chronicles on Seeking God” by 高銘謙: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXE3ZjxVi9I A Lesson from Tim Keller Our hope for the future can greatly influence our choices today. For example, our feeling towards a very boring or strenuous job changes if the job could bring us a lot of money.
Similarly, if we believe death will end everything and leave us to rot like dinosaurs, then the distinction of right/wrong, kindness/cruelty, and good/bad holds much less significance. Does life really have meaning? Is life sacred? Or are we any different from trees? What we hope for shapes our life and attitude. The biblical meaning for “hope” is different from our daily usage. “I hope he will succeed” doesn’t mean he will succeed, but in the Bible, “hope” implies certainty in the outcome (Hebrews 11:1). Let’s learn about the Bible’s hope from Ephesians 1:11-14,18. Christians rest their hope in Christ (v12). God showed His love for us in giving His only Son to suffer and die for us. On earth, Christ was rejected by all. On the cross, He was rejected even by the Father. At that point, Christ had no hope and no Father so we could have both. Before Christ, we were nobody, with no future and no God (Ephesians 2:12). Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we become God’s children and possession (v14, 1 Peter 2:10). Because of Christ, we have a glorious inheritance, guaranteed by the Holy Spirit in us (v14, 18). When we receive our inheritance, all of creation will be redeemed from decay and death (Romans 8:21-24). All creation is longing for that day. When it comes, even trees will sing for joy (Psalms 96:12). But in the meantime, life on Earth is difficult. Christ lived a perfect life, yet He was tortured and crucified. He told us that if people hated Him, people would hate His followers also. But no matter what happens, ultimately everything will turn out for His glory and our good. This hope sustains and strengthens us. As God’s cherished children and possession, be alert and sober, and set your hope on our wonderful future in Christ (1 Peter 1:13). Summarized from a Tim Keller’s sermon, “Hope for the world.” https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/hope-for-the-world-6022/ A Lesson from Tim Keller Victor Frankl, a Jew, survived through multiple Nazi concentration camps. His book, Man’s Search for Meaning, describes the experiences of many who suffered.
According to him, some turned brutal and cruel. Suppressing their pain and hardening their hearts, they became indifferent to suffering. Some who were dumped by their spouses became bitter and cynical, trivializing or demonizing the opposite sex. Some gave up all hope, shriveled up, and died. Some held on, hoping someday they might get back what they had lost (e.g. health, family, fortune, and achievements). But after liberation from the camps, with their hope not realized, they became depressed, disillusioned, and even suicidal. They tied their hope to transient objects; when they couldn’t get them, they didn’t want to live anymore. Surprisingly, according to Victor, some didn’t turn brutal and cruel. They had a hope that suffering couldn’t destroy. The differences in their hope determined their life trajectory. Concentration camps condense life into a very short time. To avoid ruination, we need a living hope. Christ suffered immensely. In great sorrow, He even sweated blood at Gethsemane. Through His suffering and resurrection, Christ took our condemnation so that we could be reconciled with God forever (2 Corinthians 5:21). For the joy set before Him, He ran the race (Hebrew 12:2). Seeing what His suffering has accomplished—our salvation—Christ is satisfied. We are the source of Christ’s living hope (Isaiah 53:11). What is our living hope? Let’s learn from 1 Peter 1:3-9. Through Christ’s suffering and resurrection, we can be reconciled to God (v9), and we receive what Christ deserves (2 Corinthians 5:21). One day, there will be no more death, mourning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4). Our faith may even result in praise, glory, and honor from God (v7). This is our living hope. It is independent of our circumstances. It is not based on our power, our health, or others’ approval. It is imperishable, safe, and secure in heaven (v3-4). With this living hope, we don’t need to suppress our current grief. Instead, grief and joy can co-exist. In verse 6, both are in the present tense! Current grief can even drive us closer to God. Thus, we could live joyfully even in suffering and pain. Summarized from a Tim Keller’s sermon: https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/born-into-hope-5219/ A Tim Keller Sermon Summary Tragedy is inevitable. Let’s learn from the Lazarus’ story (John 11:1-53).
“Lord, the one you love is sick,” Martha and Mary, Lazarus’ sisters, told Christ, but still He waited for two days before going over (v6). When He arrived, Lazarus was already dead for days, and they questioned Christ for not coming sooner. To Mary’s question, Christ wept. He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead (v4), yet He cried (v35). Christ weeps with those who weep because He feels our pain. To Martha’s same question, Christ didn’t console, but told her, “I am the resurrection and the life” (v25). He taught her the truth: He is the life, and He would make everything new, with no more death. Christ was also deeply moved with indignation (v33, 38). The original Greek word means “filled with rage and anger.” Christ wasn’t angry at others, such as the Samaritans or “Muslims,” or at Himself. He wasn’t angry at Lazarus. When Job was suffering, Job’s friends accused him of sinning, leading to God’s punishment. Don’t make assumptions about God’s intention based on your immediate circumstances. A smooth life could be a result of God giving us over to our bad desires. If we stay proud and stupid, we will perish (Romans 1:24-32). Christ warned that victims of a political massacre or a falling tower weren’t worse people than others (Luke 13:1-5). Remember that Christ lived perfectly but suffered terribly. We shouldn’t assume that our immediate circumstances are a direct reflection on God’s approval or disapproval of us. In Lazarus’ story, Christ’s anger might be for death at the tomb (v38). Then, He brought Lazarus back to life. Christ’s action led to the Pharisees plotting to kill Him (v53). Christ fixed their problem, yet He soon would be facing a much bigger one. In our life, there will be tragedy. When tragedy strikes, grieve, but grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Express your anger against the tragedy. Lay your pain and suffering before Christ. Our God will weep with us and teach us the truth. He is the resurrection and the life. Because of His blessings, He will make everything new and right again. Summarized from a Tim Keller’s sermon, “Truth tear anger grace.” https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/truth-tears-anger-and-grace-5247/ Christ told Nicodemus to be born again (John 3). Was this just a fancy marketing term to intrigue Nicodemus?
Nicodemus was a Pharisee on the Jewish ruling council, suggesting he was a fervent, successful, and highly honored follower of Jewish law. Yet, Jesus told him to be born again. Starting all over again is not just a call for the wicked or the weak to improve, but even the most respected. Let’s learn what born again means from 1 Peter 1:3-13, 23. Born again gives us a living hope (v3). What we expect of the future directly shapes how we live today. Without a vibrant hope for something much bigger than ourselves, many of us live for nothing but selfish desire, which inevitably leads to a meaningless life that amounts to just fidgeting aimlessly while waiting for death. Christ on the cross has given us a living hope of a wonderful salvation, with non-perishable inheritances in heaven (v3-5). With this hope, our joy and sadness are not dictated by our environment. This hope shifts us away from depending on our power, wealth, and other earthly things to rescue us (Psalm 33:17). With this hope, we can rest in Christ and His salvation. On Earth, pain and suffering are common, but suffering should drive us deeper into the living hope, which can give us joy even in the midst of great pain (v6-7). We cannot have this new hope or get this new birth through our effort. To be born again is to be brought on by Christ (v23). We should trust in Christ to bring us a new beginning and give us a new hope. We will see the world through the lens of the Gospel, shifting our focus from worldly things to Christ. Then gradually, we will change and grow. Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon: https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/hope-for-your-life-6024/ 新的希望赋予我们新的生命 基督告诉尼哥德慕要重生(约翰福音3)。这只是花哨的营销术语来吸引尼哥德慕吗? 尼哥德慕是犹太统治公会里的法利赛人. 他是犹太法律的热情追随者,一位成功而极受尊敬的人。然而耶稣告诉他必须重生。这个重新开始不仅仅是对恶人或弱者改进的呼吁,即使最受尊敬的人也需要它。 彼得前书1:3-13,23中可以学习到重生的意义。 对未来的期待直接影响今天的生活。 重生给人活泼的盼望 (彼得前书1:3)。它是一种充满活力,远超越自己之事的盼望。许多人没有这种盼望,生活在自我的私欲中, 不可避免地过着毫无意义的生活,漫无目的而又坐立不安地等待死亡的到来。 基督在十架上赐下对于奇妙美好救恩的活泼盼望, 在天上有不会朽坏的基业为信徒存留 (彼得前书1:3-5)。 因为有了这属天的盼望,喜悦和悲伤就不由环境来决定。这盼望使人不再倚靠自我的力量、财富和其它属世之物来拯救自己 (诗篇33:17),而是安息在基督和祂的救恩里面。 痛苦和患难在世上是常见的,但这一切应该驱使人更深入地理解和明白这活泼的盼望. 即使在巨大的痛苦中它也能给人带来喜乐 (彼得前书1:6-7)。 这个新盼望或新生命都不能靠个人的努力得到,重生是从基督而来 (彼得前书1:23) 。 应当相信基督会带来一个新开始和新盼望,透过福音的镜头来看世界,把焦点从世俗之物转移到基督身上。如此,我们将更新变换而逐渐地成长。 |
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