Eternity Present with Us
Commentary
Very often I hear someone speak of eternity in terms that give me pause. They speak of death as the end of our earthly existence and then speak of the coming eternity that God is promising as something that will come someday. I may seem a bit unspiritual, but it is as if they somehow think that the gas is turned down for a time and that they are left with a pilot light glowing, awaiting the day sometime, when God will come and turn up the gas and life will begin again.
I suggest that if one is going to preach on this theme it is important to reread the scripture references. You will discover that many things we have to say are born of our own or someone else's imagination or speculation.
There is no clear witness to one idea in this matter. One time it seems as if one is to go directly to the reward. For instance, Jesus' words to one of the thieves crucified with him.
And then there are Paul's word pictures that make it sound as if it all happens in some far off day. When reading this we ought to remember that many of the writers in the New Testament were convinced that the coming day was just around the corner. We know better. Thus we ought to avoid importing their picture language in to our own day and making more of it than they would if they were here.
What is important to say, in my opinion, is to say no more than the scriptures say. Check out 1 Corinthians 15:37, 38. It seems to me that here Paul makes it clear that since there is no clear word about what the hereafter is like, we ought to declare our trust in God. That is what he does when he says that "God gives it a body as he pleases." That is enough for me. If God can give me a body for meaningful existence in this life, then I can trust him for the life to come.
OUTLINE I
An Invitation to Joy
Psalm 47
Introduction: One of the wonderful things about the Psalms is that most of them are timeless. We really know the dates of very few of them and can only guess at others. This means that a particular Psalm can be considered in its original context (if we know it), or that it can be usable in any other time frame. Just take a look at this Psalm. It could be an invitation to joy at almost any time, after deliverance from bondage in Egypt, at the beginning of the new confederation in the promised land, at high moments during the days of the kings, or after restoration from Exile in Babylon. Or, it can be used as an exclamation point after the great events of the New Testament or following the many triumphal moments of the church throughout history. Or, it can be quite personal and be the celebration of great moments in our lives. For instance:
A. Verses 1-4. A recollection of God's great deeds in the midst of his people. Try inserting a recollection of his great deeds in our own time. Make a list applicable to the people in your congregation.
B. Verses 5-7. An invitation to praise which needs no editing or updating. It fits all time just as it is.
C. Verses 8, 9. A proclamation of the power and majesty and victory of God. I especially like the picture language in 9b. Just think of all the nations assembled before God and offering their shields, their identities, and their lives to God. It is the right response.
Conclusion: You have already discovered that this Psalm can be the basis for a sermon, or it can be used in other ways. Try it as a call to worship. Use it to mark some great event in the life of the church and congregation. Use it at the funeral of one who has lived the faithful life. The possibilities are endless if you give freedom to your imagination.
OUTLINE II
Witnessing by Doing
Acts 16:16-34
Introduction: All of us are familiar with the common assumption that our witnessing must be verbal. Thus many have thought themselves not good witnesses because they are not gifted with speaking skills or are simply not emotionally able to witness in such a manner. In the scripture for today we are reminded that what one does is in all likelihood more effective than what one says.
A. In the story of Paul's encounter with the slave girl who is given to special powers, the witness takes an interesting turn. Because of what he does, he and his compatriot Silas are jailed. Thus the stage is set for another effective witness.
B. You can have fun with this one. Go ahead and be picturesque in your descriptions. Let your imagination portray what must have been the case here. Here an opportunity is given for a witness once again by action. Paul and Silas are an example to all who are present. Little wonder the jailer is overcome. He knows that his life is on the line. He fully understands that in any normal situation as this those who are jailed will take advantage of the opportunity to be free. Paul and Silas and their influence (one wonders how long they really were there in order to have such power) on the other prisoners make a formidable witness to all including the jailer. You can imagine the relief as well as the joy that came at the realization that his job and his life were not in jeopardy.
Conclusion: Whether we know it or not all of us are witnessing all the time. We witness by our words certainly; but just as effectively we witness by our actions -- how we treat others, in our business dealings, when there is need, to name a few. We are witnesses of one kind or another and the task given to all of us is that of making effective use of our witness. In Hebrews 11:16, we read these words, "therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God." Re-read that chapter and imagine what an accolade that is for the faithful.
OUTLINE III
A Word About Who He Is
Revelation 22:12-17
Introduction: You are no doubt aware that the gospel of John is the great gospel of the "I am's" of Jesus. "I am the bread of life," "I am the door," "I am the good shepherd," for example. Here in Revelation the writer speaks in that style as Jesus speaks for himself and what is about to happen.
A. I am coming soon. Here is an opportunity to deal with the Second Coming and its meaning. Clearly that meaning is not time bound. That does not mean that John did not expect it soon, but that the church has learned as the centuries roll by that soon on God's calendar may be a long time for us. See 2 Peter 3:8.
B. I am the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. It is the New Testament's way of saying that God is timeless and that what we know in Jesus is timeless as well. What we have come to know about God through Jesus is what God has always been and what he will always be.
C. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star. Take time to follow up the references to these phrases in the Old Testament and you will discover some interesting dimensions for your sermon.
Conclusion: Little wonder that the writer can give the invitation to come. If one accepts the claims that Jesus makes, then the invitation is gladly embraced. See if you can find a way to make this selection contemporary. Too many are willing to take the bait and run with some preconceived notion about the Second Coming. The truth is that he is with us now and that there is no waiting for those who know his presence.
I suggest that if one is going to preach on this theme it is important to reread the scripture references. You will discover that many things we have to say are born of our own or someone else's imagination or speculation.
There is no clear witness to one idea in this matter. One time it seems as if one is to go directly to the reward. For instance, Jesus' words to one of the thieves crucified with him.
And then there are Paul's word pictures that make it sound as if it all happens in some far off day. When reading this we ought to remember that many of the writers in the New Testament were convinced that the coming day was just around the corner. We know better. Thus we ought to avoid importing their picture language in to our own day and making more of it than they would if they were here.
What is important to say, in my opinion, is to say no more than the scriptures say. Check out 1 Corinthians 15:37, 38. It seems to me that here Paul makes it clear that since there is no clear word about what the hereafter is like, we ought to declare our trust in God. That is what he does when he says that "God gives it a body as he pleases." That is enough for me. If God can give me a body for meaningful existence in this life, then I can trust him for the life to come.
OUTLINE I
An Invitation to Joy
Psalm 47
Introduction: One of the wonderful things about the Psalms is that most of them are timeless. We really know the dates of very few of them and can only guess at others. This means that a particular Psalm can be considered in its original context (if we know it), or that it can be usable in any other time frame. Just take a look at this Psalm. It could be an invitation to joy at almost any time, after deliverance from bondage in Egypt, at the beginning of the new confederation in the promised land, at high moments during the days of the kings, or after restoration from Exile in Babylon. Or, it can be used as an exclamation point after the great events of the New Testament or following the many triumphal moments of the church throughout history. Or, it can be quite personal and be the celebration of great moments in our lives. For instance:
A. Verses 1-4. A recollection of God's great deeds in the midst of his people. Try inserting a recollection of his great deeds in our own time. Make a list applicable to the people in your congregation.
B. Verses 5-7. An invitation to praise which needs no editing or updating. It fits all time just as it is.
C. Verses 8, 9. A proclamation of the power and majesty and victory of God. I especially like the picture language in 9b. Just think of all the nations assembled before God and offering their shields, their identities, and their lives to God. It is the right response.
Conclusion: You have already discovered that this Psalm can be the basis for a sermon, or it can be used in other ways. Try it as a call to worship. Use it to mark some great event in the life of the church and congregation. Use it at the funeral of one who has lived the faithful life. The possibilities are endless if you give freedom to your imagination.
OUTLINE II
Witnessing by Doing
Acts 16:16-34
Introduction: All of us are familiar with the common assumption that our witnessing must be verbal. Thus many have thought themselves not good witnesses because they are not gifted with speaking skills or are simply not emotionally able to witness in such a manner. In the scripture for today we are reminded that what one does is in all likelihood more effective than what one says.
A. In the story of Paul's encounter with the slave girl who is given to special powers, the witness takes an interesting turn. Because of what he does, he and his compatriot Silas are jailed. Thus the stage is set for another effective witness.
B. You can have fun with this one. Go ahead and be picturesque in your descriptions. Let your imagination portray what must have been the case here. Here an opportunity is given for a witness once again by action. Paul and Silas are an example to all who are present. Little wonder the jailer is overcome. He knows that his life is on the line. He fully understands that in any normal situation as this those who are jailed will take advantage of the opportunity to be free. Paul and Silas and their influence (one wonders how long they really were there in order to have such power) on the other prisoners make a formidable witness to all including the jailer. You can imagine the relief as well as the joy that came at the realization that his job and his life were not in jeopardy.
Conclusion: Whether we know it or not all of us are witnessing all the time. We witness by our words certainly; but just as effectively we witness by our actions -- how we treat others, in our business dealings, when there is need, to name a few. We are witnesses of one kind or another and the task given to all of us is that of making effective use of our witness. In Hebrews 11:16, we read these words, "therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God." Re-read that chapter and imagine what an accolade that is for the faithful.
OUTLINE III
A Word About Who He Is
Revelation 22:12-17
Introduction: You are no doubt aware that the gospel of John is the great gospel of the "I am's" of Jesus. "I am the bread of life," "I am the door," "I am the good shepherd," for example. Here in Revelation the writer speaks in that style as Jesus speaks for himself and what is about to happen.
A. I am coming soon. Here is an opportunity to deal with the Second Coming and its meaning. Clearly that meaning is not time bound. That does not mean that John did not expect it soon, but that the church has learned as the centuries roll by that soon on God's calendar may be a long time for us. See 2 Peter 3:8.
B. I am the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. It is the New Testament's way of saying that God is timeless and that what we know in Jesus is timeless as well. What we have come to know about God through Jesus is what God has always been and what he will always be.
C. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star. Take time to follow up the references to these phrases in the Old Testament and you will discover some interesting dimensions for your sermon.
Conclusion: Little wonder that the writer can give the invitation to come. If one accepts the claims that Jesus makes, then the invitation is gladly embraced. See if you can find a way to make this selection contemporary. Too many are willing to take the bait and run with some preconceived notion about the Second Coming. The truth is that he is with us now and that there is no waiting for those who know his presence.
