Maranatha!

At the end of service today someone asked about other resources that present a similar understanding of the world to come that I have been preaching in this series of lessons. N.T. Wright has written a splendid book entitled, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. (Some may be familiar with Wright's book, Simply Christian.) I am greatly indebted to him for helping me understand some difficult passages in regards to End Times. The greatest weakness of the book is his near omission of any mention of 2 Peter 3: 10ff which talk about the destruction of the earth by fire. The best analysis I found of that passage comes from a journal article by Allan J. McNicol entitled, "All Things New" and is found in the Austin Graduate School of Theology publication, Christian Studies (Volume 21/ 2005-2006). If you are interested in this let me know and I can send you a copy.

Barbara R. Rossing helped me in my understanding of the message of Revelation in her book, The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation. Finally, Joe Beam and Lee Wilson wrote an easy to read book with the title, The Real Heaven: It's Not What You Think. All of these authors teach that when the Lord returns earth will not be destroyed but renewed. For a better understanding of the Biblical teaching concerning Hell see my post from last week.

Since beginning this study I have been amazed at how differently I look at the earth. I find that I am continually amazed by what God has created. I feel at times like a child with eyes wide in wonder. A simple thing like water is the evidence of such creative genius. Even a blade of grass or a flower or the texture of an apple is cause for pondering at the character of a Creator who would make such beauty. I'm glad to know that it's not destined for a bon-fire but for redemption. Maranatha! Come Lord and make everything new!

Hell Yes, Hell No

Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. His message was one of condemnation and wrath and it tore him up to have to preach it. He wept as he contemplated the certain end for his people since they were unwilling to repent and change their ways. I felt like weeping at the end of today's sermon. What a terrible topic to have to preach on! I tried to end the sermon on a high note but somehow it didn't feel like we quite made it. It is exceptionally good news that Jesus went through hell so that we could enjoy new life now and eternal life forever! However, the whole message of the cross is entirely unfair. But isn't that the true nature of love? Love doesn't ask what is fair, but what is needed. What a Savior!

Several people told me I had succeeded in raising more questions than I answered in the sermon (which I warned you might happen). The best that can be said for the traditional view of hell is that it wraps everything up in a neat package. Biblically, however, the traditional view is full of gaping holes. God simply does not give us enough information to know everything we might want to know. However, if you would like to dig deeper I would recommend Edward Fudge's book, The Fire That Consumes. Edward is an elder at the Bering Drive Church of Christ and has done a great service to the people of God in writing this well researched book. You can read my review of Edward's book by scanning through my brief book reviews. Just follow the link on the left side of my home page.

On another note, this is the 100th blog entry that I have written. It doesn't seem like I've been doing this that long. Also, did anyone notice the picture on last week's blog? It gave a date for Mother's Day in March. I almost changed the picture but decided to leave it to see if anyone noticed.

Honoring Mothers

It was fun after service today to review with Liz all the various ways that mothers were honored during our worship service. Katia's baptism was truly the greatest way we could have begun! That was followed by the children's video, the Jr. High pictures, Lauren's review of the H.S. testimonials, and the great words spoken by Carrie and Keith in honor of their mothers. And, of course, having flowers given out continously made everything truly beautiful. I thought the prayer nicely wove together celebration AND sensitivity for those who find Mother's Day difficult.

Mother's Day Prayer

Most Holy and Eternal God, your love is from everlasting to everlasting.
We put our faith and our hope in you.

This day we approach you mindful of the world in which we live. In this country and in many others, Mothers are being remembered and celebrated, families being honored and recognized. Our prayer is for the joys and sorrows this day brings.

For those who have a mother they dearly love, may we take time today to appreciate the gifts and graces that have come to them through their mother.

For those whose mother is dearly loved but no longer living, may we take time to remember the gifts and graces that have come to us through her.

For those who have recently lost or who are facing the imminent loss of their own dear mothers, may they find comfort in their grief, hope in their despair, courage in the love they have received.

We give thanks, God, for these good mothers who gave us birth. We give thanks for the families who have in the past and who do now sustain and support us in our living, who love us no matter what!

We pray, compassionate God, for those whose mother has been a source of hurt and pain, for all those for whom one or more members of their family has caused them to suffer. May they find refuge in
your love. May their wounds be healed. May they find in you, in us, in others, the nurturing, sustaining love that is needed for their growth and well-being.

We give thanks to you, O God, for all those who, responding to the difficult lives of others, have stepped in to become surrogate mothers; for those who, in the absence of our own mothers, for whatever reason, have stepped into our lives providing the guidance and stability, the nurture and the love needed.

We remember single mothers and fathers who struggle to be both parents to their children--to provide all the emotional, physical and spiritual needs without the constant support of a spouse. May they find the strength, the courage and wisdom for their task.

Look now, loving God, upon all those who are mothers--biologically or by the role they play in the lives of others. May they remember what precious treasures children are. We join all mothers everywhere in praying that their children may be a joy and a blessing.

We pray for those mothers who have been hurt, disillusioned, or disappointed in their role as mother. We pray for those who have been denied a longed-for chance at motherhood, and for those whose years of mothering have been cut short by the loss of a child. We turn to You, most holy God, knowing trusting that you can console when consolation seems impossible. May these receive comfort for their soul and peace and hope for living that their gifts may not be denied to others.

Hear our prayers this day, O God, and give to us such assurance of your love that your love may spill forth from us into the lives of others.

Amen.
(Gayle MacDonald, May 4, 1998)

Judgment Day

I was frankly surprised at how many scriptures there are that mention the last judgment. The sermon this morning did not give the opportunity to explore the many teachings of Jesus on this topic such as the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31ff), the Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:46-48), or the Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30). In each of these parables one of the important truths taught is that judgment belongs to God--not us. Only God is qualified to fill that role.

However, as we discussed this morning, thinking of judgment as a day of rewards (and not just a day of condemnation) should cause some serious evaluation in terms of how we are living right now. That's why I like the image of judgment as a job evaluation. How am I doing the job God has given me to do? Of primary concern would be my job as a husband and father. But how about my job as a neighbor or co-worker? What about my unique mission that God has specifically equipped and trained me to do? How am I doing in my struggle against sin? Am I still battling or have I given up and become hopeless?

Remember this word of encouragement:
⁸The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:8-10)