the end is nigh!...?

There are many theories and ideas about how and when the world will end.  Will it be an environmental cataclysm, world war 3, the eventual destruction of the sun, even alien invasion.

For some people who profess Jesus as real these theories include his return and associated with the various apocalyptic visions of the bible's book of Revelation, among others.  The nation of Israel is also normally included into the theory.  Will people who believe in Jesus be taken to heaven before the disasters?  Or not.

People have been trying to predict the end of our world for generations, and for followers of Christ, since his death and resurrection.  Even before.

How?  Some read the scriptures and present a series of literal events.  Others may then take these passages and interpret them through what they see happening around them or expect to happen.  Others look at world events and seek biblical passages to 'match them'.

It is natural for us to see patterns in our world.  Doing so helps us make sense of an otherwise confusing and sometimes overwhelming life.   It is often difficult not to.

But is it wise?  Is it wise to see the world, see other people, indeed live our lives this way? How does living like this cause us to treat people?  Indeed ...

Why are we told that we will not know when Jesus will return (Mat 24)?  To be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Should we be eager for the end?

What was Jesus' focus?

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whose revelation?

It is essential we always start with God and end with him.  But all too often, people, myself included are so enthusiastic that we start acting before we have sought him.

What does this mean?  Basically, God was at work before we arrived and will still be even once we have left.  Also, it his his will, his heart, his ways, his character, etc that we need to pursue and discover agreement to.  Easy?  Not always.  We are so used to living in ways that are familiar, safe, and make sense, that we forget to start with him.  Often we only do this after we have started acting and then seek him to confirm or justify what we are doing.  I know I have and still do.

revelation           ...the act of revealing or making something known
interpretation    ...the act of explaining something
application         ...to bring into action

So, while we cannot afford to withdraw into endless prayer and contemplation, we must shift our gaze, and change our approach to him.

God is always making himself known (revelation) ... so seek ... knock ... look ... listen

He is never hidden

The question is then since God is always revealing himself, stand back and allow Him to explain himself.  I am learning, and yes I am a slow learner, to ask him questions like "why", or "what is your heart" etc.  Doing so helps bring light to the world around me and in me

As a result, acting often becomes simple.  Easy?  Didn't say that.  But simple, clear... copy him or don't.  Get it perfect?  Maybe...

Let us give it a go.

Let us ask him to reveal himself.  Either in a part of his written word.  In a part of your walk with him in which we struggle.  Or from a blank slate, that is, be open to anything.  Then ask him to explain.

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building funds

background context

The 'head pastor' of a local church in Canberra, Australia, announced in December 2010 that a recognised prophet said God was "forcing Fusion through some doors".  He then explained this as evidence of the "coming to pass" of a building opportunity in Crace (purchase land and build a church building/centre).

discernment

Note: There is often a gap between revelation, interpretation, and application.  As such, there are a few ways to understand the above dynamics:

• the prophecy is true and accurately understood by the hearer
• the prophecy is true but interpreted through the desires of the hearer
• the prophecy is true but 'tailored' in such a way as to be accepted by the hearer
• the prophecy is false

As a third party, someone who did not hear the words directly from God, nor the one sharing, we must discern what is going on.  It is not enough to take things at face value.  We can personally talk with God, and he with us.  Also, both the 'prophet' and hearer, in this case a 'pastor' are both human.  They are capable of misunderstanding or biasing.

In this case, did the pastor have earlier desires to build a church building?  It may not have been publicly announced and even denied.

What if the opportunity doesn't succeed?

Does this make the prophecy inaccurate?  Or was it the interpretation?

• How will the 'prophet' respond?  Seek clarity and discuss how things have been received by themselves and those they spoke with, or will they pass responsibility off onto other?
• How will the hearer respond?  Will they admit their error and seek clarity, or will they justify their position?
• What is your responsibility?

what happened next

In this situation, the land was not offered and thus a building could not be built (Nov 2011).  The 'prophet' has been silent, Matt stated that God still desires this local church to have a building, and the congregation clapped and cheered in agreement.

more discernment

Was the prophecy false?  The answer to this is unclear, but it adds possibility it was simply misinterpreted.  God wanting this local church to "go through doors" may mean go places it had not before, but it does not need to imply buildings and property or even the social and emotional associated changes that go with them.  Did anyone ask God what he meant?  Did they do this before the person in charge (the pastor) finalised the interpretation?

Assuming there will be people who will continue to justify their position, what should you as someone who chooses to discern do?  Do you confront and ask questions, or do you keep silent, for whatever reason?

personal responsibilities

• Seek God's views on the matter, seek peace and an attitude of restoration.
• Speak where possible directly with the people who made or shared the prophetic statements.  Voice the concerns.
• If they listen great.
• If they do not listen, they are now responsible for what happens next.  Yes, it is up to you whether you act in support of the project (e.g. give money). But you cannot force anyone to change.

Should you voice your concerns with others?  Maybe, but if you do, please do it with respect for all concerned.  Remember we all can hear God inaccurately and then, out of love for him, act upon it.

resolutions

How can peace occur among those who disagree?  Does peace mean finding a compromise?  Does peace mean doing what you are asked because the person who asks you is your pastor, boss, parent, etc?  Does peace mean discovering the points of agreement and building upon them?

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ephesians

When Paul wrote to God’s people of Ephesus, he praised God.  Why?

• God blesses us with every spiritual blessing because we are united with Christ. 

God loved us and adopted us into his own family, by making us holy and without fault in his eyes through Christ...

• Who is part of God's family? [LINK]

Paul then explains God’s plan regarding Christ:

1. Everything would be brought together under Christ’s authority
2. We receive an inheritance from God because we are united with Christ
3. United Jews and Gentiles into one people by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations and thus all who hear the truth about Jesus, and believe, bring praise and glory to God

• What is God's plan? 
• What did we receive and who received it?
• How did Jesus do this?
• What are the implications?

God put everything under Christ’s authority.  He is the head of everything for the benefit of the church (his body).

• Who belongs to God’s family?
• Who does the church need to be led by in order for it to benefit?
• What are the implications when we place someone or something as the head of the church?

Therefore Paul begs people to lead lives worthy of being called by God. To always be humble, gentle, patient, make allowances for one other’s faults, and united in peace.  Why?  There is one body (church), one Spirit, one hope for the future, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father.

• What is your calling? A ministry or that Christ calls us to follow him?  Explain
• If we choose to follow then how should we live?  Read also 1Corinthians13
• Why?

However, he gave each one of us a special gift through Christ: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

• Does this mean each individual receives these things directly.  Or something else?
• What is their responsibility?
• Who are these gifts for?  Why?
• How should the success of these gifts be measured?
• What is the responsibility of God's people?
• How long will this exercise take?  What does that look like?
• How can success be measured?

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

If God’s people do what God asks of them and are equipped by the ‘fivefold ministries’ to do so … what will the church look like

What is Christ’s role in all this?  What are the implications for us?

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