There are certain themes that the bible returns to again and again. One of
the most prominent is the surprising news that this present age is passing
away and that a new age, the "Kingdom of Heaven," is coming. The
surprising thing is not that it is coming someday but that it is "at hand". It
is both now and not yet. It is present but hidden. So we wait in faith and
hope but as we wait we participate in it.
In order for the rule of God to be completely realized there are things that will have to be destroyed.
Weapons and war, greed and injustice, violence and exploitation…. There are a lot of life
diminishing things that are not part of what God intends. They have to go! They will not fit into the
new age. They are part of what is passing away.
I sometimes hear people say "I don't believe in a God of judgment." Really? Isn't it good news that
God makes a judgment against the nasty things that threaten the good life that God intends for all
people? God promises to purge and cleanse in order to make all things new. On the promised "Day of the Lord" that is coming, heaven will literally be realized on earth. It will be perfect love as
God intended all along. What does that mean for us today?
Rob Bell, in his book "Love Wins", uses this fascinating phrase, "Jesus drags the future in to the
present." Yes, Jesus invites us to see the promised kingdom come NOW. Jesus invites us to enjoy
an eternal quality of life NOW. We can live as citizens of God's kingdom of love NOW. It is a matter
of simple trust and obedience.
It's coming! He's coming! AND it's here! He's here! The Lord of Life invites us to live in
resurrection life NOW, TODAY! Even as we look forward to the consummation of history, and the
full arrival of age to come we can participate in it. Today we can trust and obey God and enjoy real
life as we give our lives in service.
Be alert to what God is doing and INVEST yourself in it today.
Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas, my friends,
~ Pastor Steve
PASTOR STEVE'S NEW PHONE #: (952) 210-6180
