This talk was given at Cru at NIU on 11/29/07. It's about missions, and is based on Revelation 5:9, 10. Click the title for the full text. (Or you can click 'comments' to read and comment.)
The part about Jesus doing the destruction of the world trade centers, the fall of Israel, etc is rough to hear. Jesus is judging the world now in order to bring those for whom he died into relationship with him. That's what I'm hearing. Makes sense - and it fits with the verses where Jesus talks about the tower of Siloam - unless you repent you will likewise perish.
The thing I like most about this is it gives the indicative truth by which we can act on the imperative. The indicative is what Christ has done, the imperative is preach the Gospel to every corner of the world. Wonderfully done.
Interesting sermon, I bet it would have been something to hear it live! Actually, the only thing I didn't fully agree with was the word choice in one little sentence at the end. You said, and I'll sort of paraphrase, [God] killed Jesus in their place. I just didn't like the imagery of the word 'killed' - made the death seem pointless and cruel; and like Jesus' life came to a permanent end by that act. A sacrifice, however has the same physical result but, according to the dictionary, it has a "cause, an end, or ideal" or refers to something precious. But a minor point perhaps? I think I understand the reason you used the word 'kill', but could you clarify?
I like it.
ReplyDeleteThe part about Jesus doing the destruction of the world trade centers, the fall of Israel, etc is rough to hear. Jesus is judging the world now in order to bring those for whom he died into relationship with him. That's what I'm hearing. Makes sense - and it fits with the verses where Jesus talks about the tower of Siloam - unless you repent you will likewise perish.
The thing I like most about this is it gives the indicative truth by which we can act on the imperative. The indicative is what Christ has done, the imperative is preach the Gospel to every corner of the world. Wonderfully done.
Thank you for posting this, I'm going to go through it again cause I got caught up on a thought during your talk and missed a lot. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting sermon, I bet it would have been something to hear it live!
ReplyDeleteActually, the only thing I didn't fully agree with was the word choice in one little sentence at the end. You said, and I'll sort of paraphrase, [God] killed Jesus in their place. I just didn't like the imagery of the word 'killed' - made the death seem pointless and cruel; and like Jesus' life came to a permanent end by that act. A sacrifice, however has the same physical result but, according to the dictionary, it has a "cause, an end, or ideal" or refers to something precious. But a minor point perhaps? I think I understand the reason you used the word 'kill', but could you clarify?