I thought that the title of this study to be very interesting. I believe, in one sense, this world (as it currently exists) has no future – one day it will rolled up like a scroll and discarded. In any case, it has a finite life because our sun has a finite store of energy.
Some people I know think this planet will be regenerated into a some type of paradise – a new ‘heaven’ and a new earth. I don’t agree, if it’s implied that it will also be our permanent place of residency. Likewise, I’ve always wondered why some people think that Jesus will return, to rule this earth for 1000 years. I have one simple question: Why? His Kingdom rule has already started – the power of Satan has already been broken; no longer – must we, be slaves to our sinful nature. Consequently, what aspects of our lives would change during this 1000 year rule? Let me know if you have the answer.
Anyway, I’ve drifted off today’s topic, enticed by my efforts to imagine the last day of this world.
Today, Selwyn continues discussing the need to discipline ourselves for greater effectiveness.
I think, his conclusion, is good: “This is how a Christian missionary with a background in psychology explains it: ‘Just as the spokes of a wheel hang loose without a hub, so the powers of life are at loose ends unless they come together into the central hub – the kingdom of God.’ Yes, the future of the world is in the hands of disciplined people, but the discipline must be linked to the kingdom of God.”
Selwyn has selected 1 Corinthian 9:19-27 (NLT) for today’s reading and meditation: ”Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ.
Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
This may appear to be a contradiction to what Paul has written in other letters especially Romans, and it’s a truth which, I feel, has been lost in the codified theologies that are so rampant today. I’m referring to this verse: “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” Paul’s efforts to preach the Good News is saving some; perhaps he sees himself acting as a vehicle for the Holy Spirit in doing the work of God? The last verse may also present a stumbling block to some – yes, we can be disqualified – and not receive a prize. This is a real fear – one, we all should worry about – I don’t think Paul is talking about our salvation – perhaps, it’s more to do with our blessings/rewards stored up for us in heaven.
Any comments?
The future of the world
I thought that the title of this study to be very interesting. I believe, in one sense, this world (as it currently exists) has no future – one day it will rolled up like a scroll and discarded. In any case, it has a finite life because our sun has a finite store of energy.
Some people I know think this planet will be regenerated into a some type of paradise – a new ‘heaven’ and a new earth. I don’t agree, if it’s implied that it will also be our permanent place of residency. Likewise, I’ve always wondered why some people think that Jesus will return, to rule this earth for 1000 years. I have one simple question: Why? His Kingdom rule has already started – the power of Satan has already been broken; no longer – must we, be slaves to our sinful nature. Consequently, what aspects of our lives would change during this 1000 year rule? Let me know if you have the answer.
Anyway, I’ve drifted off today’s topic, enticed by my efforts to imagine the last day of this world.
Today, Selwyn continues discussing the need to discipline ourselves for greater effectiveness.
I think, his conclusion, is good: “This is how a Christian missionary with a background in psychology explains it: ‘Just as the spokes of a wheel hang loose without a hub, so the powers of life are at loose ends unless they come together into the central hub – the kingdom of God.’ Yes, the future of the world is in the hands of disciplined people, but the discipline must be linked to the kingdom of God.”
Selwyn has selected 1 Corinthian 9:19-27 (NLT) for today’s reading and meditation: ”Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ.
Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
This may appear to be a contradiction to what Paul has written in other letters especially Romans, and it’s a truth which, I feel, has been lost in the codified theologies that are so rampant today. I’m referring to this verse: “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” Paul’s efforts to preach the Good News is saving some; perhaps he sees himself acting as a vehicle for the Holy Spirit in doing the work of God? The last verse may also present a stumbling block to some – yes, we can be disqualified – and not receive a prize. This is a real fear – one, we all should worry about – I don’t think Paul is talking about our salvation – perhaps, it’s more to do with our blessings/rewards stored up for us in heaven.
Any comments?