Bay Cities Blog

Our mission statements reads that “we exist to reach every street with the good news of Jesus Christ.” We’ve put in a place a collective strategy to gather, grow, and go so that we will experience this reality. However, as we worked at gathering effectively, I’ve assumed growth. Specifically, I’ve assumed that gathering would naturally lead to growing then going and repeat.In doing this, I’ve assumed the gospel. I’ve assumed that we are personally and collectively saturated with the good news of Jesus Christ.

So, for 2018, we need more gospel in our lives. As a result of this realization, I want to begin with one, life-changing reason why we need more gospel this year:

The Gospel Gives Us God Directly (3a)

How do we get God directly?

As Paul relays the message he received, we find that it begins with the “Christ.” To us, we’ve just associated this title as the full name for Jesus —Jesus Christ. “Christ” is so common today that it’s even included with “Jesus” as curse word.  However, even though “Christ” may be familiar to us, I’m not sure we understand the significance of this title. “Christ,” technically refers to the fulfiller of Israelite expectation of a deliverer, the Anointed One, the Messiah (BDAG).

We see this written by Luke in Luke 2:26—And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

We see this affirmed by Peter in Matthew 16:16—Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

We see this preached by Peter in Acts 2:36—Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

We see this forecasted by John in Revelation 11:15—Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”

These texts not only demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah but also reveal God’s intention to give us Himself directly. The very title provided for Jesus, “Christ,” reflects the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 as confirmed in Matthew 1:2: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Transition

Let’s pause for a moment to consider the possibilities of have access to God directly

When I think of a picture of what would this look like, I think about how my son Nolan lives. He carries himself like he’s got power to dictate his circumstances. Matter of fact, he loves Star Wars so much, that he even thinks he possesses the power to use the force. Even though Nolan’s power to live independently is limited, he possesses (at least for him) a great resource: direct access to Megan and me. Listen to what this direct access provides him: food and drink whenever he wants it, medicine when he’s sick, a home to rest in, toys to enjoy, clothes for his body, his blanky, and most of all, parents who would do anything for him. Do you think it’s a coincidence that God is called our Father?! Through the Gospel, we have access to God directly.However, through the gospel, we also get access to God eternally 

The Gospel Gives Us God Eternally (3b-8)

How do we get God eternally?

Notice that immediately following the title “Christ,” Paul describes what Christ has done. Paul identifies how the Christ…

1. Died for our sins (3b)—died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures
2. Rose from the grave (4)—that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures
3. Appeared to witnesses (5-8)—⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. ⁶ Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. ⁸ Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Why is the gospel—the dying, rising, and appearing of Jesus—so critical to accessing God eternally?

You see, The gospel IS our pathway to eternal life

The Person of the Gospel

John 14:6—Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus is the center of the gospel. Access to God comes by Him. Hence, Jesus gives a prescription for this direct, eternal access…

The Prescription of the Gospel

John 5:24—Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

We are believing in the words and ways of God. Meaning,  the content of our belief is so important. We don’t experience eternal access to God through a mere acknowledgment of deity. We gain access to God eternally by believing in Jesus as the only way, our Lord, and our Savior. That Jesus is the only one who can forgive us of our sins as we turn to Him exclusively to save us.

Then, we will ultimately enjoy…

The Promise of the Gospel

Romans 10:9-13—if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. ¹¹ For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. ¹³ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

What are appropriate responses now to a benefit that we will enjoy fully in the future?

• Anticipation for the future: Ephesians 2:5-7–⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
• Dedication in the present: Acts 5:42—And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

How does a future promise alter our present state?

We live in this tension all the time

• • The Weekend—I can handle the nonsense of Monday because I know Friday’s comings
  • Wedding Day Diet—I can say no to this sweet because I know I need to look good in that dress
  • Financial Incentives @ Work—I can make all these cold calls because I know there’s a financial incentive if I do
  • Timeshare Promos—I can sit through this drawn-out sales pitch because I know there’s a Disney ticket or a 3 day/2 night stay for free

There’s one common thread in all of these scenarios: the promise in the future affects the outlook in the present. Consider this with me: The gospel provides you with access to God directly and eternally. If you are Christian, you are promised now direct, enteral access to God forever. YOU GET GOD! This is a benefit exclusive to Christians yet available to all. How deeply, richly are you taking advantage of getting God directly and eternally?

Transition

For the start of 2018, I want to lead us collectively in a plan to take advantage of direct access to God. I want us to grow by having more gospel in our lives.

You see, God has a plan. Notice back in 1 Corinthians 15 how these actions of Jesus were all “in accordance with Scripture.” God set forth a plan before the world created (Ephesians 1:4) that lead to Jesus dying, rising, and appearing. For us to access God, He created a plan.

Thus, I also believe for us to access God, We need a plan as well. Also, if we don’t have a plant to grow than we certainly won’t have a desire to “go.”  We can’t saturate the area with the gospel if we aren’t saturated ourselves.

So what is our plan to give your more gospel in 2018?

Our Plan For More Gospel in 2018

Our plan for more gospel to start 2018 involves three steps:

To celebrate how God is working (in our church, in our cities, and around the world)

What does this look like:

1. Creating and sharing content inspired by our worship gatherings
   1. Articles
   2. Videos
2. Establishing partnerships with like-minded churches and organizations, local and globally
   1. Praying for their health
   2. Working for the Kingdom

To develop resources and groups

What does this look like:

1. Offering Bible Reading Plans
   1. Weekly and monthly opportunities
   2. Accessible online
2. Planning New Growth Groups
   1. A scope designed to equip you (meaningful)
   2. A sequence designed to engage you (accessible)
3. Empowered City Groups
   1. Using our regular gatherings for “us”
   2. Creating regular opportunities to “go”
      1. Park Initiatives
      2. Adopting Classes
      3. Specific Group Opportunities

To expect growth from God

What does this look like:

1. Highlighting the power of the gospel in our teaching series (Romans 1:16)
   1. 1. Gospel Identity and Gospel Activity (Ephesians Series)
      2. Gospel Fruit (Messages based on Galatians 5 “Fruit of the Spirit”)
      3. Gospel Culture (Messages based on our four core values)
2. Accessing the power of the gospel through prayer
   1. Prayer Season
   2. Prayer Initiatives

Prayer of Paul—Ephesians 1:16-19

¹⁶ I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

As we celebrate how God is working, develop new resources and groups, and expect growth from God, I believe we will grow. These collective initiatives will be rolled out over the next few weeks.

For now, here’s how you can join in:

1. Sign up for one of our Bible reading plans
2. Serve at our gatherings (for “all” of us to enjoy the gospel more, we need “more” people to serve)
3. Join a City Group or an upcoming Growth Group
4. Begin Praying

I love Zaxbys. Not necessarily because I love their chicken, or their sandwiches, or their sweet tea, yet all of which I like. You see, I love Zaxbys for their Zax sauce. They have the secret sauce that draws me in.  For me, there’s no Zaxbys without the sauce.

In our scenario, there’s no plan of God without the promise of Jesus. For the plan of God to exist there must be the promise of Jesus. Specifically, The promise of Jesus includes the solution for our sin, a means for our mission,  and a hope for a home.

A Solution for our Sin

For God to possesses a chosen people, Jesus provides a solution for sin.

A Prophecy (Genesis 3:15)

¹⁴ The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. ¹⁵ I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Last week, we addressed how God made us as image-bearers. He made us like to Him not only to fulfill certain responsibilities on earth but also to relate to Him. Unfortunately, through Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve, the sinless creation of God is introduced to sin. However, in this dark moment when all hope seems lost, God delivers a prophecy to create a bright future. While detailing the punishment to Satan for what he’s done, God shares a metaphor to reveal the solution for our sin. He tells Satan the offspring of Adam and Even will bruise his head even though he would bruise his heel. At first glance, this may appear to reference how the snake now is flat on his belly. However, Paul in Romans 16:20 further clarifies this prophecy by stating “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

Essentially, albeit cryptic, we find early on in the Plan of God that He has a solution for our sin: an offspring of Adam and Eve will come and destroy Satan and remove sin altogether.

As helpful and as hopeful this prophecy may be, God doesn’t leave us hanging on a cryptic word. Actually, we gain great clarity on how God will provide a solution for our sin by a picture that Jesus gives.

A Picture (John 3:9-15)

⁹ Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” ¹⁰ Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? ¹¹ Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. ¹² If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. ¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

In this classic conversation between Jesus and the Jewish ruler, Nicodemus, we see a picture of the solution for our sin. Jesus makes reference to Moses holding up a serpent in the wilderness and then likens that picture to himself. Let’s quickly address this story of Moses from Numbers 21:4-9:

⁴ From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. ⁵ And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” ⁶ Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. ⁷ And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. ⁸ And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” ⁹ So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

Jesus uses this OT example to portray what will happen in His life to account for our sin. The picture is rather grave. Sinful, unthankful people are dying on account of vicious serpents. The way these people live is by looking at a raised serpent on a pole.  Their look is not what saves them, nor the actual object. Their obedient faith provides a pathway for healing. Jesus then points out through this picture that those who look to Him, raised up on a cross to provide healing, will also be saved.

The prophecy and picture all point to the prescription regarding the solution to our sin. We know that Jesus will take care of sin and we’ve seen a picture of what that will look like. Now, in 1 John 1, we’re prescribed a method to respond to our sinful state.

A Prescription (1 John 1:9-2:2)

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. ² He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

John demonstrates the means for experiencing the solution for our sin: confession. He tells us that in our confession of sin, we can have hope beaus God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. The two key words here are faithful and just. These words convey not only that God will but also that God can provide a solution for our sin. “How is this the case” you may ask? Let me draw your attention to verse 1 of chapter 2. For those who sin, we have an advocate, one is our helper, intercessor, appearing in our behalf. Jesus, the sinless one, provides the ultimate solution for your sin.  He is your propitiation. the instrument to appease your sin before God.

For God to possesses a chosen people, He must provide a means to solve the problem of sin. The whole plan of God revolves around making a way for Him to enjoy a relationship with His chosen people. So, to address this major component of God’s plan, the Father sends the Son to solve the problem of sin.

As move into the second component of the Plan of God, we again find Jesus playing a central role in equipping God’s chosen people for their divine purpose. Specifically, Jesus creates a means for the mission.

A Means for the Mission

For God’s chosen people to embrace their divine purpose, Jesus creates a means for the mission.

A Foreshadow (John 16:5-11)

God’s chosen people have always had a divine purpose. We saw this last week that in the Garden, part of this mission is unfolded. As the story of Scripture progresses, we find the expansion of this divine purpose as it relates to the Kingdom of God. In light of this divine purpose, Jesu foreshadows to His followers His means for their mission.

⁵ But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ ⁶ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷ Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰ concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; ¹¹ concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Jesus delivers troubling news to His followers: He’s leaving. Losing someone you love is never easy.

Having a mentor you love transition out of your life is never easy. Yet, look what Jesus says: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you

Here we find this foreshadowing of Jesus’ departure and the arrival of the Helper offering something better than the physical presence of Jesus on this earth. Interestingly, a keyword that occurs in John 16, referring to the Holy Spirit, also occurred in 1 John 1: Helper. As Jesus functions as the helper to provide a solution for our sin, we now see another Helper who aids God’s chosen people in their divine mission. This Helper who works in tandem with Jesus provides what we need to fulfill our divine purpose: God himself with us.

A Fulfillment (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 14-21)

The fulfillment of this foreshadowing creates a mighty impact. Notice how this fulfillment unfolds:  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ⁹

2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. ² And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

¹⁴ But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. ¹⁵ For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. ¹⁶ But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ¹⁷  “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; ¹⁸  even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. ¹⁹  And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; ²⁰  the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. ²¹  And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

We see in this passage how the fulfillment promised by Jesus directly helps the chosen people of God fulfill their divine mission. They have the courage and enablement, through their helper in conjunction with the work of Jesus, to tell all the world that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

As we’ve tied the plan of God into the promise of Jesus, we’ve seen how Jesus provides a solution to sin and then creates a means for the mission. Basically, Jesus equips His people to share a message that we all long: we have a home with God. This longing, for a safe, secure home, is within all of us. Why do we send people off to war? Why do we build fences and buy security systems? Why do desire subdivisions with gates and communities with neighborhood patrols? Because deep down in all of us, we long for the safety and security of a stable home. I believe this longing is from God and ultimately, for God.

Think about this, ever since mankind was kicked out of his first home, we’ve longed for that home again and God has promised it to His people. Now we find out how through Jesus we can have a hope for a home.

A Hope for a Home

For God’s chosen people to enjoy their sacred home, Jesus offers a hope for our home

A Promise (John 14:1-4)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.

Jesus offers us what we all long for: acceptance. There’s something magical when someone tells us “I want you”. Growing up, I remember moments at recess where we’d play kickball and the captains would have to pick teams. We’d all line up and go through the painful process of being chosen one-by-one. When your name was called, you’d feel like you could conquer the world. However, I also remember a moment where I experienced rejection. I thought I found the love of my life, I wrote her a note, and she rejected it. In Jesus’ promise of a home, our excitement isn’t merely over our guaranteed spot. Our excitement centers on the fact that Jesus wants us. Jesus leaves, yet doesn’t leave us empty. The very point of His leaving is to make a home for us because He wants to make everything right again: God’s chosen people in there sacred place.

A Premonition (Revelation 21:1-4)

Just in case the promise of Jesus wasn’t enough, we see a premonition from John regarding this home Jesus prepare for us. 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Notice how this moment is described. John likens our reception with Jesus in our new home like the reception of a new husband and bride. This place will be where we dwell with God. He will be the One to care for us personally.

I vividly remember the moment I saw Megan for the first time on our wedding day. As much as I appreciated her preparation physically for that moment, I found myself equally attracted to how she prepared herself emotionally and spiritually as well. This woman loves me enough, well before she ever knew me, to prepare diligently for the moment where two would become one. Now, was she perfect? No. Neither was I.

But consider this: Jesus, right now, is preparing for the moment when we will dwell with Him forever.  He’s preparing for the moment when He will embrace you and welcome you Home. He’s preparing for the moment to draw you into His arms, to wipe away your tears and all of your pain, to remind you once again You are His!

John’s premonition of our new home grants us with great comfort. We are assured that Jesus will provide a home for His chosen people. As consider the promise of Jesus, we encounter that He is the Solution for our Sin, He provides the means for our mission, and that He offers a hope for our home.

Conclusion

You see: this is our secret sauce! We have the promise of Jesus. The plan of God gives us the story of scripture but the promise of Jesus shows us how we can be a part of this plan. We cannot fully understand nor participate in the plan of God without the promise of Jesus. Consequently, the promise of Jesus, our secret sauce, not only makes the plan of God come together.

So, How should we respond to the promise of Jesus? Celebrate!

You belong to God’s family. You occupy a divine purpose. You possess an eternal home.

You are accepted, equipped, and endowed with all you could ever need or ever want.

This is why we set out to reach every street: so that people can enjoy these promises. 

Our view of the world begins with our view of God. The way we think about God shapes the way we think about everything else, along with the way we act and respond to every circumstance. Because of this, we need to get our thoughts about God straight at the beginning of our journey. In other words, as we set out to tell the story of the Bible, we have to begin with God. He is the Author of the Bible and the hero of every story found in it, so we can’t even think about telling the story without starting with him (Bruno, Chris. The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses (p. 17). Crossway. Kindle Edition.)

God possesses a chosen people with a divine purpose longing for a sacred place.

A Chosen People

Q: Who are these people?

A: They are an image-bearing, blended-family united by Jesus.

Image-Bearing (Genesis 1:26-31)

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness

Scripture tells us that God made man and women to resemble Him. This is a challenging concept to describe in a short period of time, but author Chris Bruno helpfully explains that this “most likely (means) that the image of God is bound up in both the characteristics and the relational tendencies that we share with God. Bruno, Chris. The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses (p. 24). Crossway. Kindle Edition.”

Much of our image-bearing revolves around our divine purpose in which we will cover later. However, I want to make mention of an important aspect of our likeness towards God. Notice how the text references God saying “let us make man in our image.” God, whom we define as one, addresses Himself in the plural. This reference to the Trinity demonstrates a very important principle: God is a relational being. His very nature reveals a relational dynamic between the Father, Son, and the Spirit. I mention this because this relational God made us in His relational image. Thus, we were made to relate to God and with each other.

Relating to others becomes an extremely important responsibility as image-bearers of God. God not only wants us to relate to Him but also with our family. God created image-bearing people who would ultimately reside in a larger, blended-family.

Blended-Family (Genesis 12:1-3; Ephesians 2:11-12)

Now the Lord said to Abram… I will make of you a great nation

Without having the time to discuss fully what happens between creation and this moment with Abraham, let me summarize by six words: sin, Noah, flood, more sin, Abraham. Remember, God’s plan is to possess a chosen people. These chosen people will not only bear His image, now marred by sin but also will be a large family. God tells Abraham, I’m going to make you a great nation.

In Genesis 15 God visits Abraham again and says:

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” ² But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” ⁴ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” ⁵ And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

This family, that God promises to Abraham becomes known as the nation of Israel. This physical line from Abraham includes Jesus. Why is this important? Because of the boundaries of this physical lineage, now through Jesus, extends to adopt those outside of Abraham’s physical seed. In Ephesians 2, Paul addresses non-Jewish Christians and reminds them of their heritage. Listen to Paul’s word in verses 11-12:

¹¹ Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— ¹² remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world

So, now we have Abraham’s seed inclusive of a lineage not directly related. How is this possible?  The family of Abraham becomes a blend-family Jesus Christ.

United by Jesus (Ephesians 2:13-22)

Paul tells us how these Gentiles are no longer outside of God’s family. In verse 13, Paul says “But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

In verse 19, Paul goes on to explain further the expansion of this blended-family:

¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²² In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

According to Paul, the line of Abraham through Jesus has become the household of God. This household, made up of one-body, includes jews and gentiles. We know this references the living part of this family today as the Church. What we see though, in the big picture, is that God has a chosen people: an image-bearing, blended-family united by Jesus.

Now that we’ve established God has a chosen people, we need to press further to understand the second component of God’s plan: a divine purpose

A Divine Purpose

Q: What is the divine purpose of these people?

A: To multiply the creation and the Kingdom of God

Multiply the creation (Genesis 1:26-31)

God creates man and woman (chosen people) in His image and then instructs them to have dominion over creation (divine purpose). The dominion which mankind possessed existed in physical expansion and intentional care over the earth. Consequently, this plan (and work) of God was good (Gen. 1:31). Let’s take a look at God’s purpose for His chosen-people to multiply creation.

Through Physical Expansion

²⁸ And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth

“When Adam and Eve were called to subdue the earth, they were called to expand the garden. But this was not just some ancient form of suburban sprawl. Instead, it was a command to expand the territory where God himself lived. In other words, as they had children and their children had children, they were charged with expanding the dominion where God dwelt with his people. Bruno, Chris. The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses (p. 25). Crossway. Kindle Edition.”

Chew on this with me for a moment: God made you to possesses His characteristics and relational tendencies. When He created man and women, God desired for them to resemble Him.  “Just as earthly rulers [build statues] of themselves…as signs of their claims to dominion, so humans in the likeness of God are placed on earth as signs of God’s majesty and are called to maintain and carry out God’s claim to dominion on earth” (G. von Rad, “Vom Menschenbild des AT,” Jenni, E., & Westermann, C. (1997). Theological Lexicon of the Old Testament (p. 1084). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers)

We’ve all had the moment where our parents sat us down before a big event or moment in our life to address our behavior. The conversation begins with something like, “Son, don’t forget tonight that you’re a Thompson.” Why do they tell us this? Since you resemble their likeness both in name and composition, your parent expects you to behave in an acceptable manner.

In this case, Our Father who has made us bearing His image gives us specific instructions for His children: physical expansion. However, God adds more instruction relating to the behavior of His image-bearers. They are not only involved in physical expansion of the creation but also intentional care.

Intentional Care

and subdue it, and have dominion…

God tells His man to subdue creation to have dominion over it. Before we think we have a license do treat creation, however, we feel like listen to what author Chris Bruno has to say regarding this conversation: 

“It is crucial for us to connect this part of the commission to the image of God. Being made in God’s image meant that Adam and Eve were supposed to be his representatives on the earth. And since he is the sovereign King over all creation, his representatives rule on his behalf. So to exercise dominion over the earth does not mean that we use it and abuse it” (Bruno, Chris. The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses (p. 26). Crossway. Kindle Edition). 

Bruno goes on to say:

“The command to have dominion meant that Adam and Eve were to rule the animals and the rest of the earth in the way that God himself would rule them. They were to care for them, to be good stewards of them, and to bring glory to God in the way they ruled over them.”

Recently, I had some friends ask me to look after their house for a couple days while they were out of town. Basically, they wanted me to make sure their cats were fed and their litter boxes were clean. Even though this was such a simple and small responsibility, I found myself taking extra care to make sure those cats had clean bathrooms and fresh water and food. I was extra careful to sweep up litter. I took careful measurement of the food. I washed out the water bowl every time. Why? My respect and love for my friends moved me to take special care of their loved possession.

Just like I took extra care of my friend’s cats, we should take intentional care of what God has given to us. As His representatives on this earth, we should reflect that type of care that He would give His creation if he were walking on this earth.

To continue discussing our divine purpose as God’s chosen people, we need to make an important leap together. When we looked at how God created His chosen people, we saw a physical family morph into a spiritual family through the work of Jesus. As a result, the divine purpose of God for His chosen people develops from the multiplication of the physical creation to the advancement or multiplication of the spiritual kingdom.

Multiply the Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20)

Jesus leaves His followers with a mission that relates to the expansion of His Kingdom. Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives the following commands: ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age

Even though the command now relates to spiritual realities, the premises remains the same: God expects His people to own their divine uprose of multiplication. Paul articulates this principle by calling God’s people ambassadors. In 1 Corinthians 5:20, Paul states, “²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” Notice, as ambassadors, God makes His appeal to creation through us, His chosen people with a divine purpose to multiply His kingdom.

In speaking of God’s kingdom, we are now drawn to the final part of God’s plan: a sacred place. You see, God design was for His chosen people to live with a divine purpose in a sacred place. Even though sin disrupted the initial blueprints, we find that God still intends for us to long for that sacred place where we will dwell with him.

(Longing for) A Sacred Place

Q: What is this sacred place?

Q: A God-given home to dwell with Him and His family

The Garden (Genesis 1:26-31)

We find in Genesis 1 that the commands to multiply reference “the earth” generally. Yet, we find that God placed man and women in a special place initially called the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:8 says “And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” Eden represents a holy place where God’s chosen people possess their diving purpose and dwell joyfully.

Through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, sin enters the garden and God removes His chosen people. Ever since this moment, God’s chosen people have longed a sacred place to dwell once again with God.

The Promised Land (Genesis 12:1-3)

Interestingly, when God promises to multiply the physical lineage of Abraham, He also promises that Abraham’s seed would occupy a special land. God tells Abraham in Genesis 12 “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” This occupation of this promised land creates a large portion of the OT narrative. Even today, the occupancy of this land, generally speaking, causes great conflict.

God’s people on different occasions take possession of this land, but on account of their sins, this specific physical land is lost. Does this mean that God is not faithful to His chosen people? Not at all! Actually, I believe that physical promised land is just a forecast of an eternal city.

The Eternal City (Hebrews 11:8-15, 13:14; John 14:3; Revelation 21:1-4)

The book of Hebrews addresses the narrative of Abraham. In chapter 11, the author of Hebrews states ⁸ By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. ⁹ By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰ For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

¹¹ By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. ¹² Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. ¹³ These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. ¹⁴ For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

As God’s chosen people, we long for a better country, a heavenly one. Our hope is that God has prepared for us this enteral city. Jesus tells His disciples in John 14:3 “³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Through Jesus, we have a place prepared for us. In Revelation 21, we see a greater description of this enteral city:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

This apex brings us full circle: God’s chosen people with a divine purpose dwelling in a sacred place. The Bible’s story is all about this! This is our hope; it’s our story. We know we are part of a story that God drew up and will complete.

So, now that we know the plan of God, the story of Scripture, how will that affect how we live now. Let me offer three things

1. Embrace your blended-family
2. Fulfill your divine-purpose
3. Prepare for your final destination