God’s Mission to Us: Part 2 - 230402

SPEAKER A Hello, I'm Clive Nash. Welcome to let God speak. Some parents have had the heartache of a child who has rebelled against them or who has abandoned their faith. Such a child is never forgotten. By loving parents, these parents take every opportunity of reaching out to their loved offspring. God is like that with humanity. God is intentionally reaching out to us and through us to the world. Join us in a moment as our panel explores the theme of God's mission to us. On our panel today, we have Blair Lemke and Erika Puni. Welcome, gentlemen. Good to have you with us. Thank you. I'm looking forward to our discussion today. But before we begin, let's take time to pray. Our wonderful Father in Heaven, we just thank you that you did not leave this world in its rebellious state of sin. You sent your own son, Jesus Christ to die for us, to give us the hope of eternal life and the hope also of ridding the world of all the evil that we see so prominently around us. And so, as we discuss this topic today, we just pray that you'll be here to bless us. In Jesus name, amen. SPEAKER B Amen. SPEAKER A Well, to begin, I'd like to read a text from John, chapter 14. And this is the verse six. John 14, verse six says jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me. So Blair, whom does God the Father place as central to the plan of a redemption? SPEAKER B Well, of course, in Scripture, all three members of the Godhead are involved in the plan of salvation, working to save humanity. But Jesus points out that the way to salvation is through Him. The way to his Father is through Him. And constantly as we read through the Gospels, we see Jesus point to his Father and access to the Father through the Son. We read in John chapter four, verses 34, god's Word says jesus said to them, my food is to do the will of Him who sent me. And to finish this work. So you can see it quite clearly there. Also in John chapter five, verse 30, we read in God's Word, it says I can do of myself nothing. As I hear, I judge and my judgment is righteous. I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me. And of course, if that wasn't enough, we see in John chapter twelve, verse 44 and verse 45, a similar theme coming through. We read in God's Word, jesus cried out and said he who believes in me believes not in me, but in Him who sent me. And he who sees me, sees Him who sent me. So without a doubt, Jesus says that the way to the Father is through the Son, and that he does the will of the Father. And he continually points back to the Father in that place. SPEAKER A This is in contrast to those people say there are many ways know to eternal life, isn't there? SPEAKER B Well, that's right. SPEAKER A Jesus says, I am the way, not a way. SPEAKER B That's right. There's one clear. SPEAKER A And Erika, did Jesus'mission begin with the Incarnation, with his life here on Earth? SPEAKER C Clive good question, but let me just go back to this beautiful thought that Blair was talking about earlier, the unity of the God family to be on our side. I think of Romans, chapter eight, to the question whether Jesus'mission and ministry to the people of the world started with his Incarnation. No, I'm reading here, for example, from Ephesians, chapter one, verse three and four. Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. And here's the first part of verse four. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world. This God that is all knowing obviously had a plan before the beginning of time, before the creation of the world. And that's an amazing thought that it was right there before Christ came to this world in human form. SPEAKER A Yeah, and I guess it's tied in with the foreknowledge of God, isn't it, Erika? But we won't go down that path just at the moment, because that could lead to some interesting discussion. But let me turn back to John, chapter one, verse three. John one, verse three says, all things were made through him, through Jesus, and without him nothing was made that was made. So Jesus, Hugh, is the active agent in the creation of our world. And yet, how amazing is it, Blair, that the Creator should be prepared to suffer pain and loss for you and me? Yeah. SPEAKER B It's really hard to comprehend in many ways that the Creator of the universe would be willing to put himself on the line, so to speak, to save us. But I really love this text in Galatians, chapter four, verse four and five that speaks to this. And I'm reading from the New Living translation here. I like the way that it phrases this. It says, but when the right time came, god sent his son, born of a woman subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that we could adopt so that he could adopt us as his very own children. We have the incredible spectacle of Incarnation, and this is really quite an amazing thing to comprehend, god becoming man. I mean, what a crazy thought, right? God becoming man. And in that process, he seeks to die for us and to save us from the sin. That the penalty that we deserved. It's just such a beautiful thing to witness and to see. And of course, in John, chapter three, verses 16 and 17, we have perhaps the most famous words of Scripture speaks to this very act of God. It said for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. And what jumps out to me from this pattern that we see God demonstrating this incarnation god loved the world and so he gave. What I see jumping out is this self sacrificing love, this idea of putting others first, that agape love, others centeredness in the character of God. And it's something that inspires me as a follower of Christ as I see what he did, that level of love and what it does for us in the plan of salvation. SPEAKER A I know in my case, my Father, when I was a child, he saved me from drowning. He was willing to risk his life for his Son. But that's only one person being saved. Here we've got the whole world as being saved through Jesus Christ. And Blair, it was not only God the Father and God the Son involved in salvation. Was it there? What about the Holy Spirit? SPEAKER B Absolutely not. And this is where, while the Son does take that prominent role as directing the way to the Father, all members of the Godherit involved in this amazing plan. And of course, the Holy Spirit is given as a gift, a special gift to humanity when Jesus goes to heaven. And we read in John, chapter 14, verse 26, one of the ways that the Holy Spirit is involved in this amazing plan. God's word says, but the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all the things that I've said to you. So we see that the Holy Spirit is sent as a guide to teach us. But not only is he sent as a guide to teach us, but we also see that he's sent to help us in holy living in this plan. And we read in John, chapter 16, verses eight through to eleven, it says and when he speaking of the Holy Spirit has come, he will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment of sin because they do not believe in me. Of righteousness because I go to my Father and you see me no more of judgment because the ruler of this world is judged. And so again we see this idea of the Holy Spirit being sent to be a guide for our holy living. SPEAKER A To convict us of sinful influence, right? SPEAKER B Isn't it? Isn't it? And that's a key component of the plan of salvation to bring us out. The Holy Spirit gives us power to share the gospel. And in all of these ways we see the Holy Spirit guiding and involved in this plan of salvation. And if I can just point out one more here in john, chapter 20, verses 21 and 22. We read that God's word says Jesus said to them again, peace to you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you. And when he said this, he breathed on them and he said, Receive the Holy Spirit. And so we see here the Holy Spirit has always been active, but the disciples were especially to experience this Holy Spirit in a powerful way, to convict sin, to lead them into truth, to give them power to share the Gospel. And all of these are ways that the Holy Spirit's involved in that remarkable story of redemption. SPEAKER A So, Erika, what was the purpose in Jesus sending out his disciples? SPEAKER C That's a very important question, Clive. Perhaps to provide a context to my response. I want to take us to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28. Now, Bible students and teachers very often refer to this command as the Gospel Commission. But let me read to you now from again Matthew 28. In this case I will be reading from verse 19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. There is that reference to the Holy Spirit again, Blair. And then of course, at the beginning of verse 20, there's an emphasis on teaching to obey all things. It is important for us, Clive and Blair, particularly when we're looking at Matthew 28, to go back to the beginning of the chapter, because in the beginning of the chapter we find the record of the resurrection and how Jesus in this case first appeared to women. I think that is not accidental. I think that is intentional in terms of the will of God to take this thing wider, if you may. So the call to make more disciples, which seems to be the heart of the mission, includes everybody. For example, if you go to the genealogy of Jesus in chapter one, we see that women are included. There are even people outside of Abraham's line that were even included in this mission to take the good news of Christ to the world. Perhaps it is also important at this case for me to reference and to read to you this statement from the Andrew Study Bible, page 1292. Here's a statement. He, Matthew, begins his gospel by including women, both non Jewish and ones with stains on their character in his genealogy. And he ends by not highlighting the sending of women with the good news, but by commissioning the disciples to take this good news to all nations. And so, in a way, the women and then of course, the eleven after the resurrection. But we are also included in a way as followers of Christ to take this message to the whole world. And I think that's a privilege for us. SPEAKER A But when you consider that most of the well, the disciples were basically Jewish, they say, how radical. Erika was this commission to go to everyone, all nations. SPEAKER C It is very radical. I mean, for example, if we go to Matthew 121, the name Jesus is to save his people. Now, in the Greek, of course, Leos, meaning his very people. But when we get to the end of chapter 18, the end of the book of Matthew, this thing is thrown open with the use of the Greek word know to all people groups, if you may. So it is, I think, sometimes beyond the mind, the Jewish mind, to say, really, this thing needs to go even beyond us. But that is the case as we're reading in Scripture, for example, in Acts 1726, there is a reference to, and he has made from one blood every nation. So this invitation is universal, but definitely it is not within the norm of the Jewish thinking that they are the only people here. It's everybody included. SPEAKER B You can see that even in the early church, as they went out and took the gospel to the world, there were some growing pains with that process of taking it to the gentile world, with some of those accounts, with Peter and Paul having agreements and all sorts of issues. So it was a bit of a wrestling match. But really what you're saying is the gospel smashes down these walls. Absolutely. The most inclusive statement that can be made. SPEAKER C And this is the good news. Yeah. SPEAKER A You began reading verse 20 of Matthew 28 there, Erika. What about the last part of the verse? It says, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. So what did Jesus mean, Blair, as he ended this great commission, this gospel commission? SPEAKER B Yeah. Well, we clearly see that in that first half, we see that command to teach right as the gospel goes out. It's not to be done in disconnection from teaching of God's word, it's to be done together. And then we have that amazing promise that God is with us as we do, that it's not a work we do in and of ourself. It's not something that we're sent out to do without the resources and the power to do it, but God himself provides what we need. And I really love this statement here. Ellen White writes about this in Acts of the Apostle. She says, after the Savior's ascension, the sense of the Divine presence full of love and light was still with them. It was a personal presence. The light and love and power of an indwelling Christ shone through them so that men beholding marveled. So I think that this promise that Jesus gives here, to be always with them, to be that never ceasing presence, to be with them, I think this is what we see this through the Holy Spirit being with them, as we've mentioned previously. And this promise is that that Spirit will be present with every disciple, everyone that takes this work forward. What an amazing promise. SPEAKER A Yeah. We quoted a bit from John's gospel today. Let's have a look at another writing of John that's over in Revelation chapter 14. And I'm going to read verses six and seven here. Revelation 14, verse six begins with this idea then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth. As if that's not comprehensive enough to all those who dwell on the earth. He goes on to expand on this idea to every nation, tribe, tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to Him for the hour of his judgment has come and worship Him who has made heaven and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters. So, Erika, how big, how all inclusive is this commission? SPEAKER C Clive, we've made the observation when we were looking at Matthew 28 and with the use of the hair ethne, meaning all people groups. So in some ways, this everlasting Gospel and the scene that we see here in Revelation 14 is an echo of that same gospel commission. But one of the important elements that I think we must not miss is this emphasis on the everlasting Gospel. It's the same gospel of Jesus that we find in the record of his ministry on earth. It is centered on the very person of Jesus himself. And of course, we can access the blessings of this everlasting gospel through faith. And I think that's a wonderful thing for us. In some ways. We can also see a throwback to the book of Hebrews, how faith becomes an important piece in the process of salvation. SPEAKER A So, Blair, in your own words, how would you express what the gospel is? SPEAKER B Well, I actually love the way Scripture says it. In John, chapter one, verse 29, it says, the next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and he said, and this is, of course, John the Baptist introducing Jesus'ministry. This is how he introduced him. He said, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I love that image there. That's an image taken from the sanctuary where the Lamb removed the sanctuary system, dealt with the sin and the Lamb was slain. And it was that process of where we deserve death. There's a substitute that takes that penalty for us. And the sanctuary system dealt with the penalty of sin in the outer court. The holy court dealt with the presence of sin in a believer's life through witnessing and all of those elements, the word of God prayers dealts with the presence of sin, the power of sin in a believer's life. And then that most holy place dealt with the very presence of sin. And so that everlasting gospel is the process of dealing with sin in our lives, removing the penalty, the power and the presence of sin in a believer's life through Jesus Christ. Amazing. SPEAKER A Yes. Is there any other elements in the Gospel? SPEAKER C Erika yeah, I think when we're looking to Scripture, the Gospel is fairly comprehensive, but I think I can mention these specifics. For example, when we go to the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse one to four, we find a reference where Jesus saying, I'm going to my Father's house to prepare a place for you. We go to Acts, chapter one, verse eleven, he will come back and to take his people with him. And then, of course, we look to Revelation, chapter 20. We see the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. And finally, in Hebrews, chapter seven, we see his ministry in heaven being an advocate on our behalf. So the Everlasting Gospel is very comprehensive, but these are some of those important elements that we must not forget when we're talking of this Gospel of Jesus. SPEAKER A So, Blair, can you just summarize again for us what it constitutes? SPEAKER B It yeah, well, Paul says it many times in his letter to the Galatians here. And we read in Galatians, chapter two, verse 16, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Even we have believed in Jesus, in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, not by the works of the law. For the works of the law, no flesh will be justified. And then, of course, in Galatians, chapter three, verse six and seven, just as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness, therefore we know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And so, yeah, we see this calling Galatians, we see this Gospel pictured right there. SPEAKER A Yeah, I'd like to quote from the 20th century English hymn writer Fred Pratt Green. He said, this is the threefold truth on which our faith depends. And with this joyful cry, our worship begins and ends. Christ has died, Christ has risen, christ will come again. Yeah, so it's all about Jesus, isn't it, Erika yes. SPEAKER C It'S about Jesus and also the transforming work of Christ in our lives. For example, when we read two Corinthians, chapter five, verse 17, we talk about when one accepts Christ and the power of Christ through his spirit, one becomes a new creation. And this is the life that we live in the present time, not because of us, but because of Jesus in us and for us. SPEAKER A What kind of newness is it? Is it renewed or brand new? In what sense is it new? SPEAKER C Well, it means it's a total new experience where Christ is lord of one's life. SPEAKER B The old has passed away. SPEAKER A Yeah, and I guess you can testify to that newness in your own life, the change, complete change, the values that are gone because of that renewal, our. SPEAKER C Attitude and our behavior. SPEAKER A Now, we read earlier in Revelation 14 and verse seven that the hour of his judgment has come. So what part blair, does the judgment play in the everlasting gospel? SPEAKER B Well, it absolutely is a part of the gospel because we know in the three angels messages, it says that that angel went out with the everlasting Gospel, and then we see the three angels'messages given. So everything contained in those verses is a part of that Everlasting Gospel. The judgment reminds us that Jesus is coming again, which is a good news, right? It's good news, and it tells us that we should expect to see him soon and that all of the difficulties and challenges that have taken place in the world will be righted. I think of in Revelation, chapter six, it says, how long until you judge the world, O Lord, the righteous cry out. And this is that part of that good news, that setting right of all the things that have been wrong. SPEAKER A Erika, has God always had human agents willing to share the gospel? SPEAKER C I think so. When we look at Bible history, both the Old Testament and New Testament, we see that God works through people. I'm thinking in this particular case of the record of people that are listed in Hebrews, chapter eleven, the whole we find we have Abel and Enoch and Noah and Abraham. Of course, we are told that they demonstrated their faith in Christ, but they were kind of waiting for something that was still to come, which is going to be the crown of this eternal gospel of God. SPEAKER A Yeah. In Luke, chapter 19, verse ten, jesus makes a very succinct statement here. He said, the Son of man, talking about himself has come to seek and to save that which was lost. So Jesus does the saving. What's our role then? SPEAKER B The blair yeah, well, absolutely that's Jesus's role is to save. As Christ followers, we should be interested in the salvation of others. We should seek to bring the salvation, but we can't actually do that work. That's the work of God alone. What we can do is we can point to Jesus, and it's his work to do. I love it how one writer says, it says, the mission of the church is to make known the love of God to men and to win them to Christ. Through the efficacy of that love, we get to point to Jesus. What a beautiful privilege. SPEAKER A Yeah. So, Erika, does the gospel appeal just to certain types of people, certain classes? SPEAKER C Again, if we go to Scripture, the answer is no. God is willing that none should perish, but have eternal life. Let me read to you this reference again from John's work in the Book of Revelation, chapter seven, verse nine and ten. After this, I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands, and they cried out in a loud voice. Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb. I couldn't help but again, over and over again, whether it is Matthew 28 or Revelation 14 or Revelation seven, the picture is God has this comprehensive, inclusive, all inclusive plan for the salvation of the world. And then, of course, we have this beautiful picture as we move towards the end of revelation of God, making all things new in a place where there'll be no more death, no more tears and no more sorrow. That will be a beautiful experience. SPEAKER A Absolutely, yes. And who would not want to share a message of hope like that with the world? It's a great privilege that we have, isn't it? Of being coworkers with Jesus, sharing the gospel message, going, doing our part. And that's what we do here at Three ABN, is to take the gospel to the whole world. Well, my guests today were Blair Lemke and Erika Puney. Thank you very much. Thank you for your discussion. Been great to study your input today. That's been great. And my name is you know, we live in a world where there is a lot of bad news, but Christians can share good news. The best news of all, that Jesus came into the world to save sinners for eternity. Maybe this day or this week, the opportunity will come to you to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Don't be afraid to say a word that could change your life for eternity. Well, we're glad you joined us today on Let God Speak. If you are blessed by this program, tell your friends. Remember, all past programs plus teachers notes are available on our website, threeabnaustralia.org Au. That's the number three. Threeabnastralia.org Au. Email us if you wish on LGs at threeABN australia.org Au. We hope that you will join us again next time. Until then, God bless. SPEAKER D You have been listening to Let God Speak, a production of Three ABN, Australia. Television. To catch up on past programs, please visit 3abnaustralia.org.au Call us in Australia on 024-973-3456 or email [email protected] We'd love to hear from you.