The appeal of Heavenly glory

Revelation 22:16-17 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

Introduction & Review
These past several days have been devoted to unfolding the Eternal Heavenly Glory that we find in Revelation 21-22.  In many ways as I write these posts, I feel like I am trying to describe the Grand Canyon by way of a simple post-card! Nevertheless the scriptures are sufficient and alone are the reliable source for grasping these truths by faith.1  Dr. Wayne Grudem has listed the following observations about the passages we have been exploring:

1. Heaven is a place, not  a state of mind

2. The physical creation will be renewed and we will continue to exist and act in it.

3. Our resurrection bodies will be part of the renewed creation

4. The New creation will not be 'timeless' but will include an unending succession of moments

5. The doctrine of the New creation provides a great motivation for storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth

6. The New Creation will be a place of great beauty and abundance and joy in the presence of God.1

We have thus far seen the description of  everything that will be included (and not included) in the New Heavens and Earth, as well as how the New Jerusalem will be superior to the current place called "heaven" or "the third heaven". We also have looked at the details of the New Heavenly city of New Jerusalem and have commented on how it relates to us today.  In today's post we want to see how The Triune God appeals to sinners to come by grace through faith so as to occupy this future place.


Final Invitation to Eternal Heavenly Glory 22:6-21

As we consider this final invitation by God in the Bible, we can note that the visions given to John by Jesus have concluded.  Like a great evangelist, Jesus is drawing in the net and extending an invitation. We can see a three fold movement of this final invitation, with each part featuring a prophetic statement of appeal made by Jesus Himself.

A. Appeal to heed the invitation 22:6-9
In this first part of the invitation, Jesus is stating that every word that has been written in the Apocalypse is true and worthy of acceptation.  Those who read and hear the book being read, taught or preached need to be sure they heed its words. Perhaps one  of the finest statements of the Bible's inerrancy ("every word is true) and infallibility ("and faithful", incapable of failure) is made here in by Jesus in Revelation 22:6. Clearly this is an invitation that must be heeded, but also notice...

B. Warning to those who refuse the invitation 22:10-13
The wording of the Revelation 22:11 is worth noting: "Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.”  This part of the invitation is being communicated to those who refuse to pay heed and who choose to remain where they're at.

Throughout the prophetic scriptures we see God executing the worst form of judgment imaginable - giving people exactly what they want! This way of communication is what I call "let them alone" language. Passages such as Jeremiah 15:1-2; Ezekiel 3:27 and Daniel 12:3 uses such sentiments to communicate to unrepentant sinners: if you're going to be a sinner, be a good one, for whatsoever a man sows, thus will he reap! (compare Galatians 6:7)

Romans 1:24-28 is perhaps one of the clearest New Testament references that features this style of communication.  After giving sinful man the light of general revelation and being gracious with him, when man continues to reject God's efforts in common grace, the worse form of judgment is to hand mankind over to his base desires. We may wonder why Jesus would use this form of communication in this final invitation of Revelation.  In short, it is to escalate the urgency of the appeal.  There is no such thing as apathy.  Either people will remain as they are and perish (which would be their own fault) or respond to the appeal of Jesus (which can only be credit to the Spirit's drawing grace). So what happens if there is a listener or reader who says: "wait a minute, I don't want to keep doing wrong, being filthy and risk remaining in my sins, I want to be made right with God through Jesus Christ!" What does Jesus have to say to such persons? Notice the final part of this grand invitation...  

C. Blessing for those who welcome the invitation 22:14-21

Notice how in this final part of the appeal, Jesus, the church and the Spirit Himself are all present.  Truly the point is made- lest the Spirit is at work in the sinner's heart, there will be no response, no faith, no repentance. The final verse of Revelation 22 speaks: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen". Grace is what draws us, persuades us to genuinely express faith and repentance and keeps us in Jesus. For all who by grace through faith respond to this final invitation, it is a blessed and glorious salvation that is received!

Endnotes
1. Wayne Grudem. Systematic Theology. Zonndervan. Pages 1159-1164

Endnotes:

1. No silly books on the market today that feature visions and post-mortem scenes of people who have gone to heaven and come back can ever replace, supplement or even complement the scriptures. 

Touring the future Heavenly city

Revelation 21:9-10 9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” The New Jerusalem
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.

Personal Note: Yesterday I flew home to my family after having buried my father's body last week. My dad is very much alive in the presence of Jesus. When Jesus returns, there will be a catching up of all the saints and my dad's soul/spirit will be reunited with a transformed, glorified resurrected body. As I think on the promises of scripture, I think about the city of God so often spoken of in the Bible. Revelation 21-22 gives the reader the most detailed description of that future heavenly home. If you have trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord, then what follows ought to thrill your heart. If you haven't trusted in Jesus as Savior and Lord, call upon Him and acknowledge your sin and separation from God, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 16:31) Why is what I just wrote so important? Because I would like to see you have the thrill that my dad, myself and other Christians have in knowing their ultimate destination - the future heavenly city! Check it out below!

Introduction & Review
In yesterday's post we listed some observations about the New Heaven's and New Earth.  We first of all noted 15 things that will be absent in the Eternal Heavenly Glory of Revelation 21-22.  Next we considered how the New Heavens and Earth are described by a theme of "better than", noting that in comparison to Genesis 3, God's aim is to have a "better than paradise".  These thoughts led us to the third consideration of how the New Heaven will be better than the current third heaven where believers go to now to be with the Lord.  We chose to pick up with today's post in further explaining how the New Heavens and Earth, particularly - the New Jerusalem, aid us in seeing just how glorious the Eternal heavenly Glory will be.

Pausing and reflecting on how the promise of heaven keeps our faith firmly planted in the ground
One morning I had occasion to share the text of Colossians 3:1-3 with some people: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." This text can be equally used in practically applying the truths of the current heaven and the New heavens and earth described here in Revelation 21-22.  Reflecting upon both yields the same fruit - assurance, hope, encouragement and strength for the journey. 

Dr. John Piper notes concerning how Jesus functions as the anchor for the soul in Heaven in Hebrews 6:18-20 - "Now here is the burning question for me. Is the anchor of my soul as firmly attached to my soul as it is to the altar of God? In other words is the picture here of an anchor with its hook and chain bound unbreakably to the altar of God in the holy of holies so that nothing could loose it from that end, but with the rope just hanging out of heaven in the air? Is the only point of this text to say "Take hold of the loose end of this rope and you will have safety and firmness and assurance?" Piper later writes: "When he says in verse 19 that we have an "anchor of the soul" I think he means that the anchor is firmly anchored in heaven, and the anchor is firmly attached to the Christian's soul."1

The City whose builder and maker is God
We know from other scriptures that the concept of Heaven being likened unto a city is found throughout the Biblical authors.  According to Hebrews 11:9-10, Abraham the patriarch had been in search of it through faith.  We as Christians are already designated a citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem above. (Galatians 4:26; Philippians 3:20) Presumably these references are talking about the "third heaven" where believers in the Lord go when they die in Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:5-6; 12:4). Jesus then told his disciples in John 14:1-3 that He is going away to "prepare a place" which we can presume to be the grand city described in Revelation 21 and 22. 2   Evidently by being with Jesus through His Kingdom age (compare Revelation 20:1-6), where He is, we will be, and thus the whole point of Revelation 21-22 is to demonstrate that God in Christ with His people has come to tabernacle, and thus Heaven will characterize earth and earth's physical nature will characterize Heaven in the Eternal glory of these chapters. 

A quick tour of the New Jerusalem
We first of all note it is a Heavenly city. (Revelation 21:10-11) This is most likely the same city spoken of by Jesus in John 14:1-3. As a heavenly city is secondly a costly city, composed of solid diamond gemstones (Revelation 21:12) and other costly materials such as gems and transparent gold. (21:15-20) Thirdly it is a promised city, as seen by the names of the patriarchs and apostles inscribed on its gates and foundations. (Revelation 21:13-14)

The fourth thing we can note about this city is its size: 1500 miles in each direction, with the same length characterizing its height.  Quite literally this is a cube that is the size of North America or most of Europe.  The height of this city has led many sound interpreters to conclude that the city may be composed of multiple stories and levels. To wonder if there would be enough space to live, some rough calculations yield that if the New Jerusalem, with all of its levels being a mile of distance from top to bottom (and this 1500 levels high) had tracts of space laid out for 8 billion people, each person would easily have 250 acres! What we must realize of course is that God is a big God and that the whole point of large proportions in any of His creations is to display His glory. (Compare Psalm 19:1-6) So in being a heavenly, costly and promised city that is quite grand in scope, we can notice yet another trait, fifthly that this city is a God-centered city. (21:22-25) In as much as its studded gemstones and unfathomable beauty describe the New Jerusalem, without God as the light and the Lamb as the light, this city would never shine, would never be precious and would never be grand. We can note yet another trait, number six, that this city will be a life giving city. (22:1-5) Notice how this city has a healing tree, a river of life and unending light.

So let us quickly review what we have noticed thus far about the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:9-22:5
1. Heavenly City
2. Costly City
3. Promised City
4. Large city
5. God-centered City
6. Living City


But now understand dear friend, John has been shown this glorious New heavens and earth with the glorious new Jerusalem, however right now that city is unoccupied.  Henceforth there is one last trait we must notice that will be true of this city, namely that God and the Lamb desire it to be an occupied city.  All those chosen in grace and so inclined to receive the free offer of such grace by faith will be in that city. Is that you? Are you a believer in Jesus Christ? If you haven't trusted in Jesus, please do so today!

Tomorrow we will consider the grand appeal to come and be a present citizen and future occupant of Eternal Heavenly Glory.

Endnotes:
1. http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/hope-anchored-in-heaven

2. Often in our songs of praise and even in our doctrines we tend to blend the truths of the third Heaven and the Jerusalem found here in Revelation 21:10-27 & 22:1-5. Clearly there are many similarities, however there are some differences to note as well.

Heaven - the Land of "better than" and "no more"

Revelation 21:4-5 "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. 5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Personal note: As I noted yesterday, my dad went to be with the Lord several days ago. As he basks in the presence of Jesus, his 56 of 73 years of walking the Christian walk are deeply imprinted on my mind. These next several posts are written with the idea of purposefully reflecting on the teaching of the New Heavens and Earth in Revelation 21-22, as well as the Biblical teaching on Heaven in general. May the reader be blessed today as you read about how Heaven is the "better than land" and "the land of no more". 

Introduction & Review

In yesterday's post we did a brief overview of Revelation 21-22 to begin  a new series of posts. Though Revelation 21-22 occupies 2 of the 1189 chapters of God's Word, the "Age to Come" or what we're calling "Eternal Heavenly Glory" will know no end.  Here is a summary of the outline of Revelation 21-22 from yesterday:

I. Eternal Heavenly Glory Defined Revelation 21:1-3

II. Eternal Heavenly Glory Described Revelation 21:4-22:5

III. Final Invitation to Eternal Heavenly Glory 22:6-21

Yesterday we saw that in Revelation 21:1-3 a brief summary of the three main areas of Eternal Heavenly Glory to be described by John: New Everything (21:1); New City (21:2) and the throne of God and the Lamb (21:3). Those are the three main points John will use in this final vision of the New Heavens and Earth.  In today's post we aim to unpack that first element of "New Everything" (New Heaven's & Earth) in Revelation 21:4-22:5.

"The Land of No More"

Preachers of old have often referred to the New Heavens and New Earth in the Eternal Age to come as "the land of no more".  Consequently this title fits the context since so much referrence is made to what will not be present in the Eternal Heavenly Glory of these chapters.  By noting what is not in the glorious scene or what is "no longer" to remain, we can begin to grasp a little bit of what the Apostle John is communicating. Let the reader note the following things that will be "no more" or "no longer":

1. No longer any sea 21:1

2. No more death 21:4

3. No more mourning 21:4

4. No more crying 21:4

5. No more pain 21:4

6. No more past (i.e former things) 21:4

7. No more debt (i.e without cost) 21:6; 22:17

8. No temple 21:22

9. No sun 21:23; 22:5

10. No moon 21:23

11. No night 21:25; 22:5

12. Nothing unclean 21:27

13. No abomination 21:27

14. No curse 22:5

15. No lamps 22:5

As one preacher describes it: "No more sea means nothing to separate us; No more death means nothing to grieve us; No more pain means nothing to hurt us; No more night means nothing to frighten us and No more curse, therefore nothing to defile us."  

"The land of better than" 

Having considered what this heavenly glory will be missing, we can now consider what will be in the New Heavens and Earth.  Another theme that can be found in Revelation 21-22 is how this Eternal Heavenly Glory is better than anything we know of right now.  Oftentimes I have heard people say that the goal of God is to restore us back to paradise, being that in the first three chapters of Genesis we see paradise lost. I would suggest that God's goal is not merely to restore a paradise lost, rather His aim is to redeem that lost paradise and to make a "better than" paradise. A quick comparison of Genesis 3 and Revelation 21-22 will highlight this thought:

1. Genesis 3 there was death; Revelation 21:4 there is no more death and in 22:1 a river of life

2. Genesis 3 witnesses separation from God; whereas Revelation 21:3, 22:1 sees reconciliation to God

3. Genesis 3 see no access to the tree of life; whereas in Revelation 22:2 there is full access

4. Disease, sickness and pain come out of Genesis 3; whereas healing, wholeness and harmony come out of Revelation 22:2

5. Nothing but curse in Genesis 3; No more curse in Revelation 22:3

6. Broken fellowship persists in Genesis 3; Full fellowship in Revelation 22:3

7. Veiled faces of shame mark Genesis 3; unveiled faces mark Revelation 22:4

8. Darkness sinks into Genesis 3; No more Darkness in Genesis 22:5

9. Mankind lost his position in the first Adam in Genesis 3; All who are in the New Adam by Grace through faith are restored and more in Revelation 22:5

"Better than Heaven"

To add to this "better than theme", the New Heavens and Earth are going to be "better than heaven".  We know of 4 places in scripture defined by the term "heaven".  There is the 1st heaven or sky, the 2nd heaven or universe and the 3rd heaven or where believers go right now to be with the Lord.  In as much as the third heaven is a glorious place (2 Peter 1:11-12) beyond description (2 Corinthians 12:4), we know that the New Heavens spoken of here in these last two chapters of Revelation are beyond and better. 

To illustrate, when my family and I lived in Florida years ago, we would go sometimes to the part of Disney world called "down town Disney". That area was a little town-like place located immediately outside the park.  What many people don't realize is that one can enjoy a taste of the full Disney experience in places like Down Town Disney.  When we would go there we could spend all day without having to pay admission. We also would get on the park monorail and ride for free through the palatial hotel lobbies that dotted the outer perimeter of the vast acrage of Disney.  We could not get over how enjoyable it was. 

However a group of our friends decided to purchase tickets for Debi and me (they took the kids!) to enjoy The Epcot Theme Park and one of its Grandest Hotels. Let me tell you, the experience made Down Town Disney pale in comparision.  Though I had lived only an hour away from Orlando, when I got inside the actual park, I could see why people the world over will spend untold amounts of money to make what could very well be a trip of a life time.  And to think there were two other parks (The Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios) that we had not even seen!

Do you know dear friend, the place where our Christian loved ones and friends go now is undoubtedly glorious and comforting (Luke 16:19-21,25). Such a heavenly reality has gates to welcome us (2 Peter 1:11-12) and is saturated with the very presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:5).  Revelation 4-5 describes a little bit of what the activity and beauty of the third heaven is like, full of light, sound, singing and rejoicing over the glory of God the Father, the Lamb and the Spirit proceeding out from the midst of that throne.  The saints of old pine after it (Psalm 73:24-25).  However the new Heavens and New Earth are going to be "better than" heaven.  How so? To answer that question will require us looking at the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:10-27 and inside that vast metropolis in Revelation 22:1-5 tomorrow. 

The Wonder of future heavenly glory

Revelation 21:1-3 "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them."

Personal note: A few days ago my dad passed away and is now in the presence of the Lord. For 56 of his 73 total years he walked the Christian walk and his ever-increasing home-sickness for heaven remains for me one of my fondest memories. His desire was to be with His Lord and Savior. Over the next several days I would like to present a series of posts that speak on the Bible's teaching on Heaven, particularly the last two chapters of Revelation. It is hoped that these posts provide comfort, clarity and an eternal perspective for readers. For anyone who knew my dad, his eternal perspective on things was refreshing and welcome in an age so preoccupied with things and self. 

Introduction: Two great preachers comment on the eternal heavenly glory of Revelation 21-22

I thought I would begin with two quotes from two great preachers who have been gifted by God to expound His word.  The first is from Dr. John MacArthur who writes concerning Heaven and the Christian:1

"Most Christians, I suppose, through the centuries could say with the psalmist in Psalm 73, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee and besides Thee I desire nothing on earth." That is the expression of the heart that longs for God. Much like Psalm 42 where the psalmist says, "As the deer pants after the water brook, so pants my soul after Thee, O God." The psalmist in the same Psalm 73 said, "Nearness to God is my good." He said, "God is my portion forever." Being preoccupied with the person of God, longing to be in the presence of God was on the heart of Christians. In fact, the pure in heart, according to the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes, are promised that they will some day see God. Through the centuries that desire to see God, to be in God's presence, to enjoy God forever, that desire that there is nothing in the world that can satisfy has been on the hearts of believers."

The second quote derives from the late Dr. W.A Criswell who penned in his opening sermon on Revelation 21 - "The Word is illimitable. The wisdom and truth and revelation of God is unfathomable. I’m like a diver that would go down into the depths of a southern sea to find pearls and gems on the floor of the ocean. And when I get down there, I am overwhelmed by the profuse, vast, illimitable treasures scattered all around me. Which jewel shall I take? And what jewel shall I leave behind? What shall I place in this sermon, and what of those thousand other things that I wish I had time even to mention? Ah, the riches of the revelation of God in Christ Jesus; how past finding out, how past exploring, how past understanding, much less exegeting and homileticizing and presenting and preaching, this rich, incomparably glorious Word of God!"2

A bird's eye view of Eternal Heavenly Glory in Revelation 21-22

With the opening thoughts above, it is very apparent that the final two chapters of the Apocalypose of John present to us scenes and realities that exceed imagination and which nearly escape human vocabulary.  If we were to view the entire Bible in terms of ages and time frames, we could assign at least five of them:

1. The Old Testament Age

2. The Church Age

3. The Tribulation Period or age

4. The Kingdom Age

5. The Age to Come 

The last age is to be an endless one.  Though it only occupies 2 of the 1189 chapters of God's Word, the "Age to Come" or what we're calling "Eternal Heavenly Glory" will know no end.  More will be said in future posts, however today I wanted to simply outline for the reader how Revelation 21-22 unfolds.

I. Eternal Heavenly Glory Defined Revelation 21:1-3

A. New Everything  21:1

B. New City 21:2

C. Throne of God and the Lamb 21:3

II. Eternal Heavenly Glory Described Revelation 21:4-22:5

A. New Everything described 21:4-8

B. New City described from afar 21:9-27

C. Throne of God & The Lamb inside the City 22:1-5

III. Final Invitation to Eternal Heavenly Glory 22:6-21

A. Appeal to heed the invitation 22:6-9

B. Warning to those who refuse the invitation 22:10-13

C. Blessing for those who welcome the invitation 22:14-21

Endnotes:

1. http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/66-80/the-new-heaven-and-the-new-earth-part-1

2. http://www.wacriswell.com/transcript/?thisid=9C63831F-2578-41A7-91CD49D7E17B1D48

P2 - Eight Awesome New Testament Generals

Hebrews 1:1-2 "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world."

Introduction:

Yesterday we began exploring the eight General Epistles of the New Testament. The goal is to not be detailed but very brief in order to increase interest in this somewhat neglected part of the New Testament. Now why are Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1,2,3 John and Jude deemed the "General Epistles"? As noted yesterday, unlike Paul's Epistles, which are written to specific churches or unlike John's seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation, these 8 epistles are written to "general" groups of Christians spread over a wide area. Another pattern we noted about this collection of epistles or letters is that they are authored by all the headlining apostles: John, Peter and Paul (if we take him as author of Hebrews).1 

A further interesting pattern about these 8 books of the Bible is that two of them (James and Jude) were composed by two of Jesus' half-brothers according to the flesh. We considered the first two (Hebrews and James) in yesterday's post. Today we will round out this short survey of the General Epistles by considering the remaining six of the eight general epistles, their key points and verses and then close with a final exhortation to explore them further.

Epistle of 1 Peter

Peter the Apostle and one of the original twelve disciples dictated this letter through Silvanus (1 Peter 5:12) under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Peter's intentions was to encourage his readers to stand firm in the grace of God. (1 Peter 5:12)

Epistle of 2 Peter

If Peter's first epistle was all about standing firm in God's grace, then his 2nd letter is concerned about growing in God's grace, with 2 Peter 3:18 being the chief verse. Peter most likely directly composed this Epistle without the aid of a secretary (called in the Greek world an amanuensis). Peter's goal in his second letter is to warn his readers to be prepared for and to live in light of Jesus' return. 

Epistle of 1 John

The Apostle John composed this letter and the two others bearing his name. John's purpose was to write a letter that encouraged new believers on matters about their faith and urged unbelievers to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The purpose and key verse of 1 John is found in 5:13.

Epistle of 2 John

This stands as the second shortest of all the Bible books and was written by the Apostle John to encourage readers to walk out their faith. The whole emphasis of this little 245 word letter is about the Christian walk, and the suggested golden verse is 2 John 1:6.

Epistle of 3 John

This short little letter, also written by the Apostle John, urges readers to maintain the health of their Christian walk. Though it is the shortest book of the Bible (219 words), 3 John is long on richness and themes. We could recognize 3 John 2 as the key or golden text of 3 John.

Epistle of Jude

This final general epistle was composed by Jesus' other half-brother according to the flesh - Jude. The key point of Jude's writing was to urge his readers to contend for their faith. (Jude 1:3)

The importance of the General Epistles to understanding the rest of the New Testament

The great late commentator A.T. Robertson who noted the following about the importance of the General Epistles: "Without them we should be deprived of much concerning three outstanding personalities in early Christianity. We should know much less of James, and Cephas, and John, they were reputed to be pillars" (Gal 2:9). We should know less also of the Judaic (not Judaizing) form of Christianity seen in the Epistle of James and Jude in contrast with, though not opposed to, the Pauline type. In Peter's Epistles we see, indeed, a mediating position without compromise of principle, for Peter in the Jerusalem Conference loyally supported Paul and Barnabas even if he flicker for a moment later in Antioch. In the Johannine Epistles we see the great Eagle soar as in his Gospel in calm serenity in spite of conflict with the Gnostics who struck at the very life of Christianity itself. 'The only opposition which remains worthy of a Christian's consideration is that between light and darkness, truth and falsehood, love and hate, God and the world, Christ and AntiChrist, life and death'. So we can be grateful for the preservation of these little Epistles which reveal differences in the development of the great Christian leaders and the adaptation of the Gospel message to changing world conditions then and now."2

Final thoughts 
Well that concludes today's post. I would encourage readers to take a closer look at these eight books of the Bible. You will find them to be very edifying to your faith. 

Endnotes:
1. I wanted to make a quick note about the Book of Hebrews, being that some classify it among Paul's letters and others classify it as a General Epistle. In the course of history the authorship of Hebrews has been discussed and debated. To this day we do not know the author with 100% certainty, although this writer personally believes Paul or perhaps less likely Apollos was the author. We know from some ancient copies of the New Testament that Hebrews was at times placed before, following or in the midst of Paul's 13 other letters. Either way, the one thing that is not in doubt is the authority the book of Hebrews possesses as a Divinely inspired book of the Bible. For today's post I will include Hebrews among the collection of what are called "The General Epistles" since a majority (not all) classify Hebrews as such.

2. J. A.T Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament. Volume VI. Introduction xiii. 

P1 - Eight Awesome New Testament Generals

Hebrews 1:1-2 "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world."

Introduction:

When I refer to "eight awesome New Testament generals", I am speaking of the eight letters or Epistles commonly referred to as the General Epistles. The goal is to not be detailed but very brief in order to increase interest in this somewhat neglected part of the New Testament. Now why are Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1,2,3 John and Jude deemed the "General Epistles"? Unlike Paul's Epistles, which are written to specific churches or unlike John's seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation, these 8 epistles are written to "general" groups of Christians spread over a wide area. Another pattern we can note about this collection of epistles or letters is that they are authored by all the headlining apostles (John, Peter and Paul (if we take him as author of Hebrews). A further interesting pattern about these 8 books of the Bible is that two of them (James and Jude) were composed by two of Jesus' half-brothers according to the flesh. We could mention more interesting tid-bits, but for sake of brevity we will move forward. Below we will list out the first two of the eight general epistles and their key points and verses.   

1. The Epistle to the Hebrews

This letter (written by Paul, maybe Apollos or someone else) aims to show how the Old Testament was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The theme of "better" or "more excellent" weaves its way through the letter. Suggested key verse is Hebrews 10:19-22

2. Epistle of James

This letter, composed by Jesus' half-brother according to the flesh, was written to provide practical instruction in wisdom. Often nicknamed "The Proverbs of the New Testament", James was perhaps the earliest book written in the New Testament. James' Epistle is all about spelling out in detail the pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God. (James 1:26-27)

More next time.....

The Christian's need for fellowship in the local church

Romans 15:1 "Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not justplease ourselves."

A person does not realize the value of a church family a lot of times until difficulties arise. In America the autonomy of self is held to a premium, which unfortunately affects the way many Christians view the Christian life. Christianity lived apart from the ministry of the local church is artificial and contrary to God's provision for growing believers in discipleship. In my own life, I have found as a person in the pew and as a pastor behind the pulpit the unequalled value of the fellowship of the local church for believers. Currently my family and I are processing the recent loss of my father. I can tell the reader first hand how invaluable my home church, my sister's home church and my mother's home church have been in providing the spiritual and moral support needed in difficult times. Truly the Spirit of God uses the fellowship of believers in the local church to be the hands and feet of Jesus to both His people and the world. 

To illustrate how much the New Testament speaks on the subject of the fellowship of the local church, we will consider verses from the New Testament Epistles. Why the Epistles? These were letters written by the apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to churches. As we understand how the early churches expressed their fellowship, we can apply first century truth to twenty-first century life. Notice the following six reasons why Christians need the fellowship of the local church... 

1. Fellowship is needed when one is weak. 
Romans 15:1 begins our brief survey of the New Testament Epistles in regards to the need for the fellowship of the local church. When a Christian is in a season where they are spiritually, emotionally or physically weak, the church membership comes alongside to support and uphold that saint of God. At the end of Romans 15 we read Paul's assessment of the Roman congregation in verse 32 - "so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company." James 5:14 gives another example of how the fellowship of the local church can aid in strengthening those who are weak: "Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." So the Christian's need for the fellowship of the Christian church is valuable in times of weakness. 

2. Fellowship is needed because of Jesus.
When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, their fellowship was fractured. He introduces his first epistle to them with a reminder of how God had called them to be in fellowship with one another. Notice 1 Corinthians 1:9-10  "God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment." Such a letter as 1 Corinthians ought to remind us that even in the first century, churches had troubles and could be at times difficult places to be. However difficult things may get, Christians should not just throw up their hands and give up. Paul was urging the Corinthians to get past their divisive ways and remember their calling by Christ to be His and each other's. 

The value of the fellowship of the local church for the Christian comes when we realize that the Holy Spirit connects each believer and each local body of regenerated saints to Jesus Christ. Inasmuch the local church is a fellowship of Christians, it is spiritually and supernaturally a fellowship of Jesus with His people and He with them.  

3. Fellowship is needed to reinforce individual Christian faith.
So we have seen that the Christian's need for fellowship in the local church is due to seasons of weakness and the fellowship of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:18 records the following prayer by the Apostle Paul for the Ephesians -  "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." Ephesians 4:11-12 records how the fellowship of the local church in conjunction with the ministry of the Word is designed to equip God's people to attain unto the unity so desired and prayed for by Jesus until He returns. Here we see then the third need for fellowship in the local church - strenghtening of the faith. Such a need is repeated for example in another Epistle, Colossians 1:10-12 "so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects,bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in theknowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light." Without the local church, Christians who are able to gather together with God's people cannot hope to have the illumination and reinforcement of their faith. Willful isolation from Christ's body, the local church, stunts Christian growth and short-circuits Christian vitality.

4. Fellowship is needed for loving compassion.
Philippians 2:1-2 gives us the fourth need for fellowship in the local church - compassionate love. We read in Philippians 2:1-2 "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." I am not sure where I would be without my local church family. As a pastor and member of that body at the same time, I find that when I have been in need of a collective shoulder of compassionate love, our church has been there for me. This world is full of coldness and betrayal. The best place to find the genuine love of God is the local church. Whenever a church has begun to grow cold in the area of compassionate love, worldliness has seeped in and the church has lost its first love. (See Revelation 2:1-7). Jesus said that the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another. 

5. Fellowship is needed for a solid testimony
The fifth reason Christians need the fellowship of the local church is for a strong testimony. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 "For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only inMacedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything." Whenever a church body is functioning as it ought, the Christian who is a member of that church can share with others God's love both experienced and learned. A testimony is how a Christian personally adds flesh and bone onto their witness of their personal walk with Jesus. The truth of the Gospel is the nails and the power of a testimony is the hammer that can be used by the Spirit of God to drive in the Gospel nails to the sinner's heart. Isolation cannot supply a solid testimony like involvement with a local church can. 

6. Fellowship is necessary because it is commanded 
We have seen that Christian's need the fellowship of the local church for the following five beneficial reasons:

a. Fellowship is needed when one is weak
b. Fellowship is needed because of Jesus.
c. Fellowship is needed to reinforce faith
d. Fellowship is needed for loving compassion
e. Fellowship is needed for a solid testimony

Sadly some Christians will curtail regular commitment to their local church, claiming that the above benefits can be achieved by themselves. When such a claim is made, this final reason for needing fellowship in the local church needs to be cited - namely it is commanded by our Lord. Christian fellowship is not optional, but mandatory. The Lord commands things to benefit us, not to harm us. Both Hebrews 3:12-13 and 10:24-25 both command us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves nor to allow the decitfulness of sin to jade our thinking and our hearts. 1 John 3:10-11 gives us the perfect antidote for fighting the corruption of sin: "By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." Such connection to the fellowship of fellow believers is commanded and urged upon God's people not to hinder, but to help and benefit them in their Christian growth.