Calvin Lilly---F.L.I.G.H.T. CLASS 107

Calvin Lilly---F.L.I.G.H.T. CLASS --- ENDTIMES SCRIPTURES

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Finding Life In GOD's Heavenly Truths

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1:1-3 This book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ; the whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ, and all relates to him. Its principal subject is to discover the purposes of God concerning the affairs of the church, and of the nations as connected therewith, to the end of the world. These events would surely come to pass; and they would begin to come to pass very shortly. Though Christ is himself God, and has light and life in himself, yet, as Mediator between God and man, he receives instructions from the Father. To him we owe the knowledge of what we are to expect from God, and what he expects from us. The subject of this revelation was, the things that must shortly come to pass. On all who read or hear the words of the prophecy, a blessing is pronounced. Those are well employed who search the Bible. It is not enough that we read and hear, but we must keep the things that are written, in our memories, in our minds, in our affections, and in practice, and we shall be blessed in the deed. Even the mysteries and difficulties of this book are united with discoveries of God, suited to impress the mind with awe, and to purify the soul of the reader, though he may not discern the prophetic meaning. No part of Scripture more fully states the gospel, and warns against the evil of sin.

What will it take for us to be set on fire?

What will it take for us to be set on fire? Fire cannot be ignited when it is in an environment that is hostile to combustion. We, to be on fire, must be composed of combustible material. We must find a way to create a kind of spiritual reaction that creates both heat and light. And that way is no secret. God gives us the formula for starting a fire in our hearts. Actually it is as simple as striking a match and lighting a pile of dried cornhusks. The way for God to get a grip on us is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. If . . . humble themselves . . . pray . . . seek my face. . turn from their evil ways . . . .

A. Take personal responsibility

If shows our responsibility. Getting right with God is your responsibility. It is not the pastor's responsibility, your deacon's responsibility, your parent's responsibility, your Sunday school teacher's responsibility. It is your responsibility.

B. Humble yourself before God

Humble themselves is a statement of position. Last week we talked about Jacob humbling himself to be reconciled with his brother Esau. That same position is needed in reconciling our relationship with God. When we humble ourselves we bend low; we prostrate; we fall to the ground. Jacob fell on the ground seven times before he met his brother. It is worth remembering the root of the words humiliation and humility is humus, meaning dirt or soil. We meet God on our knees. Like two sides of the same coin, a humble person not only sees himself or herself as they are - lowly and desperate; they see God as he really is - majestic, sovereign, omnipotent, and gracious. We see a God who, too, humbled himself on a cross, so that he could be in relationship with us.

C. Spend time with God

Pray indicates a relationship between the Creator and us, the created. It is hard to get right with God if you aren't spending time with God. Statistics reveal that most evangelical Christians spend less than ten minutes a day in prayer and Bible reading. How can we be right with God if we aren't in conversation with God?

D. Long for God's presence

Seek my face shows the intent of our desire to be with God. Notice, it does not say "seek my hand." Too often we seek God's hand - what he can do for us; rather than seek God's face - who he is. If you want to get right with God, don't just seek what God can do for you, seek God. Peter Lord said, "If we only seek God for what he can do for us, rather than seeking him for him, we are spiritual idolaters."

E. Walk toward God

Turn from their evil ways shows the direction of our walk - toward God. The theological word for turning from our wicked, sinful, unholy lifestyle and walking toward God is repentance. Repentance means to turn around. It is to say I'm going in the wrong direction; I need to turn from my wicked way. The practical word repent is useful to describe a moral and spiritual act of getting right with God. Repentance does not mean to feel sorry, or to cry over, or to blame someone else for the wrongs in one's life. Repentance is the act of changing the direction in which the heart is inclined. It is a spiritual "about-face." It is a change of mind that calls for a change of way. The Greek word for repentance metanoeo means "to change one's mind; to think differently; to turn one's heart away from sin and toward God." Repentance is an act of the will. A volitional choice on our part to turn around.