We are going to England today
Today we are going to England to attent the funeral of Daljinder Padam our son in law's father.
Observations and meditations from a Norwegian perspective. Inspirational and motivational insights from an ordinary person. I am a Norwegian, living in Bergen, Norway with Solveig, the most wonderful wife in the world, but travelling internationally. We are the parents of six children and the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren. I am a writer, speaker and teacher enjoying life!
January 30, 2003
Sin destroys relationships (continued)
When they acted against the will of God by breaking his law and rebelling against his rule in their life there was an immediate effect of guilt in their conscience. This guilt created fear and caused them to try to run away from God. The harmonious relationship was gone because of sin.
The same thing happened to their human relationship as well. The feeling of guilt caused them to try to justify themselves by blaming the other person involved. Sin destroyed the personal relationship of the first couple!
Throughout human history we can see that sin destroys personal relationships and eventually causes a community to break up. Sin and unrighteousness have brought terrific havoc and suffering to entire nations and people groups. However we find that no sin, unrighteousness, or evil can succeed against the righteous rule of God � the Kingdom of God cannot be shaken!
When sin and rebellion entered the world it did not change the eternal purpose of God for his creation. The throne of God was established in heaven and was not shaken by man�s rebellious act. However, sinful men found themselves outside the community of God unable to represent the kingdom of God and of cause disqualified to exercise dominion on behalf of God.
When they acted against the will of God by breaking his law and rebelling against his rule in their life there was an immediate effect of guilt in their conscience. This guilt created fear and caused them to try to run away from God. The harmonious relationship was gone because of sin.
The same thing happened to their human relationship as well. The feeling of guilt caused them to try to justify themselves by blaming the other person involved. Sin destroyed the personal relationship of the first couple!
Throughout human history we can see that sin destroys personal relationships and eventually causes a community to break up. Sin and unrighteousness have brought terrific havoc and suffering to entire nations and people groups. However we find that no sin, unrighteousness, or evil can succeed against the righteous rule of God � the Kingdom of God cannot be shaken!
When sin and rebellion entered the world it did not change the eternal purpose of God for his creation. The throne of God was established in heaven and was not shaken by man�s rebellious act. However, sinful men found themselves outside the community of God unable to represent the kingdom of God and of cause disqualified to exercise dominion on behalf of God.
January 28, 2003
Sin destroys relationships
The first people enjoyed an intimate and harmonious relationship with their Lord and Creator and they were having a wonderful love relationship among themselves. They lived in a perfect environment, provided by their Creator, and they were commissioned to beautify the earth by making the entire earth a Garden of Eden, - a paradise.
However, we know that something happened that has marred the entire world in which we live. Sin entered this world through a subtle temptation to satisfy their personal desires and become independent through personal knowledge of good and evil. The woman was deceived by the devil but the man sinned openly knowing that what he did was wrong.
The first people enjoyed an intimate and harmonious relationship with their Lord and Creator and they were having a wonderful love relationship among themselves. They lived in a perfect environment, provided by their Creator, and they were commissioned to beautify the earth by making the entire earth a Garden of Eden, - a paradise.
However, we know that something happened that has marred the entire world in which we live. Sin entered this world through a subtle temptation to satisfy their personal desires and become independent through personal knowledge of good and evil. The woman was deceived by the devil but the man sinned openly knowing that what he did was wrong.
January 26, 2003
Everything God does reflects variety
Because God is triune he is making originals not copies! God loves variety � a manifold expression. The entire creation witnesses to this foundational truth. As created in the image of the triune and relational God every human person is unique. We are social beings. We are created for community. We are dependant on each other as we are created to complement each other and enrich each other. Each person reflects a unique part of the glory of God. Therefore it is not good to be alone for we all need equal partners to complement us and we will all find great pleasure in bringing out the best of other people. What we can be or do together is greater than the sum of what each one of us can be or do on our own. The purpose of God can only be fulfilled through a corporate body of people.
Because God is triune he is making originals not copies! God loves variety � a manifold expression. The entire creation witnesses to this foundational truth. As created in the image of the triune and relational God every human person is unique. We are social beings. We are created for community. We are dependant on each other as we are created to complement each other and enrich each other. Each person reflects a unique part of the glory of God. Therefore it is not good to be alone for we all need equal partners to complement us and we will all find great pleasure in bringing out the best of other people. What we can be or do together is greater than the sum of what each one of us can be or do on our own. The purpose of God can only be fulfilled through a corporate body of people.
January 23, 2003
People were created to represent the Kingdom of God
When God created mankind he said:
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)
In the record of the creational work we discover that the three persons in God never do anything alone. They never act on their own, separated from one another! Because the sovereign God is a community of love, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit always work together. The Divine Way is to take counsel together and reach a united decision: �Let us make! Let us act together!� Sinful human beings have the tendency to say: �I want to do this for this is best for me!� And wilful people often act as dictators forcing their personal will and opinion on others without any thoughts of what the others wants. The triune God is not like that and his rule is never expressed in such a way!
God created people in his own relational image to be a community. We were created in the likeness of God to reflect his glory by being masters of all life, by multiplying and filling the earth, and by subduing it to the dominion of God. In this way people were created to represent the rule of God and to fill the entire earth with the glory of God expressed in his kingdom. God has always existed as three in one and one in three, - a community of love. This community of love he wanted this to be expressed among people created in his own image! Family, community, and friendship originate in the covenantal nature of God and can only find their fulfilment in the Kingdom of God. The Bible tells us that at the end God will be all in all � utterly supreme over everything everywhere � in the consummation of human community as he is dwelling among his people! Everything originates in the triune God and the goal of history is the kingdom community.
When God created mankind he said:
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)
In the record of the creational work we discover that the three persons in God never do anything alone. They never act on their own, separated from one another! Because the sovereign God is a community of love, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit always work together. The Divine Way is to take counsel together and reach a united decision: �Let us make! Let us act together!� Sinful human beings have the tendency to say: �I want to do this for this is best for me!� And wilful people often act as dictators forcing their personal will and opinion on others without any thoughts of what the others wants. The triune God is not like that and his rule is never expressed in such a way!
God created people in his own relational image to be a community. We were created in the likeness of God to reflect his glory by being masters of all life, by multiplying and filling the earth, and by subduing it to the dominion of God. In this way people were created to represent the rule of God and to fill the entire earth with the glory of God expressed in his kingdom. God has always existed as three in one and one in three, - a community of love. This community of love he wanted this to be expressed among people created in his own image! Family, community, and friendship originate in the covenantal nature of God and can only find their fulfilment in the Kingdom of God. The Bible tells us that at the end God will be all in all � utterly supreme over everything everywhere � in the consummation of human community as he is dwelling among his people! Everything originates in the triune God and the goal of history is the kingdom community.
January 22, 2003
The earth was created to reflect heaven
In the beginning God created heaven and earth, the invisible and the visible world. Heaven was created first then the earth, as God is working from the invisible to the visible. Behind this creational order we discover that the earth is to be a visible representation of the invisible world to reflect heaven and to be ruled from above. In his sovereignty God arranged for life-rhythm on the earth to be govern by the sun, moon and stars (Genesis 1:14-19). Through this arrangement God is teaching us that we are totally dependent on his benevolent rule and that we are to seek direction from above, from God himself.
Jesus Christ was confirming this understanding when he taught his disciples to pray: �Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.� The clear implication of this prayer is the understanding that the earth is to be modelled after heaven. The Bible teaches us that heaven is such a perfect place because everything is done according to the will of God! Where ever God rules and his will is done he will bring perfection and harmony.
In the beginning God created heaven and earth, the invisible and the visible world. Heaven was created first then the earth, as God is working from the invisible to the visible. Behind this creational order we discover that the earth is to be a visible representation of the invisible world to reflect heaven and to be ruled from above. In his sovereignty God arranged for life-rhythm on the earth to be govern by the sun, moon and stars (Genesis 1:14-19). Through this arrangement God is teaching us that we are totally dependent on his benevolent rule and that we are to seek direction from above, from God himself.
Jesus Christ was confirming this understanding when he taught his disciples to pray: �Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.� The clear implication of this prayer is the understanding that the earth is to be modelled after heaven. The Bible teaches us that heaven is such a perfect place because everything is done according to the will of God! Where ever God rules and his will is done he will bring perfection and harmony.
January 20, 2003
The heavenly beings acknowledge the sovereign rule of God
Among the heavenly being we find cherubs, seraphs, angles, arch-angles and they are arranged as powers, authorities, principalities or rulers. The sovereignty of the triune God is expressed in the hierarchical order of the invisible world. All the inhabitants of heaven acknowledge the rule of God and sing praises to his covenantal character of love:
The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. (Psalm 89:5-9)
The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. (Psalm 89:11,13)
Among the heavenly being we find cherubs, seraphs, angles, arch-angles and they are arranged as powers, authorities, principalities or rulers. The sovereignty of the triune God is expressed in the hierarchical order of the invisible world. All the inhabitants of heaven acknowledge the rule of God and sing praises to his covenantal character of love:
The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. (Psalm 89:5-9)
The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. (Psalm 89:11,13)
January 17, 2003
God established his throne in heaven
When the sovereign triune God created heaven he established his throne on a firm foundation as an expression of his relational nature of love. According to the Bible the foundation for God�s rule is his unchangeable, holy, good, moral character:
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:14)
The very nature of God is the foundation of his right to rule and that nature is also being expressed in his rule. Covenant love, mercy and faithfulness go before him - wherever his rule is manifested, there will be kindness, love, mercy, faithfulness and fidelity. Love, the covenantal nature of the triune God, is the cause, the motivational power behind everything he does because he is love. Only when one is ruled by love, one can exercise authority right - without love there is even no right to rule.
God�s faithfulness is the guarantee that he will bring to fulfilment, to completion, to glorification everything under his rule - guarantee of everlasting, unshakeable rule.
God�s righteousness is the guarantee that God�s rule will always take the right actions. God�s justice is the guarantee that the judgements of the King will always be just and a guarantee that all will receive a fair treatment. Righteousness and justice are expressions of covenant love and faithfulness
When the sovereign triune God created heaven he established his throne on a firm foundation as an expression of his relational nature of love. According to the Bible the foundation for God�s rule is his unchangeable, holy, good, moral character:
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:14)
The very nature of God is the foundation of his right to rule and that nature is also being expressed in his rule. Covenant love, mercy and faithfulness go before him - wherever his rule is manifested, there will be kindness, love, mercy, faithfulness and fidelity. Love, the covenantal nature of the triune God, is the cause, the motivational power behind everything he does because he is love. Only when one is ruled by love, one can exercise authority right - without love there is even no right to rule.
God�s faithfulness is the guarantee that he will bring to fulfilment, to completion, to glorification everything under his rule - guarantee of everlasting, unshakeable rule.
God�s righteousness is the guarantee that God�s rule will always take the right actions. God�s justice is the guarantee that the judgements of the King will always be just and a guarantee that all will receive a fair treatment. Righteousness and justice are expressions of covenant love and faithfulness
January 15, 2003
In the beginning: a sovereign God of love
The first words of the Bible are dynamic in their profound simplicity: In the beginning God! Before anything else existed the eternal God existed as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The essence of God is love according to the apostolic teaching (1 John 4:8). The triune God is absolute complete in himself as the life of the Father, Son and Spirit is best characterised by our word love. Love builds the unity of the one eternal covenantal God. The Bible teaches that there is no God but the Father, the Son and the Spirit bound together throughout eternity.
Love is a relational term, requiring both subject and object (someone loves someone else). Because God is triune, the divine reality already comprehends both love�s subject and object. The Father loved the Son and the Son loved the Father and this love between the Father and the Son is the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of love. Therefore the essence of God lies in the relationship between the Father and the Son (love) which is the Spirit. In all eternity God is the social Trinity, the community of love.
Because God is love, God is self-giving. The sovereign God is a community of love, and we may as well say that God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a kingdom of love as we find headship and submission within God himself. There is a constant movement of giving and receiving, of headship and submission in the divine life of love. Jesus hinted to this vital divine relationship when he said:
For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. John 5:26-27
The divine life is the eternal activity of the Father who as the fountain of deity generates the Son to share in his own divinity. The self-giving of the Father for the Son, in turn, is reciprocated in the Son�s self-giving for the Father. This relationship between the Father and the Son comes forth as the third Trinitarian member, the Holy Spirit. Because he is the Spirit of the Father and the Son, the Spirit of love, the Spirit is the essence of the triune God.
When we say �God is spirit� (John 4:24) we speak of the relational God who is the source of life and we acknowledge that the eternal dynamic vitality of the triune God overflows to creation. The God who is dynamic vitality within the eternal Trinitarian life relates to the world as the source and sustainer of created life. The world was created by a free act of love for a wonderful purpose that triune God has destined to be fulfilled!
The first words of the Bible are dynamic in their profound simplicity: In the beginning God! Before anything else existed the eternal God existed as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The essence of God is love according to the apostolic teaching (1 John 4:8). The triune God is absolute complete in himself as the life of the Father, Son and Spirit is best characterised by our word love. Love builds the unity of the one eternal covenantal God. The Bible teaches that there is no God but the Father, the Son and the Spirit bound together throughout eternity.
Love is a relational term, requiring both subject and object (someone loves someone else). Because God is triune, the divine reality already comprehends both love�s subject and object. The Father loved the Son and the Son loved the Father and this love between the Father and the Son is the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of love. Therefore the essence of God lies in the relationship between the Father and the Son (love) which is the Spirit. In all eternity God is the social Trinity, the community of love.
Because God is love, God is self-giving. The sovereign God is a community of love, and we may as well say that God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a kingdom of love as we find headship and submission within God himself. There is a constant movement of giving and receiving, of headship and submission in the divine life of love. Jesus hinted to this vital divine relationship when he said:
For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. John 5:26-27
The divine life is the eternal activity of the Father who as the fountain of deity generates the Son to share in his own divinity. The self-giving of the Father for the Son, in turn, is reciprocated in the Son�s self-giving for the Father. This relationship between the Father and the Son comes forth as the third Trinitarian member, the Holy Spirit. Because he is the Spirit of the Father and the Son, the Spirit of love, the Spirit is the essence of the triune God.
When we say �God is spirit� (John 4:24) we speak of the relational God who is the source of life and we acknowledge that the eternal dynamic vitality of the triune God overflows to creation. The God who is dynamic vitality within the eternal Trinitarian life relates to the world as the source and sustainer of created life. The world was created by a free act of love for a wonderful purpose that triune God has destined to be fulfilled!
January 14, 2003
The kingdom of God is the rule of God
The teaching today is extremely important even if it is quite short! It will explain what the kingdom of God is, and put the prophecies concerning the kingdom into an historic context.
Jesus Christ taught us to pray: �Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.� Heaven is such a perfect place because everything is done according to God�s will.
God�s kingdom is where God makes the decisions.
God has set his throne in heaven and rules as a king over all things. He rules in his goodness and love in such a way that heaven is a perfect place - quite simply because God�s will is done perfectly in heaven. Where God decides, that is God�s kingdom! We can say that God�s kingdom is God�s rule and government - the realm where God�s will is done.
When the Almighty Creator and ruler created man He gave them chance to choose good or evil. Mankind was made responsible for the choices they made and the consequences of these choices. Even if God is almighty he never forces his good will on people against their wishes. God�s desire is that people, of their own free will, shall love and serve him and live securely under his protection.
The Bible tells us of many people who submitted to his good guidance and acknowledged his Lordship. These people served God�s plan of salvation. God made his plan known to certain individuals, a family, a nation, a people. Abraham and his descendants are central in God�s plan of salvation.
I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.� (Gen 12:3)
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler�s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and the obedience of the peoples is his. (Gen 49:10)
God worked towards a time in history when his plan would take a big step forward, people would be obedient to his rule and live in the blessing of salvation.
The people of Israel, who were the bearers of the promises and of God�s revelation of his plan of salvation, failed him time after time, but, because of his covenant with Abraham, God continued to reveal himself to them. The other peoples lived in total darkness and were completely ignorant of God�s plan of salvation. They did not know God�s good laws and arrangements and lived according to their sinful desires.
Israel�s prophets rebuked the people for their sin and proclaimed the message of hope of a coming kingdom and a saviour king who would be received by people of all tribes and nations. The prophets spoke of a time to come when people would find salvation and righteousness in God�s kingdom.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. (Isaiah 42:1-4)
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)
The prophet Daniel puts this into a historical context through his words. He speaks of the four great world powers which should come: Babylonia, Media-Persia, Greece and Rome, and says that
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever; (Daniel 2:44)
This kingdom should come with a �son of man� who would be worshipped by all peoples:
To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)
The teaching today is extremely important even if it is quite short! It will explain what the kingdom of God is, and put the prophecies concerning the kingdom into an historic context.
Jesus Christ taught us to pray: �Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.� Heaven is such a perfect place because everything is done according to God�s will.
God�s kingdom is where God makes the decisions.
God has set his throne in heaven and rules as a king over all things. He rules in his goodness and love in such a way that heaven is a perfect place - quite simply because God�s will is done perfectly in heaven. Where God decides, that is God�s kingdom! We can say that God�s kingdom is God�s rule and government - the realm where God�s will is done.
When the Almighty Creator and ruler created man He gave them chance to choose good or evil. Mankind was made responsible for the choices they made and the consequences of these choices. Even if God is almighty he never forces his good will on people against their wishes. God�s desire is that people, of their own free will, shall love and serve him and live securely under his protection.
The Bible tells us of many people who submitted to his good guidance and acknowledged his Lordship. These people served God�s plan of salvation. God made his plan known to certain individuals, a family, a nation, a people. Abraham and his descendants are central in God�s plan of salvation.
I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.� (Gen 12:3)
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler�s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and the obedience of the peoples is his. (Gen 49:10)
God worked towards a time in history when his plan would take a big step forward, people would be obedient to his rule and live in the blessing of salvation.
The people of Israel, who were the bearers of the promises and of God�s revelation of his plan of salvation, failed him time after time, but, because of his covenant with Abraham, God continued to reveal himself to them. The other peoples lived in total darkness and were completely ignorant of God�s plan of salvation. They did not know God�s good laws and arrangements and lived according to their sinful desires.
Israel�s prophets rebuked the people for their sin and proclaimed the message of hope of a coming kingdom and a saviour king who would be received by people of all tribes and nations. The prophets spoke of a time to come when people would find salvation and righteousness in God�s kingdom.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. (Isaiah 42:1-4)
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)
The prophet Daniel puts this into a historical context through his words. He speaks of the four great world powers which should come: Babylonia, Media-Persia, Greece and Rome, and says that
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever; (Daniel 2:44)
This kingdom should come with a �son of man� who would be worshipped by all peoples:
To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)
January 13, 2003
What is the gospel of the Kingdom of God?
Understanding the Kingdom of God is the key to understand the eternal plan and purpose of God in Jesus Christ
God is the good and almighty Ruler
Jesus - the LORD of history - came proclaiming the kingdom of God. He came to show us that God is the benevolent and almighty Ruler of his creation wanting to set people free from the destroying rule of sin.
Jesus began his work among people by preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The whole of his activity was concerned with the Kingdom of God that had come near and available to humanity through Him.
�The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news.� ( Mark 1:15.)
These words are now more relevant than ever. The time has come, the Kingdom of God has come on earth, - all that God spoke about through the prophets is being fulfilled for us now. We shall not wait for a new age where all the great things will happen! The time has come! The opportunities are here now! We live in the most exciting time in history. God�s Kingdom has come and is active on the earth today! What this means we shall find out from the Bible.
Those who heard Jesus knew exactly what he meant. All their expectations and dreams were tied up to God�s Kingdom that was to come. For most people today, the idea of the Kingdom of God has little meaning. In our present monarchy the king has little power, but in the time of the Bible kings were absolute sovereign monarchs. To understand what Jesus meant, it is necessary to go back to the dawn of time when God created the world and set man to rule over the whole of creation.
Then God said, �Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.� So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, �Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.� (Gen. 1:26-28)
God the good and almighty Ruler
Mankind was created in the image of God to rule and reign on God�s behalf. God has the right to rule as He is the Almighty Creator and it is He who holds the whole creation in existence. God can do everything He wishes to do, He has no restrictions. He knows everything and is able to do everything.
In the beginning, before anything existed, God was the sovereign Lord who decided to create the world. He included humanity in his plan. Man was the crowning piece of God�s creation, created in the image of God to be a picture of Him and to represent his rule - God�s kingdom on earth.
God created the most beautiful surroundings for man in the Garden of Eden and placed him to guard it and subdue it, to make it a garden for the Lord. Man had a wonderful fellowship with God, the Creator. They lived in peace and harmony together with open lines of communication. God and man lived in a glorious fellowship and God revealed his plans to man and established a covenant with Adam, the first man.
Unfortunately Adam chose to be disobedient and rebel against God and his plan. He sinned. Because the wages of sin is death, man died spiritually and was separated from God. The Devil, God�s opponent and the originator of sin, had managed to seduce man and apparently foil God�s plan.
But even so God had full control over the situation which was not a surprise for him. God used what had happened to begin to make known his plan of salvation for mankind. In the fullness of time the woman would play a deciding role in bringing salvation to mankind by giving birth to a Saviour who would free humanity from the tyranny of sin.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. (Gen. 3:15)
God shows, in this way, that he always overrules the attacks of the evil one and allows good to come out of every situation. Because God is good he always rules in such a way that is for the good of humanity. God loves us and will always rescue us when evil threatens to destroy us.
Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. (Gen 50:20)
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)
Understanding the Kingdom of God is the key to understand the eternal plan and purpose of God in Jesus Christ
God is the good and almighty Ruler
Jesus - the LORD of history - came proclaiming the kingdom of God. He came to show us that God is the benevolent and almighty Ruler of his creation wanting to set people free from the destroying rule of sin.
Jesus began his work among people by preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The whole of his activity was concerned with the Kingdom of God that had come near and available to humanity through Him.
�The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news.� ( Mark 1:15.)
These words are now more relevant than ever. The time has come, the Kingdom of God has come on earth, - all that God spoke about through the prophets is being fulfilled for us now. We shall not wait for a new age where all the great things will happen! The time has come! The opportunities are here now! We live in the most exciting time in history. God�s Kingdom has come and is active on the earth today! What this means we shall find out from the Bible.
Those who heard Jesus knew exactly what he meant. All their expectations and dreams were tied up to God�s Kingdom that was to come. For most people today, the idea of the Kingdom of God has little meaning. In our present monarchy the king has little power, but in the time of the Bible kings were absolute sovereign monarchs. To understand what Jesus meant, it is necessary to go back to the dawn of time when God created the world and set man to rule over the whole of creation.
Then God said, �Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.� So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, �Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.� (Gen. 1:26-28)
God the good and almighty Ruler
Mankind was created in the image of God to rule and reign on God�s behalf. God has the right to rule as He is the Almighty Creator and it is He who holds the whole creation in existence. God can do everything He wishes to do, He has no restrictions. He knows everything and is able to do everything.
In the beginning, before anything existed, God was the sovereign Lord who decided to create the world. He included humanity in his plan. Man was the crowning piece of God�s creation, created in the image of God to be a picture of Him and to represent his rule - God�s kingdom on earth.
God created the most beautiful surroundings for man in the Garden of Eden and placed him to guard it and subdue it, to make it a garden for the Lord. Man had a wonderful fellowship with God, the Creator. They lived in peace and harmony together with open lines of communication. God and man lived in a glorious fellowship and God revealed his plans to man and established a covenant with Adam, the first man.
Unfortunately Adam chose to be disobedient and rebel against God and his plan. He sinned. Because the wages of sin is death, man died spiritually and was separated from God. The Devil, God�s opponent and the originator of sin, had managed to seduce man and apparently foil God�s plan.
But even so God had full control over the situation which was not a surprise for him. God used what had happened to begin to make known his plan of salvation for mankind. In the fullness of time the woman would play a deciding role in bringing salvation to mankind by giving birth to a Saviour who would free humanity from the tyranny of sin.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. (Gen. 3:15)
God shows, in this way, that he always overrules the attacks of the evil one and allows good to come out of every situation. Because God is good he always rules in such a way that is for the good of humanity. God loves us and will always rescue us when evil threatens to destroy us.
Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. (Gen 50:20)
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)
January 09, 2003
The Kingdom of God
I have been given an assignment of writing a small book on the subject of the Kingdom of God. This is very exciting because understanding the Kingdom of God is the key to understand the eternal plan and purpose of God in Jesus Christ.
Jesus made the Kingdom of God his message, - the centre of his life and ministry. The kingdom of God is the only thing he ever called the gospel - the good news! He was never misled by the marginal, the unimportant, the unworthwhile. He made the kingdom of God the centre - the heartbeat of his message!
What a challenge to much of the message of modern Christianity!
I have been given an assignment of writing a small book on the subject of the Kingdom of God. This is very exciting because understanding the Kingdom of God is the key to understand the eternal plan and purpose of God in Jesus Christ.
Jesus made the Kingdom of God his message, - the centre of his life and ministry. The kingdom of God is the only thing he ever called the gospel - the good news! He was never misled by the marginal, the unimportant, the unworthwhile. He made the kingdom of God the centre - the heartbeat of his message!
What a challenge to much of the message of modern Christianity!
January 07, 2003
January 06, 2003
Introduction to Find Your Place
I am now about to finish the English version of my book Finn din plass. Here is the first part of the intruduction:
To be a Christian is to live a very exciting life! It is a life of constant change and development. When we have an encounter with Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, we find our true selves and reach a right understanding of who we really are. In meeting with Christ we discover how highly we are appreciated and what a wonderful plan God has made for us.
A Christian believer is never alone in this world. A Christian person is joined to other persons who love Jesus Christ and together they serve the great Saviour and Lord. The Church, the covenant community of God, consists of people who together have submitted themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. They are people who want to assist and support one another in keeping all his commandments. This can best take place in a cell-group or a house-church with warm and close relationships among the members. A cell-group or the house-church is the basic building block of the church at large and it normally consists of 6-12 believers sharing life and meeting together in homes. The cell-group or house-church is the basic Christian community.
There is a fourfold purpose of the cell-group that will help you to reach your full potential in Christ:
1. Evangelism. The cell-group makes it possible for believers to work together to bring new people to Christ and incorporate them in the covenant community. In the cell-group you will find friendship, fellowship, follow-up and nurturing for new believers. It is also a place where the non-believer is given the opportunity to see God�s work in the lives of the believers.
2. Edification. The cell-group provides an environment for spiritual growth and development. It is a place to build strong bonds of Christian fellowship and also a place of accountability. Here you will find a listening ear, a helping hand, wise counsel and prayer from people who care for you. Therefore all must come with the attitude of: �Lord, give me something to bless others.� When we share grace from God with one another and speak the word of the Lord into one another�s life, edification takes place and we are all strengthened.
3. Equipping for effective ministry. In the cell-group you will be equipped to do the work of ministry. You will receive help and be encouraged to discover, receive and function in spiritual gifts. There are unlimited opportunities for meaningful service in the cell-group and the covenant community. The cell-group will help you to become a minister of Christ.
4. Training of leaders. The cell-group is the training ground for all leaders in the covenant community. Here all the essential leadership qualities and requirements will be developed. Therefore it is the base for the selection, training and mobilisation of leaders. The cell-group is the launching place of leaders into ministry.
All these four purposes are included in the Great Commission:
And Jesus came and said to them, �All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.� (Matthew 28:18-20)
I am now about to finish the English version of my book Finn din plass. Here is the first part of the intruduction:
To be a Christian is to live a very exciting life! It is a life of constant change and development. When we have an encounter with Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, we find our true selves and reach a right understanding of who we really are. In meeting with Christ we discover how highly we are appreciated and what a wonderful plan God has made for us.
A Christian believer is never alone in this world. A Christian person is joined to other persons who love Jesus Christ and together they serve the great Saviour and Lord. The Church, the covenant community of God, consists of people who together have submitted themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. They are people who want to assist and support one another in keeping all his commandments. This can best take place in a cell-group or a house-church with warm and close relationships among the members. A cell-group or the house-church is the basic building block of the church at large and it normally consists of 6-12 believers sharing life and meeting together in homes. The cell-group or house-church is the basic Christian community.
There is a fourfold purpose of the cell-group that will help you to reach your full potential in Christ:
1. Evangelism. The cell-group makes it possible for believers to work together to bring new people to Christ and incorporate them in the covenant community. In the cell-group you will find friendship, fellowship, follow-up and nurturing for new believers. It is also a place where the non-believer is given the opportunity to see God�s work in the lives of the believers.
2. Edification. The cell-group provides an environment for spiritual growth and development. It is a place to build strong bonds of Christian fellowship and also a place of accountability. Here you will find a listening ear, a helping hand, wise counsel and prayer from people who care for you. Therefore all must come with the attitude of: �Lord, give me something to bless others.� When we share grace from God with one another and speak the word of the Lord into one another�s life, edification takes place and we are all strengthened.
3. Equipping for effective ministry. In the cell-group you will be equipped to do the work of ministry. You will receive help and be encouraged to discover, receive and function in spiritual gifts. There are unlimited opportunities for meaningful service in the cell-group and the covenant community. The cell-group will help you to become a minister of Christ.
4. Training of leaders. The cell-group is the training ground for all leaders in the covenant community. Here all the essential leadership qualities and requirements will be developed. Therefore it is the base for the selection, training and mobilisation of leaders. The cell-group is the launching place of leaders into ministry.
All these four purposes are included in the Great Commission:
And Jesus came and said to them, �All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.� (Matthew 28:18-20)
January 04, 2003
Blessed fellowship
Again I have had the privilege to experience the blessing of living together with brothers in harmony and peace. Six of us have been together two days at Gullbotn to fellowship, seek God and to plan according to the commission and the promises of God for us. Needless to say that we have had a wonderful time in the presence of God and a very joyful time, joking and laughing together and have a lot of fun. It is really great to serve God together with Arne, Knut, Noralv, Oddmund and Per Erik! I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing us together and joining our hearts in the Spirit to serve the purpose of God in our generation!
Again I have had the privilege to experience the blessing of living together with brothers in harmony and peace. Six of us have been together two days at Gullbotn to fellowship, seek God and to plan according to the commission and the promises of God for us. Needless to say that we have had a wonderful time in the presence of God and a very joyful time, joking and laughing together and have a lot of fun. It is really great to serve God together with Arne, Knut, Noralv, Oddmund and Per Erik! I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing us together and joining our hearts in the Spirit to serve the purpose of God in our generation!
January 02, 2003
A prophetic year
We have just entered a prophetic year! This year we will see some mighty manifestations of the Spirit of God among His people. But is will still only be a sign of more to come! We will see a prophetic demonstration of a prophetic covenant community advancing the kingdom of God in the world!
A shaking will take place in many religious circles with a lot of upheavals and nasty exposures! But in the midst of all the upheavals the people who know their God will do great exploits for the Kingdom that will advance in spite of opposition!
The prophetic Spirit will take hold of the people of God and make them zealous and radical and they will speak the word of God with boldness and great love for people!
The prophetic proclamation will be followed by manifestations of the power of God for healing and deliverance. The people of God will many places become prophetic signs to the nations and those in high positions will approach the servants of God to ask for counsel and guidance in truth and righteousness.
We have just entered a prophetic year! This year we will see some mighty manifestations of the Spirit of God among His people. But is will still only be a sign of more to come! We will see a prophetic demonstration of a prophetic covenant community advancing the kingdom of God in the world!
A shaking will take place in many religious circles with a lot of upheavals and nasty exposures! But in the midst of all the upheavals the people who know their God will do great exploits for the Kingdom that will advance in spite of opposition!
The prophetic Spirit will take hold of the people of God and make them zealous and radical and they will speak the word of God with boldness and great love for people!
The prophetic proclamation will be followed by manifestations of the power of God for healing and deliverance. The people of God will many places become prophetic signs to the nations and those in high positions will approach the servants of God to ask for counsel and guidance in truth and righteousness.
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