God shows strength by seven great works

March 25, 2007

I am writing this article from Los Angeles. What is it that causes 3,500 men to assemble in Southern California for this event?

The Shepherds Conference is designed for spiritual leaders who desire to serve the church of the living God.

The church is the most valuable of all organizations. It was bought and paid for by the blood of God's own Son.

The great hope for America is the church. Many years ago a young Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville came to America.

He searched for the secret of our young nation's strength. He concluded, &#8220America is so great because she is so good. When she ceases to be good she will cease to be great.”

The answers to our nation's problems are not found in more government programs. The answers are not found in psychology. The solution is not a stronger economy.

Meaning and purpose in life are found in the Person of Jesus.

The word church literally means &#8220called out ones.” It is a group of people who are called to follow and become like Jesus.

When a person repents of their sin and turns to Jesus as the Messiah, he becomes part of the church. What does Jesus do for His people?

The answers are found in the Book of Revelation. Revelation begins with a vision of the resurrected Christ.

It shows Jesus in all of His power and glory. Revelation 1:12-20 details seven great works that Jesus does for His people.

The first great work is that Jesus empowers His church. In verses 12-13, John the apostle saw seven great lampstands. &#8220Šin the middle of the lampstands, I saw One like the Son of ManŠ the seven lampstands are the seven churches” (verses 13, 20).

The church is to be a tower of light. It is to point people to the truth. Grace Community Church in Los Angeles is a beacon of light. In the midst of a culture that is morally adrift, the church is called to be different. Jesus promised to build His church. He provides the power and strength that you need.

Frederick the Great asked his chaplain for the greatest proof of God's existence.

The chaplain said that he could prove God's existence in one word - Israel. There are no Hittites today. The Canaanites no longer exist.

The Agagites are long since gone. Yet today, after 2,000 years, Israel is back in their land.

They are a regional superpower. As God empowered Israel, so He also empowers the church.

The second great work is that Jesus intercedes or prays for the church. Verse 13b reads, &#8220Šclothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across the chest with a golden sash.”

These robes were worn by kings. They also were worn by the high priest. The word translated &#8220robe” frequently was used to describe the clothing of the high priest.

Jesus today is praying for His people. Romans 8:33-34 points out that Jesus is praying for you. He cares for His people.

The third great work is Jesus purifies His church.

He is described in verses 14-15a.

&#8220His head and His hair were white like wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnaceŠ”

The focus of the church is not politics. The church is not another wing of the Republican or Democratic parties.

The focus of the church is holiness. God's goal is not to make you wealthy or beautiful. He wants you to be holy. As God is holy, so we must be holy.

Growing up, my mother said, &#8220Ethan, God takes heavenly sandpaper (difficult people and difficult situations) and use them to make us better.”

Often God is described in the Bible as &#8220holy, holy, holy.” This is the only attribute of God repeated three times in a row for emphasis. This is the greatest attribute of God.

The fourth great work is that Jesus speaks authoritatively to His church. &#8220Šand His voice was like the sound of many waters..” verse 15b.

The surf crashing against the rocky shore can be overwhelming.

A great waterfall falling hundreds of feet thunders loudly. Jesus today speaks authoritatively through the Bible.

The Bible is without error.

It can be trusted!

It is God's Word.

The fifth great work is that Jesus controls His church. &#8220Šin His right hand He held seven starsŠ the seven stars are the messengers of the seven churchesŠ.” (verse 16a, 20a).

Jesus came to earth to build the church. He died for the church.

Today, He controls the church.

In every culture and language, Jesus has His people - even in Los Angeles!

The sixth great work is that He protects the church. &#8220Šand out of His mouth goes a sharp two-edged swordŠ” (verse 16b).

Jesus has the atomic sword. He has the ultimate weapon. Nothing comes into the lives of God's people unless He allows it. A believer does not die until Jesus calls him home.

The seventh great work is that Jesus reflects His glory through the church. &#8220Šand His face was like the sun shining in its strengthŠ” (verse 16c).

Jesus is glorified as we love one another. As our lives are transformed through scripture, His glory is reflected. The church exists only for the glory of God.

Standing with 3,500 men singing the great hymns is a stirring experience.

Being part of a long line of people who followed Jesus is overwhelming.

Won't you follow Him today?

Like the rebel on the cross, won't you acknowledge your sin, cry out to Him and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Redeemer?

The benefits are out of this world.

Ethan Hansen is pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake. He can be reached at ethanchansen@gci.net.