It's Not the End of the World
Contrary to many cultural assumptions and beliefs, history as we know it will end with vibrant, happy worship.
In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John shows us Heaven in the present, and history’s beautiful culmination in the future. We’re shown that the end of the world isn’t bleak emptiness, violence, and disintegration, but unfathomable beauty, holiness, and grace as the Lamb who was slain receives His due, and the entire universe is flooded with holistic righteousness (see 2 Pet. 3:13). Simply put, Revelation shows us the triumphant finale of God’s plan.
In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John shows us Heaven in the present, and history’s beautiful culmination in the future. We’re shown that the end of the world isn’t bleak emptiness, violence, and disintegration, but unfathomable beauty, holiness, and grace as the Lamb who was slain receives His due, and the entire universe is flooded with holistic righteousness (see 2 Pet. 3:13). Simply put, Revelation shows us the triumphant finale of God’s plan.
Throughout the Bible, we’re shown that God has a single plan, and that He is lovingly unfolding this plan like a skilled artisan, mysteriously and sovereignly weaving every minute detail of reality into the holy tapestry of His glory for the good of His people1. What this means for us is that the end of the world isn’t something to avoid at all costs, but is instead an event to anticipate with excitement, hope, passion, and joy. It also means that Christians can - right here, right now - be an unshakeable people, a people who stare at the stubborn brokenness, evil, and sin all around us and believe that it will not win. It means that Christians, as God’s beloved family, can state with sincerity and compassion, that today’s news, tomorrow’s wars, and yesterday’s devastating failures are not the end of the world.
During our Holy Week sermon series called It's Not the End of the World, we're seeking to mercifully answer the world’s worries, our own wounds, and the sins of our brothers and sisters with this truth: “It’s not the end of the world.”
This is the call of Christians everywhere: stand as hope-bearers and proclaim in response to every instance of suffering, sin, and evil, “It’s not the end of the world”, not with a dismissive, callous, or idealistic attitude, but with prophetic hope as a reminder for the whole world. In the end, God wins.
During our Holy Week sermon series called It's Not the End of the World, we're seeking to mercifully answer the world’s worries, our own wounds, and the sins of our brothers and sisters with this truth: “It’s not the end of the world.”
This is the call of Christians everywhere: stand as hope-bearers and proclaim in response to every instance of suffering, sin, and evil, “It’s not the end of the world”, not with a dismissive, callous, or idealistic attitude, but with prophetic hope as a reminder for the whole world. In the end, God wins.
1. Ps. 115:3, 6; Isa. 14:24-27; Acts 17:26; Rom. 8:28; Eph. 1:1-14; Rev. 21:1-4, 22-27.
About the Author:
Michael Cox is the Discipleship Pastor at Living Stones North Valleys and serves on staff for Living Stones Churches as the Art and Series Director. You can reach him at michael@lschurches.com.
Michael Cox is the Discipleship Pastor at Living Stones North Valleys and serves on staff for Living Stones Churches as the Art and Series Director. You can reach him at michael@lschurches.com.
Posted in Doctrine, Outsiders becoming insiders, Theology
Tagged with end of the world, eschatology, revelation, Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, Christian, Christian church, nevada, holy week, easter, good friday, palm sunday
Tagged with end of the world, eschatology, revelation, Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, Christian, Christian church, nevada, holy week, easter, good friday, palm sunday