Happy Australia Day folks. Paul reminds us of where our eternal home is found and how we get there.
2 Corinthians 5: Our Heavenly Dwelling
1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,
3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened---not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;
15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Things to think about…
1. Clothing is a good thing right! However, people often forget that the worst kind of nakedness is being naked spiritually in this world. Christ has given us clothing, but Paul says we are still in a tent and that we will be further clothed, so that this mortal life is overtaken by eternal life, 2 Cor 5:1-4. We feel vulnerable at times even though we are Christians. Those outside of Christ do not even have the most basic covering spiritually – they are as John says, “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked”, Rev 3:17
2. Would you rather be in heaven right now? I know we answer ‘yes’, but in our heart of hearts is this the truth? But do we agree with the Apostle Paul when he says we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord”, vs 8. The lack of desire to be with the Lord is because this world has too much attraction and we don’t have the best understanding of who He is. 2 Cor 5:10 gives the right context if our perspective needs some adjustment. In everything we do, let’s have a judgement day honesty about it. Knowing that even the secret things will be laid bare.
3. What do you brag about? As Christians we tend not to brag about anything, but Paul says the Corinthians should boast about the Apostles, 2Cor 5:12. This may seem vain on Paul’s part. But if we see something that is truly amazing in other Christians, let’s brag about it. As the Pastor of CBC I lift our congregation up all the time to others outside the church. We have a fairly incredible congregation – that’s the truth and I freely tell folks who are missing out.
4. There is so much theology in 2 Cor 5:16-21. The main point of it is that we have reconciliation back to God through Christ. We now have the righteousness of God, vs 21. A mind blowing concept! As we have been reconciled back to God through Christ we are also now in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, 2 Cor 5:17-20. As such we are His ambassadors and are called to spread this message and reconcile the world to God, vs 20. This is why our unity should be clear and observable to all. Our unity must be from the heart and as such our communication needs to honour Christ while displaying the fruits of the Spirit, Gal 5:22, 23.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. People in the church and community who have Covid. Pray especially as some will have a severe reaction.
2. That we see Christ even as Covid goes through the community.
3. Praise, hope and Joy through this new year.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. CBC Leadership team – maintaining church and grounds as well as the weekly running of ministries. Thankyou.
2. Wonderful worship again on Sunday – thankyou, Suzy, Zac, Gina as well as Bec and Doug – technical team.
3. Joy in our service, great times in the cafe.
4. Word of God being blessed at CBC.
Announcements
1. All ministries on break until the start of February
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for January...
Q. 15. What does the wine represent? A. The blood of Christ, shed for our salvation.
Bible References – Matt.26:27&28; 1Cor.11:25.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
