Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church
At CMPC (PCA), we seek to know God so that we may worship, glorify and enjoy Him today and forever.
Our desire is to glorify and enjoy God through obeying the Great Commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and the second commandment like it, “love your neighbor as yourself”; displaying that love through obeying the Great Commission by making disciples and equipping God’s people to go out in Chestnut Mountain and around the world so that others may discover the joy, peace and hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Today we support 52 missionaries in 25 countries with Faith Promise giving that reached $412,000 last year. Find out how you can participate in a Faith Promise, between you and God, to work through CMPC in the advancement of world missions at: go.cmpca.org/fp
Supporting missions has been an unexpected, God-given blessing for our church. In 50 years, through two crushing recessions and Covid, God has always provided beyond our limited vision.
So What About Us? • The scariest letter of all… • Remember Jesus’ love for us • Examine our hearts… Question our motives • Repent • Renew…daily • He who hears…our need is to take this seriously
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church Mission Conference Dates: March 9-13, 2022
Theme Verse: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come’ .” (Luke 19.13)
The Ministry of John, 1.9-11 John/us: We are in this together- partners (teammates), brothers (family) Tribulation/kingdom/ patient endurance (perseverance) are three key ideas linked by one article Being identified with Christ is the basis for the trials they are confronting, helps endure those trials Beale cites this as a theme: Believers will conquer by refusing to compromise in the face of trials, by suffering as John Himself did, and by pursuing Christlike character. Patmos- tribulation is a present reality- for John, too! Testimony carries the idea of a court testimony Judgment is coming for the world and for believers who compromise with the world Lord’s Day- anticipating celebration of Christ’s final victory Vision develop themes of suffering, kingdom, priesthood and introduces Christ as judge In the Spirit- borrows from Ezekiel’s imagery there As Ezekiel was in exile yet the Spirit present, so too John Heard a trumpet- like Moses in Exodus 19 Loud voice: Christ speaking Write: a message of judgment The order of the churches mentioned is the same as in chapters 2 & 3 and the logical order of visiting- the postal route out of Ephesus followed this
The Majesty of Jesus Christ, 1.12-18 Overwhelming glory Description comes from Old Testament sources Old Testament reference: Daniel 7.13-14. Christ is judge/ruler of the churches & the universe This picture of Jesus key to the message of Revelation Christ’s appearance and armor anticipate the battle Christ’s face shining like the sun points back to Judges 5.31
About his attire… (taken from Vern Poythress) The special term used for Christ’s long robe probably suggests a priestly robe, underlining his purity. Purity is required of churches and Christians if they are to remain in his presence (1:13, 20; 2:5. As priest he takes care of the lampstands in God’s temple. The sash (Daniel 10:5) is the sash/waistband of the high priest (Exod. 28:8), a normal piece of men’s clothing. Golden signifies the beauty, wealth, and exalted status of the one who wears it. The wealth of human beings is only a puny reflection of the majesty of God. White head and hair correspond to the white of the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9, suggesting both purity and the wisdom associated with old age. Note that Christ shares the attributes of the FatherHis eyes blaze with fire, as in Daniel 10:6. Fire accompanies the appearance of God (theophany) in many cases in the OT (Dan. 7:9; Ezek. 1:4, 13, 27; Exod. 19:18; 3:2; Gen. 15:17; etc.). God’s eyes see the secrets of human hearts (2:18, 23; Heb. 4:12-13), burning away sin and impurity. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. The purifying power of the fiery eyes carries over its associations to the feet, which have a fiery glow. Gleaming metal picks up Old Testament bright metal appearing in the presence of God, as in Ezekiel 1:4, 7, 27; Daniel 10:6 The picture of Christ achieves its effect, not by limiting itself to some specific attribute of God, but by suggesting connections to many attributes, and by showing Christ as the original of which earthly splendors and earthly judges are only pale imitations. Christ’s voice like the sound of rushing waters: loud, authoritative voices from God, as in 1:10 Cf. Daniel 10:6; Ezk 1:24; Exodus 19:16, 19. In Christ’s right hand were seven stars, signifying the angels of the seven churches(1:20). He has control over the whole heavenly host A sword (verse 16) comes out of his mouth. It signifies the sword-like capability of Christ’s powerful word to bring punishment or reward (see 19:15, 21; Heb. 4:12-13; John 12:47-50; Matt. 7:24-27; Isa. 11:4). His face was like the sun, continuing to emphasize the brilliant, bright majesty of Christ’s appearance. (cf. Rev 21:22-25; Isa 60:1-3, 19-20; Revelation 10:1; Ezekiel 1:27 John is overwhelmed, 17 Fear not… First and last- echoing God’s own words from Isaiah (41.4, 44.6; and 48.12)- this is consistent with Jesus saying the words of 1.8. Complete sovereignty over human history: beginning to end Has turned back the power of death- I am the living one! I died, and am alive forevermore Won the ultimate victory Keys to Death and hades- Jesus can determine who else can be liberated!
The Ministry of Jesus Christ First thing he sees: Seven golden lampstands. A lampstand was in the temple in the Holy of Holies to provide light In Zechariah 4.2-6 the Spirit to provide power to build the temple, God’s dwelling place- now, the church is the temple and his dwelling place is in us. So the seven lampstands… we are told in verse 20 explicitly that they represent the seven churches Going from one to seven: the people of God is not just Israel but people from all nations. Lampstands- light-bearing churches- what lamps/lights in the temple anticipated Christ walks among them as Lord and Shepherd even as the presence of God in the glory cloud first in the wilderness and then in the tabernacle/temple; as the priest cared for the temple; now the church Whatever comes to be, we have Christ as our warrior, our Savior. Now he is again given his mission with this new vision of Christ in all his glory, 1.19 Write what you have seen… and those that are to take place in the future. And a reminder: you are writing for the churches Christ stands in authority among the churches undergoing tribulation and even apparent defeats
Embrace the Mystery, 1.20 Mystery: His rule and reign and the church’s tribulation co-exist. It’s a mystery that Christ triumphed by a cross and death is the way to live It’s a mystery that Jewish expectations of an earthly kingdom have given way to the spiritual kingdom It’s a mystery that revelation is a book of both judgment and comfort
So What About Us? On the Isle of Patmos… In the Spirit Overwhelmed by the Majesty Embracing the mystery
The Certainty of Truth: God has Spoken (2.1) • Reality: God has spoken and communicated His Word • Basic conviction: this is the very Word of God o Changes how we look at this book • A firm foundation • God’s Word shapes our view of God, His world and us o Truth that transforms us (All Scripture is profitable) • Drives us to discipleship
The Superiority of God and His Truth (2.2a) • Unpopular proposition: Absolute truth in a Pluralistic world • The world’s idea: “Climb Every Mountain” • Reality: God and His truth triumph • People search for truth; many do not think it exists • Hope: ultimate triumph of God and His Truth
The Attraction of God’s Truth (2.2b-3) • Ultimate hunger • A river flowing up the mountain! • Great Commission/Great Realization • Propelled! • Role models o We have an attractive gospel • Desire for sanctification o God’s Word keeps us God-centered, not human-centered, in our approach to life o God’s Word must be applied • God will make sure His word goes out
The Application of God’s Truth (2.4) • Jesus’ Word is the standard • We must apply the Word of God to all of life • God’s Word will triumph • Human hostility will only be broken by divine intervention
Our Resolution to Walk in God’s Truth (2.5) • Resolve to live by the light God’s Word gives to us • God’s Word gives us light • The Persecuted Church’s struggle
So What About Us? “We have never truly breathed air nor seen light until we have breathed in the God-inspired Bible and see the world in the Bible’s light.” —Dostoevsky
Exalt, Equip, Engage • Isaiah 40: Good news for an exiled people: God’s promise of restoration • Isaiah 41: The nations have no answer for a broken world: futility • Isaiah 42: God’s answer for a broken world
God Speaks About the Servant (42.1-4) o Behold the Servant of the Lord! Delighted in by God: “in whom My soul delights” The Spirit Trinity in view here: Partnership o Promise: Justice for the nations o Methodology/Style Compassion/Gentleness Steadfastness and Hope
God Speaks to the Servant (42.6-9) o Credentials o Cosmic Background o Call o Glory o Something New
God’s Exhortation to Celebrate the Servant (42.10-13) o The Invitation o Worship/Missions o The Zeal and the Victory
So What About Us? o Carrying out the ministry of Jesus o Grasping the extent of the ministry of Jesus o Celebrating and proclaiming the ministry of Jesus: Exalt, Equip, Engage