H2O Church
In this talk, we're going to look at how we view life. We're going to look at the paradigm of WAR as the description that scripture gives of our lives, and how this relates to living our lives for Christ today.
What is the paradigm with which we understand life? Is it not the paradigm of war?
"One of the things that surprised me when I first read the New Testament seriously was that it talked so much about a Dark Power in the universe—a mighty evil spirit who was held to be the Power behind death and disease, and sin. The difference is that Christianity thinks this Dark Power was created by God, and was good when he was created, and went wrong. Christianity agrees with Dualism that this universe is at war. But it does not think this is a war between independent powers. It thinks it is a civil war, a rebellion, and that we are living in part of the universe occupied by the rebel. Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.” C.S. Lewis
Scene 1—The Fall of the Universe. (Genesis 3)
The idea that we know good from evil is the root of all evil in the world.
At the fall of humanity, authority shifted from us to Satan, who is now described as—
“The prince of this world” John 14:30
“The prince of the power of the air” Ephesians 2:2
“the god of this world” 2 Corinthians 4:4
Scene 2—The Ministry of Jesus.
In the battle to win people and places, Jesus regarded this as ultimately overthrowing evil, the defeat of Satan.
“I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning.” Luke 10:18
The incarnation of Jesus is best understood as an INVASION. Planet earth is owned by Satan, and God wants it back. The ministry of Jesus was God landing on Normandy Beach. It was D-day.
Behold, I have given YOU authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Scene 3—The Cross of Christ.
The cross is the pivotal victory of God that set us free. Note that Jesus victoriously cries out to demons, “I win!”
Colossians 2:13-15 ESV
The point is: Jesus is passionate about winning PEOPLE AND PLACES.
He announces his Victory over all evil.
Revelation is like God pulling back the curtain of human history to reveal to us what is going on behind the scenes. Apocalyptic language is intended to help us see life from God's perspective of war, instead of from our perspective.
Revelation 12:1-10 ESV
WHY DOES JOHN USE THIS APOCALYPTIC LANGUAGE? BECAUSE HE’S TRYING TO HELP US SEE LIFE, AND THE MISSION OF JESUS, AS A GREAT BATTLE, AND THAT EVIL HAS BEEN DEFEATED.
“Now salvation has come.”
“Now, the power of God has come.”
“Now the kingdom of God has come.”
“Now the authority of the Christ has come.”
John 12:31 ESV