Saturday, May 2, 2020

Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Our Origins and Destination

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 1, "Remembering Origins and Destination", Question 1, Page 7.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


How would you answer the question
PHOTO: How would you answer the question, "Where do you come from and where are you going?"
One of the ways to answer this question is to refer to the Bible. As we have to start from somewhere, it would be appropriate to start from the beginning. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1). So the Bible (Word) offers an answer to the question. And the Bible states that everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, . . . have been created through him and for him (Colossians 1:16). Mankind, both male and female is created by Him (Genesis 1:27). We can therefore conclude that we come from the creation of God.

We are sinners and where we will be going will be somewhere for punishment, call hell (“lake of fire”, Revelation 20:15). So, we need to be saved from God’s judgment and wrath. John 3:16 states that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The answer is clear: “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” and we will be saved.

However, to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” is much more than intellectual assent to the fact that He existed; it means that we place our trust, our faith, our expectant hope for being saved in who Jesus is and what He did for us.

What must we do to be saved?
1. Agree with God that we have sinned against Him and that we deserve judgment for it
2. Repent of our sins
3. Receive God’s merciful and gracious offer to save us
4. Acknowledge that our own good works is completely ineffective to save ourself
5. Follow Jesus Christ as our Lord (master) by obeying Him and His Words

This is the evidence of one who is saved. After being saved, our work will be considered as good work. That is, we must now spend the rest of our life striving to become more like our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed (Romans 8:28-30). God promises to give us the power and desire to do so (Philippians 2:12-13).

And we can say where we are going is the kingdom of heaven.


If you find it difficult to answer the question, why is this so?
Any proper narrative about our origins and destiny must be rooted in God. He is the one who created us, gives meaning and life to us, and is our highest goal. A life that is not rooted in God, as revealed in Christ, is bound to be blown around by the winds of circumstance and fickle fortune. It is like a kite that has lost it attachment to the kite-flyer. Paul knew where he came from and where he was going and knew that it is in God that "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). To forget or ignore God is to be like a fish that is removed from the sea. It wriggles, crying out for oxygen, and eventually dies.
Picture posted by Administrator on 10 May 2018
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https://www.seayouji.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/B1-3-819x1024.jpg
https://www.seayouji.com/2018/05/10/别再晒沙滩照了！现在大家去巴厘岛都晒这些！/


In his old age, the celebrated German theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834), known as the "father of modern liberal theology", was a pathetic sight. One day, he was sitting on a bench in a city park when a policeman, mistaking him for a tramp, shook him awake, asking, "Who are you?" With great sadness, Schleiermacher replied, "I wish I knew." [9] He was an intelligent and famous man, but his Christian faith had withered over the years.


Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834)
PHOTO:  Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834)
Picture posted by Church Times on 11 March 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt9AxuQ1YhwtCQLXpoKZJZAXSn-PQHTjCFpniA3-bipmDx0YmBCWNObO7PN0vFCTw3tqpsrxO33W_nwyEcdGurDmWFND-QOMad0PSic2UtwwZ5XXFrvnTe5IMFMsSOyp-orS8Fk9VCRM/s1600/friedrichschleiermacher-20160301121153771_web.jpg
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/media/5603243/friedrichschleiermacher-20160301121153771_web.jpg?width=1000
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2016/11-march/features/features/poets-protestants-romantics-and-reformers


Compare Schleiermacher to another old man - the apostle Paul who, in his old age, wrote from prison, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day" (2 Timothy 1:12). Earlier, Paul referred to God as the one "to whom I belong and whom I serve" (Acts 27:23). What a difference between a man who knew his identity and destiny and one who had forgotten.


What a difference between a man who knew his identity and destiny and one who had forgotten.
PHOTO: What a difference between a man who knew his identity and destiny and one who had forgotten. The apostle Paul who, in his old age, wrote from prison, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day" (2 Timothy 1:12). Earlier, Paul referred to God as the one "to whom I belong and whom I serve" (Acts 27:23).
Picture saved by Terese Bingeliene to Viskas - St Paul the Apostle by Pompeo Gerolamo Batoni
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUzFL0bShZGTdhOypyBINwch3OVj68v38sTzuPsrHVe8on7gpG-6l-yJd7X8lZXOpT2BANWrLbpv-B6fQFPllZEoa6To5M4kvZHwHn83yAx3IT82O7YYP7XXdfPbKil2LXRPiuv8MQzc/s1600/2c1bcf69f4487c85fcc0b65fa7b249ac.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2c/1b/cf/2c1bcf69f4487c85fcc0b65fa7b249ac.jpg
https://www.pinterest.it/pin/334533078552482723/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2015/03/reflection-pattern-of-sound-teaching.html


How would you answer the question, "Where do you come from and where are you going?" If you find it difficult to answer the question, why is this so?

How would you answer the question, "Where do you come from and where are you going?"
One of the ways to answer this question is to refer to the Bible. As we have to start from somewhere, it would be appropriate to start from the beginning. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1). So the Bible (Word) offers an answer to the question. And the Bible states that everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, . . . have been created through him and for him (Colossians 1:16). Mankind, both male and female is created by Him (Genesis 1:27). We can therefore conclude that we come from the creation of God.
 

Where do you come from?
PHOTO: Where do you come from?
The Bible states that everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, . . . have been created through him and for him (Colossians 1:16). Mankind, both male and female is created by Him (Genesis 1:27). We can therefore conclude that we come from the creation of God.
Picture posted by Administrator on 10 May 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Qzl89mNMiny0aEKS2vs3UnP8xh-kzNAIDA3opT7_Tp_vOxTRb74Cjc4j8Iu5Tsepwcn2SP0IeJr6y9pC0OtHsp4TnGof6pCLTZDLuR8TDFqwJclw4Mk02EDDGCiKpC40vF6Z2XRl09U/s1600/B2-1-1-820x1024.jpg
https://www.seayouji.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/B2-1-1-820x1024.jpg
https://www.seayouji.com/2018/05/10/别再晒沙滩照了！现在大家去巴厘岛都晒这些！/


We are sinners and where we will be going will be somewhere for punishment, call hell (“lake of fire”, Revelation 20:15). So, we need to be saved from God’s judgment and wrath. John 3:16 states that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The answer is clear: “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” and we will be saved.


We are sinners and where we will be going will be somewhere for punishment, call hell
PHOTO: We are sinners and where we will be going will be somewhere for punishment, call hell (“lake of fire”, Revelation 20:15). So, we need to be saved from God’s judgment and wrath. John 3:16 states that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The answer is clear: “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” and we will be saved.
Picture posted by Administrator on 10 May 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dhPaw1NujAkhBESKlkcO4LBn9G2DdtPdwDu3V1PfJmzU9TWgaKl8VLMmTJkLKJ6Oa4hvw21vg3kC2uJ8KXneKg1XSArMv6VUq0VL8sJHk17sC0PoFTTpfcLSUmdXSMPT2dT5PlLiytM/s1600/B3-1_1.png
https://www.seayouji.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/B3-1.jpg
https://www.seayouji.com/2018/05/10/别再晒沙滩照了！现在大家去巴厘岛都晒这些！/


However, to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” is much more than intellectual assent to the fact that He existed; it means that we place our trust, our faith, our expectant hope for being saved in who Jesus is and what He did for us. [2]

What must we do to be saved? [2]
1. Agree with God that we have sinned against Him and that we deserve judgment for it
2. Repent of our sins
3. Receive God’s merciful and gracious offer to save us 4. Acknowledge that our own good works is completely ineffective to save ourself
5. Follow Jesus Christ as our Lord (master) by obeying Him and His Words

This is the evidence of one who is saved. After being saved, our work will be considered as good work. That is, we must now spend the rest of our life striving to become more like our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed (Romans 8:28-30). God promises to give us the power and desire to do so (Philippians 2:12-13).

And we can say where we are going is the kingdom of heaven.


Agree with God that we have sinned against Him and that we deserve judgment for it.
PHOTO: Agree with God that we have sinned against Him and that we deserve judgment for it. Repent of our sins. Receive God’s merciful and gracious offer to save us. Acknowledge that our own good works is completely ineffective to save ourself. Follow Jesus Christ as our Lord (master) by obeying Him and His Words.
We must now spend the rest of our life striving to become more like our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed (Romans 8:28-30). God promises to give us the power and desire to do so (Philippians 2:12-13).
This is the evidence of one who is saved. And we can say where we are going is the kingdom of heaven.
Painting by Abraham Hunter - Jesus walked on the water in a terrifying storm
Picture posted by Infinity Fine Art - Saved by Grace
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAvAPvSdcdhyjXedfb80EyevQpJmvBxn977e5ybpjNg6eWuDMtpcEdyLrLNrz83rgdvpcwZPpMKMdb5zef2UbtOe5ePjWA5bGLd2pEBRUFhlhlAemPZSjzEFZfR9xBUvM0prmWnGGP5w/s1600/Saved-By-Grace-Web.jpg
http://infinityfineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/21-3135-post/Saved-By-Grace-Web.jpg
http://infinityfineart.com/2018/05/21/saved-by-grace-by-abraham-hunter/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jesus-and-jonah-sign-of-jesus.html



If you find it difficult to answer the question, why is this so?
Any proper narrative about our origins and destiny must be rooted in God. He is the one who created us, gives meaning and life to us, and is our highest goal. A life that is not rooted in God, as revealed in Christ, is bound to be blown around by the winds of circumstance and fickle fortune. It is like a kite that has lost it attachment to the kite-flyer. Paul knew where he came from and where he was going and knew that it is in God that "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). To forget or ignore God is to be like a fish that is removed from the sea. It wriggles, crying out for oxygen, and eventually dies.


If you find it difficult to answer the question, why is this so?
PHOTO: If you find it difficult to answer the question, why is this so?
Any proper narrative about our origins and destiny must be rooted in God. He is the one who created us, gives meaning and life to us, and is our highest goal. A life that is not rooted in God, as revealed in Christ, is bound to be blown around by the winds of circumstance and fickle fortune.
Painting by Abraham Hunter - Never Forsaken
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco4EwDN15O6m0jRoT0D3HO45lTkUIUMeeWL5PsCyHbP4hH4T3eZCIKyWNPzikbS-uu7G4baR0y0Pu-mzR0Kjbvh3qdam95CZ2fqkERmb9hS2lO7qObUeTP3qz-Bwzd-E054LLn_o3bBU/s1600/Never-Foresaken.jpg
Never-Foresaken.jpg
http://infinityfineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/26-555-post/PRINTABLE-PDF-Never-Foresaken.pdf
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jesus-and-jonah-sign-of-jesus.html



Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, our origins and destiny are rooted in You. Our origins are from Your creation, as You have created everything in heaven and on earth. Mankind, both male and female is created by You.

We admit we are sinners, and would like to repent our sins. Thank You for sending Your only Son to suffer and died for us, so that we can have the offer of Salvation, and our sins can be forgiven through His blood shed on the cross. We want to receive Your merciful and gracious offer to save us, as our good works are completely ineffective to save ourselves. Please help us to follow Jesus Christ as our Lord by obeying Him and His Words.

When we have Your grace to receive the faith, help us, to spend the rest of our life striving to become more like our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed.

We want to be able to say where we are going is the kingdom of heaven.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by Bahama Adventure Bali
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Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Our Origins and Destination
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 1, "Remembering Origins and Destination", Question 1, Page 7.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012






Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html



Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 1, "Remembering Origins and Destination", Page 3-7.

[2] The Christian Worldview, What Must I Do To Be Saved?, https://www.thechristianworldview.org/about-us-2/what-must-do-to-be-saved/

[9] Brian Christopher Coulter, Be Holy: Find Identity, Find Belonging, Find Purpose (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2014), 40-41.


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

2 Timothy 1:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A12&version=NIV

Acts 17:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A28&version=NIV

Acts 27:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+27%3A23&version=NIV

Colossians 1:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A16&version=NIV

Genesis 1:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NIV

John 1:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1&version=NIV

​John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Philippians 2:12-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13&version=NIV

Revelation 20:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A15&version=NIV

Romans 8:28-30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28-30&version=NIV

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