In times past one common form of art was the weaving of tapestries. Usually these were artistic “rugs” hung on walls, and only the rich had access to such extravagance. The visual side was always of beautiful colors and often told a story. Recently we were visiting the Biltmore estate in Ashville, NC (huge – pretty amazing 19th century monstrous tech!). The reverse side of a woven tapestry (vs modern printing process) was a series of disconnected colors and threads, and was not useful for indicating what was on the flip side. The God Story is like this. Yet if you follow the threads of the God Story from behind the tapestry you will find a wealth of connection concerning God’s choice to reveal His mind and heart to humanity.
The Bible is a series of woven threads which must be allowed to interpret themselves. Some refer to this as the study of systematic or Biblical theology. God’s Word transcends the dogmas of any church or religious group, and reveals the unfolding of the Kingdom of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. Here we consider several major conversations that help us to stay focused on experiencing Kingdom spirituality.
To find God we must encounter His chosen King Jesus.
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” – Revelation 19:11-16
This is not about religion. It is about transcendent and supernatural authority. This is why we teach King first – then Kingdom – then Church. Here are the three great questions of life for every soul who ever has or ever will walk the face of the earth. Answering these for yourself will take you far on your path to finding a satisfied mind.
Has God spoken?
“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.” – Hebrews 1:1-4
If so, what has He communicated?
You are lost. I am gracious. Return to Me and I will return to you.
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:23-26
How do I hear the words of God?
“For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:10
As it says in the (hyper) link below, the Bible contains thousands of woven connections. Not just to other information, but to the mind and heart of God as well. This is why we must allow the Bible to interpret itself. The argument that the Bible may be interpreted anyway you wish is a canard (spoof, trick, fraud, chicanery, deception). Once the woven threads are considered, there is little wiggle-room for what the Bible says about any subject. Seriously. If we are to pursue the Kingdom we must consult the King’s Words.
In hot pursuit with you,
Dave and Burnadette