A Christian View of 2022 - #10
Does a Christian have particular view of 2022?
Sometimes our views are distorted by modern prophets and off-centered interpretations of the scriptures.
Sometimes we are too passive or too aggressive depending on what podcasts or points of view to which we subscribe.
The question still begs to be answered … what is the essential Christian prism and perspective?
1. This year it opens a window into Matthew 24.
This eschatological chapter is a current commentary on 2022.
Matthew 24:3-7 NLT
Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.
These signs are simultaneously happening around us NOW!
2. This year opens a window for the church to display God’s love to a world in pain.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
The coming months are laden with unique opportunities to bring His love to a world filled acrimony, anxiety and anger.
Let’s not waste the moment in political posturing, religious rhetoric or scriptural semantics that creates division, debate and disunity.
3. This year opens a window through which the world can see the beauty of the Cross.
Is there anything more Christian than the preaching and practice of Christ - crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NLT
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
ENOUGH of this westernization of the Gospel, ENOUGH of this commercialization of Christ,
ENOUGH of the modernization of His Message
2022 cannot survive without Christ and His cross presented and practiced in the power and passion of the Holy Spirit.
He still is the cause and culmination of all creation …
Colossians 1:15-17 NLT
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
Randy B. Leavitt
Pastor