This past Sunday’s message was called “Future Tense”. I started thinking about it awhile back, after watching the movie “2012”. The film did not forecast a Happy New Year for us. In fact, it was one in a long line of Hollywood movies (“Armageddon”, “The Day After Tomorrow”, “The Road”, “Contagion”, and “Legend” just to name a few) that predict the end of the world (as we know it) in the not too distant future. Given that the economic, political, environmental, cultural, spiritual and moral climate of our day seems so dark and threatening…it’s not hard to understand why so many of these movies are being made. People sense that something is going to happen.
Maybe something bad. Maybe something soon.
And maybe they’re right. But in Christ, we don’t have to live life as though there were no hope. Our Living Hope is all we really have. And He (Jesus) truly is all we need. So, no matter what the future holds…I am certain of this: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. To quote a bumper sticker…I don’t know what the future holds – but I do know Who holds the future. That’s good news! It means that in spite of all of the horrible things that sometimes happen in our lives (Lower Story), God has not forgotten us. He has a plan for our rescue (Upper Story). He has a story of redemption to tell and we’re in it!
Makes me want to sing a chorus of “Mighty to Save”…feel free to join me. Because God is too wise to be mistaken. He is too good to be unkind. When I can’t trace His hand, I’ll trust His heart.
Closing Thoughts...
And maybe they’re right. But in Christ, we don’t have to live life as though there were no hope. Our Living Hope is all we really have. And He (Jesus) truly is all we need. So, no matter what the future holds…I am certain of this: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. To quote a bumper sticker…I don’t know what the future holds – but I do know Who holds the future. That’s good news! It means that in spite of all of the horrible things that sometimes happen in our lives (Lower Story), God has not forgotten us. He has a plan for our rescue (Upper Story). He has a story of redemption to tell and we’re in it!
Makes me want to sing a chorus of “Mighty to Save”…feel free to join me. Because God is too wise to be mistaken. He is too good to be unkind. When I can’t trace His hand, I’ll trust His heart.
Closing Thoughts...
- Don’t forget that small groups start back up next week. Nick and Heather’s group meets on Sunday afternoons in Fayetteville. Mike and Sherry’s group meets on Monday evenings in Peachtree City. Joe and Robin’s group meets on Wednesday nights in Sharpsburg. And my group meets on Wednesday nights at Casa del Heaton (sort of between Inman and Woolsey). If you haven’t made small group a part of your week…you’re missing something of incredible value. You need this…don’t miss out! For more information on Small Groups, please visit the website (WheresTheSteeple.org) or contact Mike (small group coordinator) Stout or myself.
- Also, if you missed the message on Sunday and want to know more about the concepts of “Upper Story” and “Lower Story”…I recommend that you pick up a copy of The Story and read about it or just listen into the “Future Tense” message on the website for more detail.
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