Hilliard Christian Assembly - HCA

John Myer visited a group of Christians in the San Francisco Bay area to give a four-message conference covering the main themes of his book, Alive on the Inside. The book offers an internal snapshot of the newly enlivened spirit of a Christian—conscience, worship, and intuition—exploring its many blessings and challenges.

You can learn more about Alive on the Inside at www.johnmyer.com/item/alive-on-the-inside

Redemptive judgment of His feet, the life-giving refreshment of His voice, the guidance of the stars, the advanced dealing of the sword, all transport the glory of His face (Rev. 1:15-16). All these experiences come about through the word upheld by the lampstands.

John Myer visited a group of Christians in the San Francisco Bay area to give a four-message conference covering the main themes of his book, Alive on the Inside. The book offers an internal snapshot of the newly enlivened spirit of a Christian—conscience, worship, and intuition—exploring its many blessings and challenges.

You can learn more about Alive on the Inside at www.johnmyer.com/item/alive-on-the-inside

John Myer visited a group of Christians in the San Francisco Bay area to give a four-message conference covering the main themes of his book, Alive on the Inside. The book offers an internal snapshot of the newly enlivened spirit of a Christian—conscience, worship, and intuition—exploring its many blessings and challenges.

You can learn more about Alive on the Inside at www.johnmyer.com/item/alive-on-the-inside

The Christ that a seeker will encounter among the lampstands is One with white hair--unparalleled wisdom, dignity, and life experience (Rev. 1:14; c.f. Proverbs 8:22-31). This is communicated through Word (c.f. 1 Cor. 1:18-19, Col. 3:16). His burning eyes evaluates everything and sees past everything, including all appearances (again, communicated through His word c.f. 1 Cor. 14:23-25). However, this experience does not condemn, but ignites zeal and passion in the new person (c.f. Rom. 12:11).  

Look at the lampstand and you'll see a Person who is divinely human--the High Priest who cares for the lampstands, and who wields the two-edged sword of the word (Rev. 1:13, Heb. 4:12). As we keep bringing our friends to the light of the word, we hope it becomes a sword to them (Gk., machaira--a large sacrificial knife that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart), however, our high priest is the compassionate, caring, sympathizing Son of Man who will then help the exposed person (Heb. 4:15-16).

Keep someone in orbit around the lampstand for a while (the church shining with the oil of the Spirit), and then hopefully they will see Christ. In fact, we hope that the "moth" that has been drawn in by the light of the word will be called by "the voice" and become part of the lampstand (c.f. Ps. 43:3; 119:130, 105; John 10:14-16; Rev. 1:15).

In Acts chapter 8, with the close guidance of the Spirit, Philip finds an individual, an Ethiopian eunuch who was trying to read and understand the Bible. The eunuch was open to help from Philip, and turned to Jesus. Though Philip was short on time, today we might ask, "Can we read together again next week?" and then before long, ask, "Do you know someone who might like to read with us?" This is exactly how we start a group. Find one person, then ask and invite.  

(Phil. 2:15-16) One small light can be easily obscured, whereas an entire community of small lights cannot be hidden; where does this light come from? The word of life - life and light go together (John 1:4) - We are holding fast to what gives us life and lights us up - never forget that what attracts seekers is this, not gimmicks - not things that seekers already have out in the darkness of the world - Be bold to offer the word of life to anyone who may remotely be interested.

(Phil. 2:15-16) Keep holding the word that is starkly different than the crooked and twisted norms of today; it supplies our spiritual contrast - dimming light for the purpose of minimizing offense will dim attraction for people who look for truth; if we compromise this way, we will fit the description of Isaiah 5:20 and Matthew 6:23. Instead, strive to fit the description of John 1:5--shine in the darkness.