The Human Quest

Selected Scriptures

We are Homo Sapiens. While biology sets much of the parameters for behavior, the human quest for life allows them to think deeply and develop over time.

Imago Dei (Genesis 1:26-28)

• All humans are made in the image of God.

• Humans are placed in God’s Kingdom as his representatives.

• Humans have been given the power to share in God’s rule of earth’s resources and creatures.

A False Image (Exodus 20:4-6)

• The idol functioned as a reflection and embodiment of the god.

• Humans are not to make idols.

• God already has an image of himself.

Our True Purpose (Genesis 2:15, Psalm 8)

• Humans were meant to rule and reign on God’s behalf.

• How do we navigate the way forward?

The Truest Human (John 14:6)

• Jesus invites humans into a new way, the original way, of being human.

• Humans have the unique ability to explore, experiment and experience this life in Christ.

Laodicea: Be Wholehearted

Revelation 3:14-22

The image of warm water being spewed out of the mouth of the Lord is an unforgettable picture. We think of this image of a lackluster faith of complacency. But what is the real disease?

The City of Laodicea

• A very wealthy city built on three industries: banking, clothing and medical

• A city famous for manufacturing black woolen cloth used for expensive garments exported all over the world

• The whole goal of the city was one of pride

Disconnected for the Source of Life

• For all the economic advantages, its one outstanding shortcoming was its poor water supply

• The water supply was piped to the city from six miles away making it weak and undesirable

Material Prosperity and the Spirit of Self-Sufficiency

• There is a link between spiritual complacency and material blessing

Opening the Door to Wholeheartedness

• Confessing the need for divine presence

• God is looking for people who are willing to say “I’m all in”

Philadelphia: Unafraid of Open Doors

Revelation 3:7-13

If you were to go home and find your front door standing open, what would you do?

The City of Philadelphia

• The mission of the city was to bring Hellenism – Greek culture – to the area

• The city was prone to earthquakes

• The people lived in constant fear

Major Challenges to the Church

• They had been shut out of synagogue worship

• They were poor and had little power

• They were pressured to participate in Caesar worship

Two Choices Beyond the Open Door

• Adversarial

• Advocacy

Keep in Mind

• Every door is a decision

• My destiny will be shaped by which doors I walk past or walk through

• A door may be an opportunity, distraction or deception

• Sometimes God shuts doors

• God opens doors for me as I do for others

• Sometimes God cracks a door to give a glimpse

Sardis: Strengthen What Remains

Revelation 3:1-6

Can an understanding of our past help set a right course for the future?

The City of Sardis

• Sardis was a prosperous city and well protected

• Yet it was conquered twice in her history because of their lack of watchfulness

The Need for a Renewed Spirit

• The church, like the city, had seen better days

• Living off her memory but not moving forward

• An apathetic spirit cast a long shadow

Five Imperatives

• Wake Up (3:2)

• Strengthen what remains (3:2)

• Remember what you have received and heard (3:3)

• Obey (3:3)

• Repent (3:3)

Our Calling

• Strengthen what remains by serving God out of delight not duty

• Strengthen our resolve to exist for others not ourselves

• Strengthen our commitment to what is right for all people

Thyatira: Continue On

Revelation 2:18-29

Christ castigates Christians in Thyatira for tolerating the spirit of Jezebel, Jezebel became the symbol of idolatry for the sake of the economy.

The Jezebel Story (1 Kings 18-19)

• Led the nation into Baal worship (1 Kings 16:31)

• Bank rolled the support of 450 Baal prophets

• The way of Baal is the way of money, sex and power

The Elijah Story (1 Kings 18-19)

• A prophet of the living God

• Challenged the prophets of Baal to call the nation back to faithfulness

• Felt fear and ran away

• Choose to go back and continue on his efforts

The City of Guilds (Revelation 2:18-29)

• “It’s not personal, it’s just business”

• Manufacturer of Rome’s weapons, garments, etc.

• The trade guilds combined the political and religious for the economic benefits

• Economy trumps morality and

civility

Our Calling

• Continue on feeling the falseness of the system

• Continue on fighting the fear of insecurity