Andrew McClenaghan - Sunday, 12 December 2021
Who can Stand before God?
Scripture References: Psalms 24:1-10, Hebrews 12:18-24, John 1:1-18
Gathering Growing Going
Loading Content...
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
CloseStatements of fact help us understand the world around us. And Psalm 24 starts with a statement of fact: everything in this world belongs to the LORD (vs.1-2). This leads to two realisations for the original author. First, it means that there is a certain standard to come into the LORD’s presence – one cannot just wander into the presence of the LORD! (vs.3-6). Second, when the LORD comes to his world, what will happen, and what will he be like? (vs.7-10). Well, the first realisation should fill any human with despair: how can anyone reach that standard? And the second realisation will fill any human with fear: how can I face that? The result is a waiting for the LORD to come – and a question of how I – or any human – can be ready for that day.
Scripture References: Psalms 24:1-10, Hebrews 12:18-24, John 1:1-18
Related Topics: Christmas, Psalms | More Messages from Andrew McClenaghan | Download Audio
Bernard Gabbott
Genesis 146:1-10, Genesis 12:1-9, Luke 1:39-56
Andrew McClenaghan
Psalms 24:1-10
The resurrection of Jesus was not just another miracle of God but the definitive victory over sin and death! Yes, His death on the cross paid our debt of sin but His resurrection showed Him to be righteous, without fault and blameless before God, and highlighted His identity as truly God. The God-man who could restore our relationship with God. As such, Jesus is the ruler and judge over all the world, and to whom all will give an account. Jesus’s resurrection is the guarantee that those who place their faith in Him have present forgiveness of sins and are justified before God. We can be sure of the living hope that, as Jesus rose, so we too will rise to resurrected life and enjoy eternity with our Lord and Saviour together!
What a dismal valley! From God’s good creation, to sin, through to rightful judgement by God – it is grim. And yet, God remained committed to His creation – He is not indifferent, but deeply and passionately concerned. God Himself will act vigorously against evil. As the One offended by sin (the one against whom sin is committed), God Himself is the only one who can deal with sin. As humans, we are in desperate need for someone to stand in for us – to ‘defend’ us – someone like us, but unlike us in sin. And this is the heart of the good news, the life-changing momentous news, of Jesus: He is God-in-the-flesh, a living and breathing statement that God is not indifferent but passionately committed. Jesus, as God, comes to deal with sin – willingly. Jesus, as man, stands in for sinful humans, taking God’s judgement on Himself, for us. Now, that is a whole lot less dismal!
God made everything, including us. It was all made good! We were made to rule over the earth under His authority, to bring Him honour and praise for who He is. But, as we learnt last week, we don’t do that. That’s called sin. The attitude and action that says “I am god and God is not.” Surely God won’t stand for that. Surely the Creator of the universe won’t let human beings go on unpunished for their rebellion against Him. The truth is, God has, does, and will judge humanity and the world for its rebellion. That judgement involves death and eternal separation from the Creator. What a bleak future for humanity!
13 Dewhurst St, Narrabri NSW 2390
Ph: (02) 6792 2151
Email: Click Here
8:30am & 10:30am each Sunday
9:30am each Sunday in January
Copyright © 2024 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in