Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: ZENITH (04/21/16)
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TITLE: Yes, it's God's Pleasure | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hugh Houchin
04/28/16 -
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The center of the small campground served as a sanctuary, and, as evening gave way to nightfall, the glow of the campfire saturated everything within its boundaries.
After eating, washing dishes, and wiping off tables, the kitchen ensemble gathered around the campfire and continued their small talk.
Ralph arose and walked around the circle between the fire and the group. He continued his measured steps until only the crackling of the fire broke the silence. With his worn and ever-present Bible like an appendage growing from his hand, he opened his heart and its contents flowed from his mouth.
“Let me ask you a question. What, so far, is the pinnacle of your life?
Ralph cupped his hand behind his ear. “I heard marriage, salvation, buying a home, and a new career. Did I miss anything?
“What makes those events memorable?
The group all spoke at once.
“Slow down, not so fast,” Ralph said. “Let’s see, you said new surroundings, a profitable future, having children, and going to heaven. Correct? Thank you.
“You remember about John the Baptist, don’t you?” Ralph paused to give their memories time to release information concerning the man.
“God sent him to prepare people for the coming of Jesus Christ,” Mary volunteered.
“Very good,” praised Ralph.”Whether or not they understood the whys and wherefores, I think they realized seeing Jesus was the pinnacle of their lives.
“Speaking of pinnacles, I’d like to talk about what I believe is the pinnacle of Jesus’ ministry. It made what He’s done from eternity past possible.
“Who wants to tell us something about Jesus’ baptism?
“You’re onstage, Rick, go ahead.”
“Well, when John the Baptist baptized Jesus God said,‘this is my beloved Son in You I am well pleased.’” (Luke 3:22)
“Outstanding,” Ralph said.
“Anybody else have anything more to add?” asked Ralph. “Ok Mary, your turn.”
“As a dove,” Mary offered, “the Holy Spirit came down from heaven and stayed on Jesus”
“That’s good,” Ralph continued. “Let’s talk about those two points. First of all Jesus’ baptism was a God-thing, it included the Trinity. John baptized the Son, Jesus, and in the form of a dove the Holy Spirit lit on Him, and the Father said, ‘you are my beloved Son in You I am well-pleased.’
“I think the pinnacle of Christ’s ministry revolved around the Father’s pleasure in Him. Without the Father’s pleasure, Jesus’ death on the cross would not have had any particular meaning, but through His pleasure, Jesus’ death on the cross became our way of salvation.
“What about Jesus overcoming Satan’s temptation in the wilderness?” Jeremy blurted.
“Good thinking,” Ralph shot back. “I can’t see how Jesus overcame that temptation without the Father being pleased with Him.
“Likewise, I don’t believe there would’ve been any miracles had the Father not expressed His pleasure in the Son.
“In fact, it’s only through the pleasure of the Father that the elect come to Jesus.
“And so, people, what effect does the Father’s pleasure of the Son have on us? Don’t bother raising your hands just say what’s on your mind.”
“Because the Son abides in us through the Holy Spirit, it means we can do what God wants, even if we don’t think we can,” Alex remitted.
“Someone give me an example” asked Ralph.
“Well, it’s not exactly on the topic of doing what God wants, but knowing my salvation is safe through the Father’s pleasure in the Son gives me security,” Patricia responded
“How about it means I don’t need to fear witnessing because the One I’m witnessing about is pleasing to God?” Thomas joined in. “The whole salvation thing rest’s on the authority of the Father’s pleasure.”
“It helps me believe,” Joshua related, “because the New Testament is mainly about Jesus, and I’ve never thought about everything being possible through the Father’s pleasure in the Son. Really, though, the Father’s pleasure began in the beginning.”
“Ok everybody, Ralph said. Let’s call it a night and give what we’ve learned to God, and see where He leads us. Someone close in prayer.”
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