Last week I wrote part 1 of “Where Are You? which discussed the three basic stages of maturing in your Christian Faith and walk with Christ. The ultimate question was “where are you in your walk?”
The first post was based on Hebrews chapter 5, today I want to take a look a little further in Hebrews.
This past Sunday I preached on Hebrews 12 verses 18-29. Let’s take a look at them.
26And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”
27This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
The Message Version
So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he’s told us this quite plainly—he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.
In my message on Sunday I talked about what can be shaken will be shaken, and I believe we are in a time of shaking. This is not a doom and gloom message, nor am I trying to call out churches, the world, or pastors.
What I am trying to do is call the church to a time a reflection, prayer, and repentance. I live a very transparent life. I share a lot of the happenings in my life here on the blog, and in my messages. When I closed the service Sunday I prayed that God would show us the areas we need to get in order, so that no shaking could move us off of the firm Foundation of the Rock of Jesus Christ. I personally asked God to show me areas in my life.
Monday Night (last Night) Ashlee and I took this to heart. We went to dinner for one purpose. We set down and discussed a list of issues, concerns, and thoughts to make sure were on the same page in unity. We dealt with church issues, non-church issues, and family concerns.
Our goal in meeting was to make sure we were walking in unity, not a house divided against itself during this time. We wanted to make sure we were moving forward together and not in different directions.
The conversation was not easy, although it was not difficult either. God blessed our discussion, and I believe we have a strong marriage this morning, than we did yesterday due to this set aside time.
One last interesting fact about this time is that we had a planned prayer meeting, but we felt it was so important to have this time of discussion that we got someone else to lead it, so we could make sure this discussion happened.
One may be asking how does this relate to shaking.
The answer is simple: We are now on solid ground in our relationship and the various things that are stresses to each one of us. If shaking comes, natural pressure of ministry and life, or warfare intensifies, we will be standing firm together on a solid foundation.
My questions for you today are:
Is there something in your life that you need to get in order, so that you know in your spirit that you are planted on solid ground?
Where are you at in your walk with Christ?
Where are you in your relationships with key people? Are you and your spouse on the same page?
Do you need to have some serious, intentional discussions to make sure you stand in unity in every area of your life?
Posted by kevinjbradford 