ORGANIC FAITH: WORSHIP AND WITNESS
Rev. 10-11
Sermon Objective: Our Witness for Christ flows naturally out of a faith grounded in Worship and The Word.
REV. 10 (NIV)
As I read to you about the final trumpet / announcement this morning, it might help to keep in mind what I said last week. Some students of the book, including myself, understand the three series in the book (seals, trumpets and bowls) to be parallel records of history not sequential. One of the reasons for this is that each ends with what could be the second coming of Jesus. Each “7th” becomes more detailed and the final one ends with a few chapters talking about this climax of history.
Watch for this as we read today’s passage.
Rev 10:1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.
Rev 10:2 He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
Rev 10:3 and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.
Rev 10:4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”
Rev 10:5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven.
Rev 10:6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay!
Rev 10:7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
Rev 10:8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
Rev 10:9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”
Rev 10:10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.
Rev 10:11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
REV. 11 (NIV)
Rev 11:1I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshipers there. 2But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
Rev 11:7Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.
Rev 11:11But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
Rev 11:13At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Rev 11:14The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.
Rev 11:15The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." 16And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
Rev 11:18The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great—and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
Rev 11:19Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
INTRO
Organic. It is quite a buzz word these days. Especially in places like the North Country where living in harmony with nature and the environment is so important.
At a basic level organic refers to the characteristic of living organisms; it refers to that which is natural or is a natural by-product. It stands in contrast to synthetic alternatives. Organic refers to that which is simple and healthful and close to nature … like "an organic lifestyle."
Organic is applied to many different disciplines these days. A quick Google search will bring up: Organic farming, organic clothing, organic computers, organic music, organic noise, organic families, organic chemistry, organic biology, organic economics, organic law, and even organic military. In each case the use of the phrase “organic” implies that the discipline is intended to work from natural principles and extract natural results. Factors or results that are fabricated or super-imposed on the discipline are rejected. “Organic law” for example, refers to the study and practice of law at its basic, fundamental level. It specifically depends on The U.S. Code of Laws, the Articles of Confederation, The Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.
At some point the word “organic” loses meaning through overuse. But this morning I want to propose one more catalogue list for organic entities. ORGANIC FAITH.
Well, actually, I did a Google search of the term; and it’s not so novel either. There’s even a church in Buffalo by that name.
So what do I mean by organic faith?
I’m glad you asked!
AS I UNDERSTAND IT, AN ORGANIC FAITH IS ONE THAT IS SEEKING TO BE A STRAIGHTFORWARD DISCIPLE OF JESUS.
• It is a faith that relies on the basic propositions of truth given by God to establish one’s faith and live one’s life.
• It expects life and lifestyle to flow naturally from the inside out … a transformed, fully alive faith produces a transformed fully alive follower of Jesus.
• And, if the most basic of elements in one’s faith is Jesus Christ, then “organic faith” would emulate (look like) and communicate Jesus Christ.
And this brings us to chapters 10 and 11.
THE PURPOSE (S) OF JOHN’S APOCALYPSE IS IMPLICITLY PRACTICAL. It is not conspiratorial, secretive, or concealed and as you read it the purpose (s) become quite obvious. It was written to you so your faith can be “organic” … A NATURAL EXPRESSION OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE TIME AND PLACE YOU LIVE.
An organic faith must come from an organic environment. In other words, if you want to live a life based upon truth you must take truth in. If you want a life of joy, awe, and wonder, you must commune with the Holy One.
And what happens when we feast on these very basic elements? WE BECOME EXPRESSIONS / BY-PRODUCTS OF TRUTH AND WONDER.
The word that John uses to describe that expression is in our language … “martyr”.
Martyr, (actually “martus” and delineations of it) is a very common word in The Revelation. It is used at least 16 times. It does not mean “someone who dies for their faith” which is more accurately one of many consequences of being a martus; the family of words that come from martus includes witness, testimony, testify, record, report, and declare.
NOW HEAR ME … THROUGHOUT THIS BOOK, THE ORGANIC EXPRESSION (BY-PRODUCT) OF A GENUINE FAITH IS “WITNESS.” It is the natural result of walking with Christ. It doesn’t have to be programmed; it just happens. It has to! That is the fruit of His existence within us. When we begin to embody passages like, The two Great Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, or the Fruit of the Spirit then we will live “Jesus” in our worlds. We WILL become like Christ and in natural ways, point people to Him. As Jesus shares His life with us, we in turn, will naturally share that life with others.
A “witness” is not someone who memorizes “The Four Spiritual Laws”. It is not super-imposed or programmed like that. Memorizing such plans may help you be a better prepared witness (I think it does) but you are a witness by the mere fact that you faithfully follow Jesus Christ and the life of the Holy Spirit flows through you.
Jesus said, Matthew 5:14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
As I understand it, in a Court of Law, a witness can do one of two things. First, one can be a witness of events that occurred; we simply recall what we have seen or experienced. On the other hand, some can be referred to as an “expert witness.” This is one who explains to the court the meaning of the evidence.
Throughout history the Church, has had both types of witnesses. God has called all those who have had an experience of Him to share that with others. And he has also called some to be expert witnesses who can skillfully explain the Christian faith to seekers and those with questions. These people are what we call today “Apologists.” They have always been with us. We just coined this phrase for our well being. These are a people who have depth and commitment to The Word and can explain truth at a very precise level.
Both witnesses are essential to the faith but we are ALL called to be the first type; we all testify to what we have seen and experienced.
(Thanks to Rev. Jim Parisi of Harvest house Church, Hermosa Beach, CA for this illustration)
AN ORGANIC FAITH STEMS FROM TWO VERY BASIC ELEMENTS: WORSHIP AND THE WORD (TRUTH). These two always point to Jesus Christ and “form Christ within us” (Galatians 4:19). Our life and words reflect Jesus Christ in such a way that we become, by default, a “martyr” (martus) … a witness.
This morning I will look at the first element of a natural (organic) witness to Jesus Christ; worship. Next week I will look at the second element.
WORSHIP CREATES AN ORGANIC FAITH
THUS GENERATING A NATURAL WITNESS
I have been fixated this week with the relationship between worship and witness; between communion with Christ and living as a testimony for Christ. The relationship is often more connected than we give credence to.
To worship Christ and not give witness to Him is inconceivable.
To witness for Christ while not adoring Him is hypocritical.
I have mentioned before that John’s Apocalypse is not so much a book about worship as it is a book of worship. Everything in this book flows from John’s worship experience. He was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (1:10) when he received the book; and all throughout it worship of God and the Lamb take center-stage.
IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO EXPECT SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT TO THE BOOK AS OUR WITNESS FOR THE LAMB TO BE LINKED TO OUR WORSHIP OF THE LAMB. Not only is this validated by the book’s overall context but consider these specific verses as evidence:
1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit …
19: 10At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
20: 4I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Worship and witness are brought together in other places in Scripture too.
• We read Isaiah 6:1-8 earlier in the service. It was not until Isaiah saw the Lord “high and lifted up” that he was able to be commissioned … to bear witness for God.
• Did you notice the context of the “Great Commission” when we read it during worship? Usually we omit verse 17 when memorizing or talking about the call to missions but listen again to Matthew 28:17-20. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; ... 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Worship comes before testimony … before witness. I think it is safe to say that an organic faith generates from worship. Faith is strengthened, matured and maybe even birthed through worship.
In an organic way, being a disciple of Jesus means our adoration of Him will be reflected in our lives … and the world will notice. We will naturally testify to Him.
It is significant that chapter 11 begins and ends with the temple and that there is a worship scene in at the blowing of the seventh trumpet. It is not by accident. The chapter begins and ends with God’s people in the presence of the Holy One. Worship bookends both the parable of the two witnesses and the second coming of Jesus (7th trumpet) in this chapter.
Worship is not ancillary. It is organic. It is basic, essential, and always present in a disciple of Jesus.
WRAP-UP
So, have you thought about your role as a “martus” lately?
Have you given much thought to what your life testifies too?
Remember what we discovered the first six announcements/trumpets (chapter 8-9)? All of that judgment … yet no repentance. Well, chapters 10 and 11 inform us that this does not dissuade a loving grace-full God! He tries again! He prepares his vessels (witnessing church) and tries again!
And at the conclusion of the scene – with the seventh trumpet – we read that God’s Kingdom comes to earth (11:15-19)!
15The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." 16And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great—and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
19Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
Do you get it yet?! Do you see what God is telling (announcing) to His church through the trumpets? It really is exciting! HE IS TELLING US THAT THE ONLY THING THAT WILL REALLY GET HUMANKIND’S ATTENTION IS A CHANGED LIFE! Not even divine theatrics and miracles will cause humanity to repent; but a life that’s been changed … transformed … NOW THAT’S A WITNESS THAT WORKS!
That’s about as organic as a faith can get.
Jesus reinforced this notion when he gave the parable of “Lazarus and the Rich Man” in Luke 16. The rich man was in hell and wanted to spare His living family his destiny. He wants them to repent. The end of the conversation goes like this:
27… ’Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
29"Abraham replied, ’They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
30" ’No, father Abraham,’ he said, ’but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
31"He said to him, ’If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ "
In 11:1-14, John emphasizes this truth by providing a parable of a witnessing church.
IT IS UP TO US, YOU SEE!!!
WE ARE THE “MARTUS” … THE TESTIFIER … THE WITNESS!
And it is as we worship that we can be transformed at a very basic level into the likeness of Jesus. As we see Him we become like Him (1 John 3:2). Then we can indeed testify of Him to a watching world.
Next week I will pick up this theme and look at part 2. Worship alone is not enough to create an organic faith or its witness. We must have a message of truth. Worship must be intertwined with The Word.
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This sermon is provided by Dr. Kenneth Pell
Potsdam Church of the Nazarene
Potsdam, New York
www.potsdam-naz.org
