I've been thinking lately about getting busy writing a book. Hebrews 12 speaks of God as a consuming fire. Several years ago we walked through this idea as our theme for Teen Camp. A couple years later I used it as a sermon series. Now I am thinking through it again. Here are some possible lessons or topics i may pursue:
1. If God is a consuming fire then we are firewood. We are meant to be consumed and used by his Spirit to burn/shine. There are several biblical allusions which build on this.
2. Firewood was meant to burn: We were designed and created to let his spirit bring things out of us that might never been seen in any other way. A log on the woodpile never gives heat or light. Once it is given over to the flames, it gives both and pops with potential as "sweet spots" of sap and oils break out in life. For us, these correspond to talents, gifts and abilities which God has placed in us or He empowers us to have and do when we give our lives over to His reign.
3. A burning log gathers no moss: A log that is on fire is not susceptible to moss and decay. In this analogy, the Spirit of God gives us strength to overcome old habits and temptations.
I have a couple other thoughts but I thought I would float these few for now. Any feedback?
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Jack, I like it -- you should write a book. Blogging is what got me to writing again. It has been invigorating. I actually finished a rough draft for a book of my own a few weeks ago. It feels good. It will be better when I can get some time to review it and put the finishing touches on it. Blessings to you and your family. Don
ReplyDeleteJack, I appreciated very much the rendition of these thoughts as you shared them at King's Kamp on Friday night. In fact, I was inspired by them in the forming of my own sermon on Sunday. Heb 12 was my text as well though I also looked at Exod 19, 20, Ps 36 (v. 9), Ps 105 (vs. 4) and focused on how Heb 12:28 is an odd crescendo - we have gained so much from God's grace and yet God remains the same firey God of Mt. Sinai even on the heavenly Mt Zion. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Don and Ron. I have so much swirling around in this head of mine all the time thatI need to find the time and discipline to put pen to paper. Thanks for the afirmation. It helps bring back down to earth and reminds me that many of my thought are likely gifts from God that need to be shared rather than copntemplated ad nauseum in the silence of my quiet refldection. I hope that doesn't sound arrogant. It doesn't feel that way.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff, Jack. I liked it at KK also. Keep up the good work.
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