Rise Above This Physical Life

INTRO: The Holy Days Image steps in God’s Plan for His Creation.  Also OUR part in the Plan is revealed. How are we to participate in the revelations of the Day of Trumpets? That meaning is OUR participation in Christ’s Return and the Kingdom Family of God beginning on earth

We know the words we want to hear when Christ returns, these are recorded in 

Matthew 25:21. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.

BENEFIT STATEMENT: Sometimes we can get stressed out when we think about how prepared we are for the kingdom of God. Have we grown enough, have we done all that we should to prepare?

We are Preparing NOW for Kingdom LIFE

SPS: So we are to put God’s priorities first in our lives and walk according to His will. Then we realize that we don’t get the “glory” now. It is not about us. So how do we put God’s priorities first in order to Rise Above This Physical Life

BODY:

1. Trumpets keeps us focused on what God is doing & AWAY from our temporary life.

We might worry how well we have grown 

2 Peter 3:13-18 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless

((((Matthew 24: 32-51) ((((Matthew 25: 1-13)

• The main point is the need to “watch” (stay focused)

“Watch” = major focus of end time instruction of Christ  

((((literal meaning = remain awake Matthew 26:38-40 (NKJV) 38  Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." 39  He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." 40  Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?)

((((figurative meaning = be vigilant, alert (1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.)

• Or stay focused

• On what? Why?

Luke 21:34-36 (NKJV) 34  "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35  For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36  Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."  –

“Watch & pray” 

• Some will remain vigilant, many, including most of the world, will not.
• Why? Because they are so wrapped up in the pressures and problems of life.
• The grammatical form of both verbs, “take heed” & “watch” indicates not just a one-time event but an ongoing process.
• Trumpets looks FORWARD to …the END of our physical life AND Eternity of Loving Service

Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV) 1  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Command to set affections on things above

• The form of the verb translated “set” also indicates not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of setting.

 ((((Colossians 3:2 – “The things above be constantly seeking.… The things above be constantly setting your mind upon, not things on the earth” (The New Testament, an Expanded Translation by Kenneth Wuest).

• like setting clock that needs resetting
• We need to be constantly resetting our minds on the things above for the same reasons.

• Over time our spiritual mechanisms get out of adjustment.
• This is why we have 7 Holy Days every year – to help us constantly seek our focus.
• God mercifully foresaw the need for these ongoing opportunities to focus on His plan.

Most of the world does not have this opportunity because of Satan’s deception.

(((2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV) 3  But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4  whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.)

The hope of eternal life in the family of God is the focal point of God’s plan that enables us to continue enduring all the hardships of physical life

2 Corinthians 4:6-18 (NKJV) 6  For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8  We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- 10  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11  For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12  So then death is working in us, but life in you. 13  And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, 14  knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15  For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16  Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18  while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  .

Vigilance and focus are two separate but related qualities we need in order to navigate the trials and tribulations of life and stay on course to eternal life.

• Vigilance = remaining alert to the dangers (like Texas coast and Florida residents prior to the Hurricanes)
• Focus = looking to God and His promises to see us through the difficulties

Keeping God’s Holy Days help us remain vigilant and focused on the plan of God.

1. WE must learn to accept THE Hope God is Giving us to motivate our lives right NOW!

We are saved in/by/for hope

Romans 8:24 (NKJV) 24  For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

How/why was Paul able to make this statement?

Romans 8:18 (NKJV) 18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Because he was focused on the hope of the Firstfruits.

Romans 8:19-23 (NKJV) 19  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

 Our main hope is not in this life. Hope = anchor for soul

Hebrews 6:18-19 (NKJV) 18  that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

• An anchor prevents drifting off course.

• Likewise, the Holy Days keep us on the path of God’s plan.

• Let’s be sure to prepare our minds and hearts to benefit fully from the Fall Festival season so that by keeping the Holy Days, we will remain vigilant and focused on God’s plan and actively preparing to fulfill our destiny in the family of God.

From Dust to Glory – Rise Above It All - PLAN – GOD HAS A PLAN – A PURPOSE

WHAT WE FIND IS THAT GOD HAS A PURPOSE THAT HE HAS BEEN WORKING ON IN PAST ETERNITY AND THAT WILL EXTEND INTO ETERNITY.

1. Eph.1:5, 9, 11.  The scriptures clearly reveal that God has a purpose – a Plan.

(((((5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
 

1. (((((Eph.1:4 –just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
    
2. (((((Mat.25:34 – Kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world.
3. (((((Rev.13:8 – Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
4. (((((Eph.3:11 – Eternal purpose that God accomplished in JC.

1. God planned everything out ahead of time.  He is in the process of carrying out His purpose.

WHY DID HE CREATE MATTER?  WHY WAS MAN MADE OUT OF MATTER – DUST?

1. Humans do not dwell on the same plane or dimension that God does.  He dwells in the spirit realm.  We are physical and God created the physical realm or dimension for us to inhabit.

Heb.2:10. (NKJV) 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

1. God wants to bring all of us to GLORY!      
2. Matter is temporary – spiritual is not.
3. 2 Cor 4.17, 18 - Things we can see are temporal, but the things we can’t are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:1817 (NKJV)18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
 

1. WHAT are we Hoping FOR? THE FULNESS OF CHRIST – TOTAL Commitment

This is the process that we have come to understand.That God is fixing, what rebellion has broken from the Garden of Eden.It’s a process of reconciliation.

We see this time ahead of those saved is referred to as rest.  We see here this rest is a Type of Sabbath, in that it refers to a time that is separated and set apart from all other time.

WHAT IS GOD DOING WITH US TODAY?  WHAT IS HE CREATING NOW IN US?

1. (((((Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV) 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
2. (((((Colossians 3:10 (NKJV) 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

Christlikeness is the goal of the Christian walk.

Colossians 1:26-28 (NKJV) 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

2 Cor.3:18 (NKJV) 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1. Unveiled face = Our minds have been opened to see and understand spiritual things – V. 14.
2. The mirror is the word of God. As we go to the Bible, we see the nature, character and example of Christ revealed to us.
   1. We do not yet see Him face to face, but only as mirrored in the word.
   2. It is the glory of the Lord that we behold
3. This marvelous, transforming process takes place from glory to glory, that is, from one degree of glory to another.
4. Transformation (metamorphoōg, Gk.)
   1. The word translated changed (KJV) is the same word translated transfigured in the accounts of our Lord’s transfiguration (Matt. 17; Mark 9).
   2. It describes a change on the outside that comes from the inside. Our English word metamorphosis is a transliteration of this Greek word.
      1. First we change our mind, our hearts, our attitudes, our approach, our thinking, etc.
      2. This is then reflected on the outside in how we treat others, our relationships, our actions, our obedience, our service, etc.
   3. Metamorphosis describes the process that changes an insect from a larva into a pupa and then into a mature insect. The changes come from within.
5. We are actually being transformed (lit., metamorphosed) into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
6. Whereas Moses’ face reflected glory, our faces radiate glory from inside. [iii]
7.  (“Ever-increasing glory” is the niv‘s rendering of the Gr. phrase, “from glory into glory,” i.e., from one stage of glory to another.)
8. First comes the inner spiritual glory which is the development of the image of JC who is the image of God.  This means that we will be like the Father – have His image
9. It is not our physical appearance that is being changed presently, but our inner being![iv]
10. 4 images mentioned –
    1. Look like God
    2. Spiritual image of God
    3. Image of man – composition
    4. Image of God – composition.

THE FULNESS OF CHRIST – TOTAL Commitment BY God 

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF GOD FULLY DWELLING IN US COLLECTIVELY AND INDIVIDUALLY.((((Colossians 1:19 (NKJV) 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

(((((Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

1. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2. 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NKJV) 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE TO EXIST ON THE SPIRIT LEVEL – TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT DIMENSION?

WE WILL BE LIKE HIM. 

1. (((((Psalm 17:15 (NKJV) 15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
    
2. (((((1 John 3:2 (NKJV) 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3. (((((Dan.12:2-3.  We will shine as the stars
4. Matthew 13:43 (NKJV) 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
5. (((((Psa. 145:10-13 – Discuss the KOG and power, glory and mighty acts of God to humans. 

Psalm 145:10-13 (NKJV) 10  All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, And Your saints shall bless You. 11  They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, 12  To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. 13  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

CONCLUSION:

1. TOTAL COMMITMENT  B O T H  Ways:  

1 Cor.15:24-28 – God will be “all in all”.  (NKJV) 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But  when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) 22  And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23  which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Trumpets pictures the END of the physical testing we endure now as - God’s divine nature, attributes, approach will be in all who have been given eternal life and will be exercised in all the universe.

Review:

• Trumpets keeps us focused on what God is doing & AWAY from our temporary life.
• WE must learn to accept THE Hope God is Giving us to motivate our lives right NOW!
• WHAT are we Hoping FOR? THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST - TOTAL Commitment

CLOSE: The FINAL Testing is being announced to the God’s People right NOW! The TEST is being conducted right NOW! It culminates with the FIRST resurrection at THE return of Jesus Christ!

The Feast of Trumpets depicts nothing less than the return of Jesus Christ to the earth to establish the Kingdom of God! The book of Revelation reveals a sequence of earth-shaking events heralded by angels sounding a series of seven trumpet blasts.

The Bible foretells that at this time Jesus Christ will at last return to the earth. Of all the prophecies in the Bible, this one surely heralds the most exciting news possible for this weary, sin-filled world!

The Feast of Trumpets also marks the future fulfillment of the many Old Testament prophecies that speak of a Messiah coming as a king of the line of David who will sit on the throne of Israel and rule with power and authority over all nations.

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NKJV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.