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How the Glory of Christ Changes Sermons and Congregations

As a church we are currently enjoying a sermon series entitled Anticipating Immanuel. The series is designed to try to capture something of the prophetic pulse throughout redemptive history as God gives further specifics that would spark, inform, and sustain the flame of anticipation for the coming of Jesus.

This past week we were in Deu. 18.15-19. This is the passage where God promises to Israel that he would, in later days, raise up a prophet like Moses for his people.

Typically, I integrate the Christological fulfillment throughout the sermon. I try to show with each point how Jesus is this promised one (previously we have studied Gen. 3.15-Hope, 1 Chron. 17- King, Jer. 23-Righteousness). However, in this particular sermon I tried to change things up a bit. I spent the first 20 minutes or so just in Deuteronomy. I worked to explain and unpack the text within its context. The people were engaged, notes were being taken and as a whole they seemed receptive.

But something happened on the way to Hebrews 1
As soon as we began to read the New Testament passages that show how Jesus is the fulfillment of what Moses is talking about here, people’s countenance, and even their posture changed. People’s faced perked up, some were smiling, nodding, some even teary. It was great.

It was also very instructive.

What Happened?
After all, what changed? It is simple to deconstruct. As we opened up the revelation of Jesus Christ we began to see his glory. We began to read, hear and contemplate his matchless supremacy and beauty. We know that this is what the Spirit of God does as he shows his people Jesus:

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.(2Co 3.17-18)

It is the Spirit of God working in the people of God that uses the word of God to announce & reveal the glory of the Son of God.

Marching Orders
There is great encouragement and motivation here as a pastor. I want to continue to point with vivid clarity to the glory of Jesus. I know that this is God’s will for his church. Furthermore, I find such joy in seeing people light up, literally, when they behold the glory of Christ, not with a veiled face, but with an unveiled face (2 Cor. 3.18). Whether we are in the Old Testament or in the New, my job is to display the big point as to how it exalts God through Jesus Christ. This indeed brings transformation.

Is this the Problem?
At the same time this may be part of the reason why there are many downcast, drowsy congregations. Are the pastors giving them the glory of Christ? Or are they just giving them running commentaries, stories, self-help, or morality? These things will not truly thrill God’s people, for the Spirit does not transform them by these things. He transforms them by having them behold the glory of Christ in the gospel. If you are a pastor and need help with this, a great resource is John Owen. His book The Glory of Christ is a timeless treasure for the church.

Over all, I find myself amazed, humbled, refreshed & motivated by the way in which God sees fit to work through his Spirit, in his church, with his word, to the glory of Christ.

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