#015 Join DrZ in this engaging conversation with Pastor Lee Shipp as they talk about the importance of an eternal perspective for believers. Many prophetic signs of the times spoken of by Jesus and prophets of both the Old and New Testaments are being fulfilled and/or just blooming that all point to the return of Jesus Christ. While cultural turmoil and global instability have always been around, the current global crises and unrest are "biblical" in proportion and indicate something big or someone important is coming soon!
The episode launches with the following passage from Titus 2:11-15:
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority." DrZ and Pastor Shipp are in agreement that our waiting for the blessed hope, the return of Jesus Christ, may be soon turn into joy at His appearing.
The conversation is structured around four primary questions and flows along courses as the Holy Spirit directed. These questions include:
Question 1: Is what we are experiencing in terms of cultural and global unrest just a historical cycle or is something unusual going on?
Question 2: We are told in the Scriptures that trials, suffering, persecutions, and the testing of our faith are not only to be expected, but somehow beneficial to our lives now. Is this right?
Question 3: What would a believers typical lifestyle look like culturally today if we really said “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and lived self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age?
Question 4: When you think with an Eternal Perspective – what do you see in and about the future that changes your attitudes and behavior today? And, Does it always work?
Be encourage in this episode to follow the direction from Hebrews 10:25 regarding the gathering of believers (the ecclesia). "Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (NIV). Pastor Shipp encourages us to be the ecclesia - even in the face of persecutions and public ridicule in the days ahead.
Pastor Lee Shipp can be contacted at The First New Testament Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Their website is: FNTChurch.org.
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