Keep Having the Goal in Mind
Basilea Schlink encourages believers to keep their focus on the ultimate goal of eternal unity with Christ amid suffering and world turmoil.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink addresses the challenges and despair of the present world, reminding believers that God is alive and actively working. She highlights the fulfillment of biblical prophecies and encourages Christians to focus on the promise of Jesus’ return. Schlink calls believers to persevere through suffering by keeping their eyes on the ultimate goal of eternal unity with Christ, assuring them of the joy and victory that await.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today, and yet today more than ever before people are saying, where is God? He seems to have withdrawn his help from the world. Yes, one look at the world situation is cause enough for despair. However, in the midst of the growing tensions and problems, God is alive and has given each of us a wonderful promise, which he will fulfill in these dark times.
Today's meditation by Basilea Schlink tells what this exciting promise is. Today the confusion, the destruction, and the horror are increasing in this world. The prophecies of our Lord Jesus are being fulfilled before our eyes.
Wickedness is spreading over the world. Matthew 24. Shouldn't we then become despaired and sink into hopelessness? No, on the contrary, as the earth grows darker, the counter-attack of our Lord is being prepared in heaven.
We read this description in the last book of the Bible. Preparations are being made for the day when Jesus comes to gather those who are his. Then, as we read in the book of Revelation, the cry of jubilation will be sounded throughout all heaven.
How wonderful to belong to this King of Kings, to be a member of his body, and not to be judged with the anti-Christian hordes. What joy to be received above amid the angels' exultation of victory. Truly, in view of such glory, all sorrow must fade.
The Christians, who are the body of Christ, will be united with him, the King of Kings. Yes, whoever overcomes will inherit everything. Yet who can overcome and reach this goal, this glory? Whoever keeps his eyes fixed on God's plan of salvation, he can overcome.
He sees that God's ways end in salvation, in grace and blessing. And he knows this truth applies not only for himself in his suffering, but also for the nations, for mankind, and all creation. Yes, the Lord is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom, Isaiah 28.
So let us no longer say, oh, when will better times come? When will I be delivered from this or that difficulty? Oh, that God may impress it upon our hearts to strive only after this goal, to become conquerors in all suffering and difficulties. Therefore, now it's decisive that I endure in suffering, for I know this Jesus Christ, he lives. He's the King of all kings.
He may lead me through hardship, death, and horror, but I know that these all lead to glory. I have only one aim, to be closely united with this beloved Lord of mine for all eternity, and to be there when he comes again. Jesus, my Lord, my God and my King, you fill my heart with praise to sing.
Jesus, all joy eternal. You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org.
If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I
- God is alive and working despite world despair
- Current world events fulfill Jesus’ prophecies
- Wickedness spreads but God’s plan continues
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II
- Heaven prepares for Jesus’ return
- Believers will rejoice with Christ at His coming
- The body of Christ will be united with the King of Kings
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III
- Overcoming suffering by keeping eyes on God’s salvation plan
- God’s wisdom and counsel lead to grace and blessing
- Endurance in hardship leads to eternal glory
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IV
- Focus on eternal union with Jesus as the ultimate goal
- Suffering is temporary and leads to victory
- Praise and trust in Jesus as Lord and King
Key Quotes
“As the earth grows darker, the counter-attack of our Lord is being prepared in heaven.” — Basilea Schlink
“Whoever keeps his eyes fixed on God's plan of salvation, he can overcome.” — Basilea Schlink
“I have only one aim, to be closely united with this beloved Lord of mine for all eternity.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Keep your focus on God’s ultimate plan to endure present difficulties with hope.
- Trust that suffering is temporary and leads to eternal glory with Christ.
- Rejoice in the promise of Jesus’ return and your future unity with Him.