Rest and peace. Would that not be nice? But finding it is not that easy. Thank God there is an offer we can grasp, the offer of grace. In his latest divine service, the Chief Apostle gave a few pointers.
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Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider in Wels in Austria on 15 February
Photo: NAK Österreich
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Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider in Wels in Austria on 15 February
Photo: NAK Österreich
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Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider in Wels in Austria on 15 February
Photo: NAK Österreich
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Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider in Wels in Austria on 15 February
Photo: NAK Österreich
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Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider in Wels in Austria on 15 February
Photo: NAK Österreich
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4: 9–10). This was the Bible text Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider used in a divine service in Wels in Austria on 15 February.
Grace unlimited?
The “rest” that is mentioned in the Bible text is a reference to the seventh day of Creation, the Chief Apostle explained. The people had perfect fellowship with God. Everything was in accordance with His will. And God was taking a rest from the work He had done. “This is the situation God wants to reestablish.” That is the goal of the plan of salvation, which concludes with the new creation.
“We live in a special time of grace, a time in which God offers us grace: ‘You don’t need to wait for the new creation. You can enjoy the fellowship of God much sooner already.’” But for this to occur, we have to make an effort, Chief Apostle Schneider emphasized: “You have to accept the grace that is offered.” Grace is not an unlimited amount of kindness, but a limited offer.
Listening to the voice of God
What do we need to do? “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts,” the Chief Apostle quoted from Hebrews 3: 15. “Let us therefore hear the voice of God and react as we should react in that we do what God expects of us.” The Chief Apostle listed several points.
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“That we model our lives on the gospel. Is that even possible today? Yes, it is! You can keep the commandments.”
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Aligning ourselves with the teaching we receive today: “The Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. But He sets a targeted focus.” There were times when our faith focused more on the imminent return of the Lord. Later we concentrated more on overcoming or on battling sin. Today we say: “The love for God and our neighbour is important.”
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“What happened today you have to forgive today.” Of course this challenge does not apply for everyone in the same way, for example, for victims of violent crimes. “But what you and I usually have to forgive has nothing to do with such serious things. Most of us have to deal with hurts, injustices, disagreements, and insults.”
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“God expects us to love our neighbour today and as he is.”
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“God wants us to serve Him now. He wants you to serve Him in your situation, in your congregation, in your current circumstances.”
What is important is today
“When we take our bearings from the will of God and seek fellowship with Him, we can rest from our work,” the Chief Apostle said, referring to the second part of the Bible text: “Those who focus on the will of God and seek fellowship with Him can also put their confidence in His grace.” And he emphasized: “Let us be aware of this: what is important is today!”