“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)
We have a God who is able to keep a secret. Even though He is omniscient, God never carelessly tells someone's secrets. If we want to be like Him, we must also be able to keep a secret.
There are two kinds of God's revelation for our lives:
1. Inner revelation, that is personal, to be kept personally and not to be told.
2. Outer revelation, that is not personal, ought to be shared.
Christians who know their God must be able to distinguish which seals must be opened, and which must be closed. If we know something that is only useful for a certain person, don't tell it to others who are not relevant. Do not be a gossiper!
There are two types of gossip:
1. Slander, which is news that is clearly wrong or hoax.
2. Gossip, which is news that might be true but the motivation of those who tell it is wrong; and even more wrong is the "address," which is to people who have no right to know and not relevant.
Test everything that we hear before believing, let alone share it with others. Never turn people's eyes upon us, but upon Christ alone. Do not communicate with angels or pray to dead people, even to the saints in heaven. Lest we open our hearts to evil spirits, because no one in heaven, on the earth and at the depths of the earth is worthy of prayer and knows of our future except God!
Sometimes we as humans want to know our future, even though everything is written in His Word:
“For I know the plans?I have for you,” declares the?Lord, “plans to prosper?you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
One thing for sure, every time we enter His presence, our hearts are at peace and we obtain a certainty of faith for our tomorrow.
Two sides of our Savior and His attributes:
1. "Lion of Judah" means that Jesus is a fierce lion against His enemies.
2. "Lamb" means that Jesus is the Lamb - and the Shepherd - who is gentle toward His people.
Moreover, "seven horns" mean that Jesus is wise and perfect in His wisdom. Also, "seven eyes" means He is omniscient.
"A harp" means praise and "golden bowls full of incense" are a symbol of prayer. In building a relationship with Jesus, praise and prayer always go together. So, don't just pray but give thanks in all things; and don't just praise Him but ask the Father for everything you need!
Three kinds of praise:
1. Praise by the church.
This type of corporate praise cannot be replaced by personal praise.
2. Praise by angels.
The voice of many angels and elders, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand in Heaven praising God every day.
3. Praise by the universe.
Without realizing it, the heaven and earth praise God. Even the song of birds in the morning is meaningful, and the moon and stars at night proclaim His greatness.
Living in the end times begins from today, for we do not know the time of the second coming of the Lord. However, God's word will be fulfilled because He who promised is a faithful God. Therefore, let us live our best in Christ every day!
Excerpted from Philip Mantofa’s Sermon, 13 January 2020, Breakfast With God, GMS Surabaya Barat
https://youtu.be/5rpveCz5h9E
https://youtu.be/HbXBCX5drAI
We have a God who is able to keep a secret. Even though He is omniscient, God never carelessly tells someone's secrets. If we want to be like Him, we must also be able to keep a secret.
