It's not a subtle point, nor can it be truly realized without changing one's perspective and approach completely. And that realization is the explanation for the explosion of the church throughout history. "All authority in heaven and earth is given to ME - go YE therefore into all the world."

By contrast, The lack of that realization is precisely what has many of us presently cowering in our corner while we let the gods of this age go about doing the serious business of running the world. Paul's prayer for the Christians in the throne city of the goddess Diana is that they will have the eyes of their hearts enlightened - so that they can see what Ezekiel saw in Babylon and what Paul knew was somewhere in the skies over Diana's temple in Ephesus. A sapphire throne bearing an unchallengeable monarch with scar tissue on his hands and feet.

Now for the warning label: This is the potentest of potent stuff, and deploying it in the face of the would be rulers of any age can have (and has had) unexpected, unintended and even unwanted consequences.

Read or listen to it all (audio [about 16 minutes] highly recommended).

Filed under: * Christian Life / Church Life • Church Year / Liturgical Seasons • Ascension • Missions • Parish Ministry • Ministry of the Ordained • Preaching / Homiletics • * South Carolina • * Theology • Christology • Eschatology • Theology: Scripture

1. Milton Finch wrote: Wonderful sermon.  I really liked the end.  If only more felt that way, the world would be won in a day! May 21, 9:30 am | [comment link]

2. jpt175 wrote: Thanks for this post. Great sermon. May 21, 8:52 pm | [comment link]

3. Drew wrote: A great sermon! I have known Deacon Boccabello for several years now in the context of ecumenical relations with the Diocese of the Holy Cross and I am delighted that the good people at the Church of the Holy Communion are now benefiting from his ministry. May 26, 12:57 pm | [comment link]

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