Three Sermons on Biblical Theology: Story, Symbol, Church

Between Mark and Jeremiah, I felt led to preach three sermons on biblical theology at Kenwood. The goal was to have the Bible’s big story give us perspective for our plunge into Jeremiah’s jeremiads.

I’ve noted the first two sermons, one on the Bible’s story, another on the use the biblical authors make of symbol, and the third asserts that the Bible’s story and symbolism teach the church to understand who we are, what we face, and how we should live as we wait for the coming of our King and Lord.

What is the church’s identity, setting, and role?
Given all that God has done for the church, how can the plot have any tension?
Do Christians only experience tension because they are not thinking about life correctly or have somehow lost perspective?
Is that why the Psalmists felt such tension?
Is that why Jesus wept in the garden?
Or is life really dangerous?

The Bible’s story and symbolism teach the church to understand who she is, what she faces, and how she should live as she longs for the coming of her King and Lord. We are to follow Jesus, faithful unto death, loving God and neighbor, laying down our lives for others as he laid down his for us.

What will it be like when God finally redeems his people?
It will be like the wedding day.
The bride will have made herself ready with righteous deeds, which are the fine white linen bridal gown.
And the bridegroom like no other will come.

Battle won.
War over.
Victory complete.
Suffering fulfilled.

Woes accomplished.
Promises kept.
Lovers faithful.
Joy eternal.

Hope realized.
Faith sight.
Kingdom come.
Name hallowed.

Here’s a link to this third of three sermons on biblical theology: “A Song for the Lady in Waiting”