Caught And Kept By The Heavenly Vision

Kenny opens the conference by reflecting on the enduring message of the hymn, "Has thou heard Him, seen Him, known Him?" This question, he believes, lies at the heart of the conference theme: "Caught and Kept by the Heavenly Vision." Kenny emphasizes that the conference aims to ignite a passion for Christ, captivating hearts with His beauty and grace. Drawing from Acts 20:7 and 26:19, he highlights the apostle Paul's unwavering commitment to sharing the "whole counsel of God" despite facing persecution.

Kenny delves into the significance of the "whole counsel of God," emphasizing its all-encompassing nature, its origin in the immutable plan of God ("boule"), and its inclusive vision centered on Christ and His Church. He contrasts Paul's limited message in Corinth ("Christ and Him crucified") with the comprehensive revelation granted to the Ephesian church.

Examining the lives of Paul and Peter, Kenny portrays them as men transformed by the heavenly vision. Paul, the zealous persecutor, becomes the church's ardent advocate. Peter, the impulsive disciple, becomes a pillar of faith. Despite their flaws, both men exemplify lives "caught and kept" by God's grace.

Kenny concludes with two encouragements from Paul and Peter. From prison, Paul reassures Timothy that God can "keep" what is committed to Him. Peter reminds the scattered church of their "living hope" and inheritance, emphasizing their security in God's care. Kenny's message underscores the power of the heavenly vision to transform lives, offering hope and assurance to all who embrace it.

Outline

1. Introduction: The Centrality of Knowing Christ
2. Two Vital Declarations: Paul's Commitment to the "Whole Counsel of God"
   1. The All-Encompassing Nature of God's Counsel
   2. The Unchanging Plan of God ("Boule")
   3. The Inclusive Vision: Christ and His Church
3. Two Prominent Men: Paul and Peter, Transformed by Vision
   1. Paul: From Persecutor to Proponent
   2. Peter: From Impulsivity to Steadfast Faith
4. Two Final Encouragements: Security and Hope in God's Keeping Power
   1. Paul's Assurance: God's Ability to Keep
   2. Peter's Reminder: Living Hope and Inheritance
5. Conclusion: The Heavenly Vision's Enduring Impact