The Eternal Purpose of God
Stephen emphasizes the importance of understanding the whole plan of God, which revolves around three key elements: Christ, the Church, and the overcomers. He explains that while believers often become preoccupied with various truths and experiences, it is crucial to maintain a broad perspective on God's overarching purpose. Christ is central to God's plan, as all creation is made for, by, and in Him. The Church serves as the body of Christ, meant to express His fullness and lead creation back to Him. Stephen highlights that the Church must recognize Christ as all and in all, which requires individual and collective growth in faith. He also discusses the concept of overcomers, who are not special individuals but rather those who respond faithfully to God's revelation. Overcomers are characterized by their understanding of the significance of Christ's sacrifice and their commitment to living out His testimony. Ultimately, Stephen calls for believers to embrace their high calling in Christ and to work together as the body of the Church to fulfill God's purpose.
Outline of Main Points
- Understanding God's Whole Plan
- Three Key Elements of God's Plan
- Christ
- The Church
- The Overcomers
- The Importance of Perspective
- The Role of the Church
- Characteristics of Overcomers
- Call to Action for Believers
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
