Restoring relationship with God

Mr. Standfast continues to reflect on what I think is both his and my favorite book of the NT. This week he's been considering the presence and fullness of God. It's an exciting, joyful subject:

Indeed, the story of the Bible is the story of God's restoration project. He is not restoring a human kingdom. He is not restoring, in the final analysis, your personal health and well-being (your "heart"). He is restoring a people among whom he might dwell.

As Christians, we live on the very crest of this supernatural wave. We are the first fruits of this new creation. To us he has given His Spirit in power. Our savior is called Emmanuel, "God with us," and we are to go forth in his name, empowered by his Spirit within us, doing his work, being his representatives, his "bond servants." Amazing. It will be a life of labor, even at times of sorrow, and yet it will result in the praise of God for his marvelous and invincible plan.

Amen. One of my long-term goals is to begin to see my own life and my congregation in the light of the Kingdom. Bob's post has helped me a little bit more toward that goal.