It seems that the apostles were energized by the unlikely reality that God wanted their friendship and collaboration in building a new heaven and new earth. Peter, for instance, talks with conviction about participating in the divine nature. Beyond that, though, the apostles were energized at the thought of the Lord’s return, the time when Jesus would perfect and complete the new heaven and new earth. The apostles participated in the divine nature with their gifts. They prepared what God will finish one day. Do we have that kind of energy and conviction in our relationships, jobs, financial lives? Are we open to what God’s Spirit can do in and through us even though we may not be able to imagine the impact?

Sunday message from November 24, 2013.