Christianity Oasis Forum

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July 11 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 1-3; Acts 17:1-15

A Parade of Colors


READ REVELATION 5:7–14
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With your blood you purchased for God persons from
every tribe and language and people and nation.
Revelation 5:9
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For decades, London has been one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. In 1933, journalist Glyn Roberts wrote of England’s great capital, “I still think the parade of peoples and colours and tongues is just about the best thing in London.” That “parade” is still in evidence today with the blended smells, sounds, and sights of a global community. The beauty of diversity is part of the breathtaking appeal of one of the world’s greatest cities.

As with any city inhabited by human beings, however, London is not without its problems. Change brings challenges. Cultures sometimes clash. And that is one of the reasons no city built by human hands can compare to the wonder of our eternal home.
When the apostle John was transported into the presence of God, diversity was one of the elements of heavenly worship, as the redeemed sang, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).

Imagine heaven: a parade of every people group in the world celebrating the wonder of being children of the living God—together! As believers in Jesus, may we celebrate that diversity today.
By Bill Crowder


**REFLECT & PRAY
Father, I thank You that no people group is excluded from Your great love. Teach us to truly love one another, as You have so generously loved us.

~~What are the best things about the church being so diverse? What can make that diversity occasionally challenging?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SCRIPTURE INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
In Revelation 4-5 we’re given a dramatic scene that occurs in the throne room of God. As the scene unfolds, the elders and living creatures are worshiping Him. Yet in these two chapters we see two different roles of God that motivate worship. In 4:11, His role as Creator prompts the worship, as the people say, “for you created all things, and by your will they were created.” In 5:9, the Lamb is declared worthy because He’s our Savior who “[was] slain, and with [His] blood [He] purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” As Creator and Savior, God is worthy of all praise.
Bill Crowder

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