Destination is in Sight , livre ebook

Title Page
The Destination Is In Sight
The challenge of the Kingdom, according to John’s writings
Patrick Coghlan



Publisher Information
Matthew James Publishing Ltd
19 Wellington Close
Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2EE
www.matthewjamespublishing.com
Digital edition converted and distributed in 2015 by
Andrews UK Limited
www.andrewsuk.com
© 2014, 2015 Patrick Coghlan
The moral rights of the author have been asserted.
Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of research, or private study, or criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, or by any means, with the prior permission of the publisher, or in the case of reprographic reproduction, in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Inquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publisher.
Cover Image used with permission by Jessica Whitaker



Acknowledgements
Scripture quotations taken from:
The Holy Bible, New International Version (Anglicised edition)
Copyright ©1979, 1984 by Biblica
(formerly international Bible Society).
Used by permission of Hodder&Stoughton Publishers,
an Hachette UK company
All rights reserved.
“NIV” is a registered trademark of Biblica.
UK trademark number 1448790.
Cover Photograph:
Shotesham St Mary’s Church (Norfolk)
by Jessica Whitaker



About the Author
Patrick Coghlan is the pastor of Worstead Baptist Church in Norfolk, and chaplain of Aylsham Care Trust (a Christian community care charity). He has considerable experience of working with most age groups, both in the Church and out in the community. As a Baptist minister, he leads worship, provides pastoral care and teaching, regularly takes school assemblies and takes services in residential homes, housing with care and a local day centre.
As well as being a Baptist minister, Patrick is a trained counsellor and manages a Christian counselling centre. He is an enthusiastic author whose published books consist of Christian resource material for adults and young people, and several family novels.
Patrick is married to June. They have two grown up children: Rachel and Jonathan.



Introduction
The title of this book was going to be Ready, waiting and confidently busy, one which speaks about living in readiness for the second coming of Jesus, using our time well as we wait for that event, having the assurance of knowing eternal hope through Jesus, and emphasising the challenge of Kingdom living. However, I felt that perhaps the title suggested an air of complacency. But, more than that, what was missing was the recognition that at times living the Christian life of love, service and witness can be a struggle - an uphill journey. I love John’s analogy of the Christian life being like a journey on foot: progressively walking towards the destination set before us. Let us bear that in mind for a moment. The first miracle that John reports in his gospel is that of water into wine; at a wedding feast in Cana. In the penultimate chapter of the Book of Revelation, John reports the ultimate joining together of the Lamb (Jesus/ the Bridegroom) and the bride (the Christian Church). Two weddings: one near the beginning of John’s writings and one near the end! It’s almost as if John writes from the start, with one eye on the finish - if not knowingly, by the inspiration of God. Hence, taking on board John’s analogy; I chose the title: The Destination is in Sight.
The Destination is in Sight sits on a framework of my experiences whilst dog-walking - after the arrival of the young black and white Cockapoo puppy, Hamley - and the lessons I learned (which tie in with the spiritual themes of this book and John’s analogy).
Christianity or Kingdom living is not about ‘pie in the sky’: living our lives with no bearing on the present but constantly yearning for what is to come and seeing nothing good, positive or purposeful about our present situations. Nor is it about allowing society to mould our beliefs into a relevance based on acceptable compromise. Christianity or Kingdom living is about living with commitment, purpose, perseverance, humility, selflessness, faith and a sense of urgency, valuing every day, making good use of every moment, taking up the challenge of becoming more like Jesus, and following his example (through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit). It is about sharing the love of Jesus and maintaining the unchanging values of God. It is about making Christianity or Kingdom living relevant to everyday life because every action, every decision, every life choice is steeped in prayer, scripture and divine guidance.
The Destination is in Sight looks at ‘the challenge of the Kingdom’ primarily according to passages from the writings of John, inspired by Jesus - with a specific reference to learning more about the nature of God’s Kingdom, what it means to live the kind of life that is both expected and appropriate to someone belonging to the Kingdom, and to gain a sense of urgency as we wait for the ultimate fulfilment of the Kingdom.
In The Destination is in Sight , it is my desire to encourage others to see what God is saying to them about these topics. It is not my intention to enter into long discussions about the many complex theories that scholars have come up with through the ages, particularly concerning Revelation, but, together with John’s Gospel and his letters, to give an overview of some of the spiritual lessons, and their relevance to us today.
The Destination is in Sight begins by looking at the ‘I am’ passages in John’s Gospel, continues by examining some of the passages in John’s letters, working on to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3), and finishes by looking at some of the more complex passages from Revelation (following John being taken up into heaven in his vision Revelation 4-22). I realise that there is some dispute as to whether or not it was John the Apostle who wrote all three - but we are looking at spiritual lessons, rather than arguing one way or another who the author was. At the end of each chapter of The Destination is in Sight is a suggestion for reflection on the key themes and challenges that have been raised, with a particular reference to living for the Kingdom today ( Reflect on the journey ); the encouragement to keep a journal ( Then fill in your personal route planner... ) ; and a prayer of response ( Immerse your walk in prayer ). Interspersed with comments on John’s writings are some relevant, additional Bible stories: sometimes retold in my own words and sometimes only the references are given.
A final word about the Book of Revelation: Life has taught me that worrying about the future is draining, and many of the things that we worry about never happen - and those that do, are often out of our control! Equally so, being an author has taught me not to put my life on hold, whilst waiting for a dream to come true or a vision or promise to be fulfilled - life is too short. I don’t believe that the purpose of the Book of Revelation is to frighten us or lead us into worry and despair. Neither do I believe that the purpose of Revelation is to lure us into such a deep state of comfortableness and assurance that we enter into a state of inactivity. My point is that the word ‘immediacy’ or ‘now’ comes to mind. Yes, Revelation speaks about the end times and a new heaven and a new earth... but I believe it also says a lot about the present time: about the nature of the Kingdom, Kingdom building and being ready for the second coming of Jesus.



The Destination is in Sight: A Companion for the Journey
Life at 22 Charles Ewing Close has been turned upside down since the arrival of Hamley: a small, leggy, black and white, Cockapoo puppy. The words crazy, hyperactive, boundless energy, demanding, appealing and loveable all seem to fall short of fully describing him. By night he curls up in a ball, fast asleep, with the appearance that he could never misbehave. By day, he leaps about the room: fearlessly jumping from chair to chair, carelessly rolling off the edge of the sofa onto the floor, with no thought for his own safety throwing his whole body backwards into the arms of one of the family, and proudly running in from the garden with a mouthful of dried up oak leaves. And the base of the wooden staircase is slowly being eaten away. He has got a shy side, seen only by strangers! And there’s that face: so sweet, so innocent, pleading... How could you ever be cross with a face like that?
Hamley came as quite a shock to the system for Rufus; our elderly long haired Dachshund. He was, and still is filled with a mixture of pleasure at having a canine friend, but also fatigue resulting from a puppy who sees life consisting of endless play. We are all much fitter now - including Rufus - through regular walks round the town and in the beautiful North Norfolk countryside. I am happy to walk. I did spend a short while last year in a local running club... but it’s not really my cup of tea. So I can associate with John when he speaks about living the Christian life in terms of a journey on foot: walking in the light (1 John 1:5-10), walking in the truth (2 John 4), walking in obedience and love (2 John 6), being careful not to stumble (1 John 2:10), and not to be led astray by others (1 John 2:26 and 3:7).
Walking can be very lonely on your own: but not when you have a doggy friend - or two - to share it with... Or a loved one! The Bible talks about the amazing friend and companion with whom we share our walk - the Christian journey of faith - Jesus!
In the following six chapters, we look at