The Point of it All
We begin with this question for a reason. Because how we answer this question fundamentally determines how we view who God is, what He is doing in the earth and why. We know God is not statically aloof, seated in His lofty heaven far removed from the affairs of men. Rather, He is dynamically engaged and integrally involved with creation as a whole, and humanity in particular. But to what end? What is the point of it all?
Believers tend to focus on the outworking of the kingdom – the what and how we do for Jesus. Of course these tangible works are legitimate expressions of the kingdom, as James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead, being alone.” However, the tangible manifestations of the kingdom of God only have significance when they are embedded within, subordinate to and expressive of God’s overarching purpose. Therefore understanding His purpose is paramount, since what we believe it to be fashions our doctrine, lifestyles and corporate practice. Indeed, this is something we cannot afford to get wrong. For it is possible to be engaged in the work of God and totally miss the point of it all. (Matt. 7:21-23)
So what is the point of it all?
Great question! The goal of this first conversation is to guide you to the amazingly simple, yet divinely profound answer. To begin, let’s review and discuss some contemporary streams of emphasis within the body of Christ by considering their specific foci, values and outworking. The purpose of this exercise is to show how over-emphasis on particular aspects of the manifold purpose of God leads to disassociation with His primary purpose. It will also help you locate your interpretation of the central purpose of God.
