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Have you ever watched a movie where a seemingly ordinary character is suddenly revealed to be someone far more important than you realized? Those moments can completely change the way you understand everything that came before.
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This week, as we conclude our series The Divine HANDS of Jesus, we hope you'll be encouraged to see Jesus not merely as a great teacher, miracle worker, or religious leader, but as the exalted King who reigns over all things.
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The Divine Seat of Jesus
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In the much-maligned movie Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace, there is a scene where the handmaiden for the Queen of the planet of Naboo suddenly reveals herself as the real Queen. Turns out, the person you thought was the "Queen" was actually a handmaiden wearing the royal garb in order to protect her Sovereign in case of an assassination attempt. But when the woman you thought was just a "handmaiden" starts ordering the army leaders around and they obey, you know who actually belongs in the seat of the Queen.
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Likewise, Christians believe Jesus revealed Himself to not just be a carpenter, miracle worker, or gifted preacher, but actually God Himself. But what evidence is there that He actually occupies the "seat" of the Divine King?
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Enter the Throne Room
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As we conclude our email/blog series The Divine HANDS of Jesus, we come to the S, which stands for "Seat." Because God is Spirit (John 4:24), He does not sit in a literal, physical seat. Rather, His seat (throne) refers to His authority as the Sovereign over all things. And we see Jesus do certain things, say certain things, and be described in certain ways that show He does indeed sit in the throne of God.
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Seated at the Right Hand
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To be "seated at the right hand" of a king was a place of highest honor, for that seat carried equal authority to the king, which is why it was usually reserved for the queen or prince who would assume authority if the king was gone or incapacitated. Not only is Jesus described as sitting on such a throne, He even claimed that seat as His own (Mark 14:62)!
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Equal with God
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While Jesus honored God the Father (John 5:30), He not only claimed equality with the Father (John 10:30), but even the Pharisee leaders recognized Jesus' bold claim (John 10:31-33), which is why they tried to stone Him and eventually crucified Him for such "blasphemy."
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Exalted Above All
The HAND
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As we conclude this post and the entire series, I want you to realize that the divine Honors, Attributes, Names, and Deeds Jesus received, carries, and performed are His because He sits in the seat which belongs only to God.
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So may the HANDS of Jesus give you confidence that He is God!
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Baby Bottle Fundraiser
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We are partnering with Alternatives Pregnancy Center for their Baby Bottle Drive! Grab a baby bottle in the Lobby, consider giving generously, and please return them to the Riverwood building by Sunday, October 25th.
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Serve at the Food Pantry
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New month, new times! 🍗🕓🍞 Sign up to serve at the Food Pantry at Waverly City Hall on Tuesday, October 13th @ 4:00 pm (setup) and/or 5:00 pm (distribution). Let's show up for our community together and get signed up today!
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Monthly Financial Update
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Here is our financial update as of September 30th:
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Budgeted YTD Needs: $153,544.50
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Actual YTD Giving: $137,834.56*
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Restoration Service
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On Sunday, October 18th, we’ll be hosting our Restoration Service—an extended time of spiritual refreshment through songs, prayer, communion, and reflection. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, we hope you will find healing in your life by drawing to Jesus through 1 Chronicles 29:10-22a.
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