From the Quaking Universe to the Calm Church

Aim: To be prepared for the glorious outbreak of the gospel's grace.

Doctrine: Christ alone is the hinge that turns the quaking universe into the calm church. The Redeemer transforms shaken diverse nations into one united body, and this is the perpetual pattern of divine history.

Exegesis: How God translates a fallen world into a sane community: first, the Lord gets the universe's attention (vv. 6-7a); then, the incarnate Christ is glorified in His church (vv. 7b-9a); finally, tranquility flows from the house of prayer (v. 9b).

Further application: How to be positively involved in God's program: make my churchmanship my leadership, and exercise the proactive mind of Christ.

Key phrases: vv. 6b & 9b ''I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land ... 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the LORD of hosts.''