Trinity and Humanity

Audio Part 1A:

Audio Part 1B:

Full Audio Message:

Scripture: Revelation 4 (CSB)

Summary:

On this Fourth Sunday in Lent, Pastor Timothy Brassell invites us into a deeper, often overlooked truth: God takes our humanity seriously, so seriously that He has united it to Himself forever in Jesus Christ. This powerful Gospel-Centered message reframes how we understand both the Christian life and the Book of Revelation. Rather than a book of fear or catastrophe, Revelation is unveiled as a vision of God’s extravagant, unconditional love. A love revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully human.

In Jesus, we see not only what God is like, but also what humanity is meant to be. Christ does not merely act for us; He lives with us and now lives through us by the Spirit. His life becomes our life, and His relationship with the Father becomes the relationship we are brought into.

As has been expressed in the theology of Gary Deddo (paraphrased), “Jesus Christ is not only the object of our faith, but the one in whom we participate by the Spirit.”

Pastor Tim emphasizes that the law of Moses pointed outwardly to what true humanity looks like, but only in Christ does that reality take root in the heart. Through the Spirit, we now participate in the very works of God, not as external duty, but as shared life with Jesus. At the heart of this message is a powerful call: Take Jesus seriously, and therefore take your humanity seriously. 

This truth echoes the early church witness of Irenaeus of Lyons: “For the glory of God is a living man; and the life of man consists in beholding God.”

God has not abandoned creation. Instead, He has chosen to involve human beings in its care, redemption, and flourishing. In Christ, we are called to rule and serve creation in love, reflecting God’s own heart.

As T. F. Torrance reminds us: “He has made our human nature his own in such a way that in him it is sanctified and perfected.”

Revelation reveals a God who does not withhold love but lavishes it abundantly, even beyond what we can comprehend. This divine love confronts, corrects, and heals, not as punishment, but as the active expression of a Father determined to bring His children into fullness of life. Eternal life, as Pastor Tim reminded us from Scripture, is not merely future existence, it is relational participation in God now:

“This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.” — John 17:3 (CSB)

Because Jesus has conquered death, we are freed from its fear. We are even invited to participate in helping others face death with hope, dignity, and peace, bearing witness to Christ’s victory in the most human moments of life.

Ultimately, this sermon calls us to see that:

• Revelation is not about fear—it is about love.
• Humanity is not disposable—it is redeemed and glorified in Christ.
• Our lives are not insignificant—we are participants in God’s eternal purposes.

God is not distant. He is actively drawing us into His life, through the Son, in the Spirit, so that we may live fully human lives that reflect His glory in all creation.

Key Themes and Reflection Questions:

1. Take Jesus and Your Humanity, Seriously 👤✨

• Theme: In Jesus Christ, God reveals both who He is and what true humanity is meant to be. To take Jesus seriously means taking our humanity seriously as well.
• Discipleship Question: Am I treating my life and calling as something sacred, the way Jesus does?
• #TrueHumanity #TakeJesusSeriously #FullyAliveInChrist

2. Revelation Reveals Love, Not Fear ❤️🔥

• Theme: The Book of Revelation is not primarily about destruction, but about the unveiling of God’s unconditional, relentless love for all creation.
• Discipleship Question: Do I read Scripture through fear, or through the lens of God’s love revealed in Christ?
• #GodIsLove #RevelationRevealed #NoFearInChrist

3. Participation, Not Performance 🤝🌿

• Theme: The Christian life is not about external rule-keeping but about participating in the life and works of Jesus through the Spirit.
• Discipleship Question: Am I trying to perform for God, or am I learning to participate with Him?
• #LifeInChrist #ParticipationNotPerformance #WalkWithJesus

4. Called to Rule by Serving Creation 🌍👑

• Theme: Humanity is entrusted with overseeing and serving creation in love, reflecting God’s care and purpose in every detail of life.
• Discipleship Question: How am I reflecting God’s love in the way I treat people, creation, and everyday responsibilities?
• #ServeAndReign #CreationCare #KingdomLiving

5. Victory Over Death—Live and Die Well ✝️🌅

• Theme: Because Jesus has conquered death, we are freed from fear and can live and even face death, with hope, helping others do the same.
• Discipleship Question: How does Christ’s victory over death shape the way I live today?
• #VictoryInChrist #NoFearInDeath #LivingHope

Reflective Moment:

Take a moment to pause and reflect: God is not holding back from you. He is not measuring out His love in small portions. He is lavishing it, pouring it out beyond what you can contain. In Jesus, your humanity has been taken up, healed, and destined for glory. Your life matters. Your participation matters. Every moment matters.

So today, consider this: Where is God inviting you, not just to believe in Him, but to participate with Him? And as you step into that invitation, remember: You are not walking alone.
You are living the very life of Christ—through the Spirit—unto the Father.