Last Sunday, Pastor Ken preached the sermon called “The Privilege of Prayer” from Hebrews 4:14-16. When we consider the privilege of prayer, we will be motivated to pray. Prayer is a privilege because Jesus is our great High Priest, is able to sympathize with us, and has made a way for us to draw near to God.

Read: John 17:1-5

This Sunday, Pastor Ken will begin a new series in John 17 called Christ Intercedes with a sermon from John 17:1-5. As we consider the opening of Jesus’ prayer, Pastor Ken will exhort us to behold Jesus’ atoning work in the gospel so that we may grow in our passion to glorify the Father. In preparation for our gathering this Sunday, let this devotional from Milton Vincent lead you to behold the glory of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the source of our transformation from one level of glory to another into the image of Jesus Christ.

Reflect: “Transformed by Glory”

The glory of God is the most powerful agent of transformation available to mankind. It is so powerful that it transforms those who merely gaze upon it. The Apostle Paul gives personal testimony concerning this stunning fact. “But we all,” he says, “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). From Paul’s testimony I learn that if I wish to become all that God wants me to be, I must behold His glory each day.

But where do I find God’s glory to behold? Indeed, the glory of God is revealed throughout all of Creation (Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 6:3), but the Bible indicates that, outside of heaven, the glory of God in its thickest density dwells inside the gospel. It is for this reason that the gospel is described in Scripture as “the gospel of the glory of Christ” and “the gospel of the glory of the blessed God” (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Timothy 1:11). Consequently, as I habitually gaze upon the glory of the Lord revealed in the gospel, I can know that actual deposits of God’s very glory are attaching themselves to my person and transforming me from one level of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation is deep and abiding, and unfadingly displays the glory of God to others (2 Corinthians 3:13).

“Transformed by Glory,” in A Gospel Primer for Christians, by Milton Vincent

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “Who You Say I Am,” Arr. Shane & Shane
2. “Exalted Over All,” by Vertical Worship
3. “Cornerstone,” Arr. Shane & Shane
4. “Great Are You Lord,” Arr. Shane & Shane
5. “King of Kings,” by Hillsong Worship