Uplook - August 16, 2025
Beloved Seattle Saints,
I have been thinking lately about the creative authority which is found in Christ. The book of Hebrews states it like this:
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:3
Interestingly, not only was everything created BY Him, everything was created FOR Him. Colossians states it like this:
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Colossians 1:16–17
In their book, Colossians Remixed, authors Brian Walsh/Sylvia Keesmaat say it this way:
“He is the source of a liberated imagination, a subversion of the empire because it all starts with him and it all ends with him. Everything. All things. Whatever you can imagine: visible and invisible, mountains and atoms, outer space, urban space and cyberspace. Whether it be the Pentagon, Disneyland, Microsoft or AT& T, whether it be the institutionalized power structures of the state, the academy or the market…all things have been created in him and through him. He is their source, their purpose, their goal. Even in their rebellion, even in their idolatry. He is the sovereign one. Their power and authority is …derived at best…parasitic at worst. “
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all of the violence, politics, rhetoric, coarse talk, and blatant evil that seems to be rampant in our world today. And yet, when I reflect that all power and authority still belongs to God and He is, in fact, in control of and at work in our world today, I have hope. That hope is anchored in the work of Jesus on the cross and His ability to redeem and transform lives. It is further anchored by many of you who are, by God's grace living transformed lives for Christ "in this present world." When Christ appears, may he find us faithful and allegiant to His kingdom rule and plan. God bless you and strengthen you is my earnest prayer.
Housekeeping Notes
Travel - While the main lines of the northbound freeway will be closed all weekend, the express lanes will be open for northbound travel. Also you can travel north via Hwy 99 through the downtown tunnel and then come east on 80th or 85th streets which take you to Banner Way and directly to the church. (A little more hassle but certainly worth it)
Blessings,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
I have been thinking lately about the creative authority which is found in Christ. The book of Hebrews states it like this:
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:3
Interestingly, not only was everything created BY Him, everything was created FOR Him. Colossians states it like this:
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Colossians 1:16–17
In their book, Colossians Remixed, authors Brian Walsh/Sylvia Keesmaat say it this way:
“He is the source of a liberated imagination, a subversion of the empire because it all starts with him and it all ends with him. Everything. All things. Whatever you can imagine: visible and invisible, mountains and atoms, outer space, urban space and cyberspace. Whether it be the Pentagon, Disneyland, Microsoft or AT& T, whether it be the institutionalized power structures of the state, the academy or the market…all things have been created in him and through him. He is their source, their purpose, their goal. Even in their rebellion, even in their idolatry. He is the sovereign one. Their power and authority is …derived at best…parasitic at worst. “
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all of the violence, politics, rhetoric, coarse talk, and blatant evil that seems to be rampant in our world today. And yet, when I reflect that all power and authority still belongs to God and He is, in fact, in control of and at work in our world today, I have hope. That hope is anchored in the work of Jesus on the cross and His ability to redeem and transform lives. It is further anchored by many of you who are, by God's grace living transformed lives for Christ "in this present world." When Christ appears, may he find us faithful and allegiant to His kingdom rule and plan. God bless you and strengthen you is my earnest prayer.
Housekeeping Notes
Travel - While the main lines of the northbound freeway will be closed all weekend, the express lanes will be open for northbound travel. Also you can travel north via Hwy 99 through the downtown tunnel and then come east on 80th or 85th streets which take you to Banner Way and directly to the church. (A little more hassle but certainly worth it)
Blessings,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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