Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Christ: Our Great High Priest and Advocate
"Remember: There's a throne of grace waiting for you. Consequently, don't run away from Jesus when you sin. Run to Him."
Our acceptance in Christ. Jesus, as our great high priest, has obtained eternal redemption for us through His blood. Unlike the Old Testament high priests who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once and for all with His own blood. This act not only forgives all our sins—past, present, and future—but also cleanses our consciences from guilt and shame.
Christ's ongoing ministry. As our advocate, Jesus continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God. He defends us against the accusations of the enemy and provides us with constant access to the throne of grace. This means we can approach God boldly, regardless of our failures or shortcomings.
Jesus is our:
- High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
- Advocate (1 John 2:1-2)
- Intercessor (Romans 8:34)
2. The Chief Shepherd: Caring for His Flock
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want."
Provision and protection. As our chief shepherd, Jesus provides for all our needs and protects us from harm. He leads us to green pastures and quiet waters, restoring our souls and guiding us in paths of righteousness. Even in the darkest valleys, we need not fear because He is with us.
Comfort and care. The shepherd's rod and staff represent both correction and comfort. Jesus uses these tools to discipline us when necessary and to draw us closer to Himself. He prepares a table before us, even in the presence of our enemies, demonstrating His power to bless us amid adversity.
The shepherd's roles:
- Provides (Psalm 23:1-3)
- Protects (Psalm 23:4)
- Comforts (Psalm 23:5-6)
- Corrects (Hebrews 12:5-11)
3. The Heavenly Bridegroom: God's Ultimate Passion
"Jesus is looking for lovers, not maids. He's looking for intimate companions, not forced slaves."
God's eternal purpose. From before creation, God ordained that He would give His Son an eternal companion—the church—to meet His beating heart. This relationship between Christ and His bride is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for intimacy with His creation.
Our response to His love. As the bride of Christ, we are called to commune with, love, enthrone, and intimately know our heavenly bridegroom. This relationship goes beyond mere service or obedience; it involves a deep, passionate love that responds to Christ's overwhelming love for us.
Aspects of the bride-bridegroom relationship:
- Intimacy (Song of Solomon)
- Unity (Ephesians 5:31-32)
- Devotion (Revelation 19:7-8)
- Mutual love (Ephesians 5:25-27)
4. Author and Finisher of Our Faith: Spiritual Growth and Transformation
"Spiritual growth is a matter of becoming what you already are."
The process of transformation. Jesus, as the author and finisher of our faith, is actively involved in our spiritual growth. This process involves three main stages: infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Each stage corresponds to our physical development and requires different types of spiritual nourishment and challenges.
God's commitment to our growth. Paul's confidence that "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6) assures us that God is committed to our spiritual development. Even when we feel discouraged or stagnant, Jesus continues to work in us, conforming us to His image.
Stages of spiritual growth:
- Infancy: Milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2)
- Childhood: Solid food (Hebrews 5:12-14)
- Adulthood: Maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13-15)
5. Builder of Ekklesia: Christ's Present-Day Ministry in the Church
"God's way of raising up the ascension gifts is by restoring organic body life."
Organic church life. Jesus builds His ekklesia (church) not through human systems or traditions, but through the organic development of spiritual gifts within the body of believers. This process is natural and occurs when believers gather around Christ alone, rather than doctrines or rituals.
The ascension gifts. The gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4 (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) are not offices to be filled but functions that emerge naturally within a healthy church body. These gifts serve to nurture and encourage the believing community toward spiritual maturity in Christ, unity, and every-member functioning.
Characteristics of organic church life:
- Christ-centered gatherings
- Every-member participation
- Natural development of gifts
- Mutual edification
- Absence of hierarchical structures
6. Head of the Church: Expressing His Character Through His Body
"The purpose of the open-participatory gathering is to edify the entire church and to display, express, and reveal the Lord through the members of the body to principalities and powers in heavenly places."
Christ's headship in practice. As the head of the church, Jesus seeks to express His character and nature through His body. This occurs when believers gather regularly to display God's life through the ministry of every member. The open-participatory meeting, where each believer functions and ministers, is a key expression of this reality.
Continuing Christ's ministry. The church, as Christ's body on earth, is called to continue His ministry of proclaiming and embodying the kingdom of God. This includes loving outcasts, befriending the oppressed, healing the sick, and demonstrating the reality of God's future kingdom in the present.
Aspects of Christ's headship:
- Directing the church (Acts examples)
- Nourishing His body (Ephesians 5:29)
- Source of the church's life (Colossians 3:4)
- Expressing His character (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
7. Lord of the World: The Cosmic Conflict and Christ's Victory
"The central question of the universe is about who will have the worship. It's about who will have the authority. It's over who will sit on the throne and be in charge."
The cosmic conflict. Behind all that happens in the world, there is a spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. This conflict centers on the question of worship and authority. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has already secured victory over the Enemy, but the full manifestation of this victory awaits the participation of His people.
Our role in Christ's victory. As believers, we are called to work with God in putting into effect the finished work of Christ. This involves exercising the authority given to us by Christ and participating in the advancement of His kingdom until His return.
Key aspects of the cosmic conflict:
- Two kingdoms at war (Matthew 12:24-28)
- Satan's defeat at the cross (Colossians 2:15)
- The church's role in manifesting Christ's victory (Ephesians 3:10)
- The ultimate victory at Christ's return (Revelation 11:15)
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FAQ
1. What is "Jesus Now: Unveiling the Present-Day Ministry of Christ" by Frank Viola about?
- Focus on Jesus’ Current Ministry: The book explores what Jesus Christ is doing now, after His ascension and before His second coming, emphasizing His ongoing, active ministry.
- Seven Present-Day Roles: Viola examines seven key metaphors for Christ’s current work: Great High Priest, Chief Shepherd, Heavenly Bridegroom, Author and Finisher of Our Faith, Builder of Ekklesia, Head of the Church, and Lord of the World.
- Practical Relevance: The author connects these theological concepts to the daily lives of believers, showing how Jesus’ present ministry impacts Christian living.
- Scriptural Foundation: The book is deeply rooted in biblical texts, especially the New Testament, and offers a fresh look at familiar passages through the lens of Christ’s ongoing work.
2. Why should I read "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola?
- Discover Jesus’ Ongoing Work: The book fills a gap by focusing on what Jesus is doing now, a topic rarely addressed in Christian literature.
- Deepens Spiritual Understanding: Readers gain a richer, more dynamic view of Christ, moving beyond His earthly ministry to His current, living presence.
- Practical Application: Viola offers insights that help believers experience freedom from guilt, deeper intimacy with Christ, and a more vibrant church life.
- Encourages Personal Growth: The book challenges readers to move from passive belief to active participation in Christ’s present ministry.
3. What are the key takeaways from "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola?
- Jesus Is Active Today: Christ’s ministry did not end at the ascension; He is still working as High Priest, Shepherd, Bridegroom, and more.
- Believers’ Identity in Christ: Christians are called to live out their new identity, relying on Christ’s finished work and ongoing intercession.
- Church as Christ’s Body: The church is not just an institution but a living, organic expression of Jesus’ presence and authority on earth.
- Balance of Grace and Responsibility: Viola addresses common errors of legalism and libertinism, advocating for a gospel of lordship and liberty.
4. How does Frank Viola define Jesus’ present-day ministry in "Jesus Now"?
- Great High Priest: Jesus intercedes for believers, cleanses consciences, and offers perpetual access to God.
- Chief Shepherd: He guides, protects, restores, and provides for His people, drawing on Psalm 23 as a model.
- Heavenly Bridegroom: Christ loves, woos, and prepares the church as His bride, seeking intimate relationship rather than mere service.
- Builder and Head of the Church: Jesus actively builds His ekklesia (church), directs its life, and expresses His headship through mutual participation.
5. What does "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola teach about the believer’s identity and acceptance?
- Accepted in Christ: Believers are fully accepted by God because of Christ’s finished work, not their own efforts or performance.
- Freedom from Guilt: The blood of Jesus cleanses the conscience, removing guilt, shame, and condemnation for those in Christ.
- Ongoing Need for Grace: Christians never outgrow their dependence on Jesus’ grace and advocacy; spiritual maturity is rooted in continual reliance on Him.
- Becoming What You Are: Spiritual growth is described as becoming in practice what believers already are in Christ—holy, blameless, and loved.
6. How does "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola describe the church (ekklesia) and its purpose?
- Organic Expression: The church is a living, organic community, not merely an institution or organization.
- Body of Christ: Each member is essential, and Christ’s fullness is revealed only when all believers function together.
- Mission and Ministry: The church continues Jesus’ earthly ministry—proclaiming the kingdom, serving the needy, and manifesting God’s presence.
- Restoration of Gifts: Viola emphasizes that spiritual gifts and ministries emerge naturally in authentic church life, rather than through imposed structures.
7. What is the significance of Jesus as High Priest in "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola?
- Once-for-All Sacrifice: Jesus’ sacrifice is final and sufficient, providing eternal redemption and cleansing for believers.
- Advocate and Intercessor: Christ continually represents believers before the Father, defending them against accusation and interceding for their needs.
- Access to God: Through Jesus, believers have bold, perpetual access to God’s throne of grace.
- Distinguishing Conviction and Accusation: Viola explains the difference between the Holy Spirit’s specific conviction (the “finger”) and the Enemy’s vague condemnation (the “hand”).
8. How does "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola address spiritual growth and transformation?
- Jesus as Author and Finisher: Christ initiates and completes the work of faith in believers, ensuring their spiritual growth and ultimate glorification.
- Stages of Growth: The book parallels physical development (infancy, childhood, adulthood) with spiritual maturity, emphasizing ongoing transformation.
- Role of Discipline: God’s discipline is an expression of love, distinct from condemnation, and is meant to shape believers into Christ’s image.
- Living by Christ’s Life: True discipleship involves learning to live by the indwelling life of Christ, not by external rules or self-effort.
9. What does "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola teach about spiritual gifts and the fivefold ministry?
- Gifts Emerge Organically: Spiritual gifts and ministries (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds/teachers) arise naturally in healthy, organic church life.
- Critique of Restorationism: Viola critiques the historical “restoration of the fivefold ministry” movement, emphasizing function over titles or hierarchy.
- Purpose of Gifts: The ascension gifts are meant to build up the church, foster unity, and reveal Christ, not to create elite classes of leaders.
- Balance of Gifts and Life: Spiritual gifts are tools for ministry, but spiritual life and love are the foundation and goal.
10. How does "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola explain the relationship between the church and the kingdom of God?
- Church as Kingdom Outpost: Each local church is a visible expression of God’s kingdom, manifesting His rule and presence on earth.
- Inseparability of Church and Kingdom: Viola argues that separating the church from the kingdom is a false dichotomy; both are intertwined in God’s plan.
- Mission of the Church: The church is called to embody and proclaim the kingdom, bringing a foretaste of God’s future reign into the present world.
- Jesus as Lord of the World: Christ’s lordship is exercised through His body, the church, as it participates in His ongoing mission.
11. What are the main errors and challenges addressed in "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola?
- Legalism vs. Libertinism: The book warns against both legalistic self-righteousness and libertine misuse of grace, advocating for a gospel of lordship and liberty.
- Misunderstanding Repentance: Viola clarifies that repentance is for believers as well as unbelievers, and is essential for spiritual health.
- Church Structure Issues: The author critiques institutional church models that hinder Christ’s headship and the functioning of every member.
- Spiritual Warfare: The book addresses the ongoing cosmic conflict between God’s kingdom and the Enemy, calling believers to active participation in Christ’s victory.
12. What are the best quotes from "Jesus Now" by Frank Viola and what do they mean?
- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) – Emphasizes the unchanging nature of Christ and the continuity of His ministry.
- “You are a story wrapped in skin.” – Highlights the personal, lived reality of the Jesus story in each believer’s life.
- “You don’t serve God to get God’s favor and acceptance. You serve God from the basis of having His favor and acceptance.” – Underscores the difference between works-based religion and grace-based living.
- “The church is a spiritual organism. Only that which comes out of God’s indwelling life can accomplish His purpose.” – Stresses the importance of spiritual vitality over human programs or traditions.
- “The ascension demonstrates that we are part of another world, another realm, another kingdom.” – Reminds believers of their true citizenship and calling to live as representatives of God’s kingdom on earth.
Review Summary
Jesus Now by Frank Viola receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with readers praising its unique perspective on Jesus' current ministry. Many find it thought-provoking, easy to read, and biblically grounded. Reviewers appreciate Viola's exploration of Jesus' seven present-day ministries, including roles as High Priest, Shepherd, and Head of the Church. The book is lauded for its fresh approach to understanding Christ's ongoing work and its potential to reignite passion for Jesus. Some readers note its value for both new and seasoned Christians, while a few express minor theological disagreements.
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