How 'bout cha people of God,
Do any of you meditate on the resurrection? On Easter Sunday? This Truth is more than a once a year reminder. It is the very foundation of Christian faith. Is it not? I'll go farther and state that it is not merely a belief, but, a fact. A fact of history and an ever present reality, for us, the church. Paul tells us, by way of his first epistle to the Corinthians, that if Jesus be not raised then our faith is in vain and we are still in our sin. Chapter 15:17. This is recorded in all four gospels, His raising. This fact, proves His "Deity". If He had not been raised, how would we know He was who He said He was. Jesus declared it to us(who He was), while walking on the earth. This is recorded five times in the New Covenant; Matthew 12:39-40, 20:17-19, 26:30-32, Luke 18:31-33, John 2:19-22. Paul says, "He was demonstrated, the Son of God, by His resurrection, from the dead", in Romans 1:4.
Jesus came to take the sinner's place and to satisfy the "law", fully, with God. By taking our place, He became us, and died, as us. He could not die as God and had not a need to. I hope you got that. Read it again, and consider, we died with Him......in Him. And, in Him, we AROSE. This fact is proof that death has been conquered. Is not this, "the good news"? I exhort, that it IS. Jesus appeared to the Apostle John, on the isle of Patmos, and declared, "I am He that lives and was dead; and behold, I am alive for ever more, amen: and have the keys of hell and of death. Rev 1:18.
Because the Spirit of Him, who raised up Jesus, lives in us, He that raised Christ from the dead, shall quicken our mortal bodies, by His Spirit, that lives in us. That is, raise US from the dead. Romans 8:11.
There really can be no question, as to Jesus' death on the cross. All four gospels, tell us that Jesus yielded up His Spirit. Death did not conquer Him. He gave His life, of His own will. He said, "I have the power to lay down my life and I have the power to take it again". John 10:17-18.
There are many accounts that verify this truth. There were many witnesses, and not all believers, that Jesus died. The centurion told Pilate, that Jesus was dead. When the spear was removed, after the piercing, water and blood came out, showing His heart had been pierced. If Jesus had been only passed out, as some have scoffed, He would have suffocated in the burial wrappings. All the precautions that were taken, the tomb being guarded and sealed, so His body could not secretly be stolen away. Matthew 27. Many seen Him die, yet there was not an eye-witness, that seen Him come out of the sepulchre. By this there were many stories fabricated, to discredit His resurrection. Although He appeared to many, in the coming 40 days, after His raising, I find the most compelling testimony to come from John and Peter, as to the physical resurrection of the body of Jesus. When John and Peter came to the empty tomb, after Mary had told them, they went in to inspect and examine it. they found the linen clothes, that the body of Jesus had been wrapped in, lying on the stone slab, where it had been laid, "and the napkin that was about His head, not lying with the linens, but wrapped together in a place by itself." John 20:6-7. The grave clothes are a silent witness, that His body was not stolen. The napkin, tells another story. (Maybe we'll get to that later) We also know, the disciples did not steal the body, because they were so difficult to convince, by Mary, the resurrection had in fact happened. Knowing, as we do, having the New Testament, to read, that Jesus told them, repeatedly, that He would die and raise the third day, They either forgot in their grief or disbelieved, else they would have been waiting at the tomb, at the morning hour. Even the women that went to the tomb, that morning, were only taking things to further embalm the body. They were even concerned, who would roll the stone, for them. Mark 16:1-3. As I ponder this, I see God at work here. If the disciples had hung around the tomb, it would have surely been easier to blame them and label them grave robbers.
Yes, even so, there was not an eye-witness, to the actual coming out of the tomb, there were eye-witnesses to His having been raised. Not days, weeks, months, later, mind you, but that very day! I also find it particularly lifting to know that when Jesus died, He was scarcely recognizable. Beaten and wounded, bleeding and fatigued, not at all, as He appeared to the disciples. He appeared, the picture of wellness, with only scars, to remind us, I suspect. You know.....He was HEALED! And recall that we raised with Him? WE TOO ARE HEALED!Amen and amen. This resurrection is more than a story, I assure you. Life....restored! Health.....restored! Adam's fall and our separation....RESTORED! Through and by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I could go into the accounts of Jesus' appearances to all the disciples and the 500 and such, but I will not here. Please read and meditate on this for yourselves. Only know, that He taught and counseled for 40 days, and appeared to many, teaching, showing and leaving us, what is the Great Commission. Our commission. We have not, in written record, what exactly He taught. We do, however, have a record of what they did(as a result of His teaching), after His Ascension. The book of Acts is testament to this. I exhort that this is the way and means of our ministry. Not judgement and tradition, but love and encouragement. Not where we are at, but where the lost and poor are at. Take it to them! Just a little bit more, please.
In the Old Testament, the exodus, was God's Power, manifested. In the New Testament, the Resurrection(of Jesus) is our exodus. We are no longer bound! WE ARE Free! Everything IS changed! Yet we must allow the change, in our lives. We must not remain ignorant or unbelieving. You cannot change from Sabbath Saturday to First Fruits Sunday and wave your hands in the air while saying...Glory, thinking all is well while living so defeated. Hear this brothers and sisters, please. The battle IS over! Believe it........Live it. IT IS FINISHED.
What a Joy
Love You
GW
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
"If you are waiting on me, then you are backing up" part 3
Greetings, in the name of the Lord,
Well, we have covered a little ground, the past few days. I trust our feet are healing:_) My toes, too, have been stepped on, a bit. I continue, in the effort to stretch you, spiritually, and motivate you to dig into God's Word. By the view point of this writer, We are NOT waiting on God. I conclude this topic by taking you to the end. The end of the, Word walking with us. This is also our (the church) beginning. After the resurrection and before Jesus ascended to the Father, the last time, Jesus left very direct instruction, for us. This has been labeled The Great Commission. This is so imperative for Christians to grasp. We have seldom been taught it's depth and breadth. Mostly this has been watered down a bit and made to sound like what we want it to sound like, so that we feel like we are alright. I'll attempt to show a different light on this than what I was taught in the traditional church body. Hopefully a perfect light and one that will compel all to search their hearts.
We often sit and wait on something to happen, so that we may react to that, when we should act and wait only for the manifestation of God's glory. Simply, we are more comfortable reacting than acting. Think and pray on these things, I am sure most have overlooked a few things our Lord has told us to do, this writer included. Let's look in the Word to see what Jesus told us.
Jesus said, to them(us)
Peace be unto you. As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Receive you the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins you retain, they are retained.
John 20:21-23
I'd say this means for us to do as Jesus did, wouldn't you? Just as He was sent(By God)we are sent (By Jesus).Do you know the Holy Ghost? Forgiven any sins in the name of Jesus, lately? Done anything else, that Jesus did? I hope so and if not, God's an on time God. Exercise your faith with the release of love and do God's work. It is not too late.....yet. We MUST do as instructed, less we be not His.
Also, said He, just before heaven received Him up;
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16: 17-18
I believe we have much work to do.Please notice, the text does not say; they may recover. It says, "they SHALL". We are not waiting on God! The signs follow us, not God. He has already put the proof in the pudding. We must serve the pudding.We will not be stricken by the world or it's afflictions!Now this doesn't mean we avoid tribulation. That is not what is said here. Jesus says we will have tribulation. I'm saying, No deadly thing, will hurt us. Even if we consume it. Did you hear? Glory to God. Do you want this promise? Of course. Will you do this work and take this identity? Let us pray.
Matthew's account; Jesus said,
All power, is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Since this is so;
Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. I will always be with you, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:18-20
He will ALWAYS be with us. He said it! Why we acting all pitiful and unaware, It's a promise! I repeat, DO YOU BELIEVE? What do you fear? Why?
Teach any? Baptise any? Any power, about you or your ministry? It is there(here), for us. Already performed, already delivered and already promised. Yet, maybe not received, huh? I ask again.....Do you believe? The ONE, with ALL POWER, lives in you! Can the world see Him? You know we have to get ourselves out of the way, don't you? We can follow no agenda, unless it is His. Any other is not righteous, but sin.
from Luke 24: 47-49
Repentance and remission of sins should be preached, in Jesus' name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And behold I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry in Jerusalem until you have been endued with power from on high.
There is more to this, I believe. Jerusalem is symbolic of home. We must get our home and our living environment in order! Start at home! With this a blessing (promise) will come. But, stay at home until you are endued with power(promise). Then spread out, go and tell, all nations.
It churns out like this; Can you be trusted to do what God last told you to do? Why do we wait? Do we think God's going to give us a new task, a different word, or something we'd rather hear? WE NEED NOT WAIT! Brothers and sisters, WE MUST DO.
Or we are truly backing up.
We've done been told, delivered, healed, commissioned and yes......forgiven. We are a part of the Royal Priesthood and joint heirs with Christ. Can we show it a little? Can we say amen? That getting to one mind and one accord thing, it's not just with one another. We need to pursue being of one mind with God. That is impossible unless we obey.
power from on high....don't leave home without it
Peace and love be with you all. This is a commission for all believers! We cannot wait on the church to do it and must not be deceived, thinking God is going to. He, in us, can. You decide the will. Life can be just as He said. Please allow God to work His perfect Will, in your life.
Minister like Jesus
I dare you
GW
Well, we have covered a little ground, the past few days. I trust our feet are healing:_) My toes, too, have been stepped on, a bit. I continue, in the effort to stretch you, spiritually, and motivate you to dig into God's Word. By the view point of this writer, We are NOT waiting on God. I conclude this topic by taking you to the end. The end of the, Word walking with us. This is also our (the church) beginning. After the resurrection and before Jesus ascended to the Father, the last time, Jesus left very direct instruction, for us. This has been labeled The Great Commission. This is so imperative for Christians to grasp. We have seldom been taught it's depth and breadth. Mostly this has been watered down a bit and made to sound like what we want it to sound like, so that we feel like we are alright. I'll attempt to show a different light on this than what I was taught in the traditional church body. Hopefully a perfect light and one that will compel all to search their hearts.
We often sit and wait on something to happen, so that we may react to that, when we should act and wait only for the manifestation of God's glory. Simply, we are more comfortable reacting than acting. Think and pray on these things, I am sure most have overlooked a few things our Lord has told us to do, this writer included. Let's look in the Word to see what Jesus told us.
Jesus said, to them(us)
Peace be unto you. As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Receive you the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins you retain, they are retained.
John 20:21-23
I'd say this means for us to do as Jesus did, wouldn't you? Just as He was sent(By God)we are sent (By Jesus).Do you know the Holy Ghost? Forgiven any sins in the name of Jesus, lately? Done anything else, that Jesus did? I hope so and if not, God's an on time God. Exercise your faith with the release of love and do God's work. It is not too late.....yet. We MUST do as instructed, less we be not His.
Also, said He, just before heaven received Him up;
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16: 17-18
I believe we have much work to do.Please notice, the text does not say; they may recover. It says, "they SHALL". We are not waiting on God! The signs follow us, not God. He has already put the proof in the pudding. We must serve the pudding.We will not be stricken by the world or it's afflictions!Now this doesn't mean we avoid tribulation. That is not what is said here. Jesus says we will have tribulation. I'm saying, No deadly thing, will hurt us. Even if we consume it. Did you hear? Glory to God. Do you want this promise? Of course. Will you do this work and take this identity? Let us pray.
Matthew's account; Jesus said,
All power, is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Since this is so;
Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. I will always be with you, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:18-20
He will ALWAYS be with us. He said it! Why we acting all pitiful and unaware, It's a promise! I repeat, DO YOU BELIEVE? What do you fear? Why?
Teach any? Baptise any? Any power, about you or your ministry? It is there(here), for us. Already performed, already delivered and already promised. Yet, maybe not received, huh? I ask again.....Do you believe? The ONE, with ALL POWER, lives in you! Can the world see Him? You know we have to get ourselves out of the way, don't you? We can follow no agenda, unless it is His. Any other is not righteous, but sin.
from Luke 24: 47-49
Repentance and remission of sins should be preached, in Jesus' name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And behold I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry in Jerusalem until you have been endued with power from on high.
There is more to this, I believe. Jerusalem is symbolic of home. We must get our home and our living environment in order! Start at home! With this a blessing (promise) will come. But, stay at home until you are endued with power(promise). Then spread out, go and tell, all nations.
It churns out like this; Can you be trusted to do what God last told you to do? Why do we wait? Do we think God's going to give us a new task, a different word, or something we'd rather hear? WE NEED NOT WAIT! Brothers and sisters, WE MUST DO.
Or we are truly backing up.
We've done been told, delivered, healed, commissioned and yes......forgiven. We are a part of the Royal Priesthood and joint heirs with Christ. Can we show it a little? Can we say amen? That getting to one mind and one accord thing, it's not just with one another. We need to pursue being of one mind with God. That is impossible unless we obey.
power from on high....don't leave home without it
Peace and love be with you all. This is a commission for all believers! We cannot wait on the church to do it and must not be deceived, thinking God is going to. He, in us, can. You decide the will. Life can be just as He said. Please allow God to work His perfect Will, in your life.
Minister like Jesus
I dare you
GW
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
dwell in a teaching
Hey there Christian
I trust you answer to this herald. Let's take a brief interuption or diversion from being backed up and dig into a related teaching, from the Apostle Paul. Let's turn to 1Cor, chapter 15. In this passage, we see much to challenge us, the believer. Please read and meditate on these things. I speak to this, in you, here, briefly. We say Jesus is risen, yes? Yes! Then do we believe in the dead being raised? We should, or we be hypocrites. When we say only and live not, that which we believe or testify to. Let us all consider these things, that we may grow in our faith.Right to the MEAT, if we believe Jesus was raised, we must believe that raising(from the dead) can be done. If we believe anything and all that is written, that Jesus did, then we must believe all that, possible for us and life today! Whatever Jesus performed, we may perform. That is it in a shell. Why are we so defeated? It can only be because of unbelief. I ask, as a brother, in Christ, check your faith. Prove it to yourself and set your mind, daily. Have no doubt! We must get in line with God's Word, to be and have what He intended. It is not playtime but it is near to endtime. God is just and good. He will help you grow your faith.I can do no other but remind us all, the move is ours to make. We must do and not be caught waiting. It is up to us. God has seen to it, that it be this way.
I hope you check out this chapter and follow with prayer for understanding and courage to act on the knowledge given. I'll finish the series with the next post. I am out of towm, today and write from my blackberry.
Love be in all of you
GW
I trust you answer to this herald. Let's take a brief interuption or diversion from being backed up and dig into a related teaching, from the Apostle Paul. Let's turn to 1Cor, chapter 15. In this passage, we see much to challenge us, the believer. Please read and meditate on these things. I speak to this, in you, here, briefly. We say Jesus is risen, yes? Yes! Then do we believe in the dead being raised? We should, or we be hypocrites. When we say only and live not, that which we believe or testify to. Let us all consider these things, that we may grow in our faith.Right to the MEAT, if we believe Jesus was raised, we must believe that raising(from the dead) can be done. If we believe anything and all that is written, that Jesus did, then we must believe all that, possible for us and life today! Whatever Jesus performed, we may perform. That is it in a shell. Why are we so defeated? It can only be because of unbelief. I ask, as a brother, in Christ, check your faith. Prove it to yourself and set your mind, daily. Have no doubt! We must get in line with God's Word, to be and have what He intended. It is not playtime but it is near to endtime. God is just and good. He will help you grow your faith.I can do no other but remind us all, the move is ours to make. We must do and not be caught waiting. It is up to us. God has seen to it, that it be this way.
I hope you check out this chapter and follow with prayer for understanding and courage to act on the knowledge given. I'll finish the series with the next post. I am out of towm, today and write from my blackberry.
Love be in all of you
GW
Sunday, May 24, 2009
"If you are waiting on me, then you are backing up" part 2
Well you are back, huh,
Let's review a little bit. We are here in charge of the earth, by God's provision and will. We have been redeemed, by the blood of Jesus, and are not ever judged for sin, again. We are reborn, entirely new creatures, in Christ. As the title states, if we wait on God, to do, we are not moving forward. Not only that, but we do not acknowledge what was done in the work of Jesus. THIS and only this is the focus, of which, I'd hope you may grasp. Notice<>done. This is past tense and has already happened nearly 2000 years ago. Do we believe Jesus has to die again to forgive us? How about, so we may be healed, or what of giving us provision? Why do we ask for what we already have and for what has already been finished, then gifted to us. Sometimes we act and speak in this manner. Don't we?Jesus died for our sins and became sin. As sin he died. Sin did not wake up on the third day, yet Jesus DID! Let's refer to a couple of things that James told us in the New Covenant. In 1:8, he tells us a double minded man is unstable. So we must get this thing of which Jesus died for put to rest and not be mixed up about it. We must stop contradicting ourselves, while limiting God and grow our faith up to a genuine belief. James also exhorted that we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only, in verse 22. Why are we so easily defeated when the victory has already been won? Do we or do we not, believe that Jesus lived, died and arose. And do we believe that He went into the depths and dark places, defeated and conquered, death, hell and the grave! Cancer is death by another name, poverty is hell by another name, negative hopelessness is the grave by another name! We say we do, believe, come on now! We oppose ourselves! How come we have these things when Jesus defeated them? Especially when we say He did and live as He did not. Is that doublemindedness?We pray, as Jesus taught, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN". Do you even hear the words......God's will be done? How about that? Do we know what that is? God's will. God's will IS done in heaven! In heaven, we're told, there is no sickness, no poverty, no tears, no cancer, no hatred, no selfishness, no hunger. Huh? That's right, isn't it? Well, how about here on earth? David writes, that God's Word IS established, in heaven. It is not, however, established here on earth. Man's will, gifted from God, is the strongest power in the earth, today. We can even deny God, Himself>Not until we speak it(the Word) back to God, from the abundance of our hearts. We can establish God's Word, here on the earth! Yes, this being among our greatest responsibilities. If we would establish God's word, we would be established, ourselves. Yet we work so fervently to establish ourselves......uh oh..... Is that it, you reckon? We may just be a little out of wack, due to selfishness. No one likes to hear it, no one likes to admit it, but it is evident. Not even, but especially, in the churches! We pray for ourselves, we testify of ourselves, we do works for our credit and benefit and recognition. We even acknowledge God and feebly attempt to describe Him as by what He is doing in us, for us, through us!!!!! God's bigger than that! Wake up! We must get to know God by a different prospective and point of view. Stop asking God to use you. You don't mean it or you'd be doing something of use, and God blessing it, through His Word of Truth. He cannot use you, if you are not in motion. We have been gifted with the Holy Word and the Holy Ghost. We should not suffer so, to know God's very own will and mind, as it relates to us. Two things; IT IS WRITTEN and HE LIVES IN US. What about it. Where can anyone find an excuse? Are you sick? Are you broke? Are you diseased? Are you afflicted? Where ever these things live, God did not bring them to us. He defeated them, AS US and for us, because of us. He loves us......Do you know that?
Well this wasn't anything like I thought was going to be wrote. laughter. I guess I'll read this, reflect and sum up in part 3. Read God's Word! It is your decision. Nothing will be done for you that hasn't already been done. It's up to us to do. While we do, God performs HIS WORD, in our lives. He said He would and He does. We have been bought. We are bound to this, as believers.
Live, learn, love
GW
Let's review a little bit. We are here in charge of the earth, by God's provision and will. We have been redeemed, by the blood of Jesus, and are not ever judged for sin, again. We are reborn, entirely new creatures, in Christ. As the title states, if we wait on God, to do, we are not moving forward. Not only that, but we do not acknowledge what was done in the work of Jesus. THIS and only this is the focus, of which, I'd hope you may grasp. Notice<>done. This is past tense and has already happened nearly 2000 years ago. Do we believe Jesus has to die again to forgive us? How about, so we may be healed, or what of giving us provision? Why do we ask for what we already have and for what has already been finished, then gifted to us. Sometimes we act and speak in this manner. Don't we?Jesus died for our sins and became sin. As sin he died. Sin did not wake up on the third day, yet Jesus DID! Let's refer to a couple of things that James told us in the New Covenant. In 1:8, he tells us a double minded man is unstable. So we must get this thing of which Jesus died for put to rest and not be mixed up about it. We must stop contradicting ourselves, while limiting God and grow our faith up to a genuine belief. James also exhorted that we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only, in verse 22. Why are we so easily defeated when the victory has already been won? Do we or do we not, believe that Jesus lived, died and arose. And do we believe that He went into the depths and dark places, defeated and conquered, death, hell and the grave! Cancer is death by another name, poverty is hell by another name, negative hopelessness is the grave by another name! We say we do, believe, come on now! We oppose ourselves! How come we have these things when Jesus defeated them? Especially when we say He did and live as He did not. Is that doublemindedness?We pray, as Jesus taught, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN". Do you even hear the words......God's will be done? How about that? Do we know what that is? God's will. God's will IS done in heaven! In heaven, we're told, there is no sickness, no poverty, no tears, no cancer, no hatred, no selfishness, no hunger. Huh? That's right, isn't it? Well, how about here on earth? David writes, that God's Word IS established, in heaven. It is not, however, established here on earth. Man's will, gifted from God, is the strongest power in the earth, today. We can even deny God, Himself>Not until we speak it(the Word) back to God, from the abundance of our hearts. We can establish God's Word, here on the earth! Yes, this being among our greatest responsibilities. If we would establish God's word, we would be established, ourselves. Yet we work so fervently to establish ourselves......uh oh..... Is that it, you reckon? We may just be a little out of wack, due to selfishness. No one likes to hear it, no one likes to admit it, but it is evident. Not even, but especially, in the churches! We pray for ourselves, we testify of ourselves, we do works for our credit and benefit and recognition. We even acknowledge God and feebly attempt to describe Him as by what He is doing in us, for us, through us!!!!! God's bigger than that! Wake up! We must get to know God by a different prospective and point of view. Stop asking God to use you. You don't mean it or you'd be doing something of use, and God blessing it, through His Word of Truth. He cannot use you, if you are not in motion. We have been gifted with the Holy Word and the Holy Ghost. We should not suffer so, to know God's very own will and mind, as it relates to us. Two things; IT IS WRITTEN and HE LIVES IN US. What about it. Where can anyone find an excuse? Are you sick? Are you broke? Are you diseased? Are you afflicted? Where ever these things live, God did not bring them to us. He defeated them, AS US and for us, because of us. He loves us......Do you know that?
Well this wasn't anything like I thought was going to be wrote. laughter. I guess I'll read this, reflect and sum up in part 3. Read God's Word! It is your decision. Nothing will be done for you that hasn't already been done. It's up to us to do. While we do, God performs HIS WORD, in our lives. He said He would and He does. We have been bought. We are bound to this, as believers.
Live, learn, love
GW
Thursday, May 21, 2009
"If you're waiting on me, then you're backing up" part1
Hey everybody,
If you've looked over the title and thought, I might have lost it, well then read a little more and please, hold your conclusions until the end of the blog, at least. Ever hear this saying?(title) The meaning, I'm already ready, I'm waiting on you! Close your eyes a moment, Can't you just imagine God saying this first. To US, no less! Well if He didn't say exactly that, He told us enough in His word that we should surely arrive at the same conclusion. God is waiting on us. He waits on us to act(go into action), so that He may perform His Word in our lives. Tradition and the religious veil some have over their eyes has prevented us from knowing this very thing. We talk and hear of how God is doing this and how we are waiting on the Lord, and (the best one) God's dealing with me on something.. We say we're leaving it up to the Lord and If it's God's will. There's a gozillion of these weak, pitiful sayings. These profess, only our ignorance and lack of faith. We pray for stuff, stuff we want, by the way, and ask while attempting to be holy. We bargain with God, If you'll do this Lord .....then I'll do....whew! Does this sound familiar? What does God possibly need that WE could give, to make a bargain....really! He don't need us, He IS GOD. He loves us (the world and all mankind), so deeply and unconditionally, that HE GAVE....not a trade, no sale here. He gave His only begotten Son. Yep, gave. That's right! While Jesus was here, walking on the earth, the Word with us, He didn't make any trades or barter any goods, either. He came, so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. That's what He said! HE GIVES IT TO US!!! It's as if we never knew this! Look around! If your not in some type of abundance, in life, NOW, how then do you honor Him and what He did for us. I know that's strong, it needs to be. If your offended, I'd encourage you to regain your mind and walk in love. Love is not offended. What, exactly, did he do to give us life? That is the question, isn't it? let's start with sin. We, because of our born nature, are sinners. Please see previous lesson on "Nature of Man". The penalty for sin is death. No two ways about it. Jesus came so we could be without sin and be saved from death. Yep, that's not nearly all, either. If you are not Jewish, you had no access to God or heaven, before Jesus. Jesus gave life to the gentile and all the world.
Jesus and God's plan, in all the Gospel holds for the believer, reversed the fall of Adam and NOW, we have a way to get back in communion with the Holy Father. Jesus, our intercessor and savior. He became sin and was killed. Everyone should say, "my sin was killed", "it has been put to death!" When God looks down on us, today, He don't see our wallering and sin, our weakness and short comings. He only sees His Son, Jesus. We are righteous, in Him! Did you hear? Do you believe? Because Jesus reversed what Adam did, we need to go back and find out what Adam had, so that we may know what we now have. Are you with me? God didn't move Adam and Eve and their children around, like chess pieces on the earth. He gave them free will. The same is true for us.
Let's start in Genesis 1:26. Here we find that we, let me repeat, WE, have dominion over this world. Yes sir, that is what I said. God(3) gave it to us. We didn't trade. He didn't give it so He could take it back every now and then, either. It is ours. Yet we hear how God is in control. This,usually to releave ourselves of ANY responsibility.Know this, He IS in authority, He IS God!,yet, HE GAVE US CONTROL. How do you think everything got so messed up? Not because He was in control, no sir! Some, ain't gonna like all this responsibility, but guess what. He gave it to us and it is us that needs to do, we ain't waiting on God, for anything. Your life and my life is a manifestation of our choices and decisions. Yes God is mighty to save and He is God, the life giver and provider for us all. The way He gives and provides is through His Word. So if your waiting on God to move for you, you might be waiting, a while. We are the ones that have to move, Not God. His work and provision are already! You may not have that yet, we'll get there. We may have to make this a multiple, this being part 1. The Word is filled with laws, principles and patterns for us to go by. What's that? You ain't been going by them......Don't know what they even are! Let's not get too far ahead, I am leaving out some crucial stuff and I don't want to leave anything out. The Word is and has been, for ALL time. It was here in the beginning, before the foundation of the world. It came to earth, by messenger(profits and angels). It was here with us, walking and living in flesh, as man, on earth. It is established in heaven, the psalmist tells us and is THE authority, for us to be under. It is, however, for us to establish, here in the earth. And I gotta back up again.....We not ready to establish, just yet. Anyway, we have got to move. We have to arm ourselves. We must receive what God has given in order to have it. We will start from here, next post.
Love you
GW
If you've looked over the title and thought, I might have lost it, well then read a little more and please, hold your conclusions until the end of the blog, at least. Ever hear this saying?(title) The meaning, I'm already ready, I'm waiting on you! Close your eyes a moment, Can't you just imagine God saying this first. To US, no less! Well if He didn't say exactly that, He told us enough in His word that we should surely arrive at the same conclusion. God is waiting on us. He waits on us to act(go into action), so that He may perform His Word in our lives. Tradition and the religious veil some have over their eyes has prevented us from knowing this very thing. We talk and hear of how God is doing this and how we are waiting on the Lord, and (the best one) God's dealing with me on something.. We say we're leaving it up to the Lord and If it's God's will. There's a gozillion of these weak, pitiful sayings. These profess, only our ignorance and lack of faith. We pray for stuff, stuff we want, by the way, and ask while attempting to be holy. We bargain with God, If you'll do this Lord .....then I'll do....whew! Does this sound familiar? What does God possibly need that WE could give, to make a bargain....really! He don't need us, He IS GOD. He loves us (the world and all mankind), so deeply and unconditionally, that HE GAVE....not a trade, no sale here. He gave His only begotten Son. Yep, gave. That's right! While Jesus was here, walking on the earth, the Word with us, He didn't make any trades or barter any goods, either. He came, so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. That's what He said! HE GIVES IT TO US!!! It's as if we never knew this! Look around! If your not in some type of abundance, in life, NOW, how then do you honor Him and what He did for us. I know that's strong, it needs to be. If your offended, I'd encourage you to regain your mind and walk in love. Love is not offended. What, exactly, did he do to give us life? That is the question, isn't it? let's start with sin. We, because of our born nature, are sinners. Please see previous lesson on "Nature of Man". The penalty for sin is death. No two ways about it. Jesus came so we could be without sin and be saved from death. Yep, that's not nearly all, either. If you are not Jewish, you had no access to God or heaven, before Jesus. Jesus gave life to the gentile and all the world.
Jesus and God's plan, in all the Gospel holds for the believer, reversed the fall of Adam and NOW, we have a way to get back in communion with the Holy Father. Jesus, our intercessor and savior. He became sin and was killed. Everyone should say, "my sin was killed", "it has been put to death!" When God looks down on us, today, He don't see our wallering and sin, our weakness and short comings. He only sees His Son, Jesus. We are righteous, in Him! Did you hear? Do you believe? Because Jesus reversed what Adam did, we need to go back and find out what Adam had, so that we may know what we now have. Are you with me? God didn't move Adam and Eve and their children around, like chess pieces on the earth. He gave them free will. The same is true for us.
Let's start in Genesis 1:26. Here we find that we, let me repeat, WE, have dominion over this world. Yes sir, that is what I said. God(3) gave it to us. We didn't trade. He didn't give it so He could take it back every now and then, either. It is ours. Yet we hear how God is in control. This,usually to releave ourselves of ANY responsibility.Know this, He IS in authority, He IS God!,yet, HE GAVE US CONTROL. How do you think everything got so messed up? Not because He was in control, no sir! Some, ain't gonna like all this responsibility, but guess what. He gave it to us and it is us that needs to do, we ain't waiting on God, for anything. Your life and my life is a manifestation of our choices and decisions. Yes God is mighty to save and He is God, the life giver and provider for us all. The way He gives and provides is through His Word. So if your waiting on God to move for you, you might be waiting, a while. We are the ones that have to move, Not God. His work and provision are already! You may not have that yet, we'll get there. We may have to make this a multiple, this being part 1. The Word is filled with laws, principles and patterns for us to go by. What's that? You ain't been going by them......Don't know what they even are! Let's not get too far ahead, I am leaving out some crucial stuff and I don't want to leave anything out. The Word is and has been, for ALL time. It was here in the beginning, before the foundation of the world. It came to earth, by messenger(profits and angels). It was here with us, walking and living in flesh, as man, on earth. It is established in heaven, the psalmist tells us and is THE authority, for us to be under. It is, however, for us to establish, here in the earth. And I gotta back up again.....We not ready to establish, just yet. Anyway, we have got to move. We have to arm ourselves. We must receive what God has given in order to have it. We will start from here, next post.
Love you
GW
Monday, May 18, 2009
Man's Nature
Highty Ho Neighbor
We have covered much ground, together, in the knowledge of God's word. We, by now, I'd hope, acknowledge that we are made of God and in His image and likeness. He is 3 fold, and so are we. We have three distinct parts, body-soul-spirit. Let's see together, what God's Word has to tell us about this. First, look at the Greek words for our three parts; soma body, psyche soul, and pneuma spirit. There is reference, in Paul's writings about these. 1Cor 2:14, speaks of the natural man, speaking of it's worldly existence. This part of man is not saved or eternal, only the soul and spirit live forever. This is talking of the soma. In 1 Cor 3:1-3, Paul talks about the spiritual and carnal man, and how they can effect our perceptions. The man is one, yet spiritual things must be discerned spiritually. We must guard ourselves. 1Thes5:23, confirms quite nicely, that we are 3 fold, in nature.
The Soma man (body) has gates, through which things may gain entrance, into us. Even though the Word tells us; it is not what comes into a man that defiles, but what comes out. We must take care what come in and how it may enter. Let's list these gates. They are what we refer to as the five physical senses. Touch is the feel gate. Taste is the mouth gate. Hearing is the ear gate. Smell is the nose gate. Sight is the eye gate. Five gates = five senses. These are not direct, to the spirit man, but connect to the soul, by way of the heart. The heart, (not the organ), is not in the soma nor the psyche, alone, yet rests between and gives continuity. There are soulish senses as well. These are similar to the physical ones, in that there are five, yet they are deeper senses. Listen to these. We'll call these faculties. they are; faith, hope, reverence, prayer, and worship. As you now see, these cannot be of the body. they are sensors of the heart and triggers of the mind. The mind settles not in the soul or in the spirit, yet between, just as the heart is between the body and soul, the mind links the soul and spirit. How do they function?, you might ask. The soul has gates, as well. These gates are; imagination, conscience, memory, reason, and affection. The faculties are the door bells, if you will to the gates of the soul and triggers to the mind. Are you with me, so far. These doorbells make impressions on the spirit, by way of our mind. The only way to a man's spirit is by way of the soul. The body has nothing, in the soul, as we learn from Paul. This is why the five physical senses cannot discern spiritual things. When man attempts an act of this nature, it cannot be God, but man alone. The spirit has but one and only one gate. It has no name that I can find, but there is something rather significant about this gate. This gate has a guard. Can you guess? The guard is man's will. Man's will stands guard at the gate of his spirit. Nothing may enter without his permission. No amount of anything can over power this will. The mind, too, is subject to man's will. We must choose. This gate or door is what Jesus refers to. "I stand at the door and knock". As we know, He will not force His way in. We must let Him in. When our will stands aside and allows, the Holy Spirit come into us, (our spirit) and takes up residence. This is the beginning of regeneration. Man is not renewed, without the Holy Spirit. Man is still 3 fold, in this, for His Spirit and our spirit are one. He in us! Are you getting this? The Holy Ghost is not limited. He has access to any and all levels of man. If this were not so, we could not have healing, power of the Spirit, or any other of the gifts. Man was made for two worlds, the spirit world and the physical world. We are made to sit in heavenly places! Right? Amen. Man is created in the image and likeness of God. We are not the only creation made on this template.
Look at the Jewish Tabernacle, for a moment, also created in 3 fold. The courtyard, is liken to and represents the body. The Holy place, is liken to and represents the soul. The most Holy place, is liken to and represents the spirit. Isn't this wonderful! Just as I have stated earlier, there can be no communication between the body and spirit, as there is none between the courtyard and the most Holy place. Only, by way of the soul. So man is created complete in body, soul and spirit, but his spiritual nature is unregenerate until the Holy Ghost takes residence in the spirit compartment of man. This by the acceptance of the knock and the submission of the will at the door. This is rebirth. With this, man is born again!
There is much to be gained in Paul's teachings. We must grow and learn of our 3 fold nature, to do so. Let us not stay on milk but partake of bread and the meat of the Lamb. If speaking, I may elaborate more, but in writing, I hope I have covered, well, the high points.
God is with you
GW
We have covered much ground, together, in the knowledge of God's word. We, by now, I'd hope, acknowledge that we are made of God and in His image and likeness. He is 3 fold, and so are we. We have three distinct parts, body-soul-spirit. Let's see together, what God's Word has to tell us about this. First, look at the Greek words for our three parts; soma body, psyche soul, and pneuma spirit. There is reference, in Paul's writings about these. 1Cor 2:14, speaks of the natural man, speaking of it's worldly existence. This part of man is not saved or eternal, only the soul and spirit live forever. This is talking of the soma. In 1 Cor 3:1-3, Paul talks about the spiritual and carnal man, and how they can effect our perceptions. The man is one, yet spiritual things must be discerned spiritually. We must guard ourselves. 1Thes5:23, confirms quite nicely, that we are 3 fold, in nature.
The Soma man (body) has gates, through which things may gain entrance, into us. Even though the Word tells us; it is not what comes into a man that defiles, but what comes out. We must take care what come in and how it may enter. Let's list these gates. They are what we refer to as the five physical senses. Touch is the feel gate. Taste is the mouth gate. Hearing is the ear gate. Smell is the nose gate. Sight is the eye gate. Five gates = five senses. These are not direct, to the spirit man, but connect to the soul, by way of the heart. The heart, (not the organ), is not in the soma nor the psyche, alone, yet rests between and gives continuity. There are soulish senses as well. These are similar to the physical ones, in that there are five, yet they are deeper senses. Listen to these. We'll call these faculties. they are; faith, hope, reverence, prayer, and worship. As you now see, these cannot be of the body. they are sensors of the heart and triggers of the mind. The mind settles not in the soul or in the spirit, yet between, just as the heart is between the body and soul, the mind links the soul and spirit. How do they function?, you might ask. The soul has gates, as well. These gates are; imagination, conscience, memory, reason, and affection. The faculties are the door bells, if you will to the gates of the soul and triggers to the mind. Are you with me, so far. These doorbells make impressions on the spirit, by way of our mind. The only way to a man's spirit is by way of the soul. The body has nothing, in the soul, as we learn from Paul. This is why the five physical senses cannot discern spiritual things. When man attempts an act of this nature, it cannot be God, but man alone. The spirit has but one and only one gate. It has no name that I can find, but there is something rather significant about this gate. This gate has a guard. Can you guess? The guard is man's will. Man's will stands guard at the gate of his spirit. Nothing may enter without his permission. No amount of anything can over power this will. The mind, too, is subject to man's will. We must choose. This gate or door is what Jesus refers to. "I stand at the door and knock". As we know, He will not force His way in. We must let Him in. When our will stands aside and allows, the Holy Spirit come into us, (our spirit) and takes up residence. This is the beginning of regeneration. Man is not renewed, without the Holy Spirit. Man is still 3 fold, in this, for His Spirit and our spirit are one. He in us! Are you getting this? The Holy Ghost is not limited. He has access to any and all levels of man. If this were not so, we could not have healing, power of the Spirit, or any other of the gifts. Man was made for two worlds, the spirit world and the physical world. We are made to sit in heavenly places! Right? Amen. Man is created in the image and likeness of God. We are not the only creation made on this template.
Look at the Jewish Tabernacle, for a moment, also created in 3 fold. The courtyard, is liken to and represents the body. The Holy place, is liken to and represents the soul. The most Holy place, is liken to and represents the spirit. Isn't this wonderful! Just as I have stated earlier, there can be no communication between the body and spirit, as there is none between the courtyard and the most Holy place. Only, by way of the soul. So man is created complete in body, soul and spirit, but his spiritual nature is unregenerate until the Holy Ghost takes residence in the spirit compartment of man. This by the acceptance of the knock and the submission of the will at the door. This is rebirth. With this, man is born again!
There is much to be gained in Paul's teachings. We must grow and learn of our 3 fold nature, to do so. Let us not stay on milk but partake of bread and the meat of the Lamb. If speaking, I may elaborate more, but in writing, I hope I have covered, well, the high points.
God is with you
GW
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Church
Greetings
What is the church, we hear mentioned, so often? Many refer to it as, that specific building where religious people gather. That there are all different kinds of churches. Sadly, in one sense, they are correct. I hope to bring to you a point of view, quite different from that of the world's. The church is not an organization, but an organism. It lives and breathes, works and serves and exists with but one identity, for there is only one church. This church, is the body of Christ. It has no gender or nationality, not gentile nor Greek. The body has many members, as do our own physical bodies. All believers, being born again are members of the church body. Get your bible out and follow, to confirm what is about to be spoken, in this writing. Ephesians 3:1-12, amplified version
For this reason, because I preached that you are thus lifted up together, I Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus, the Christ, for the sake and on behalf of you gentiles- Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace, (His unmerited favor) that was entrusted to me, to dispense to you, for your benefit, And that the mystery, (secret), was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direst revelation, as I already briefly wrote you. When you read this, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. This mystery was never disclosed to human beings, in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets, by the Holy Spirit. It is this; that the gentiles are now to be fellow heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and joint partakers in the same divine promise, in Christ, through their acceptance of the Gospel. Of this Gospel, I was made a minister according to the gift of God's free grace, which was bestowed on me by the exercise of His power. To me, though I am the very least of the saints, this grace was granted and graciously entrusted, to proclaim to the gentiles the unending riches of Christ, Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan ( regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men) of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed, until now, in the mind of God Who created all things by Christ Jesus. The purpose is, that through the church, the complicated, many sided, wisdom of God, in all it's infinite variety and innumerable aspects, might now, be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities, (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. This, in accordance, with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose, which He has realized and carried into effect, in the person of, Jesus Christ our Lord, in Whom, because of our faith, in Him, we dare to have the boldness of free access ( an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).
Only in the church can an Holy brotherhood be found. In Christ (church), all race - all class - all gender - all distinctions, simply disappear.
There is no mention of the church, in the Old Testament. It was not only, unknown by man, but God's prophets, as well. The church was first identified by Jesus. He referred to this as, future of His day. Matthew 16:18 Paul, not only, tells us the church is a mystery, (that is where some choose to leave it), but he tells us of it's character, this all having been revealed to him, for this purpose (our telling). Prophecies and promises, of the Old Testament do not apply to the church in this identity. These were for Israel and Judah, only. Although, we may apply some of these, in other identities, such as, the seed of Abraham, for example, they are not for the church, in the identity, Jesus told of and Paul teaches.
The church started at Pentecost and shall be completed at the return of Jesus. (Some call this, the second coming, yet He has already come to us more than twice, so I use another reference). The church (bride of Christ) is made up of those that believe and are saved, in that time. The righteous dead, in Christ, of the Old Testament, are friends of the Bridegroom, not part of the bride. The church of new born is from His finished work to now and until His return. This is the body of Christ and is to become His bride. This group (our identity) is being gathered out, by the Holy Spirit, from all mankind, until the fullness of this age is come. Romans 11:1-25 more references to church; Ephesians 1:22-23, 1Cor 12:12-13, also verse 27, Romans 12:5
Neither can the church die, as the body of Christ! Revelation 1:18 The church is alive, for ever more. Jesus, not only, gave His life for the church, but gave life to the church. Read Col 3:4.
Listen.... The only way, Christ, who is the Head and is in Glory, may manifest Himself, to the world, is through His body- The Church. Let me say it this way, The only provision for the world to see Jesus, today, is through Christian believers (the church). Paul states this to the Philippians, in chapter 1 verse 21, of that letter.
Are we perfect? Since Jesus is the Head and the Church is the body, together, the two as one, us in Him and He in us,make up the perfect man. It is inconceivable that a perfect head could be attached to an imperfect body. Sanctified, set apart, we are. Those that choose and are chosen.
Let's read along some more in Ephesians, chapter 4:8-14
Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captive (He led a train of vanquished foes) and He bestowed gifts, on men. (Ps. 68-18) But He ascended? Now what can this, "He ascended", mean but that He had previously descended from the heights of heaven into the depths of the lower parts of the earth(hell, my added interpretation)? He who descended is the very same as He Who also has ascended, high above all the heavens, that He, (His presence), might fill ALL things (the whole universe, from the lowest to the highest), And His gifts were varied; He, Himself, appointed and gave men to us, some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists ( preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors ( shepherds of His flock), and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), that they should do the work of ministering, toward building up Christ's body (the church), That it might develop until we all attain oneness, in the faith and in the comprehension of the full and accurate knowledge of the Son of God, that we might arrive at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness, found in Him. So then, WE MAY NO LONGER BE CHILDREN......
I trust that you may have had an exposure to one of your intended identities, in this study. I pray the Holy Spirit give you understanding and motivation, from this. The church is not a building, but people. People that have accepted Him, Lord Jesus. So then, we need not wait til we get within the confines of any certain building. We can have church, daily. Jesus said, where two or more are gathered, in my name, there I will be with them. Sounds like church! Amen
Be there (at church), every time the door is open, that not just on Sundays and Wednesdays, at a certain address, but every time you are gathered, in His name. Let Him be seen, in you, because He does live, in you. Remember it is all up to you. God is not willing, (by His Word), to do a great work in those that don't work. Never cease doing good!
Love you
GW
What is the church, we hear mentioned, so often? Many refer to it as, that specific building where religious people gather. That there are all different kinds of churches. Sadly, in one sense, they are correct. I hope to bring to you a point of view, quite different from that of the world's. The church is not an organization, but an organism. It lives and breathes, works and serves and exists with but one identity, for there is only one church. This church, is the body of Christ. It has no gender or nationality, not gentile nor Greek. The body has many members, as do our own physical bodies. All believers, being born again are members of the church body. Get your bible out and follow, to confirm what is about to be spoken, in this writing. Ephesians 3:1-12, amplified version
For this reason, because I preached that you are thus lifted up together, I Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus, the Christ, for the sake and on behalf of you gentiles- Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace, (His unmerited favor) that was entrusted to me, to dispense to you, for your benefit, And that the mystery, (secret), was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direst revelation, as I already briefly wrote you. When you read this, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. This mystery was never disclosed to human beings, in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets, by the Holy Spirit. It is this; that the gentiles are now to be fellow heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and joint partakers in the same divine promise, in Christ, through their acceptance of the Gospel. Of this Gospel, I was made a minister according to the gift of God's free grace, which was bestowed on me by the exercise of His power. To me, though I am the very least of the saints, this grace was granted and graciously entrusted, to proclaim to the gentiles the unending riches of Christ, Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan ( regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men) of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed, until now, in the mind of God Who created all things by Christ Jesus. The purpose is, that through the church, the complicated, many sided, wisdom of God, in all it's infinite variety and innumerable aspects, might now, be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities, (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. This, in accordance, with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose, which He has realized and carried into effect, in the person of, Jesus Christ our Lord, in Whom, because of our faith, in Him, we dare to have the boldness of free access ( an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).
Only in the church can an Holy brotherhood be found. In Christ (church), all race - all class - all gender - all distinctions, simply disappear.
There is no mention of the church, in the Old Testament. It was not only, unknown by man, but God's prophets, as well. The church was first identified by Jesus. He referred to this as, future of His day. Matthew 16:18 Paul, not only, tells us the church is a mystery, (that is where some choose to leave it), but he tells us of it's character, this all having been revealed to him, for this purpose (our telling). Prophecies and promises, of the Old Testament do not apply to the church in this identity. These were for Israel and Judah, only. Although, we may apply some of these, in other identities, such as, the seed of Abraham, for example, they are not for the church, in the identity, Jesus told of and Paul teaches.
The church started at Pentecost and shall be completed at the return of Jesus. (Some call this, the second coming, yet He has already come to us more than twice, so I use another reference). The church (bride of Christ) is made up of those that believe and are saved, in that time. The righteous dead, in Christ, of the Old Testament, are friends of the Bridegroom, not part of the bride. The church of new born is from His finished work to now and until His return. This is the body of Christ and is to become His bride. This group (our identity) is being gathered out, by the Holy Spirit, from all mankind, until the fullness of this age is come. Romans 11:1-25 more references to church; Ephesians 1:22-23, 1Cor 12:12-13, also verse 27, Romans 12:5
Neither can the church die, as the body of Christ! Revelation 1:18 The church is alive, for ever more. Jesus, not only, gave His life for the church, but gave life to the church. Read Col 3:4.
Listen.... The only way, Christ, who is the Head and is in Glory, may manifest Himself, to the world, is through His body- The Church. Let me say it this way, The only provision for the world to see Jesus, today, is through Christian believers (the church). Paul states this to the Philippians, in chapter 1 verse 21, of that letter.
Are we perfect? Since Jesus is the Head and the Church is the body, together, the two as one, us in Him and He in us,make up the perfect man. It is inconceivable that a perfect head could be attached to an imperfect body. Sanctified, set apart, we are. Those that choose and are chosen.
Let's read along some more in Ephesians, chapter 4:8-14
Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captive (He led a train of vanquished foes) and He bestowed gifts, on men. (Ps. 68-18) But He ascended? Now what can this, "He ascended", mean but that He had previously descended from the heights of heaven into the depths of the lower parts of the earth(hell, my added interpretation)? He who descended is the very same as He Who also has ascended, high above all the heavens, that He, (His presence), might fill ALL things (the whole universe, from the lowest to the highest), And His gifts were varied; He, Himself, appointed and gave men to us, some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists ( preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors ( shepherds of His flock), and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), that they should do the work of ministering, toward building up Christ's body (the church), That it might develop until we all attain oneness, in the faith and in the comprehension of the full and accurate knowledge of the Son of God, that we might arrive at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness, found in Him. So then, WE MAY NO LONGER BE CHILDREN......
I trust that you may have had an exposure to one of your intended identities, in this study. I pray the Holy Spirit give you understanding and motivation, from this. The church is not a building, but people. People that have accepted Him, Lord Jesus. So then, we need not wait til we get within the confines of any certain building. We can have church, daily. Jesus said, where two or more are gathered, in my name, there I will be with them. Sounds like church! Amen
Be there (at church), every time the door is open, that not just on Sundays and Wednesdays, at a certain address, but every time you are gathered, in His name. Let Him be seen, in you, because He does live, in you. Remember it is all up to you. God is not willing, (by His Word), to do a great work in those that don't work. Never cease doing good!
Love you
GW
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