not finished formatting CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 35 or 36 duplicated - one is missing CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH A CERTAIN DESIRE EXPRESSED IN HIS PRAYER. The prayer that He prayed is found in the Gospel of John, chapter seventeen. It is a beautiful prayer and is greatly guided in the direction of the satisfaction of His desire toward His church, His people. The theme that we wish to consider in His prayer is His strong desire for a deep spiritual relationship with those who are His. Both, those who were the initial followers of the Lord Jesus and also those who were to become converts, through the preaching of the Word. John 17:20 We may always be assured that He has prayed for us and still is our intercessor before the throne of His Father. In His ministry as the great and only high priest, He represents us before the throne of justice when we come seeking salvation. Heb. 7:25 He is our sacrifice and advocate, the only one who can make intercession for us in the presence of the judge of the whole earth. Rom. 8:34 HIS PRAYER FOR THE UNITY OF THE BODY, HIS CHURCH. A faultless, coordinated and perfectly functioning body. If HE prayed it, rest assured that it will be accomplished. THAT THEY MAY BE ONE. A challenge to every Christian to fit into and minister one to another in the development of the unity of the body of Christ. The task before us is immense, but it is inconceivable that a prayer such as this, prayed by the Lord Jesus, would not be answered. The history of the church does not record this having been accomplished, therefore it is something that we may look forward to with great anticipation. It is to be the result of a moving of the Spirit in these last days that supersedes all expectations. The unity of this last day church must be equal to that which exists between the Father and the Son. The Father in the Son and the Son in the Father. Coexisting, in perfect harmony, each being equal to the other, yet recognizing the distinct person and personality of each. A blending together and a unification in mind and purpose. All of which is superbly explained in the Word, but seems so difficult for the natural mind to receive. ONE WITH GOD. Amazing and most wonderful is the thought of being included in that marvelous unity that exists in the Godhead. THAT THEY MAY BE ONE IN US. This brings us to the ultimate cause and purpose of the whole plan of salvation. John 17:21 The root and foundation of that which the Lord will accomplish is love, His love in its completeness manifest in us. It is the sure sign of discipleship, when we have love one for another. John 13:35 It is that love that IS SHED ABROAD by the Holy Ghost. A magnificent choice of words, SHED, poured forth, spilled out, somehow leaves the impression of great sufficiency and abundance to overflowing. Where the individual may naturally lack in love, the glorious presence of the Spirit will more than make up for our insufficiency and overwhelm us with that unique, one of a kind love of the Lord that is evidenced in us by the power of the Spirit. Rom. 5:5 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 2 A PORTION OF THE WEDDING GARMENT. Evidences of an inward work of grace which is not visible at first glance and sometimes even by close scrutiny cannot be seen. They are discernible only by close association. This is the required clothing of the elect of God. They are His chosen, therefore they follow Him implicitly in ascertaining and performing His perfect will. They are a people who are holy and dearly beloved, both by the Lord and by their fellow believers. Col. 3:12 The result of their deep and involving relationship with Christ is apparent by the elements of His life with which they have adorned themselves. They will be a compassionate and inwardly merciful people. Kindness and gentleness will be evidenced in them. They are to be a people who possess humility of mind, they are modest and without conceit. They have the mind of Christ, therefore they think as He does. Meekness, gentleness and patience are virtues which they possess and that in great measure, or would it better be said with the measure of Christ. ATTITUDES ONE TOWARD ANOTHER. The right attitude is an imperative for the church of the Christ of God, particularly in the end of the age. Too often these very conditions become the hindering factor of the moving of the Spirit in the church. Attitudes must be brought into line with the Bible standard. Col. 3:13 Forbearance, one with another, is an absolute. Revival cannot break out where there are deep rooted differences and feelings among believers. Human personalities are so varied and innumerable that there are bound to be conflicts which create dissension and disagreement. But, a real commitment to Christ, and a change in our spirit by the Spirit of the Lord, will alter our attitude and enable us to follow the pattern established by the Lord Jesus. Receiving the disposition of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit is the secret of meeting the principle that has been established by the Word of God. Forgiveness is a keyword for the building of Christian character. We are commanded to forgive others with the same measure of forgiveness which was used when Christ forgave us. His forgiveness was full and unconditional. Unforgiveness retained against another person can only embitter our own spirit and attitude, making any attempt of fellowship with such a person most unpleasant. THE BINDING COMPONENT LEADING TO PERFECTION, IS LOVE. The love of God ruling and reigning in our hearts is the motivation that leads us to the perfection that is in the Lord. Love, provides the means whereby we may overlook and overcome the quirks that irritate us in the personalities of others. These things are presented to us in the Word, that we might make the proper commitment and be able to participate in the blessedness of the work that will be accomplished in His church, in these last days. Col.3:14 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 3 THAT THEY MAY BE PERFECT. What a challenge to every Christian. The call of the Word and the Spirit to each and every one of us is to meet the high standards of Christian living that are presented to us by the Lord, in His Word. John 17:23 Love, the love of God, is the key to a complete, consummate life in the Lord. That love must reach out in both a vertical and horizontal direction. Our love for the Lord will be no greater than our love for our brother in Christ, and for the lost souls of this world. Perfection can only be achieved by the presence of the Lord dwelling in us. An accomplishment that is assured by the measure of our love for one another. The reward is to be immeasurable, GOD DWELLING IN US. How can one possibly enumerate the possibilities of such a glorious accomplishment. His love and His presence complement one another to create the perfect church filled with and manifesting the fullness of His great and unsurpassable love. 1 Jn. 2:12 THE GOAL OF THE LORD FOR HIS CHURCH, TODAY. The manner in which He will achieve His purpose is well known and most generally accepted by the church as being that of the fivefold ministry. We must never lose sight of the fact that this ministry is a gift to the church. Rather than scrambling around to gain a position, the work, the achievement desired by the Lord must be the aim. The Lord will acquire a perfect church as a bride. The evidence of that perfect church will first of all be its unity of the faith (Greek. pistis -- persuasion, assurance, belief ). Sadly, Many of us are not willing to alter doctrinal beliefs which may not have roots in the truth of the Word. Eph. 4:13 The Apostle Paul issued a plea to the church of that day that there be singleness of speech or preaching among them. His desire being total agreement and accord between them, entirely without division or dissent of any kind. Being PERFECTLY united, flawlessly framed together. Having the same mind, possessing the same thoughts in all Spiritual matters. Attaining the same conclusion. As idealistic as these thoughts may be it must be remembered that they are the expressions of the Lord spoken through His leadership and He will accomplish His goals. 1 Cor. 1:10 WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. Here is the secret of the unity that He will acquire in His church. 1 Cor. 2:16 We have the Spirit of truth. He whom Jesus said He would send to teach us all things and He it is who would direct us into the truth. John 16:13 The measure of the wisdom and the knowledge of the Lord is limitless through the avenue that is presented to His church in this manner. All that is in the possession of the Father is likewise possessed by the Son. All that belongs to the Son is to be revealed and conveyed to His people by the Holy Spirit. John 16:15 As boundless and unlimited as the Lord is, it is His good pleasure to impart the very being that He is, to His people. Oh, marvelous design and intent. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 4 OF PRIME IMPORTANCE. The true evidence of our love for the Lord Jesus, is that of being obedient to His Word. If we are to have fellowship and companionship with Christ it is of utmost importance that we follow His Word in full obedience. A whole hearted willingness to be submissive to the instruction and the teachings of Jesus is of tremendous benefit, both in this life and will result in life eternal. The person who is obedient is assured of the love of the Father, that person who is love personified. This brings an introduction into our lives of a love that is guaranteed by the Covenant of Christ, everlasting and unchangeable. The ultimate, grand reward is the abiding presence of the Godhead dwelling within the heart and life of that individual. Jesus said, WE (the Triunity of God) will come and make OUR abode or home with him. John 14:23 LIFE GIVING SEED. A seed that produces real LIFE, everlasting Life. That seed is the Word Of God. A seed that cannot be polluted nor contaminated. It is ever living and producing life eternal. It is that which creates a new life within the heart and spirit of those who are born into the family of God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 1:23 The result of this marvelous spiritual birth is evidenced by an obedience to the truth. The truth will sanctify and begin to reveal the Christ life in the individual who is now a new creature in Christ. Forming conformity to the Word and a love for the brethren. 1 Pet. 1:22 The expressions used by Peter in relationship to that "love of the brethren" are most interesting. He first calls it unfeigned, without hypocrisy, no pretense, but a true, and honest attitude. Then, this love is to proceed from a pure, sincere and honest heart. How important it is that we learn to love even the most unlovely. It must also be a fervent, intent and deep love that emanates from a heart of purity and truthfulness. How different life is when we follow the pattern established for us by the Word of the Lord. A CONTINUOUS RELATIONSHIP. This is the desire of the Lord. He has provided for us a perpetual fellowship, one that is in existence now and will last throughout eternity. This blessed alliance is contingent on the elements of obedience and love. How extremely important the Word and Love are, not only a love for the Lord but also a love for others. Especially those of the household of faith. Maintaining a life which is directed by the Word will produce His love in us. John 15:10 The kinship of Christ and His church must go far beyond a casual friendship and reach a status of deep and intimate knowledge. We are to be no longer babes carried about in all directions by every wind of doctrine and exciting (though some times false) report that is circulated. We must give heed to the Word and realize that spiritual growth is based on a knowledge of the Word. The Lord would bring us to maturity and that is only possible as the Word become effective in our lives. It will create growth and make us to know that which is of truth and that which is not. Eph. 4:14-15 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 5 THE EXISTENCE OF A SPIRITUAL KINGDOM. A hidden kingdom, unseen, yet very real. Visible only to that person who has been born of the Spirit. Known to exist only to the person who has been initiated by means of the new birth into that kingdom. John 3:3 Entrance is exclusively for those who are born of the water and the Spirit (Pneuma). The natural man is brought into this world by water and breath (pneuma). So the Spiritual man is born into the kingdom of God, in a Spiritual transaction, whereby he is made to be alive, Spiritually. Real life, the life of very God himself is imparted to him. He is now born of the Spirit of the Lord. His spirit man is in fellowship with the Lord. Water was also a part of the process, for we see that Jesus included water as part of the Spiritual birth. John 3:5 THE WATERS OF THE NEW BIRTH. Because of its ability to expose sin, then to wash and cleanse from sin, the WORD is likened unto water. Spiritual cleansing and Holiness are the result of an effective working of the Spirit and the Word in the believer. As effectual as the water of the Word is in an inward cleansing of the Spirit nature, so the waters of baptism have a cleansing effect. Water baptism is a very necessary part of the foundational works of salvation and the development of the Spiritual man. Peter's Pentecostal message called for repentance and water baptism, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (His full name being used in many translations) for "THE REMISSION OF SINS". This illustrates to us that the flesh, the body in which sin was committed needs a cleansing also. The process of salvation has its effect on the whole man, spirit, soul and body. In the exhortation of Ananias to Saul he urged him to arise and be baptized in order to "WASH HIS SINS AWAY" while calling on the name of the Lord. Water baptism is not a ritual but involves a work of the Spirit where the fleshly body is cleansed and purified from the pollution of sin. Water baptism does not save, but is a very important link and step in the cleansing of every one who believes on the Lord Jesus. WHAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS. Our subject is too large to have more than a passing reference to it. The study of the Holy Spirit is a great and lengthy study. Nevertheless, it is of vital importance. The Holy Spirit is the one who is the motivation of the Kingdom of God within us. Israel, in the days of the Lord Jesus, anticipated that a natural kingdom would be established by their Messiah. They were wrong, and missed the kingdom of God which was introduced by Jesus. It was Paul in his letter to the Romans who was to declare that the kingdom was not meat and drink, or a natural kingdom but it was to be a Spiritual kingdom. A kingdom of righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost. A time of the righteousness of God prevailing and ruling. A time of peace and tranquilly. An atmosphere of joy and rejoicing. A time of the great blessings of the Lord. His kingdom filled with the Spirit with all, living and dwelling in the power of the Spirit. Rom. 14:17 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 6 WHERE IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD? Jesus made it very plain to the Pharisees of His day that the kingdom was not to be located by natural or physical means. They watched Jesus in all of His activities trying to discern the kingdom for which they were waiting and watching. Lk. 17:20 Their anticipation was for the establishment of a secular kingdom. They had no vision or comprehension of any kind of a governmental authority which was anything but of this world. Jesus directed them into an entirely different direction by stating that, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU. Luke 17:21 Our Lord has no reason other than to reveal His kingdom, in its fullness, in His people, and never more so, than in this day and hour. CURRENT PROMISES AND PRIVILEGES. The present standing of those who are recipients of the kingdom. We HAVE BEEN, present tense, DELIVERED, from the power of darkness. Could we ask for more of an assurance than that? Currently, up to date we are free, liberated from the manipulations of our enemy. Christ who is greater than he who is in the world, guaranteed us certain victory. Victory is there for all who believe. Col. 1:13a For they, have been delivered from the power of darkness. Jesus came to destroy all the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 For those who live under the old/new commandment the darkness is a thing of the past. There is no place for the obedient to be overcome by the darkness. Some things are only to be found in order, where there is obedience. 1 John 2:7-9 The Lord is in the process of calling a people out of the kingdom of darkness into a kingdom of marvelous light. The light of the Lord must prevail and shine brightly in the life of everyone who would live in victory. 1 Pet. 2:9 OUR STATUS ESTABLISHED, NOW! HE HAS TRANSLATED us into the kingdom of His dear Son. While we recognize a future fulfillment, there are currently privileges that are available to us. Col. 1:13b At one time in our lives we were the servants of sin, but through heartfelt obedience to the doctrine taught we have been set free. No longer slaves to sin and unrighteousness, but now, love slaves to the righteousness of God found in Christ Jesus. Rom. 6:16-18 Not only is there great evidence of love for the Lord but in fulfillment to the scriptures there is complete love for the brethren. This amazing love which is manifest in us is our assurance that we have been translated into His kingdom. We have passed, present tense, from death unto life. 1 John 3:14 In the richness of His great love and mercy toward us, even while we were yet dead and deeply involved in sin. The Lord reached forth to QUICKEN us together with Christ. The same resurrection life that is manifest in the Lord Jesus is ours. We have been raised TOGETHER with Him. We have been seated TOGETHER with Him. Even in heavenly places, with the Lord Jesus. Eph. 2:5-6 We well know what has been prepared to the eternity to come, however we need to awake to our current rights in Christ and the glorious and wonderful blessings that are ours, NOW! CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 7 THE MANIFESTATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. The kingdom of God is not in or with words, statements and declarations made in an attempt to verbalize the kingdom and its evidence into existence. The kingdom of God is a demonstration of the power of the Almighty. The ability of the Lord to act according to that which He has proclaimed in the power and capability of His name. 1 Cor. 4:20 With just the strength and power of one finger, He cast out devils and brought those delivered into the presence of the kingdom of God. Both the kingdom and the power were resident within the Christ of God. Luke 11:20 This work was the great evidence that the Spirit of the living God dwelt within Jesus. Mt. 12:28 That same identical Spirit that dwelt in Christ and ministered through Him now dwells in every born again, Spirit filled believer. It is the Spirit of faith, creating faith in every believer, resulting in the demonstration of the great and majestic power of the Lord. 2 Cor. 4:13 PRECIOUS PROMISE. Jesus promised another comforter (parakletos, a counselor, a comforter, an advocate, one who was to be just like the one who went away). He is given a very special title, for He is to be the Spirit of Truth. How blessed, one in whom we can have absolute confidence and rely totally on all that He would convey to us. He is to abide with the church of the Lord Jesus, forever. Not only will He dwell with us, which most Christians acknowledge, but He will go farther than that, and is designated to dwell in the believer. It is wonderful to know that He will be with us, but far more blessed when He dwells within the very temple of our body. In this manner, creating a divine relationship between the creator and that which He has created. John 14:16-17 The helper who is to come is to be sent in the name of the Lord Jesus. That provides a strong key as to whom are to ask and from whom we are to receive Him. Likewise, indicates the work that He will accomplish in us. He is to teach us all things concerning the Christ of God. The Holy Spirit has a ministry of instruction and revelation which will exalt Jesus, making Him to be one who is greatly desired by His people. John 14:26 BEING IN HIM. That precious abiding place. The secret place of the most high. There is so much more to living the life of Christ than what we are enjoying today. There is a depth, a height, a richness, a completeness, where His promises are fulfilled in His people. We are spiritual paupers, when we should be constantly and gloriously rejoicing in the entirety of the blessings that Jesus has purchased for us. Having now been sealed with the Promised Spirit, the vast, endless, immeasurable resources of our heritage are made available to us. We should accept that which has been proffered us and revel in the abundance of Spiritual blessings that are made accessible to us now. Eph. 1:13-14 Far better, Spiritual blessings which bring contentment. Than the natural wealth of this world which can only illicit a greater desire for more riches. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 8 CHRIST PROMISED POWER TO HIS CHURCH. The power and unction of the Holy Spirit. While He is exceeding great in power, force equal to dynamite, He is also of immense practical purpose. The power of the Spirit will equip one for the service of the Lord. Initially, the person receiving the power of the Spirit may be demonstrative. Eventually, as the individual grows in the Lord the extreme usefulness of the operation of the Spirit will manifest Himself in the person filled with the Spirit. Acts 1:8 His church in the end of the age will be marvelously efficient in the gifts, fruit and virtues of the Holy Spirit. The phenomenon of the gifts being exercised in the church is in equal measure to the fruit and virtues of the Spirit. The manifestations of the Spirit must reach the same perfection in the church as that which is found in the Lord Himself. THE POWER OF THE CROSS. The symbol, the sign are insignificant. They are without merit. Too often we are prone to place our hope and faith in things which are material. Instead, it is the Spiritual substance, the reason behind the cross, and the action taken on the cross, that has meaning and effect in human lives. The power of the cross is found in THE WORD OF THE CROSS, the message of the cross. Its voice sounding forth the declaration of redemption by blood. From the beginning of the Old Testament to the conclusion of the New, the positive word of Atonement by the blood of sacrifice is proclaimed. Amazingly, the very blood of God Himself, is to be the only acceptable offering. The source of blood, in the babe, originating from the Father of the child. 1 Cor. 1:18 The preaching of the cross was to be in simplicity, a message easy to understand. It was not to be designed to manifest the intelligence of the messenger or his cleverness in the manipulation of words. Paul established an example by deliberately preaching an uncomplicated message void of the persuasive words of the wisdom of man. In their place he used the instrument of the Spirit which is far more effective. The demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. How much more prevailing is the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of those who hear the glorious message of redemption by the blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 2:4 Even so, his ministry to the church was not one of stupidity or of foolishness. It was not light and frivolous, but with the wisdom of the Lord Himself. The Spirit of revelation rested upon the early church making known to them the mysteries of the Lord. Because of a maturity of Spirit and Word they were able to receive and comprehend the hidden things of the Lord. There is yet much that will be made known by the Spirit of the Lord as He reveals, to the church, His Divine purposes for the end of the age. We will see and we will comprehend those things that He has prepared for us. We need not step outside of the Word of the Lord for revelation. We have not yet exhausted the workings of the Lord for His church. There is so much more to come as we draw closer to Him. 1 Cor. 2:4-9 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 9 THE GREAT DESIRE OF THE HEART OF THE APOSTLE PAUL. Above all he wanted the < POWER OF CHRIST > to rest upon him. "TO PITCH A TENT OVER AND DWELL ON ME" Amplified Ver. To have that glorious thrill of the closeness of His presence is most desirable. 2 Cor. 12:9 Is that not the cry and longing of every Christian heart? Becoming a source of the mighty power of the Lord. To be a vessel fit for the masters use. It may be that the method used by the Lord is not exactly that which we would desire. Paul was willing to accept his thorn in the flesh and his own weakness in order to receive the power of the Lord. It is obvious that there is a great measure of the power and strength of the Lord that can only become operable when the natural ability of man is set aside. With this knowledge Paul took great pleasure in the adversities that came his way. He was to see the hand of the Lord in every reversal which assailed him, and rejoiced in them. His attitude enabled him to tolerate every rejection he met. More than that he rejoiced in them, knowing that each and every trial brought him into a closer relationship with the Lord. There is something about this, which presents another side of the Christian life that is seldom talked about. 2 Cor. 12:10 ONE OF THE AMAZING THINGS ABOUT JESUS. Periodically the fact that He was man as well as God is exposed. One of such is recorded in Hebrews the fifth chapter and the eighth verse. He learned obedience. Would we expect the Son of God to have to be educated in the ways of obedience? In eternity He was obedient, there was no rebellion in Him. His willingness to come into this world was one exceptional act of obedience. Yet, the human nature which He possessed required surrender and submission to His Father. If this were true with Him, how much more is it a lesson that we must learn? By means of the many avenues whereby He suffered He was brought to perfection and became the author of salvation for all who OBEY HIM. Heb. 5:9 A PRICE TO BE PAID FOR PERFECTION. While we may not like to suffer and would perhaps rather seek a doctrine that would teach us that there is no suffering for Christians, let us face the fact of the matter. To suffer for the Gospel and for Christ is something that is allotted of the Lord, we are destined to suffer for Him. Phil. 1:29 We like the idea of sharing as heirs, and joint heirs with Him, all the good things of eternity. The idea of being glorified with Him, of being recipients of that beautiful and eternal glory is greatly pleasing. There is another factor stated in the Word which we must consider and that makes these things conditional. The condition being the subject now being considered, If we suffer with Him. Not a pleasant thought, but an experience in life which is some times necessary for us to learn a much needed lesson. Rom. 8:17 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 10 A TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST VITAL TO THE CHURCH. Grace, mercy and peace are to be received by those who have a full knowledge, an insight that is deep and extensive, into the very being of the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not sufficient to have an intellectual knowledge of Him. We must allow the Spirit and the Word to permit Him to become a living portion of our life. The very reason for living is Christ. He daily, reveals Himself more completely in our lives. 1 Pet. 1:2 The source of all good things is the glorious and marvelous divine power whereby He daily loads us with benefits. Much greater than the physical, natural necessities are the even more necessary Spiritual blessings that encourage us to draw nigh unto Him. 2 Pet. 1:3 HE HAS MADE COVENANT PROMISES. Promises which can never be altered or broken. Because He is God, He has sworn by Himself, for there is none greater. These promises are "exceeding great", they give assurance to mankind of the very most important thing in life, and that is eternal life, the privilege of becoming a participant of the divine nature of God Himself; the sharing of His Spiritual fullness, being and character. His eternity will be filled with those who have been privileged to conform to His likeness. 2 Pet. 1:4 Even now that transformation is being brought about in the life of His very own. Change is inevitable, for the Lord has a high and holy goal to which He will lead His church. She will bear His likeness in every aspect of her existence. She will be filled with His eternal glory and will forever show forth the glory of the eternal. 2 Cor. 3:8 HIS POWER AS A GIFT TO THE CHURCH. A power that supersedes all other force, authority, energy or strength. Absolute, the very ultimate of energy is found in the Lord. Paul called it "incomparable power". None equal to it in time or eternity. It is designed to be used on behalf of those who believe, and by them. This is the mighty manifestation of the great and exceeding majesty of the power of God. Eph. 1:19 It was displayed in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus when He was delivered from the grave and exalted to the right hand of the majesty on high, in the realms of heaven. Where Jesus sits enthroned above and ruling over every rule and ruler, He is not only located above all, but His authority and strength are over all others. Eph. 1:19-21 All are in complete subjection to Him. More importantly, He is the head of the church. That beautiful last day church which is to be His bride. The body which makes Him to be complete or whole. The plan and purpose of the Lord from the beginning is for a man to have a wife and in such a manner be made complete. This will conclude the cycle, and bring into being the last Adam and His Eve. Two parties, united in one in this fashion creating the eternal, heavenly race. His everlasting glory and majesty will be fully imputed to her making her to be equal with Him. Eph. 1:22-23 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 11 THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT AT WORK IN HIS CHURCH. There are limitless possibilities of the manifestation of the greatness of the power of the Lord in His church. It is His mighty power that is at work in and through His church. His ability is boundless, it knows no restriction. The capacity of His power far exceeds the competency of man to ask or think, what he will, to the extreme. The Lord knows no impossibility. His response to our request is determined by the power that is working in us. Eph. 3:19 The Lord has not instilled within His church a spirit of timidity, or of faithlessness, or of fear, but contrariwise the spirit of power, strength, mighty works and abilities. The sure motivating force being that of love, a love for the Lord and a love for individuals who will benefit from the demonstration of power. Involved also is the necessity of a sound mind, a disciplined individual who is requesting the display of the power of God solely for the glory of the Lord. 2 Tim. 1:7 ONLY DEAD MEN COUNT. Dead men can be men of power and authority. Dead men are men mightily used of the Lord. The Apostle Paul was one such personage. First of all, he wanted to really know Him, that is, Christ. His desire was for an intimate comprehension and full, complete understanding of His very being. This is a longing that is found in the heart of most Christians. Oh to know Christ more fully. The purpose being that the constant life of resurrection might be made manifest. There is a process whereby such a glorious experience in Christ Jesus may be attained. The beginning step is to fellowship His sufferings. Listed for us are those negative experiences which were a part of His life. Isa. 53:3-10 These are the things to which Paul was willing to commit himself, that he might gain Christ. He was surrendered to be made like Him in His death that he might obtain the glorious power of His resurrection. Phil. 3:10 "I am crucified with Christ". I have been, an element of spiritual life in Christ to which he was no stranger. He had touched the death, burial and resurrection of Christ through the guidance and operation of the Spirit. Gal. 2:20 He was not referring to a physical death but a dying to the environment of this world's vain pleasures and sins. Gal. 6:14 The work of the Spirit to which he has reference is a complete elimination of any sinful desire from the heart. A dead person cannot be tempted to react to anything in this life. He is dead and cannot respond. The sinful nature with its desires have been eliminated and banished. Gal. 5:24 There is now the sure evidence of that new life in Christ showing its presence in the individual. A life that is real life, eternal, everlasting life. It is not the will of the Lord that Christians live a life of victory and defeat. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom. 8:37 Christ will chose a bride in these last days and she will not be of an uncertain nature but will be consistent in her walk and life before the Lord. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 12 DEAD CHRISTIANS. Is it clearly manifest that Christians are dead to sin? If we are to have the fullness of Christ dwelling within it is vital that there be a death to all sin. Paul's question was, "How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Rom. 6:2 The crucified, the dead with Christ would have no response to sin. There is a great need for the ministry - and the church - of today, to change what is too often practiced as a ritual into a spiritual experience. The intent of the Lord in water baptism is that the baptized might experience the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Paul wrote of being baptized INTO Christ. (Greek, eis, a primary preposition, to or INTO (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time or (figuratively) purpose). (Strong's). Therefore in water baptism we are placed, by faith, in the tomb with Him. Being baptized INTO Christ Jesus. We identify with His experience and become one with Him in His death. We therefore, have the right and privilege of reckoning, considering ourselves to be dead to sin, and very much so, living in Christ. Rom. 6:11 THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION. What a blessed dwelling place. Glorious spiritual standing of freedom and liberty. The Spirit of life, the result of the new birth and burial with Christ Jesus has resulted in release from the law of sin and death. The Law failed because of the weakness and iniquity of man. Therefore, God sent Christ born of a woman, to become the only offering for sin. The only source of relief from the guilt and reproach of sin. Now, through the means provided by Christ, we may fulfill all the spiritual, righteous requirements of the Law. Now, we may live a life patterned after the life of Christ. No longer will sin reign in us and spoil the beauty of the Christian life. Rom. 8:1-4 It is not needful that we live under constant guilt and accusation for there is a life prepared for us in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us find it, enter into it and live it. PRECIOUS PROMISES. Raised, to enjoy the blessings of a new life in Christ, providing water baptism had the spiritual intent portrayed in the scriptures. It is a terrifically meaningful component of our spiritual life. For that matter, none of the spiritual practices that are ours are meaningless. They all have real significance and benefit as we follow them. Rom. 6:4-5 If we have been planted together with Him. What a nice choice of words. Planted together, All plants are planted with the expectation of future growth. So it is with the Christian. Being obedient, and having been planted with Him we may expect spiritual growth, for some more luxuriant than others. Some translations make it, united, which is also a good choice. Our spiritual future is entirely dependent on our union or our relationship with Christ. Resurrection life is for us now. Rom. 6:5 We may enjoy a walk in the power of His Spirit with full and complete victory. There is no place for defeat in Christ. We are more than conquerors. Why not live up to our privileges in Christ Jesus and enjoy all that He has purchased for us now. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 13 CERTAIN AND POSITIVE KNOWLEDGE. A spiritual understanding and comprehension which must be present in everyone who would serve the Lord. The old man, the man of sin, the carnal nature is crucified with Christ. This is an imperative for all who would find the Christ life dwelling within. Rom. 6:6 The old nature, that natural man, with all of his carnal actions must be dealt with in a proper manner. The conduct of the former man must be thrown aside for his thoughts, actions and mannerism are vile and follow a pattern of fleshly lusts. Eph. 4:22 We have discarded that former nature with all his works of unrighteousness. In exchange, the new man is now in the process of being formed in us. There is a constant and progressive work of grace being revealed in His body, the church. This spiritual growth is accomplished by our knowledge of the Lord Jesus. As we study the Word and respond to it, we note that we are being made more and more like unto the Lord. His nature and character are being developed in us. Col. 3:10 THE BODY OF SIN IS TO BE DEALT WITH. Repeatedly, the thought of being rid or free from the binding elements of the flesh are presented to us. Old Testament circumcision becomes a type of the effect of water baptism and is likened to a circumcision that is performed without hands. Baptism becomes a means whereby the body of sin, the natural man is discarded. Freedom from the old life lived in the flesh is accomplished. Col. 2:11 The old habits of sin are binding, even overwhelming. Therefore, the Lord has provided a way for full and complete deliverance. The body of sin is to be cast aside freeing us from the slavery of sin. Rom. 6:6 The scriptures are not prompting us to disregard our physical bodies but, through the help of the Spirit of the Lord, to live a life in the Spirit. There is only death, eternal death associated with the fleshly, carnal man. If we live according to the dictates of the flesh, there is death. To crucify, to put to death, to lay aside in water baptism, the works of the carnal, sinful man opens the door to true life in Christ. Rom. 8:13 It becomes a matter of "mind set". Dependent on that what demands our attention and affections. We are encouraged to "set your affections" on things which are spiritual, heavenly and everlasting, and not on the temporal things of this earth. The reason being that we have died to the lust of the old man and now enjoy the new life that is in Christ Jesus. Col. 3:2-3 There is a vast domain to be acquired through living a Christian life, in the Spirit. Christianity, as it is today, is being robbed of the mighty presence of the Lord which is available to us. The commitment that produces the mighty manifestation and power of the Lord is not being made by the church, as a whole. Christ has called us to live His life here on this earth. Crucified with Him, means He lives within us. While we live in a natural body, we live in the strength and glory of our faith in the Son of God. Therefore, His life has become ours. Gal. 2:20 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 14 MASTERY OVER SIN. Absolute victory in triumphing over sin is the right and prerogative of every true child of God. It is not necessary, it is not the will of the Lord that we sin every day in word, thought or deed. Every member of the body of Christ is destined, not only to conquer but to exceed in its ability to overcome. The ability to be triumphant is not of ourselves, but is the manifestation of the power of His love in us. Rom. 8:37 To persist in wrong doing is to deny the power and capability of the Lord to keep, to preserve His people from sin, and from falling. Once again we have the assurance that He is able to present us, as His Bride, before His throne, faultless. There is no limitation to His proficiency in accomplishing in His church that which is His goal. Jude 24 A CERTAIN, STRONG APPEAL TO ALL WHO ARE IN CHRIST. Present yourselves. To commit the body is to surrender the whole man, body, soul and spirit. Dedication and sanctification belong to the whole, the total man. Rom. 12:1 Our God is able to preserve the spirit, soul and body in purity and blameless until the coming of Christ a second time. 1 Thes. 5:23 The appeal to the church today is that she might yield herself as an implement of righteousness to the Lord. No longer an instrument of sin, in servitude to the powers of unrighteousness. Now serving the Lord whole heartedly, and in a righteous manner. Rom. 6:13 The one to whom we offer ourselves is our master and we are his slaves. If our obedience is to sin then we are in bound in slavery to wickedness and impurity. Now, through wholehearted obedience to the doctrine of Christ the church is liberated from all forms of unrighteousness and is enjoying a life of righteousness. Rom. 6:16-18 THE LIVING SACRIFICE OFFERED UNTO THE LORD. Living and life giving, for it will exemplify the life of Christ. The church is to shine in this world with the glorious light of the Lord. It is to be a beacon of beautiful shining light in the midst of the darkness of sin. Again, a high standard is established for her. She is to be established as being without accusation of any sort. Innocent and blameless showing forth the nature and attitude of the true children of God, blazing brilliantly before the world with the light of the gospel upon her. Phil. 2:15 The church is privileged to draw close to Him having had her heart cleansed from an evil conscience. How wonderful it is to have a conscience which has been sanctified and liberated from all guilt and condemnation. Likewise, our commitment is that of having our bodies washed, in baptism, that they might be pure containers for the Spirit of God. Heb. 10:22 As difficult as all this may sound to the carnal mind, it is but the very elementary step of our Christian faith. The Bride of Christ will be in full and complete surrender to her Lord. She will be in complete submission to His will and will love every moment of it. Rom. 12:1 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 15 GIFTS BESTOWED BY HIS DIVINE POWER. The scriptures reveal to us how much we live in spiritual poverty. These gifts are not things to be anticipated, something that He has projected out into the future, but bequests that He HAS bestowed upon His church. The magnitude is described as being "ALL THINGS". There is no limitation placed on that which may be received, it includes the whole of His bounty. 2 Pet. 1:3 The benefits received from Him are those things that accompany LIFE and GODLINESS. The Lord takes of what He is, and imparts His very own nature to those who are His. He has promised that He will withhold NO GOOD THING, from them who walk uprightly, in His life and being of righteousness. Ps. 84:11 The key to the ability of receiving His promises is through our understanding and comprehension of Him. The deeper our knowledge of God, and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the greater His abounding grace and peace in us. Certainly these are elements sought after by all in this world. Become deeply ACQUAINTED with Jesus for they are found in Him, in great abundance. 2 Pet. 1:2 To know Him, is to obtain and possess life everlasting. He is life itself and the source of all life, in him alone is found life, both natural life and more importantly, spiritual life. Acts 17:28 THE PEOPLE CALLED TO GLORY AND VIRTUE. The call of the Spirit of the Lord to participate in His high calling is to partake with Him, in His glory and virtue. His aim is to share fully of Himself with His Called. 2 Pet. 1:3 His Called are identifiable by their resemblance to Him, in their spiritual and natural conduct. They will exemplify His nature and have great desire to be like the Lord. 1 Pet. 1:15-16 His calling is extended to all nations. He knows no restrictions of race. Where we are nationalistic, even tribal in our attitude, His arms are open to both Jew and Gentile. Christ died for all. His love knows no racial boundaries. Rom. 9:24 He is the perfect "role model". He established a pattern for all to follow that they might show by example, by walking in His footsteps, the newness of life that is ours in Christ Jesus. 1 Pet. 2:21 Belonging to the elite who have responded to the call of the Lord does not eliminate us from testing, trials, perplexities and problems. The Apostles who have gone before us all went through times of great trials and difficulties. The benefit of such situations far outweigh any mental or physical pain that may be endured. It is under trying circumstances that the God of ALL GRACE becomes much better known to us. The brief measure or time of our suffering will result in, our perfection, our becoming established, the manifestation of our strength (derived from Him), and become rooted and grounded in Him. 1 Pet. 5:10 Every experience in life has a benefit to those who follow the Lord. We know that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His Purpose. Rom. 8:28 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 16 PATTERNED AFTER THE PRESENT AGE? The call of the Word of the Lord to the church is that she might forsake the form of unrighteous life lived by the world. Christ gave Himself that His church might be rescued, released from the present style of sinful life lived by the world. Gal.1:4 We need not conduct ourselves in a manner which is modeled after worldly examples. One of the victories of the Christian life is the certainty that there is a new life to be found in the Lord Jesus. We are granted freedom from the powers of sin. That which dominates those who shape their lives according to that which is practiced by the current age. Be free, live in liberty, be not conformed to the sinful practices of those who live for this life and this life alone. Rom. 12:2 Just how strong are the feelings of the Lord concerning one who would follow the pattern of sin practiced this present age? Here is a clue. One who would seek for friendship with the world has declared himself to be the enemy of the Lord. That is strong language but it is the truth of God. James 4:4 Through the life giving, exceeding great, and wonderfully precious promises of the Word we are led into a vastly different life style. We have escaped from the corruption which dominates the manner and fashion of the present generation. Having found in the Lord Jesus Christ an avenue whereby we are welcomed to become partakers of the DIVINE NATURE. That is, for Christ to take up His rightful dwelling place in our spirit and produce in us that NEW LIFE. The very life of Christ Himself. 2 Pet. 1:4 CALLED TO EXPERIENCE A METAMORPHOSES. A complete and drastic change. Transformed, altered, made to be a new creature in Christ Jesus. Old things deserted and left behind as an empty cocoon. With no thought of returning to retrieve it. A process of purification and sanctification which is at work in the heart of the believer. Rom. 12:2 The divine purpose of the Lord is that He might have a people who have a perfect, identical likeness to Himself. The same power, the same glory, the same righteousness. Identified with Christ in all that He experienced and manifest in His life. From His sufferings, to His exaltation to the throne of the Lord and glorification in the eternal kingdom of the Lord. His Bride will bear His likeness in every aspect. What He is, she will be. Her transformation is to be complete and absolute. Changed into the very same image, by the constant revelation and working of the glory of the Lord, in her. 2 Cor. 3:18 Vital to the change that must be created in the people of His church is an open heart and a commitment to do His will. We must be able to see what He is offering us, and have the desire and willingness to submit to the Word and the Spirit, that we might receive His offer. The splendor of the latter day church will supersede the concentrated glory of the church up to and until our time. The glory of the latter house will be greater than the former. Of that we may be greatly certain. All other temples, tabernacles have been but examples. Now, in these last days the Lord is building His true, eternal temple. Hag. 2:9 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 17 A PEOPLE FOR HIS NAME. The intentions of the Lord are plainly stated in His Word. He is searching for a people who will bring glory to His name. A people who will serve Him gladly, from the depths of their heart. For this reason He is visiting all nations with the Good News, the Gospel of Christ. Gathering unto Himself a special people, from every tribe, tongue and nation. An assembly, a gathering that will bring great glory and honor to His name. Acts 15:14 THE RECIPIENTS OF HIS AMAZING COMPASSION. The outpouring of His mercy on a people who were in His sight virtually non existent. The Lord delights in taking that which is nothing and creating an object of great value from it. So it is with His church. Created from a nondescript segment of humanity, termed, a people who were not a people. But now, in the marvelous plan and wondrous mercy of the Lord they are, THE people of God. 1 Pet. 1:20 What an exhilarating and an astonishing change He produces in these wanton pieces of humanity. They have been exalted, by Him, and are now completely His: CHOSEN GENERATION. That which was previously nonexistent as a unified body, has become that which was especially chosen. Picked out and called out. A divine choice, at that. Making it even more worthwhile and valuable. Those chosen by the Lord may not always meet the criteria by which the world, and even at times, religions, evaluate their choices. He has chosen the "foolish", (Greek. moros). Comparable to our English word, morose, which affords us a good word picture of what this group was, before Christ became a full part of their life. Now, the full wisdom of the Lord is theirs, and that in great abundance. James 1:5 His choice also includes the "weak", those who are without strength, who are strengthened by the power of the Spirit. Thus, enabled to overcome the enemy who is of great strength. 1 Cor. 1:27 Furthermore included in His choices are those who are considered to be base, or without a pedigree. The despised, the contemptible and of low esteem. The things which are not. Considered to be absolutely nothing. Of no value or esteem. Yet, with such as these the Lord will defeat the proud, the mighty. Humbling and bringing them into subjection. 1 Cor. 1:28 These seemingly poor choices made by the Lord are not bad choices. He calls those who are willing to respond to Him and completely changes them, in every aspect of their being. They are made to be new creatures in Christ and have found a life that is diametrically opposite to the old one. His purpose being, that no flesh should be able to boast and exalt itself, in His sight or presence. From Lucifer to the antichrist, it is a proud spirit and attitude which has been, and will be the problem. Particularly despicable in the sight of the Lord are those who are filled with human pride. 1 Cor 1:29 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 18 A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. A society of kingly status and birth, performing services before the King of kings. 1 Pet. 2:9 It is here that the Lord will fulfill His call to His own by finding them to be "a kingdom of priests". Not just a few select individuals, but all ministering, unto the Lord, in the office of a priest. Ex. 19:6 They have achieved this high and holy responsibility by adhering to the royal law, for this is the spirit and motivation of those who fulfill the responsibilities of this divine designation. James 2:8 They are regal in their bearing, in their attitude, in their associations, and most certainly they wear the royal robes of the righteousness that is in Christ. Having put on that NEW MAN which the Lord has created, in Christ Jesus. Now wearing the robe most befitting and significance of the rank bestowed upon them, righteousness and truth. Eph. 4:24 On Aaron, the garments were for glory and for beauty. Ex. 28:2 How much more glorious and beautiful is the New Testament priesthood to which we have been called. We are granted a glimpse of these gorgeous robes on the Mount of Transfiguration. Mt. 2:17, Mk. 9:2 when His robes became radiant and dazzling white, glistering and exceeding white a beauty and majesty that beggars description. THE ROBE OF THAT ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. The sun clothed woman, the Bride of Christ is presented in the majestic completeness of her wedding garment in Rev. 12:1 The greatest example and expression of the glory of the Lord in its totality is the LIGHT of the SUN. Both of which are typical of the being and nature of the Lord. For the Lord God is a sun. Ps. 84:11 God is light. 1 Jn. 1:5 while God is neither the sun nor is He the light, The shining forth of both originate from Him. He is a greater manifestation of glory than the sun which lights our galaxy. All light emanates from Him. Both of these most necessary elements of nature are what they are because the Lord is their source of energy. No God, no sun, no light, no life. Nothing can exist outside of Him. Our very being or existence is totally and completely dependent on Him. Life is in Him, all animal life, including that of mankind. Life is in Him, for He is LIFE, natural and spiritual, now and for eternity. Acts 17:28 This is why we must seek to put on that new self, the new man. Allowing the washing of the water of the Word to change and alter the old man. Elevating him to a sincere knowledge of Jesus Christ. Being turned into an exact and perfect image and likeness of the One who created Him. The ultimate aim and goal of the Lord is to have a people who are perfectly like Himself. Not clones, but individuals who have been privileged to be formed into His likeness and being. Col. 3:10 Instructions to the elect or chosen of God who are called to wear these high priestly robes are given in the ensuing verses of Col. 3: verses 12 through 17. Practices, which are conducive and most fitting for those who would amount to anything at all, in the body of Christ. These are teachings given to bring us to where we gain the perfection that is in Christ. Dare we ignore them? The blessing of the Lord is found in the performance of them in our lives. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 19 A HOLY NATION. The very, eternal nature of the Lord is creative. He has created all of that which we see around and about us. The theory of evolution commences with an accumulation of gasses, but even then we must ask where the gasses came from? Every thing in life has a beginning and an ending. Currently the Lord is creating a nation for Himself, composed of every tongue, tribe and race. It is interesting to note that the term "nation" is used in the Bible in reference to the gentile nations. His nation, is to be distinguished by its holiness, its likeness to Him. 1 Pet. 2:9 The instructions of the Word are easily understandable, Be ye holy, for I am holy. 1 Pet. 1:16 Every benefit and blessing which the Lord has made available to us will produce holiness in our lives when activated in us. The Lord has not established standards of living which are unobtainable and beyond our reach. His anticipation is, that this nation will conduct itself in the manner of conduct which portrays His holiness. 1 Pet. 1:15 Those who have any desire whatsoever to be a member of the Bride of Christ will find themselves emulating Christ with an exceedingly strong desire to partake in His purity. The Spirit of Christ within each and every member of this nation will posses a drive toward His purity and will reach out to Him that they might possess His righteousness. 1 Jn. 3:1 A PECULIAR PEOPLE. Relating to a people well loved and sought after. Those whom Christ has gathered unto Himself. A purchased company for whom a tremendous price was paid. 1 Pet. 2:9 The cost being the precious blood of the Son of God. His intent and reason for the whole plan of salvation from the eternity was to obtain these for Himself. Acts 20:28 The nation of Israel was called to this high and holy appointment but forfeited their rights by disobedience. They were to be a very special people, unto the Lord. Deut. 7:6 Their house is now desolate, forsaken, and without hope, except Jesus is confessed as Lord and Messiah. Mt. 23:38 This group of particularly chosen ones are they who have been redeemed by the true sacrifice, the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus. They are in a process of purification and sanctification. The Spirit and the Word are consistently working in their lives to bring them to the same status and measure as the Lord Jesus. They are to be a people of great zeal and fervor for the Lord. Their works are works of righteousness. Titus 2:14. The ultimate goal of the Lord in the church is the manifestation of Himself, of His divine nature in her, in its fullness. A work that can only be possible in those who are purified in Him and have been liberated from the carnal powers of this world. 2 Pet. 1:4 Wherefore the voice of the Lord must be heard calling this people to "come out" and become a separated people unto Him, and Him alone. Leaving all impurities and walking in true righteousness and absolute holiness, serving the Lord with a whole heart. His requirements must be met. He will not accept anyone who is impure to be a member of His Bride. 2 Cor. 6:17 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 20 THE PEOPLE OF GOD. A nation without roots or pedigree. No history or forebearers. An amalgamation of humanity which is gathered from every tribe and language of the world. They are made to exist through the mercy of the Lord. They are a spiritual assemblage, brought together and united in the power of the Spirit of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:10 Where the Jew was once accounted to be His nation, now, in Christ Jesus, there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. Consider carefully the statement of the Apostle Paul as pertaining to his pedigree, “an Hebrew of the Hebrews, as touching the law, a Pharisee”. Phil. 3:5 Yet this man, with a strong racial and religious background stated, “there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek”, or the Gentile. Among the many statements that he made, confirming this truth is the very strong declaration pertaining to the NEW MAN. The man who bears the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:10 It is here, in that which is NEW, that there is “neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all”. Col. 3:11 We do an injustice to any race of people by teaching them that by pedigree, history or religion they are to be accepted of the Lord. There is but one way and that is neither yours nor mine, but His. NO MAN may come to the Father but by Jesus. He is the only way, the only truth and the only source of life, natural or eternal. John 14:6 NEW BEGINNINGS, A NEW LIFE, A NEW MAN. Not only now, here, in this life does He make things NEW for us but His promise is that He will make all things new. That will involve a new heavens and a new earth, a new Jerusalem occupied by new creatures, who are His people. The material elements of that which is new will not attract our attention, as material things do in this life. The new is spiritual, and is occupied by spiritual beings whose interests are in spiritual activities. Too often our minds think after a carnal fashion of mansions and streets of gold, as something to be possessed, as in this life. ALL THINGS NEW also embraces attitudes, view points and most definitely the manner of life. The former things do not come to mind, for they have passed away. Heaven is composed of things far more interesting and exciting than just a continuation or the whole of that which we have possessed here in this life. Rev. 21:1-5 The new creature is that form of life that is manifest here and now in the person who has been born of the Spirit. The daily conduct and prevalence of the Christ life in the Christian is evidence of the new creature. A new creation demands a change in the nature and character of the person in whom that beautiful work has been accomplished. The old life is banished and in its place will be found that wonderful new life, which is in Christ Jesus. The new is now in power and authority enabling that which is made new to live a new life. 2 Cor. 5:17 Of ourselves we cannot live that new life, but it is Christ in us which enables us to live according to the teachings of the Word. Our dependence is entirely on Christ. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 21 CALLED OUT. Called to be separated from the works of darkness. Which is representative of all manner of sin and unrighteousness. It even involves the darkness of religious blindness, which is the extremity of spiritual ignorance. The eye, the gate to the inner man, fogged up with all type of evil thoughts and desires. If that light (religious doctrine), is contrary to the true light, of what great magnitude is that darkness. Mt. 6:23 The calling out, which is profitable and beneficial, is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Paul looked upon it as the "PRIZE" and thought it to be more than worthwhile to press toward, to reach forward to in a very diligent manner. Paul, is an excellent example of what every Christian is to be. He was consistently and unrelenting in his searching after Christ. Phil. 3:14 WHERE DO WE STAND? IN LIGHT OR DARKNESS? We were in darkness. At which time we were always working the works of darkness. Having responded to the call of the Lord, we are now to live and walk in the light of the Word of God. The two cannot mix. There is no compromise between the two. Darkness can only, and will only, prevail where light is absent. Now, because we are children of light we will walk as sons and daughters of light. Eph. 5:8 Recognizing the time, for the days are evil, we are to cast off all works of darkness and walk in a manner which emulates the one who is the Light of the World, the Lord Jesus. Rom. 13:12 In the case of our every day attire, so much focus is given to be sure that the latest style is purchased and worn. It is time that special attention be paid to the clothing worn by the Bride. It is spiritually essential, that we give heed to the Word and "put on Christ". The person so clothed will no longer make provision for the flesh. They will give no place for the carnal mind to think on that which is designated as the lust of the flesh. Rom. 13:14 Once again the crucial effect of having been baptized into Christ is made manifest. The indispensable, spiritual outcome of baptism is made known to us. Baptism, is not just a casual, ho hum, ritual of the church, but is intended to produce a mighty spiritual work in our lives. Gal. 3:27 Recently it was stated, that in a school where uniforms were worn there was less of a disciplinary problem. The clothing of every member of the body or the Bride of Christ must be identical. They are all clothed with that "new man". The man of righteousness. The man of truth. The man of purity and holiness. The man of the new creation who gives forth evidence of the Life of Christ. Eph. 4:24 It is expedient that the old man, the carnal nature, the man of sin be cast aside and not used again. There is no place for the old in the new. Not even the slightest thread. There is no adherence between the two cloths. Mark 2:21 The complete thought pattern is changed, the mind becomes focused on Spiritual things and is made new in Christ Jesus. Eph. 4:23 To the natural man, this sounds to be a difficult task, but once instituted in our new life it is most blessed. We can do all things through Christ who is our strength. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 22 A PEOPLE, RANSOMED AND SET FREE FROM ALL SIN. Because there was none greater, He gave Himself, in totality, that He might redeem a people unto Himself. There is no possibility of a greater act of redemption being enacted. His work of salvation is absolute and complete. It has accomplished a awareness in His people that they are liberated “from all sin.” This is not a release from sin, only to return to the same. This is a setting free from all bondage. Titus 2:14 We are to be delivered, liberated from the evil of this present world. In Christ Jesus is to be found the power and force of perfect freedom for we have been rescued and released from the wickedness of this present age. We are now citizens of His kingdom and have kingdom rights. Col. 1:13 Our citizenship is heavenly, eternal and everlasting. Sin cannot prevail and rob us of that glorious privilege. Phil. 3:20 We are in this world but not of it, if we belong to Christ. THE CHALLENGE OF HIS GRACE TO HIS CHURCH. His grace, that blessed favor which is impossible to earn, has brought salvation to all who will believe. Titus 2:11 With that revelation of the grace of the Lord in us comes the teaching of grace. Teaching in the Word involves the full circle of the process whereby we learn. It not only involves educating, but training and discipline. All with the expectation in view that the student might reject and triumph over all that is ungodly and all worldly lusts. A victorious life in Christ is not an occasional situation. It is a constant and consistent life to be lived. We are exhorted to live soberly, righteously and godly in the midst of this present generation. Titus 2:12 The manner of teaching and discipline which is used of the Lord is revealed to us in His Word. There are times when judgment, or reprimands are used of the Lord to direct our path in His ways. It is not a pleasant thing to experience, but must be accepted as part of the program leading toward maturity. All lessons given by the Lord, whether we count them as having been a good or a bad experience are beneficial to us, that we might not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor. 11:32 In an era of “bless me” Christians it is not easy to accept the fact that the scripture shows us that correction is a sign of the great love of the Lord. Discipline is not only a sign of His love but also a positive sign of His acceptance of the individual into sonship. Every one upon whom He bestows His delight and love will be scourged or flogged, not unnecessarily, but where needed. Heb. 12:5-6 The NIV translated this to be a “word of encouragement,” and indeed it can be when we view our situation from His prospective. Far better to be corrected of the Lord than not to be corrected and fail to come to a life of maturity in Christ. Where is the Christian who has not run to the Lord with great repentance at His rebuke and correction. How merciful and loving He is in accepting our broken heart and spirit. It is through teaching and correction that the Lord will bring His church to the perfection of the Bride in these last days. We may anticipate more discipline to come. Rejoice. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 23 THAT I MAY KNOW HIM. These words penned by Paul are a challenging statement to the whole of the body of Christ. We must ask ourselves, how well do I know the Lord Jesus Christ? We may possess all the human knowledge that is available concerning Him, without ever really knowing Him. Knowing Him, is becoming a part of His life. Accepting His life into ours and then living for Him. Paul extended a plan that is necessary to follow for everyone who would really KNOW CHRIST. After fellowshipping with Christ in His sufferings and conforming to His death and resurrection the avenue is opened whereby we may honestly and sincerely begin to know who Christ is. Phil. 3:10 THAT I MAY KNOW HIM, must be the cry of every Christian heart. WE GAIN KNOWLEDGE OF HIM THROUGH LOVE. God is love. Not human, natural love which will wan and wane. Nor carnal love, which is based on the emotions and may quickly be altered and even turned into hatred, so fickle is the so called "love" found in this world. However, love as expressed after a God like fashion is unchanging. He said, I AM the Lord, I change not. Mal. 3:6 His love is ever the same, perpetual and unaltered. Loving mankind with a love that is expressed in the offering of Christ Jesus as the Lamb of God for the redemption of the whole world. We may know fully that love which is in Christ. More than that we must know His love. There is no other way to know Christ but through the expression of His love in us. To know Him is to love Him. To love Him is to know Him. His love surpasses all other method of love, for it leads to the lover being filled with all the fullness of God. Eph. 3:19 His love is expressed and manifest in us by our attitude, one toward another. If God could see fit to love us, then surely, with the help of His love we can love each other. To love even the unlovely is really the acid test of the working of His love in us. 1 Jn. 4:11 Showing forth the grace and mercy of the Lord, which is seen in His love, and is subsequently imparted to us as His children. To manifest real love for others is Godlike. When we can love those with whom we associate day by day, and that very definitely includes those who may irritate or upset us, it is evidence of the presence of the Lord dwelling in us. It is an indication that His love is being perfected in us which should be the goal of all who love the Lord. Perfection is the aim and design of all that the Lord desires to accomplish. His ultimate work is that Bride which is composed of those who have achieved His perfection in their spiritual life, which is His desire for them. 1 John 4:14 Could there be any greater privilege than to have the very Lord of perfection dwelling in our spirit in all of His beauty and glory. He will accomplish the fullness of His divine purpose in a people who are totally committed to Him in these last days. The glory of the latter house will be greater than the former. He is God and He will do it. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 24 EVIDENCE THAT WE REALLY KNOW CHRIST. The Christian life will witness and testify of the fact that we truly have a vital acquaintance with Him. This knowledge is verified by our willingness to be obedient to His Word. "We know that we know", when we are conducting ourselves according to His will, as revealed in His Word. There is no excuse for one not knowing the perfect and absolute will of the Lord in living our lives as an example to the lost. 1 John 2:3 One of the beauties of the Word of the Lord is that, we are never left to puzzle over where we stand with the Lord. Those who claim to know Him, but do not, are quickly made evident by their failure to follow the instructions of the Word. John, very straightforwardly designated them to be liars. Proclaiming that the truth is not in them. A strong statement indeed. 1 John 2:4 A perfect church will most certainly be a church, dwelling in, and manifesting His great love. The individuals who are obedient to the Word will find that the love of the Lord will be perfected in them. If we have a vision of the accomplishments of the Lord in His people for the last days, this is our goal. To be like Him in every aspect of our lives. There will be a people achieve this high calling in Christ Jesus. 1 John 2:5 We are called to walk His walk, to live His life, to talk His talk, to show forth His virtue and holiness to the world. When a life is in obedience it becomes very evident, and others take note of it. 1 John 2:6 THE ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT OF A KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. A saturation of grace and peace promised to those who know Him. The Lord is never stingy in bestowing His blessings on His own. It is always with great sufficiency that He will meet the spiritual needs of those who belong to Him. Is there anything that is more needful for us in these days than the saving grace and peace of the Lord Jesus in our lives? They are multiplied to us more and more as we become better acquainted with the Lord and His promises. 2 Peter 1:2 A knowledge of Him will produce the workings of the divine power of the Lord, which opens the door to the multiplied and rich blessings of the Lord. The promise relates to ALL THINGS that are spiritually enriching, such as life (His life) and holiness. When He occupies first place in our hearts and lives, the needs and necessities of this life will be cared for. He must be first. The call of the Lord is to obtain His glory and His virtue, that His likeness may be reproduced in us. 2 Peter 1:3 From eternity the plan of the Lord has been that He might demonstrate His eternal glory and power in the lives of a people dedicated to Himself. The riches of His glory will be bestowed upon them, Who can estimate the riches of that glory? It is limitless, without an ending. This is the reward of those who faithfully commit their lives unto Him. He has determined form eternity to find a nation which would follow His will and be the recipients of His eternal glory and being. Rom. 9:23 He will find them in a perfect church. The church will be perfected. Eph. 5:27 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 25 THE SPIRIT FILLED CHURCH. God, the Father, named His Son Jesus, for He was to be the redeemer of all who would accept Him. In a dream the angel of the Lord instructed Joseph to give Him that name. It was a name that prophetically would proclaim Jesus to be the savior of the world. Through calling upon that most precious name man is saved. Mt. 1:21 But His Father went farther than that by bestowing a triune name upon Him. For the Father made, caused Him to be, both Lord and Christ. In this manner He bestowed on Jesus the fullness of the name of the Godhead. To call Him Lord is to acknowledge the presence of the Father in Him. Similarly, to call Him Christ is to confess the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The giving of this name to Jesus was the plan and action of the Father that all might know the glorious unity that exists in the Triunity. Acts 2:36 To speak and use that name is to confess that God has indeed made Him to be exactly who and what He is, both Lord and Christ. IT IS CHRIST IN YOU, THAT WHICH IS THE HOPE OF GLORY. The name Christ (Anointed, anointing), is the name which represents the Holy Spirit. God, anointed Jesus, by filling Him with the Spirit. John 1:32 Jesus then went everywhere demonstrating the continued presence of the Spirit by doing good and healing those oppressed of the devil. Acts 10:38 With the anointing upon Him and in Him, Jesus became the anointed of God. When that same Christ is in His church the completeness of that identical power and force is present. The riches of His glory is dwelling in those who are His anointed. Col. 1:27 The promise of Jesus was that He would send another comforter, like the one who was to leave them, that is Himself. The key factor found in this one who was to come, as a comforter, was that He would abide forever. He was not one who would come for a season and than leave. John 14:16 He was to be identified as the Spirit of truth. Very truth itself. Speaking truth, teaching truth and inducing truth in those who receive Him. Unknown to the world, but known to they who love and follow the Lord. They had seen the works of the Spirit as they were manifest in the ministry of the Lord Jesus. He, the Spirit, the Christ, the anointing was to dwell with them. They were to continually know the power of His presence. Greater than that is the promise of His abiding presence within the individual heart and life of the anointed. For He shall be in you. Dwelling, abiding, welcomed greatly and constantly encouraged to remain and to feel at home. John 14:17 It is extremely necessary to our spiritual well being, that He is made to feel at home in the blood washed and the redeemed. He is the Spirit of that new life that is found in the Lord Jesus. If we do not have the Christ, we are without the fullness of the blessing that the Lord has provided for us. It is the guidance of the Holy Spirit within us that enables us to live the life of Christ. Blessings, riches in Christ and marvelous privileges in Christ await those who will live and walk in the precious anointing of the Spirit. Rom. 8:10 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 26 IF CHRIST BE IN YOU. The presence of the Spirit of the Lord has a definite effect on the body of sin. In order for the Spirit to properly function in the Spirit filled, the body - with all of its propensity for sin - must be brought into subjection. We want, and greatly desire the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Too often the wrong person, the devil, is blamed for hindrances that may be present, while the fault for failure should be directed toward the flesh, the carnal man. The old man must die if the Spirit is to be able to manifest Himself in His perfection. Water baptism is administered that we might die with Christ and be buried with Him, in order for the old life to die and the new life be lived. Rom. 6:4 Without a death, there can be no burial. Without a burial there is no resurrection. Except we die to the flesh there will be no true manifestation of the workings of the Spirit. Having been buried with Him, in water baptism, we are cleansed and forgiven of our sins, to walk in that newness of life. Col. 2:12-13 OUR AFFECTIONS DETERMINE THE AREA OF OUR SEARCH. If we are dead with Christ, then our pursuit will be for Spiritual life and living. For we are dead. Col. 3:3 That new life is constantly longing for and seeking after those things which pertain to, living for and with Christ. The longings, the desires, the deep rooted love, of that person will constantly be directed toward Him. He must be the love of our life. Those who live His life here on this earth are consumed with great aspiration to know Him in His fullness. Col. 3:1-2 The flesh does not die easily. Far too often we make excuses for our failures and short comings, using such an attitude as a lame excuse to cover the works of the carnal man. When a true commitment is made to Christ, there is a promised resurrection, the coming forth of the life of Christ. A quickening, a life giving performance of the Spirit in us. Not only is the spiritual nature revived but the effect is also felt in the physical body. Please note that He HATH, present tense, quickened us together with Him. This is for the here and now. We know that in the future, after the resurrection, we shall be like Him. However, the blessed workings of the Spirit are for us at this very moment of time. Beyond that, in quickening us, He has made us to be one with Him and has privileged us to NOW, sit with Him in heavenly places. Eph. 2:5-6 We are such spiritual paupers. So comfortable with the knowledge that we have been saved. So satisfied with the ritual of church attendance once or twice a week. Smug in the fact that we have enough religion to make us different from all those poor sinners. There is nothing in life like those moments of time when we have made our way into the SECRET PRESENCE OF THE MOST HIGH. The ecstasy, the gladness, the blessing of His glorious presence exceeds all other joyous occasions which may occur in this life. The thrill of His glorious presence can only be experienced for oneself. There are not enough words in all the languages of the world to express fully the glory of His presence. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 27 THE TRUE EXAMPLE. Paul established that which must be the goal of every Christian. I am crucified with Christ. In other words he had experienced the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. This is the door that leads to a life of victory in the Lord Jesus. The power of the carnal man was nullified and now it is that marvelous life of Christ being lived in him. Christ liveth IN ME. What a blessed testimony and challenge to we who live in this day. There is a spiritual life of great magnitude available to the person who will sell out to the Lord. Gal. 2:20 WHERE DOES GOD DWELL? There is no place where the presence of the Lord is not to be found. He is omnipresent. Will God really dwell on earth, when all of space and the heavens cannot contain Him? Solomon asked if He would dwell in the Temple which he had built. The structure was of great beauty and excellency, but would the Lord dwell there? 1 Kings 8:27 We know that His majestic presence was manifest and His glory filled the temple. So He did make Himself known in structures made by man for His presence among them. Today His presence does not dwell in buildings erected by man, however beautiful and ornate. The Word reveals His abode to be in the hearts and lives of those who are His. John based the fact of the presence of the Lord in His people on their love one for another. That is sincere and true love. Not something that is a facade or playacting. Where there is such Godly love, He feels comfortable to abide. Not only that but His great and marvelous love reaches a point of perfection in us. That is pure unadulterated love. Love as only He possesses it, for He is LOVE personified. 1 John 4:12 THE AMALGAMATION OF THE LORD AND HIS PEOPLE. What is more beautiful in the Word than the expressed purpose of the Lord to unify Himself with those who would be His. This joining together is declared by the Lord Jesus, when He said I am in my Father, and YOU in ME, and I in YOU. What a glorious relationship. His presence present in us. Where His presence is, there is bound to be manifest the glory and power of His might works. John 14:20 Because He was in the Father and the Father was in Him, and He is in us, we are assured of the residence of the Father and the Son. John 10:38 Jesus proclaimed the unity that has always been between the Father and Himself by calling attention to the works wrought, not by Himself but by the indwelling presence of the Father. Jesus did not take unto Himself the glory or praise for the mighty works which were done, but attributed them to His Father. John 14:10 To complete the message given in the Word of the very presence of the Lord in His church we note that the Holy Spirit is likewise involved. He is our teacher, the one who makes Christ real to us. He reveals the will and the Word of the Lord to us and makes the glory of the Lord very real. He too will come to the church and will abide in her and will be in her. What a serious, yet wonderful advantage is ours in the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:17 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 28 A KEY TO HAVING CHRIST WITHIN. Love is a prime factor to the whole of the Gospel of Christ. Without love, nothing works. The proof of love is made known in our love for the Lord. Our love for Him is sealed by our obedience to His Word. The person who has a true love for the Lord Jesus will be greatly loved of His Father. Thus the way is opened for the true and living Lord to come and inhabit the heart and life of that one who loves Jesus. Note the promise of Jesus, it is very emphatic WE (speaking of the Godhead) will come and take up OUR abode with him. We are looking at the longing of the heart of the Lord. From the beginning His desire has been to dwell, to abide in the most intimate way in His people. Not only with them, but taking up His abode within them. Could we but comprehend the yearning and the thrill of His heart toward a people who are absolutely dedicated to Him, we would rededicate and surrender our live anew and afresh to Him. The depths and fullness of that which the Lord will do in His church in the end of the age can only be made known by the revelation of the Spirit and the Word. We settle so quickly in our Christian walk for a meager and beggarly experience, when there are vast vistas of spiritual blessings prepared for us in the Lord. John 14:23 BEHOLD, HE STANDS AT THE DOOR KNOCKING. Mind you, this is not the door of the sinner's heart but the door of the church, the Laodicean church at that. The church which more than any of the others is indicative of the last day church. The church which will be rebuked of the Lord. Chastened by Him and commanded to repent. All this as a sign of His love. Acts of love that are little understood by a generation which has never been corrected in such a manner. His purpose being to lead them to repentance that He might fellowship and feast with His own. Rev. 3:20-21 May we indeed have ears that hear and comprehend the message of the Spirit to us in this hour. Nutritionists say that we are what we eat. There is a constant voice trying to get us to eat right for our health's sake. Nowhere is this more true than in our spiritual life. There is a lot of junk food available, sensational, sometimes exciting, but the manipulations of men. At the same time there is the very best. That which is contributory to life everlasting, to be factual, eternal life is completely dependent on it. Jesus angered the religious bigots of His day by stating that to have eternal life they would have to eat of the bread of heaven, which was not the manna in the wilderness. Rather it was that bread which came down from heaven, or He, Himself. His flesh was the bread of eternal life. They fully and completely understood His meaning. They immediately began to question and argue among themselves as to how this man could give them His flesh to eat. The bread and wine of communion is more than a symbol. A symbol is a copy and not the real thing. Jesus is about to reveal a tremendous truth to the people of that day and to all generations that were to follow. John 6:51-52 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 29 THE SOURCE OF LIFE. All life is dependent upon the Lord. He is very life itself. Apart from Him life cannot exist. Jesus said that as the father has life in Himself so the Son has life in Himself. John 5:26 Whether it be natural or spiritual life, He is the origin and the one who maintains life. Paul said, in Him we find our life, our activities, and our very existence. If anything is determined to be living it is doing so entirely because the Lord is life. Acts 17:28 FAITH in the Son is conducive to eternal life. UNBELIEF, is the guaranty of eternal wrath. Such a statement certainly eliminates all questions of anything between or a gray area. It is a positive, either, or. Believe and live eternally. Do not believe and perish. John 3:36 FAITH IS THE MASTER KEY TO ETERNAL LIFE. Without faith, it is not possible to please the Lord. FAITH, absolute confidence is required of all who would receive anything from the Lord. There is no response nor reward from Him when our actions are without perfect confidence in Him. Incidentally, He has the right and prerogative of answering no as well as yes. Too often we approach Him with the conception that what we request must receive a certain answer. He reserves the liberty to answer according to His will, not ours. A no answer does not mean that He did not hear and answer. He just answered in the negative. THE COMMUNION TABLE IS AN ACT OF FAITH. The words of the Lord Jesus are very plain, very strong and very emphatic when He said, "Truly, truly, I say unto you, EXCEPT ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you". John 6:53 The people who heard Him understood by the inflection of His voice and His words precisely, perfectly, His meaning. Eating His flesh and drinking His blood is an absolutely imperative for anyone who would possess eternal life. Communion is an act of faith, in which one is recognizing, acknowledging the body and blood of the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 11:29 The bread and the wine used are neither mere symbols nor transformed into the actual, physical body and blood of Christ. By faith, looking beyond that which is representative of the body and the blood of Christ, we see the sacrifice of Calvary and partake of Him. It is here in this act of faith we again are promised the abiding, continuous presence of the Lord in us. John 6:56 He will take up His residence in His temple. Not only will He be in the midst of His Church but He will dwell in His Church. If we will follow after His perfect will and fulfill His divine purposes in our lives, we will find ourselves in a relationship with Him which supersedes all human expectations. An alliance which will be the marriage of the ages. Between a perfected husband and wife. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 30 THE TRUE VINE, THE LORD JESUS. The Lord Jesus introduced Himself as the true, the genuine vine. The source of strength and life to the branches, the leaves and the fruit. The position of the Father is that of the husbandman, the farmer, the one who watches over and cares for the vine. John 15:1 This true vine, in contrast to the vine upon which He had bestowed much effort. It was the choicest of vines. He planted it in a most fruitful hill. Built a fence for protection. Gathered up the stones. Constructed a tower from which to guard it, and provided a winepress to fully complete it. All that, only to have it produce wild grapes. Fruit that was unfit for consumption. All this directed at the disobedient of Jerusalem and Judah. Isa. 5:1-2 They were His vine and His planting but they forsook Him. Now the TRUE vine has come and the Lord is building His vineyard. JESUS, THE STOCK OF THE VINE. That from which, yearly, the branches sprout and spread out to create a vine bearing fruit. Jesus identified His followers as the branches of the vine. John 15:5a In His discourse He immediately drew attention to the necessity of the branches being fruitful or they would be removed. Likewise to the fact that the branch which did bear fruit was subject to pruning, cleansing, or having all suckers removed. Growth that is a hindrance and has no relationship to a good harvest. John 15:2 The Word of the Lord is the pruning knife in the Father's hand. Its cleansing power is absolute when it is obeyed and we fully respond to its instructions. Jesus declared them to be clean through His Word, which He has spoken to them. How marvelous is the work of the Spirit through the Word in purifying the heart from all sin. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE TRUE VINE. The relationship of all relationships is that which exists between the vine, Christ, and the branches, His church. The church is to find an abiding place, a place to dwell and to continue to be at home in that blessed residence. More importantly is the promise that HE would be present and continue to dwell in the vine. There must be this unity in order for the branches to be productive. The branch separated from the vine is cut off from any possibility of bearing fruit. Apart from Him, nothing can be accomplished. When He abides in us, and we abide in Him, there are no impossibilities. How well we need to learn the lesson of His abiding presence. John 15:4-5 How pathetic are those who fail to maintain fruitfulness, they are cut off and destroyed. Not a pleasant prospective. John 15:6 This is the key to receiving an answer to our prayers. Live for Christ, live with Christ, and greatest of all, have Him continually dwelling within. It is here, through His presence and a comprehension of the promises of His Word that we ask, according to His will and receive an answer to our prayers. The extent of His promise is unlimited, ask what ye will, and ye shall receive.John 15:7 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 31 LIFE STYLE AS AN EVIDENCE. The manner in which a life is lived is an indication of the spirituality of that person. If they are “in Christ”, their pattern of life will follow after Christ. They will not walk after the way of the flesh, the carnal nature, the man of this world. They will exemplify the life that is found in Christ. Where the Law failed because of the carnal nature of those to whom is was given, the grace of God is to succeed by changing the nature and life of those involved in Christ. The greatest blessing to those who follow Christ is to be free from condemnation. In place of having a conscience riddled with guilt, is the sure knowledge that all is forgiven and that our pardon is complete. Rom. 8:1 BECAUSE OF CHRIST, WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO BE IN CHRIST. A place of shelter and security. The center of everything which is spiritual and eternal. The standing in life to which all are called. To be “in Christ,” is to dwell in His atmosphere, His Word, His Spirit and His love. Furthermore it is here that the wisdom of His Father is revealed. Wisdom from above, Godly wisdom. His righteousness is imparted and becomes ours. We then live with His righteousness being made manifest in and through us. His holiness becomes ours, to live and enjoy. The full work of redemption is wrought in us and we become what He is in every aspect of our being. His purpose is not to produce a number of little clones but to develop a strong race of people, who through their love for Him have a strong desire to be “IN HIM.” To be totally like Him. To exemplify Him in this world and the world to come. 1 Cor. 1:30 The longing and cry of the Apostle Paul must be that which is heard in the church of today. That I may be ‘found in Him.” There is no more blessed place than that of being “in Him,” and there finding His righteousness which is given to us by faith in Christ. Phil. 3:9 UNITY IN CHRIST. The harmony of those who are “in Christ” is to be perfect and entire. There can be no body of Christ except there be complete compatibility and mutual agreement. This is a real challenge to each and every member of those who would call themselves members of the body of Christ. Any and all who fail to comply will find themselves excluded from the body of Christ. There is no race preferred above another. There is no standing in life nor gender of sex which has an advantage. All are to be but one in Christ. Gal. 3:28 The body of Christ is but one, composed of many members which form but one body. Acceptance and entrance into the body of Christ is through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, having all been filled with that one Spirit, the Spirit of perfection and unity. We lose our natural, worldly identifies and become that singleness of heart and purpose which will be the evidence of the true body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:12-13 The Bride of Christ will function as a perfect unit. No division. No schism. The Holy Spirit being the complete motivating factor which is operative in the Bride of Christ. All having one Spirit there of necessity would be harmony. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 32 BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. What an amazing statement. The comprehension, the knowledge, the understanding that is to be found in the Lord is made available to those who are in Christ Jesus. Take note that it is the mind of Christ. The name Christ refers to Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one. Christ is the name of the Holy Spirit for He is the anointing. Therefore, to the Spirit filled there is granted the capability of receiving knowledge from the Lord. Unfortunately, not all who claim to be spirit filled give evidence to having been endued with power from of high. 1 Cor. 2:16 Most assuredly, if we are in Christ and He abides in us we would have the mind of Christ. Having the mind of Christ, would enable the individual to "rightly divide the word of truth," or the Word of the Lord. 2 Tim. 2:15 Possessing the mind of Christ does most certainly produce a unity of doctrine. In order to receive the Father and the Son it is necessary that there be a continual adherence to the doctrine of Christ. The teachings of Christ, the Word made flesh, are the declarations of the mind of Christ. Let the Word be the revelation of the mind of Christ to us. 2 John 1:9 LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU. This is the will of the Lord toward the entirety of the body of Christ. A perfect church will exercise the mind of Christ in all things. There will not be a need for a constant change of thought when things do not work out as planned. The word "let" used here is a great word. Phil. 2:5 According to Strong, it means to exercise the mind, use it, and to set the affection on it. So, we are to fix our affections on Christ, especially with a strong desire to exercise that Spiritual mind, which is available, in all of our decisions. If we are to welcome His abiding presence, we must know precisely what manner of life that will develop in us. Therefore we must have the mind of Christ in order to walk as He would walk. 1 John 2:6 When we are submissive unto Him the mind of Christ will be evident in us. A GLIMPSE IN TO THE MIND OF CHRIST. His great humility is quickly apparent. In spite of His high possession prior to His birth and the fact that He was equal with His Father. Phil. 2:6 He laid that all aside to become a man. To become the sacrificed Lamb of God. He did not seek to build a human, worldly reputation in spite of the exalted status which had been His. He took the lowest of positions among men, came as a slave, one who was to serve all. One who was eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, took upon Himself the form of man. That which He had designed and created. That which had fallen into sin and degradation. That which had become polluted and unclean. He who possessed eternal life, who literally was that LIFE, laid it all aside to rescue His fallen creation. Subjecting Himself to the most ignominious of deaths, crucifixion, then to become sin for us. He experienced the epitome of the corruption and sin and sickness for us. What a price He paid. Phil. 2:7-8 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 33 HIS GOOD INTENTIONS TOWARD HIS CHURCH. We find them expressed by the Apostle Paul in his exhortation to the Corinthian church, to be perfect, to become mature. Then to be of one mind. Surely this is a goal to reach after, and one to rejoice in when it is achieved. Such blessed unity is certainly the desire of the Lord for His people. It is definitely the prevalent attitude and atmosphere of the Bride of Christ. 1 Cor. 13:11 Unity and harmony are to be manifest in the church as we walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 15:5 Every effort possible is to be exercised to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Eph. 4:3 Complete agreement one with another is the order of every day for those who are in Christ. 1 Cor. 1:10 The church is instructed to "stand fast" in one spirit and most certainly in one mind, as a unit striving, wrestling as one person, for the faith of the gospel. The whole of the body battling as a unit for the cause of Christ. Phil. 1:27 The joy and rejoicing of leadership is when the spirit of unity prevails in the church. The Lord never presents a proposal that cannot be achieved. We, even now, are to be all of one mind, likemindedness. All filled and led by the same mighty love of the Lord. Working and motivated to be of one accord. Then, that ever present appeal, be of one mind. In every situation in our spiritual and church life there should be one grand effort to find a unity of the spirit and the revelation of the mind of Christ. Phil.2:2 When the mind of Christ is in operation in the body of believers there is not only a unity of the mind but also of the words spoken. Rom. 15:6 BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND. When in the presence of figures of authority the expression of thoughts and the verbiage used is often tempered. That is restraint. Paul is speaking of renewal, new creation, the complete alteration of word and deed, because the mind is made to be new and the person is a new creature in Christ. The old pattern of thought, action and language is made new. The Holy Spirit works toward creating a new man in salvation and the infilling of the Spirit. Both are necessary to complete the work of that brand new being. Eph. 4:23-24 The mind of Christ is a stable mind. We are not exercising that mind when we are filled with worry and consternation. Jesus taught that we were not to be of a doubtful mind, but to seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added or given to you. Luke 12:29, 31 It is called a spiritual mind in contrast to the carnal mind. The spiritual mind is life and peace for it concentrates on those things which are above. The spiritual mind is subject to the will of the Lord. Rom. 8:5-7 Facing the conditions under which we live today it is very important that we allow the Spirit of the Lord to create in us a "sound mind". Brought forth by the boldness and faith in Christ. By the power and love of the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Tim. 1:7 The Lord has prepared peace of mind and soul for those who will seek to have the mind of Christ and be it shall come to led day by day into a deeper walk and life in the Lord Jesus Christ. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 34 LIVING HIS LIFE. This is the ultimate objective of the Lord for each and every one of His very own. His desire is that His life be lived and made known through those who put their trust in Him. This is not something that is put off until eternity but is to be accomplished here and now, in the physical body. If we are really desirous of His life we must first be a partaker of His death. The sinful nature must die. Paul addresses this in 2 Cor. 4:10-11 By explaining that in order to possess the life of Christ. We must associate daily with His death. Please note, that this is to be fulfilled in this life on earth, in our bodies, in our mortal flesh. A STRONG STATEMENT. I am crucified with Christ. Dead, yet very much alive and functioning, in Christ Jesus. Living the life which must be the aim of every child of the Lord. Christ lives in me. Blessed, blessed association. Still living in the same old body of flesh but within is the power of that new life that is only found in the Lord. Gal. 2:20 That which has been crucified with Christ, has also been buried with Him in the waters of baptism. The New Life can only exist and be made known in and through a body of death, a body in whom is now manifest the power of resurrection from the dead. Until there is death, there can be no resurrection. Without a resurrection there can be no New Life. The basis for living the life of Christ is death and resurrection to the carnal, sinful man. Rom. 6:4 If living a proper spiritual life before the Lord is a constant problem and one's spiritual life is like a yo-yo, with a constant need for repentance, there is an answer. Crucify the old man, the carnal nature. Come to a proper knowledge that the old man is crucified with Christ for the destruction of the sinful nature which is dwelling within our bodies, in the soul life. The very root of sin can and will be destroyed by our commitment to Christ. A person who has died has no further interest in this life. If we die to sin, and we are in Christ, that dead person has no further interest in its old life. Being dead, we are freed from all the encumbrances of the old life. Rom. 6:6-7 When we are really and truly His possession and we are surrendered to Christ willing to be crucified with Him, we will likewise have died to the affections and lusts of the flesh. Gal. 5:24 The majestic power of the life of resurrection was demonstrated in Paul when he was stoned, dragged out of the city and left for dead. Acts 14:19 The stones used were not pebbles, they were large enough so that any one of them striking him on the head would have killed him, most certainly his bones would have been broken and crushed. Nevertheless, when those who tried to murder him had left, that resurrection power of Christ was made manifest. When the other disciples gathered around him, the mighty life of Christ flowed through him and he got up and returned to the city. The restoration of his body to perfect health and strength was caused by that life of resurrection, in Christ Jesus which flowed through him. Sin and sickness cannot overcome that person who is crucified with Christ. Acts 14:20 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 35 or 36 duplicated CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 36 THE CROSS IS THE EXPRESSION OF HIS LOVE FOR THE CHURCH A people purchased, to gain possession of, or acquire, by the very blood of the Son of God. No greater price could ever be paid for an item more desired and loved. It is His church and they are to be His people. Acts 20:28 They are the redeemed unto God, originating from every kindred, tongue, tribe and nation, all having been brought into His kingdom by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Exalted and promoted becoming a nation of kings and priest unto the Lord. He has bought them for His own eternal purpose and glory. Rev. 5:9-10 Having been purchased with such a tremendous price is becoming and is our responsibility to glorify the Lord in our body and in our spirit by living a life which is an example of His life. 1 Cor. 6:20 THE PERSONAGE OF THE CROSS. He is the very heart and importance of the cross. It is not the cross, nor the wood which was used in the making of the cross, which deserves our worship and adoration. It is the person, the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ who makes the word cross of importance to us. Were it not for Him, the cross would be meaningless. It is the Christ of the cross who has purged our sins and brought forgiveness and liberty to us. It was God’s Son who died on that tree. It was the very heir of the Father. Jesus was the instrumentality through whom God created all things. As the Logos, the Word He is the creator of all things whether they are terrestrial or celestial, natural or spiritual. He is the very core of existence. All things in the universe continue to function and remain in a Godly order because of Him. He is the showing forth of the glory of His Father. That marvelous shining forth, the effulgence of light, a brilliancy that is greater than any star in the heavens, is found in Christ, who is the fullness of the glory of His Father. Jesus is the divine unfolding of the glory that is found only in the true God. He bears the exact likeness of His Father. The personality, the nature the subsistence of His Father is also found in Him and is in like measure. To be found in Christ, are the all the divine attributes of Godly character. The exact being of the Father is shown forth through Him. While Christ Jesus is personally distinct from His Father, nevertheless He is equal to His Father in all things pertaining to the Godhead. As a Son, He is in submission and perfect obedience to His Father. He is found in the scriptures, which speak of His life here on earth as being in constant contact with His Father and consistently doing the perfect will of the Father. In spite of His greatness, never has a greater man been born into this world, He willingly gave Himself to become a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. The Father gave His best, the Son gave His all that all men everywhere in every age might be saved and included in the great family of the Lord. Now He is exalted to the right hand of the Majesty on High where He sits enthroned with His Father in His throne. Heb. 1:2-3 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 37 CHRIST, THE VERY ESSENCE OF EXISTENCE. The eternal Word participating in the beginning of creation and time. That Word, the Word of creation. He is the very essence of life. He is life itself. Not only was He the creative Word but the very fact that anything is living, is because of Christ. "In Him we LIVE, and move, and have our being". Acts 17:28 He is the very basic elements upon which life depends. He is, a SUN and shield. Ps. 84:11 He is, the LIGHT of the world and the LIGHT of LIFE. John 8:12 He is, the only source of LIVING WATER. John 4:10 He is the BREAD of LIFE. John 6:48 Where do we quit? He is the one who meets every essential pertaining to life, both natural and spiritual. He is ALL in All, meeting and satisfying those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Eph. 1:23 HE IS THE PERFECT IMAGE OF HIS FATHER. He bears the likeness of the Father in every aspect. While He is not, at one and the same time, the Father and the Son, He is identical to His Father. Col. 1:15 He, Himself said, that if any man had seen Him, he had seen the Father. John 14:9 That does not make Him to be both persons. It does reveal the profound harmony and unity that is in existence in the Godhead. Jesus is the physical, bodily likeness of God in whom it pleased God to dwell in His fullness. He is the only physical body that may be called God. He bears the imprint of the Eternal. ALL THE FULNESS, the essential qualities of the Triunity are evidenced in Him. Col. 2:9 Jesus did not take for granted the fact that He possessed the "very nature" (NIV), the very principle of God. His equality with His Father was not considered when He made Himself to be the Lamb of God, the only acceptable sacrifice. Phil. 2:6 The cross was His destiny. Phil. 2:8 JESUS IS THE EFFULGENCE OF HIS FATHER. As the Son, He is the very brightness of His Father, the shining forth, the complete expression of all the brilliancy of the Glory of the Father. As the Son, He was the EXPRESS IMAGE, perfect likeness, and exact copy of His Father. He bore the very stamp of the nature of His Father. It is Jesus who maintains the order of the universe. He existed before creation and was involved in the same. Now, the preservation of the order of the whole of the universe is in His control. Col. 1:17 It is He, who has purged our sins and brought to us cleansing from all our sin and guilt. Matchless and absolute forgiveness is found in Christ Jesus. Having done the perfect will of His Father, Jesus has been exalted on high and once again situated on the throne of God. Heb. 1:3 When He offered Himself He made an offering for sin which embraced all men, both old and new testament saints. There is no other sacrifice which could possibly bring relief from the guilt of sin. Heb. 7:27 Through His death on the cross He made possible the forgiveness of sin and a knowledge that we possess eternal life, in Him. He is our mediator before His Father, the only true advocate. 1 Tim. 2:5 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 38 THAT I MAY KNOW THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION. It is very apparent that the resurrection of Christ from the grave was not just a casual happening. It was a mighty demonstration of the power of the Almighty. It is this power which the Apostle Paul is desirous of knowing and experiencing in his life. Phil. 3:10 That he had succeeded in achieving a great measure of that power in his life, there is no doubt. However his appeal suggests a strong craving for a full and complete knowledge of all that was available in Christ Jesus. The Bride of Christ will know fully and completely the fullness of that resurrection power. THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER. We do not question the mighty power of the Lord. It is most certainly unlimited. He is absolute power. Jesus said, that ALL power, in two worlds, heaven and earth had bee delivered to Him. Mat. 28:18 There is no power beyond (or greater than) He. The astonishing thing is that He, who is that power, is making it available to the believer. The same identical miracle, wonder-working power which Jesus demonstrated is yours in Christ Jesus. As always, in order for that which is promised to be in operation, there are certain requirements. Goals are only obtainable through much effort and work. In order to attain to the demonstration of the power of the Lord there must be a proper and fitting walk or pattern of a Christlike life. Spiritual fruit is also a divine requirement. Included also, is the strong necessity that there be a constant growth in a knowledge and understanding of the Lord. Something which can only be accomplished by a persistent and concise study of the Word of the Lord. Col. 1:10 The promise to His church is that she shall be strengthened and empowered with "ALL MIGHT" in the same manner in which Christ received and exercised that GLORIOUS POWER. Col. 1:11 ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. "Can do", is the language of the believer. For they well know that, with the Lord, nothing is impossible. May we be able to say with Paul, that, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". How limitless are the possibilities to those who place their confidence in the Lord. The source of our strength is always Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:13 The death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus is our blessed assurance of our justification. Through the enormous power of the Lord God Almighty in raising His Son from the grave know that we have been forgiven all our sins. Rom. 4:25 The extent of the work accomplished in and for us by the resurrection, is utterly amazing. We are raised together with Him. As a unit, receiving the same precious privileges and experiences. This source of power and glory had not yet been exploited by the church. We are too earthly minded and mindful of natural things, when He has made it possible for us to partake of that which is heavenly, or spiritual. We need to accept all that He has made possible for us. Eph. 2:6 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 39 CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH. As the savior of the world it was necessary that Jesus become what we are. First, He became flesh and blood. He took upon Himself the form of man. Then He offered Himself to be the only sacrifice for sin. An offering which opens the way for man to be in fellowship with the Lord. He took our place that we might be in His. Through His death and resurrection He conquered and destroyed the works of our enemy, the devil. Death need no longer be feared. Jesus is the resurrection and eternal life. What He experienced, He did so, for the deliverance of all who will believe on Him. Heb. 2:14-15 Angels have no part in the redemption of man, nor do they comprehend the act of redemption. They would like to better understand the purposes of the Lord in the plan of salvation. 1 Pet. 1:12 Jesus did not come as an angel to die for us, but took upon Himself the seed of Abraham, the father of all who believe. IT WAS OBLIGATORY FOR GOD TO BECOME A MAN. He was to face each and every temptation to which all mankind is subjected. He was to face every sin and impurity, tempted in every manner, as we are, yet was without sin. When He presented Himself to be the Lamb of God, He was sinless, absolutely pure. Yet, He had lived on this earth as a man for thirty-three and one half years. Heb. 4:15 No person will ever be tempted to a greater degree than was Jesus. Still, He prevailed. However great the problem may be in the life of a person, Jesus has been there. He knows exactly the emotions and problems that beset human kind for He too partook of the same. Therefore, He is a faithful High Priest who completely understands and is poised, ready to help, when we call on Him. He is moved with compassion at our weakness and frailties. He is a very present help in a time of need. He is at one, and the same time our means, our voice, which enables us to be reconciled to the Lord, and the man of great mercy. Heb. 2:17 Having been made subject to temptation and conquering it by quoting the WORD, He thoroughly knows and does greatly emphasize with those who are faced with temptations. Follow His example, use the Word. Heb. 2:18 SINLESS, AS THE LAMB OF GOD, HE BECAME SIN. The sinless one was made to be sin for us. How great and measureless is the love of the Lord, that Deity, the sinless one would become sin for the sinner. Taking upon Himself all the filth and corruption of unrighteousness, that the sinner might be cleansed and forgiven. Therefore, made worth of life everlasting. 2 Cor. 5:21 The cleansing, the forgiveness, the pardon which He purchased for us by His atoning work on Calvary is ABSOLUTE. It is the perfect sacrifice. It is the only acceptable offering. It is completely effective and prepares the way for the Lord to dwell in our body and our spirit which is His temple. He sanctifies, and then He occupies that which He has cleansed. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 40 THE GREATEST AND THE ONLY HIGH PRIEST. Though Christ lived a sinless and perfect life, He was still flesh and blood, a man born of a woman. Under the Law, everything born of flesh, if it were the first born it had to be redeemed. Num. 18:15 Jesus as man and as the firstborn must be redeemed, that is His human body and soul. The high priest was ordered to offer sacrifice, first for Himself and then the people. Heb. 5:3 In Christ Jesus the daily offerings ceased. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient, being a "once for all" sacrifice. There is no reason, nor will there ever be, a cause for any further sacrifice to be made. God cannot accept any sort of animal sacrifices (including human). To offer animal sacrifices to Him now, after the once for all sacrifice of Christ, is an insult and blasphemy. Isa. 66:5 JESUS IS OUR HIGH PRIEST, SITUATED IN THE HOLY OF HOLIES. Only the high priest could enter in to the most holy place and that on only one day of the year. The day of Atonement. He was to lay aside his regular garments of Beauty and Glory and wear only the fine linen as he ministered before the Lord. These garments typified righteousness. Lev. 16:4 He was to first make atonement for himself and his family. Lev. 16:6 He was then to make atonement for the people. Lev. 16:15 And for the whole of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Lev. 16:16 Entrance into the real, the eternal, the heavenly Most Holy was attained by the Lord Jesus with the presentation of His OWN blood. In so doing He obtained an eternal redemption for us. Heb. 9:12 This accomplishment of salvation for man was not constituted in a building made with the hands of man but in the eternal heavens. Not in a place which was a replica but in the real domicile of the Lord. Jesus has entered in once, having obtained eternal redemption for us. This is the real thing and nothing will ever replace it. Heb. 9:24-25 HE HAS OPENED UP A NEW AND LIVING WAY FOR HIS PEOPLE. Through the veil, the curtain, separating the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, which is His body we are free to enter in to His very throne presence as kings and priest unto the Lord. We come, with full and complete access, because we have been cleansed by His precious blood and have been washed in the waters of baptism and by the washing of the Word. Heb. 10:20-22 We may now draw near to the Lord without fear of rejection, but having great confidence that we will be accepted by Him. Eph. 3:12 The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear or doubt and timidity but of full confidence in His finished work. The spirit that we now have from him is the Spirit of power, His power and might. That which enables us to do all things in the name of the Lord, through faith. The spirit of love, His love working in us causing us to love one another and in turn loving Him with everything that is within us. Having given us a spiritual mind. A mind which responds to the Word of the Lord. A disciplined and obedient mind. 2 Tim.1:7 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 41 WE ARE SANCTIFIED. It must become an experience rather than a theory. The sacrifice of the man Christ Jesus on the cross embraces the power not only to forgive us of all our sins, which is tremendous, but also to be cleansed from all sins. To be cleansed is to be purified, to be made holy, to be separated from all impurities of the flesh and the spirit. The power of the offering of His flesh and blood will deliver from every taint of sin and produce a body of believers who are like Christ, righteous and capable of becoming His Bride. If the complete work of the cross is not now effectively working in us, it is because of our failure to commit and consecrate our lives totally to Him. Heb. 10:10 SANCTIFICATION IS THE WILL OF THE LORD. Especially for those who may be seeking the will of the Lord in their lives. It is important to find His cleansing that every avenue of communication might be opened. In His prayer, the true prayer of the Lord, Jesus prayed for the sanctification of His followers. "That they may be truly sanctified". John 17:19 Certainly that includes you and me. To be in Christ Jesus, there must be a positive measure of equality. Where can we possibly begin but by in entering into His life, into the same holiness and righteousness, being filled with HIS Spirit, His love and His desire to please the Father. Being in Christ, the Father has made Him to be the source of our wisdom, righteousness, purification and redemption. 1 Cor. 1:30 A promise such as this is to be worked out in our lives. It is to be fulfilled in our lives. We are to become the very example of all that He has purchased for us on the cross. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HIS NAME. The importance of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is too often overlooked by the church. It is most critical to use His name in prayer. The beautiful process of which we are writing is accomplished by recognition and usage of His name, the name whereby we are justified. Made clean and just before His Father. We are also wonderfully washed and cleansed by that glorious name. Our sanctification is assured by the authority of His name, a work which is fully accomplished by the moving and presence of the Spirit of the Lord in us. 1 Cor.6:11 The unity of Christ and His church is by the sanctifying power of the living Lord. The one who works the work of sanctification and the one who is sanctified are brought together in one family unit. They are to be unified together in perfect harmony and oneness. The only comparison to their blending together is like that of the Godhead, unique and absolute togetherness. Heb. 2:11 The church must become one with Christ in every aspect of the word. His life will become hers. His holiness will be fully manifest in her. She will bear His complete image. His Bride will not come short of His desires, in any area of her spiritual life. She is absolutely enthralled and in love exclusively with Him. THE CHURCH 42 ALIVE UNTO GOD. The church and every individual in it is a living organism, dead to self and sin but alive unto Christ with His life being made known through the church. Rom. 6:11 The church must come to an understanding that she has been purchased. Something that has been acquired in this fashion is of great value to the purchaser. There has never been a price paid for any item that is greater than what Christ paid for the church. What a tremendous value He has placed on her, purchased with His own blood. The very blood of God Himself. Dying as a man would be a great price, but dying as the Son of God who left heaven for this very purpose was the highest and maximum price. Every member of the body of Christ has been purchased with the same amazing cost. Acts 20:28 An item that has been bought by an individual becomes the property of that person. Every person who would be a member of the body of Christ must recognize that they are no longer their own, to act upon their own desires and to do their own will. The price has been paid in full. The transaction is completed. The contract, the covenant has been sealed. The Lord has accomplished His portion of the deal. The church must now acknowledge that she is no longer her own, to do as she pleases but must now please Him. This is not a sacrifice nor a loss of freedom. The rewards are tremendous and are of great value. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 LOVE IS MEASURED BY COMMITMENT. The greatest love of time and eternity, is the love of God. For God so loved. John 3:16 Christ so loved the church, His bride to be, that He gave Himself for it. Eph. 5:25 There is no possibility of a greater love nor of a greater covenant of love. From eternity past, whenever the plan of salvation was contrived, the Son was committed to do what was necessary to accomplish His work in obtaining a bride. He gave Himself for us, that we might be redeemed and set free from all iniquity and sin. That He might purify for Himself those who are His, exclusively. A very special and unique gathering of saints. Jesus is not willing to share those who are His, with another. They are a people of great zeal in their association with Christ. Their attraction, love and desire is all for Him. Titus 2:14 There is a godly jealousy that even Paul experienced in relationship to the bride. 2 Cor. 11:2 SET YOUR AFFECTIONS. Let the love, devotion and passion of your heart be established on Christ and those things that are eternal and not on the things of this earth. Earthly treasures are all temporary and transitory, they will all pass away. We may use them, but when they use us, we are in great trouble. That which occupies our time, our efforts and our devotion is evidence of where our affections are focused. Only that which is Spiritual and above is lasting. When we have touched, for ourselves, the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, we become centered on those things which are Spiritual and for eternity. Col. 3:1-3 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 43 CERTAIN RICHES OR UNCERTAIN RICHES. Most people would readily invest in a profitable and secure venture. Very few, if any, would consider or waste much time weighing a risky investment. Paul addressed the subject in a very direct manner and with a warning to those who are rich with the wealth of this world. His message and admonition was three fold. They were not to become arrogant because of their status as a rich person. They were not to trust in their uncertain riches. Under certain circumstances the value of all commodities can be easily eroded. Currently we are seeing the collapse of what have been rich and successful companies, almost every day. Millions who have trusted in the their pensions with these companies have seen them become completely void of any value whatsoever. The third thing that he addressed was placing our confidence in the right person, the living Lord, the bountiful One. He who gives us RICHLY, ALL things to enjoy. Every gift of the Lord is enjoyable. He is capable of meeting all of our needs. 1 Tim. 6:17 He daily loads us with benefits. Ps. 68:19 WHAT JESUS HAD TO SAY. His statements are always of prime interest to those who would follow Him. His sayings are words by which we are to pattern our lives, both naturally and spiritually. There is great truth and benefit to be derived from His teachings. We do well to give the greatest heed to them. The ability to conduct ourselves wisely with the handling and expenditure of our funds is in ones favor. For if we are unfaithful and mismanage worldly assets, how can we be trusted with the true riches, with spiritual possessions, the true riches of the Lord? Luke 16:11 Jesus spoke of the seed, the Word of the Lord, which when sown fell among thorns, the thorns being the CARES of this world, which are those things of this life which we often struggle for and end up sacrificing our spiritual life for them. Then RICHES. When does one become rich, what is enough? Jesus warned about the deceitfulness, the delusion of riches. It brings neither contentment nor happiness. Mt. 13:22 Riches can have a detrimental effect for those who would enter into the kingdom of God. Particularly the pursuit of the same which can really become a thief and a robber of time and effort which would be better used in a sincere search after things spiritual. Mark adds to this list of spoilers, "The LUST of other things". Mark 4:19 That opens the door wide to the inclusion of most anything pertaining to the worldly order of things. Lastly Jesus mentioned the PLEASURES of this life. Never before in the history of the world has there been such an availability of every kind of worldly pleasure. Whatever enjoyment is derived from participation in these pleasures is only momentary. They bring no permanent or lasting pleasure. So often they leave us with a great feeling of emptiness. None of these activities will produce the fruit of perfection. Luke 8:14 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 44 RICHES TO BE SOUGHT AFTER. There are riches which are of far greater value than any which are to be found in the ways of this world. These are the riches and benefits provided for us by the Lord. They are satisfying. They are for time and eternity and are most certainly worthy of our full time and effort to gain all of them. There is no better starting place than with the riches of His grace. That divine pardon and cleansing from sin, of which we are unworthy - yet the Lord has so abundantly bestowed upon us. Mercy and forgiveness that is unfathomable and most difficult to explain, but we have experienced it and rejoice in His grace. It is full and complete. Eph. 1:7 It is grace that is made known through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is abounding and over flowing, ceaseless and eternal grace which will be manifest throughout eternity. Eph. 2:7 RICHES OF HIS GOODNESS. These are riches which will not be taken from us, as long as we continue to walk with the Lord. The totality of His goodness is ours constantly, with the stipulation that we continue to maintain a spiritual relationship with the Lord. The blessings of His goodness are ours to thoroughly enjoy. Rom. 11:22 Their value never decreases. The kindness of the Lord is ever available to all who will seek His face and call upon His name. It is His goodness and kindness which brings mankind to a knowledge of who He is, by way of repentance from our sins. Rom. 2:4 He has no preference in race or gender, He treats all who will come to Him in an identical manner. Rom. 10:12 THE FULLNESS OF HIS RICHES. It is His will and purpose that His marvelous glory be in full display in His church. They are the vessels whom He has redeemed with the explicit expectation that He would fill them with His own glory. This is the reason why He has brought them into existence. He will fill them to the full with His eternal glory and power. Rom. 9:23 The glory which is equally shared between the Father and the Son is in like manner to be shared with His church. Jesus declared He had given the glory which His Father had given Him to the disciples. John 17:22 That glory was not given with the purpose of exalting or beautifying them, but to bring them to a place of unity, "that they may be one, even as we are one". Perfect, absolute, unique harmony. We are yet to see this accomplished in the church; even in the early apostolic church from time to time there was division and dissension. The Lord has not spoken in vain. He will have a glorious church pure, holy and without fault of any kind. A body fully functioning under the power and direction of the Word and the Spirit. This is not an accomplishment of the Lord which is instituted after His second coming. This is the church that He will receive AT His second coming. Only those who measure up to His Godly requirements will be accepted as members of His Bride. They are the people of His glory. Eph. 5:27 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 45 THE GRANT OF THE LORD TO THE CHURCH. As found in the prayer of Paul for the whole family of the Lord, that the Lord would bestow upon the church the very RICHES of His GLORY. That speaks of great abundance. Eph. 3:16 The glorious power and splendor of the Lord is far beyond the comprehension of the human mind. Only with the help and revelation of the Holy Spirit may we even begin to perceive the majestic grandeur which is the Lord's. The average conception of the things which the Lord has prepared for His people is very similar to what is in existence now, in this earth. Be assured, it will be vastly different, as different as night and day. As much as we may know - or think we know - the little we know will fade into insignificance when we actually see the magnificent wonders which the Lord has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Cor. 2:9 THAT WHICH IS MORE GLORIOUS. There was a shining light, the glory of the Lord which was visible in the countenance of Moses after his visit with the Lord, on mount Sinai. So much so that he had to veil his face for they could not look upon him. If the giving of the Law was accompanied by such a majestic glory. Most certainly the ministry of the Spirit is much greater. 2 Cor. 3:7-8 The ministry of condemnation was administered with a great and visible glory. Therefore, the ministration of the Spirit will most certainly be manifest with a glory that by far exceeds the former. It is the ministry which produces righteousness and holiness. 2 Cor. 3:9 So much greater and more extensive is the glory of righteousness that it outshines the glory of the Law, making the Law to appear as if it did not exist, so much greater is the glory of grace. 2 Cor. 3:10 THE VERY NATURE OF THE FATHER IS MANIFEST IN HIS GLORY. He is the Lord of glory. That infinite glory is made apparent in the face of the Lord Jesus. Mt. 17:2 Our eyes of understanding, of spiritual things, must become enlightened, or made capable of seeing and understanding the deep things of the Word. It is His will to illuminate the church with a full and complete knowledge of who He is and of what He is able to consummate in us, particularly in these last days. He will do a work in His Bride through the Spirit of wisdom, spiritual wisdom not the wisdom of this world. Also, through the Spirit of revelation, an enlightenment, an opening up of the understanding of things spiritual. Coming to a full and comprehensive knowledge of exactly who and what the Lord Jesus Christ is to the body of Christ. Eph. 1:17 Too many have but a shallow spiritual experience. They never study the Word of God. Have no interest in a study of any depth of the Word of the Lord. Having been saved for a number of years they are still babes in Christ. Without a true foundation. Living on "junk food" doled out to them by those who dispense that which is light and frivolous. We face serious times and it is past time to treat the things of the Lord very seriously and get down to business. It is time to seek the Lord. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 46 A TWOFOLD ACCOMPLISHMENT. It is not that we "shall be", but our rescue from the authorities of darkness "is" a finished achievement. We are no longer blinded by the darkness of sin and unrighteousness. We now walk in the light of His Word. Furthermore, we have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of God. Col. 1:13 The general consensus among Christians being that we look forward to what shall come, in the future, in heaven. The scripture however, is speaking of a current work of the Lord in His people. We need to take advantage of that which has been granted to us now. In a very real and practical sense the church stands in need of the demonstration of the power of the Lord, of His blessings and the manifestation of His life in His church. THE GOOD PLEASURE OF THE FATHER. The Father of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ is a Spirit. John 4:24 He does not possess a physical body, but is Spirit. Therefore He has the capability of dwelling within the spirit of one who possesses a physical body such as the Lord Jesus. Beyond that, He is omnipresent, present everywhere. No one can escape His presence. No man is ever hidden from Him. It was the Father's strong desire and will to dwell in the Lord Jesus in all fullness. This was His intent and purpose from eternity. Col. 1:19 The full complement of the Godhead was housed, permanently in the Lord Jesus. This does not alter the fact of the Triunity of the Lord. God always has been Father, Word (or Son) and Holy Spirit - and ever will be. It does show us, the absolute unity that exists in the Godhead. Col. 2:9 THE CHURCH, UNIFIED WITH CHRIST. As the head (the predominate one) of the church, He is the leader and example. The church of the last days in order to be His Bride must become one with Him. Identical to Him in all things. She is to be the completeness and the fullness of His body. Without her, He would not be whole. Eph. 1:23 The Christ of God must find a welcome and a dwelling place in our hearts which is equal to that which is found in the Godhead. Absolute, full and abounding unity. Through the love of the Lord which is so abundantly shed abroad upon His church, we are to come to a whole and perfect understanding and knowledge of the love of Christ. This does not speak of a head knowledge, but a comprehension which involves the whole heart and emotions. It is only through love which reaches the intensity of the very love of the Lord, and not human love, that we may reach the fullness of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus. His church, in order to become His bride must have the full capacity of every emotion that is found in Him. Eph. 3:19 She is destined to become precisely what He is. She will be like Him in every aspect of His being. This is not a happening which He will put off until eternity. It is the very ultimate of His work prior to His second coming. As such, this event is really more important to the church than the second coming. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 47 AMALGAMATING TWO DIAMETRICAL GROUPS. This is where the power of the Gospel is displayed. That which seems an impossibility suddenly becomes a reality. Paul, writing to the Ephesian church reminded them that they were converted Gentiles, called "the uncircumcised", by "the circumcised". As such they were excluded from holding citizenship in Israel, alienated from the covenants of promise. Much worse, they were without God, having absolutely no hope, as is anyone without Christ. Their spiritual situation was barren and desolate, empty and void of any hope of eternal life. Because they were Gentiles or heathen they could not be included among the acceptable. Eph. 2:11-12 AN EQUALIZING CHANGE ACCOMPLISHED. This beautiful work of the Lord brought those who possessed - and those who did not possess - into one category, one class of people. This classification did not depend on race or the Law. Then and now, for Jew and Gentile, it is the precious blood of the Lord Jesus which brings the two factions together creating unity. All are brought into relationship and fellowship of Christ by the blood of the cross, are in Christ. Eph. 2:13 Those who are truly "IN CHRIST" are to be in complete unity. There can be none of the backgrounds of this world used among them to differentiate or classify them into separate groups. The distinctions and categorizations which are common to human kind must not exist in the body of Christ. The true body of Christ knows only unity. We are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:2 Those who are "IN CHRIST" are fully and completely a new creation. The old nature, the old attitude, the old life is gone. They are now made new in Christ. 2 Cor 5:17 They are a people who live without condemnation. Neither the Lord nor their conscience accusing them because of wrong doing. They are "IN CHRIST" and living that new life which is found in Him. They are at liberty, having been forgiven and set free from sin. Rom. 8:1-2 Those who are "IN CHRIST" find that a spiritual wisdom and revelation is made available to them. It is God gifted and bestowed. His righteousness is imparted to us. His holiness becomes ours. It is part of the wonderful heavenly and spiritual gifts which He so abundantly showers on those who are His. 1 Cor. 1:30 The true body of Christ, while composed of many members is distinguished by its unity, its oneness. It is one complete whole, one single body. Unified and in perfect coordination. No splits, no schisms, no discord, absolutely nothing that even hints of a separation or a difference. Beautiful harmony. All are baptized INTO the body through the avenue of one Spirit, that is the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit. Those who live in the Spirit, who are motivated by the Spirit, who walk in the Spirit all continue to drink of that Spirit. With such a blessed and continued flow of the Spirit, there could be nothing but the greatest of compatibility and accord between those who are "IN CHRIST". 1 Cor. 12:12-13 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 48 WHAT IS THE MAGNITUDE OF THIS CAPACITY? That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Eph. 3:19 It must be absolutely limitless. To be filled is to reach the full capacity of the container being filled. In this case the receptacle is the spirit nature of a person who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ Jesus. They are to be the recipients of ALL. There is nothing beyond ALL. ALL, embracing the completeness, the full number, the full measure of what ever is being measured out, and used to fill the vessel. That with which the individual is being filled, is the FULNESS OF GOD. That would comprise all that the Lord is, His complete being and person. Again, there is nothing beyond His fullness. SHE, THE CHURCH IS HIS BODY. She is joined to him. She is to be in equal partnership and association with Him. As the physical body is one unit and functions accordingly, so Christ and the Church must achieve the same coordinated performance. As members one of another, there must be a perfect flowing together. Eph. 5:30 She has experientially been associated with Him in all of His life experiences, from birth to crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus spoke of a day where His followers would come to a realization of our subject. He spoke of the blessed unity that always has been between His Father and Himself. Inasmuch as He is in the Father and the Father is in Him, then His followers are in Him and He is in them. We can only conclude that He is speaking of that complete and absolute fullness which will be found in His church. John 14:20 What exaltation, what lifting up on high, what aggrandizement for the redeemed Bride of Christ. She is to be enthroned together with Him, established as a Queen. They will occupy the throne of the Father, in all equality. Rev. 3:21 UNITED AND GLORIFIED WITH THE LAST ADAM. As the wife of the first Adam was taken from his side, so from the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus is to be formed the most beautiful of all ages. From the side of Christ blood and water were shed. John 19:34 These two elements are fundamental to salvation. As with the natural birth, so with the spiritual birth, we are born of His blood and of water, the waters of baptism and the Word of the Lord. 1 John 5:6 As Adam named his wife, so Christ has given His name to the church, for the entire family of the redeemed are to bear His name. We are named after Him. Eph. 3:14-15 His name will be very apparent in the New Jerusalem for the New Jerusalem is His bride. The name of very God Himself will be written upon her. Rev. 3:12 Likewise, His new name. Prior to His birth He was the Logos, the Word. Being born as a man, the Lord gave Him the name Jesus, savior. Then having anointed Him for service He received the full name of the Lord Jesus Christ, which revealed by name, who He was and what He was to this world. There is no greater name to be named among men than that glorious name of the Lord Jesus Christ and He will share that name with His Bride. Phil. 2:9-11 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 49 AND YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM. What a tremendous statement. What an amazing location, or position to occupy. To be complete, speaks of the finished product, the construction of a building accomplished. Col. 2:10 Note the powerful meaning of the word translated, complete or fulfill as found in Strongs Dictionary. pleroo (play-ro'-o); to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction). KJV - accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. The purpose of the Lord in the preparation of a Bride for His Son is very plain in the scriptures. It is the ultimate, the consummation of the plan of salvation. Wondrous and marvelous works are yet to be accomplished in His church in the end of the age. He has reserved the best wine for the last. ABRAM RECEIVED A VISITATION OF THE LORD. Abram had achieved the ripe old age of ninety-nine and the Lord chose to visit with him. His age is of interest, for the number nine is the number of the gifts and fruit of the Spirit. In this case there is a double nine, symbolizing the double portion or the full measure. The completeness. This was thirteen years after his fiasco with Hagar and the birth of Ishmael. Thirteen is the number of rebellion. Through the request of the flesh, Sarah, and the works of the flesh, Hagar, Abram had missed the perfect will of the Lord. Gen. 16 HE INTRODUCED HIMSELF TO ABRAM IN A POWERFUL MANNER. I AM the ALMIGHTY GOD. Gen. 17:1 A fearsome and awesome name. The all sufficient God. The one who is able to become the answer to all situations in life. He delights in supplying every need and does it with great sufficiency. His blessings are numerous and copious upon all who place their trust in Him. The request of the Lord to him was; that he walk before the Lord. Being led of the Lord is the most important step of ones life. Walking in His presence is vital to our spiritual welfare. He was to meet a divine requirement, one most difficult, yet ever so necessary. BE THOU PERFECT. He was to be without blemish, entire, complete and without spot, or altogether perfect. This is a real challenge to the man who is considered to be the Father of all who believe. This is not under the Law, but under faith. This same command was issued by none other than the Lord Jesus Himself. BE PERFECT, Mt. 5:48 Then he established before us the very highest example that could possibly be made, Be as PERFECT as your heavenly Father is PERFECT. This high and holy calling can only be accomplished by the abiding presence of the Living Lord in our spirit being. All things are possible when the Lord Jesus has taken up His abode and is royally welcomed into our innermost spirit nature. There will be a people in the end of the age who are totally joined with Christ. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 50 AN ESTABLISHED GOAL SET BEFORE THE CHURCH. While the church has not yet reached the goal which is set before it. There are some things which may be done in preparation for that achievement. One is to build on the positive lessons of the past, without constantly bemoaning the failures and short comings which are behind us. Looking back indicates an attachment to those things. The wife of Lot looked back and paid a great price for her disobedience. Luke 17:32 The former things which are not beneficial are far better forgotten. In contrast to that we are to follow after spiritual objectives which the Word has established for us - and strive toward them. The Word has established a goal which is reachable to every Christian who will dedicate their lives fully to the Lord. Phil. 3:13 When we consider the magnitude of the spiritual life of Paul, still he had not yet succeeded in reaching his full purpose, it becomes a real challenge for we who live today. SEEKING THE MIND OF THE LORD? Spiritual attitudes that are not focused on the Lord need to be revised. The mind of the Lord is easily discerned by reading the Word of the Lord. The Lord has expressed, very completely, His will to us, by what He has already spoken in His Word. Too often when we read it, the understanding that is given to us is not personally applied - but we address it to the situation of others. In so doing we miss the voice of the Lord and the blessing which accompanies His voice. Spiritual perfection or maturity is arrived at by obedience to the living Word of the Lord. Our minds, the mind of the Spirit, must be focused on the spiritual and not on the carnal. Phil. 3:15 THERE IS NO CALLING SUPERIOR TO HIS CALL, TO HIS CHURCH. Of a truth, Paul the Apostle had caught that vision. There was a continual drive evidenced in him as he sought after spiritual things. His aggressive language is well worthy of consideration. "I press". Phil. 3:14 It has the ring of one who is resolute and going forward with an extreme amount of determination. He had settled his vision on that which was before him. The perimeter of the race track was well established. The race must be run within the confines which had been marked out, and so must we. Eyes must be set on the ultimate prize, which in this case is "the high calling" of the Lord. A calling which embraces the fullness of Christ being manifest in His church. The concluding aspiration of the Lord Jesus Christ is to so motivate a people that they will longingly desire to be His Bride. The contest is exciting, but the joys of the race go to the winners. They are the recipients of the trophy. They are the champions, the victors. All the glory of their accomplishment belongs to them. We are not dealing with things which are temporal but things eternal. May the Lord give to each and every member of His church a full and complete vision of the standard which He has established for His Bride. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 51 WHERE THERE IS NO VISION. Prov.29:18 How vital a vision, dream, or revelation, is to the continuance of the Christian walk. Without a vision the people perish or are set at naught, loosened, restraint is cast off. In connection with our subject, Christian standards are eroded and in some instances drastically lowered. Happiness, joy and gladness is reserved for those who keep, obey the Word of the Lord. The Christian vision involves the treasure of our heart. That which consumes our thoughts, our ambitions and our desires is the treasure of our hearts. That which is strongly desired is that which we resolutely seek after. Basically we have two choices, the things of this world or things which are eternal and heavenly. That which is striven for is the complete and full desire of the heart. What we seek after indicates our standing before the Lord. Mt. 6:21 SET YOUR AFFECTIONS. Our Lord, who is very love personified, would establish a vision of true love in the heart of each and every child of His. We can and must learn to love as He loves. It is His divine will that our hearts be overflowing with the fullness of His mighty love. His love is not contaminated with humane emotions and desires but is pure and holy. How necessary it is that we establish our emotions after a heavenly direction. Col. 3:2 The longing of the heart will determine our goal and direction in life. If our mind is set on the things of the flesh, then the crop will be death. If we earnestly seek after Spiritual things, our reward is in things eternal and heavenly. We each make our individual choice. Rom. 8:5-6 When the proper choice is made it will become self evident that one's affections have been firmly established of Christ. The righteousness which the Law could not accomplish in man, is by the nature of the presence of Christ within, completely satisfied. Walking in the Spirit is walking in the fullness of the Lord. A blessed and wonderful life and place to be. Rom. 8:4 LOVE NOT THE WORLD. A direct and positive statement. It must be received as a command of those who would fully serve the Lord. While we are in this world, we are not of this world. Added to this is to not love the things of this world, all its wealth and attractions. John's next statement is a shocker, if our interest is concentrated on the world and its interests, the FATHERS LOVE is not in us. What a tremendous loss, not to have the eternal, everlasting ONE who is LOVE abiding within. 1 John 2:15 That leaves a vessel of utter emptiness and loneliness. It also brings us to a moment of decision. The only thing that the world has to offer is lust, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. These are not from the Father but are of this world. They are all temporal and will be destroyed. Only those abiding in the Father's love will find their way into that which is heavenly and eternal. 1 John 2:16-17 As much as John's teachings might want to be dismissed, it is impossible to ignore truth from the Word. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 52 WHERE DOES THE LORD FEEL AT HOME? It is clearly visible to anyone studying the Word of the Lord, that the whole of the Godhead feel welcomed in the life of those who meet certain divine requirements. Love is shown to be the key factor accompanied by obedience. Certainly obedience and love work arm in arm. Where there is one, the other is bound to be present. Thus, the door is flung wide open for the Father and the Son to reciprocate with a love that is absolute and eternal, with the full intent and end of making their home in the Spiritual life of that individual. John 14:23 What a notable privilege. How can the implications of such a status be explained? Who can know the depths of it until it has been experience? The promise has been made assuring that there will be a people in whom the fullness of the Lord will dwell. THE ASSURED PRESENCE OF THE LORD DEPENDS ON LOVE. Not our love for Him, which is of course very necessary. Our love for Him will not go beyond the measure of our love for one another. To start with, it is a commandment, therefore involves obedience. It is an order given by the Captain of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 13:34 The measure of that love is to be compared with the love of the Lord Jesus. Even in going so far as to laying down His life for His friends. John 15:12-14 This "agape" love, love such as the Lord loves is made available to all who will receive it. Note the progression; souls which have been purified. Where there is a clean heart and life, there is room for His love to be made manifest. Obedience to the truth of the Word is also part of the process of obtaining that great and marvelous love. Then there is the requirement of sincere love of the brethren. Love without hypocrisy, not practiced of feigned, but sincere and with all honesty. Not a situation where we simply tolerate someone because it is polite to do so. Instead, loving the unlovely from a pure heart, fervently. What challenges we face as we seek the Lord that we might be all that He has called us to be. 1 Peter 1:22 LOVE IS OF GOD FOR GOD IS LOVE. The New Birth is a spiritual birth into the great love of the Lord. His nature is implanted and birthed within us. EVERYONE who is born of the Lord will manifest that love. Where His love is displayed there is evidence which verifies that the individual is indeed one who knows their God. 1 John 4:7 His being, His Spirit dwelling within us will teach us to walk and live the way of His love. 1 Thess. 4:9 Repeatedly the Word of the Lord is found exhorting us to have compassion and love for those of like faith. In so doing we fulfill the Law. Rom. 13:8 The challenge set before us is staggering. There must be drastic changes of attitude one toward another. Only then can the church measure up to the requirements which the Lord has established. We must go so far as to even love our enemies. Then and only then can we be assured that His love is reigning within. Matt. 5:44 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 53 THE INSUFFICIENCY OF THE LAW. The encounter of a young man of some status in the community with the Lord Jesus. Luke states that he is a ruler, a man of rank, a magistrate or perhaps a priest. Luke 18:18 He was of excellent character and one who had kept the Law from the time when he was just a boy. Luke 18:19 He ran up to Jesus and fell on his knees before him, which would certainly indicate a real desire to further and deepen his spiritual experience. Mark 10:17 He had come to the right source to find the eternal life which he was seeking. However he was seeking it through further good works, which he might do. Jesus looking on him, loved him, and certainly he saw in him the nature of a disciple. He simply lacked one thing, Oh how close he was to gaining what he sought after. Mark 10:21 Then, Jesus confronted him with the greatest challenge of his life. He gave him works to do, "go and sell". His possessions were the core and love of his life. Heavenly possessions were promised him, but he had no spiritual vision. He was possessed of his earthly possessions and riches, which were great. Mt. 19:21 All this in exchange for "perfection". Imagine lacking just one element in his spiritual life, the fulfilling of which would result in perfection. Being made complete, reaching maturity or coming to a full age. Which will we choose? Perfection or riches? Many are urging the church today to seek riches. Jesus placed more value on the perfecting of spiritual life, which is everlasting, than on the uncertain riches of this world, which will all perish. SHOULD WE ANTICIPATE PERFECTION? Or should we continue to be spiritually defunct, insecure and struggling to maintain even a semblance of holiness before the Lord? The responsibility of the ministry is to "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus". This was the goal of the Apostle Paul and must be the message of every one who declares the gospel. It must be sounded out in the wisdom of the Spirit, by means of preaching and teaching, with a stern, yet loving warning that the Lord requires a life of holiness. Col. 1:28 Prayer was made for the Colosian church that they might have the ability to take a stand and enter into the perfection of the Lord. Knowing and doing the Lords will in everything. Also, for the church at Thessolonica he prayed fervently, both day and night for their perfection and completion in faith. 1 Thess. 3:10 His desire for the church was that they be loosed from the things of this world and be transformed, in their actions, their thinking and most certainly in their spiritual living. Coming to a full comprehension of the perfect will of the Lord. There are not three levels of His will it is all one will, which is good for all who will follow it. It is acceptable to both the Lord, and to those who follow Him. If it is His will then it is perfect and complete. Rom. 12:2 What a blessed place to be in where we recognize the good of His will. Where it becomes acceptable to us, and we enter into His perfection. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 54 ITS TIME TO GROW. Living in the age in which we live, it is high time that we see a maturity among Christians, which up to now has been missing. We are well versed in the principles or foundational doctrines. Now is that moment of time where we must move on, not forsaking or casting aside teachings which have provided us with a foundation, but building on them. Heb. 6:1 Let us go on unto perfection. There is a maturity in Christ which can be and must be achieved by every member of the body of Christ. His Bride will not be a weak, puny, malnutritioned gathering of believers. She is destined to be like unto her Lord, in every aspect of His being. She will possess the ability to assimilate and fully digest the depths of the Word of the Lord. She will have grown on the milk of the Word but now is gaining full strength by eating of its meat, capable of discerning between that which is good and evil. Heb. 5:14 TESTING AND APPROVING ALL THINGS. No body of believers will have faced the testing which the last day church will face. The climax of all that is evil will come in our generation. Everything that is involved in unrighteousness will soon manifest itself in a greater display than ever before. Be assured the church will be sorely tested. The word approved here means both the testing of an item for its strength and the acceptance and approval of an item. Things which are more excellent, or spiritual things which are of greatest value. Also required is an attitude of sincerity, to be without transgression of any kind, and absolutely faultless before the Lord. The word sincere means, "that which is judged in sunshine" and then "that which is clear and manifest". (Barnes.) His church stands judged in the light of He who is the light of the world. There is no question as to the outcome, for she is filled with His light and glory, living a life that is without offense. The importance of living a life of perfection is verified by the fact of the timing of these statements. A condition of righteousness and holiness is necessary right up to and until the day of Christ, or His second coming. Phil. 1:10 Preparation for His coming must be made prior to His appearing. His Bride will have made herself ready, prior to the wedding and certainly prior to His second coming. There is no sudden spiritual cleansing scheduled for Christians at the second coming of Christ. Paul, speaks of a "change" but that change is an alteration of the physical body to that of a spiritual body. The time element is the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the last one. What happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye is the changing of these mortal bodies into resurrected, transformed bodies. We are to have a new body like unto that of the Lord Jesus. A body which is both material and immaterial. A glorified body, which never again can be subjected to sickness, aging or death. 1 Cor. 15:52 Do not count on a sudden spiritual elevation from a "sinning saint" (?) to a cleansed and prepared saint. Today is the day of salvation, and preparation for that blessed day which is coming soon. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 55 GOD AT WORK. He would manifest His power and glory in the life of each and every one who comes to Him. The works of the Lord are always good and beneficial for those who love Him and serve Him. His works are mighty works of renewal and refreshing. What He accomplishes in His church will be evidence of His efficiency and effectual ability. He is moving in His church to bring forth that which is His will for the church. His desire is that she reach the status of perfection, which is His good pleasure. He has not given up on producing a body of believers who will satisfy the very fullest of the desires of His heart. Phil. 2:13 Everyone in whom the Lord would manifest Himself is called of the Father, for no man may come to Him except the FATHER DRAW him. That any man comes to Christ is an act of the Father. John 6:44 The Son, the Lord Jesus also will draw all men unto Himself by virtue of His crucifixion. John 12:32 THE ULTIMATE STANDARD FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD. His standards are always high and holy. In this case His expectation of those who are His is that they be BLAMELESS and HARMLESS, in spite of the wickedness and sin surrounding them. The conditions of unrighteousness found in the world should not have an effect on the church. The church is to be pure and unsullied from the spirit and actions of the ungodly. Sons of the Most High, born of His Word and His Spirit. NEW creatures in Christ Jesus. Phil. 2:15 One of the great signs of sonship is the ability to love our enemies. This is contrary to everything which is of the natural, the carnal man. If someone is our enemy, we hate them and desire to do them harm or see them hurt in some manner as a pay back. But a Son of God will try to do them good, they will lend to them without expecting a return. In this manner they are verified as being sons of the Most High. Wow, not an easy situation, but with the help of the Lord it can and more than that it must be done. Luke 6:35 They who would be children of the Lord must manifest certain criterion, they are challenged to separate themselves from the world, that is, worldly actions and forms of living which are unclean. They are to leave that which is unclean and impure untouched, exhibiting the Spirit of the Father and family to which they now belong. Such a separation enables the Father to acknowledge His own and to prove the glory of Himself in His children. 2 Cor. 6:17-18 All this can and will be accomplished at a time when the world has reached the apex of unrighteousness, or the end of the age. The ability of the Lord to keep His own from sin and unrighteousness is not just made known in seasons when the working of sin is low and in a lull. The real display of its exceeding great power is manifest in the time of a generation of a crooked, warped and perverse, morally corrupt world. In the time of gross darkness His children will shine with the same glory which is so often manifest in the Lord. Phil. 2:15 His children will bear His likeness in the inner, the spiritual man and that likeness will manifest itself outwardly. There is a visible difference between the Godly and the ungodly. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 56 A GOOD REASON FOR SELF EXAMINATION. Outside of the Lord himself, who is to better know the condition of ones spiritual life than the individual themselves. The call issued by Paul is for an honest and most through testing and proving of ourselves as to whether or not we are in the faith. How do we measure up to the teachings of the Word? Where do we stand spiritually? If the Lord Jesus is not dwelling within our heart, soul and spirit, then we are rejected as being totally unproved and having come far short of the standard established by the Lord Jesus. 2 Cor. 13:5 FACING THE DAY OF HIS COMING. These are days which have been given us, of the Lord, that we might prepare for the great and wonderful events that are in our future. We must take every advantage afforded us to follow the Word and be fully prepared for the future. This is a time to achieve those things which are excellent. The Lord does not have a good, better and best. What He has is excellence, better than the best. That which is above superior. In other words that which is not of this world but is spiritual and heavenly. We are therefore urged to acknowledge that which is superior and to seek after it until we obtain it. Phil. 1:10 Please note two elements which are necessary in our spiritual life as we draw closer to the end of the age. The first characteristic which he mentions is sincerity. That is, honesty and trustworthiness. Strong translated "sincere" as being "tested by sunlight". That which is brought out into the sunlight is thoroughly exposed and tested by light. An excellent meaning and test for those who would be sincere. The next thought he presented is that of being "without offense". Being without sin or anything that offends the holiness of the Lord. It is possible, if Christ is indeed dwelling within us. He provides the ability to live above the standards of the world or of a lukewarm church. Nothing, absolutely nothing where the WORD challenges us is unobtainable. All things are possible with the Lord. AS WITH JESUS. The works which He wrought were the result of the leading and example of His Father. The works of the Lord Jesus were the results of perfect unity and harmony between He and His Father. John 14:10 We are assured that the same Divine power and Spirit will abide in us. John 14:23 In this manner the same works demonstrated by the Lord Jesus should and must be demonstrated by a church fully consecrated to Him. What a mighty, mighty challenge. "The works that I do shall he do". John 14:12 When we have achieved this ability, then we can go on to greater works. When it is "God which worketh in you", There is no limitation to the frequency and the power of the display of miracles. That the climax of the church age will be with tremendous signs and wonders there is no question. But it requires a church which has gained perfection and has that perfect unity and oneness with the Lord. Doing His good pleasure. Phil. 2:13 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 57 EVIDENCE OF THE ELECT OF THE LORD. The kingdom of the Lord is made visible by those who are its citizens. In the first place, they give evidence of a holy life. A life which is unsullied by the uncleanness of this age and world. Because of their commitment to the Lord they are His beloved. They live in His love, therefore, not only do they love Him, but love one another. They are identified as a people who have great heart felt mercy and compassion. An emotion arising from deep within, with exceptionally strong feelings of kindness and a great desire to meet the needs of others. They show forth a humility of mind which is comparable to that of the Lord Jesus. Meekness is also a virtue which is demonstrated by them, for they manifest a mild and peaceful spirit. Patience is also a part of that Christian attitude which they have inherited from their heavenly Father. Col. 3:12 FORGIVENESS. A gift of the Lord. None ever reach the greatness of the forgiveness which Jesus accomplished. His prayer on the cross is the very pinnacle of forgiveness. Without anger or rancor Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him. "Father forgive them". That prayer not only included all those who were physically involved but also all of mankind for we are all equally responsible for His death, inasmuch as He died for us. Luke 23:34 To receive and to give forgiveness is one of the greatest spiritual experiences available to us in this life. Greater still is the ability to bear with those who may irritate us in some manner. That requires the real love of Christ. When offenses have occurred, in the body of Christ, it is extremely necessary that forgiveness be activated. A measure of forgiveness which is equal to the forgiveness which we have received from the Lord. That means total and complete forgiveness, the event is forgotten and obliterated fully from our memory. Col. 3:13 THAT WHICH THE LORD CANNOT REMEMBER. The forgetfulness of the Lord is in regard to confessed and forgiven sin. Amazing, yet most wonderful. He "will not remember our sins". We may stand before Him and reiterate our sinful life and He would have to respond, I cannot remember it. When He has so fully forgiven us our sins, why do we go about testifying of what we were, when in sin? It is a sin to dig up the old garbage. Isa. 43:25 The Lord goes beyond that and declares that He "will remember their sins no more". Jer. 31:34c Heb. 8:12, 10:17 Our iniquities have all been drowned in the depths of the sea. Mic. 7:19 The Lord has thrown all our sins and iniquities behind His back. Isa. 38:17 As if though that were not enough, He covers our sins. Ps. 85:2 He pardons and forgives all of our transgressions. Mic.7:18 He makes propitiation for them, that is a full and absolute atonement for all the iniquity which we have committed. 1 John 4:10 When the Lord has accomplished such a full and complete work of salvation it's about time that we too blot out the past and cease bragging about it. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 58 THEORY OR FACT? Epaphras, burdened in prayer, literally agonizing for his own at Colossi that they might reach the perfection of Christ, fully equipped and completed in the whole will of the Lord. None of the goals which the Lord established for His people are unobtainable. The weight and responsibility of prayer placed upon Epaphras is evidence that perfection is for the church, and especially so, in the end of the age, for the church of today. Col. 4:12 Abraham in his heart had complete faith and assurance that the promises which were made to him by the Lord would be brought to pass. He was persuaded that the Lord, with whom nothing is impossible, would not promise beyond His ability. For the simple reason that there is no limit, no end, no boundary to His capabilities. Rom. 4:21 Surely, He can and will produce a church that is glorious and entire. Eph. 5:27 The goal of the Apostle Paul was to present EVERY man, perfect in the Lord Jesus Christ. Was it an aim without possibilities? A purpose far beyond the scope of the attainable? Certainly not, for our Savior, saves to the uttermost. Col. 1:28 CHILDREN OR ADULTS? Children are easily persuaded and led into many adversities and unfavorable situations. As in the natural, so with the spiritual. New Christians are often easily misled into teachings and doctrines which are unhealthy. Therefore Paul is urging us to cease to be children who are buffeted by every wind of doctrine, who are so easily persuaded by unscrupulous men using fraudulent means, trickery and craftiness to dupe them into believing things which are not true. Children, how ever smart, need the guidance of one who is mature. Eph. 4:14 It is time to put away the thoughts of childhood and realize that we have been called to think as spiritual adults. 1 Cor. 14:20 Spiritual adulthood will bring about maturity and perfection. The perfection of the church is the objective of the Lord Jesus for the church. Is it also the objective of the church? The plain statement of the Word is, "for the perfecting of the saints". Could we ask of more implicit instructions from the Lord? Unity, togetherness, one in Christ Jesus will be attained by His bride, in the end of the age. Eph. 4:13 Jesus said, that not one jot nor tittle would pass away until ALL had come to pass. He has declared it and so it shall be, the most minute statement of His Word will be fulfilled. Mt. 5:18 Multiplied millions, scattered across the face of the earth bound together, not by the Internet but by the Spirit net. All motivated and coordinated by the Spirit of the Lord, with identical thoughts and actions. Separated, yet, even so, in perfect harmony. The promise of the Lord makes necessary but one way, and that is His. A people of one heart and one way. Jer. 32:38-39 Unity is accomplished by the moving of the Holy Spirit. He is neither bound by place or time. There is no limit to His capabilities. Acts 4:32 There will be a body of believers who are Spirit filled and Spirit led who are of one mind, one purpose and of one accord. Phil. 2:2 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 59 CHANGING PLACES. Not to hear the Word is almost inescapable in the world today. Television and radio are used extensively to spread the Good News. From the printed page to the Internet, every possible means is being utilized, to spread the Word. The message is carried by multiplied thousands of missionaries and ministers. The message is still the same as that uttered by the Lord Jesus. Believe and be saved. Be transported from a person who is destined to death, everlasting death, to one who possesses life eternal, life thorough the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word heard, must be believed and applied to the life of the hearer. They, who have been obedient to the Word of the Lord are assured that they have escaped condemnation, or having to stand before the judgment bar of the Lord. Knowing that there is but one sentence and that is eternal punishment. Those who believe on the Lord Jesus have already passed over from the sentence of death, to having received true life in Christ. John 5:24 Furthermore, the redeemed HAVE BEEN exalted and made alive in the Lord Jesus Christ. Which is the result of the greatness of the love of the Lord, which is manifest in those who will accept Him. Through the magnitude of the extreme richness of His Divine mercies, He has made us to be alive unto the Lord and totally released from the ravages of sin and death. In His marvelous workings and abilities He HAS (Please note the present tense), raised us together with Christ, that is, in and by His resurrection. In so doing, He has caused us to be enthroned with Him in places which are heavenly and eternal. Eph. 2:4-6 THE CHURCH IS NOT RECEIVING ALL OF ITS RIGHTS. It is certainly not the fault of the Lord that we are not living up to our advantages in the Lord Jesus. They are recorded in the Word of the Lord and they are powerful and tremendous. "If ye then be risen with Christ". Having been raised with Christ to resurrection life, Paul is not writing about life after the resurrection of the body, or after the second coming of Christ. His message encumbrances, Now, Today, this very present moment of time. Resurrection life is a life of liberty from sin and sickness. Now, what is the key? It is found in hearts which are SET on SEEKING that which is spiritual, and to be found in the presence of the Father and His Christ. Col. 3:1 A people whose affections are set and centered on things eternal and not on the temporal. Col. 3:2 The mind set determines the destiny of each and every individual. We are either persuaded to seek after the benefits of this life, which lead to death - or the true everlasting blessings of eternal life, which shall never pass away. The sinful mind is a mind of hostility and enmity. It is against the Lord. It is not, nor can it be in submission to the will of the Lord. There is no possibility of it ever being pleasing to the Lord. Rom. 8:5-8 The scriptures make no compromise with the carnal, fleshly mind of man, for it is a mind of disobedience. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 60 A WARNING CONCERNING THAT WHICH LEADS TO APOSTASY. Beware lest you become corrupt or spoiled, carried away and robbed. The wisdom and philosophy of this world is most generally in opposition to the Word of the Lord. The Word is truth. If philosophy is really a search for truth then it should by all means embrace the book of Truth, the living Word of the Lord. The vain, meaningless and deceitful ideas and teaching of men which detract from the truth are to be avoided. As if though that were not enough we also face the beliefs of men and their religion. Traditions which are vain and empty, religious and not spiritual. Anything that would lead one away from the teaching of the Lord Jesus is to be shunned. Col. 2:8 FOR IN HIM, THAT IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. There is to be found in Him and inhabiting His being the fullness of the Godhead. Glorious and wonderful are the workings of the Lord. Col. 2:9 The sum and substance of that which comprises the Lord, the very essence of His being was present with and dwelling within the spirit nature of the Lord Jesus. Utterly amazing and too often beyond the comprehension of mankind is our God. He is omnipresent, everywhere present at one and the same time, while we are limited to our present locality. Solomon acknowledged that the vastness of the heavens could not contain the Lord. Much less the beautiful Temple which he had built for the Lord. 1 Kings 8:27 Yet, in all of His vastness and boundlessness, the Godhead chose to abide in the Lord Jesus in a magnificent manner. It was the good pleasure of the Father that ALL that He is, in ALL of His being should dwell in the Lord Jesus. Col. 1:19 The physical body was made to be the Temple of the Most High. The Godhead does not possess a physical body, only in the Lord Jesus. God is a Spirit and therefore has a liberty and freedom which is not found in the physical realm. John 4:24 He will do exactly as He did in the life of the Lord Jesus while here on earth. More astonishing is the ultimate of this association which exists in the Godhead. The words of Jesus must be considered when He was speaking of this relationship between His Father, the Holy Spirit and Himself. He included those who would believe on Him as having the same privilege of the full presence of the Godhead in their spiritual man. Note the kinship which is given in John 1:20. "I AM in my Father. YOU are in me, and I AM in you". How else can we consider this but to take it at face value and realize that Jesus spoke the truth. There can only be one conclusion and that is, that the same Spirit, the same might and power which was in Christ is also resident within the spirit of those who are truly in Christ. There is no limit, to that which will be displayed, through a people who have entered in a covenant such as this. Rest assured that the Lord will work a glorious and wonderful work in the body of believers who are totally consecrated to Him is these last days. Remember not one jot or tittle will pass away until all these things be fulfilled, CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 61 A COMPLETED CHURCH. This is the goal of the Lord for the church in the end of the age. Admittedly, looking at the church today is not very encouraging, but the Lord has declared it to come to pass and it will. He will accomplish His will in His Bride and that is maturity or perfection. Col 2:10 The true church is "in Him". Fanatically, involved and wrapped up in Christ. Associated with Him in a unity that is perfect and absolute. The apple of His eye, the joy and rejoicing of His heart. The love of His life. He is filled with all that is Godly. She is in Him and enjoys the same blessings. Most certainly, being joined to the head, the Lord Jesus Christ, the same virtue, authority and blessing which is upon Him is likewise a part of her experience and life. He is in a position of leadership and authority over all principality and power. So, also is His church if we will but recognize our position and place in the economy of the Lord. Christ has been exalted to the right hand of the Father where He enjoys unlimited power and dominion over both heaven and earth. Supreme and only sovereign, reigning in glorious majesty and beauty. He has not forgotten His church for He likewise has raised her up and seated her, WITH HIM, in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:6 We are not writing about the future, but that which is NOW. As a true child of the Lord you are currently seated in heavenly places in Christ. BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE. There is no limit of "Spiritual blessings" which may be bestowed on the child of the Lord. Paul measures the blessings available, and that with which the Lord has already blessed us as being, ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. When the Lord says ALL, He means exactly ALL. In other words there is no limit to the length, the height, the width or the depth of the blessings of the Lord made available to us. If we are not enjoying them, who is at fault? The promises are there, lets avail ourselves of them. Eph. 1:3 Christ received the Spirit of the Lord without measure, or in entirety. All that the Holy Spirit could possibly be was in Christ. John 3:34 However that did not diminish from the person of the Holy Spirit. Because of His Spirit nature the Holy Spirit remained as He always had been. The same is true of the Father, though He dwelt in Jesus in all completeness He remained the essence and the entity which He had always maintained. He was, is and ever will be the Father. The beauty and glory of all this is that He, the Godhead is desirous of taking up the same position in His church as He did with Christ. The promise that "WE" will come and abide in those who love and obey the Lord Jesus is certainly evidence enough for us to know His desire toward His church. John 14:23 May the Lord in His love and mercy open our eyes to that which He will accomplish in and through His bride in this end of the age. We are on the brink of a mighty move of consecration and holiness in the church world. Not all will accept it but those who do will be used to form the Bride of Christ in this day. Lord haste the day. CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 62 IS THIS SO? The Lord has definite established set standards for every work that He would accomplish. There can be no more exacting requirements than those established for the Bride of Christ. Ideals and ethics which are already set in order. Not only does He present His will but He supplies the power and ability for us to accomplish that which is essential. Here is the challenge of His Word. " As He is". His current status is that which we may acquire. Actually, it is our high calling in Christ Jesus. It is not something which we will participate in, in heaven, in the future. It is directed to us as being a spiritual state for those living in this world and at this time. 1 John 4:17 The qualifying factors for the Bride of Christ are of the highest and most holy. They will not, they cannot be lowered or compromised in any manner. SPIRITUAL ELEVATIONS ARE VERIFIED BY HIS LOVE IN US. The consummate of love, is that which is the very nature and character of the Lord Himself. Only of the Lord may it be said that the very being and essence of one, is love. There is no other love of any kind to which it may be compared. His love is immeasurable and exceeds the accumulated love of mankind from Adam to this day. Everyone who has been born of the Spirit has had a taste and a measure of that love revealed to them. They have come to trust in that love and have great confidence in His great love. The individual who dwells in that marvelous love is living and abiding in very God Himself. More wonderful yet, the Lord is living in Him. Love the Lord, express your love to Him. Make Him to be the object of delight for your heart and soul and you will learn of the reality of that great love, which He so willingly shares with us. 1 John 4:16 The demonstration of love is a strong indication of our knowledge of who the Lord is and what His requirements of us are. The person who does not love, even their enemies, does not know the Lord. 1 John 4:8 Rest assured, a person will never love the Lord more than he loves his neighbor. When the love of the Lord reigns in our hearts we love as He loved. That sent His Son to become the only sacrifice that reconciles man to the Lord. Because of the magnitude of that love, the Father sent and the Son came willingly to offer Himself for us. Now, He is our life, we have eternal life through the mighty gift of His great love. 1 John 4:9-10 He will perfect His love in a church which is without spot or wrinkle. The Lord cannot fail in any of His plans. There is nothing more certain than that of His finding a people, in the end of the age who measure up to all of His perfection. A church, scattered among the churches which will meet every Divine requirement. A bride which will love Him with the love that He has demonstrated to her. Love which has reached the peak of a Godly emotion and is in love with Him, totally, fully, absolutely. However much one has been loved in this life there is no love like that which exists and is manifest in the Lord, who is love personified. No greater love than this. 1 John 4:12 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 63 WHAT EVER ONE BELIEVES ABOUT PREDESTINATION, THE SCRIPTURAL ULTIMATE REMAINS THE SAME. Predestination is based on the infallible foreknowledge of the Lord. He is well aware of the end even from before the beginning of any matter. Whether it is a subject which is eternal or just an event in our lives which is completed in a moment's time. He can and does declare the end from the beginning. Isa. 46:10 The knowledge of the Lord is boundless, it knows no limit. There is positively nothing about anything that is not familiar and fully understood by Him, from the outset to the conclusion. Rom. 8:29 Fully comprehending those who would accept and reject His presentation of salvation through Christ, He made those who would accept, His predestined. The climax of the goal which He has established is not merely occupancy of heaven but the completion of His Divine will in His people. PREDESTINATION IS SET TO REACH A CERTAIN STATUS IN CHRIST. In advance, from before the foundation of the world the matter of personal salvation was settled. The whole scheme was brought into being to produce the end product. That will be a race of people who are absolutely sinless, not only that, but who do not possess the capability of sinning. Making His choice for the explicit purpose of having a people who are totally in love with Him. No love for anything or anyone else ever enters into their hearts of minds. They are thoroughly committed to be holy and blameless before Him. Eph. 1:4 His grand all consuming desire is toward them. They will supply the answer to the only void that is otherwise found in the heart of the Lord. That is a Bride which is exactly what He is. His determination is that they be in the precise image and likeness of His beloved Son. Rom. 8:29 This is the likeness unto which it has been predetermined that we shall be conformed, jointly formed, like an identical twin or a clone. The Spiritual man being fashioned into an exact likeness. The completeness of His life being lived in perfect and absolute harmony within those who have reached their predetermined destiny. The image, the likeness of that which is eternal and heavenly. 1 Cor. 15:49 It is determined to be a new self, which has been created in the very likeness of God, in true righteousness and holiness. Eph. 4:24 Remember that with the Lord there are no limits or extremes that are unobtainable by Him. As assuredly as we are made in the image and likeness of Adam, we will also bear the full and explicit likeness and being of He who is heavenly. I Cor. 15:49 The basis of the choice made in predestination was not determined by the individuals involved, but solely on the essence of acceptance or rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance. 2 Pet. 3:9 It is well recorded that the Lord Jesus took upon Himself the sin of the whole of the human race, from Adam to the last man. Cleansing and forgiveness was made for ALL. He died for ALL. 2 Cor. 5:14-15 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 64 GOD CREATED ADAM. The first man made in the likeness of the Lord Himself. This son was an act of the Lord. A son by creation. One in whom the Lord had placed as much of His own character and nature as was possible. His independence was manifest in his ability to choose between that which was right and that which was wrong. Unfortunately for all succeeding generations Adam made the wrong choice. He who had been created a son of God, fell though sin, and lost his close affiliation with the Lord. Consequently, Adam was driven out from the garden of Eden. Gen. 3:24 THE LORD CHOSE ABRAHAM. Calling him unto Himself. The birthright blessing of sonship was passed to Jacob who was renamed Israel. He had wrestled with God and man and had conquered. Therefore he was reckoned to be a Prince of God. Gen. 32:28 Israelites were children of adoption, called and elevated to the status of being sons of the Most High God. They were not born into the family of the Lord. Rom. 9:4 Yet the Lord in His marvelous ability to lift and elevate those who are His, into true and valid membership in His family took the family of Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees and made them to be His very own family. They were acknowledged as the first born of the Lord, the Lord's son. Ex. 4:22 The Lord proclaimed Himself to be the Father of Israel. Jer. 31:9 The Lord called them with a voice of love and compassion to leave Egypt. The more He called them the more they turned from Him. Hosea 11:1-2 Christ, the savior, the redeemer came to those whom the Father had adopted and made to be members of His very own family. But they rejected Him and there by rejected Sonship in the family of the Lord. John 1:11 The privilege of being a son of the Lord was theirs but they forfeited that blessed right as did Esau of old. In their stead the Lord issued a call to the whosoever will. Those who receive Him are accounted to be Sons of God. John 1:12 TRUE ADOPTION. This is that position to which we have been predestinated to be adopted, through Jesus Christ. Jesus is always the avenue and the means whereby all are received into the great family of the Lord as sons. The act of redemption through the Lord Jesus has enriched every believer in Christ to a place of full and absolute rights. Gal. 4:5 From the moment of the New Birth to the infilling of the Spirit we are being introduced to the Spirit of Sonship. The Spirit which enables us to cry out to Him and call Him Father with heart felt sincerity and complete knowledge that He is indeed our true Father. Rom. 8:15 The ultimate act and manifestation of Sonship is in the gift of the resurrected body. A body made like unto the body of the Lord Jesus. Eternal, everlasting, sinless, enjoying perfect health, with never even a hint of sickness, disease or death. Rom. 8:23 CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH 65 TRUE SONS OF GOD. Faith in Christ elevates and makes one capable of being a son of the living God. As with the natural birth there are certain criteria necessary for one to be a son, so with the spiritual. A spiritual son is one who has been born into the family of the Lord. Jesus said, unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3 He also stated that, ye MUST be born again. John 3:7 There is no religious rite which will produce the new birth. Man may be born again, only by the eternal seed, the Word of the living God. 1 Pet.1:23 Anyone having been birthed by the Word, will take on the nature of the Word and will live according to the Word. Unequivocally, anyone who has been born a son will be obedient to the Word. Having believed on the Lord Jesus they will be baptized. Believing and baptism are spiritual synonyms, they are indelibly linked together in the scriptures. Mark 16:16 Both must be exercised in order for anyone to be saved. Peters, day of Pentecost message verifies this truth. He commanded them to repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that they might obtain the next foundation in the process of salvation. Acts 2:38 That is, that they might be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 PUTTING ON CHRIST. Being clothed with the Christ of God is also a benefit of both water and Spirit baptism. The putting on and, the wearing of the evidence of having been filled with the Spirit. A life that is separated unto the Lord and determined to do His will. Gal. 3:26 The guidance and leading of the Spirit in all things is an evidence of sonship. Rom. 8:14 This is the spiritual course that leads us to definite sonship in Christ. That precious place where we are made to be the seed of Abraham, the Father of all who believe. A seed that has experienced the glorious power and benefits of the Lord in all the mighty blessings which we have noted in this brief message. Above and beyond that, because we have been made sons, it is pronounced that we are now heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Sharing with Christ and sharing alike. As He is a son, so are we sons of the Most High. However there is one requirement which we may not appreciate, and that is that as we share the good and the blessed things, we may be called upon to share in His sufferings. Even so, they are minor compared to the agony which He went through for us. When the glory of the inheritance is revealed, the greatest of suffering and agony will be as nothing, compared to the glory which is granted the victor. Rom. 8:17 All that the Lord is, all that Spiritual, eternal life is, all that the glory of the Lord is, is involved in the inheritance that is given to those who are His sons. We are privileged to receive a full and complete share of all that is heavenly and everlasting. The Lord will share completely of Himself and all that He is, in His great and marvelous character. Nothing will be withheld from those who partake of eternal inheritance. The beggarly elements of this world are insignificant when compared to that which will be received by every son of the most high. Rev. 21:7 06:20 04-07-03 complete edited etc 07:18 25/11/2004 eof