(IHEAM:CH6) I HAVE AN ETERNITY AHEAD OF ME Chapter 6 REVIVAL: Resurrection, Restoration and Reconnection
I HAVE AN ETERNITY AHEAD OF ME
Chapter 6
REVIVAL: Resurrection, Restoration and Reconnection
Matthew 18: 1-4 King James Version (KJV)1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
If we accept Jesus, then, we accept The Kingdom of Heaven. We acknowledge that we are a member of the Body of Christ and along with the other members, we are no longer OF the world, but, citizens within the Kingdom of God. What we do and how we live is with intent to bring that which is done within the Kingdom of Heaven to God's Kingdom on Earth, which exists within and through us, as it did Jesus. Through us, the "Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."
I wrote half of this piece long ago and realizing it was unfinished, I set it aside, awaiting further instructions. The instructions came, as I was contemplating a request that had been made of me; a request which I knew I had to immediately take to prayer and ask God for guidance. These words are offered in love as they were given unto me in love. I did not write this with intent to diminish, obstruct, or deter the admiration, respect and appreciation that is due to any servant of God. However, within our commission to spread the Good News of the Kingdom, is a charge to keep and a God to glorify. It is with this intent and love that I offer the Word of God as revealed to me from our Father. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus and be able to take things to God in prayer. Thank you, Father. I love you. Please reveal Your Truth to those who have ears to hear. Open and cleanse their hearts, drawing them closer to You. In Jesus' name. Amen
Restoring the Church to Christ
As we know, Darkness always mimics Light and seeks to steal, kill and destroy that which is of God. Upon the creation of Jesus's Church, the adversary wasted no time in infiltrating and trying to disrupt and corrupt Believers. False doctrine crept into churches to confuse and cause chaos. Many intending to do good had not been taught properly and instead unintentionally misled many other early Believers. Even now, the influence of the world has destroyed and taken many institutional churches captive. Perhaps, this is what gave rise to the old revivals that took place throughout history and the ongoing quest for revival and survival within churches today.
Can there be true revival for institutional churches as a whole? Is this within God's Will? What is revival and does it restore individuals and churches to Christ? Hence, I offer you a textbook definition of "revival," courtesy of Google.
re·viv·al
- rəˈvīvəl noun an improvement in the condition or strength of something.
"a revival in the fortunes of the party"
synonyms:
improvement, recovery, rallying, picking up, amelioration, turn for the better, upturn, upswing, resurgence
"a revival in the economy"
- an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again.
"cross-country skiing is enjoying a revival"
synonyms:
comeback, reestablishment, reintroduction, restoration, reappearance,
resurrection, regeneration, renaissance, rejuvenation
"the revival of traditional crafts"
- a new production of an old play or similar work.
The definitions I wish to expound upon, are the latter two, "an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again," and "a new production of an old play or similar work."
God wanted Ezekiel to learn about reviving that which is dead and dried up, in order to demonstrate the need for Israel to have Revival: Resurrection, Restoration, and Reconnection to God. As we read in Ezekiel 37: 1-4, God said to Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?"
Ezekiel 37 (KJV)
1. The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
2. And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
3. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
4. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
5. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
If it is God's Will to bring revival and restore captive and institutional churches to Christ Jesus, we must resist and persist against that we have come to accept as norms within the institutional church which go against THE WILL OF GOD. The captives have been assimilated into the culture and identity of their captors and must learn to see with new eyes. Therefore, we must lift the veil that is blinding them. We must expose the lies, the false doctrine, the culture, lifestyle and manner of speaking which they have become accustomed to that SEPARATES them from God.
- First, we must know what we are trying to revive and its present state of being.
- We must accept GOD's WILL for it to live or not to live again
- We should understand that God does not simply resurrect that which is dead or dried up, keeping it in its present state. It will be different.
- It may be futile to invite God in to revive that which is dying and resists change.
- God will REMAKE that which is dead by replacing the OLD with NEW and breathe NEW LIFE into it.
- God intends for it to know HIM and be reconnected to HIM, not the world or man.
- God has a purpose for it within its new life.
- Does God intend to use ME in the process, as a VESSEL and/or INSTRUMENT to do His Will?
- Does this require ME to CHANGE?
- Does this require ME to be HUMBLE, SURRENDER, SUBMIT, BELIEVE and TRUST GOD?
If we are to be instrumental in this process, we must teach others to resist and persist against: those rituals and ceremonies that are within competition with Christ as the Head of the Body and Chief Shepherd; those things which confuse the people to whose voice they should follow and obey; and those things which continue to place Believers behind a veil. If they are to live abundantly and eternally, they must truly accept and trust Christ, be born again and learn to resist and persist against those things which take our eyes off of Jesus and DISCONNECT us from God and His Kingdom.
Unlike the Israelites, who had been taught by the Egyptians to honor pagan and false gods, and who worshipped status and material wealth, having superficial love, we within the Body of Christ must learn to honor one another by our respect, godly love and care for one another, first. We must learn to honor our leaders and teachers likewise, encouraging, edifying, and extending gratitude as it is due.
God does not frown upon us giving gifts to one another, however, we must be mindful of how, when, why, where and what we give to one another. What is in our heart, when we give? Does our giving help to glorify the Lord and lift up the name of JESUS? Or, have we made a golden calf idol, where we are putting something (a ritual or ceremony) or someone ABOVE God and His Kingdom? As citizens living in God's Kingdom, should we lift up others and pay tribute in such a way in the presence of God? Are we holding back from the Kingdom, like Sapphira and Ananias, because we deem ourselves more important? Are we giving begrudgingly, with expectations for reciprocation or reward, or to impress others?
Just a reminder, having been reborn, we are living within the Kingdom. If we go back to Adam and Eve, before they knew sin, the question of honoring oneself before the presence of God, didn't even come to mind within the Garden of Eden. It is now, when man struggles to break free of sin and bondage and escape the trap of legalism that we must open our eyes to what lies before us. Now, within the Kingdom, we have the opportunity once again to live abundant and eternally. So, what place does honoring oneself and encouraging others to do likewise have within God's Kingdom, if we have been washed and cleansed of sin and reconnected to God?
The questions within the body of this text serve as a reality check to examine if we are connected to God and the Kingdom. Which leads us back to--what are we trying to restore when we seek revival? Are we seeking to restore a connection with God? If so, are we going about it the right way? And, if we keep having to repeat and have revival, shouldn't we check to see if there was a CONNECTION in the first place? If we are looking for "a new production of an old play or similar work," revival may not come because the old production, play or work is OBSOLETE because "IT IS FINISHED!" and "Jesus Changed Everything!"
What I'm saying may be a hard pill for many to swallow, but, God often gives us a hard pill to swallow to make us better. God did not give the Tribe of Levi land within the Promised Land. Instead, they were to minister to the people who would be responsible for providing for their needs. They were to minister to and SERVE others, for which they were highly regarded. Jesus sent His Disciples out to minister to the people carrying nothing. He wanted them to be completely dependent upon God providing for them through others. Under the new covenant, the Five Fold ministry became responsible TOGETHER to minister to the people, helping the Helper, God's Holy Spirit, to teach the new arrivals within the KINGDOM, those who, having been REBORN, still needed instruction in being HOLY--SAINTS, set apart, as Children of God. Paul's structuring of the early church, reinforced the responsibility of the people to provide for those who minister to the people and to honor them; to hold them in high regard and provide for all of their needs. What we must remember is that they provided for ALL those who ministered to the people (apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, pastors).
The Kingdom signifies the outstanding difference, the changing and defining point to what distinguishes us as Followers of Jesus, Servants, Apostle's, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists and Pastors, requiring us to meet a DIFFERENT STANDARD than that of the world. Jesus said that within the Kingdom, the greatest amongst us shall be our minister, and the chief amongst us shall be our SERVANT; meaning that the minister is not ABOVE the servant, but, he too, is a servant.
The Bible speaks of honoring EVERY man in a different sense than that of the world; for only God and Jesus are worthy of honor and glory. Honor is found in God and Jesus. How can we honor others within the Kingdom? --By obeying God and becoming like Him through Jesus; by loving and treating others as we would have others love and treat us; by esteeming every man greater than ourselves. We HONOR our pastor and shepherd by our love, respect, care and by providing for them. Confusion and trespass for many begin because they are not aware of who and what they are. Those who are born of the Spirit are of the Kingdom. Jesus and God's Holy Spirit dwell within them and they are of the Kingdom. As citizens of the Kingdom, we want God's Will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Within the KINGDOM, we lift up NO OTHER NAME but the name of JESUS! We do not set one member above the other members in the Body. When He spoke to the Disciples concerning the greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus was not establishing rank, status, or protocol, for that would be CONTRARY to His teachings and the principles of the Kingdom. We must do away with our earthly, carnal thinking and expand our minds upon our knowledge of God's Kingdom and "Let His Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven."
Jesus was REAFFIRMING the unbiased and balanced judgment of His Father within Him. Reminding us that we are VESSELS! The pronoun "he" could be ANYONE whom God chooses at a specific time or place to use! We ALL as Believers minister to one another at sometime or another. However, HE who HUMBLES himself to SERVE, in God's eyes is seen as making the GREATER SACRIFICE for he has learned to LIVE THE WORD OF GOD!!!!! This is not to say that those who minister the Word of God are not servants, but, instead that, if they want to be greater than the Pharisee and Sadducee, who only preached the Word, the minister, pastor, preacher, apostle, prophet, evangelist, or teacher, must learn FIRST to be a SERVANT and to LIVE the Word of God!
I ask you now, my beloved Brothers and Sisters, if you have INDEED been REBORN and are FREE INDEED, "Are you living as CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM in your abundant and eternal life? Or, are you still guided by and practicing the rituals and ceremonies of men OF the world?
As we APPRECIATE one another within the Church and the Body of Christ, we must be aware of where we are--IN the world, but not OF the world. As WE have been transformed, our APPRECIATION has been enlightened and uplifted to encompass more than seeking a place of recognition or seeing ourselves greater or more worthy. Our appreciation for others is not entrenched in worldly thinking.
Will we be like Satan and within God's own Kingdom, allow or encourage others to extol praise upon us, forgetting we would be and could do NOTHING without God? Where are the truly humble? Where are the TRUE SERVANTS OF GOD who will not steal His Praise, Honor, and Glory, or look to PROFIT from His Name?; Who UNDERSTANDS what it means to LOVE the Word of God, who is Christ Jesus? Who will humbly live within His and His Father's KINGDOM?
There can be no mistaking that cleanup time is long over due within many places where we worship and teach God's Word. God's Word tells us that cleanup begins within the church. One can take this as simply undue criticism and helping to turn people away from the church or see it as love and exhortation for those who want to be Christ's True Church, who do not fear change and trust God for the increase. Those who fear, distrust, or abhor cleanup within the Body, do not understand Christ's Church, for it is like the human body, which rids itself of waste, contamination, and disease.
Those who oppose or who are not open to constructive criticism given in love to encourage holiness and righteousness, to invite unity, and to create solutions, cannot see how narrow the gate and how straight the path to the Kingdom of God. They forget that Christ is the Head of the Body and the sheep belong to God. They neither understand the seriousness of Paul's letters to the early churches, nor take heed to Jesus's in the Book of Revelation warning those claiming to be His church and Followers.
There cannot be TRUE FELLOWSHIP without TRUE LIGHT. Darkness cannot be swept under a rug, but must be cast out. We cannot enter the Kingdom one day and then slip out the back door to be in the world. To lead the sheep back to Christ, we must make BOLD decisions, abrupt stops, and cautious turns, putting ourselves in harms way, denying ourselves, dying to self and giving our lives to save others from sin and death. There is no greater love than to sacrifice one's own life for His brother.
Honor within the Kingdom is of a different standard. Still, man loves to find ways to use the scriptures of the Bible to benefit himself. Men of the world set aside days to honor men of the world. They love sitting proudly while heaps of praises are piled upon their heads. They see no harm in bringing glory to themselves, but not so with those who love God. Many will try to convince you that it is all under control and the people understand that God gets all the glory, but the day wasn't set aside solely to lift up God, the day was set aside to lift up and praise man. God saw that Moses' body was buried so that no man would know and have opportunity to idolize him. Jehovah God is a jealous god. He has not changed.
Many people within churches function and operate by what has been set as a precedent, doing what they see others do, or responding to Simon Says. Some churches even try to out-do other churches in the way that they provide for their ministers. Other churches have even established ways for ministers to benefit from a kick-back or extra perk, in return for privileges or recognition, as did the Pharisee and Sadducee. Instead of trusting God, Servants of God may see their ministry as a type of job to draw extra benefits from the people to help them throughout the year. They may be willing to compromise their relationship with Christ and their connection to God. As they may see change as not benefiting them, they may see no harm in adhering to the traditional values, rituals, and ceremonies of the institutional church, as long as it keeps the people happy and content, making them feel good about themselves and what they are doing for others.
This is but one example of people applying the world to the Word of God, instead of living the Word within the Kingdom. But, who will give account and be responsible for taking the sheep's eyes off of Jesus and leading them astray? Who will give account and be responsible for standing in the way of Revival: Resurrection, Restoration and Reconnection with God?
Jesus did not pray for the world, for He knew its fate, seeing it blind and in darkness. He didn't worry about offending the world or those still attached to it, or those who claimed to be Jews and Children of God. He came offering something more powerful and desirable--The Kingdom of God, abundant and eternal life.
Yes, many were driven away, who did not appreciate Jesus finding fault within their lives, their religion, the Temple, the Pharisees and Sadducees. They were set in their ways and traditions, believing what they had was holy and righteous, inoffensive to God. But, was Jesus sent to gain popularity for the Temple and the practice of religion and corruption? HE DID WHAT HIS FATHER TOLD HIM TO DO! The words He brought cut deep within the heart causing hatred, animosity, and division.
God knew that His plan would separate the wheat from the tares. It was not intended to start a trend of popularity and approval. Speaking boldly did not end with Jesus, yet, speaking IN LOVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, BEGINS WITH JESUS. We must speak out boldly, IN LOVE, to correct our Brothers and Sisters, for God is seeking only ONE KIND OF WORSHIPPER, THOSE WHO WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.
We need not fear for the growth and survival of the True Church, for the LIGHT OF TRUTH will continue to separate the wheat from the tares, drawing men to God's throne of Truth, Holiness, Righteousness, Grace and Mercy. TRUST GOD'S PLAN! We fear because we fail to TRUST GOD, forgetting that He is still in control. Some men fear because they wrestle God for control of the church, thinking they can make the rules and break the rules whenever they want to, for whomever they please to do so. But, God shows no preference of man (For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11).
Yes, many shepherds and clerics actually believe they can bypass the will of the Master of the sheep, believing they are in control of the church, God's sheep, which have been entrusted to them. They may compromise the Word, Will, and Way of God, or bend rules, for fear of losing members or potential members. Their fear is misplaced, for instead, they should fear the wrath of God for failing to heed His Word, misleading, or stealing His sheep.
Change? Terrorists and warmongers have it all wrong. It's not about dying for a cause to bring about change. Jesus already did that for all of us. It's about dying to self (our corrupted flesh) and surrendering ALL to LIVE in the spirit and walk by faith and not by sight. Revival through Resurrection (Rebirth), Restoration to LIVE ANEW under the Mind of Christ to have a Reconnection with God.
Now, is the time to LIVE for change. WHAT and WHO are you willing to die to self for to LIVE in victory and affect change in others? There is only ONE whom you can live for who will change you and others, when what you live for FIRST is God and His Kingdom.
Change? The change most men seek is change to benefit them IN the world. Until churches are freed from bondage, forsaking the world and stop structuring the church to serve the world instead of God, there can be no TRUE revival or restoration of the church to Christ.
In order to keep the churches in line with the Word of God, Paul and Timothy would no doubt have had questions to make comparisons and affirmations to help make decisions and changes within. When I am faced with decisions and change, I try to ask myself the questions below; or, at least some of them, if all are not pertinent. If I believe I have an answer or solution:
Unlike the Israelites, who had been taught by the Egyptians to honor pagan and false gods, and who worshipped status and material wealth, having superficial love, we within the Body of Christ must learn to honor one another by our respect, godly love and care for one another, first. We must learn to honor our leaders and teachers likewise, encouraging, edifying, and extending gratitude as it is due.
God does not frown upon us giving gifts to one another, however, we must be mindful of how, when, why, where and what we give to one another. What is in our heart, when we give? Does our giving help to glorify the Lord and lift up the name of JESUS? Or, have we made a golden calf idol, where we are putting something (a ritual or ceremony) or someone ABOVE God and His Kingdom? As citizens living in God's Kingdom, should we lift up others and pay tribute in such a way in the presence of God? Are we holding back from the Kingdom, like Sapphira and Ananias, because we deem ourselves more important? Are we giving begrudgingly, with expectations for reciprocation or reward, or to impress others?
APPLYING THE WORLD TO THE WORD vs. LIVING THE WORD IN THE KINGDOM
Just a reminder, having been reborn, we are living within the Kingdom. If we go back to Adam and Eve, before they knew sin, the question of honoring oneself before the presence of God, didn't even come to mind within the Garden of Eden. It is now, when man struggles to break free of sin and bondage and escape the trap of legalism that we must open our eyes to what lies before us. Now, within the Kingdom, we have the opportunity once again to live abundant and eternally. So, what place does honoring oneself and encouraging others to do likewise have within God's Kingdom, if we have been washed and cleansed of sin and reconnected to God?
The questions within the body of this text serve as a reality check to examine if we are connected to God and the Kingdom. Which leads us back to--what are we trying to restore when we seek revival? Are we seeking to restore a connection with God? If so, are we going about it the right way? And, if we keep having to repeat and have revival, shouldn't we check to see if there was a CONNECTION in the first place? If we are looking for "a new production of an old play or similar work," revival may not come because the old production, play or work is OBSOLETE because "IT IS FINISHED!" and "Jesus Changed Everything!"
What I'm saying may be a hard pill for many to swallow, but, God often gives us a hard pill to swallow to make us better. God did not give the Tribe of Levi land within the Promised Land. Instead, they were to minister to the people who would be responsible for providing for their needs. They were to minister to and SERVE others, for which they were highly regarded. Jesus sent His Disciples out to minister to the people carrying nothing. He wanted them to be completely dependent upon God providing for them through others. Under the new covenant, the Five Fold ministry became responsible TOGETHER to minister to the people, helping the Helper, God's Holy Spirit, to teach the new arrivals within the KINGDOM, those who, having been REBORN, still needed instruction in being HOLY--SAINTS, set apart, as Children of God. Paul's structuring of the early church, reinforced the responsibility of the people to provide for those who minister to the people and to honor them; to hold them in high regard and provide for all of their needs. What we must remember is that they provided for ALL those who ministered to the people (apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, pastors).
The Kingdom signifies the outstanding difference, the changing and defining point to what distinguishes us as Followers of Jesus, Servants, Apostle's, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists and Pastors, requiring us to meet a DIFFERENT STANDARD than that of the world. Jesus said that within the Kingdom, the greatest amongst us shall be our minister, and the chief amongst us shall be our SERVANT; meaning that the minister is not ABOVE the servant, but, he too, is a servant.
The Bible speaks of honoring EVERY man in a different sense than that of the world; for only God and Jesus are worthy of honor and glory. Honor is found in God and Jesus. How can we honor others within the Kingdom? --By obeying God and becoming like Him through Jesus; by loving and treating others as we would have others love and treat us; by esteeming every man greater than ourselves. We HONOR our pastor and shepherd by our love, respect, care and by providing for them. Confusion and trespass for many begin because they are not aware of who and what they are. Those who are born of the Spirit are of the Kingdom. Jesus and God's Holy Spirit dwell within them and they are of the Kingdom. As citizens of the Kingdom, we want God's Will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Within the KINGDOM, we lift up NO OTHER NAME but the name of JESUS! We do not set one member above the other members in the Body. When He spoke to the Disciples concerning the greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus was not establishing rank, status, or protocol, for that would be CONTRARY to His teachings and the principles of the Kingdom. We must do away with our earthly, carnal thinking and expand our minds upon our knowledge of God's Kingdom and "Let His Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven."
Jesus was REAFFIRMING the unbiased and balanced judgment of His Father within Him. Reminding us that we are VESSELS! The pronoun "he" could be ANYONE whom God chooses at a specific time or place to use! We ALL as Believers minister to one another at sometime or another. However, HE who HUMBLES himself to SERVE, in God's eyes is seen as making the GREATER SACRIFICE for he has learned to LIVE THE WORD OF GOD!!!!! This is not to say that those who minister the Word of God are not servants, but, instead that, if they want to be greater than the Pharisee and Sadducee, who only preached the Word, the minister, pastor, preacher, apostle, prophet, evangelist, or teacher, must learn FIRST to be a SERVANT and to LIVE the Word of God!
James and John, the two brothers, and their mother were still very carnally minded and could only see that which was of the world, basing prosperity and importance on the structure of class and status around them. Therefore, they believed that within Jesus's Kingdom, they would find the same thing and achieve status and glory because they had CONNECTIONS with Jesus. They could not see that that which they lacked was a connection with The Living Word of God! They wanted to connive their way to the top behind the other apostle's backs. They neither knew what they were asking, nor the consequences of drinking of the same cup as Jesus. Jesus's response to their request shows us that ONLY GOD, the Father, can lift someone up within the KINGDOM. However, Jesus did not tell them that within the Kingdom, there is only ONE MAN'S NAME that has been found WORTHY of lifting up and praising with ALL HONOR, GLORY AND MIGHT! Only the LAMB OF GOD, Jesus, who is worthy to bring Salvation, to open the Book of Names, and to lead the final battle and VICTORY over Darkness upon the earth!Matthew 20:20-34 King James Version (KJV)20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
I ask you now, my beloved Brothers and Sisters, if you have INDEED been REBORN and are FREE INDEED, "Are you living as CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM in your abundant and eternal life? Or, are you still guided by and practicing the rituals and ceremonies of men OF the world?
As we APPRECIATE one another within the Church and the Body of Christ, we must be aware of where we are--IN the world, but not OF the world. As WE have been transformed, our APPRECIATION has been enlightened and uplifted to encompass more than seeking a place of recognition or seeing ourselves greater or more worthy. Our appreciation for others is not entrenched in worldly thinking.
Will we be like Satan and within God's own Kingdom, allow or encourage others to extol praise upon us, forgetting we would be and could do NOTHING without God? Where are the truly humble? Where are the TRUE SERVANTS OF GOD who will not steal His Praise, Honor, and Glory, or look to PROFIT from His Name?; Who UNDERSTANDS what it means to LOVE the Word of God, who is Christ Jesus? Who will humbly live within His and His Father's KINGDOM?
CLEANING HOUSE
There can be no mistaking that cleanup time is long over due within many places where we worship and teach God's Word. God's Word tells us that cleanup begins within the church. One can take this as simply undue criticism and helping to turn people away from the church or see it as love and exhortation for those who want to be Christ's True Church, who do not fear change and trust God for the increase. Those who fear, distrust, or abhor cleanup within the Body, do not understand Christ's Church, for it is like the human body, which rids itself of waste, contamination, and disease.
Those who oppose or who are not open to constructive criticism given in love to encourage holiness and righteousness, to invite unity, and to create solutions, cannot see how narrow the gate and how straight the path to the Kingdom of God. They forget that Christ is the Head of the Body and the sheep belong to God. They neither understand the seriousness of Paul's letters to the early churches, nor take heed to Jesus's in the Book of Revelation warning those claiming to be His church and Followers.
There cannot be TRUE FELLOWSHIP without TRUE LIGHT. Darkness cannot be swept under a rug, but must be cast out. We cannot enter the Kingdom one day and then slip out the back door to be in the world. To lead the sheep back to Christ, we must make BOLD decisions, abrupt stops, and cautious turns, putting ourselves in harms way, denying ourselves, dying to self and giving our lives to save others from sin and death. There is no greater love than to sacrifice one's own life for His brother.
Honor within the Kingdom is of a different standard. Still, man loves to find ways to use the scriptures of the Bible to benefit himself. Men of the world set aside days to honor men of the world. They love sitting proudly while heaps of praises are piled upon their heads. They see no harm in bringing glory to themselves, but not so with those who love God. Many will try to convince you that it is all under control and the people understand that God gets all the glory, but the day wasn't set aside solely to lift up God, the day was set aside to lift up and praise man. God saw that Moses' body was buried so that no man would know and have opportunity to idolize him. Jehovah God is a jealous god. He has not changed.
Many people within churches function and operate by what has been set as a precedent, doing what they see others do, or responding to Simon Says. Some churches even try to out-do other churches in the way that they provide for their ministers. Other churches have even established ways for ministers to benefit from a kick-back or extra perk, in return for privileges or recognition, as did the Pharisee and Sadducee. Instead of trusting God, Servants of God may see their ministry as a type of job to draw extra benefits from the people to help them throughout the year. They may be willing to compromise their relationship with Christ and their connection to God. As they may see change as not benefiting them, they may see no harm in adhering to the traditional values, rituals, and ceremonies of the institutional church, as long as it keeps the people happy and content, making them feel good about themselves and what they are doing for others.
This is but one example of people applying the world to the Word of God, instead of living the Word within the Kingdom. But, who will give account and be responsible for taking the sheep's eyes off of Jesus and leading them astray? Who will give account and be responsible for standing in the way of Revival: Resurrection, Restoration and Reconnection with God?
Jesus did not pray for the world, for He knew its fate, seeing it blind and in darkness. He didn't worry about offending the world or those still attached to it, or those who claimed to be Jews and Children of God. He came offering something more powerful and desirable--The Kingdom of God, abundant and eternal life.
Yes, many were driven away, who did not appreciate Jesus finding fault within their lives, their religion, the Temple, the Pharisees and Sadducees. They were set in their ways and traditions, believing what they had was holy and righteous, inoffensive to God. But, was Jesus sent to gain popularity for the Temple and the practice of religion and corruption? HE DID WHAT HIS FATHER TOLD HIM TO DO! The words He brought cut deep within the heart causing hatred, animosity, and division.
God knew that His plan would separate the wheat from the tares. It was not intended to start a trend of popularity and approval. Speaking boldly did not end with Jesus, yet, speaking IN LOVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, BEGINS WITH JESUS. We must speak out boldly, IN LOVE, to correct our Brothers and Sisters, for God is seeking only ONE KIND OF WORSHIPPER, THOSE WHO WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.
CHANGE AND DECISIONS: TESTING THE CONNECTION
We need not fear for the growth and survival of the True Church, for the LIGHT OF TRUTH will continue to separate the wheat from the tares, drawing men to God's throne of Truth, Holiness, Righteousness, Grace and Mercy. TRUST GOD'S PLAN! We fear because we fail to TRUST GOD, forgetting that He is still in control. Some men fear because they wrestle God for control of the church, thinking they can make the rules and break the rules whenever they want to, for whomever they please to do so. But, God shows no preference of man (For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11).
Yes, many shepherds and clerics actually believe they can bypass the will of the Master of the sheep, believing they are in control of the church, God's sheep, which have been entrusted to them. They may compromise the Word, Will, and Way of God, or bend rules, for fear of losing members or potential members. Their fear is misplaced, for instead, they should fear the wrath of God for failing to heed His Word, misleading, or stealing His sheep.
Change? Terrorists and warmongers have it all wrong. It's not about dying for a cause to bring about change. Jesus already did that for all of us. It's about dying to self (our corrupted flesh) and surrendering ALL to LIVE in the spirit and walk by faith and not by sight. Revival through Resurrection (Rebirth), Restoration to LIVE ANEW under the Mind of Christ to have a Reconnection with God.
Now, is the time to LIVE for change. WHAT and WHO are you willing to die to self for to LIVE in victory and affect change in others? There is only ONE whom you can live for who will change you and others, when what you live for FIRST is God and His Kingdom.
Change? The change most men seek is change to benefit them IN the world. Until churches are freed from bondage, forsaking the world and stop structuring the church to serve the world instead of God, there can be no TRUE revival or restoration of the church to Christ.
In order to keep the churches in line with the Word of God, Paul and Timothy would no doubt have had questions to make comparisons and affirmations to help make decisions and changes within. When I am faced with decisions and change, I try to ask myself the questions below; or, at least some of them, if all are not pertinent. If I believe I have an answer or solution:
- Have I prayed about it and asked God to guide me?
- Have I waited for an answer?
- Am I leaving God out?
- Am I following Jesus, abiding in the Spirit and trying to become like Him?
- Am I being in the flesh--self, wanting things to be about me, forgetting it's not what I want, but what God wants?
- Does it Glorify God?
- Does it Honor God?
- Am I obeying God?
- Does it give God all the praise?
- Am I showing my love for Jesus and God, or love of self?
- Does it put control and power into God's hands?
- Am I seeking God's Face?
- Am I seeking the Kingdom of God first?
- Am I being accountable?
Before He was condemned and crucified, as He prayed in the garden, Jesus said that He did not pray for the world. He knows its beginning and He knows that the world, as we know it will not change. Therefore, someday, it will end, but, the Kingdom of God will last, for it is eternal.
Jesus invited us to live holy and righteously within His Kingdom. He wanted us to be resurrected, restored, and reconnected with God. What love Jesus and God must have for us to want to spend an eternity with us. Likewise, love for Jesus and Rebirth through the Holy Spirit is the change and restoration we must desire and seek for others, which will RECONNECT them with their Holy Father and give them abundant and everlasting life.
your servant, strengthened and grounded by love for and from Christ Jesus, who unites us as One, all praise be unto God! Amen
mishael
Ephesians 4:11-18(KJV)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror
Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the following questions.DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.
QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to:
https://fsasw.blogspot.com
https://fssw-followers.weebly.com
- Have I prayed about it and asked God to guide me?
- Have I waited for an answer?
- Am I leaving God out?
- Am I following Jesus, abiding in the Spirit and trying to become like Him?
- Am I being in the flesh--self, wanting things to be about me, forgetting it's not what I want, but what God wants?
- Does it Glorify God?
- Does it Honor God?
- Am I obeying God?
- Does it give God all the praise?
- Am I showing my love for Jesus and God, or love of self?
- Does it put control and power into God's hands?
- Am I seeking God's Face?
- Am I seeking the Kingdom of God first?
- Am I being accountable?
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SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.
15 The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?
19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
20 And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.
21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:
22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.
23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.
26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.
27 My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
28 And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.
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Matthew 18 (KJV)
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
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20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
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Ephesians 4 (KJV)
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