2017-07-07
Good Morning Dear Ones,
God’s way of organizing the church into congregations was never meant to cause the human-crafted arguments that led to different denominations, competition between them, or outright prejudice. Instead the divine Mediator of the Gospel’s will for the church is expressed in 1 COR 12: 12-13, “The body is unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though in all its parts are many, they form one body. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were given one Spirit to drink,” The word “body” as expressed here applies to us, both as individuals or in the corporate (church congregations) sense. 1 COR 6:19-20 can also be taken this way. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought for a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” Exhibiting the gifts of the Holy Spirit [GA 5: 22-23] should be done at both the individual and corporate levels. JN 7: 37-38 is yet another reminder on both levels, in the words of Christ Himself, “…If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture [JN 3:15] has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”
God’s instruction through His word continued in Paul’s words in 1 TIM 3: 15-16, “If I am delayed you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up to glory.” Believers are to be truthful, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach what they learned, and not be quarrelsome. They should have a good reputation, not be overbearing, not quick-tempered, love good, and detest evil. They are not to be drunkards or depend on drugs not prescribed by a responsible doctor, promiscuous, or adulterers. From early on, as in DT 6: 7, members of the church are to teach their children to love the Lord, our God, and when discipline is necessary, it should be fair, consistent, and never accomplished in destructive anger. Each of us needs to test our own obedience to God and the truth on a regular basis, without evoking guilt. This may seem like a lot for the Mediator of the new covenant to ask of us, but we’ve been created with the ability to make sometimes tough choices, so that we comply with our Lord’s wishes. AC 2: 46-47 describes how the early church members ate together, met daily in the in the temple courts. They broke bread with sincere hearts, praising God, and people favored them. The Lord added to their number daily, brought joy and filled them with His Spirit. The story of Paul’s and Silas’ release from prison, found in AC 16: 16-40, includes their jailer converting to faith in the Lord Jesus and joyfully releasing them saying, “Go in peace” [v. 36]. Throughout this story, one can feel the presence of the Lord. In verse 40, Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s house, where they met other church members and gave them encouragement.
The words of JN 15: 16-17 shouldn’t be neglected or forgotten. Christ says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. This is My command: love each other.” The Lord Jesus enables us to bear fruit. He advocates for us with the Father, allowing our prayers to be heard by Him. It is up to us to accept one of the three options God exercises, “yes,” “no,” and “maybe later.”
PRAYER: O Lord, we come before Your throne today to acknowledge Your wisdom, patience with us, and generous blessings. When we are challenged by our circumstances, in our relationships, or by trouble, You are always here for us. You are omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. We are imperfect and in need of confessing our sins. It’s important that we remain obedient to Your word, thankful, and that we offer You the praise You so richly deserve. By acknowledging these things, You hear our prayer and always use Your remarkable wisdom in answering them. You give us talents to use in your service. We need never feel ashamed of the Gospel message that you have commanded us to spread [MT 28: 19-20]. We can approach You with freedom and confidence. It helps us to understand why at times You must delay answering our prayers. For we know that Your timing and method of doing so is in our best eternal interests. You know when we are hurting, and offer us encouragement and kindness. Through the challenges to our faith in Jesus Christ, You teach us valuable lessons we need to have. So, we offer You thanks and praise for Your help in our discernment of what you want us to know. We offer You our love and loyalty, in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: I’m led to write more about the relationship of Christ to His church next week. If I may be heard, there is an issue that is on my mind appropriate to share here. It is a fundamental breakdown of the family unit. There are many reasons for this sadness, and some ways to help avoid it. In marriage, it must be understood from the outset that problems like disagreements, illnesses, and challenges to our faith will happen. The big question is how we react to them and the status of our placing trust in God. When a conflict arises, do we try to defeat another person, or do we take his situation or argument in prayerful consideration? How well are we versed in God’s teaching, so that we might know His will? For that matter, do we take God’s will into consideration? Thanks to computers and other technological advances, the pace of life has never been faster than it is now. Families are made up of members who are often using devices to put distance between themselves and others. Each member has his own agenda, and the question is: Are these taken into consideration along with the agendas of others in the family? Do families make it their business to share meals together at reasonable intervals? I may be considered “old fashioned,” but these notions matter enormously to the success of family relationships. I leave you with this question: Does the family that worships together have a better chance of overcoming all these distractions and issues? I testify that being obedient to the Lord’s will is a way to happiness and inner peace. Praise and thanks be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn
JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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