Write The Vision.
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Write The Vision.
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Written by Grant Hayman
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Pastors and the Church.
Part 2 .
Special Note 6 .

---The Reformation De-Formation .
¶ In "Part 1" of "Pastors and the Church" a mixture and comparison of protestant misconceptions and the Word of God has been presented.
The 'reformation' and the emergence of the protestant movements, though firmly rooted in the Gospel and "Justification by Faith", lacked a thorough 'reformation' in conformity to the Word of God concerning, Christians being utterly Christ's disciple and under his authority and not under the self appointed hierarchical authority of Church bishops and the differential pastoral systems of clergy/laity. Unfortunately the latter has been the case since then and is identical to the serious developments of apostasy in the early Church to which The Lord Jesus Christ addressed his call and warnings given to John on the Isle of Patmos AD 96.
This fresh life that came out of the reformation was a Church 'reformed' spiritually but 'deformed' in practice which eventually led, and continually leads to the 'spoiling' and 'deformity' of spiritual experience. If 'new wine' is not put into new bottles, then the wine is spilled and the bottles perish. [Luke' 5:37 .]
The 'reformation' new wine was poured into the old bottle of the ecclesiastical hierarchy control of men instead of Christ. This 'reformed' movement being held in the same apostate scaffolding of the early Church, emerges now in the 21 Century in the grossly 'deformed' spiritual darkness of churches that legitimize the practice of 'sodomy' and ordain such under the classification of Christian ministers in a so called Christian Church!
--- Christendom Under the Domination of Man .
¶ Given the stark reality of the evidence of the Church of today being the grandchild of the apostasy of AD 110 illustrated in ..."Pastors and the Church - Part 1", The question could be asked - "Well, where does that leave us all today"?
Answer: Whoever of us are involved in the protestant denominational 'clergy' - laity based Church order, have our feet dipped in the tentacles of serious apostasy that originated at the dawn of the Church around AD 110. This apostasy displaced the Church in matters of assembly fellowship from being under Christ's authority to being under the domination and authority of man.
Truly we can be thankful for the Grace of God evident among God's people down through the centuries and as Paul said ... "acknowledge every good thing which is in you in Jesus Christ" [Philemon' 1:6 .] Praise the Lord for all the saints that have this treasure of the Lord Jesus Christ in earthen vessels, but with the stacks of evidence that the "treasure" is sealed up under the man made ecclesiastical hierarchy and carefulness makes one want to cry out like Josiah " ..... our fathers have NOT hearkened unto the words of this book, to DO according unto all that which is written concerning us". [2 Kings' 22:13.]
The Lord help the Church in these days, with a fresh vision to get back to the Word of God, of His will in the assembly of the saints and take a lesson from the early Church fathers that to follow the traditions of man (as Jesus said) is to make void the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word combine for great blessing. Where the religious refinements of men and human wisdom make void the Word of God, a local Church travels in a lifeless carriage destined to become a valley of dry bones that can neither hear nor speak or show the glory of Christ.
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--- Apostasy 'seeds' of the Early Church Operating Today .
¶ The seeds of what sadly exists today are totally and clearly outlined by Jesus in the revelation of His Glory and what He was 'against' in the Churches, given to John with the repeated call "He that hath ears to hear let him hear". [Rev'. 2:7,17 .] Interestingly this particular call was to the Church at Ephesus and also to the Church at Pergamos and Pergamos was one of the Churches that was under the Nicolaitan influence of predominate positional power of ministers (or pastors) over the congregation. This predominance of ministers among the saints paved the way towards the erroneous formation of the 'episcopate' (separate order of bishops) hierarchy.
Jesus accused the Church at Pergamos of the more serious issue than the complemented case at Ephesus; The serious issue at Pergamos was that they had concocted a doctrine to prove their point of positional power over the people!
At Ephesus the 'Nicos' (short for Nicolaitans) problem was different. At Ephesus they would not have a bar of the doctrine of the 'Nicos' but as well they refused and hated the 'deeds' of the 'Nicos' as Jesus does.
--- The Nature of the Early and Present Apostasy :
¶ Wonder of wonders! The present day apostasy is the same apostasy that existed in the early Church from AD 96 (The Revelation to John on the Isle of Patmos.] which is simply the displacement of Christ. Oh yes, there was all the spiritual knowledge and Scriptural knowledge just the same as there is today and yet look at the departure from the true Word of God now in this 21 Century, which is a mirror image of how it was then! There was in the early Church all the claims from every quarter that all is Christian; even Church and state were joined together as "Christian". But where was Christ? As with the (lukewarm) Church at Laodicea, Jesus was outside the whole gambit of the Church and was knocking on the door. [Rev. 3:14-22.] It is a very interesting thing that with so much dire persecution coming upon the Church there was extremes of spiritual conditions. Along with the lukewarm condition of Laodicea (where Christians were rich and increased with goods and had need of nothing) there were Churches that were persecuted to death! It is all recorded in the book of Revelation. In all this variableness, it is amazing that man power is seen everywhere. Asceticism featured so much in the slide of the Church away from Christ, bringing in upon the showmanship Church the deceptive aspirations to imitate Jesus by pious endeavour instead of knowing him and the power of his resurrection. [Philippians 3:10.] You may bring in whatever you spiritually fancy and even what you are willing to die for and yet if it isn't Christ then He is displaced and a deformed spiritual experience is on the move.
--- The Camouflage of Ministerial Honour .
¶ There were those in the early Church, (affected by the growing apostasy) that though they would not agree with, and would claim innocence regarding the doctrine of the 'Nicos', still were inclined toward and practiced the 'deeds'. The Church at Ephesus not only hated the doctrine of the 'Nicos' but also hated the more subtle influence of the 'deeds' of the Nicolaitans. [Rev'. 2:6.] The subtlety of the 'deeds' is that, the power play of position and pulpit authority is exercised but under the camouflage of ministerial honour and elevation (of Clergy/Laity difference) without any evidence of wrong motive based on erroneous doctrine.
In this present day of many good evangelical movements and Churches the position of hating the 'doctrine' of the Nicolaitans would be well held to and the doctrine refuted, and yet the function of the modern pastoral ministry (of Clergy/Laity) demonstrates the fully fledged position of the old apostate culture of Church assembly order modeled after the doctrine and deeds of the Nicolaitans. The 'deeds' of the 'Nicos' is more dangerous because it is power manipulation of the saints in action!
--- The Snag of Clergy and Laity Division .
¶ The Clergy and Laity division is an opposition against the positioning by the Lord, of His servants in the Church and the gifting of the Spirit "dividing to every man severally as he will " . [1 Cor'. 12:11.]
The division of clergy/laity is a division of 'difference'. There is 'difference' of administrations [1 Cor'. 12:5.] but should never be a difference among the people otherwise there is an automatic block to the Lord choosing to use whomsoever he chooses, to preach or teach and minister in the assembly of the saints. In the Word of God the Elders/Bishops are chosen and ordained from among the people to 'oversee' all ministry among the saints but there is to be no 'difference' as to who may minister and who may not as long as there is evident spiritual qualification to do so. There is to be no special elite person or group in the local Church that minister and all else sit and say amen!
Dormant paralyzed non - functioning members of the body of Christ in the local assembly of the saints is not a Church governed by the Lord. There should be openness with the oversight to recognize and make room for the development and exercise of any and all obviously God given abilities to preach, teach, edify and minister from the Lord among the saints. The division of 'difference' with the clergy/laity shepherding of the Church routes, frustrates and limits the liberty of the Spirit to use and utilize the fullness that the Lord has deposited among the saints in the local Church, to edify and build up.
--- Honest Appraisal of Valid Church Order .
¶ There must be an honest appraisal of what constitutes a Church governed with any taint of the 'deeds' of the Nicolaitans.
The following are a few simple questions that will reveal good Church government or serious trends toward the apostasy that Jesus denounced.
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Are there any distinct levels of spiritual superiority in the Church?
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Is the Church predominately under the teaching and preaching of one man or any select exclusive group of men?
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Is there any elevated titled position in the Church?
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Is there any unfounded hesitation toward other gifted servants of the Lord within the Church sharing the Word in normal Church gatherings?
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Is there any individual monopoly of events during the gatherings of the Church for worship and the ministry of the Word?
If there is a 'yes' to any of the above questions, then the governmental order of such a Church whether knowingly or not is operating within an apostate structure that is limiting the liberty of the Spirit and control of Christ, as the head of the Church.
--- Diversity not Exclusive Ministry .
¶ Whether the pastoral care of a Church is plural or singular there may exist Nicolaitan 'deeds' trends.
If the plural pastoral ministry is exclusive in operation with the elders (bishops - pastors) holding exclusive rights to preaching and teaching and monopolizing every other spiritual ministry, then that Church is under the influence of 'pastor power' and exhibiting the 'deeds' of 'power over the people', the 'deeds' of the Nicolaitans. The case of the singular professionally paid pastor is more tailored towards being a 'lord over God's heritage' but the error is the same whether in plural exclusive pastoral ministry or singular.
With plural pastoral care that is orientated towards 'oversight' which is a large component of ministry in new testament Church function, there is considerable safeguard against 'pastor power' for "In the multitude of counsellors there is safety" . [Proverbs' 11:14 .]
In a Church under the Headship of Christ there is not any privileged position of ministry or preference over the people but under oversight care, there is liberty for diversity of any gifted ministry of edification among the saints which (praise the Lord) is followed by the real joy and experience of something of the fullness of Christs life and goodness in the midst.
-- Gold Fever Rush for a 'Title' :
¶ How greatly today has the qualification of a 'pastor' widened with even pastor's wives being entitled and referred to as 'pastor'. This is a widespread trend particularly among Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches and Tele-evangelist organisations. It is almost at gold fever rush momentum! If it wasn't so sad, humour could tend to accompany such developments. The hair raising issue is that a woman (according to the Word of God) is not to 'shepherd' the Church. An elder/ pastor/bishop of a Church is to be "apt to teach" and a woman is not permitted to teach doctrine or 'shepherd' the Church. "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence". [1 Tim.' 2:12.]
Aside Thought :
¶ Paul in Titus` 2:3-4 gives the encouragement for aged women to be "teachers of good things" and "Teach the young women" . There is much value in considering the benefit of any sister, (if they fill the pre-requisite of the previous verses in Titus` chapter 2) to teach the young women the many blessings of knowing Christ more and the "good things" from the Lord that belong to women that keep themselves in the will of God. This is not making available for a woman to shepherd the Church or teach the Church, overriding the ministering men of God in the Church; but is making allowance for a special "close up encounter" ministry of comfort and encouragement for women in their various roles and needs in all the generality of life.
A woman taking the pastor 'title' is misleading and a very serious error that disqualifies complicit men from the very ministry they are seeking to uphold.
A woman being a Shepherd/Bishop/Elder/Pastor in the local Church would be according to Scripture if she (according to the Word of God) is able to be "the husband of one wife" ! [1 Timothy' 3:2.] And as in the previous verse - be a man - ".... If a man desireth the office of a Bishop, he desireth a good work" [1 Timothy' 3:1.] For a woman to thus qualify as "a man" and as "the husband of one wife", presents a preposterous notion. For a man to endow himself with such a title is presumption toward a noted hierarchy position, whether in ignorance or with knowledge that it is contrary to the Word of God. And for a woman to so endow herself with such a title, and also claim such an office in the Church is a double contradiction.
--- Titled Men Not Born Again Behind the Pulpits :
¶ Spiritual pride and clamouring for honour amongst the crowd is a serious disease in the World and fast developing in the Church today. Men who are not called of God and have not the credentials and evidence of the Lord's work done through them, fancy to ride in on the work of others and position themselves through the results of study at some seminary.They then graduate with the title of 'Pastor' or 'Reverend', and mind you, these qualifications are attained through study of words and doctrines that can be cultivated by anyone, even a non spiritual, works motivated Church goer who may aspire to be someone among the religious.
--- Dangerous Criteria :
¶ When you have such criteria for the introduction of a man among the people of God and this introduction is on the basis of a 'title' gained by academic study instead of the work of God through that person issuing out in spiritual fruit, you have a most dangerous outcome. This is the reason why there is developing so many infamous statements these days coming from men of the cloth (so called ministers of God) who through intellectual seminary corridors have got into Church institutions that house the true body of Christ. We are not talking here of speculation but of modern present day fact.
--- Titled Seminary Graduates degenerate to Anti-Christ Theology :
¶ How is it that a man can go through a good(?) theological college with flying colours, be given a post among the true people of God and before long he is on a terrible self made slide into antichrist theology? The reason is because it should never have been a college degree qualification that got him into a Church post as a minister of God in the first place!
How easy it can be to not come by the 'door' to the sheepfold. This door is Christ and when a man comes by that door (Christ) he comes with the credentials of fruit and is proved by living spiritual works of God through him. These spiritual works are proved to be of God with the evidence of Christ increasing in the lives of others. It is readily understood how the sad development of an apostate minister can happen, and it can happen even in innocence. A man not 'Born Again' but with a desire from an awakened conscience, may think that he can be cleared of a guilty life by serving God in some way; he then decides to enter a Church theological seminary to do this. He gets the 'job' with a good return of "filthy lucre" and so he spawns 'death' among God's people leaving them spiritually robbed and spoiled. The Lord's people so irritated, are motivated to defend the faith against an apostate appointed minister by their own Church, who has official power (not from God) to be unmoved and continue to trouble them with a false Gospel and heretical doctrine.
---The Blight of Wheat under Tares in Christendom :
¶ We all know that this (spirit of Antichrist) state of affairs exists today and congregations on mass have broken away from main line denominational Churches (one denomination in particular) because of such dire straits.
It could be said that..... "We are told from scripture, that the tares and wheat must be allowed to grow together". [Matt.' 13: 24-30.] But that doesn't mean that the tares run the Church! And if they do what is the wheat doing under the authority and direction of the tares and not under Christ? Yes the Lord gave the parable of the wheat and the tares with the instruction that they will be separated from the wheat at judgment. In the parable the servants had the power to uproot the tares. How sad that today the tares dictate to the wheat and the wheat are powerless to bring things under Christ and the will of God. A Church that is under the persuasion of tares (imitation Christianity) should be abandoned. The only position that the wheat should be in is the true happening (of the parable), that there can exist among true believers those who according to the parable of the ten virgins don't have a true experience of the new birth and don't have "oil (the Holy Spirit) with them". Praise the Lord that, those who are impressed with the claims of Christianity and who put on the exterior of being a Christian often find the Grace of God in truth and find the true rejoicing in Jesus Christ and his great salvation. We must "AWAKE" if we are in any position where the "tares" oppress or suffocate the "wheat" in the function of Church life. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness"? [ 2 Corinthians' 6:14.]
Paul said - "awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light" [Eph.' 5:14.] The "tares" in the parable are 'allowed' by the servants authority (under the direction of their Lord) to remain growing alongside the "wheat" and not the other way round!
--- Tares Thrive in the Professional Church Institution :
¶ The professionalism of Churches and Ministers throws the door wide open to the World to come in with 'professional' qualifications that opens up the Church to what is of man and imitation (tares) Christianity with all the subtle motions that disqualify God and so the Church becomes a chasm of death instead of a river of Life. Jesus said ... "you have made the Word of God of none effect by your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." [Mark' 7:13.] If in any form a Church makes the Word of none effect, then it in turn becomes ineffective in proportion to its spiritual void of the Word of God. If for example the minister of a Church is a highly religious, non-spiritual man, and not born again and the various 'offices' of secretary and treasurer etc are also not saved, then such a Church's incapacity to be a spiritual blessing by the power of God is huge, even though there may be a number of true believers in that Church. How is it that a person can have the position of 'Church secretary' and not be 'born again'? Very simple; it follows on very easily with the 'professional' approach, that if a certain person is a 'Church goer' and is the mayor's secretary in a given city, then such a person would be ideal as the Church secretary. The 'ideal' is flawed if that person is not 'born again'. This scenario is repeated again and again in the institutionalized Church that is ordered after the traditions of men. Nehemiah appointed treasurers over the treasuries in the rebuilding of the temple and those men were proven to be "faithful ". According to the full expression of this word "faithful " in the Hebrew, these treasurers had a 'nursing' attitude toward the people of God and the Work of the Lord. [Neh.' 13:13 .] They were not appointed on the basis of a 'professional' qualification but were appointed on the basis of spiritual qualifications and capacity. Their classified spiritual qualifications were - Shelemiah was a priest, Zadok was a scribe and the rest were of the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Levi were a chosen tribe to minister unto the Lord. Whatever other qualifications they had we are not told. Their spiritual qualifications were of a very high order not only in the heritage of tribe and family position but also in proved spiritual ministry and faithfulness. The New Testament appointment equivalent would be men that are either elders or deacons in the Church.
--- The Fate of Courage in Apostasy !
¶ There is so much in these "last days" [2 Tim.' 3:1.] swirling around in the (imitation) Church mixed up with true believers (the true Church, the body of Christ) that can be classified as "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof from such turn away" [2 Timothy' 3:5.] What is really happening when a true believer, (who, as the minister/pastor in a Church) is turned away (sacked) by the apostate representative body in the Church? It is the opposite of what the Word of God says should happen. That which is spiritual should turn away from that which is not and not the other way round. If the "tares" have power over true believers then whatever Church(?) a true believer may be in, (and it doesn't matter what the heritage of that particular Church may be) it is high time to "come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord ..." [2 Cor.' 6:17.] How many times today has there been such trouble among the saints with the sad result of a minister being charged with over indulgence in preaching Gospel truth and emphasizing the urgent call to faith in Christ? And as a consequence has been asked (by an apostate diaconate) to move on to another post somewhere with another Church. There is too much room (in the institutionalised Church) for the traditions of man instead of the Word of God. This room for the natural man makes it so comfortable for the unregenerate to feel acceptably employed among the truly saved. And in this employment climb the ladder of self righteousness and authority in the Church and presume to oust a godly minister with the charge that he is too intensely spiritual with pro-active Bible preaching.
***Continued at 2b. **
Special Note: 7 .

--- Church Blow-Ups :
¶ The 'truth' demands a look at the occasional flip side to the raw deal suffered by true ministers of the Gospel at the hands of the religious.
Where you have an evangelical minister that is 'out there for Jesus' and a Church that has a mixture of saved and unsaved operating in all the mobility of the Church, then you have a potential fire ball of conflict. And if the minister is lacking graciousness and uses the pulpit to extend his arguments and get at the 'opposition' then the 'fireball' will often be lit and things are going to get burned!
Many folks that don't know the Lord can be reasonable and understand the goodness of having a minister who thrills to share the good news of Christ's love but if the personality of the minister lacks 'grace' and provokes resentment then getting the sack is an understandable outcome and in such sad events there is a need for the man without a 'job' to re-access his own spiritual need to be more like Jesus in 'foul' weather, as well as 'fair'.
If we preach the gospel, that by grace sinners are saved, then obvious active grace should be seen in us and available through us, for the beautiful and good result towards which the Gospel is preached. Keep in mind that what is being commented on here is in respect to the 'clergy' and 'laity' systems, and the sad developments which are systematic of such (man made) arrangements of Church order outside the 'safe' spiritual principles of the Word and will of God.
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***2b Continued***
--- The Essence of a 'Professional Church' :
¶ A Church that seeks the professional polish of professional people will soon degenerate into the control of worldly wisdom with such strategies as Church 'marketing' and an approach to many other issues that is not accompanied by faith but is accompanied by 'good works' and fair speeches.
Christ is not a professionally paid Saviour. He was known as a carpenter and obviously one with a good 'professional' reputation at that. In the World of vocational credibility and professionalism he ranked no doubt at the top but in the realm of spiritual credibility in the World (according to the Pharisees) he ranked at -"... Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet". [John' 7:52.] Right through, even to the horrors of the cross, Jesus "made himself of no reputation" [Phil.' 2:7.] when he could have proved his right of a reputation beyond their wildest dreams!
The full Greek transliteration of the phrase "made himself of no reputation" means ... " To make empty, i.e. (figurative) to abase, neutralize, falsify:- Rendered in other places in the KJV Bible as - make (of none effect, of no reputation, void), be in vain. [Strong's Greek dictionary] In the amplified Bible the rendering is - "But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity] so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave) ...." .
The 'model' of a 'professional' Church is ... the pastor is "the man" (or "woman"). Preaching is his (her) job and passion. The pulpit is his (her) privilege. The people's role is the provision and fulfilment of all that makes for a 'trendy' Church with a high profile and Salary package that can attract a high profile 'pastor' to fit the professional position of the Church! Why would not a moral non spiritual man (who has a lot to say) not aspire for such a hobby or career with such a good outcome? Such an outcome that can elevate him in the community and also offer him the prestige of all that comes with a professional job and good monetary gain! Why, if he is successful at charming the people, his popularity would grow, the numbers would swell and there would be admiration from all around! We should not be mistaken that there are many unsaved men behind pulpits preaching to those who are spiritually asleep. Also there are unsaved men behind pulpits in Churches wherein are contained the truly saved. Much of this bloated works of man is due to the doors of opportunity opened wide to professionalism in Christendom and among the true people of God!
--- Some Questions that must be Asked :
¶ As a Christian, it is in the realm of honourable and normal to desire a job in this World that has a reasonable annual pay. But, should a Christian look at the position of being a minister in a Church, to be that of a "job" suitable and desirable as an occupation with a good remuneration? Servants of God are involved in His work and according to Moses' prayer God may also require that they do some work with their hands! [Psalm' 90:16-17. ] Does the Church have an "Employment Agency" department to fill the needed ministries in a Church? Are the qualifications required to validate ministry in the Church to be that of academic achievement in Biblical studies? Paul said that "knowledge puffeth up ...." [1 Cor.' 8:1.] Is it God's way for a Church committee to scout the Kingdom of God for a suitable candidate minister, offering a job description and suitable 'pay' to the approved man? How much guesswork is involved in the 'hire' of a man hardly known? How could one be suitable as a shepherd when there is no knowledge of the flock? Didn't Jesus say the sheep will have difficulty following a stranger because they know not his voice? [John' 10:5.] When God plants a Church in a locality would he neglect the need and provision of shepherds in the midst to feed the flock? Wouldn't brothers who are taught of the Lord in the midst of a Church and love the saints be highly regarded and equipped to shepherd that flock of God's people? Would they not be well known and have real and very close knowledge of the needs of the saints thus making their qualification and approval to be tangible and sound?
There cannot be found in the Word of God or the New Testament work of God, any trace of a system of professional paid ministry that is hired outside the local assembly and replaced add hock to suit the criteria estimations of a Church governing council or committee. Such control and government of a Church is 'man management' and not the 'headship' of Christ over the Church and not the Word of God. The apostles gave counsel to the early Church at Jerusalem in the matter of appointing Deacons, to - " Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business". [Acts 6:3.] The deacons were to be appointed from "among you", so how much more the importance that 'Bishops' in the local assembly be appointed "from among " the believers that gather together in that local Church. If in the practical area of "serving tables" it is important for Deacons to be locally appointed with a true relative knowledge and accurate and applicable ministry to meet needs, how much more is the need for the appointment of the Bishops/Pastors to be "from among" the local saints who seek to 'oversee' with a relative knowledge and understanding of spiritual needs in the Church. How true we know, is the lopsidedness of someone coming in on a conversation and giving advice about issues and circumstances of which they have no knowledge. Such is the dilema of a hired pastor from afar, seeking to 'oversee' and shepherd the saints with multitudes of needs, of which he has no relative knowledge and understanding. How wonderful, simple and spiritually strong is the work of the Lord that He seeks to do among his people.
--- The Desired Essence of a Local Church :
¶ When the World faces a man presenting himself in robes of dignity and titles of grandeur; what are the possible connotations that could come to the minds of people so subjected?
The following could be the sad outcome:- "His special religious education has made him like that but don't expect that I can or will follow this type of life". "He's qualified in religion just like I'm qualified as a mechanic; O well each to his own". "He is different to normal people, I wouldn't like to have to live or alter my life like that to be a Christian".
The (old testament) tabernacle of God's design in the wilderness journey of the children of Israel was covered with a final covering of badger skins so that to the outside World, this mighty God of Israel who is the great "I Am" was an 'approachable' God, not so high and mighty that he was unapproachable. Not a startling presentation that gave a foreboding and unreachable impression. But a God who had respect to the ordinary. This was Christ who humbled himself and became an ordinary man according to the flesh but was "God (inwardly and mightily) manifest in the flesh". [1 Timothy' 3:1 6.] This picture of Christ and the tabernacle is to be the picture of the Church in the World. Nothing Worldly or matching the World but approachable in an inviting way, " easy to be entreated full of mercy and good fruits". [James' 3:17.] The outward appearance of heathen religion is prominent and imposing, grand and very showy. The tabernacle on the outside was 'mild' and comely and yet on the inside there was a revelation of exquisite beauty and glory. This is to be the open comeliness of the Church. The essence of a Christian on the inside should be intensely spiritual and so should be the Church.
--- The Kingdom of God is Intensely Spiritual :
¶ If the Church should be fully defined as 'spiritual' in essence because the Word declares that "God is a Spirit"; what is then the nature of the various 'offices' or ministries in the local Church? Paul endeavours to get the Church at Colossi free from the contamination "rudiments" of the World. [Col.' 2:8 .] He warns them that they could be spoiled through being shifted onto Worldly foundations of operation instead of operating from the foundation of Christ and the Spirit. The World incorporates itself in legal accountability to government authority in running it's organizations. Should a Church order things in the same fashion? Turning the Church into an institution should be avoided. For a Church to gain the benefit of 'Tax exempt' it has to become 'incorporated' body and linked to the World for a benefit. Should the Church seek benefit from the World and be linked to any government permissions and control?
To become incorporated means members, treasurer, secretary, periodic committee meetings, the keeping of minutes and many other time consuming duties that are imposed by governments in keeping with the law 'governing' incorporated bodies. The Church needs to keep the laws of society but not voluntarily 'yoked' to the World in its administration of money, property and practical external associated needs. It is correct for governments to so demand if the Church wants to run its affairs like a business. The laws governing Worldly incorporated businesses are necessary for the protection of the people so involved with such organisations, but what is the Church doing running it's affairs like the World?
Did Jesus have a committee and seek affiliation with Pilate to run his organisation? Is there a 'divine minutes' book of all the deliberations of how money was spent and a record of tabled reports to the people to furnish accountability of running His business? Jesus had no organisational headquarters, no office or administration staff. No high paid CEO to run his campaigns. Jesus didn't have a treasurer but a disciple looked after the money ... "Judas had the bag ..." [John' 13:29.] and that was a very casual arrangement. So casual it seems, was the selection of Judas, for he was called a thief! [John' 12:6.] In very reality, Jesus put little importance upon the practical issue of the financial viability of His ministry; The financial viability would be carried by the envelopment of the power of the Kingdom of God. How much in this modern day is there emphasis upon the matter of organisation, committee meetings, finance, property values and administration and such like. Also what devastating results occur with Church meltdowns and the ensuing conflicts over land and property that end up in legal battles in the world's courts! The warnings of Paul in Colossians chapter 2 of the saints being "spoiled" firstly by the "rudiments" of the World and then secondly he mentions "the flesh" in verse 11 which is an automatic governing principle when as individuals or collectively we voluntarily follow the World or that which is not "after Christ". The word "rudiments" means "something orderly in arrangement [Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.] If the Church is run after the 'arrangement' of the World after the "traditions" of men then there is room for the "flesh" of man to operate and where the flesh of man operates there is pride of position, pride of management - "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world". [1 John' 2:16.] These areas of Church care are not easy to manage and the need is to seek that answer of wisdom from above which is void of earthly wisdom which the Word says is sensual and devilish! [James' 3:15.]
We can be sure that when the Church adopts the grandeur of the World in its processes, then there is an immediate falling in line on the parade ground of the devil and as Paul warned the Church at Colossi - they would be "spoiled". We should not underestimate the seemingly near zero effect of Worldly traditional management of practical issues in the Church. We do well to take note that it is the "little foxes that spoil the vine" ! [Song of Songs' 2:15.] Paul for two years had his own hired house in which he ministered and preached the Word to all that came to him.
"And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him". [Acts' 28:30 .]
-- Troubling Comments That Reveal Pastor Power :
¶ Is it a good thing to hear believers making the following comments? .... "Pastor said I should do this" or "Pastor guided me to take this step" or "Pastor counselled me to take this action".
Is this "pastor power"? Such talk reveals 3 errors.
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1. -- Pastor lordship over believers : Believers in such reference to someone other than the Lord are being subjected to a high level of relationship and dependence upon the titled position of the 'pastor'. The reference of the aforementioned comments are addressed to a titled position and not a person. Which means that what has been emphasized in that particular Church is the importance of the position and also the importance of acknowledgement of the 'title' of the person. Such a 'position' foisted upon the saints is in complete error and a denial of the spiritual reality and utter importance stated by Jesus that "One is your master and ALL YE ARE BRETHREN" [Matt'. 3:8 .] There will be no differentiation of introduction of any saint in Heaven in the presence of the Lord of Glory. No one in Heaven will refer to anyone in the following manner ...... "Dear brother Frank, I would like to introduce you to 'Pastor' Bob"! No, never! On Earth how should one speak of a brother who has a pastoral ministry in the local Church? The correct account of such a brother who is an elder/pastor in the Church would be .... "That person is brother Jack and he is one of the pastors/elders/bishops in the Church". The term of reference is the precious one of being a 'brother' and the 'role' or 'office' of that particular brother in the Church is that of being one of the 'bishops'. What is held out to be esteemed worthy is the fact that he is a brother and his works bear testimony to the worthiness of honour and esteem. "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." [ 1 Thess. 5:13 .] The esteem can never be given to the position. The brother so involved brings either honour or dishonour to the 'office' and if the "works" do not equate to the office of a bishop then he should retire from that function in the Church until such time as, he is spiritually renewed and approved to function in that role. If the esteem is given to the position alone then there can be serious neglect of the life that is functioning in that capacity and the resultant harmful works that follow. It is the person so involved and by his 'works' that he brings "honour" to the 'position' not the 'position' brings honour to the person. God forbid that we should have it the wrong way round! How wrong for a 'pastor' to emphasize his position and not emphasize Christ's position! It is the emphasis of Christ's position that brings believers forward for the Lord and also magnifies the value of the 'office' that a particular brother might hold. It is not for the congregation to ascribe 'honour' to an office in the Church but to '"esteem" the brother worthy to hold that 'office' on the basis of his "works" or rather the evidence of the works of God through him. Praise the Lord, there is only one 'position' to glorify in the Church and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of all glory and the mighty captain of our salvation. It is his position alone whereby a local Church stands or collapses in ruin. A local group of believers may be very needy (and what group isn't) but if Christ alone is high and lifted up that Church will grow up into him and be more and more conformed to his beauty. PRAISE THE LORD! Paul spoke to the Church at Rome to Christians that were starting to stick their chest out and boast .... "Be not highminded but fear" [Romans' 11:20 .
- 2. -- The term "pastor" is used as a title denoting a professional position . ..... "Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away. [Job 32:21-22.] "Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours" [1 Cor. 3:21.] There is no place for the elevation of man and the admiration of his attainments in the body of Christ. John the Baptist had it right ... "He must increase but I must decrease" [John' 3:30 .] Jesus said even to the apostles ... "All ye are brethren" Nothing more and nothing less and yet there is no greater preciousness or closeness than to be a brother even as Peter referred to Paul, not as "apostle" Paul but as "our beloved brother Paul" [2 Peter' 3:15 .] Note the preciousness in the phrase "our beloved brother". How can we miss the mind of Christ in these matters? How come we can't see that his glory is not manifest through our grandeur! If man is lifted up, who or what can lift Christ up? Are we trying to appear to the World that we can match the World's wisdom and pride? And we present to the World that our title bests them because we have graduated to the achieved title of "reverend" or "most reverend" when the Word of God clearly declares that ... "Holy and Reverend is his name" [Psalm' 111:9 .] Can we ascribe his worthy reverence to ourselves in an open entitlement? The Lord dissolve us to our true position as he did Isaiah that ALL our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. O how Isaiah was changed when he saw the glory of the Lord! How graphic is his encounter as he cried ... "Woe is me" ! [Isaiah' 6:5 .] How quickly we would throw our white collars and our purple robes on the ground and be on our faces if we truly grasped our utter unworthiness. "And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day ." [Isaiah' 2:17 .]
--- The Reverendness of Christ :
¶ If there was anyone that should be recorded in history as having the true ascribed TITLE of "reverend" it should be The Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-9.... "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name".
There are 3 important points here that every servant of the Lord can be greatly encouraged in, concerning having "The mind of Christ". (1) . Jesus was "equal with God" (vs. 6) but did not "grasp" (ASV Bible) after such a reputation and status. It may be out of a sincere desire to rise to a standing among men in order to gain attention and be heard, that we can be inspired to "grasp" after a reputation but such an accomplished standing of putting 'honour' upon our self is not of God. Men are very good at bestowing honour upon each other, and in so doing it serves to make room for self bloatedness. If it wasn't of God for Jesus, then it isn't of God for any man. If Jesus didn't "grasp" after a 'titled' "reputation" for himself, in the spiritual realm, then neither should we. In the World, achievements of excellence in various fields of study and education, qualifies a person for a degree classification. These "degrees" are based upon achievements in secular fields and are worthy of recognition and honour. But how does one justify a spiritual "degree". Should a Christian need a spiritual "degree" and proof of spirituality or achievement in doctrine to beat someone else in the run for a spiritual ministry? It gets ridiculous the more you run with the idea and yet this is the basis upon which some men of the cloth gain their position in Churches and if they don't know the Lord, they become a problem of "shipwreck faith" to their congregations. God doesn't need his servants to qualify with an honours degree bestowed by man, for him to approve their usefulness. Such thinking brings God down to the level of man's wisdom. God chooses "the weak and the foolish and the things that are not to bring to nought the things that are" . [1 Cor'. 1:27 .] God's power is not revealed through man's scholastic and noble intellectual power and prestige. Paul in his letter to the Philippian Church (Philippians chapter 3) makes no bones about his qualifications before man in spiritual things and refers to the list of such as the glory of the flesh. He puts all his high distinctions before man under the heading of "But what things were gain to me , those I counted loss for Christ " [Phil'. 3:7 .] and then he goes on with the most wonderful words of the "Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" claiming that being enveloped in that Excellency and knowing Him and the power of his resurrection will prove to be the grounds upon which the mighty power of God will be manifest and the works of God authenticated. [Phil'. 3:7-14 .] (2) . Jesus "took upon Him the form of a servant". A servant does not flash 'titles' around in his servitude but maintains his position of lowliness. Jesus said - "I am meek and lowly in heart" [Matt.' 11:29.] Paul introduced himself as a servant or to be more correct - a bond slave of Jesus Christ. His own announcement of his rating in the World was that of being "the chiefest of sinners" [1 Tim'. 1:15 .] and his self confessed rating among the saints was that of being "the least of all the saints" [Ephesians' 3:8.] (3) . Jesus, "being found in fashion as a man, humbled himself" . Paul after spreading out (in his letter to the Church at Ephesus) the "unsearchable riches of Christ" proceeds to convey to the Church that the only way forward to experience these riches together was in all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love. Ephesians' 4:1-3. "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, w ith all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace".
Notice the phrase with "ALL lowliness". How can we comprehend the depth of what Paul is really saying? We can so easily be "wise in our own conceits" . [Romans' 12:16.] And further, as Paul had to speak to the Corinthian Church that they were straitened in their own bowels. [2 Cor.' 6:12.] They were definite and intense about their convictions but Paul said it wasn't comfortable with him regarding their attitude. There wasn't lowliness and acceptance and largeness of heart toward him and he says in the next verse - "Be enlarged " [2 Cor.' 6:13.] The Corinthian Church came behind in no gift, they were enriched in all utterance and knowledge and yet were carnal and were divided and lacked this lowliness and peace with one another which is the beautiful Spirit of Christ.
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3. -- Utterly Christ's Disciple : The absolute importance of believers being Christ's disciple is diminished with the rise of the revered importance of the pastor. Where the above comments of believers exist, (and let us make no mistake such is promoted and happening today on a huge scale) there develops serious spiritual loss in a believers walk with the Lord. Jesus said; "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" [John' 10:27.] Jesus didn't say .... "My sheep hear my voice through the pastor and follow the pastors advice". The persuading power that should come from all ministry of God's servants should be that of a great exhortation to every believer to ... "come and join in the exciting and thrilling school of Christ, learning to hear his glorious voice, following him and apprehending that for which he has apprehended you" !
-- "That I may Know Him : "
¶ A pastor or bishop should have only one purpose and that is to promote a believer in the same hot pursuit that Paul preached and that is ... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; [ Phil. 3:10 .] Paul's word here in Philippians chapter 3 is the crucial definition of all spiritual maturity. We are warned with the error of the Corinthian Church. Paul had to rebuke them very sternly and no less today when believers are coerced into following man instead of the Lord. Some said at Corinth .... "I am of Paul and I am of Apollos" and Paul said they were carnal. There must be every effort made in the local Church to emphasize Christ and de-emphasize man. Jesus said " .. .If I be high and lifted up I will draw all men unto me" [ John 12:32 .] It is positively dangerous to tolerate the glory of man in the local Church. David said his one desire was to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his temple. What great blessing and glory of the Lord is revealed when he is preeminent in the midst. [Col'. 1:18 . Ps'. 27:4 .]
As in the 1 Peter verses above, the Shepherds of the flock of God are to feed the saints not control them. The Lord help us all in these days to genuinely long for all the saints (as Paul said) in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and not for any self gain nor in the promotion of our person, being held in admiration. [Phil'. 1:8 . Jude' 1:16 .]
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Jesus Loves You!
G od Bless .
NEXT: Pastors and the Church. Part 3.
PREVIOUS: Pastors and the Church. Part 1.
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Write The Vision.
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* THINKING IT OVER. *

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Psalm 92:5 (KJV) "O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep."
>> This TIO.
Monday 9th. June 2014.
>> The following is number 33 in this series, and all has sprung out of the restoration of the Temple from the book of Ezra. In particular all up to this stage has stemmed from the laying of the foundation in Ezra chapter 3: Hence the phrase - "The Critical matter of Building on the Foundation of Jesus Christ."
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>> TIO The House of the Lord 33. <<
>> The Critical Matter of Building on the Foundation of Jesus Christ. <<
|| Hope and Plainness of Speech. ||
"Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:" [2 Corinthian 3:12.]
What an exciting "hope" this is: That, a greater "Glory" than what Moses saw, should be experienced in the life of the believer, and in the midst of the Church. Glorious outcomes and blessing through the ministration by the Spirit of the New Testament!
Because of such a rich and exciting hope there should be "GREAT PLAINNESS OF SPEECH". There should be great eagerness to establish the God given, Word derived path to the Glory of Christ. How might there be a sure expectation of this Glory of Christ, to the which we are called? "Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." [2 Thessalonians 2:14.] There also should be great openness of heart and mind to what we are following, great openness about searching the Word of God for the position of the Lord, and the saints, and ministry in the Church, and what goes on when we meet together? Who is glorified in the gathering of the Church? Are we leaning towards the glory of man instead of the exclusive glory of Christ? Are the guards for HIS GLORY tight enough? Can there be Glory when things are out of wack with the Word of God and the 'grandstanding' of man is allowed IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IN HIS HOUSE?
** ... Continued at A1.
** Special Note. **

It is very important that we do not neglect to give honour "to whom honour is due" in public life, in the work of the Lord, and in the House of God. [Romans 13:7.] Peter says ... "Honour all men ...." [1 Peter 2:17.] Paul wrote to Timothy, that .... "Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the Word and doctrine" [1 Timothy 5:17.] This is not a distinction honour, as a placement above any other, because Jesus has said .... "One is your master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren ..." [Matthew 23:8.] A bishop in a Church may be worthy of double honour - one for the attendance ministry, that is, the function of "rule" not as with the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which is "conquering the people", but as a minister, ministering or serving the people, attending to the needs of the flock in spiritual care and the functionality of fellowship. The other part of the "double honour", is where a brother is also, as well as, serving the flock in attending to the function of the church, is "labouring in the Word and doctrine", and feeding the flock of God.
In any given Church, based upon and functioning according to New Testament fullness, will often have some bishops/elders that are more engaged in "ruling" and very little engagement in the ministry of the Word. As well, there may be some that are involved in both spheres, hence, the "double honour".
There is never to be honour ascribed because of a predominant position or distinction of title. There is only one person that is to be "distinct" and "head and shoulders" (as with Saul which Israel wrongly coveted) above all the others, and that is our glorified second Adam, "the Lord from Heaven", the Lord Jesus Christ.
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** .... Continued from A1.
|| The Glory that made Moses Face to Shine. ||
What was the source of this glory that made Moses face to shine? Was it the result of reading the Ten Commandments that God had written on the stone tablets? No, never; there is no glory that can be emitted from a moral code! "By the law is the knowledge of sin" [Romans 3:20.] Condemnation is emitted from the Decalogue. [2 Corinthians 3:9.] Glory attended the giving of the Law BUT the Glory was the Lord himself! Moses had asked for a revelation of HIS Glory. Disaster had already occurred, with Israel turning to the idolatry of the "golden calf", Moses breaking the stone tablets of the law, and God prescribing doom to all of the people. Moses intercedes and behold! .... God accepts his intercession. Now Moses is faced with a warped human (we are all warped humans) enterprise, that God was prepared to scrap because of the wretchedness. He now needs strength beyond himself and so beseeches the Lord to reveal HIS GLORY.
There is a saying among the tough of the world .... "No guts, no glory" but it can only work in the reverse! No glory OBJECTIVE, leaves one gutted and without guts! This reality is beautifully illustrated for us in the expression of Paul's burdened prayer for the Church at Ephesus.
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ........" [Ephesians 3:14-17.]
For Moses to weather the violent storms, that he knew lay ahead with this faith weakened people, he needs to be STRENGTHENED! To the marathon runner, the sight or vision of conquest and Glory works a mystery of inexplainable strength in the gruelling challenge to reach the finish line, and win the prize, and crown, and Glory.
Paul prays for the Christians at Ephesus that according to the LORD'S "RICHES OF HIS GLORY" he would "strengthen" the saints with might by his Spirit .... That Christ may dwell (FULLY OCCUPY) their hearts by faith. We need to be strengthened to yield to Christ, that we might be his full possession, in the yielding of ALL to Him! In other words; are you and I captured by glory?
Moses realising the enormity of what was before him, said, .... "I beseech thee shew me THY Glory".
This experience of Moses seeing the Glory of the Lord occurred between the Calf disaster and the second run of the Decalogue on stone.
|| The Rock. The Place and Sight of Glory. ||
O what a sight Moses saw! The skin of his face shone! And yet it was a diminished Glory. What a greater revelation of Glory came at the birth of Christ to the shepherds in the still of the night; and yet not a full revelation of the Glory. How great was the revelation of Glory that came to John on the Isle of Patmos? Such greatness that he "fell at his feet as dead" That didn't happen to Moses or the shepherds but it happened to Paul, and such glory that was sight blinding and mind blowing! How John and Paul and Moses and Job and Isaiah were strengthened by such a vision of the Glory of Christ.
Have you often wondered about how and why the book of Isaiah is so full of Christ? There is no other Old Testament book that is so profuse with the beautiful revelations of the Glory of one who is coming and his name shall be called; "WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER and the PRINCE OF PEACE" [Isaiah 9:6.] Isaiah saw the Lord! [Isaiah chapter 6.] Spend some time on your knees to see the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Isaiah. I only have to mention the name Isaiah, and immediately I have my wife's full attention!
Upon Moses request, God told him - "Behold, there is a place by me and thou shalt stand upon a Rock" [Exodus 33:21.] It was from that position Moses saw the Glory! This Rock and place that guarantees that we also can rejoice in hope of the Glory of God is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.
"By whom (Christ) also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." [Romans 5:2.]
The first mention of a Rock in the Word is again in connection with Moses and speaks of Christ. [Exodus 17:6.] And Paul seals the Truth with the following; and once again, it is to the Corinthian Church that this glorious theme is presented. "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." [1 Corinthians 10:4.]
Paul makes clear with authority beyond any doubt; the spiritual and literal reality of Christ (The Great Shepherd of the Sheep) being with Moses and being the source of life and blessing upon Israel. The second mention of Rock in the Word is this very event of God directing Moses to this Rock to SEE HIS GLORY! The Glory of God is revealed in "The face of Jesus of Jesus Christ." This "grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the Glory of God" is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, "The Rock of Ages". "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." [2 Corinthians 4:6.]
We will take up again, this wonderful thread of Christ our Rock a little further on.
|| Glorious Changes. ||
It is obvious, that Paul is about something very wonderful in this third chapter of his second letter to the Church at Corinth. As we ponder, how we have fared along the road of spiritual progress, what comes to mind? Hasn't it been the great need to be CHANGED! What stands out with these dear believers at Corinth is the need for them to be changed. They are "enriched in ALL utterance and knowledge" [1 Corinthians 1:5.] but as Paul points out to them a little further in his first letter, "Knowledge puffeth up". [1 Corinthians 8:1.] There was richness of knowledge, but how well we know that knowledge alone doesn't save us from spiritual loss and failure. The great need we all have is to be CHANGED and how great the gulf can be, between what we "know" and what we "are". How appalling can be the difference! This was the great need at Corinth. But Paul wasn't deterred, he took the same course that Jesus did with Peter, who had a great need (like all of us) to be Changed. He leads the saints up a great mountain to LOOK and to DISCOVER the GREATNESS and GLORY of their wonderful Saviour that they have come to know! Isn't it interesting that both Moses and Peter seeing the Glory was a mountain top experience.
When Moses saw the Glory, his face shone, and was changed; and so this very wonderful work of grace Paul goes on to unfold in this chapter of his letter.
..... More to follow of, "Christ the Rock" and "Changed by Glory".
The Lord Bless. He does the Best.
Grant.
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TIO Nutshell Thought.
"Knowledge puffeth up" but The Power of His Glory changes us.
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Write The Vision.
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Written by Grant Hayman
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...."O Where
............is your Victory?" [1 Corinthians 15:55.]
.....** Living With Jesus in Resurrection Life! **
>> "I go a fishing" <<
Jesus had already appeared to the disciples with full powerful proof of his resurrection, and yet Peter is distracted and amused, with the familiar and ordinary: He says, "I go a fishing" [John 21:3]
What proved to be needed in Peter's life was "God go" not "I go"!
At the beginning of the human race God deliberately confused human communications because mankind with one voice said "Go to, let us" [Gen. 11:3.] How blessed we are when we "let go and let God"; when we let the Lord in on our desires and ambitions.
>> The "Go" that goes nowhere. <<
What a great emptiness Peter and the group experienced at sea. "That night they caught nothing". [John 21:3.]
How much we can exercise our spiritual "get up and go", with perseverance, and yet like the disciples come up with "nothing".
We may have good ideas and good intentions and even have given our very life; but if it isn't The Lord Jesus Christ and his resurrection power then we will be walking a dying path with nothing "caught" for eternity.
>> When all fails Jesus is there! <<
"But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus" [John 21:4.]
How wonderful that he never leaves us nor forsakes us. [Hebrews 13:6.] And yet, even though that may be the case there was no fruit till the hapless boat crew were under the direction and power of resurrection Life!
Their fishing trip took on eternal combustion when Jesus came into the equation. Knowing Jesus in our forward moves opens up our tiny earthly fishing pond to the great catches of Heavens largeness and glory.
>> Barreness and honest confession. <<
Jesus called out from the shore: "Children, have you any meat? They answered him, "no." [John 21:5.]
Jesus said in another place: "Labour not for the meat which perisheth but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting Life which the son of man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed" [John 6:27.]
The Father has sealed up all of eternity's riches and values in Christ so that whatever we open up to him, he (and he alone) can fill with precious blessings of unsearchable and eternal value [Ephesians 3:8.]
>> Under new management. <<
Under new management they cast in the same miserable spot but on the right side of the boat, and now the haul of fishes was so great they couldn't pull it in! The spot didn't change but the catch did. Jesus promised they would find, and they did!
In total, man is incomplete. It doesn't matter whoever it is, he or she can fall apart completely. Jesus knew how to raise a disintegrated man and put him back together. He did that for Lazarus. This same resurrection life is in us!
>> "It is the Lord". <<
Peter's whole scheme disintegrated that night. He wasn't tuned in, but John was. Then Peter was totally engrossed in the catch but John put two and two together and recognised that it could only be the Lord, who could do such a thing and fill a losers cup to overflowing!
Outside the powerful resurrection life of the Lord we lose much and come up with a big nothing. When Jesus is Lord and ALL is TOTALLY for HIM, then look out, the BIG Catch is coming in!
>> Press toward the mark. <<
What great goodness was just realised by Peter and so he "cast himself into the sea"; No waiting to land the boat. Launch off towards the Lord; hasn't he been good to you?
Don't hesitate to cast all that you are to Him. He can also fill your boat! even though (like Peter) you might not have sought the Lord about your present boat trip. Jesus was still there for Peter to show that only the Lord can fill the emptiness that we are and the empty ways that we take.
>> "Bring the fish you have now caught". <<
All fishing expeditions without resurrection life come up with nothing except old worn out shoes, broken bits and seaweed: but after resurrection upon their futility, Jesus said, "Bring the fish which you have now caught." [John 21:10.]
The Lord has a great 'NOW' reserved for us: he did for Abraham, Joseph and Moses and also has the same for each one of us. Are we ready for the Resurrection 'Now'? The Lord's 'Now' is blessing replacing self works and emptiness.
"Great fishes", and not emptiness is the catch, when Jesus is Lord of every expedition in life!
>> Great fishes! <<
We are promised that "his greatness is unsearchable" [Psalm 145:3.] Peter and the crew experienced the astounding and glorious ease with which this man (who said... "follow me and I will make you to become fishers of men") established WITH them the greatest catch Peter had ever seen!
They were truly in rest mode when this GREAT school of fish hit the nets and then they became labourers together with Him. [1 Cor. 3:9.] and "abounding in the Work of the Lord" [1 Cor. 15:58.]
>> The net did not break! <<
We do not know the condition of the nets. Perhaps the nets were not capable of coping with such a haul because there was such a surprise that the nets didn't break! Our inabilities and infirmities can provide the Lord with a manifestation of his power, and we can like Paul ... "Glory in our infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon us".
The Lord can only use weak nets! Only Resurrection life can sustain us in His blessing. "God has chosen the weak things to confound those things which are mighty." [1 Cor. 1:27.]
>> "Come and dine". <<
Peter not only caught the biggest catch he ever caught but also experienced the tastiest fish he had ever eaten!
"Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us, therefore let us keep the feast" [1 Cor. 5:7-8.] This feast was a resurrection feast, a spiritual feast. "O taste and see that the Lord is Good" [Ps. 34:8.]
Come "forth" as Lazarus did at the call of the Lord, from any lingering death of self, into a renewed experience of resurrection Life. Then is the big "catch" of his loving purposes and blessing upon, and through you for his Glory. Grant Hayman.
God Bless.
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Write The Vision.
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Written by T. Austin-Sparks
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Christ in You.
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord. But this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people: and they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more" (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body didst thou prepare for me; in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hadst no pleasure: then said I, Lo, I am come (in the roll of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. Saying above, Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein (the which are offered according to the law), then hath he said, Lo, I am come to do thy will. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:5-10).
"To whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ" (Colossians 1:27-28).
"I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live; and yet no longer I, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20).
That portion in Jeremiah has its fulfilment now in Christ. It concerns the new covenant which the Lord said was to be altogether different; not according to the covenant which He made with Israel when He brought them out of Egypt, but something within them, written in their hearts. We know that the Lord Jesus Himself is the embodiment of all the terms of the covenant, and that covenant is sealed with His own blood. "Christ in you" means that all that that covenant contains becomes an inward thing, an inward power, an inward revelation of God. "Christ liveth in you", said the Apostle, and the mystery which God has been pleased to reveal is: "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
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