WHERE DO WE STAND? IN LIGHT OR DARKNESS? We were in darkness. At which time we were always working the works of darkness. Having responded to the call of the Lord, we are now to live and walk in the light of the Word of God. The two cannot mix. There is no compromise between the two. Darkness can only, and will only , prevail where light is absent. Now, because we are children of light we will walk as sons and daughters of light. Eph. 5:8 Recognizing the time, for the days are evil, we are to cast off all works of darkness and walk in a manner which emulates the one who is the Light of the World, the Lord Jesus. Rom. 13:12 In the case of our every day attire, so much focus is given to be sure that the latest style is purchased and worn. It is time that special attention be paid to the clothing worn by the Bride. It is spiritually essential, that we give heed to the Word and put on Christ. The person so clothed will no longer make provision for the flesh. They will give no place for the carnal mind to think on that which is designated as the lust of the flesh. Rom. 13:14 Once again the crucial effect of having been baptized into Christ is made manifest. The indispensable, spiritual outcome of baptism is made known to us. Baptism, is not just a casual, ho hum, ritual of the church, but is intended to produce a mighty spiritual work in our lives. Gal. 3:27 Recently it was stated, that, in a school where uniforms were worn there was less of a disciplinary problem. The clothing of every member of the body or the Bride of Christ must be identical. They are all clothed with that new man. The man of righteousness. The man of truth. The man of purity and holiness. The man of the new creation who gives forth evidence of the Life of Christ. Eph. 4:24 It is expedient that the old man, the carnal nature, the man of sin be cast aside and not used again. There is no place for the old in the new. Not even the slightest thread. There is no adherence between the two cloths. Mark 2:21 The complete thought pattern is changed, the mind becomes focused on Spiritual things and is made new in Christ Jesus. Eph. 4:23 To the natural man, this sounds to be a difficult task, but once instituted in our new life it is most blessed. We can do all things through Christ who is our strength.
THE PEOPLE OF GOD. A nation without roots or pedigree. No history or fore Fathers An amalgamation of humanity which is gathered from every tribe and language of the world. They are made to exist through the mercy of the Lord. They are a spiritual assemblage, brought together and united in the power of the Spirit of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:10 Where the Jew was once accounted to be His nation, now, in Christ Jesus, there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. Consider carefully the statement of the Apostle Paul as pertaining to his pedigree, an Hebrew of the Hebrews, as touching the law, a Pharisee. Phil. 3:5 Yet this man, with a strong racial and religious background stated, there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, or the Gentile. Among the many statements that he made, confirming this truth is the very strong declaration pertaining to the NEW MAN. The man who bears the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:10 It is here, in that which is NEW, that there is “ neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Col. 3:11 We do an injustice to any race of people by teaching them that by pedigree, history or religion they are to be accepted of the Lord. There is but one way and that is neither yours nor mine, but His. NO MAN may come to the Father but by Jesus. He is the only way, the only truth and the only source of life, natural or eternal. John 14:6
NEW BEGINNINGS, A NEW LIFE, A NEW MAN. Not only now, here, in this life does He make things NEW for us but His promise is that He will make all things new. That will involve a new heavens and a new earth, a new Jerusalem occupied by new creatures, who are His people. The material elements of that which is new will not attract our attention, as material things do in this life. The new is spiritual, and is occupied by spiritual beings whose interests are in spiritual activities. Too often our minds think after a carnal fashion of mansions and streets of gold, as something to be possessed, as in this life. ALL THINGS NEW also embraces attitudes, view points and most definitely the manner of life. The former things do not come to mind, for they have passed away. Heaven is composed of things far more interesting and exciting than just a continuation or the whole of that which we have possessed here in this life. Rev. 21:1-5 The new creature is that form of life that is manifest here and now in the person who has been born of the Spirit. The daily conduct and prevalence of the Christ life in the Christian is evidence of the new creature. A new creation demands a change in the nature and character of the person in whom that beautiful work has been accomplished. The old life is banished and in its place will be found that wonderful new life, which is in Christ Jesus. The new is now in power and authority enabling that which is made new to live a new life. 2 Cor. 5:17 Of ourselves we cannot live that new life, but it is Christ in us which enables us to live according to the teachings of the Word. Our dependence is entirely on Christ.