THEORY OR FACT? Epaphras, burdened in prayer, literally agonizing for his own at Colossi that they might reach the perfection of Christ, fully equipped and completed in the whole will of the Lord. None of the goals which the Lord established for His people are unobtainable. The weight and responsibility of prayer placed upon Epaphras is evidence that perfection is for the church, and especially so, in the end of the age, for the church of today. Col. 4:12 Abraham in his heart had complete faith and assurance that the promises which were made to him by the Lord would be brought to pass. He was persuaded that the Lord, with whom nothing is impossible, would not promise beyond His ability. For the simple reason that there is no limit, no end, no boundary to His capabilities. Rom. 4:21 Surely, He can and will produce a church that is glorious and entire. Eph. 5:27 The goal of the Apostle Paul was to present EVERY man, perfect in the Lord Jesus Christ. Was it an aim without possibilities? A purpose far beyond the scope of the attainable? Certainly not, for our Savior, saves to the uttermost. Col. 1:28
CHILDREN OR ADULTS? Children are easily persuaded and led into many adversities and unfavorable situations. As in the natural, so with the spiritual. New Christians are often easily misled into teachings and doctrines which are unhealthy. Therefore Paul is urging us to cease to be children who are buffeted by every wind of doctrine. Who are so easily persuaded by unscrupulous men using fraudulent means, trickery and craftiness to dupe them into believing things which are not true. Children, how ever smart, need the guidance of one who is mature. Eph. 4:14 It is time to put away the thoughts of childhood and realize that we have been called to think as spiritual adults. 1 Cor. 14:20 Spiritual adulthood will bring about maturity and perfection. The perfection of the church is the objective of the Lord Jesus for the church. Is it also the objective of the church? The plain statement of the Word is, for the perfecting of the saints. Could we ask of more implicit instructions from the Lord? Unity, togetherness, one in Christ Jesus will be attained by His bride, in the end of the age. Eph. 4:13 Jesus said, that not one jot nor tittle would pass away until ALL had come to pass. He has declared it and so it shall be, the most minute statement of His Word will be fulfilled. Mt. 5:18 Multiplied millions, scattered across the face of the earth bound together, not by the Internet but by the Spirit net. All motivated and coordinated by the Spirit of the Lord, with identical thoughts and actions. Separated, yet, even so, in perfect harmony. The promise of the Lord makes necessary but one way, and that is His. A people of one heart and one way. Jer. 32:38-39 Unity is accomplished by the moving of the Holy Spirit. He is neither bound by place or time. There is no limit to His capabilities. Acts 4:32 There will be a body of believers who are Spirit filled and Spirit led who are of one mind, one purpose and of one accord. Phil. 2:2
CHANGING PLACES. Not to hear the Word is almost inescapable in the world today. Television and radio are used extensively to spread the Good News. From the printed page to the Internet, every possible means is being utilized, to spread the Word. The message is carried by multiplied thousands of missionaries and ministers. The message is still the same as that uttered by the Lord Jesus. Believe and be saved. Be transported from a person who is destined to death, everlasting death, to one who possesses life eternal, life thorough the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word heard, must be believed and applied to the life of the hearer. They, who have been obedient to the Word of the Lord are assured that they have escaped condemnation, or having to stand before the judgment bar of the Lord. Knowing that there is but one sentence and that is eternal punishment. Those who believe on the Lord Jesus have already passed over from the sentence of death, to having received true life in Christ. John 5:24 Furthermore. The redeemed HAVE BEEN exalted and made alive in the Lord Jesus Christ. Which is the result of the greatness of the love of the Lord, which is manifest in those who will accept Him. Through the magnitude of the extreme richness of His Divine mercies, He has made us to be alive unto the Lord and totally released from the ravages of sin and death. In His marvelous workings and abilities He HAS (Please note the present tense), raised us together with Christ, that is, in and by His resurrection. In so doing, He has caused us to be enthroned with Him in places which are heavenly and eternal. Eph. 2:4-6