Seattle, November 01, 2005. (117)
POSITIONED IN CHRIST, BY THE FATHER. Once again we find the work of the Godhead in the Lord gathering unto Himself a people. Chosen of the Father to obtain salvation and sanctification. Neither nationality, race, color nor riches are to be used to identify the called out ones. From the beginning, through His foreknowledge, the Lord, by means of salvation, the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth called His own to repentance. Salvation is not by works but by grace and grace alone. 2 Thess. 2:13 The Father, having the nature and character of a Father, will through Christ, gather a family unto Himself who cry Abba, Father. Rom. 8:15.
CALLED BY THE GOSPEL. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of the Lord. Called to fulfill His very own objective.Called to be conformed to the image and behavior of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Called to justification by the Spirit and the Word. Then exalted to a high and holy standard of being able to be filled with the same glory that is resident within the Lord Himself. Rom. 8:28-30 The ultimate is to be a church possessing the fullness of the glory of the Lord. Created in His likeness, reflecting His glory, as pure and holy as the Lord. We have a ways to go. The project of the Lord will be finished in the end of the age. Eph. 5:27.
THE SPIRIT WORKING IN THE CHURCH. The church of today is more prone to emphasize the spectacular working and manifestation of the Spirit. The Lord, through the Spirit, is more interested in the preparation of the Bride of Christ. Therefore, He brings a Spirit of conviction to His association with the called out ones. His office requires that He convict the world of sin. Likewise, He will reveal the righteousness of the Lord and where He is welcomed, will demonstrate that righteousness in the heart and life, in every believer. He is the great teacher, revealing to the church the Word of the Lord. He also directs the life of the believer into the paths of the Lord. He will warn of the impending conditions that will prevail in the earth and the mighty judgments of the Lord that are to be poured out in the end of time. John 16:8 The Spirit brings wisdom, comprehension and discernment to the body of Christ. Manifestations that are of great necessity as we face the attacks of imitators, false prophets and the likes. We are in a time of the testing of our ability to hold fast to the truth. These are indeed perilous times. 2 Tim. 3:1-7.