September 26, 2002 (21)
THE POWER OF THE WORD. He who is the WORD, spoke the WORD and it brought forth a wonderful work of cleansing. John 15:3 A willing heart and an obedient spirit in the believer has a sanctifying effect. The ability to hear the Word and to react positively to it, will cleanse. 1 Pet. 1:22 Most importantly, the church, the bride of Christ will reach her desired status in Christ by the constant washing of the Word. It sanctifies and purifies when we read it and when we hear it spoken. Every Christian should be a student of the Word. It is our life. Eph. 5:26.
ONE TREMENDOUS RIGHT. To abide in Christ and more importantly to have Christ abiding in us. This is perfect fellowship, for it is of His instigation. It is His desire toward His church. The Greek word < meno > is used here. In the gospel of John it is used and translated, Abide, twenty-two times. Dwell, fourteen times. Remain, five times. Continue, three times. Tarry, three times. Endure, abide still, be present, all one time. It is obvious that the Lord is seeking a continuous relationship with His people. It is through constant association with Him that we are to be made into His likeness and image. John 15:4
THE CHURCH IS A GROWING ORGANISM. The purpose of such a statement is not numerically. It is true that the church world wide is increasing greatly in numbers but it is spiritual growth that is of greatest importance. Quantity is great but quality is more important. So many remain as < babes > in Christ. 1 Pet. 2:2 There must be a constant birthing of new creatures into the church. The church becomes responsible for their spiritual growth and must feed them the Word. Giving them the Word, the Truth as a parent feeling their responsibility before the Lord. Promoting spiritual growth and development is delegated to the church. Maturity is the goal of the Lord for His church in these last days. May we grow up into Christ, the head of the church. Eph. 4:15
CHRIST IS THE BUILDER OF HIS OWN HOUSE. His house is the house of the Lord God. We, the church are proclaimed to be the house of God. Showing once again the great desire of the heart of the Lord to have that intimate fellowship with His people. Our relationship with Him must be one that is unwavering and permanent. Regardless of how great or spectacular our birth into His kingdom was, it is what we become in His plan and purpose that counts. It is necessary to maintain our courage in Christ until we have become a part of the finished product. It is our place and spiritual position in Christ that counts, in the end. Heb. 3:6 All who race may run but it is the end of the race that determines the winner. 1 Cor. 9:24 We are in a contest and have many obstacles to overcome. The secret of winning is in having Christ as our help and companion. It is a matter of <greater is He > who is within us. Those who grow spiritually are all winners.