October 01, 2002 (24)
EMPLOYING EFFORT TO ACHIEVE UNITY. In all reality, the work of unifying the body of Christ is the work of the Holy Spirit. However, there must be a desire and a willingness, on the part of those involved to submit entirely to the will of the Lord. It is termed < the unity of the Spirit >. The Spirit will be the unifying factor and will accomplish that which has been determined of the Lord. Eph. 4:3
THE BODY IS ONE! Christ has only one body, that body is composed of a multiplicity of individuals, yet is blended into a unit by the power of the Spirit. It is not a fractured, split and divided body with its members in opposition one to another, such as is the case of the church of today, but it will be a gloriously unified body, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, His body is to be molded and formed into a perfect body, motivated in all things by the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:12 When we are Spirit filled, by one Spirit (the Holy Spirit) we are baptized into ONE SPIRIT. < by baptism united together. AMP >. We, by the Spirit are placed into our position in the body of Christ. Regardless of race and background, it is the Spirit that determines our function in the body. This body will perform gracefully and in complete harmony, no dissension whatsoever, no disagreement. However, where there is discord and division, there is another spirit, it is not the Holy Spirit. In a time when, in the church and in the world, every move will evoke some sort of a disruption, the Lord will have a perfect church. This is His ideal, never fear, He will accomplish His divine desire and purpose. ONE and ONLY ONE, body, Spirit, hope of calling, Lord, faith or persuasion (doctrine), baptism, God and Father of us all. Eph. 4:4-6
THE POSITION OF A FATHER. The one who has begotten the Christ and the body of Christ, that is His church. Has imparted by the new birth, by water and Spirit baptism the divine nature and characteristics of the Father to His offspring. The Father has < lavished > NIV His love on us. 1 Jn. 3:1 His love manifest in us is also a unifying factor. Where there is love, there will not be disagreement and division. The Father is above all, He is Sovereign. The leadership and responsibility of all that is Spiritual, heavenly and eternal is His to determine. The Lord Jesus constantly acknowledged Him. Jesus said that the works that He did were of the Father. He revered and worshipped His Father. If we will permit Him, He will work the same works in us that He brought forth in the Lord Jesus for He will work < through > His church, using us a conduit, for His praise and glory. He dwells within His true church, He is in all. The possibilities of the manifestation of His glory and power are limitless, where there is accord, one body and one Spirit. Since He has declared it, rest assured, He will do it, not only that He could, but He will fulfill His Word. Not in the sweet bye and bye, but in the here and now. Eph. 4:6.