September 06, 2002 (7).
THE CHURCH OF THE NEW MAN. The <new man> is the result of the cross of Christ. Religious divisions will have been removed. Though not all will acknowledge it, it is still a fact, if they are in Christ. Eph. 2:15 The new man is going through a process whereby he is being changed, made new. Spiritual knowledge is being imparted to him. He is being altered and made into the image of his creator, first naturally and now spiritually. Col. 3:10 There is no racism to be found in the church or body of new creatures. In His church there no longer exists Jew or Gentile, circumcision nor uncircumcision or any other breach that originates from the natural man. Christ is the center, the heart, soul and Spirit for He is ALL. All that is desired, all that is needed. Life is not lived until Christ has been made to be ALL in our lives. Because of His presence in all, the whole fellowship, there is perfect harmony and unity in the body. We will recognize only those who have put on the <new man>. Col. 3:11 What once existed as a barrier and cause of separation should no longer be found for it has been done away with in Christ. We most certainly should not try to resurrect it. We are now united and cemented together as one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:28 All must come one way and that is through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. We are brought into fellowship with Christ and with one another, regardless of how far we were from Him and from one another. Eph. 2:13
THE FOUNDATION, THE BUILDING OF THE CALLED OUT ONES. The materials used in the building of the church are chosen by the Lord and are the best. The foundation is unique, because it is built upon a rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord proclaimed to and through Isaiah that He would lay a stone in Zion for the foundation of His Temple, the true Temple of God. He will recognize none other in this end of the age. We do an injustice to the Word of the Lord and to the Lord Himself by declaring that there will be a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. The Church, the body of Christ is the eternal Temple of the Living God. The stone that had been thoroughly tried and tested. A stone of great value. A foundation that is thoroughly established. Those placing their trust on that stone will never be disappointed nor sorry. Isa. 28:16 There is not a possibility of another foundation for the true foundation has already been laid. 1 Cor. 3:11 Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the extremity, the last, the final. None other to be brought into existence. The prophets and Apostles, the old and new testaments likewise serve as the foundation. It is built on the Word. Eph. 2:20 The Lord is building a SPIRITUAL house. He is a living stone, therefore He is building with the same materials, living stones. A house that will see a ministry of a holy priesthood. Spiritual not natural. Spiritual sacrifices not animal. A ministry that is according to His will and purpose. The Spiritual is that which is real. God is a Spirit and is eternal, He is reality itself. The only Temple that God can accept is the Temple, the body of Christ, HIS CHURCH. Eph. 2:21