July 24, 2002
THE CELESTIAL JERUSALEM. The heavenly is that which is the most important for it is that which is eternal. Heb. 12:22 Every thing earthly will cease and desist but that which is of the Lord will never be terminated. That which is earthly, even of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, is but a shadow, a carbon copy of the heavenly. It is not the real thing. Even in the building of the Tabernacle the Lord showed His care and requirement that it be built exactly according to the pattern. The Lord does not deviate from the requirements for His Eternal City. It will be the epitome of perfection. Heb. 8:5 Even now, He has extended to His church a glorious invitation to participate in things heavenly. He HATH raised us together with Christ that we might sit with Him in heavenly places. It is possible, by the anointing of the Spirit, to find ourselves in a heavenly atmosphere. Eph. 2:6 Another HATH in which we are privileged to partake is the blessings of heaven. Just to be saved and to serve the Lord is a great blessing, but as always the Lord blesses His people more abundantly. Eph. 1:3
IN THE SIGHT OF GOD THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN RACE. All fit in to one category, the Lord sees us all, just as we are, as sinners. Gal. 3:22 In Christ Jesus neither Jew or Gentile, status nor gender are to determine spiritual standing. In Christ the body is but one. Gal. 3:28 Why do we differentiate when this scriptures so plainly teach that there is no distinction in the sight of the Lord. He places all on equal status that He might make known His abundant mercy to all, in equal fashion. Rom. 10:12 Religious beliefs and doctrines are not to be taken in to account in relationship to the body of Christ, the church. For Christ will be all sufficient to that body. His power will be demonstrated equally throughout the whole of His body. Col.3:11 The blending together of the Spirit will cause all to speak and teach the same thing. This is perhaps the greatest miracle that is to be seen in the body of believers. All in impeccable agreement, speaking and moving as a unit, by the power of the Holy Spirit. No division of any kind. Perfectly united and joined together with the same mind and understanding. 1 Cor. 1:10 One Lord, one faith (belief or persuasion), perfect absolute harmony and unity in doctrine. Eph. 4:5 As always, the love of the Lord in us will accomplish this mighty and wonderful act. Jesus wrote in the new commandment that the believer is to love with a love that is equal to His love for us. Love is the sign of true discipleship. John 13:34-35 Human love cannot reach the magnitude of His love which is the only true love. That love is shared with us as we are filled with His Spirit. This is certainly a major sign that the Spirit dwells within. That glorious, heavenly love is poured forth by the Holy Spirit into our hearts until we can love like He does. Having been filled with His love we can even love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us. This is the beauty of Christ revealed in His Church. Love completed and in love with Christ. That is His church. Rom. 5:5