August 5, 2001
THE HOUSE OF GLORY. That is the house that the Lord Jesus is building. It is the house of glory, honor, worship and praise unto the name of the Lord. As the builder He is worthy of all honor and glory. Heb. 3:3 The church is His house. It is His dwelling place for eternity. It is the capstone, the ultimate of His work and goal. We are that house. However, as with any building, there is a code that must be followed. The material and the construction must follow the plan that the Lord has stipulated. All material that is substandard will be rejected. We are that house providing we remain stalwart in the faith, and maintain our joy in the Lord, unto the end. Heb. 3:6 In spite of what we once were, for we were His enemies because of our wicked minds, it is His design that, having been reconciled to Him. We should be holy and consecrated to Him. Unblameable, without fault, without blemish or completely faultless before Him. Being without defect and blameless. In all this He is the one who determines the condition and the quality of the materials used and the workmanship. He is not only the builder but He is likewise the inspector. Col. 1:21-22 It is also required of those who would desire to be included in this grand and glorious building that they continue in the faith. The past, or what one has been is not to be considered. It is the present status that counts. We are to continue or abide in the faith of the Lord Jesus. His church will be grounded, established and consolidated in Christ. Settled, steadfast and immovable in the Word. Not wavering, vacillating or inconsistent in their standards. This is a church that knows its high calling and firmly follows the Lord. Col. 1:23
PROGRESSION OF THE PROJECT. The Lord Jesus is the object and nucleus of the undertaking. He is building a Temple for Himself. The whole of the construction and everything used in it will be according to His specifications and they are of the highest. As a matter of fact they are to be perfect. The edifice will be in perfect unity and one accord. That in itself will be a miracle. The building is to be < fitly framed together >. Blended together in absolute harmony, unity in perfect agreement. Nothing, absolutely not even the hint of separation or discord. This is to be the dwelling place of the Lord. His palace and the Crown Jewel of His work of salvation. Eph. 2:21-22 Seemingly, even more wondrous are the words of the Apostle Paul when he wrote concerning the unity of the faith, persuasion or doctrine. He also wrote of their being < one faith > or doctrine. While doctrine can separate and divide, nevertheless it is vital to the church that we know what we believe and why. If the whole of the church would listen to the teachings of the Holy Spirit there would be but one interpretation of the Word. Does the Spirit teach thing to one group and then something else to another group? Obviously someone is not listening. The Bride will be in unmitigated oneness in all things. The perfect church perfectly unified in all things and in all ways. A true work of the Spirit. Eph. 4:13
A GREAT NEED FOR MATURITY. The Lord would not have His church to be like children in understanding and comprehension of the Word. In reference to evil, be as innocent as a babe. 1 Cor. 14:20 Having a love for and speaking forth the truth of the Word. That we may < grow up > in every way to maturity. Becoming united to Christ. Willing to recognize His headship and leadership in our lives. Eph. 4:15 Growth comes from Him and by the knowledge of Him. Jesus is the element that unifies the body supplying to every part of it, the ability be joined with Him and with one another. It is His power and the manifestation of His love in the body of Christ, that produces the energy to promote the growth necessary to bring the body to maturity. Eph. 4:16