Morning Manna with Love ~ December 11, 2015
PAUL THE GREAT EXEMPLAR
We don't have to look hard for examples of those who were mature in the faith. The apostle Paul who came to be a pillar in the church was converted from Judaism to the Christian faith on the road to Damascus where the Lord Jesus appeared to him inside a brilliant light. He was struck with blindness and led to Ananias where he received back his sight, was baptized and came to receive his commission to preach the good news to the Gentiles. See Acts 22: 6-21
Some time later after his conversion he sought out the fellowship of the one man that Jesus built his church upon, giving him the keys to the kingdom. Taking that into consideration, Paul would come to know who Peter was in the hierarchy of the church. I presume this is the reason that he did go to visit Peter after having been preaching and evangelizing the Gentiles unabated without interruption for 3 yrs.
We can learn a great lesson from the apostle Paul's exemplar dealings with the Christian - Jewish church which we call today the Messianic Jews or Messianic church. Because the Apostle Paul was directly chosen and anointed by the Lord Jesus Christ for his ministry, it could be said that he didn't really need the APPROVAL of anyone since he was called and chosen DIRECTLY by the Lord himself.
But yet he felt the NEED to COME TOGETHER with Peter and later James and other elders of the Jerusalem church for the purpose of promoting truth and sound doctrine. But there was more. I believe UNITY in the church was a major concern and motivation for him to reach out as he did. Rightly so because Jesus said that LOVE was the PRIMARY identifying MARK of his disciples.
[John 13:34-35 KJV] 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
ONE BODY, ONE FAITH AND ONE BAPTISM
The Lord has hierarchal arrangements that are clearly outlined in the bible, principles that are beneficial for all who belong to the body of Christ as are outlined in the book of Timothy. As each person recognizes his or her proper role in the church it leads to peace and order. It leads to unity and the bond of peace. We are the body of Christ which is not to be divided in to sects and denominations. Yet, sadly there are a lot of divisions in the church today. The bride church that the Lord is preparing through much refining and purification NOW will not be divided but UNIFIED in every way. We are to be ALL ONE BODY, ONE FAITH, and ONE BAPTISM. ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS.
[Ephesians 4:3-32 KJV] 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.
God is not ONE to be MOCKED. He is coming back for a beautiful bride who is spotless without stain or wrinkle. We have not arrived there yet. It's in the making as God is making a clarion call to his children today to get themselves and their houses in order. He is doing this work through his many servants in the church. Those called and chosen by him to teach and lead the saints are doing a perfecting work in the body. That is the purpose God has called those serving in the church. The purpose of EDIFYING the body not tearing down the body.
[2Pe 3:14 KJV] 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[Eph 5:27 KJV] 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
[Galatians 6:2-10 KJV] 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
FULL MEASURE AND FIRM FOUNDATION IN CHRIST
God is calling his children to grow up into the FULL measure of Christ. Those in the lead must set the example just as Jesus set the example for the disciples and the Apostle Paul set the example by seeking unity, peace and the edification of the brotherhood and church. We must not allow false man made doctrines to subvert our faith which weakens our relationship with the Lord.
[Ephesians 4: 11-14 KJV] 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Being swayed to and fro by the many false teachers and prophets sent into the body today by the enemy removes the firm foundation which is settled upon the ROCK, the rock being TRUTH. We must move on to maturity learning to discern the cunning and deceiving lies of the enemy inside the church today. Maturity comes as we get acquainted with truth. This is the only way to combat the spirit of deception, knowing the truth. God's Word is TRUTH which means we must read the bible and study to show ourselves approved by God. Sometimes the Word is taken out of context to support erroneous teachings. Only studying the Word for ourselves along with the help of the Holy Spirit will help us to understand what God is saying to us, helping us to know what is truly pleasing to God.
[2Tim 2:15 KJV] 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[John 17:17 HCSB] 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
[Isaiah 28:16 NLT] 16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.
[Luke 6:48 NLT] 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.
[2Tim 2:19 NLT] 19 But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil."
THE POWER OF LOVE
This brings me back to the matter of LOVE. LOVE is the key to everything. It was likely LOVE that motivated Paul to go visit Peter. Those who have been called to serve the body in leadership, and those who operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit must operate in LOVE. We must speak TRUTH in love. This is something we must ALL do however, in order to mature to the FULL measure of the HEAD of the BODY which is CHRIST.
LOVE is something the world lacks. It is a world of ME, MYSELF and I we live in today. It is LOVE that is the identifying MARK of the church. The reason the world lacks love is because their HEARTS are DARKENED by the spirit of the world. They are blinded by the god of this world. Everything is vanity and a chasing after the wind. This wind has entered the church through various means but that is another topic for another time. Each member of the body of Christ must join in with other connecting parts of the body. The only way the different parts will FIT together is that each part has the proper MEASUREMENT to fit in place.
LOVE is what each Christian is being measured in and by itself. Having a FULL MEASURE of love moves us to not only love those who love us which the world is capable of when it's in their own selfish means. We must love those who hate us and pray for our enemies and be willing to give our life for our brothers and sisters of the Faith. Above all be willing to give our life for the Lord.
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
As we put on the mind of Christ he renews our mind creating a new person that is created in the righteousness and true holiness that is in God. As we continue to mature in LOVE we give no place for the enemy to come in. The Holy Spirit comes in and renovates the inside, our heart, mind and will. We forgive quickly and seek forgiveness as the need be to close the door of God's wrath which is coming upon those who are rebellious, living a life of selfishness, full of PRIDE which is a spirit of rebellion. Instead, we live to please God and put his will and purpose ahead of our own. Seeking the good of all we cherish the Holy Spirit which has been given to us to help us remain in the body being fitly united in love.
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Paul set an excellent example for us to follow as well as the Lord himself set a proper example of humility. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating in a profound way how we are to interact with our dear brothers and sisters. With this kind of mentality and mind-set we will see the POWER of LOVE move in our lives and those we are closely associated with. We will shine brightly in a dark world. Our lamps will be overflowing with oil as the Holy Spirit is active and producing fruit in our lives. All praise and honor to God over all!!!!!
[John 13:5-6, 8-10, 12, 14 KJV] 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? ... 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. ... 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? ... 14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
Scriptural References:
[Act 22:6-21 KJV] 6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. 12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there], 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
[Eph 4:3-32 KJV] 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
[John 17:17 HCSB] 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
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