Fitly Framed Together - Part 2

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone; in Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:19-21)

A View of Salvation. In salvation we are gathered, not only together, but unto Jesus. When we are talking about togetherness we must start here. For, if men are gathered together but are alienated from God it profits them nothing. God has "reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 5:18). We have been "joined unto the Lord" (1 Cor 6:7). Having taken away our sin, Jesus made peace between us and God. "When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Rom 5:10). In Him all believers are made into one new man and brought to God. The assembly of the saints is an environment of togetherness. All believers were not only united with Jesus by their baptism (Rom 6:4,5) but they were also baptized into "one body" (1 Cor 12:13). One view of our salvation is reconciliation wherein we are brought together with God and one another.

Coming Together Unto God. The assembly of the saints is a gathering together with Deity, primarily. Like the disciples during the time of Jesus' earthly sojourn our assemblies are a gathering "together unto Him" (Mt 13:2). We do not simply gather together with one another; we gather "unto the Lord." We want to make this distinction because there are those who gather together and experience "togetherness" for other purposes. Some may "gather together against the Lord and against His Christ" (Acts 4:26). We, however, are on the Lord's side and we gather together to collectively draw near to Him to be with Him and to commune with Him. Our assemblies are in view of Jesus words: "where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mt 18:20).

A Concern. It is my perception and my fear that many churches gather together in their own name. They come together and carry on their services without any acute awareness of God. Where this takes place they will be alone. Jesus will not take a back seat to any attempt of men to promote themselves or their church. In the Revelation the churches are seen as candlesticks with Jesus standing in the midst of them (Rev 1:12,20). The churches that neglect Him and His Father are promptly removed from His presence. Let us fear lest such a thing happen to us. For if we come together in the name of the Lord and He is not present, we have wasted our time. Be certain that when we come together, we are together with God.

Laborers Together with God. Where God is present there will be life, liberty, and productivity. The assembly of the saints is a place of focused kingdom work. In the gathering of saints every saint is working together to build up one another and glorify Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. The design of the assembly of the saints is that every member of the body is working, not just one or two, and they are working together with God. The surest way to "burn out" is to minister in the strength of the flesh rather than with "the ability which God giveth" (1 Pet 4:10). Not only does God help us in our ministry but God Himself is working in our midst (1 Cor 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1) along with His holy angels (Heb 1:14). There is fellowship in ministry that cannot be experienced in spectating. When you gather together in His name determine to effectually work according to your measure. God is glorified in this.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Fitly Framed Together - Part 1

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone; in Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:19-21)

God has "set the members, every one of them, in the body as it hath pleased Him" (1 Cor 12:18). He has done this in an orderly fashion. As a wise Master builder He has fitly framed each part, though vastly different one from the other, together. They are compacted together. They work together. They are members "one of another" (Eph 4:25). This is how God has built His church, and the benefit of such a union is best experienced and displayed when "the whole church be come together into one place" (1 Cor 14:23).

While "oneness" speaks of having the same mind, heart, and purpose, "togetherness" speaks of the participation and work of those who are one. It speaks of them working as one in a cohesive and complimentary manner. Oneness speaks of having all things in common, while togetherness speaks of our diversity being integral to our fitting together as one.

In Christ, God has brought together Jew and Gentile. He has fitly framed together the commonwealth of Israel with strangers. He has joined together His enemies with His children. He has united the uncircumcision with the circumcision. Christ broke down the middle wall of partition between them and brought peace. But not only that! He didn't just make the two into one; He is fitly framing them together and building them together "for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph 2:22). Their agreement isn't the primary purpose, His dwelling with men is!

Togetherness! The assembly of the saints is an environment of togetherness wherein God takes many various parts and fitly frames them together to accomplish a purpose. He takes men and women, parents and children, bond and free, and uses them to compliment one another that they all may grow into the fullness of Christ. Their individual differences is actually a source of strength to the whole. They fit together, function together, and work together. Without this "togetherness" they are just individual parts. But being fitly framed together upon the foundation of Christ and the apostles, and being in-dwelt by the Spirit of God they become the habitation of Deity. Now, THAT is an environment in which God can work.

The Gospel of the Resurrection - Part 2

A WORD FROM THE HOMELAND

10-15 minute messages concerning the world to come, the Christ that will bring us there, and the glorious inheritance of the saints.

The Gospel of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Part 2

"The Reception of the Gospel"

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

(1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

God is Giving Men to Jesus

"And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them." (John 17:10)

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

This text is a summation of the work of God through Christ. It tells us how men are saved. It is an exposition of Jesus being "the Way" (Jn 14:6) and "the Good Shepherd" (Jn 10:14) and "the Captain of our Salvation" (Heb 2:10). This is how God's "own arm" is bringing salvation to Himself (Isa 63:5). God is saving men and safely, victoriously, triumphantly bringing them to Himself by Christ. All of the Father's children are given to Christ and Christ brings them to the Father.

When Jesus prayed as recorded in John 17, He made many things known concerning His work in the earth and the fulfillment of the Father's will. It was an incredibly insightful prayer that the disciples were permitted to hear. In that prayer Jesus prayed "not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine" (v9). He identified believers as a possession of the Father's and consequently He made known His ministry in bringing God His possession. Jesus was and is the very "elect" of God (Isa 42:1) the One chosen for this great work of salvation. He is the Savior of the world and He is very capable of accomplishing "the work" that the Father has given Him to do (Jn 17:4). He is mighty to save.

Jesus said, "Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee" (v1). Salvation - your salvation and mine - is this very thing. The Father is glorifying the Son and the Son is glorifying the Father.

The Father has exalted Christ and raised Him up to save. He "hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (v2). Jesus has, in fact, been given authority to forgive sins and to give eternal life. Jesus is the only man who had "life in Himself" (Jn 5:26) and is Himself "the Life" (Jn 14:6). He is the only suitable source of life; for no one can give what they themselves do not possess. Jesus was given power to give life to all those that are given to Him of His Father. The Father is giving men to Jesus so Jesus can give them eternal life.

But that is not all that Jesus gives them. "I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me" (v6). This is specifically true of the apostles but also to all those that the Father gives to Jesus. Jesus manifests the name of the Father to them. In "the midst of the congregation" Jesus is declaring the name of God unto His brethren (Ps 22:22). When Jesus teaches men (Eph 4:20-21) they become acquainted with the Father. In fact, "this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent" (v3). When Jesus gives men eternal life He is given them to know the Father and Himself.

Ultimately, the Father is giving men to Jesus so that Jesus can keep them in His name and give them back to the Father. "Those that Thou gavest Me I have kept," Jesus said (v12). If Jesus could do that while He was in the world how much more can He keep us now, having been exalted and glorified and seated at the right hand of God. He is able to keep all those whom the Father has given Him. If you are in Christ today it is because Jesus is keeping you. If you are believing God today it is because Jesus is keeping you. If you are overcoming the world by faith it is because Jesus is keeping you. And if Jesus is keeping you it is so that He can give you to the Father. "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am" (v24). He is not just "giving" you to the Father, He is "bringing you" to the Father (1 Pet 3:18). In other words, He is going to the Father with you that where He is, there you may be also - even in the presence of the Father.

This is a very specific view of salvation. It is "how" you are being saved. Men may not realize it while it is happening, but nevertheless, this is how it is being done. Jesus said, "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw Him; and I will raise him up at the last day" (Jn 6:44). Most think that they simply came to Jesus but they came because the Father drew them and gave them to Him. Jesus continued, "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me" (Jn 6:45). The Father teaches men, draws men and gives men to His Christ and His Christ gives them eternal life, manifests the Father's name and brings them safely home. That is a thorough salvation.

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 24-25)

The Gospel of the Resurrection - Part 1

A WORD FROM THE HOMELAND

10-15 minute messages concerning the world to come, the Christ that will bring us there, and the glorious inheritance of the saints.

The Gospel of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 

Part 1

"The Declaration of the Gospel"

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

(1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

From the Days of John

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

And from the days of John the baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violence take it by force. (Mt 11:12)

The days of John the baptist marked a time like never before. From his day "until now" men would seek to seize the kingdom of God with a most "ardent zeal" (AMP), even a violent approach. This is the norm in the day of salvation. Those who can see God for who He truly is and those who can perceive the greatness and value of His kingdom are forcing their way into it. They are in violent pursuit of God and will stop at nothing until them obtain an audience with Him.

Before John. Jesus pointed out that "the prophets and the Law prophesied until John" yet the kingdom of heaven did not suffer violence. None of the prophets experienced what John experienced. The prophets were sent by God to the people, but the people were generally indifferent and usually neglected the message. Consider the experiences of former men of God.

Moses - Many hated Moses for his work. They preferred that he speak with God alone so that they didn't have to. Moses was burdened by their desire to stay in bondage rather than be free and live by faith. Their constant murmuring and complaining caused him even to despair of life; "I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if Thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray Thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in Thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness" (Num 11:14-15). Moses experienced a day when the people withdrew from the presence of God; but from the days of John the baptist until now, they pursue God.

Isaiah - The prophets found out who among the people really wanted to serve God and hear His word. Isaiah perceived and chastised the people for their rejection of his word saying, "I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass" (Isa 48:4). He said, "this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord; which say to the seers, 'See not;' and to the prophets, 'Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits'" (Isa 30:9-10). What a burden to minister to such a people. Yet he continued to minister knowing that a people would come who would be prepared for the Lord. It was revealed to him that his ministry wasn't even to his own generation primarily but unto those who would be partakers of the grace of Christ (1 Pet 1:10-12). 

Asaph - This psalmist pleaded with the people of God to "not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God" (Ps 78:8). How he would have blessed God for a day when the kingdom of heaven was sought after with such fervor as it is today among believers.

Jeremiah - Those who desired to hear the word of the Lord were rare in Israel. The majority would shut their ears at what the prophets spoke. "I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, 'I will not hear.' This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not My voice" (Jer 22:21). Blessed are they that hear the words of the Lord and do them!

Ezekiel - In order to confront a hard-headed people, the prophets had need also of being hard-headed. The Lord prepared Ezekiel for his ministry with words that were never said to John.

"Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with My words unto them. For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language but to the house of Israel; not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adament harder than flint have I made thy forehead; fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." (Ezekiel 3:4-9)

Others sought to hear the prophets as those who could entertain but they would not take heed to the message. The people of God are not like this but those who hold to a form of godliness, denying the power of God, are like this still. Sadly many preachers in spiritual Babylon today experience what Ezekiel experienced: "And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not" (Ezek 33:31-32).

The Problem was the People, Not the Message. During the days of John the Baptist, John went out into the wilderness and "all of Judea" went out to him. Even the Pharisees went out to hear him (whom he rejected). But when many of the prophets preached to the very people of God, they were rejected. This is what happens when the nature of the people is contrary to the nature of God. This is what the flesh does. This is also the reason for the law. Where a people have no understanding and live contrary to the ways of God, they need law. Law, after all, is for the lawless. "The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine" (1 Tim 1:9-10).

The Prophets Spoke of These Days. Thankfully, the prophets were not only shut up to rebuking the people all of their days. (Such a thing is wearying to the soul.) They were also given to see marvelous things concerning Christ and the work that God would do through Him. They were even shown that there would come a time and a people who would readily heed the word of God and earnestly seek after the Lord to do His will. In other words, the prophets prophesied of a time when the norm for the people of God would not be waywardness and indifference but zeal, faithfulness, pursuit.

Moses - Speaking to the people, Moses declared, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him YE SHALL HEARKEN" (Deut 18:15). There would come a prophet who would have the attention of the people. In view of this word, the people of John's day asked him, "Art thou that prophet?" And he answered, "No" (Jn 1:21). But John did prepare the way for this prophet and Jesus testified of Himself, "My sheep HEAR MY VOICE, and I know them and THEY FOLLOW ME" (Jn 10:27). Not "they should" but "they do" hear His voice and they do follow Him. From the those days until now, the Lord's people DO hear His voice and they DO follow Him.

Hosea - All day long the Lord stretched out His hand to a disobedient and gainsaying people (Rom 10:21) but there would come a time when those people would reach out to Him. Hosea was blessed with speaking of such a time, "Afterward shall the children of Israel RETURN, and SEEK the Lord their God, and David their King; and shall FEAR the Lord and His goodness in the LATTER DAYS" (Hos 3:5). Though it would be a long time off, even from the days of John the baptist onward, the prophets could rejoice that disobedience would not forever prevail; Israel would return.

Zechariah - The turning to the Lord would not only be for Israel but for all. From the days of John onward, we would see a time when those who were even "not a people" and those who were "afar off" would seek to lay hold of the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. The people of God would not be limited to one fleshly nation but to a "chosen nation" that consistent of men from "every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation" (Rev 5:9). The prophet Zechariah spoke of such a time in these words: "In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even SHALL TAKE HOLD of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, 'We will GO WITH YOU; for we have heard that God is with you'" (Zech 8:23). With violent pursuit men from all over the world would seek the Lord.

Conclusion. We are living in a time when the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. We are living in a time when those whom the Lord has drawn to Himself will stop at nothing to get to Him. They will hear His voice and follow Him. Like sheep that have gone astray, they will return to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls (1 Pet 2:25).

This is all a display of the wisdom and power and glory of God. For He has exalted His Christ having made an end of sin by Him. When believing men see that Jesus gave His life for them, they readily and eagerly live not for themselves but for Him who died and rose again. For He saith,

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will DRAW ALL MEN unto Me. This He said, signifying what death He should die." (John 12:32-33)

How the Gospel is Preached

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" (1 Cor 1:17).

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God...and my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Cor 2:1,4-5)

How the gospel is preached is important. To be sure, it is the "the message preached" (NASB) that saves them that believe (1 Cor 1:21) but the preacher must make sure that the manner in which he speaks does not hinder the message he is speaking.

The apostle Paul declared that he preached the gospel "not with wisdom of words." He indicated that doing such a thing would make "the cross of Christ...of none effect." He also declared that he came "not with excellency of speech or of wisdom" and that his speech and preaching "was not with enticing words of man's wisdom." He indicated that doing these things would cause the faith of his hearers to stand "in the wisdom of men" rather than "in the power of God." He was careful about how he preached and preachers today must be careful as well.

Wisdom of Words. The flesh will desire to promote itself and all those who speak in behalf of the Lord must put to death any attempt it makes to say "here I am." Paul was fully capable of using wisdom of words, excellency of speech and enticing words of man's wisdom. He was an intelligent, educated man. He had to deliberately forsake such wisdom when he preached the gospel so as to not draw attention to himself or cause men to trust in him.

Preaching the gospel is not simply persuading men to join a group. It is not laying out some systematic theology to prove the salvation of Jesus beyond the shadow of a doubt. Preaching the gospel is not about just saying things in such a way to invoke an emotional response. Preaching the gospel is testifying or announcing the record that God has given of His Son. It is a proclamation of what God is doing and has done and will do through Jesus.

Adverse Effects. The use of worldly wisdom or man's wisdom will actually detract from the message and work of the Lord. God will not honor a person who preaches a message that seeks to glorify someone other than the Father or the Son. Many people have heard preaching that is "puffed up." It draws that attention to how smart the preacher is rather than how affective salvation is. It is common for such preachers to speak about historical context, original languages, psychological observations and statistics and the like. They declare things that the average church-goer is unaware of because they have gotten their information from a source other than the Scriptures. Such a practice does not clarify the things of God; it often convinces the hearer that they must study the books of men to understand the Bible. Their faith then rests in the wisdom of men rather than the power of God - which is the gospel itself (Rom 1:16).

Let everyman who speaks, speak as the oracle of God (1 Pet 4:11). Let him trust that the gospel is enough to save them that believe. Let him not be ashamed of it but boldly declare what God has said. Let him forsake the wisdom of men, when he preaches the gospel of Christ. Let him preach Jesus Christ.