The Final Battle becoming Overcomers.

[Marilyn C]

OVERVIEW.



God`s Purpose.

Satan and his fallen angels are in rebellion against God. Satan desires to be as God and rule the world. He never knew the full purposes of God for if he did he would not have crucified the Lord of glory. For it is through the Lord`s death and resurrection that He is bringing many sons to glory who will rule and reign with Him, in the highest realm. This was the place where Satan had his throne before he and his angels were cast out.

`We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.` (1 Cor. 2: 6 & 7)



Wrestling Dark Forces.

There are hierarchies of wicked angelic beings who dwell in the darkness, who scheme against believers to try and hinder the Body coming to completion. These entities watch and find out the believer`s weaknesses and use those areas to gain influence in their lives. This is the `wrestling,` the close combat that each believer has to face and overcome through the power of the risen Lord.



`For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places.` (Eph. 6: 12)



Overcoming Dark Forces.

The Apostle Paul warned his disciples to not get cheated of their wonderful reward of ruling with the Lord. He gave them great insight into how that would happen - not `holding fast to the Head.` Today more than ever, as we face the final battle for the Body of Christ coming to maturity we need to pay close attention to where our focus is and where our authority comes from.

`let no one cheat you of your reward..... and not holding fast to the Head,...` (Col. 2: 18 & 19)

 

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God`s Purpose.

Christ, the Wisdom of God.

Satan and his fallen angels are in rebellion against God. Satan desires to be as God and rule the world. He never knew the full purposes of God for if he did he would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

`We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.` (1 Cor. 2: 6 & 7)

God the Father`s purpose is that His Son would bring all things into harmony and under His rulership.

`God, (Father)...purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Him.` (Eph. 1: 9 & 10)

Christ, the Ruler over All.

When Christ died, rose again, and ascended to the Father`s right hand, He was given all power and authority.

`(God the Father)... raised Him (Christ) from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.` (Eph. 1: 20 & 21)

Christ had won the victory over sin, death, principalities and powers and Satan.

`He (Christ).... through death He might destroy Him who had the power of death, that is, the devil`. (Heb. 2: 14)

He then began the process of putting down all rule authority and power under Himself.

`For He (Christ) must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.` (1 Cor.15: 25)

 

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Christ, the Head of the Body.

In this process, Christ is forming His Body of believers who will become overcomers and rule and reign with Him in the highest realm. This is the very position that Lucifer/Satan fell from.

`(God the Father)...gave Him, (Christ) to be Head over all things to the ekklesia, (called out ones) which is His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.` (Eph. 1: 22 & 23)

Christ`s resurrected life is shown to the demonic angels in the universal realm. Christ`s life in the believer is the living proof of the power of the resurrection that does not bow to Satan or his demons, but glorifies God in their mortal body by the power of the Holy Spirit within.



`(Paul)....that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made know by the Ekklesia, (Body of Christ) to the Principalities and Powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purposes which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord...` (Eph. 3: 8 - 11)



It is through the Lord`s death and resurrection that He is bringing many sons to glory who will rule and reign with Him, in the highest realm.

`For it is fitting for Him, (Jesus), for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory..` (Heb. 2: 10)

And that is the place where Lucifer, (Satan) ruled as kingpriest. However, the Overcomers are the kingpriests who will rule and reign with Christ on His throne in glory.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne.` (Rev. 3: 21)



This is an amazing promise by the Lord, that some of mankind will be able to go to the higher realms and not only dwell there but also to rule there. Satan now knows God`s plan for the Body of Christ and as such is doing everything he can to stop the believers from being overcomers.

 

[Marilyn C]

The World System.

Christ does not battle with guns and tanks as man does, but reveals His righteous rulership through a body of believers who will stand against the enemy and his deceptions.

`For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places.` (Eph. 6: 12)

Principalities, Powers, rulers of the darkness and spiritual wickedness, are all in array against the Body of Christ. They operate through this present darkness of man separated from God and through the system man has formed in the world to promote man`s selfish desires and ambitions.

`This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there.` (James 3: 15 & 15)



This World System is dominated by the prevalence of sin with its own methods, manners, customs, fashions and laws.

This System operates apart from God and offers position, possession and power, (authority) to those who serve its interests.

Thus mankind in rebellion against God and controlled by demonic influences, are in darkness. This is a darkness of their minds which is self - seeking and foolish.

`...although they (man) knew God they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.` (Rom. 1: 21)



How Demonic powers attack believers?

These hierarchies of wicked angelic beings who dwell in the darkness, scheme against believers to try and hinder the Body coming to completion. They watch and find out the believer`s weaknesses and use those areas to gain influence in their lives. Then gradually they entice them to give over more and more control to their influences.

We are warned to not love the world system and all its things for they are not of God but are passing away.

`Do not love the world system or the things in the world system.` (1 John 2: 15)



This is the `wrestling,` the close combat that each believer has to face and overcome through the power of the risen Lord.

 

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The `Church` System.

As well as the World System there is another system that believers need to be aware of and the influence and control it can have in their lives. This system is the structure of organisations putting on public meetings for believers.

Over the centuries many different structures have developed however all have a hierarchy of power that seeks authority over believers. Jesus expressively said that this was not to be so among the believers for it was how the World System operated.

`Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.

Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.` (Matt. 20: 25 & 26)



The early disciples gathered together in small groups in people`s houses. They encouraged each other, shared God`s word, and had times of prayer and praise.

`Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.` (Col. 3: 16)



However over time men have sought to control others. Divisions arose and a hierarchy of power developed over time. This is usurping the authority of the Head, Jesus Christ. Ministries are for equipping, undergirding, but not to `lord it over,` as the Apostle Peter tells us.

`Shepherd the flock which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly, nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.` (1 Peter 5: 2 & 3)

The Apostles Paul, Silvanus and Timothy exhibited this servant attitude towards the disciples. Note: the Apostles worked with small groups and knew them well.

` ...we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children...you know how we exhorted, and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children. `(1 Thess. 2: 7 & 11)



Christ is Head of the Church, His Body, the believers.

`And He (Father) put all things under His feet , and gave Him, (Jesus) to be Head over all things to the church, which is His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.` (Eph. 1: 22 & 23)

The word `church` in Greek is Ekklesia and means the called out ones, people, not a system of control.

 

[Marilyn C]

Historic Moves of God.


For over 2000 years the Body of Christ has been battling against Satan and his demons, who have tried to stop the believers coming to maturity in Christ. Although the Apostle Paul taught the whole counsel of God, he warned the believers that false teachers would arise.

`Therefore take heed to yourselves.....For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. `Therefore watch...` Acts 20: 28 - 31)


Thus, we see from history that the early believers were tested as to false teaching and this has continued down to our day. However the Holy Spirit continually moved upon people guiding the Body of Christ into all truth, just as the Lord said.

`However when He the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth;..` (John 16: 13)



1. The Early Believers. (AD Pentecost - 3rd century)

This is the time of the early Body of Christ. It began on the day of Pentecost by the Holy Spirit, and the believers continued steadfastly in the Apostle`s doctrine.

` And they (believers) continued steadfastly in the Apostle`s doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers......and breaking bread from house to house, the ate their food with gladness of heart. `(Acts 2: 42 & 46)


The believers shared food, fellowship, and prayed together joyfully. There was no man made religious organisations, for the Holy Spirit enabled each to share.

`Let the word of Christ dwell in you rightly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.` (Col. 3: 16)


However, as time went on false teachers, false prophets and false apostles arose. Paul admonished the Corinthians for coming under wrong leadership.

`For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you in the face.` (2 Cor. 12: 20)


A man called Diotrephes was one such person.

`Diotrephes who loves to have the pre-eminence ....pratting against us with malicious words....does not receive the brethren and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church, (gathering).` (3 John 9)

 

[Marilyn C]

2. Formalism - Dark Ages. (3rd C - 1300`s)

There were many misleading teachings, such as legalism, (laws) Gnosticism, (secret knowing) spiritism, (connecting to evil spirits) ceremonialism, (traditions) and asceticism, (severe regulations), all of which made void of what Christ had done, and obscured His glory. Paul had addressed these false philosophies in his letter to the Colossians, so the believers had the truth to stand against such errors. (Col. 2: 8 - 23)

State Church. (4th century)

However in 313 AD the Emperor Constantine made Christianity a recognised religion in the Roman Empire and later Emperor Theodosius, in 380 AD made the faith the only official state religion. Thus formal Christianity began, and became known as the Roman Catholic Church, (organisation).

Being connected to man`s political system, a hierarchy of power developed with many erroneous teachings, all connected to the authority of the newly formed Church system. Bishops were substituted for Apostles, formalism instead of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, infant baptism instead of adult believer`s baptism and penance indulgences for salvation instead of belief in Christ.


Those who did not join man`s church organisation were ostracised and even persecuted often leading to death. However the Holy Spirit continued in people`s hearts encouraging them amid terrible persecution. This continued for many centuries.



3. Awakening of Spiritual Truth. (1300 - 1600)


The Bible Translated into English.

In 1384 John Wycliffe translated the Bible into English. This served as the focal point for a movement of people who roamed England sharing the gospel. Wycliffe was burned at the stake as a martyr not recanting his belief in Christ.


Lutherians. (16th century)

Others like Tyndale, (translator) Calvin and Luther all helped to provide leadership for a growing protest against the Roman Catholic System. Luther worked out the basic `Protestant` doctrines - Salvation by personal faith in Christ, biblical authority, and the priesthood of the believer. Calvin, however differed from Luther, especially not believing in the false teaching of the Eucharist being the real presence of Christ.


Church of England. (16th century)

In England the national Catholic Church without a pope moved towards being the Church of England. In 1611 the King James Version of the Bible was translated.


Baptists. (17th century)

Then there were a group called the Anabaptists who were unlike Luther and Calvin, rejecting the possibility of a territorial or national church. Instead they emphasised the biblical concept of the `gathered fellowship.` The Baptist church came from this group.

 

[Marilyn C]

4. Evangelical Revivals. (1600 - 1900)

The 17th century gave rise to an intellectual movement called `the Age of Reason.` They believed that humans could do anything if they took control of their own lives. Most `enlightened` thinkers embraced the outlook called Deism - the belief in a God who created the world like a Great watchmaker, then relinquished control of His creation and allowed it to run without intervention and according to certain natural laws.

The evangelical revivals which followed were in part a reaction against this false teaching and also a response to the spiritual deadness of Protestant orthodoxy. The revivals started in Germany and then spread throughout other parts of Europe. The revival cut across classes and creeds, emphasised New Testament simplicity and the necessity of a personal experience of Christ. They were also deeply concerned for missions and evangelism as well as Christian social ministry.


5 Methodists. (18th century)

John Wesley and his brother Charles, who wrote many hymns, won many hundreds of thousands of converts across England. They formed `societies,` which in 1784 became known as Methodists for their `methodical way in which they carried out their Christian faith.`

America also had great revivals led by George Whitefield and Jonathon Edwards. The Holy Spirit brought about a renewed spiritual life and social sensitivity. However it split nearly every major Christian group. Yet `revivalism` has continued to be a major part of American Christian life down to the present.

The revivals also brought about a new wave of Christian social activism. In Great Britain William Wilberforce led a successful campaign to first abolish the slave trade (1807) and then slavery itself in the British Empire, (1833). Wilberforce and his evangelical associates led the way for educational and prison reforms, and the establishment of the British and Foreign Bible Society, (1804).

The great revivals also brought forth the modern missionary movement. Carey went to India, Adoniram to Burma, David Livingston to East Africa and Hudson Taylor to China.

These and many more missionaries went to the far flung corners of the earth to bring the gospel to people that had not received the good news.

Salvation Army. (19th century)

William and Catherine Booth believed their denomination, (Methodists) had become too respectable so they founded the Salvation Army in London`s East End in order to reach the down-and-out for Jesus. In the process, they established not only a dynamic evangelistic society but also the world`s most efficient and compassionate welfare agency.


Other great revivalists were Charles Spurgeon, (England), Charles Finney and Dwight Moody, (America).

 

[Marilyn C]

5. Pentecostal Revivals. (1900 - 1950)

At the beginning of the 1900`s there was another significant stage of growth in the Body of Christ. God`s Holy Spirit awakened people to a deeper understanding and walk with Him. Two great outpourings occurred - one in Azusa Street in America, and the other in Wales. This became known as the Pentecostal revivals.

Pentecostalism spread rapidly to Europe, South America and Australia. In less than a century it became a major force in the Christian world. The main denomination was the Assemblies of God which formed from many groups that arose.

Apostolic Church.

Also from the Wales revival there was another restoration of truth. This was the revelation of the five ministry gifts of Christ. The Apostolic Church was formed and grew slowly over the years. It took nearly a century though for the other Pentecostal groups to receive the revelation of `Prophets and Apostles.`

Along with the restoration of truths to the Body of Christ, there has been much error and Church splitting over some aspects of doctrine.



In the middle of the 19th century the Holy Spirit accelerated His wonderful movements across the Body of Christ. Previously Holy Spirit movements were in a few areas however now the Holy Spirit moved across denominations, overflowing every barrier of man. It was the beginning of the restoration of the truth of the five ministry gifts of Christ to His Body.


Evangelist. (`50`s)People like Billy Graham travelled the world speaking to hundreds of thousands of people drawing them to Christ.


Charismatic renewal. (`60`s) The infilling of the Holy Spirit was experienced by ministers, and believers right across the Body. The Full Gospel Business men`s meetings played a big part in bringing believers of all denominations together.


Shepherd/Pastor.(`70`s) There was a big move of the Holy Spirit among the hippies in the `70`s. As they came to know Christ a shepherding movement took place to guide the new believers in their walk with the Lord.


Teacher. (`80`s) Next we see the Holy Spirit raise up great teachers, like Derek Prince, who travelled the world teaching the believers the word of God. Radio programs, tapes and books were all used to help believers receive good teaching.


Prophet. (`90`s) Although prophecy had been received the revelation of the office of the Prophet was new to most believers. The Prophetic Office brings direction to the Body concerning the purposes of Christ.


Apostle. (2000) This office is the most controversial of the ministry gifts and least understood. However, it is essential, with the others, to bring the Body to maturity in Christ. The Apostle brings forth the character of Christ.

 

[Marilyn C]

Contemporary Move of God.


The Whole Counsel of God.

Looking back over the last 2000 years we see the amazing work, the Lord Jesus, the Head of the Body has been doing amid the great battle. Satan and his demons have sought to overpower the believers with errors and false teachings. The battle has been fierce with many people having to die for their belief in Christ.

The Apostle Paul taught the whole counsel of God to the disciples; however, those truths were challenged and seemingly done away with when a church system was made which sought power and control over the believer.

Yet the Holy Spirit has continually guided the believers over the centuries, - truths of,

• Salvation, (Lutherians),
• Believer`s baptism, (Baptists),
• Holy living, (Methodists),
• Infilling of the Holy Spirit, (Pentecostals) and
• The five ministry gifts of Christ, (Apostolic).

The Eternal Purposes.

Still there is one last great truth which the Holy Spirit is bringing to the believers. This truth, by the Holy Spirit, will bring the believers to full maturity in Christ. This truth is the great revelation of the Eternal Purposes in Christ for three groups.

For the Body of Christ, for Israel and for the Nations.



Receiving the truth of the Eternal Purposes in Christ brings the Body full circle to the whole counsel of God that the Apostle Paul taught.

The Apostle Paul said -

`I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.` (Acts 20: 27)


Thus, with all the restored truths, (salvation, baptism, holy living, infilling of the Holy Spirit, the 5 ministries of Christ) we come to the final truth - the Eternal Purposes of Christ, to bring the whole Body of Christ to maturity in Him.

`Christ....gave Himself some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the fullness of Christ.` (Eph. 4: 11 - 13)

 

[Marilyn C]

Holding Fast to the Head.

God the Father sums up His Eternal Purposes.

` God...having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times, He might gather together in one (harmony) all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Him.` (Eph. 1: 9 & 10)

The first purpose in Christ, which is being completed, is His Body of believers. Christ is the Head of His Body and has all authority concerning its growth and direction. Each believer needs to address who he obeys - man or the Lord. The Apostle Paul saw the danger of believer`s not holding fast to the Head and warned them.

`Let no one defraud you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head..` (Col. 2: 18 & 19)


Today there are many false ministries which have risen up and `lorded it over` the people, often amassing huge fortunes. False teachings abound, promising, prosperity, success, name it and claim it, and motivational speakers appealing to people`s pride, their `fleshly mind.` Paul did warn of this -

`that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive.` (Eph. 4: 14)


Finally, Satan is in a battle to rob the believer of his true inheritance in Christ. He is deceiving many into believing that the believers come back to earth. This is a lie from the pit. The truth is that the overcomers have been promised to be with Christ on His own throne in the third heaven. This was the very realm where Lucifer, (Satan) ruled.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne...` (Rev. 3: 21)



Being Led by the Spirit.

The believer who `holds fast to the Head, Christ,` has the wonderful assurance of being led by the Lord.

`Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ...` (2 Cor. 2: 14)


This means the believer is to walk in the spirit and so not fulfil the lusts or desires of their fleshly minds.

` I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh, for the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so you do not do the things that you wish. `(Gal. 5: 16 & 17)


To `walk in the Spirit,` means that we operate from our spirit and not our mind, will or emotions. They are to come under the leading of the Holy Spirit through our spirit.

 

[Marilyn C]

The Fresh Anointing.

As the Lord brings His Body to maturity He pours out a fresh anointing. First there is a fresh vision of the Lord as Head of His Body. Then the believers begin to see Him actually working in their lives and then out to others. The realisation comes that the Body of Christ is connected through meaningful relationships and not focused on man`s organisation.


The Body Ministry.

It will not be the great ability of individual men that will bring the Body to maturity, but it will be the believers. They are to do the work of the ministry.

`And He (Christ) gave some to be apostles...some prophets,...some evangelists...some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.` (Eph. 4: 11 & 12)


And that ministry, `diakonos` means to serve. Thus we see that the believers are to serve one another, to build each other up and edify one another. Each believer has a part and is essential to the growth of the Body in love.

`(Christ) the Head, from whom all the Body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments grows with the increase which is from God.` (Col. 2: 19)




Recognition of Giftings.

As the believers gather their giftings are recognised, appreciated and given room for expression. True leaders are revealed with a heart as a `mother and father.`

`Paul, Silvanus and Timothy.....we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children....you know how we exhorted and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.` (1 Thess. 1, 7, 12)


The Body ministry is activated with the functioning of the believers together, each connected in vital relationship with one another and with the Lord, the Head.

`the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the Body for the edifying of itself in love.` (Eph. 4: 16)


This fresh anointing by the Holy Spirit, enables the believers to bring healing to those who are hurting, deliverance to the fearful and will open spiritual eyes to the full purposes of God in Christ.


The teaching of the eternal purposes will bring a greater understanding and appreciation of what God has done and is doing in His Body. Many people see what is happening in the world but are not understanding what the Lord is doing. As this revelation is received then the believers are able to move confidently in what the Lord is doing, and not pursuing their own agenda.

 

[Marilyn C]

Overcoming the Spirit of Fear.

The Lord warns that in the end times people will be overcome by a spirit of fear.

`And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men`s hearts failing for fear and the expectation of those things, which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.` (Luke 21: 25 & 26)


However, He encourages us, saying -

`These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.` (John 16:33)


The Lord by His Holy Spirit enables us to overcome the world`s spirit of fear. As we learn to walk by the Spirit we receive His enabling to stand for the truth of His character of care and compassion; and our minds, sober and teachable.

`God has not given to us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.` (2 Tim. 1: 7)



Overcoming, looking expectantly for the Lord to come.

The Apostle Paul often encouraged the believers to comfort and encourage each other especially as the Day of the Lord; (judgment) was drawing near.

`For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.` (1 Thess. 5: 9 - 11)


It is as the believers come together in 2`s and 3`s or a small group that this building up, encouraging and comforting can be effective. The Lord especially says that as we see the judgment of God coming that we are to come together more.

`And let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting, (encouraging and warning) one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.` (Heb. 10: 23 - 25)


The believers will be waiting eagerly, looking expectantly for the coming for the Lord. This is a very important attitude as many will be too busy about their earthly cares and material possessions.

`To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time.`(Heb.9: 28)

They will gather in houses as the early believers did and thus we have come full circle. The Lord, the Head of His Body has led His people over the centuries till finally they come to fully understand His character and His purposes - the whole Counsel of God

 

[Marilyn C]

In Christ Alone.



The Lord says -

`It is not the towering ability of individual men that will bring the close of this dispensation to an end, but it will be the ripening, the moulding, the perfecting of a Body of People that will be peculiarly Mine.

There will be no possibility for `flesh` to glory, for all will be interwoven one into the other, and in the centre of them will be the fires of Divine Affection, in the centre of them will be the seeds of Divine Love, in the centre of them will be the deposit of the eternal Purpose of God;

And when that time will come, it will be far greater! - drawing from the earth a people (who have been Mine) in the sense of rapture; it will be the carrying away from the earth of that functional Organ from the realm of Time into its Eternal Setting.`



Prophetic Word (part of) from the Apostolic Convention in Penygroes, 1943.

Prophetic Ministry through Pastor J.D. Eynon.

 

[Marilyn C]

CONCLUSION

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Head, is bringing His Body to maturity in Himself. He is in the final stage of completing that which He has begun over 2,000 years ago. With great insight, wisdom and unsurpassed strength, Christ has been building His Body over the centuries and across the world.

With great joy, Jesus the Head of the Body is completing this amazing task which He purposed in Himself to gather together many sons to glory to rule and reign with Him in the third heaven, over all of God`s great kingdom.


To be part of the Body of Christ is a wonderful privilege, and as we near its completion to maturity in Christ, we need to take great care that we are not slumbering but watchful and aware of the time we are in. We also need to be specifically atune to the Head making sure that -



OUR FOCUS IS IN CHRIST

OUR STRENGTH IS IN CHRIST

OUR TRUTH IS IN CHRIST.



May we all look afresh at where we stand and make very sure that it is -


IN CHRIST ALONE.

 

[donadams]

The “silly putty” church!

Anyone can make the new covenant unto what ever they want!

Also violates the principle of continuity and that the church is of divine origin and cannot change or be reformed.

And there is only one church! Jn 10:16

Only Christ has authority to establish the church! Matt 16:18-19
One church! Jn 10:16 All others are sects “full of errors” “the tradition of men”! The new covenant Church is the eternal city of God! Household of faith! The pillar and ground of TRUTH! 1 Tim 3:15 Founded by Christ alone! Matt 16:18 on Peter and the apostles! Eph 2:20 Lk 22:29

The 30,000 sects (the tradition of men) having no authority at all! And holding and teaching contrary and new doctrines that oppose the Christian faith that was revealed by Christ and taught by holy mother church! Matt 28:19 acts 16:17

Christ and His apostolic church are one! Acts 9:4 Jn 15:5 eph 5:32 eph 5:24