Hello to All. When the Lord our God began to gather us in for this deployment to Haiti, He reached out and called us forth, with diversity in mind. Our Lord Jesus Christ assembled a twelve person team (including the founder of the organisation that facilitated our trip). We were six men and six women - ranging in age from nineteen to sixty-three (I have the distinction of being the sixty-three year old). We came from California, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Wisconsin. We came from diverse sectarian and denominational backgrounds. Our educational experience and ethnic heritage were just as varied. Some of us were professionals - others were not. Some had prior missions experience - others had none. All things considered, we had nothing significant to recommend us for the work that our Lord Jesus Christ was setting before us - except this one thing: each of us was committed to serving Jesus Christ in whatever way He chose to direct us! This is the essence of "Victorious Discipleship": a total commitment to Jesus Christ and nothing but Jesus Christ. This was the team, that the Lord our God had assembled for His work in Haiti. He quickly molded and shaped us into a band of warriors: equipped to engage the enemy and to reap a harvest. He then took us into the heart of one of Satan's strongholds and did the great work that has been referenced in previous posts. The work was all done by the "manifesting" presence of Jesus Christ - working through the disciple/vessels that He had gathered and shaped for His work. In all of the work that was accomplished - Jesus Christ is to receive all of the glory and all of the honor. If we are to continue as "victorious disciples," we must "keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith;" and take none of the glory for ourselves. Amen and Amen. Until next time my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Haiti: The Healing of the Lame Man
Hello to All. Something of a record here - two posts in one day. The Spirit of God is filling my head with the things He wants written - so here goes: It was towards the end of our first day of ministry in Haiti. We were in a remote village in the Leogane area - west of Port Au Prince. Earlier in the day, after one and a half hours of travel, over very rough roads, we arrived, set up our medical stations (4) and our prayer/ministry stations (2) and went to work. I was asked to provide leadership for the ministry teams. As people went through the medical lines, they were often prayed for, by the medical staff; and treated, to whatever degree we were able. The prayer stations were available for anyone wanting additional prayer and ministry. We had a busy day and our Lord Jesus Christ was hard at work. We could see the evidence of His presence in all that was happening. The "manifestation" of Himself, was evident in all that we did. It was towards the end of our day. Our Lord Jesus Christ had already brought many Haitian people to conversion to Him. We had also become convinced that many (and perhaps all) of those prayed for had been healed. A moment came, when our Lord chose to do a work, that only He can do. A member of the medical team was helping a man on crutches to one of our prayer stations. His journey was so difficult (even with crutches, the man could not walk without help). One of the ministry team members, took a chair and met him, in his journey, so he did not have so far to go. The lame man set down, with great difficulty; and with the help of those team members, who were near. The man had arthritic feet, that were turned in with knees bent and no strength. Both prayer teams prayed for the lame man. First one and then the other. Both teams prayed for healing; but the man continued to sit in his chair. One of the teams returned to their prayer station (other people were waiting). One of the prayer team members continued to kneel before the lame man. He will tell you that he continued in silent prayer - waiting on the Lord our God. God spoke to him. The team member then looked up; and through his interpretor, he said the following: "Look at me." (The lame man looked up at him.) - "Take my hand." (The lame man took his hand) - "Listen to what I say." (The lame man's gaze is now fixed on him.) - Next, the Spirit of God instructs our team member to say the following: "In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk; for Jesus Christ has healed you." Then, our team member began to gently stand-up; and there, in the presence of many witnesses, the lame man rose up with renewed strength and healed legs and feet. After being asked, he then took three un-assisted steps - stopped - raised his arms - and began thanking and praising God. After some moments of worship - he sat down for a bit. At that time the prayer team member got called back to his station. Other team members were blessed to see the former lame man, walk from the compound, without the aid of his crutches and without anyone to guide him. God had also healed his eyes, that were so affected by cataracts, that he could not find his own way along the road from his home, without someone to guide him. Enough said, for now. Let us rejoice, together in our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ - to Him be all the glory and honor. Amen and Amen. Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Haiti: Unbelief and Discipleship
Hello to all. One of the questions that I asked, of the Lord our God, when I returned from Haiti, was: "What shall I say to people when they ask why don't we see God moving in North America, in the same way that He moved in Haiti?" God's immediate response was: "Tell them about unbelief." Up to now, we have not spoken, directly, about unbelief. In an earlier posting (January 16, 2010), titled "Entry-level versus Victorious Discipleship," we touched on the effects of unbelief as we mentioned the characteristics of "entry-level" discipleship. Unbelief is the "way of the flesh." It cripples our effective use of the faith that our Lord Jesus Christ has given us. It can be likened to a great weight carried on the back of a marathon runner. The ability of the runner to complete the course would be severely hampered. We see this truth recorded in Hebrews 12:1: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Unbelief is that weight on our backs; and the effective use of the faith, that we are given, is the race that we are running. We often, cannot recognise the "sin which doth so easily beset us," because of the "weight" of the unbelief. Thus, our ability to move from "entry-level discipleship," to "victorious discipleship," is made more difficult, because of our unbelief. Verse two, of the text, shows us the way to victory: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." We shall learn more about unbelief in future posts. Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Haiti and Victorious Discipleship
Hello to All. As our Lord Jesus Christ has been guiding and directing me in reaching a deeper and fuller understanding of all that He did in Haiti, I more and more see the affirmation of the direct relationship between "Victorious Discipleship in Jesus Christ," and the "Manifesting" presence of Jesus Christ. While in Haiti, my interpreter and I were directly involved in ministering, one on one, to approximately 300 people. A significant number of them were miraculously healed right before our eyes (more on this in a later post). We saw approximately 80 of those taken, by the Holy Ghost, from not knowing Jesus Christ, to being fully converted to Him. We also were privileged to baptize 16 of them. All of this was done over a period of four days of medical outreach, with approximately 22 hours of actual ministry taking place. If you do the math, you will recognize that we spent three to five minutes per person in prayer and ministry. There was no time for persuasive conversation. There was no time for detailed examination of the written word. In fact, the scriptures were never directly quoted. All proclamation and questions were directly related to the "Living Word" - Jesus Christ. These people were not healed and converted on the basis of our holiness or our work or our words. We were the human vessels through which the "Manifesting Presence of Jesus Christ," brought healing and conversion as He gathered so many Haitians to Himself. We were seeing the "mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory," being manifested through the fragile vessels that we are. This, my beloved brethren, is what our Lord Jesus Christ desires for each and every person who calls on Him for salvation. We will continue to examine this "great mystery," as we continue to grow in our understanding of and submission to "Victorious Discipleship in Jesus Christ." Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, June 7, 2010
Let Us Repent of Our Sectarian Ways: Revisited
Hello to all. It is time, once again, to place this call to repentance before us. If we are to daily die to self, we must daily be reminded of our sinful inclination to set ourselves one against the other. Victorious discipleship cannot be achieved, when we are divided and thinking more highly of ourselves then we should. Jesus must be increasing and we must be decreasing. Without repentance and on-going conversion, such potentials will not be reached; and we will continue to be in bondage to entry-level discipleship. Please prayerfully and carefully read the following letter and join with me in "repenting of our sectarian ways." Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen
Posted by Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen
Posted by Elder Theophilus
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Reflections on Haiti
Hello to All,
It has been a few days since returning from Haiti. It is taking me some time and effort to process all that was experienced. The Lord our God moved in powerful ways. We literally saw the pages of the "Acts of The Apostles," come alive in Haiti. There were many miraculous healings, large numbers of conversions to Jesus Christ and numerous baptisms of new believers. In spite of the poverty and oppression, we found the Haitian people to be resilient, kind, joyful and very open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray for the people of Haiti and the work that God is doing there. In Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
It has been a few days since returning from Haiti. It is taking me some time and effort to process all that was experienced. The Lord our God moved in powerful ways. We literally saw the pages of the "Acts of The Apostles," come alive in Haiti. There were many miraculous healings, large numbers of conversions to Jesus Christ and numerous baptisms of new believers. In spite of the poverty and oppression, we found the Haitian people to be resilient, kind, joyful and very open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray for the people of Haiti and the work that God is doing there. In Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Meditation on Haiti and Victorious Discipleship
Hello to All:
It has been a while since my last post. My focus has been on preparing for what will hopefully and prayerfully be, the first of numerous trips to Haiti. The Lord our God has placed on my heart and the heart of my beloved wife, a growing burden for the people of Haiti. The team that I am traveling with, has joined in a mutual, weekly devotional, as part of our preparation. The first week (now ending) was for Psalm 2:7-8. There was a mutual recognition that Haiti does belong to Jesus Christ and a focus of prayer for redemption, restoration and a mass return to our Lord. Moved by the Spirit of God, I wrote the following; and now share it with you in the context of the potentials of "Victorious Discipleship in Jesus Christ."
As I have been meditating upon and praying over the devotional for this week, the Lord our God has impressed a number of things upon my heart; and the Spirit of God compels me to share them with you. If the Spirit of God affirms these things, in your own heart, and you are compelled to share them with the rest of the team, you are certainly free to do so.
I am in agreement with your focus "on the Lord's heart for Haiti." The text clearly affirms that Haiti and all of creation belongs to Jesus Christ. Your expressed desire that we pray for "redemption, restoration and a mass return to the Lord," are also justified, not only by this text, but also by the whole of God's Word. Christ died that we all might live. But, there is a context of judgement surrounding verses 7 and 8, that needs to be considered, as we prepare to respond to God's call for us to go to Haiti with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse 5 speaks of the "wrath" of God. Verse 9 speaks of the "rod of iron" (the rod of judgement). Verses 10 and 11 call the kings to be "wise" and to "fear" the Lord. Verse 12 calls us to the "Son;" and reminds us that rejecting the "Son" (Jesus Christ), will cause "his wrath" to be "kindled." Verse 12 finishes with: "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." (KJV).
Haiti has a long history, on a national level, of rejecting Jesus Christ. The kings of Haiti have failed to "kiss the Son" (see verse 12). In 1791, all the people of Haiti agreed to serve Satan, in exchange for their freedom from the French. A slave revolt in 1804 created the first black republic in the world. Voodooism came into being and Satan has ruled Haiti with bloodshed, violence and poverty. The government of Haiti, re-dedicated the nation to voodooism in 1991.
It is written at Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (KJV). We face these powers in all places of the earth. But, there are places where these "powers" are more concentrated and consequently: very powerful. In Daniel chapter 10, we find Daniel in prayer, for a period exceeding three weeks, as he was seeking understanding of a certain thing. On the 24th day, Daniel receives a messenger sent by God to bring him understanding. The messenger explains (see verses 12 and 13), that on the first day he was sent to Daniel, but he was delayed by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia." This "prince" was so powerful, that "Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help" him. This "prince," that was able to delay God's messenger, must be rightly understood as one of the "powers" that Paul spoke of in the Ephesians text. Demonic powers are often related to geographical locations. Haiti, because of its history, is clearly ruled by such "powers." To think otherwise, would be to deny the testimony of the Scriptures.
When we travel to Haiti, we must be prepared for such battles. The only way to be prepared is to be totally given over to Jesus Christ. If our house is not clean, we will not be able to stand against the demonic powers that rule Haiti. Our cry must ever be: "God be merciful to me a sinner." Our focus must ever be: "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Our hope must be: "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Until next time my beloved brethren, In Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
It has been a while since my last post. My focus has been on preparing for what will hopefully and prayerfully be, the first of numerous trips to Haiti. The Lord our God has placed on my heart and the heart of my beloved wife, a growing burden for the people of Haiti. The team that I am traveling with, has joined in a mutual, weekly devotional, as part of our preparation. The first week (now ending) was for Psalm 2:7-8. There was a mutual recognition that Haiti does belong to Jesus Christ and a focus of prayer for redemption, restoration and a mass return to our Lord. Moved by the Spirit of God, I wrote the following; and now share it with you in the context of the potentials of "Victorious Discipleship in Jesus Christ."
As I have been meditating upon and praying over the devotional for this week, the Lord our God has impressed a number of things upon my heart; and the Spirit of God compels me to share them with you. If the Spirit of God affirms these things, in your own heart, and you are compelled to share them with the rest of the team, you are certainly free to do so.
I am in agreement with your focus "on the Lord's heart for Haiti." The text clearly affirms that Haiti and all of creation belongs to Jesus Christ. Your expressed desire that we pray for "redemption, restoration and a mass return to the Lord," are also justified, not only by this text, but also by the whole of God's Word. Christ died that we all might live. But, there is a context of judgement surrounding verses 7 and 8, that needs to be considered, as we prepare to respond to God's call for us to go to Haiti with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse 5 speaks of the "wrath" of God. Verse 9 speaks of the "rod of iron" (the rod of judgement). Verses 10 and 11 call the kings to be "wise" and to "fear" the Lord. Verse 12 calls us to the "Son;" and reminds us that rejecting the "Son" (Jesus Christ), will cause "his wrath" to be "kindled." Verse 12 finishes with: "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." (KJV).
Haiti has a long history, on a national level, of rejecting Jesus Christ. The kings of Haiti have failed to "kiss the Son" (see verse 12). In 1791, all the people of Haiti agreed to serve Satan, in exchange for their freedom from the French. A slave revolt in 1804 created the first black republic in the world. Voodooism came into being and Satan has ruled Haiti with bloodshed, violence and poverty. The government of Haiti, re-dedicated the nation to voodooism in 1991.
It is written at Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (KJV). We face these powers in all places of the earth. But, there are places where these "powers" are more concentrated and consequently: very powerful. In Daniel chapter 10, we find Daniel in prayer, for a period exceeding three weeks, as he was seeking understanding of a certain thing. On the 24th day, Daniel receives a messenger sent by God to bring him understanding. The messenger explains (see verses 12 and 13), that on the first day he was sent to Daniel, but he was delayed by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia." This "prince" was so powerful, that "Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help" him. This "prince," that was able to delay God's messenger, must be rightly understood as one of the "powers" that Paul spoke of in the Ephesians text. Demonic powers are often related to geographical locations. Haiti, because of its history, is clearly ruled by such "powers." To think otherwise, would be to deny the testimony of the Scriptures.
When we travel to Haiti, we must be prepared for such battles. The only way to be prepared is to be totally given over to Jesus Christ. If our house is not clean, we will not be able to stand against the demonic powers that rule Haiti. Our cry must ever be: "God be merciful to me a sinner." Our focus must ever be: "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Our hope must be: "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Until next time my beloved brethren, In Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, March 8, 2010
Let us repent of our sectarian ways.
Hello to all. At the beginning of each month, this call to repentance will be placed before us. If we are to daily die to self, we must daily be reminded of our sinful inclination to set ourselves one against the other. Victorious discipleship cannot be achieved, when we are divided and thinking more highly of ourselves then we should. Jesus must be increasing and we must be decreasing. Without repentance and on-going conversion, such potentials will not be reached; and we will continue to be in bondage to entry-level discipleship. Please prayerfully and carefully read the following letter and join with me in "repenting of our sectarian ways." Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen
Friday, March 5, 2010
Prayer meetings and Haiti
Hello to all. Our regularly scheduled prayer meetings will not be held during March and April. We will continue the meetings in May. Also, our Lord Jesus Christ has opened up a door of opportunity for me. I will be joining a team going to Haiti from April 13 to 27. Please pray for us and for the people of Haiti. Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
With these words, "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," the apostle John, (see 1 John 4:1-3), provides us with the proof test for determining who is truly from God and who is, instead, a false teacher or false prophet. The proclamation at verse two, from the KJV translation of the King's Book, makes this very clear: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." If we take the time to look at this verse in other English translations, we will find that most, if not all of them, will quote the confession as: "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh." The KJV text says: "is come." Most other translations say: "has come." We have a conflict of grammar (see post of January 30, 2010), that can be confusing; and if not properly understood, it can be very dangerous to our spiritual well being. Grammar is related to a time line. In the English language, we generally think in terms of: past, present and future. A number of the contemporary English translations, of the King's Book, will state (in their introductions), that they are grammatically correct. Thus, to say that "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh," is grammatically correct, and places the event of His coming in the proper historical context. But, is this theologically correct? I have personally encountered a false teaching regarding Jesus Christ and His coming, that would not be negated by the confession: "has come in the flesh." The essentials of that false teaching are: 1. The Christ spirit merged with the man Jesus, and empowered him, during his ministry. 2. At the cross, the Christ spirit departed from Jesus, and only the man Jesus died on the cross. Thus, to say that Jesus has come would allow for this false teaching. On the other hand, to say that: "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," would negate the false teaching and the confession could not be made by a false teacher. To confess that "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," although not grammatically correct, correctly states the truth that Jesus Christ, continues to be fully God and fully man; and thus, at the cross, He was able to make the sacrifice that would pay the price for all of our sins. If he was only a man, then we are still dead in our sins. But, thanks be to God, for: "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh." Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, February 8, 2010
Prayer meeting update.
Hello to all. Just a reminder regarding this months prayer meeting schedule. We will meet on the second and fourth Friday (the 12th and the 26th), at 7:30 P.M., at the Senior Center in Shawano, Wisconsin. The address is 225 South Main Street. If you are in the area please come by and pray with us. Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The transcendental reality of victorious discipleship.
One of the reasons for speaking of the Lord our God as being transcendental, relates to the truth that He is not bound by the limitations of our material universe. We, on the other hand, as created beings, are constrained by space and time and the limits of our physical universe. We cannot go back to yesterday. Tomorrow can only be approached moment by moment. But, when our Transcendent Lord Jesus Christ, comes and dwells within the believer, as in "Christ in you, the hope of glory..." and then His life "is made manifest in our mortal flesh..."; then we, because of Jesus Christ, are no longer bound by the constraints of space and time. We have, because of Jesus Christ, transcended the limitations of our material universe. Unfortunately, most of us rarely have any awareness of this transcendental reality of our union with Jesus Christ. Even though we are called to "walk by faith;" we typically "walk by sight." We accept the limitations of our time line, because that is all we can see; and we continue to be in bondage to entry-level discipleship. Victorious discipleship transcends the perceived limitations of our physical world. This is made possible because of Jesus Christ and His completed work on the cross. All of the benefits of that completed work, are available, to every one who calls on Jesus Christ for salvation, not just as past events; but, as ever present realities, that impact us in every moment of our union with Jesus Christ. The historical event of the crucifixion, of our Lord Jesus Christ, transcends the time line. It is in this transcendent context, of the cross, that we will find "victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ." Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, February 1, 2010
Let us repent of our sectarian ways.
Hello to all. At the beginning of each month, this call to repentance will be placed before us. If we are to daily die to self, we must daily be reminded of our sinful inclination to set ourselves one against the other. Victorious discipleship cannot be achieved, when we are divided and thinking more highly of ourselves then we should. Jesus must be increasing and we must be decreasing. Without repentance and on-going conversion, such potentials will not be reached; and we will continue to be in bondage to entry-level discipleship. Please prayfully and carefully read the following letter and join with me in "repenting of our sectarian ways." Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen.
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The King James translation and victorious discipleship
Hello to all. The following information is posted for your intense consideration. The importance of the King James Version of Holy Scriptures, will become clearer as we continue in our time together. Please compare these verb forms with whatever translation that you are currently using. If your translation is not the KJV, then you should see a significant difference. In future postings, we will explore these differences, as we continue to strive for and achieve "victorious discipleship," in Jesus Christ. Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
January 28, 2010
An examination of selected passages from the King James translation of the Holy Scriptures. The specific passages use a present tense verb form in describing our standing in Christ Jesus. This is in stark contrast to most other English translations, which use a past tense verb form in the same passages. As portions of each relevant verse are listed, the particular portion of the text to be examined will be capitalized.
1. Romans 5:5 “… the love of God IS SHED ABROAD …”
“… the Holy Ghost which IS GIVEN …”
2. Romans 6:2 “… we, that ARE DEAD to sin …”
3. Romans 6:4 “… we ARE BURIED with Him …”
4. Romans 6:6 “… our old man IS CRUCIFIED with Him …”
5. Romans 6:7 “… he that IS DEAD is freed …”
6. Romans 6:8 “… if we BE DEAD with Christ …”
7. 1 Cor. 5:7 “… Christ our Passover IS SACRIFICED for us.”
8. 1 Cor. 6:11 “… ye ARE WASHED …”
“… ye ARE SANCTIFIED …”
“… ye ARE JUSTIFIED …”
9. Gal 2:20 “… I AM CRUCIFIED with Christ …”
10. Gal 6:14 “… the world IS CRUCIFIED unto me …”
11. Col 2:11 “… ye ARE CIRCUMCISED with …”
12. Col 2:12 “… BURIED with him …”
“… ye ARE RISEN with him …”
13. Col 3:1 “… If ye then BE RISEN with Christ …”
14. Col 3:3 “… ye ARE DEAD …”
15. 1 John 4:2 “… Jesus Christ IS COME in the flesh …”
16. 1 John 4:3 “… Jesus Christ IS COME in the flesh …”
17. Col 1:29 “…according to His WORKING …” (The verb “working” is changed
to a noun in other translations.)
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
January 28, 2010
An examination of selected passages from the King James translation of the Holy Scriptures. The specific passages use a present tense verb form in describing our standing in Christ Jesus. This is in stark contrast to most other English translations, which use a past tense verb form in the same passages. As portions of each relevant verse are listed, the particular portion of the text to be examined will be capitalized.
1. Romans 5:5 “… the love of God IS SHED ABROAD …”
“… the Holy Ghost which IS GIVEN …”
2. Romans 6:2 “… we, that ARE DEAD to sin …”
3. Romans 6:4 “… we ARE BURIED with Him …”
4. Romans 6:6 “… our old man IS CRUCIFIED with Him …”
5. Romans 6:7 “… he that IS DEAD is freed …”
6. Romans 6:8 “… if we BE DEAD with Christ …”
7. 1 Cor. 5:7 “… Christ our Passover IS SACRIFICED for us.”
8. 1 Cor. 6:11 “… ye ARE WASHED …”
“… ye ARE SANCTIFIED …”
“… ye ARE JUSTIFIED …”
9. Gal 2:20 “… I AM CRUCIFIED with Christ …”
10. Gal 6:14 “… the world IS CRUCIFIED unto me …”
11. Col 2:11 “… ye ARE CIRCUMCISED with …”
12. Col 2:12 “… BURIED with him …”
“… ye ARE RISEN with him …”
13. Col 3:1 “… If ye then BE RISEN with Christ …”
14. Col 3:3 “… ye ARE DEAD …”
15. 1 John 4:2 “… Jesus Christ IS COME in the flesh …”
16. 1 John 4:3 “… Jesus Christ IS COME in the flesh …”
17. Col 1:29 “…according to His WORKING …” (The verb “working” is changed
to a noun in other translations.)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The "mystery" of Jesus: Indwelling and Manifesting
Hello To All:
Let us look again at two passages from the King's Book. 1. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 KJV). 2. "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." (2 Corinthians 4:10-11 KJV). The first passage takes us right to the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ. The second passage takes us right to the manifesting presence of Jesus Christ. Two of our recent blogs ("Christ in you: the hope of glory;" and "Entry-level versus Victorious Discipleship.") began to examine this great mystery regarding our union with Jesus Christ. A full examination and comprehension of this "mystery," will take some time. It will challenge us. It has the potential to take us deeper and higher then we have ever been. For now, let it be said, that if we only have an awareness of the "indwelling Jesus Christ," we can find ourselves stuck in the pattern of "entry-level discipleship;" and constantly wondering why the victory so often eludes us. If we are to have victory in this life, we must move from "entry-level discipleship" to "victorious discipleship;" and the only way that we can accomplish this move is by comprehending and apprehending the "manifesting" presence of Jesus Christ. Please join me in this journey to victory. Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Let us look again at two passages from the King's Book. 1. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 KJV). 2. "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." (2 Corinthians 4:10-11 KJV). The first passage takes us right to the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ. The second passage takes us right to the manifesting presence of Jesus Christ. Two of our recent blogs ("Christ in you: the hope of glory;" and "Entry-level versus Victorious Discipleship.") began to examine this great mystery regarding our union with Jesus Christ. A full examination and comprehension of this "mystery," will take some time. It will challenge us. It has the potential to take us deeper and higher then we have ever been. For now, let it be said, that if we only have an awareness of the "indwelling Jesus Christ," we can find ourselves stuck in the pattern of "entry-level discipleship;" and constantly wondering why the victory so often eludes us. If we are to have victory in this life, we must move from "entry-level discipleship" to "victorious discipleship;" and the only way that we can accomplish this move is by comprehending and apprehending the "manifesting" presence of Jesus Christ. Please join me in this journey to victory. Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Christ in you: the hope of glory."
Hello To All:
If we are going to be able to comprehend the meaning of: "Christ in you, the hope of glory," then we must be able to comprehend the relationship between the physical realms and the spiritual realms. We learn from the King's Book that God is a Spirit and that His habitation is in the heavens. In one place (Hebrews 4:16 KJV) we are told to "...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." We could search the physical realms for all of our days; and we will not find the location of the "throne of grace." God's throne is in the heavens; and, as believers, we enter that throne room every time we pray. So, if we pray daily; then, daily, we cross over into the spiritual realms. The point to be made here, is that, as disciples of Jesus Christ, desiring to experience,
"victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ," we need to recognize that we live and move and have our being in both realms. This reality is most evident in the quote from the King's Book: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Our Lord Jesus Christ has ascended to His Father's throne room and is seated at His right hand. He also serves as our on-going advocate, before our Heavenly Father, in the very throne room, that we are called to "come boldly unto." Thus, Jesus Christ, currently residing in the spiritual realms, comes and also dwells within us, here, in the physical realms. The King's Book refers to this reality as: "...the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints..." (Please read the entire text at: Colossians 1:25-29.) Part of our on-going discussion, will be to examine this "mystery," and its meaning for our lives. Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
If we are going to be able to comprehend the meaning of: "Christ in you, the hope of glory," then we must be able to comprehend the relationship between the physical realms and the spiritual realms. We learn from the King's Book that God is a Spirit and that His habitation is in the heavens. In one place (Hebrews 4:16 KJV) we are told to "...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." We could search the physical realms for all of our days; and we will not find the location of the "throne of grace." God's throne is in the heavens; and, as believers, we enter that throne room every time we pray. So, if we pray daily; then, daily, we cross over into the spiritual realms. The point to be made here, is that, as disciples of Jesus Christ, desiring to experience,
"victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ," we need to recognize that we live and move and have our being in both realms. This reality is most evident in the quote from the King's Book: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Our Lord Jesus Christ has ascended to His Father's throne room and is seated at His right hand. He also serves as our on-going advocate, before our Heavenly Father, in the very throne room, that we are called to "come boldly unto." Thus, Jesus Christ, currently residing in the spiritual realms, comes and also dwells within us, here, in the physical realms. The King's Book refers to this reality as: "...the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints..." (Please read the entire text at: Colossians 1:25-29.) Part of our on-going discussion, will be to examine this "mystery," and its meaning for our lives. Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Prayer meeting update
Hello to all. Just a reminder to those of you who might be in the area. This coming Friday (Jan 22), will be our next prayer meeting. The meeting will be at 7:30 P.M. at the Shawano Senior Center (225 South Main Street, Shawano, Wisconsin). Hope to see you there. Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Entry-level versus Victorious Discipleship
In Paul's letter, written to the Galatian church, we find these words recorded in chapter three and verse three: "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" The way of the "Spirit" being contrasted to the way of the "flesh." The Galatians had gotten off track. They were in deep trouble in their walk of faith. They had left the way of the "Spirit;" and Paul was being used, by The Lord our God, to correct them and get them back on track. We often find these contrasted ways in the Kings Book: The flesh and the Spirit. The carnal and the spiritual. The babe and the mature. Walking by sight as opposed to walking by faith. For the purposes of this forum, "entry-level discipleship" can be best understood in the context of the way of the "flesh," the "carnal" way, the way of the "babe" in Christ, and "walking by sight;" and "victorious discipleship" can be best understood in the context of the way of the "Spirit," the "spiritual" way, the way of the "mature" in Christ, and "walking by faith." Our conversion to Jesus Christ is a work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we begin our journey (just as the Galatians did), "by the Spirit." But, we quickly fall prey to thinking that we must be doing something in response to our conversion. We quickly fall into patterns of doing certain things and not doing certain other things. We become as the Galatians, who, because of their "flesh" walk, were looking to "being perfected by the flesh." In contrast to this, our Lord Jesus Christ, is seeking to move us into an understanding of and submission to the reality, that He is willing to empower us to live rightly and walk in holiness, by allowing Him to do the doing and the not doing. As it is written at Second Corinthinians, chapter four and verse eleven: "For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh." Let us stop being "foolish" like the Galatians. Instead, join with me in allowing Jesus to have His "way" with us! Join with me in walking by, and continuing with: God the Holy Spirit, in and through His Son Jesus Christ. Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Friday, January 8, 2010
Let us repent of our sectarian ways: re-visited!
Hello to all. It is good to have this call to repentance ever before us. If we are to truly know the joy of "victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ," then freedom from our bondage to sectarian perspectives is foundational to our journey. Our path to freedom is repentance of our sinful ways and our on-going conversion to Jesus Christ.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Let us repent of our sectarian ways!
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen.
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Let us repent of our sectarian ways!
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.” Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.” Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen.
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Discipleship and Salvation
When we lay "The evidence of discipleship" (see post of 12/17/09), along-side "The evidence of salvation" (see post of 12/26/09), it should be very clear to us that to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to have salvation in Jesus Christ; and that to have salvation in Jesus Christ is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. The two cannot be separated one from the other. The moment that a person is converted to Jesus Christ, that same person is now a disciple of Jesus Christ. Since all believers are disciples "of" Jesus Christ: why does this forum make the distinction between discipleship "to" Jesus Christ; and discipleship "in" Jesus Christ? For the purposes of this forum, we shall look at discipleship "to Jesus Christ", as entry-level discipleship. We shall look at discipleship "in Jesus Christ", as victorious discipleship. Consider this portion of verses one and two of Hebrews chapter twelve: "...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." We are all on a faith journey. That journey begins with our status being "entry-level" disciples; and that journey continues with Jesus ever working to bring us to "victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ." Let us keep "fixing our eyes on Jesus." Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Prayer meeting update
Hello to all. Our next prayer meeting is this Friday (January 8), at 7:30 P.M. The location is the same: Shawano Senior Center at 225 South Main Street, Shawano, Wisconsin. Hope to see you there. Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
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