Authority In The Church: The Truth Is Jesus!

"And we know" - "That the Son of God is come" - "And hath given us an understanding" - "That we may know Him" - "That is true" - "And we are in Him" - "That is true" - "Even in His Son Jesus Christ" - "This is the true God" - "And eternal life."  (1 John 5:20)

Hello To All:

In the first three essays of this series ("Authority In The Church"), much has been stated that can be difficult to understand. In many ways, this matter of authority is a mystery to us. We, typically, think of authority only in the context of obedience; and it is in this narrow context of obedience, that we most often come to wrong understandings with regards to authority. In this last essay of the series, we shall seek, with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, to bring us to a place where we can find the right understanding.

The first essay of this series (see: "Authority In The Church: Who Has It?" - May 24, 2014), concluded with the following statement:

"Let us close, by saying in a most emphatic way, that the only authority that we should be subject to is the authority of Jesus Christ. Anyone else or anything else that seeks to make us subject to their claimed authority is a usurper and should be rebuked and ignored. Usurpers are typically puffed up and filled with words empty of power. We should be praying for them! We should not be following after them; nor should we be giving our allegiance to them."

As we seek to comprehend the fullness of this statement, let us look to the closing words: "nor should we be giving our allegiance to them." It is right to recognize that an important element of authority is with regards to obedience. The question we need to ask is: Who are we obeying? The next question being: To whom or what are we submitted to; and thus - To whom or what are we giving our obedience? We need to be asking ourselves: With whom or what does our allegiance rest? Are we exclusively submitted to Jesus Christ; or have we succumbed to the seduction of the institutional church?

Most of us, particularly in western churches, still struggle with allegiance and submission. We know that we should follow Jesus; but we still allow others to define how that "following" should look. Through the years and in my travels, I have been blessed to visit a lot of churches (with a variety of institutional perspectives). I have yet to visit a local assembly that was willing to consider the possibility that they were, in some way, in error.

Every assembly believes that they have the truth; and it does not matter, to them, that the assembly down the road, who also believes that they have the truth, has a perspective that is different from their own. As it is written: "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts." (Proverbs 21:2). When our Lord Jesus Christ "pondereth" our hearts: What does He find? Where does our allegiance rest. Who or what do we obey?

This conflict of interest, posed by the preceding questions, is most dramatically illustrated, by an event recorded in the gospels. We take our text, for this event from Mark 3:1-6:

1. "And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand."
2. "And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him."
3. "And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth."
4. "And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace."
5. "And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other."
6. "And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him."

In this text from Mark, we have a clear and stated conflict of interest. The institutional perspective, represented by the Pharisees; and God's perspective, represented by Jesus Christ. Now it can and should be argued that the institutional perspective, as evidenced in the text from Mark, is pretty extreme: "The Pharisees - took counsel - with the Herodians - how they might destroy him." (Mark 3:6).

But, the reality that this was an institutional perspective, should be self evident. Consider these portions of the text: "they watched him" - "that they might accuse him" - "but they held their peace" (in response to the challenge that Jesus laid before them) - "the hardness of their hearts" - "the Pharisees went forth" - "and straightway took counsel" - "with the Herodians" - "against him" - "how they might destroy him." Please take note of the group speak and group thought and group action, as evidenced by these portions of the text. The Pharisees were a group. The Herodians were a group. Both of these groups were set against the way of Jesus Christ.

The text makes it clear that they were of one heart and one mindset. They were united in their perspective. This unity of perspective, can be certainly understood as an institutional perspective; and in many ways, it is the perspective of the various western institutional churches; and the western institutional church is not immune to the extremes of the Pharisees. Down through the centuries, Christians with a certain institutional perspective have brought about the suffering and death of other Christians, whose perspective was different from their own. God be merciful to us, for we are sinners!

The institution does not have a heart; but, by using its' usurped authority, it can and often does harden the hearts of its' members, in a way that can be and historically has been, very destructive. It is reasonable to assume that all who call themselves Christian, make some sort of claim with regards to their relationship to Jesus Christ. The question that each of us must be asking is this: How much is the institutional influence corrupting our individual relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God?

Right about now, most of us are probably crying out with a certain amount of despair and asking ourselves: what can we do? With rare exceptions, most of us are subject to some sort of institutional perspective. Sadly and tragically, this is the condition of the western church. But God has a plan to deliver us. We see evidence of His plan  in our opening text:

"And we know" - "That the Son of God is come" - "And hath given us an understanding" - "That we may know him" - "That is true" - "And we are in him" - "That is true" - "Even in his son Jesus Christ" - "This is the true God" - "And eternal life". (1 John 5:20).

There is a progression of thought, experience and action, evidenced in this text from First John. The problem that we are having is that we often skip the part that states: "And hath given us an understanding." We all too often accept the understanding given us by the various institutional perspectives that we have chosen to be subject to and loyal to. We are corrupted by the understanding that comes from the natural mind of men and women who have organized themselves around certain institutional perspectives. Their influence is significant; and sometimes they seek to destroy. God be merciful to us, for we are sinners.

The only way that we can defend ourselves against the pervasiveness of the institutional church and its' influence is to turn to Jesus - ask His forgiveness - and then look for Him to: "Give us an understanding." Our journey is really very simple: It is all about Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Amen and Amen and Amen!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

Authority In The Church: The Body Of Christ!

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

Hello To All:

One of the recurring realities of the King's Book regards the mystery of God. Much, with regards to who God is and why He does what He does, is hard for us to understand. Most of us, especially in the west, are not comfortable with mystery; especially with regards to God and who He is. Thus, we go to great lengths, with complicated and convoluted thinking, to present explanations that are designed to obscure the mystery and provide us with a level of comfort in our western, rational, logical and humanistic way of thinking. We cannot be in control if there is a mystery. Our fallen nature demands that we be in control. So we deny mystery; and we offer up explanations, that delude us into thinking that we understand; and thus, we are deluded into thinking that we are in control.

But, here is the major problem, with our efforts: we are not supposed to be in control! Rather we are to be in submission to our Master - who is Jesus of Nazareth - who is The Christ, The Son of The Living God. Control of all things, rests in the hands of Jesus Christ!  Amen and Amen and Amen!

The universal reality of - "The Body Of Christ" - is for us, especially in the west, a mystery that we just choose to ignore. In all of our institutional actions, we deny the very existence of this mystery. Our view of the Body of Christ, is confined to the limits of our institutional perspective and influence. In the visible realms, our institutional perspectives are in opposition to the universal reality of: "The Body Of Christ." The institutional perspective demands control of all within its influence. The institutional perspective does not, and will not yield up its perspective of total control to the universal control of Jesus Christ. The institutional perspective stands in opposition to Christ; and thus, is the enemy of the effective proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ.

My beloved brethren, let us all pause and take a deep breath; and if we are all stirred up (and yes, even offended) by what is written in the opening paragraphs of this essay, let us all allow ourselves to be calmed by the Spirit of God. Please give consideration to the possibility that this elder, has in fact, just been used by The Lord our God, to lay before us the truth of our condition. We are a very visibly divided church; and that is not the will of God! As we look back to our opening text, we must confess that we are not glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ, with the abomination of our institutional divisions.

Let us consider some of what the King's Book has to say with regards to: "The Body Of Christ." We begin with Romans 12:1-5:

1. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
2. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
3. "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
4. "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:"
5. "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

As I consider the above text; as I check it for spelling and punctuation; as I make certain that I have copied it correctly, from the King's Book: I am deeply impacted by how connected we are: "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."   At the moment of this writing, there are individuals and groups from 81 countries, visiting this web site; and hopefully being helped on their journey towards: "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ." At the moment of this writing, and for all of eternity: all of us whose lives belong to Jesus Christ are: "one body in Christ."

For those of you who are both visitors and believers, this means that we are "members one of another."
I cannot see you - you cannot see me - in this life most of us will not meet on a one to one basis; and yet, we are part of this incredible mystery: "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Let us also be reminded, as the first verse of the Roman's text so clearly states, that our individual and corporate service is to The Lord our God. Our service is not to an institution. Our service is to God; and to no other! The body of Christ is meant to have only one master!

As we continue this journey, let us consider another portion of the King's Book, and what it has to say with regards to our being "one." Please join me in an examination of Ephesians 1:15-23, where we find written:

15. "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,"
16. "Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;"
17. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:"
18. "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,"
19. "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,"
20. "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"
21. "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:"
22. "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,"
23. "Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."

How is it that we think of ourselves? As we examine our lives - as we look at our individual journey - what kind of conclusions do we come to? The Roman's text (Romans 12:3) tells each believer: "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think."  We fall into this trap and temptation of thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, when we are focused on our individual journey with Jesus Christ. A right focus causes us to be focused on Jesus Christ. When we have that focus, Jesus Christ takes care of the journey. The Ephesians text comes from a letter written to: "the saints which are at Ephesus" (Ephesians 1:1). This letter was written to the corporate body; and each individual saint was a member of that body; and thus, a member of: the "Body Of Christ."

We do not journey towards that city not made with human hands, isolated from the rest of humanity. As believers, we are "members one of another." We "are one body in Christ." This is not philosophy. This is not conjecture or speculation. This is not just wishful thinking. This is reality! This is truth!

The Ephesians text helps us to comprehend the fullness of this truth: "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." The body of Christ is the church. The church is the body of Christ. And that body, the church, has only one head; and that head is Jesus of Nazareth, who is The Christ, The Son of The Living God. Amen and Amen and Amen.

Now we come to this matter of authority. Since the body of Christ is the universal church; and since the universal church is the body of Christ; and since Jesus Christ is the Head of the body, and thus, the Head of the universal church: we are compelled to conclude that all legitimate authority comes exclusively from Jesus Christ. Thus, we are also compelled to conclude that any individual or group that claims authority and demands submission to certain man-made precepts and commandments, is not a legitimate authority, since it comes from man and not from Jesus Christ. It is only in the context of the universal body of Christ, of which Christ is the head, that all legitimate authority can be rightly manifested and rightly used. A visibly divided church has little understanding of this legitimate authority, that requires absolute and exclusive submission to Christ and Christ alone. We cannot glorify Christ with a visibly divided church.

Please join with me in praying for the visible unity of the "Body Of Christ." Please join with me in repenting of all of the things that we do that contributes to this visible division of Christ's church. Please join with me as members one of another, in glorifying Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen and Amen!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

Authority In The Church: The Institutional Church?

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee."  (Titus 1:5).

Hello To All:

At the beginning of our last essay ("Authority In The Church: Who Has It?"), I mentioned that one of the most frequent charges directed towards me, is that I am not a man under authority.  When I become aware of these charges (I have yet to meet someone who is willing to make these charges, directly to me, on a person to person basis), I am also reminded that the ones making the charges are, typically,  part of the institutional/denominational system that is so prevalent in western Christianity.  Thus, their understanding of authority would be significantly different from my own.  It has become clear to me that the typical western Christian understands authority within the context of the Christian organization, that they view as their church home.

As our Lord Jesus Christ continues to compel me to write, He also compels me to drop the denominational designation, that seems to be the western preference; and, instead, use the designation to describe the visible church, as the institutional church. One of the reasons for this singular designation is that we can often encounter a local church, that claims to be separate from any denominational affiliation; but, upon closer examination, it will be readily recognized, that this local assembly, has a very institutional perspective. It has set itself up as an authority unto itself!

Thus, we come to the core problem, with regards to authority in the visible church: Each Christian organization views itself as having authority; and, if pressed on the matter, they will claim that their authority comes directly from God.  But, their claim that their authority comes directly from God, has one very big problem: It is rare to find a visible church, Christian institutional perspective, that will recognize or honor the claimed authority of a different, visible church, Christian institutional perspective. Each Christian, visible institution, has become an authority unto itself.

The most compelling proof, of the above indictment of the visible church, is with regards to the office of elder; and how the various visible institutional churches deal with the authority of the office of elder.

In our opening text (Titus 1:5), the apostle Paul is giving instructions to "Titus, mine own son after the common faith," (see verse 4). A major part of those instructions are related to the office of elder. Paul tells Titus to: "ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee." Paul has commanded Titus to "ordain elders in every city." Since the apostle Paul commanded Titus to "ordain elders," it must be concluded that Titus had the authority to do this. We find additional evidence of and reference to, the authority that Titus had, at Titus 2:15, where we find written: "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

The Greek word, translated as "authority," in the Titus 1:15 text, is the same Greek word that is translated as "commandment," in Titus 1:3, where we find written (Titus 1:1-3):

1. "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness:"
2. "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
3. "But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour."

We are, once again (please see previous essay), reminded of the source of the apostle Paul's authority: "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ." We are further reminded of Paul's authority, when he wrote of how the preaching of the word was "committed unto" him, "according to the commandment of God our Saviour." This is the same authority given to Titus; and evidenced by the instruction to "speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority," (Titus 2:15). Let us be reminded that the English word "commandment" (Titus 1:3),  and the English word "authority" (Titus 2:15), both are translated from the same Greek word. It should be rightly concluded, that Titus had authority directly from Jesus Christ; just as the apostle Paul had authority directly from Jesus Christ.

Thus, when Titus followed through to "ordain elders in every city," he did so with the confidence of knowing that these newly ordained elders would have authority that also came directly from Jesus Christ. The elders from one city would be welcomed and well received by the visible churches in other cities. None of these city churches set themselves up as an authority unto themselves. They were all directly under the authority of Jesus Christ.

This is not to say that there were not any problems in these early visible churches. Paul's letters are filled with descriptions of his efforts to purge the church of divisive elements. After all, we are still sinners; but, we have this, that distinguishes us from the rest of the world: we are sinners redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Can we say thank you Jesus. Amen and Amen and Amen.

Thus, the apostle Paul, continuing to be in fellowship with these troubled visible churches; and these troubled visible churches continuing to be in fellowship with one another; all found ways to deal with the problems, through Jesus Christ; and thus, maintain their fellowship. The authority of the church was not fractured and diminished through division, as the visible church of today is; rather, the authority that came directly from Jesus Christ governed all that was right and godly. The church was of one heart and one mind, largely because the early visible church had only one leader; and that leader was Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

This is not the case with the visible church of today. We have become a visible church of many leaders. We are filled with fractured and competing man-made authorities. And now we come to the proof of this man-made authority: When one visible institutional church ordains, or elects, or appoints their elders, it would be very rare indeed, to find another visible institutional church that would receive and welcome the ministry of the elders, from that particular institutional church. Each institutional church demands control over all that takes place under its man-made (and thus corrupted) authority; and thus, they will not receive nor will they acknowledge any legitimacy with regards to "elders," from different institutional churches.

If you are reading this; and if you are hearing the truth of this; please do not be discouraged. Our Lord Jesus Christ is not surprised by this. God still sits in His throne; and He is still, and always will be, sovereign over all that is: including the western visible church. Please be encouraged to continue to be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ and to the local assembly that is your home church. Seek to draw closer to Jesus Christ. Look to Jesus to lead you and guide you. Pray for your elders. Pray for the visible unity of the church. Keep "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2).

And finally my beloved, especially if you are an elder, look to Jesus to teach you about right authority. Amen and Amen and Amen.

Let us close with the words of the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:10): "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

Authority In The Church: Who Has It?

"But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:19-20).

Hello To All:

Authority is one of those words that gets a lot of use in church organizations. One of the most frequent charges, directed towards me, is that I am not a man under authority. In one very real sense, those who accuse me of not being under authority are correct. It just depends on how you define authority.

The Apostle Paul was a man who believed (and rightly so) that he was a man under authority. We see the certainty of his belief and his position of authority, expressed time and time again in the opening verses of many of his letters. Our opening text comes from the first letter to the Corinthian church. In verse one of chapter one, of that same letter, we find written: "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God."

In the opening verse of the letter to the Galatians church, Paul, once again, clearly states the truth regarding the source of his authority as an apostle. We find written, at Galatians 1:1: "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead.)"  Paul served God with the steadfast knowledge that his authority came directly from Jesus Christ. He was unwavering in his belief regarding the source of his authority. This unwavering belief, that Paul maintained, throughout his service to Jesus Christ, was often affirmed by God. This affirmation that Paul's authority came from Jesus Christ; and thus as being of God, came by the manifestation of the power of God, in and through His servant: Paul the apostle.

Paul's letters to the Corinthian churches, were letters written to divided churches. The issue of authority and who has it, was one of the forces dividing those churches. The Corinthians were following a variety of leaders (see chapter one). In verse ten of chapter one, Paul rightly uses his authority. We find written: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." Please note, my beloved, that Paul was not seeking to force unity; rather he was stating the truth that through Jesus Christ, being "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment," was and is possible.

Later on, in chapter five, we find another example of Paul rightly using the authority he had from Jesus Christ.
The divisions of the church had resulted in a carnal nature that was pervasive (see chapter three). This carnal nature had resulted in a tolerance of sexual sins (see chapter five). Paul would have nothing of this; and he made this very clear. We find the following written at 1 Corinthians 5:2-5:

2. "And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you."
3. "For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,"
4. "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
5. "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."

Let me ask you this my beloved brethren: when was the last time you heard a church leader speak in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and rightly use the authority of Jesus Christ, in the manner of and with the power of the apostle Paul?

Lest we think, as some do, that this power was only for the apostles, turn with me to 2 Timothy 1:6-8:

6. "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."
7. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
8. "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;"...

Paul was reminding Timothy that he had the same power as he (the apostle) had. Timothy needed to be reminded of this; and the apostle did just that.

The word power has been often used in this essay. Whenever it appears, in a quoted text from the King's Book, it appears as a translation of the same Greek word from the original Greek text of the New Testament. This word appears 120 times in the New Testament; and is translated into 18 different English words. The following is a list of these English words along with the number of times they were used: Power (71), Wonderful Works (1), Mighty Works (10), Ability (1), Virtue (3), Miracle (1), Powers (6), Miracles (7), Workers Of Miracles (1), Meaning (1), Strength (7), Mighty Deeds (1), Mighty Work (1), Might (4), Mightily (1), Mighty (2), Violence (1) and Abundance (1).

It should be very clear, from the above list, that there is nothing symbolic about this word. It should also be clear that the supernatural work indicated, by this word, comes not from the hand of men; but, can only come from God; and given to men to work His mighty works. Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen.

The opening text, for this essay, should remind us of the difference between the power of men and the power of God. The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian church (and thus us), that the power of God is not manifested in the empty words of puffed up men. Earlier, in the same letter, the apostle, moved by the Spirit of God, took the opportunity to get the Corinthians rightly focused on the power of God. We find written at 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, the following:

4. "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"
5. "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

Let us close, by saying in a most emphatic way, that the only authority that we should be subject to is the authority of Jesus Christ. Anyone else or anything else that seeks to make us subject to their claimed authority is a usurper and should be rebuked and ignored. Usurpers are typically puffed up and filled with words empty of power. We should be praying for them! We should not be following after them; nor should we be giving our allegiance to them.

When next we gather, we shall continue our examination of this matter of authority; as we seek to answer the question: Who has it?

Until next time my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

This Elder Has Been A Deceiver: Part Three!

Hello To All:

In part two of this series of postings, on the time when our Lord Jesus Christ chose to expose me as a deceiver, and chose to bring healing into my life, the reality of God's purpose was recognized and embraced. It was not until, by the all sufficient grace of Jesus Christ, that I submitted to the reality of asking: What is God's purpose for the pain?; instead of asking: Why the pain?; that the revelation of truth and the subsequent healing, was manifested, by Jesus Christ, into the reality of my life. Thank you Jesus!

In this posting, we shall take some time, to see if all of us, together, can recognize and embrace the revelation that the Lord our God laid before me, on that third day of that intense pain that kept me captive; compelling me to look to Jesus to deliver me; and He did just that very thing. Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen!

We continue, by turning to the text, that our Lord Jesus Christ used to set me free. We find the following written, at Mark 2:1-12:

 1. "And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house."
 2. "And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He preached the word unto them."
 3. "And they came unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four."
 4. "And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay."
 5. "When Jesus saw their FAITH (emphasis added), He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
 6. "But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,"
 7. "Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"
 8. "And immediately when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?"
 9. "Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10. "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy),"
11. "I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house."
12. "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."

When I was preaching and teaching, at that mission station (see posting of March 25, 2014, titled: "This Elder Has Been A Deceiver"), I often preached and taught about faith; and I often spoke of faith in quantitative and qualitative terms. Such phrases as: my faith was too small or too weak - if only I had more faith - I just didn't have enough faith - he or she had a strong faith - you have a strong faith; these phrases and many more of a similar nature are quite common in our western Christian thinking. These phrases all speak to the quality and the quantity of faith. They all speak to various amounts of faith or to various types of faith; as if faith differs in quantity and type from one person to another. These were phrases that often appeared in my preaching and in my teaching. They were concepts that I had embraced; and they were concepts that were deceiving me and all those who were hearing me. I was a deceiver and did not know it!

On that afternoon of the third day of my pain, the revelation that set me free was found in the relationship between verse five and verse nine of our text. The first observation, attributed to Jesus, with regards to the man sick of the palsy, is contained in verse five. Jesus recognized that all five of the men (the four carrying the bed of the sick man and the man "sick of the palsy") had faith. The second observation is found, by implication, in verse nine. In this verse, Jesus gives equal standing to a faith that can receive His word regarding the forgiveness of sins; and a faith that can receive His word regarding the healing of the physical body. From the perspective of Jesus Christ - the faith is the same for both.

In verses ten through twelve, of our text, Jesus confirms this equality of faith and sufficiency of faith. Jesus speaks the word of healing and the man "sick of the palsy," hears the word; and by faith, rises up and walks. This is the revelation that set me free: the faith that is sufficient to receive the word of forgiveness for sins, is also the faith that is sufficient to receive the word of healing for the physical body. Faith is faith is faith. It cannot be measured by terms of quantity; nor can it be measured by terms of quality. Faith is faith is faith.

This essay has not been written, in order to prove to you, my beloved, something about faith. It really is a matter of faith. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. On that third day of my pain, shortly after this revelation regarding the nature of faith - our Lord Jesus Christ healed me. May He also heal you. Amen and Amen and Amen.

We close this essay with the text that opened the previous essay. We find written at Ephesians 3:12, the following: "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by THE FAITH OF HIM" (emphasis added). To the best of my knowledge, the phrase "THE FAITH OF HIM," is only found in the King James Text. But truly, if the King James Version has this right (and I am convinced that it does), then we have an opportunity to gain some understanding regarding this mystery of faith. For, with the utmost of certainty, if the faith that is given to us, is, in fact, the faith of Jesus Christ, then that faith is always sufficient and its quality can never be questioned or diminished - for it is the faith of Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen and Amen!

At some point, in this journey of "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," I am certain that our Lord Jesus Christ will take us deeper into our understanding of this mystery of faith.

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

This Elder Has Been A Deceiver: Part Two!

"In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." (Ephesians 3:12 KJV)

Hello To All:

When we last gathered, we began the account of when our Lord Jesus Christ was compelled to expose me as a deceiver. It is time for that account to continue. Just recently, I found myself in a circumstance where I was compelled to help someone understand the importance of pain in our lives. I found myself explaining that pain needed to be embraced - pain can and should be regarded as our friend - pain, if we will allow it, can be a very efficient teacher. This was how it was for me, for those two and one-half days of intense pain in the spring of 2007.

This account continues with me back with my family, back in our home; with me sitting in a chair and and an open copy of the King's Book in my lap.  This particular copy was a hard cover New Testament with a single column format (much like a regular book). It had come to be mine shortly after my conversion. In it, I had high-lighted all of the accounts of healing and demonic deliverance that are recorded in the Gospels and "The Acts of the Apostles." For two and one-half days, the focus of my attention was on these accounts. I was looking to Jesus of Nazareth, who is The Christ, the Son of The Living God, to heal me, to deliver me from this pain.

By this time, in my personal journey, I had, on numerous occasions, been blessed to be both a first hand witness of, and recipient of, the supernatural and miraculous work, that our Lord Jesus Christ is willing to do, in both the natural realms and the spiritual realms. I was convinced that Jesus could heal me; and I was convinced that Jesus would heal me. I was convinced that He would deliver me from this pain that had taken control of my body and pinned me to that chair.

But, for two and one-half days, the pain continued in it's intensity. There was no relief! I read, and then read again and again and again, all of the accounts of healing and deliverance. In the midst of my pain, I cried out to God; but, the pain continued, never relenting, keeping me captive. On the second day, I managed to get face down, on the floor, in a nearby room; and there I cried out to God to be healed; and the pain continued, never relenting, keeping me captive.  But, at every moment of this journey through the pain, I was comforted by this one certainty: Jesus was with me. God had not abandoned me nor had He forsaken me. My Creator was with me; and I believed that He would, eventually, deliver me and make me whole and pain free.

For two and one-half days, the ever present question was: why the pain? and why now? I knew that the pain was from God; but, the why, the why was troubling me. Then, on that third day, the question changed from why to what. On that third day, I was being reminded that God always has a purpose. The question then became: What is God's purpose for this pain?

Thus, it was, near the end of my two and one-half days of captivity, in the midst of this clarity, this new found clarity, that caused me to be focused on God's purpose, for my pain, that the revelation of that purpose was given to me. Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen!

With the transformation, of my heart, that God's revelation had given me, I returned to that nearby floor, still in pain; and by the grace of God, once again, I managed to get face down on that floor; and in the midst of my silence, before our Creator, His still and quiet voice spoke to me, saying: "Rise up and walk, for I have healed you." By His all sufficient grace, I began to rise up; and, as I did so, my body was purged of the pain and I was made whole. Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen!

The revelation, of the lesson learned, must be saved for another day. But, my beloved, if you will take the time to consider the text, from the King's Book, given at the beginning of this posting, you may, with God's help, begin to understand. As you focus your attention, on the whole text, look also to the closing words: "The faith of Him."

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

This Elder Has Been A Deceiver!

"And Jesus Answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:4-5).

Hello To All:

Our previous two essays, helped us to grow in our understanding, regarding our capacity to be deceived, as well as our capacity to be as one who is a deceiver. It is not in our fallen nature to want to consider such possibilities. But, if we are to make progress as "Victorious Disciples In Jesus Christ," then it is essential that we recognize our own sinful capacities. The cry of the publican (Luke 18:10-14): "God be merciful to me a sinner," should ever be on our lips and in our hearts.

At the close of our last essay, I was compelled to commit myself to testifying with regards to a time when our Lord Jesus Christ was compelled to expose me as a deceiver. There was a time, when my willingness to consider the possibility that I was in error or a deceiver, was not even close to a reality. I was strident and arrogant with regards to what I believed was the truth. In those first few years, following my conversion to Jesus Christ, I had embraced the thinking and actions of a certain institutional/denominational perspective. I was one of those who said, and often said, that we are right and the rest of you (meaning Christians of other institutional perspectives) were wrong.

As the years pass, I have become more and more deeply aware of how merciful and loving our Creator is. As I look back on those early years, I can now recognize the merciful hand of our Lord Jesus Christ, guiding and directing my life; pushing me here and prodding me there; always seeking to draw me closer to the Truth and to His Way. Through these many decades (the fall of 1982 marks the season of my conversion to Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, The Son of The Living God), the pushing and the prodding has continued; sometimes gently; and, on occasion, not so gently.

In the fall of 2006, I was invited to help out with the preaching at a mission station in a larger city, some 30 miles from the place where my family and I live. Of all the ways, that our Lord Jesus Christ, has equipped me to serve Him, the preaching of His Word is a very special privilege for me; and so, I said yes, believing that God had opened up this opportunity. I was to share the preaching responsibilities with one other man. A few months later, this man moved to another part of the country and the full time task of preaching was placed before me. I embraced the task with eagerness and a desire to help others to: "grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18).

Things seemed to be going well. This was a small mission station; but services were well attended. Those who attended, were interested in an understanding of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus we often talked about healing, deliverance from demonic influence, the importance of faith and believing and the spiritual empowerment that can only come from Jesus Christ.

As I look back, I am reminded of how quickly we are willing to embrace the idea that all is well and that the teaching and the preaching, that we are a part of, is right in harmony with the Scriptures. This is true for both the preacher and those who are receiving the preaching. We all like to believe that all is well. This is how it was, in this little mission station, in this larger city, some thirty miles from my families dwelling place; and I thought: all is well.

Then, in the spring of 2007, things changed, in a very dramatic fashion.  My wife and I, are supported in the mission work that God sets before us, through God's provision, that comes to us through the labors of our own hands. From time to time, God does raise up someone who helps us in our journey; and for this, we are very thankful. But, for the most part, God has purposed for us to be working missionaries; and for this, we are also very thankful. Thus, during this time frame, when I was preaching in this larger city, I was also working, in this same city, in a factory as a skilled laborer.

The change began, early on a Wednesday morning. I had just arrived for work; and was getting out of my car. As I began to exit the vehicle, I was struck by a pain in my lower back (I do not have and never have had any kind of significant back problems). The pain was so severe, that it almost overwhelmed me. As soon as the pain struck, in the same instant, I knew, with absolute certainty, that the pain was sent by God. I did not know the reason for the pain; but, I was certain of its source; and, in this, I was comforted.

But, this was a work day; and I needed to work. I managed, only by the grace of God, to get out of my vehicle, into the factory and to my work station. Each step was incredibly painful; and, by the time I got to my work station, I realized that there was not any way, that I could do the work that was required of me. I spoke to my supervisor; and he told me to go home. Thus, I retraced each painful step back to my car. There was no lessening of the pain. But, in the midst of the pain, Jesus Christ empowered me to drive the 30 plus miles back to my home and to my family. I spent most of the next two and one half days in a chair with my bible opened in my lap and my focus on Jesus Christ and what he was seeking to teach me.

When next we gather, I shall, with God's help, finish this story and the testimony of how our Lord Jesus Christ, used the pain to expose the reality, that I was deceiving many (at the mission station); and, how He also used the pain, to change my life. Thank you Jesus. Amen and Amen and Amen!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be,

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

Who Shall Deceive Many?

Hello To All:

Near the end of our previous essay (please see "They Shall Deceive Many," February 11, 2014), the question was laid before us, regarding our willingness to consider the possibility that we can be deceived. How are we doing with this most challenging of realities? Have we allowed the Spirit of God to take us to that place of revealed truth where we recognize that we can be deceived? Let us be reminded of the words of our Lord, where it is written (Matthew 24:4): "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."

Now we come, in this essay, to what is a potentially more difficult and challenging question: "Who Shall Deceive Many?" If we have come to a place of personal revelation regarding our own capacity to be deceived; are we now ready to consider the possibility that we could be counted amongst those who will "deceive many?" I am compelled to recognize that many of you, my beloved, are digging in your heels and crying foul. You are thinking - how can the elder say this of us? You are thinking, look at the text - does it not refer to false Christs? We are not false Christs! We are not the deceivers!

My beloved brethren, I will agree with you, that at first reading, our text (in its context), seems to be speaking about false Christs. Verse five states: "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Let us be reminded, that the interpretations of first readings are most often influenced by institutional bias. We see what we have been taught to see! We should not assume, that what we have been taught to see, is the revealed truth that can only come through Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of The Living God. We need to dig deeper! We need to go beyond whatever institutional bias we have chosen to embrace! We need to ask Jesus to lift the institutional blinders from our eyes! We need the truth!

Let us take a moment. Let us step back a bit. Let us take a broader look at God's Word. Let us consider what Jesus would teach us with regards to deception.

1. "Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips." (Proverbs 24:28).
2. "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of     another." (Ephesians 4:25).
3. "These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates." (Zechariah 8:16).
4. "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." (Colossians 3:9).
5. "Ye shall  not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another." (Leviticus 19:11).
6. "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." (1 Corinthians 3:18).
7. "Little children, let no man deceive you..." (1 John 3:7).
8. "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20).

Take some time to look deeply into the above texts. Each of these texts is speaking with regards to those whose lives belong to God. These texts are speaking with regards to believers. We should be asking our Lord Jesus Christ to help us to see ourselves in the context of each of these passages from His word. And, if we are willing to take this journey on the road of truth, we should not only recognize that we can be deceived; but, we should also recognize that we are capable of being a deceiver. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of The Living God, have mercy upon us, for we are sinners, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Amen and Amen and Amen.

Before returning to the Matthew 24 text, join with me in looking at a passage where a young elder is cautioned about the dangers of deception. We find written at 2 Timothy 4:1-4:

1. "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;"
2. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
3. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
4. "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

Again, we are reminded of our sinful inclination to search out those who will tell us what we want to hear. We are very willing to be deceived. But, the text also reminds us that there are teachers who are willing to tell us what we want to hear. These are teachers who are willing to be deceivers. Can we see ourselves in this context my beloved? Do we recognize that we could be amongst those seeking someone to tell us what we want to hear? Are we willing to consider the possibility that we could be a teacher willing to tell others what they want to hear, rather then telling the truth? These are sobering questions. But, if we ignore them; and if we refuse to see ourselves in them; then most certainly, we are in great danger of being deceived!

It is time to answer the question, posed by the title to this essay: "Who Shall Deceive Many?"

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in a very direct manner, answers our question. We find written at Matthew 24:5, the following: "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Our institutional bias tends to make us focus on the words "I am Christ," while interpreting those words as being related to the deceivers who are making the claim to be Christ.

But, is this what the text is saying? We need to fully immerse ourselves into the context. Jesus is speaking. He is speaking directly to those who belong to Him. We need to understand that He is also speaking directly to us. We must not allow a personal bias to separate us from this very personal connection to Jesus. Thus, when He says - "For many shall come in my name" - He is speaking to His disciples, and to us, who shall travel the world in His name. Thus, when He speaks of those who come in His name, as those who will say "I am Christ" - He is identifying the truth that His disciples will confess that Jesus of Nazareth (He is the one speaking to His disciples) is the Christ; and thus, He is identifying those believers, the ones who confess that He is the Christ, as the potential deceivers. This is the right understanding of this text. This understanding identifies you and me, my beloved, as potential deceivers. This understanding takes us to the truth of this text. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

When next we gather, I shall share a personal testimony, regarding a time when our Lord Jesus Christ exposed me as a deceiver.

Until next time my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

They Shall Deceive Many!

"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:4-5).

Hello To All:

The idea of being deceived is troubling to us; and it should be. Typically, we are inclined to think that others might be deceived; but never ourselves. It is in the very fabric of our fallen nature, to believe that we are right; as it is written: "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes..." (Proverbs 21:2). If someone is being deceived; then it must be the fellow next door or the persons in the church that is different then the one that I attend. This is how we think! This is what our fallen flesh nature wants us to believe!

Not too long ago, I was reading through the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. Through the years, I have read this chapter countless times. But, during this particular reading, on that not so long ago day - things were different. Our Lord Jesus Christ opened my eyes to something that I had never before seen.  Like you, my beloved brethren, I am influenced by past associations; especially associations related to certain theological perspectives, that are heavily influenced by institutional and denominational bias. This type of bias can be as a blinder to us. The bias clouds our ability to recognize the truth. On that day, Christ, once again, as He has done countless times, lifted the blinders, that I might see. Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen!

Hopefully, by this point, in our time together, you are asking yourselves: well, what is it, that the elder saw, that He did not see before?  In one word, what I saw and what I recognized, because of Jesus Christ, was: TRUTH.  Let us, together, my brethren, take another look at our opening text. Let us search out the truth, that Christ showed me on that not so long ago day.

Matthew, chapter twenty-four, can, in many ways, be regarded as a timeline of the church age and a revelation of certain realities, during that age; as well as certain realities, regarding the end of time. Because of the importance of context, in regard to recognizing truth, we must plug our opening text, back into its proper context; and thus, back into its historical context; and thus, back into its place in the historical time line of the church age. Let us begin by looking to Matthew 24:1-5, where we find written:

(1) "And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to Him for to shew him the buildings of the temple."
(2) "And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
(3) "And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
(4) "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."
(5) "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

The chapter opens in Jerusalem, with Jesus and His disciples outside of the temple (verse one). Jesus takes this moment to speak to the disciples regarding the future of the temple and the destruction that will take place (verse two).

In verse three, the scene shifts to the mount of Olives. Here, in this more remote setting, the disciples come "unto Him privately." W need to pause here, and be reminded of something. In this private meeting between Jesus and His core group of disciples; it would be right for us to recognize this conversation as being relevant to the future christian church that Christ would establish and maintain. This private meeting begins with two questions from the disciples: (1) "When shall these things be?" (2) "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

The first question focuses our attention on events that occurred near the beginning of the church age. The second question focuses our attention on events that will occur at the end of the church age.  From our perspective, we are talking about a church age that is close to two thousand years and counting. We are still, with great hope and anticipation, looking for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen and Amen!

These were and are, incredibly important questions.  And how is it, that our Lord Jesus Christ chose to answer these two very important questions, that would be relevant for the disciples and future generations of believers, spanning almost two thousand years and still counting? Look to verse four: "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."

In this private conversation, that is very relevant to the future christian church, the first thing that Christ does is to warn the disciples, and us, with regards to the possibility of deception. Specifically He says: "Take heed that no man deceive you." Are we hearing this? Are we recognizing that Jesus Christ is speaking directly to us? Are we recognizing that Jesus is telling us that we can be deceived? Or, are we going to stubbornly be as the man who "believes he is right in his own eyes?"

There is much more to say and write, with regards to this text. But, I am compelled to stop here. I do believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, wants us to give careful consideration to the questions posed in the above paragraph. The reason for this is quite simple: if we are not willing to consider the possibility that we can be deceived, then we most certainly will not be able to comprehend the full meaning of verse five, of the Matthew twenty-four text. When next we gather, we shall take a closer look.

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus

A Theological Handbook: Volume Two

"These all died in faith ...... and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (A portion of Hebrews 11:13).


Hello To All:

It is good to be back. The time of rest from the writing was welcomed. But, I am eager to be back at it; and the Lord our God, has assured me, that the time is at hand for our journey, together, to continue. Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen!

Our last essay (please see: "The Unity Of The Faith"), posted on October 11, 2013, concluded with the proclamation of one of God's purposes for this blog.  This blog is one of God's tools for accomplishing His goal of a visibly united end times church. Our last essay concluded "Volume One," of this work.

With this posting, we begin "Volume Two," of this great work, which is the work of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. The full title of this work is: "I Have Seen The Enemy - And He Is Us," (please see essay, of the same title, posted in December of 2011 and  December of 2012).  The sub-title is: "A Theological Handbook For A Visibly United End Times Church: Volume Two."

Our opening text, is a very good place for us to begin this next phase of our journey towards: "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ." Please note that our text clearly states that: "THESE ALL DIED IN FAITH" (emphasis added by me). Hebrews chapter eleven is often referred to as the "faith" chapter. It provides us with a detailed testimony regarding the many who have gone before us; some of them named, but many only known by their faith.  But, one of the things that they all had in common, was this: they "all died in faith."

Another of things, that they had in common, was their confession that: "THEY WERE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS ON THE EARTH," (emphasis added by me). Their common faith and their recognition that the earth was not their home, set them apart from all that the world, of their time, was.  Their faith and their confessed uniqueness was totally devoid of any institutional or denominational influence. Their total allegiance was to our Creator, to The Lord our God; and to Him alone.  This full measure of commitment to God alone, has been lost to the western church. Our allegiance is divided; and thus, our house is divided. The Lord our God, intends to end this division. Can we say thank you Jesus? Amen and Amen and Amen!

Let me ask you this, my beloved brethren? Do you recognize the uniqueness of the faith that God has blessed us with? Do you understand that the faith is not our own; but, rather, it is a gift from God, that can only come to us in and through Jesus Christ? Do you recognize how wrong it is for any institutional or denominational structure to claim that true faith can only be found in their church?

It is my most fervent prayer that you have said yes to all of the above questions. We are eternally one because of Jesus Christ. We cannot be visibly one, without an exclusive devotion to Jesus Christ. This level of exclusive devotion, requires that we also seek God, just as those who have gone before us have done, for the power to confess, that we are: "STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS ON THE EARTH."

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus