"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34).
Hello To All:
The manifestation of the Kingdom of God is directly related to the Presence of the power of God. This is evidenced by our opening text. We are to "love one another," as Christ has first loved us. How can this be? How can we, even in our redeemed condition, love as Jesus of Nazareth loves? The answer is found in His manifesting Presence, to empower us to love as He has first loved us!
This is a commandment! This is not an option! We must understand that if we are not loving as Christ has first loved us, then we are less then we should be and can be! Obedience to the new commandment is an essential component to "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ." Apart from Jesus Christ, obedience cannot be achieved!
The Apostle Paul spoke of this manifesting power of Christ. We find written at Colossians 1:29, the following: "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." It is only "according to his working," which is capable of working "mightily" in us, to empower us to love as He, that is Jesus of Nazareth, hath first loved us, that makes it possible for us to truly love one another. His presence is manifested in our love one to another.
The commandment status of this love principal is confirmed at 1 John 3:23, where we find written: "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." As we have come to recognize that the fullness of the gospel is Jesus Christ, so should we also recognize that the only way that we can love one another is in and through Jesus Christ. This is the visible evidence of our status as the redeemed children of God.
As we ponder the realities of the visible evidence of our status, please carefully and prayerfully consider a portion of what has come to be called our Lord's high priestly prayer, recorded at John chapter 17.
20. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;"
21. "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
22. "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:"
23. "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
Twice our Lord reminds us (verse 21 and verse 23), that the world will have the certain knowledge that Christ has been sent by the Father, in the context of our being one as He and the Father are one! If there is a lack of visible oneness, the world will not recognize this saving truth of Christ being sent.
For centuries we have been a visibly divided church. We are not visibly one! The manifesting presence of Christ in us, will make us visibly one. But, this will not happen if we are set one against the other. Our divisions oppose the visible manifestation of Christ's kingdom.
In a previous letter, we were reminded that the first step, in this journey to visible oneness, is the acceptance of the truth that Christ might not be manifesting Himself in us. He will not involve Himself in our divisions!
If we are willing to submit to Christ's willingness to empower us to love one another as He has first loved us; then we will have taken our next step towards the visible oneness that will happen at the end of this age. This will happen because Christ will manifest Himself in us, to empower us to love one another as He has first loved us! This is the outward mark of our presence in His visible kingdom!
Until next time my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, August 27, 2018
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
The Manifestation of His Kingdom: His Presence!
"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15).
Hello To All:
The King's Book has a great deal to say with regards to His Kingdom! Much of it relates to His second coming and the visual establishment of His eternal Kingdom. But there is also the stated realities of the here and now of His Kingdom. Each of us, as disciples, has an opportunity to be a part of the here and now of His Kingdom, in the time line of our personal and corporate journey! The challenge for us is to comprehend, and to apprehend and then: to embrace the realities of the here and now of His Kingdom. This is a challenge that cannot be accomplished on the basis of our own strength; nor on the basis of our own will to do so.
When Jesus manifested Himself to the world, in His preaching, He preached "the gospel of the kingdom of God." The question must be asked: From the perspective of Jesus of Nazareth: What is the "gospel of the kingdom of God?" If we look to our opening text, we shall find a clear statement of the meaning of this "gospel." Jesus clearly preaches this: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
What has happened that causes the "kingdom of God" to be "at hand?" What has changed in the world, in the creation, that causes the "kingdom of God" to be present, when before it was not present? What does it mean when the text says: "The time is fulfilled."
What has happened? - what has changed? - what does it mean?: are all questions that have the same answer: Jesus of Nazareth is Present! The presence of Jesus Christ in the world, is the presence of the Kingdom of God in the world! Where ever Christ is, there is the Kingdom! Since He is the King, His presence, where ever it might be, establishes the presence of His Kingdom!
In our opening text, Jesus also equates the "gospel," with the Kingdom of God. When we think of the gospel, often our conclusions are self-centered! We think of the good news that we are justified before God. We think of the good news that our sins are forgiven. We think of the good news that we have been declared to be holy and blameless in the sight of God. We think of the good news that we have received the Holy Spirit. We think of the good news that we have eternal life.
But, the reality is that, in our self-centered thinking, we have allowed ourselves to be deceived! What we often think of as the good news; what we often think of as the "gospel," is in reality, the fruit of the real good news! The enemy does not want us focused on the reality of the gospel. If he can keep our focus on self and the benefits to self of the gospel, then he has succeeded in limiting the realities of the fullness of victory that Jesus of Nazareth has for us; and offers to us.
Please carefully consider the following realities of the good news of the fullness of the "gospel."
(Luke 9:1) "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."
(Luke 9:2) "And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick."
(Luke (9:6) "And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where."
(Luke 10:1) "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come."
(Luke 10:9) "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
(Acts 5:40) "And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go."
(Acts 5:41) "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
(Acts 5:42) "And daily in the temple, and in every house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
Do we recognize the good news that: "The kingdom of God is come nigh unto" US? The disciples "ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." They did this because the kingdom of God had come nigh unto them! They recognized that Jesus and the Kingdom are one and the same reality. Apart from Jesus Christ, there is no gospel! Apart from the kingdom of God, there is no gospel!
Where Jesus of Nazareth is present, so also, is the Kingdom of God present! This is the good news! This is the Gospel!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Hello To All:
The King's Book has a great deal to say with regards to His Kingdom! Much of it relates to His second coming and the visual establishment of His eternal Kingdom. But there is also the stated realities of the here and now of His Kingdom. Each of us, as disciples, has an opportunity to be a part of the here and now of His Kingdom, in the time line of our personal and corporate journey! The challenge for us is to comprehend, and to apprehend and then: to embrace the realities of the here and now of His Kingdom. This is a challenge that cannot be accomplished on the basis of our own strength; nor on the basis of our own will to do so.
When Jesus manifested Himself to the world, in His preaching, He preached "the gospel of the kingdom of God." The question must be asked: From the perspective of Jesus of Nazareth: What is the "gospel of the kingdom of God?" If we look to our opening text, we shall find a clear statement of the meaning of this "gospel." Jesus clearly preaches this: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
What has happened that causes the "kingdom of God" to be "at hand?" What has changed in the world, in the creation, that causes the "kingdom of God" to be present, when before it was not present? What does it mean when the text says: "The time is fulfilled."
What has happened? - what has changed? - what does it mean?: are all questions that have the same answer: Jesus of Nazareth is Present! The presence of Jesus Christ in the world, is the presence of the Kingdom of God in the world! Where ever Christ is, there is the Kingdom! Since He is the King, His presence, where ever it might be, establishes the presence of His Kingdom!
In our opening text, Jesus also equates the "gospel," with the Kingdom of God. When we think of the gospel, often our conclusions are self-centered! We think of the good news that we are justified before God. We think of the good news that our sins are forgiven. We think of the good news that we have been declared to be holy and blameless in the sight of God. We think of the good news that we have received the Holy Spirit. We think of the good news that we have eternal life.
But, the reality is that, in our self-centered thinking, we have allowed ourselves to be deceived! What we often think of as the good news; what we often think of as the "gospel," is in reality, the fruit of the real good news! The enemy does not want us focused on the reality of the gospel. If he can keep our focus on self and the benefits to self of the gospel, then he has succeeded in limiting the realities of the fullness of victory that Jesus of Nazareth has for us; and offers to us.
Please carefully consider the following realities of the good news of the fullness of the "gospel."
(Luke 9:1) "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."
(Luke 9:2) "And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick."
(Luke (9:6) "And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where."
(Luke 10:1) "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come."
(Luke 10:9) "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
(Acts 5:40) "And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go."
(Acts 5:41) "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
(Acts 5:42) "And daily in the temple, and in every house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
Do we recognize the good news that: "The kingdom of God is come nigh unto" US? The disciples "ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." They did this because the kingdom of God had come nigh unto them! They recognized that Jesus and the Kingdom are one and the same reality. Apart from Jesus Christ, there is no gospel! Apart from the kingdom of God, there is no gospel!
Where Jesus of Nazareth is present, so also, is the Kingdom of God present! This is the good news! This is the Gospel!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Thursday, June 7, 2018
The Manifestation of His Kingdom: The First Step!
"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 4:11).
As we continue in our journey towards "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," we shall look to our Creator to provide us the answers that we seek. A time is coming when we shall be visibly one! Let us embrace the journey and submit ourselves to this great work that only Jesus Christ can accomplish.
Hello To All:
We begin this letter with the opening text and closing paragraph of the previous letter (The Manifestation of His Kingdom). We do so, because "The First Step," requires something that we may not be prepared to do! Are we willing to consider the possibility that we are in serious error in our thinking about what it means to be a Christian? If we are not willing to consider this possibility, then we shall always be stuck in entry level discipleship. We cannot embrace the truth without first recognizing the truth. We cannot recognize the truth without first understanding that we are often in error!
When we look to the opening text, do we recognize the possibilities that this text is drawing our attention to. Please note that the text states: "that the life also of Jesus MIGHT be made manifest in our mortal flesh." MIGHT has been capitalized, because this is where we stumble. MIGHT does not mean WILL. This crucial first step demands that we embrace the possibility that Christ is not manifesting Himself in our "mortal flesh." And, if He is not manifesting Himself in "our mortal flesh," then we need to ask why? This is not a question regarding our salvation; but, rather, this is a question regarding the victorious journey, that is available to us in the here and now, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen and Amen and Amen!
The closing paragraph of the previous letter challenges us to "embrace the journey and submit ourselves to this great work that only Jesus Christ can accomplish." Our journey to truth; and thus, our journey to "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," is centered in and focused on the person of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can show us the way!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
!
1
As we continue in our journey towards "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," we shall look to our Creator to provide us the answers that we seek. A time is coming when we shall be visibly one! Let us embrace the journey and submit ourselves to this great work that only Jesus Christ can accomplish.
Hello To All:
We begin this letter with the opening text and closing paragraph of the previous letter (The Manifestation of His Kingdom). We do so, because "The First Step," requires something that we may not be prepared to do! Are we willing to consider the possibility that we are in serious error in our thinking about what it means to be a Christian? If we are not willing to consider this possibility, then we shall always be stuck in entry level discipleship. We cannot embrace the truth without first recognizing the truth. We cannot recognize the truth without first understanding that we are often in error!
When we look to the opening text, do we recognize the possibilities that this text is drawing our attention to. Please note that the text states: "that the life also of Jesus MIGHT be made manifest in our mortal flesh." MIGHT has been capitalized, because this is where we stumble. MIGHT does not mean WILL. This crucial first step demands that we embrace the possibility that Christ is not manifesting Himself in our "mortal flesh." And, if He is not manifesting Himself in "our mortal flesh," then we need to ask why? This is not a question regarding our salvation; but, rather, this is a question regarding the victorious journey, that is available to us in the here and now, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen and Amen and Amen!
The closing paragraph of the previous letter challenges us to "embrace the journey and submit ourselves to this great work that only Jesus Christ can accomplish." Our journey to truth; and thus, our journey to "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," is centered in and focused on the person of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can show us the way!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
!
1
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
The Manifestation of His Kingdom
"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 4:11).
Hello To All:
In the small demographic of the elite geniuses who are mathematicians, quantum physicists and cosmologists, there is an on going search for what is often referred to as the unifying theory or principal, that would bring into harmony all of the other principals and theories. These geniuses continue their search with the power of their own intellects; and they continue to fail in their efforts!
If they were to ask me, I would be compelled to tell them that the answer will not be found in the genius of their own natural minds! The harmony that they seek will not be achieved through the power of their natural intellects. The answer can only be found in the mind of our Creator!
In a similar manner, many in the Body of Christ, seek for that unifying principal that will return us to the time when we can say with the early church: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul..." (Acts 4:32). Typically such efforts center on matters of doctrine; and of finding a doctrinal position that we can all agree upon. But, once again, the natural mind of those seeking this unifying principal, fails to achieve the harmony that they seek!
If they were to ask me, I would be compelled to tell them that the answer will not be found in the reality of their own natural minds. The visible harmony that the Body of Christ seeks will not be achieved through the power of our own natural intellects. This answer, like all matters of truth, can only be found in the mind of our Creator!
The question must be asked: Is there a time when the Body of Christ will be visibly One? Is there a time when, the visible harmony that so many of us yearn for, will be achieved? We can find our answer, as we carefully consider this prophetic utterance from our Lord Jesus Christ:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14).
The early church had a "witness unto all nations," that universally impacted the world that was known to them. This witness has been lost to us! We are a divided church! Historically nations have resisted the visitation of our missionaries because of our divisions. Why would the world receive the witness of a church that cannot find the place where we will be "of one heart and one soul?"
Jesus prophesied that there will be a time near the "end," when a "witness unto all nations," will visibly impact the "world." We can say visibly, because in order for the nations to receive a "witness," to the truth of the "gospel of the kingdom," it would have to be a witness coming from a church that is no longer divided!
The questions now must be asked: How will this happen? How is it possible for our divisions to crumble? How is it possible for us to become visibly one? What needs to happen in order for us to universally be a "witness unto all nations?"
As we continue in our journey towards "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," we shall look to our Creator to provide us the answers that we seek. A time is coming when we shall be visibly one! Let us embrace the journey and submit ourselves to this great work that only Jesus Christ can accomplish!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Hello To All:
In the small demographic of the elite geniuses who are mathematicians, quantum physicists and cosmologists, there is an on going search for what is often referred to as the unifying theory or principal, that would bring into harmony all of the other principals and theories. These geniuses continue their search with the power of their own intellects; and they continue to fail in their efforts!
If they were to ask me, I would be compelled to tell them that the answer will not be found in the genius of their own natural minds! The harmony that they seek will not be achieved through the power of their natural intellects. The answer can only be found in the mind of our Creator!
In a similar manner, many in the Body of Christ, seek for that unifying principal that will return us to the time when we can say with the early church: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul..." (Acts 4:32). Typically such efforts center on matters of doctrine; and of finding a doctrinal position that we can all agree upon. But, once again, the natural mind of those seeking this unifying principal, fails to achieve the harmony that they seek!
If they were to ask me, I would be compelled to tell them that the answer will not be found in the reality of their own natural minds. The visible harmony that the Body of Christ seeks will not be achieved through the power of our own natural intellects. This answer, like all matters of truth, can only be found in the mind of our Creator!
The question must be asked: Is there a time when the Body of Christ will be visibly One? Is there a time when, the visible harmony that so many of us yearn for, will be achieved? We can find our answer, as we carefully consider this prophetic utterance from our Lord Jesus Christ:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14).
The early church had a "witness unto all nations," that universally impacted the world that was known to them. This witness has been lost to us! We are a divided church! Historically nations have resisted the visitation of our missionaries because of our divisions. Why would the world receive the witness of a church that cannot find the place where we will be "of one heart and one soul?"
Jesus prophesied that there will be a time near the "end," when a "witness unto all nations," will visibly impact the "world." We can say visibly, because in order for the nations to receive a "witness," to the truth of the "gospel of the kingdom," it would have to be a witness coming from a church that is no longer divided!
The questions now must be asked: How will this happen? How is it possible for our divisions to crumble? How is it possible for us to become visibly one? What needs to happen in order for us to universally be a "witness unto all nations?"
As we continue in our journey towards "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," we shall look to our Creator to provide us the answers that we seek. A time is coming when we shall be visibly one! Let us embrace the journey and submit ourselves to this great work that only Jesus Christ can accomplish!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Thursday, February 8, 2018
His Kingdom: An Eternal Kingdom
"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:33)
Hello To All:
Does eternity have a beginning? The "house of Jacob" had a beginning in the historical time-line that defines our journey. My life, and your lives all had a beginning in the historical time-line that defines our journey. But, according to the King's Book, God has known us from before the foundations of the world. (Ephesians 1:4). We are captive to a historical time-line; God is not! In a historical sense, we have a beginning and an end. God does not. In the natural realms: we are born, we live and then we die. God does not!
The truth that we were known by God, before our birth in the natural realms, should get our attention. Once in a while, someone might ask me: what is my age? Often, my response is something like this: I am older than time! All of us, who belong to Jesus of Nazareth, can make this same statement of truth: we are older than time! This is true because God has known us from before the beginning of time: As it is written:
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" (Ephesians 1:4).
Thus, because God has known us from before the beginning of time; and because God has always known all things: it can be rightly concluded that we have always been eternal beings: without a beginning and without an end! Can we say thank you Jesus! Amen and Amen and Amen!
This reality of the truth of our eternal nature is an integral part of the fullness of our identity in Christ Jesus. The more complete that our understanding of our identity is, the less confusion there will be in our journey. "Victorious Discipleship In Christ Jesus," is predicated upon diminishing confusion.
Thus, it should be rightly understood that as eternal beings, we are members of an eternal Kingdom; and the eternal King is Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. We find confirmation of this truth in the King's Book, where we find written:
"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8).
Before the historical reality of the nation of Israel; and before the historical reality of each one of us; Jesus of Nazareth was and always will be King! His Kingdom has always been in existence; and His Kingdom will always be in existence! It is an eternal Kingdom!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Hello To All:
Does eternity have a beginning? The "house of Jacob" had a beginning in the historical time-line that defines our journey. My life, and your lives all had a beginning in the historical time-line that defines our journey. But, according to the King's Book, God has known us from before the foundations of the world. (Ephesians 1:4). We are captive to a historical time-line; God is not! In a historical sense, we have a beginning and an end. God does not. In the natural realms: we are born, we live and then we die. God does not!
The truth that we were known by God, before our birth in the natural realms, should get our attention. Once in a while, someone might ask me: what is my age? Often, my response is something like this: I am older than time! All of us, who belong to Jesus of Nazareth, can make this same statement of truth: we are older than time! This is true because God has known us from before the beginning of time: As it is written:
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" (Ephesians 1:4).
Thus, because God has known us from before the beginning of time; and because God has always known all things: it can be rightly concluded that we have always been eternal beings: without a beginning and without an end! Can we say thank you Jesus! Amen and Amen and Amen!
This reality of the truth of our eternal nature is an integral part of the fullness of our identity in Christ Jesus. The more complete that our understanding of our identity is, the less confusion there will be in our journey. "Victorious Discipleship In Christ Jesus," is predicated upon diminishing confusion.
Thus, it should be rightly understood that as eternal beings, we are members of an eternal Kingdom; and the eternal King is Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. We find confirmation of this truth in the King's Book, where we find written:
"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8).
Before the historical reality of the nation of Israel; and before the historical reality of each one of us; Jesus of Nazareth was and always will be King! His Kingdom has always been in existence; and His Kingdom will always be in existence! It is an eternal Kingdom!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, January 15, 2018
His Kingdom!
"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36)
Hello To All:
When our Creator makes a statement - do we believe Him? Do we hear what He really says? Or, do we hear what we want to hear? Do we truly believe that God says what He means; and that He means what He says? If you, my beloved, have been a consistent reader of the letters posted on this web site, then you should have come to understand, that this elder does believe that God says what He means; and that He means what He says.
In our previous letter ("Make Us A King To Judge Us": His Kingdom.), we were reminded, that we have been "translated into the kingdom of his dear Son." In this letter, our opening text, is reminding us, that His "kingdom is not of this world."
How can this be, that we, that is the beloved, that is those of us who belong to Jesus of Nazareth; how can it be, that we who are in the world; that we who have been "translated into the kingdom of his dear Son;" are members of a kingdom, that according to Jesus: "is not of this world?"
If we are to rightly answer this question, we must first come to an understanding of what the kingdom cannot be, in this time frame of our journey. Confusion must be reduced! By recognizing what the kingdom is not, we have a much better opportunity to understand what this kingdom is, that now defines who we are in Christ Jesus, our King.
If we are to make progress in our journey towards reducing our confusion; then it is necessary for us to look to Jesus of Nazareth for help!
The letter to the Hebrews reminds us of how important it is to look to Jesus. We find written at Hebrews 12:1-2 the following:
1. " Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"
2. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
The Apostle Peter also stresses the importance of Jesus. We find written at 2 Peter 3:17-18:
17. "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness."
18. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
My beloved, the security of our salvation is all about Jesus of Nazareth. We run the race "that is set before us," as we are "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." The "stedfastness" of our faith is directly related to the reality that we are to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
If the security of our salvation is all about Jesus, then it must be understood that the "Kingdom" is all about Jesus. My beloved, the security of our salvation rests in the truth that we are His people. We are His body; and, yes, we are, in this time frame of our journey, as His people, we are, also, His Kingdom! But, and this is vital to understand; His Kingdom, of which we are members, in this time frame of our journey, "is not of this world."
This truth is clearly and emphatically laid before us, in the accounts of the temptation of Jesus, in the wilderness; where Jesus is tempted three times by the devil. He is tempted because of His hunger. He is tempted because of His power. He is also tempted because of His Deity. It is the temptation of His power that gives us significant insight into His kingdom. We find the following written at Luke 4:5-8:
5. "And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time."
6. "And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it."
7. "If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine."
8. "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
The devil offers Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world." The only kingdom that is not included in this offering is the kingdom that we have been "translated into." Our opening text reminds us, in Jesus own words, of this truth: "but now is my kingdom not from hence."
The kingdoms that the devil offered were and are the political kingdoms of this time-line of our journey. God sits in His throne and is sovereign over all of His creation. But for reasons hard for us to understand, Satan is allowed to have power over the political kingdoms of the world. If this is not true, then there could not have been any temptation. The temptation was real and Satan's political power is real.
Please note that the devil makes the claim that "this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me." Jesus does not rebuke him for this statement, because the statement is true. In this time-line of our journey, the political arena is Satan's arena. The kingdom, that we have been translated into, the kingdom that has Jesus of Nazareth as it's King, is, in this time-line of our journey, separate from and not a participant in the political kingdoms of the world.
When Jesus does rebuke Satan for this temptation, He tells him: "Thous shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Once again, we must ask ourselves the question: To whom have we bowed the knee?
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be,
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)