"Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." (Colossians 1:29).
Hello To All:
Recently I traveled to the state of Washington, on the west coast of North America. This is my way of saying that this posting is going to be an interruption to the series of essays on "Faith Is A Noun."
The purpose of my trip was to visit my two brothers. I am the oldest of three and I typically make an annual visit to their part of the world. I was gone for two weeks with the time split between my brothers and their families. The weather was wonderful and we had some good times with each other. I am already looking forward to next year!
During one of the afternoons, I was blessed with an opportunity to visit a museum that specializes in the history of wooden boats in the coastal regions of Washington state. Our Creator has blessed me with skills as a carpenter; and at one point in my life journey I worked in the wooden boat industry, doing new construction and repair work. When I am working with wood, with hand tools, I take great comfort in being reminded that our Creator's earthly father was a carpenter; and the probability is very high that Jesus also worked as a carpenter. I have a deep and abiding awareness of His hands guiding mine!
As part of the museum's exhibits, a large shop area was devoted to the hands on experience of working on wooden boats. For a period of about one half hour, I was allowed to be in the shop area and observe the students at work. There were four students and an instructor. The students were from a local high school and were involved in a nine month internship. They came once a week and I was fortunate to be there on the day of the week that was their day.
On this particular day, their work assignment was to hand plane the edge of a pine board, until the edge was straight and also square to the sides of the board. The boards were less than two feet long and were clamped in a vise at the edge of a bench. A skilled wood worker would only need a few minutes to complete this assigned task. At the end of my half hour of observation, these four students were no closer to finishing the task, than they were at the beginning of the half hour.
The instructor was committed to his students; and he devoted a great deal of time to each student. His instruction had the singular purpose of showing them how they were falling short of the objective. He would point out the places where the edge was not straight; and he would also show them where the edge was not square to the sides. Time and time again, the instructor went through this process with each student; and time and time again each student failed to make any progress!
The students worked hard and the instructor was committed in his efforts to help them achieve their goal of completing this task with the pine board and their hand tools. Because of how our Lord Jesus Christ has empowered me and equipped me, I was able to recognize why they were not making any progress. These students did not have a clue about how to properly use a block plane. A block plane is usually a small metal bodied hand tool. The students each had one, but they did not know how to use one in an effective manner; and the instructor was not giving them any help with regards to the use of this hand tool, that was so strange to them.
The students were striving to achieve their goal. The instructor was striving to remind them of their goal. But, in the midst of all this striving, no one had a clue about how they could be empowered to achieve their goal. In this case, the empowerment was in the knowledge and experience necessary to properly use a block plane. Without that knowledge and experience, there would not be any empowerment; and the students would continue to fail to achieve their desired goals. All of their striving ended in failure!
A short time prior to my trip, I received a telephone call from a good friend of mine. In Christ Jesus we are brothers; and often our conversations center on our journey with Him. In prior conversations, the subject of striving has been examined; and during this conversation, we once again took a good hard look at striving.
The challenge, with regards to striving, is to recognize that in the Christian journey, we have competing perspectives regarding the objective of striving. The institutional church compels us to strive to be better Christians. We are constantly being reminded about these ellusive objectives that, once achieved, can make us better Christians. The Lord our God, compels us, through His Spirit, to know Him in a deeper and more abiding way. He does this by compelling us to strive to know Him better, in and through the fullness of the revelation of Himself that we have in His Son, Jesus Christ.
The four students, that I observed, were struggling with striving to achieve their goal with regards to the edge of that board in their vise. They should have been striving to understand the mystery of the block plane. Had they gone deeper into that mystery, it is just possible that they would have discovered how to be empowered to achieve their goals. When I left them, they were still struggling. I wanted to reach out to them, to help them in their journey; but, it was clear that the instructor was not in a position to cheerfully receive my input.
This forum, regarding "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ," is a blessing to me in so many ways. Near the top of that list of blessings is the reality that I am empowered by Jesus Christ to reach out to you, my beloved brethren, in ways that can help you to be more effective in your own efforts with regards to striving. From time to time, all of us need to be reminded that our striving needs to be focused on Jesus of Nazareth. He is the one who can empower us to be the Christians that He wants us to be.
Until next time my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Faith Is A Noun: Part Two!
"And so were the churches established in the faith and increased in number daily." (Acts 16:5).
Hello To All:
Let us begin by asking ourselves this question: Are our churches established in the faith? Let's follow up with a second question: Do our churches even know what "the faith" is? And for a third question, we need to ask: Are our churches more readily established in the precepts and commandments of men, as opposed to being established "in the faith," that is a gift from our Creator. And to ensure that there is no confusion, let it be stated again, that when I speak of our Creator, I am very specifically speaking of Jesus of Nazareth! This is the same Jesus who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!
These are hard questions! They are not meant to offend; but, if we are offended, then we need to ask why? If our faith is real, then such questions should be welcomed, as an opportunity to testify, regarding this great gift of faith, that Jesus of Nazareth brings to every person who is His disciple! Victorious discipleship, in Jesus Christ, is predicated upon a right understanding of faith!
The apostle Paul had much to say regarding faith. Near the end of his service to Christ, he wrote these words to his son in the faith, young Timothy. We find the following written at 2 Timothy 4:6-8:
6. "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand."
7. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
8. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing."
As we read the apostle Paul's inspired testimony, we need to remind ourselves, that he is telling us, that we have the potential to make the same kind of inspired testimony! Please take a careful look at verse 8, where Paul tells us, that the reward that is prepared for him, is also available to "all them that love his appearing." It can be rightly said that we cannot be disciples of Jesus Christ without a deep and abiding love for "his appearing." Paul's inspired testimony should give us insight into our own potential as disciples of Jesus Christ.
In an earlier letter (1 Corinthians 11:1), the apostle Paul gives us additional insight into our potential, as disciples of Jesus Christ. Compelled by the Spirit of God, the apostle gives each disciple of Jesus Christ, this commandment: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Earlier in this letter to the Corinthians, Paul made a similar inspired statement. We find written at 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, the following:
15. "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel."
16. "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
We are being reminded of the apostle Paul's unique position in the unfolding plan of God's revelation of Himself and His gospel, to the world and to all of its people: both jews and gentiles. The work that Jesus Christ did in and through the apostle Paul, should be understood as an example of the work that He is willing to do in and through all of His disciples!
Thus, when the apostle Paul says: "I have fought a good fight," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have fought a good fight." And when Paul says: "I have finished my course," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have finished my course." And when Paul says: "I have kept the faith," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have kept the faith."
Earlier it was stated that this admonition to follow Paul is an inspired commandment. Within the covenant of grace, we have the potential to be obedient to these inspired commandments. The question must be asked: how will being followers of Paul bring us to the place of "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ?"
As we seek to answer this question, please join with me in giving careful and prayerful consideration to the following truth: Apart from the faith of Jesus Christ - it is not possible to have faith in Jesus Christ!
When next we gather, we shall continue in our examination 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
Hello To All:
Let us begin by asking ourselves this question: Are our churches established in the faith? Let's follow up with a second question: Do our churches even know what "the faith" is? And for a third question, we need to ask: Are our churches more readily established in the precepts and commandments of men, as opposed to being established "in the faith," that is a gift from our Creator. And to ensure that there is no confusion, let it be stated again, that when I speak of our Creator, I am very specifically speaking of Jesus of Nazareth! This is the same Jesus who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!
These are hard questions! They are not meant to offend; but, if we are offended, then we need to ask why? If our faith is real, then such questions should be welcomed, as an opportunity to testify, regarding this great gift of faith, that Jesus of Nazareth brings to every person who is His disciple! Victorious discipleship, in Jesus Christ, is predicated upon a right understanding of faith!
The apostle Paul had much to say regarding faith. Near the end of his service to Christ, he wrote these words to his son in the faith, young Timothy. We find the following written at 2 Timothy 4:6-8:
6. "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand."
7. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
8. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing."
As we read the apostle Paul's inspired testimony, we need to remind ourselves, that he is telling us, that we have the potential to make the same kind of inspired testimony! Please take a careful look at verse 8, where Paul tells us, that the reward that is prepared for him, is also available to "all them that love his appearing." It can be rightly said that we cannot be disciples of Jesus Christ without a deep and abiding love for "his appearing." Paul's inspired testimony should give us insight into our own potential as disciples of Jesus Christ.
In an earlier letter (1 Corinthians 11:1), the apostle Paul gives us additional insight into our potential, as disciples of Jesus Christ. Compelled by the Spirit of God, the apostle gives each disciple of Jesus Christ, this commandment: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Earlier in this letter to the Corinthians, Paul made a similar inspired statement. We find written at 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, the following:
15. "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel."
16. "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
We are being reminded of the apostle Paul's unique position in the unfolding plan of God's revelation of Himself and His gospel, to the world and to all of its people: both jews and gentiles. The work that Jesus Christ did in and through the apostle Paul, should be understood as an example of the work that He is willing to do in and through all of His disciples!
Thus, when the apostle Paul says: "I have fought a good fight," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have fought a good fight." And when Paul says: "I have finished my course," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have finished my course." And when Paul says: "I have kept the faith," we need to understand, that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the potential to say: "I have kept the faith."
Earlier it was stated that this admonition to follow Paul is an inspired commandment. Within the covenant of grace, we have the potential to be obedient to these inspired commandments. The question must be asked: how will being followers of Paul bring us to the place of "Victorious Discipleship In Jesus Christ?"
As we seek to answer this question, please join with me in giving careful and prayerful consideration to the following truth: Apart from the faith of Jesus Christ - it is not possible to have faith in Jesus Christ!
When next we gather, we shall continue in our examination 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
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Faith Is A Noun!
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1).
Hello To All:
In the fullness of the mystery that God is, perhaps the most difficult of realities, for us to fully understand, regards the question: What is faith? Our opening text uses two words to define faith: Substance and Evidence. Now, this elder is not a language expert; and if you want to disagree with what I am about to say - please do so! But, in your disagreement, please give me an opportunity to make the case, that I am being compelled to make?
Substance and Evidence are nouns; and both nouns are references to the person of Jesus of Nazareth! This is the same Jesus who is the Christ, the Son of The Living God! Jesus is the substance of things hoped for! Jesus is the evidence of things not seen! Faith, if it is to be rightly understood, can only be understood in the context of who Jesus is!
In the past, relying on the limitations of my own natural intellect, I spoke of faith in quantitative and qualitative ways (please see series of essays, beginning March 25, 2014, and titled: "This Elder Has Been A Deceiver"). Our Lord Jesus Christ has patiently and dramatically taught me the errors of my natural thinking! In this process of teaching me, He has brought me deeper into an inspired understanding of what faith truly is! Thank you Jesus!
In one place (1 Corinthians 2:4-5), we find written: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
The months leading up to the writing of this essay, have been filled with the conflict between the wisdom of men and the power of God. My natural wisdom and intellect has been an obstacle to this deeper and inspired understanding of what faith truly is! But, the power of God is greater than all things; and He has mercifully and patiently brought me to a place of understanding the revelation of His Word!
If you are a regular visitor to this forum, you may recall that I have often stated that if I am not writing a letter for this forum; then I am, instead of writing, I am being prepared to write the revealed truth of God's Word, to be included in the next letter to be posted on this forum. That next letter is this letter! Thank you Jesus! Amen and Amen and Amen!
In another place (Romans 12:3), we find written: "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." Faith is a supernatural gift from our Creator. It is always sufficient and should never be thought of as little or inadequate (please see posting of 9/8/2011, titled: "O ye of little faith").
There is much to consider in this letter beginning our examination of "Faith Is A Noun!" We shall continue in this journey of faith when next we gather. But, there is one more thought that I am compelled to leave with you. It is written in one place (Acts 3:16), the following: "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."
Our closing text is part of Peter's testimony regarding the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful. (The full account begins at Acts 3:1 and following.) Peter is reminding us that the faith that brought healing to the lame man is the faith that comes from Jesus! Thank you Jesus!
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 fullness of the mystery that God is, perhaps the most difficult of realities, for us to fully understand, regards the question: What is faith? Our opening text uses two words to define faith: Substance and Evidence. Now, this elder is not a language expert; and if you want to disagree with what I am about to say - please do so! But, in your disagreement, please give me an opportunity to make the case, that I am being compelled to make?
Substance and Evidence are nouns; and both nouns are references to the person of Jesus of Nazareth! This is the same Jesus who is the Christ, the Son of The Living God! Jesus is the substance of things hoped for! Jesus is the evidence of things not seen! Faith, if it is to be rightly understood, can only be understood in the context of who Jesus is!
In the past, relying on the limitations of my own natural intellect, I spoke of faith in quantitative and qualitative ways (please see series of essays, beginning March 25, 2014, and titled: "This Elder Has Been A Deceiver"). Our Lord Jesus Christ has patiently and dramatically taught me the errors of my natural thinking! In this process of teaching me, He has brought me deeper into an inspired understanding of what faith truly is! Thank you Jesus!
In one place (1 Corinthians 2:4-5), we find written: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
The months leading up to the writing of this essay, have been filled with the conflict between the wisdom of men and the power of God. My natural wisdom and intellect has been an obstacle to this deeper and inspired understanding of what faith truly is! But, the power of God is greater than all things; and He has mercifully and patiently brought me to a place of understanding the revelation of His Word!
If you are a regular visitor to this forum, you may recall that I have often stated that if I am not writing a letter for this forum; then I am, instead of writing, I am being prepared to write the revealed truth of God's Word, to be included in the next letter to be posted on this forum. That next letter is this letter! Thank you Jesus! Amen and Amen and Amen!
In another place (Romans 12:3), we find written: "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." Faith is a supernatural gift from our Creator. It is always sufficient and should never be thought of as little or inadequate (please see posting of 9/8/2011, titled: "O ye of little faith").
There is much to consider in this letter beginning our examination of "Faith Is A Noun!" We shall continue in this journey of faith when next we gather. But, there is one more thought that I am compelled to leave with you. It is written in one place (Acts 3:16), the following: "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."
Our closing text is part of Peter's testimony regarding the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful. (The full account begins at Acts 3:1 and following.) Peter is reminding us that the faith that brought healing to the lame man is the faith that comes from Jesus! Thank you Jesus!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, February 18, 2019
Our Beginnings: Re-Visited!
"And He said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent." (Luke 4:43).
Hello To All:
Our shared journey through this web-site, began in the latter part of 2009, when the Spirit of God compelled me to write the letter which is included as part of this posting. Please give careful consideration to this letter and it's continuing relevance to our ever present divisions; and its relevance to our deepening understanding of the Kingdom of God.
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.”
Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.”
Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen.
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
P.S. Thank you for taking another look at this call to repentance of our sectarian ways. We need to be reminded that the manifestation of The Kingdom Of God, will not be evident in a visibly divided church.
Until next, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Hello To All:
Our shared journey through this web-site, began in the latter part of 2009, when the Spirit of God compelled me to write the letter which is included as part of this posting. Please give careful consideration to this letter and it's continuing relevance to our ever present divisions; and its relevance to our deepening understanding of the Kingdom of God.
An open letter, from Theophilus, a missionary elder, called, ordained and equipped by our Lord Jesus Christ to serve all of God’s people: to the Church of God scattered across North America – to all who, with me, call upon Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Great God and Saviour. This is the same Jesus who is: “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29).” Amen.
My brethren - my fellow bond servants: how is it that we have fallen so far? - why are we so filled with division, strife and envy? - how is it that our sectarian views have so readily set one group of us against another? - why are we so quick to embrace the precepts and commandments of men? - rather then the fullness of God’s Word!
The answer lies in our sinful condition – in believing that we are right and everyone else is less right. In our own eyes – we believe we are right (Prov 21:2); and thus we continue in our sinful ways of being set one against the other. May the Lord our God have mercy on us and deliver us from this bondage, this pit of division, into which we have so readily fallen and so willingly promote.
In one place it is recorded (Mk 12:18-27), that a group of the Jewish Sanhedrin, holding to a sectarian view on the resurrection, had come to Jesus to lay their case before Him. Before our Lord corrected them, He first rebuked them by saying: “you are deceived, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” He then proceeded to correct them by revealing the truth of the scriptures. Let me suggest, my most beloved brethren, in a most emphatic way, that we continue in our own sectarian ways because we are “deceived” and “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
In another place, it is recorded (1 Cor 3:1-4), that the Corinthian church was called to task for their peculiar sectarian views. Their perspectives had caused them to remain and continue as “babies in Christ” – not ready for the “solid food” of the Word of God. Their condition is likened to that of “typical men.”
Earlier in the text (1 Cor 2:14: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."), it is demonstrated, that these “typical men,” these “natural men,” consider the things of the Spirit of God as “foolishness.” They cannot comprehend these deep things of the Spirit of God, because their sectarian views keep them in bondage as “babies in Christ.”
Our condition, my brethren, is the same. Our sectarian views have so hindered our ability to understand the Word of God, that we continue as “babies in Christ,” unable to feed and grow from the “solid food” of God’s Word. We continue to be sectarian because we are “babies in Christ” and not fit for “solid food.” Our lack of “solid food” causes us to continue being deceived, because we “do not know the scriptures or the power of God.”
How is it then, that we can escape so great a bondage? It is a simple thing my brethren – we must “repent and believe the gospel.” Jesus says, in one place (Jn 8:32), that if we are “truly His disciples,” we must “continue in His word,” then we “shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Please be reminded, that it is “His Word.” The Word of God is not subject to the peculiar interpretation of a peculiar sectarian idea or viewpoint. The Word of God is subject to Christ and Christ alone!
In one place (Eph 4:1-6: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."), we are reminded of our “calling” to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
In every way that we assert our peculiar sectarian views, we violate this command of the Lord our God and we sin in a most grievous way; and we continue as “babies in Christ.” Let us repent my brethren, of our sectarian ways; and let us then be mature Christians, visibly one in Christ. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my beloved brethren. Amen.
Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
P.S. Thank you for taking another look at this call to repentance of our sectarian ways. We need to be reminded that the manifestation of The Kingdom Of God, will not be evident in a visibly divided church.
Until next, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
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