Ears to Hear

Good Morning,

     At our church, we have had a systematic teaching of 'heaven', 'hell' and now we are on the 'signs of the last days'.  What we are honing in on are the signs of the church in the last days, good and bad.  Our focus has not been primarily the world at large, but the church.  Previously I have referred to the most important fact for us as Christians, is that we love one another.  Love begins in the house, especially God's house.  We are great at trying to act like we love sinners, or the people of the world, while we feel we can let it all hang out at home.  In the Father's house, we backbite, slander, lie, gossip, walk in unforgiveness, offend with our mouth, and a lot of other things that we shouldn't do.  Let me reiterate this very important verse; "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 Your coming, and of the end of the world?" And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you." (Mtt. 24:3-4) Jesus gives many things that will be happening at the last days, look at what will affect the church, and take heed that you are not deceived.  "And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred.  And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error.  And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity." (Mtt.24:10-12) You notice how this is speaking to the Body of Christ.  We must not let lack of love and offenses keep us from heaven.  Why would I say that?  Let's look at another verse which I hope will quicken your spirit man to walk in love no matter what people do or say to you.  "Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him". (I John3:15) So if you hate your brother in Christ then you are a murderer and no murderer will be found in heaven.  Is any offense, hurt, anybody that may be used by the enemy to bring offenses, worth you losing your place in heaven?  No, a thousand times no.  You must grow up in the love of God.  The devil is trying to trip you up in order to make you bitter, and you know that the root of bitterness chokes the Word from your heart, and you end up not doing the Word, and it is what will cause you to be the head.  "Rather let our lives lovingly express truth (in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly,living truly).  Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him who is the Head even Christ the Messiah, the Anointed One." (Ephes.4:15) Love is what will cause each of us in the Body of Christ to grow up.  The deception of the enemy is to stifle our growth and keep us immature, thereby preventing us from working to our highest potential as the Body of Christ.   For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by joints and ligaments with which it is supplied (our lack of love affects the rest of the body; because we are knitted and joined together) when each part (with power adapted to its need) is working properly (in all its functions) grows to full maturity, building itself up in love." (Ephes. 4:16) Just imagine the Church working properly, because every part is adapted with the power that it needs, in order to fulfill it's function.  That sounds like we would be looking like and doing what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit does.  The rest of that verse says love will cause us to grow to full maturity, that is being God-like, being One with Him.  Building each member of the Body up in love.  "The whole point of what we're urging is simply love — love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God." ( I Tim. 1:5)  Since we are knited together let's not pursue hatred, but let us pursue doing good and loving the household of faith, and be the overcoming church that we are.

 

Love,

Pastor D.