Go on to Perfection
I have tried to break down into small parts some rather complicated issues that are very foundational in the Body of Christ today. I have found that much of the simplicity of the gospel has been covered up with dogmas and doctrines that never were a part of the first century church's beliefs. Other more basic truths have been ignored or totally changed so that they are not recognizable as parts of our underlying structure that we are to build our spiritual lives upon. I want to uncover some of the reasons that our "faith" or our religious practices are not working today on the level that Jesus/Yahshua said that they would in the Bible. We are to be doing even greated works than were done by Chrisart and the discpiples according to scripture...so wha is missing? The Lord gave us many parables about fields of wheat and corn that would bring forth different amounts of harvest in Matthew 13 and Mark 4, among others. Many other parables of the Kingdom state that a division between faithful and unfaithful (unfruitful) believers will be known as things are tested and brought to light as the Kingdom is revealed.
I will always hold to the idea that there is a seperation of different levels of attainment not a total rejection or condemnation of those who remain immature. The scripture is clear that in the Kingdom there are those who have become Holy unto the Lord and reside in New Jerusalem and others who abide in the places of outer darkness. The key is intimacy or the relationship of dwelling fully in God. We have the opportunity to allow the presence and power of the resurrected Christ in us to take over our entire being Spirit, soul and body as the "day of testing approaches". No one has more or less advantage. We all have 24 hours in a day and we all have the truth abiding inside of us. What we choose each day to look upon, to spend our time and energy doing will determine what level of transformation we allow for the Lord bythe Holy Spirit to change us.
The message of growing up into spiritual maturity has been omitted or at least diminished in most modern church assemblies. There is the assumption that one has already arrived when we don’t see much lasting evidence of works or fruit. There are many scriptures that show us that there needs to take place a completion of salvation called "sanctification; the salvation of our soul. We are to become transformed into the image of Jesus, literally through submission unto the Holy Spirit, our teacher and counselor. Complacency or apathy is common among those who would call themselves Christians. Are we truly followers of Christ or are we experiencing a washed down version or a mixture of customs and traditions that have a form of godliness but deny the power of God. Most are taught that there is nothing more to gain if they believe correct doctrines and try to live right. Many have never considered that they can be changed into the image or do the works of Christ.
The general consensus is that we will have our rewards when we get to heaven so every thing is put off as future as far as the promises we are to receive and responsibilities that come with them are concerned. I'm not saying that there are not some places were they are accomplishing works of faith being done but I would suggest that we can flow in much more than we have so far experienced. Since we haven't seen much healing and deliverance and Holiness in thousands of years, many denominations declare that most of what was light and life to the early disciples has passed away since the year 100 A.D. or so. If there are no longer any Apostles and Prophets then Pastors, Evangelists and Teachers are not to be functioning today as well. They were a "package deal" The five fold ministry was and is put in place to bring maturity to the whole living entity called the Body of Christ. Read Ephesians chapter 4. The foundation and structure of the Temple of the Holy Spirit, not made with hands, is shown there to enlighten the understanding of all of YHWH's people.
Dispensationalism is a convenient way to cop out of finding the real relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Christ/Messiah or anointed one. The evangelist cries, " come to Jesus", but the underlying message is come and become like Jesus. The whole world is watching and waiting for the real Chris ch to be seen..those who really show the LOVE of God. There are many things that are preventing the growth that is necessary to bring the whole Body of Christ into it's destiny of unity, strength and glory. There is to be a continual "putting on" of the inner truth and love but the outer man (or flesh) must contunue to be crucified. Those who truly know their savior and Lord will proclaim that they are "overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony ..and do not love their own lives even unto death". Rev,12:11. Only a remnant of the children of God will attain to the finished work of salvation to the uttermost..to perfection or maturity. They are referred to as the elect, overcomers, Manchild and manifested Sons of God. There are other messages that I have done that explain this further.
I share many places that the message of becoming like Jesus has been forgotten. Most would tell you that we will be changed when we get to heaven yet don't see that heaven, being the spiritual realm, already exists around us and is completely accessible to those who learn to grow in their faith and faithfulness. Why would Christ tell the disciples that they have the authpority and ability to cast out devils, heal the sick and all the other works of power and love if they weren't available to them at that very moment? That would be a sick joke. The 1st cenutry believers lived and walked in the experience of their beliefs. Something has been lost in between then and now. Christ didn't teach a philosophy of great ideas to bring knowledge alone. Those who followed closely were endued wth power to do the works of YHWH. Those who yielded their whole lives to the life's flow of the Spirit were transformed to walk in the Divine Nature and power of God. The fruit of the Spirit comes with maturity and remains; 1 Cor.13. We need to understand that there is a huge difference between a seed and a mature fruit bearing tree. This is the Tree of Life in the Paradise of YHWH that we are destined to partake of in abundance.
Many have left behind the empty structured, programed meetings because they are hungry for more. Going to churchfor an hour once a week seems to keep people comfortable but when "all hell breaks loose" there will be many crying out to God to save them. Even among those who have received the use of their spiritual gifts and grace are waiting for a greater endowment of a Godly connection that will bring the Divine plan to fruition. Those with discernment are able to perceive in individuals as well as church meetings and conventions that the power of the soul reigns. There is imitation of so-called spiritual works through manipulation of “religious” singing and speeches.
Too many ministers are placed upon a pedestal and expected to be the only one who has the pertinant message while people are Spoon-fed year after year in the same pews or on TV or radio. They always seem to have a book or CD's to sell. I have often wondered if this is what Jesus/Yahshua meant when he stated, "woe unto those who give suck in those days"; meaning the time of the end of the age or the Great Tribulation. I personally don't believe that he was admonishing young mothers or warning people to refrain from having children in these times. One or two people aren't meant to carry the ministry for the whole assembly of believers. The actual foundational ministries are the undergirding structure of strength there to lift up the others and train and send out as the Lord directs. No thought of envy or competition will exist. Each one is called to a specific place of ministry and has gifts that need to be discovered and used in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Our biggest challenge in the near future will be to learn how to work together as an inseperable , unified group where each part is given respect and freedom to grow iand flow in their gifts and callings.
This matter is addressed in Hebrews 6:1-2 (amplified); Therefore let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ(the Messiah)advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of dead works and the faith [by which you]turned to God, 2 with teachings about purifying,the laying on of hands,the resurrection from the dead,and eternal judgment... I speak of the “Pentecostal” experience as falling short, too. A corporate group of mature saints who discern the move of the Holy Spirit will allow each anointed vessel freedom to minister in the unction but with discipline. Then all things will be done in order and confirmed. Soon ministers will be known “not after the flesh but the spirit”.
The diverse gifts and callings need to be expressed with reverence, with confirmation and flow of the Spirit, when we assemble together. You may want to read my teaching called "Entertain or Enter In". The power of agreement or mental assent can bring a few testimonies but little as far as true spiritual works. The “spirit” that is evoked in many charismatic meetings imitates that of perhaps “team spirit” reminding us of a pep rally. People then miss the ability to enter into YHWH’s presence being satisfied with mere entertainment and smooth messages. Dancing and laughing have their place but can also be out of order. I have found that when the presence of YHWH is manifest people are more likely to weep or become silent/reflective. Neither emotionalism nor legalism should be a substitute for the joy and peace that come in God’s manifest presence. This soulishness prohibits the move of the Lord and quenches His presence.
Too many have exchanged the desire for supernatural power of God for either a ritualistic formula or a superficial, “feel good” attitudes letting emotionalism rule many of our meetings. Look at all the laughter and other manifestations that were promoted in the past few years in certain localities. I would suggest that in any case no matter what the "revival" or "beleivers conventions" are attended elsewhere the same should be witnessed to in the local churches. It is where the rubber hits the road where we will see true growth not in quantity but quality. Going halfway across the country to support a popular man or woman is close to idolatry. I also feel that this word should be taken into consideration..."In the last days many will run to and fro and knowlege will increase". There are some determining factors to discern what is really of the Spirit or of God or the Kingdom and what is done for the worldly promotion of man. Presumption takes the place of performance as we see “the word” taught even confessed without any real manifestation or physical change.
Millions have become disillusioned in the “church”. We see the increase of counterfeit traditions in assemblies today with much intimidation to perform in the group ideology. This is cultish in the true meaning of the word. Those who cannot conform to an outward appearance or dictates of men are usually ostracized. A lot of people fake it while trying to get true deliverance and joy to operate in their lives. Many who fellowship together superficially are crying out for something real in their hearts. Real commitment and consecration are prerequisites for true fellowship. No more smooth easy words of convenience for those who would walk by faith.
The Lord would say, “be encouraged for the true way is coming after the false is purged out and a new foundation is laid.” ( Ezekiel 34). The one man show is being cancelled and replaced as more believers are growing into God’s calling for their lives. Formality and ritual will then be replaced with the truth that sets us free. The corporate unction will increase exponentially as more anointed ministries become functional. Each part is needed for the edification (strengthening) of the whole body being fitly joined together. When we submit to Christ's Spirit (anointing) in one another, arrogance and competition will cease. James warned against envy and strife that bring confusion and every evil work. Loving cooperation is the key of unity. No more will there be a hierarchy that looks down upon the congregaton of the Saints. Eac one will need to have a relationship with the Father and not abdicate their s[iritual responsibilities.
Revival is something that is continually being promoted but I would ask why the fullness of spiritual completion doesn’t finally remain? Some have said that to revive something it has to have been alive already. We must be increasingly filled with the spirit; continually abiding so that we’re not letting our flesh drain our spiritual strength. The “gas station” mentality must be removed from our existence if we are to be made mature in Christ. We shouldn’t go to meetings to be filled and then to become empty during the next week. Regrettably this up and down experience is from a soulish high of emotionalism and mental assent. The atmosphere of Spirit is supposedly found by cheerleading like at a football game.
Each part has a responsibility to remain connected to the lifeline giving to and edify others daily. Our fellowship with one another is enabled/ dependent upon our fellowship with the Lord. To walk in the light as He is in the light means being “transparent” and teachable before the Lord and each other for correction continually being cleansed from our sins. This will bring healing and deliverance of all wounds. If I told you that we are only as strong in Christ as the waekest link would you understand that the whole Body in interconnected and submissive to Christ in each other?
The parable of the man who didn’t count the cost rings true in the experience of most believers for when things get tough, where there are many afflictions body, soul or spirit, there is little strength to persevere. In my own life I can look back and see Yahweh’s work through many difficult things. After I had been through a time of afflictions that lasted several years the Lord spoke to me in His comforting voice that this is how we learn looong suffering. I’d like to say that I had endured with joy rather than doubt and diligence instead of frustrations but I did learn in the midst to keep my eyes on the Lord for deliverance in His way and in His time. The underlying message is always, “ did you minister grace or become offended and retaliate toward those who hurt you”?