What Is The Church? Part #2

Earl Gillespie

WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB.
THE KINGDOM

The "Marriage" of the Church is prophetically referred to by Jesus in the Parable of the "Marriage of the King's Son" (Mt 22:1-14), and is consummated in Re 19:7-9--

"Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him; for the `Marriage of the Lamb' is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of Saints. And he saith unto me, write Blessed are they which are called unto the MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB."

Notice that it does not say the "Marriage of the Bride," but the "Marriage of the LAMB." That grand event will be not so much the consummation of the hopes of the Bride, as it will be the consummation of the plan of God for His Son, arranged for before the foundation of the World. Eph 1:4. The "Marriage of the Lamb" is the consummation of the joy of Christ as a MAN. It would not have been possible if Christ had not been born in the flesh. Otherwise it would have been the union of "dissimilar natures" for the "Bride" is of "human origin." This is why Jesus took His "human nature" back with Him to Heaven, and today we have in Heaven the MAN Christ Jesus. 1Ti 2:5.

While the "Bride" was chosen for Christ "before the foundation of the world," the "espousal" could not take place until Christ assumed humanity and ascended to Heaven as the Man Christ Jesus. There have been many long betrothals, but Christ's has been the longest on record. He has been waiting for His Bride nearly 2000 years, but He will not have to wait much longer. Soon Heaven shall resound with the cry--

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him, for the Marriage of the Lamb is Come." Re 19:7.

There have been many royal weddings of international interest, where the invited guests and spectators witnessed a magnificent spectacle in its appointments, and rejoiced in a union that bound together different nations. But the wedding of the Lamb and His Bride the Church will surpass them all, for it shall unite Heaven and Earth in a bond that shall never be broken, for what God (the Father) shall join together, no man shall ever put asunder, and that union no divorce shall ever break.

II. THE KINGDOM

It is clear from the Scriptures that God has been trying to set up a "visible" Kingdom on this earth ever since the creation of man, to whom He gave dominion. Ge 1:26-28. But that dominion was lost by the "Fall," and Satan set himself up as the "Prince of this World." Mt 4:8-10; Joh 14:30. In the "Call of Abraham" God took the first step toward the setting up of a visible Kingdom on this earth, which assumed an outward form in the "Jewish Commonwealth" under Moses, but the plan was blocked by the Jews losing their "National Existence" at the time of the Babylonian Captivity B. C. 606, and the beginning of the "Times of the Gentiles." But when 600 years of the "Times of the Gentiles" had run their course, God again made a move to set up the Kingdom, and the angel Gabriel announced to Mary the Birth of the King. Lu 1:26-33. Thirty years later the King's forerunner, John the Baptist, announced that the Kingdom was "at hand" Mt 3:1-2), and when the King manifested Himself to Israel He Himself made the same announcement (Mt 4:17-23), and later He sent out the "Twelve" (Mt 10:7), and the "Seventy" (Lu 10:1-9), to proclaim the same thing. But the King was rejected and crucified, and the setting up of the Kingdom was postponed, and the Kingdom took on its "Mystery Form" under the name of the "Kingdom of Heaven."

There are some who object to what they call the "Postponement Theory," and claim that the Kingdom which was "At Hand" was not an outward visible Kingdom, but a spiritual Kingdom, and that it was not withdrawn but is seen today in "New Born" believers. They base their claim on the fact that the earthly visible Kingdom of Christ could not be set up until after He had suffered and died on the Cross as the Saviour of men, and had risen from the dead, and ascended to the Father and received the Kingdom, and that therefore the offer of an outward visible and earthly Kingdom at that time was not a "bona fide" offer, and that John the Baptist and Jesus must have meant by the "Kingdom of Heaven" something else than an outward visible and earthly Kingdom. What are the facts? First, that the Old Testament scriptures teach that there is to be an earthly and visible Kingdom over which the Son of Man is to rule (Da 7:13-14; 2:34-35,44-45; Jer 23:5; Zec 14:9), and we know that at the time of Jesus' birth there was a widespread expectation of the coming of the Messiah, and that Simeon and Anna waited in the Temple for the "Consolation of Israel." Lu 2:25-38. We are also told that "Wise Men" came from the East to Jerusalem inquiring "Where is He that is born KING OF THE JEWS?" and when they had found Jesus they worshipped Him as KING. Mt 2:1-11. There can be no question but that Jesus was born to be a KING. It was not until Jesus was 30 years old that John the Baptist appeared at the Jordan preaching-- "Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is AT HAND." Mt 3:2. And we are told that his mission was to "Prepare the Way of the Lord." Mt 3:3; Isa 40:3. Prepare the way of the Lord for what? Not for the "Cross" but the "Kingdom." John's message had no meaning to those who heard him and were looking for the setting up of the "Messianic Kingdom," if he did not mean by the "Kingdom of Heaven" an outward and visible earthly Kingdom. That John so believed is evident from the question he sent his disciples while in prison to ask Jesus-- "Art Thou He that should come or do we look for another?" Mt 11:3. The fact that Jesus answered John's question by a number of miracles of healing, which are the "signs" of the Messianic Kingdom (Isa 35:1-10), and were proofs of Christ's Messiahship, and told John's disciples to so report, is proof that both John and Jesus had in mind the earthly Messianic Kingdom when they proclaimed that the "Kingdom of Heaven was AT HAND." It was the "Kingdom of Heaven," not because it was a Heavenly or Spiritual Kingdom, but because it was not received from men, but was given from Heaven by God the Father.

While it is true that John the Baptist pointed out to two of his own disciples Jesus as the "Lamb of God" (Joh 1:29), this was after Jesus' return from the "Wilderness Temptation," and had been revealed to John at the Baptism of Jesus, and does not nullify or alter the character of his previous proclamation that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. We must not forget that as soon as Jesus was baptised He was "immediately" driven into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil (Mt 4:1-11; Mr 1:11-13), and it was not until 40 days after His Baptism that John pointed out to his disciples Jesus as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." The words "next day" (Joh 1:29) refer not to the day after Jesus' Baptism, but the next day after the Priests and Levites had inquired of John whether he was the Christ or Elias. Joh 1:19-28. In Joh 1:32-34, John the Baptist testifies that he knew not Jesus as the "Lamb of God" until His Baptism. Then he knew by the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove upon Christ that He was the "SON OF GOD." Therefore John the Baptist knew nothing about Christ's sacrificial work at the beginning of his ministry, and his proclamation that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand could have had no reference to a Spiritual Kingdom.

When Nathanael exclaimed-- "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the KING OF ISRAEL" (Joh 1:49), Jesus did not disclaim the title. When Jesus entered on His own ministry His message was the same as John the Baptist's-- "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is AT HAND." Mt 4:17. The repentance called for was a "NATIONAL REPENTANCE." The Old Testament scriptures clearly teach that the Messianic Kingdom cannot be set up until Israel as a nation REPENTS. In Mt 4:23 we read-- "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the `Gospel of The Kingdom.'" While this was attended with "signs of bodily healing" we are nowhere told that the "Gospel of the Kingdom" had anything to do with the salvation of the soul, and as it is to be preached again after the Rapture of the Church for a "witness" unto all nations, that the time has come for the setting up of the Kingdom (Mt 24:14) the inference is that the "Gospel of the Kingdom" has nothing to do with "salvation," but is simply an announcement that the "Messianic Kingdom" is AT HAND.

When Jesus sent forth the Twelve Disciples He commanded them, saying, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not; but go rather to the 'lost sheep' of the HOUSE OF ISRAEL, and as ye go, preach, saying-- 'The Kingdom of Heaven is AT HAND.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils (demons)." Mt 10:5-8. Note again that the works they were to perform were "Kingdom SIGNS," and had no reference to the salvation of the soul. They did not preach the "Gospel of Salvation," but the "Gospel of the Kingdom." And further the "Gospel of Salvation" is for the whole world, but the Disciples were forbidden to go to any but the "House of Israel," thus showing that what they preached was exclusively for Israel. That the Disciples were expecting the setting up of a visible earthly Kingdom is evidenced by the request of James and John that they might sit, one on the right hand, and the other on the left hand of Jesus in His Kingdom. Mr 10:35-41. If there was to be no earthly Kingdom Jesus would have disabused their minds of that idea, but He confirmed it by saying that the place of honor was not for Him to give, but would be bestowed by His Father. Mt 20:23.

The fact that after the miracle of the "Loaves and Fishes" the multitude was desirous to take Jesus by force and make Him a KING (Joh 6:15), reveals what they understood by the preaching of the Kingdom of Heaven being AT HAND. That Jesus prevented their doing so by escaping to a mountain is no evidence that He repudiated the idea of Kingship over a visible earthly Kingdom, but that to have received the Kingdom from them would have been wrong, for He is to receive the Kingdom from the FATHER, and not from men. Da 7:13-14. That Jesus did not deny His Kingship of an outward and visible earthly Kingdom is clear from the fact that He accepted the "Hosannahs" of the multitude when He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday in fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Zec 9:9. Joh 12:12-15. And it was as "King OF THE JEWS" He was crucified. Mt 27:37. When Pilate asked Jesus-- "Art Thou the King of the JEWS?" He evaded the question, but admitted that He was a KING, and to that end had been born, but that His Kingdom was "not of this world," that is, it would be given to Him by God the Father, and therefore would be from Heaven. Joh 18:33-37.

NEXT 

Continuing With

THE KINGDOM

THE KINGDOM IN MANIFESTION

What Is The Church? Part #1

Earl Gillespie

What Is The Church?
The Mission Of The Church

The Church is not a continuation of the "Jewish Dispensation" under another name, nor does the Church edifice take the place of the Synagogue. It is because some religious bodies believe that the Christian Church is but another phase of what they call the "Jewish Church," that they insist on a "Ceremonial Ritual" and retain the Priesthood with its altar, vestments, etc., and Temple-like buildings; and call the ordinances of the Christian Church "Sacrifices" and "Sacraments." They also go further and advocate a "State Church," with the Church as the head, and claim that all the Old Testament promises of riches and glory have been transferred from the Jew to the Church.  This is not true, yet the acceptance or rejection of these statements forms the base of much of the confusion that exists among the churches of God.

The Church is not to be confounded with "The Kingdom." The Church is compared to a "House" (1Ti 3:15), to a "Temple" (1Co 3:16-17), to a "Body" (1Co 12:27-31), but never to a "Kingdom." Christ is the "HEAD" of His Church (Eph 1:22; 4:15; Col 1:18), but He is never spoken of as its KING. The Church is a "MYSTERY" and was first revealed to Paul. Eph 3:1-11. The Kingdom was no Mystery. The Old Testament prophets describe it in glowing terms. What they could not understand was, what was to come in between the "Sufferings" and "Glory" of Christ. 1Pe 1:9-12. That is, between the "CROSS" and the "CROWN." That the Gentiles were to be saved was no Mystery. Ro 9:24-30. The "Mystery" was, that God was going to form an entirely "NEW THING" composed of both "JEW" and "GENTILE," to be called the "CHURCH." The purpose of this Dispensation is seen in the "Divine Program" outlined by the Apostle James in his address to the First Church Council held at Jerusalem (Ac 15:13-18), where he declares that God has visited the Gentiles to "take out of than `A PEOPLE' for His Name." The purpose of this Dispensation then is not the bringing in of the Kingdom, or the conversion of the world, but the gathering out of an "elect body," the Church. 

While Israel is a "called out body" it is a "National Body," composed exclusively of the descendants of Abraham, but the Church is not a "National Body," for it is not composed of the people of any one nation, but individuals from every kindred, people, tribe and nation.  These are simple statements that are validated through the Word of God.  In our desire to be different from the "church down the road" we pick at the Word of God, change it and in the process we condone a perversion of God Holy Word.

I. THE CHURCH

The Church is not only a "called out Body," it is the "BODY OF CHRIST." In Eph 1:22-23, we read-- "And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him (Jesus) to be the `Head' over- all things to the Church which is His BODY." The context shows (Eph 1:20) that this "Headship" was not possible until Jesus had been raised from the dead, and seated at the right hand of the Father. The Church then could not have been in existence before there was a "Head," for God does not make headless things. The Church then is the "Body" of which Christ is the "Head." In 1Co 12:12-13 we are told how this "Body" is formed: "For as the body is one, and hath many members; and all the members of that one body being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For by one `Spirit' (Holy Spirit) are we all baptized into `ONE BODY,' whether we be Jew or Gentile, whether we be bond or free." From this we see that it is the "Baptism of the Spirit" that incorporates us into the "Body of Christ." That is, there could be no Church until the "Day of Pentecost."

The fact that the Church is a "Body" made up of "living members" shows that it is not an "Organization" but an "ORGANISM." As the human body is for the manifestation of a Personality, so the Church, the "Body of Christ," is for the purpose of manifesting "His Personality." The only way then the world can see Christ is through His Body the Church.

But the Church is not only the "Body" of Christ, it is to be His BRIDE. At present it is but a virgin espoused. 2Co 11:2. Some hold that the Church cannot be both the "Body" and "Bride" of Christ, and that the "Bride" must be Israel. But we must not forget that there are "Two Brides" mentioned in the Scriptures, one in the Old Testament, and the other in the New Testament. The one in the Old Testament is Israel, the Bride of Jehovah; the one in the New Testament is the Church, the Bride of Christ. Of Israel it is said-- "Thy Maker is thine husband." Isa 54:5-8. Because of her Whoredoms, Israel is a cast-off wife, but Jehovah, her husband, promises to take her back when she ceases from her adulteries. Jer 3:1-18; Eze 16:1-63; Ho 2:1-23; 3:1-5. She will not be taken back as a "Virgin," but as a "Wife." But it is a VIRGIN that the Lamb (Christ) is to marry. So the "Wife" of the Old Testament cannot be the "Bride" (Virgin) of the New Testament. Again the "Wife" (Israel) is to reside in the earthly Jerusalem during the Millennium, while the "Bride" (the Church) will reside in the New Jerusalem. These distinctions make it clear that Israel cannot be the "Bride" of Christ. As to the Church being both the "Body" and "Bride" of Christ, we have the type of Eve who was of the "body" of Adam before she became his "bride."

WHO BELONG TO THE CHURCH?

If the Church had its origin at Pentecost and ends at the "Rapture of the Saints" (1Th 4:14-17), then only those who are saved between those two events belong to the Church. The Old Testament Saints are the "Friends of the Bridegroom," but they are not the "Bride." In Re 19:9 we read, "Blessed are they which are called unto the `Marriage Supper' of the Lamb." The Bride is not "called" (invited) to her own wedding, she has a place there of her own right. The "called" are the "Guests." The Old Testament Saints will be "Guests," as will also the "Blood-washed Multitude" that come out of the Tribulation, for they are not saved until after the Rapture of the Church. Re 7:9-17.

Angels and Heavenly Beings will be spectators of the scene, but they cannot be "Guests," as that honor is reserved for those who have been redeemed by the "Blood of the Lamb."

THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

As we have seen, the Church is not an "Organization" but an "Organism." Therefore it is not a "Social Club," organized and supported solely for the benefit of its members. Neither is it a "Place of Amusement" to pander to the carnal and entertainment nature of man. Nor is it a "House of Merchandise" for the sale of "Indulgences," or other commodities, whereby the money of the ungodly "government" can be secured to save the penurious church member a little self sacrifice. Neither is it a "Reform Bureau" to save the "bodies" of men. The reformation of men is very commendable, as are all forms of "Social Service," but that is not the work or mission of the Church. The world was just as full, if not fuller, of the evils that afflict society today, in the days of Christ, but He never, nor did the Apostles, organize any reform agencies. All the great philanthropist and civilizing agencies of the world are "By-Products" of Christianity. We are told in Ac 5:15, that the people laid their sick in the streets that the "Shadow of Peter" might fall upon them and heal them. But if Peter had spent his time "casting shadows," and neglected his Apostolic work of trying to save the "SOULS" of men, his shadow would have lost its power. Jesus knew that the source of all the evils in the world is SIN, and that the only way to eradicate sin is to Regenerate the Human Heart, and so He gave the GOSPEL, and the "Mission" of the Church is to carry this Gospel to the world. "EVANGELISM," not "Social Service," is the "Mission" of the Church. Mr 16:15-16.

The great mistake the Church has made is in appropriating to herself in this Dispensation the promises of earthly conquest and glory which belong exclusively to Israel in the "Millennial Age." As soon as the Church enters into an "Alliance with the World," and seeks the help of Parliaments, Congresses, Legislatures, Federations and Reform Societies, largely made up of ungodly men and women, she loses her spiritual power and becomes helpless as a redeeming force.  

When the Church is complete it is to be "caught out" at the First or "Rapture Stage" of Christ's Second Coming. 1Th 4:13-17. After the Rapture the Church is to be judged. Not for sin, but for works. Then comes--

THE MARRIAGE OF THE CHURCH.
Part #2

Another Problem With Churches.

Earl Gillespie

Another Problem With Churches

 Peddlers of Worldly Pleasures

Whether we accepted it or not, there is a mass defection from the denominational structured churches. Polls indicate that Methoodist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian churches have lost in totals, millions of former followers. Other Protestant groups have also lost as many members, including the Pentecostal and independent churches. The Pentecostal movement that once was  the vanguard of growing Church groups.  They too have begun to suffer the same fate of their predecessors.   Leaders have become contented in ministering to congregations filled with elderly people. Change the style, change the message and the question of "why" will never have to be addressed.  

Finding a new way to attract people to a given church or denomination is not the way of salvation.  Giving in to worldly pleasures, or merging the worldly pleasures and the spiritual attributes of God is not the way to attract souls to Christ.  The road to, or the way of salvation has already been established.  There is no need to re-establish, repair, or re-explain the plan of salvation.  It is already set forth in the Word of God.  The conversion of the church into a business is contrary to the teaching of Christ.  The business of doing church has become just that, a business, some are good at it and some are not so good.  The same rules that apply to any business now apply to the church.  Many have learned to, and seek to establish their legacy within the church.  

The indoctrination of Faith has never set well with the younger generation. With the passing of each generation the issue of faith has not transferred well.  Ministers get up and give generalized sermons referring to the Bible, but rarely reading, explaining and expounding whole passages from the Bible to teach people what the Bible really says.  The teaching of faith has digressed to presenting a list of requests before God, then testifying that you believe God is going to do it.  The entertainment aspect of Christianity has emerged at the forefront of religious piety it is the drawing card it is exploited, and it is expected to fill the vacant seats within the sanctuary.  The greatest application of faith is speaking of how God is a healer as we mark down the date of our next doctor's appointment. 

More and more people are growing tired of the multi-level-marketing concept, and the self serving rhetoric that emulate from the pulpit on any given Sunday. Many have come to realize that the hierarchy of many modern day church denominations is not about salvation but more about collecting money and the praise of men.   Men and women are struggling to be recognized and sell their talents in the church and out of the church.  Whenever a crowd can be established there are always those enterprising souls that are willing to step up and entertain the masses.   Many have chosen to blend the attributes of the devil and God together to form a more cohesive repertoire that will cross over the many boundaries and reach a more sustainable audience.  

According to Jesus's letters to the churches, many of the modern day churches have "dumbed down' what religion means. They do not "stand for anything". As a matter of fact they have joined the world. They preach a ludicrous message of joy and sunshine here on earth, as if God has changed his mind about the judgement he is about to render upon this earth. So why would anybody join them? A number of people ask, "What's the difference between those in the church and those out of the church?  

My assessment of the church of today is based upon the Word of God. When Jesus addressed the churches he set the stage for his message by stating, "I have something against you."  Read Jesus's first letter to his church and follow the progression of apostasy and despair that is expressed in his final message.  Revelation 2:1-7  To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name's sake, and hast not grown weary. But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love. Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcomes, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

Too many of today's ministers are going along with the whole hog, they have accepted the money from the government to build fine sanctuaries and they are slowly compromising with the devil's agenda. Leaders of Christianity have begun to approve of homosexual and other deviant practices that the scripture strictly forbid. Secret organizations are formed within the church to hide these sins and corruption from the eyes of the followers.  The church is following the path of continuing compromise and according to Jesus,  there is no indication that they will get off that path.  We as Christians can be thankful that just before Satan thoroughly confuse and blind the human race and is able to complete destroy the Earth, the Enternial God will intervene.  In these last days mankind will become so corrupt and filled with so much violence that people would utterly destroy all humanity unless God intervenes.  Matthew 24:21-25  for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you beforehand.

The Gospel of John specifically condemned the religious leaders of Jesus day when he stated, "They love the praise of men more than the praise of God"  There were rulers who believed in the son of God, but because of the people they associated with they refused to  confess their belief.  John 12:42-43  Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.  These men loved the praise of men.  Do you love the praise of men? The church is becoming a place of entertainment where we spout cliches and gather to get our praise on. Do we think that in the soon coming tribulation that this is going to save us? Do we really think God is concerned about us living a lavish lifestyle here on earth when he has promised to destroy it? Jesus promised to go away an prepare a place for his church in his father's house. On any given Sunday a collage of christian messages goes out over the cable and air waves. There is the message from the Baptist, there is another message from the Methodist and then there are messages of a different nature from the Penticosticals and the Independents. They are all trying to outsell each other and the merchandise is what God is doing or what he will do. There is no fire an brimstone message. The message of today is a message of hope in this present world.  The churches are peddling  prosperity, in the form of fine homes, fine cars and money in the Bank.  There was no need for Jesus to suffer and die so I could go to college, get an education and get a good job.  Why are they are peddling hope in this corrupt world?  Because it translates into money.  The masses will follow the scent of money. 

Romans 8:24-28  For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

Ro 8:24

We are saved by hope; that is, we are at present supported by hope, our present expectation of our future glorious condition beareth up our spirit under its sufferings, and carrieth us joyfully through all difficulties; or, We are saved by hope, that is, all the salvation which we have at present is in hope, not in hand; in expectation, not in possession; heaven in hope, is more worth than the whole world in hand; and seeing there is a certainty of hope, there is a certainty of salvation: We are saved by hope.

Observe next, The nature of hope declared: 'Tis an expectation of good things promised but not enjoyed; vision and fruition put an end to hope; none hopes for that he already enjoys: Hope is conversant about things unseen as well as faith: Faith is the evidence of things not seen, and hope is the expectation of those things: The object of hope is a future good, a possible good, a promised good, a good promised by God, and believed by us.

Observe, lastly, The necessary adjunct, and the inseparable companion of hope, and that is patience, and waiting for the good hoped for: If we hope,  Then do we with patience wait, 

Learn hence, That they only hope for eternal life, who continue in the pursuit of it with patience and perseverance; there must be found in us a waiting patience, a working patience, a bearing and forbearing patience, with a persevering continuance in well-doing, if we hope for glory and immortality, and eternal life.  

This is the purpose of the church...

  

What's Wrong With The Church?

Earl Gillespie

A Study Of The Church

Matthew 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Verse 18. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter. The word Peter, in Greek, means a rock. The name was given to Simon by Christ when he called him to be a disciple, John 1:42. Cephas is a Syriac word, meaning the same as Peter--a rock, or stone. The meaning of this phrase may be thus expressed: "Thou, in saying that I am the Son of God, has called me by a name expressive of my true character. I, also, have given to you a name expressive of your character.  I have called you Peter, a rock, denoting firmness, solidity; and your confession has shown that the name is appropriate. I see that you are worthy of the name, and will be a distinguished support of my religion.

To keep the context and prospective in true focus In Revelation 3: 14-22 Jesus issued a shocking condemnation of the church.

And upon this rock, etc. This passage has given rise to many different interpretations. Some have supposed that the word rock refers to Peter's confession; and that he meant to say, upon this rock-- this truth that thou hast confessed, that I am the Messiah--and upon confessions of this from all believers, I will build my church. Confessions like this shall be the test of piety; and in such confessions shall my church stand amidst the flames of persecution--the fury of the gates of hell.  Others have thought that he referred to himself. Christ is called a rock, Isa 28:16; 1Peter 2:8. And it has been thought that he turned from Peter and looked upon himself, and said: "Upon this rock, this truth that I am the Messiah--upon myself as the Messiah--I will build my church." Both these interpretations, though plausible, seem forced upon the passage to avoid the main difficulty in it.  Another interpretation is, that the word rock refers to Peter himself. This is the obvious meaning of the passage; and had it not been that the church of Rome has abused it, and applied it to what was never intended, no other would have been sought for. "Thou art a rock. Thou hast shown thyself firm in and fit for the work of laying the foundation of the church. Upon thee will I build it. Thou shalt be highly honored; thou should be first in making known the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles." This was accomplished. See Acts 2:14-36, where he first preached to the Jews, and Acts 10:1 and following, where he preached the gospel to Cornelius and his neighbors, who were Gentiles. Peter had thus the honor of laying the foundation of the church among the Jews and Gentiles. And this is the plain meaning of this passage. See also Ga 2:9. But Christ did not mean, as some say he did, to exalt Peter to supreme authority above all the other apostles, or to say that he was the only one with whom he would rear his church. See Acts 15, where the advice of James, and not of Peter, was followed. See also Galatians 2:11, where Paul withstood Peter to his face, because he was to be blamed--a thing which could not have happened if Christ, as the Roman Catholics say, meant that Peter should be absolute and infallible. More than all, it is not said here or anywhere else in the Bible, that Peter should have infallible successors who should be the vicegerents of Christ, and the head of the church. The whole meaning of the passage is this:  "I will make you the honored instrument of making known  my gospel first to Jews and Gentiles, and will make you a firm and distinguished preacher in building my church."

Will build my Church. This refers to the custom of building, in Judea, on a rock or other very firm foundation. The word church means, literally, those called out, and often means an assembly or congregation. It is applied to Christians as being called out from the world. It means, sometimes, the whole body of believers, Ephesians 1:22; 1Corinthians 10:32. This is its meaning in this place. It means, also, a particular society of believers, worshipping in one place, Acts 8:1; 9:31; 1Corinthians 1:2, etc. Sometimes, also, a society in a single house, as Romans 16:5. In common language, it means the church visible--ie. all who profess religion; or invisible, i.e. all who are real Christians, professors or not.

And the gates of hell, etc. Ancient cities were surrounded by walls. In the gates, by which they were entered, were the principal places for holding courts, transacting business, and deliberating on public matters. The word gates, therefore, is used for counselling, designs, machinations, evil purposes. Hell means, here, the place of departed spirits, particularly evil spirits. And the meaning of the passage is, that all the plots, stratagems, and machinations, of the enemies of the church, should not be able to overcome it--a promise that has been remarkably fulfilled.

Now Jesus's final message to the church.  We ought to study it, pray over it as seek God for more enlightenment.  Revelation 3:14-22  And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

This epistle to the Laodiceans is the seventh and last epistle which Christ commanded St. John at this time to write; most of the churches were found faulty before, but none like this here. Formality and hypocrisy, coldness and indifference, in religion, had so for prevailed in this church, that we find nothing commended in them, nothing good spoken of them, and none of them exempted from the general charge brought in against them for that lukewarmness and hypocrisy.

In this epistle now before us, Observe, 1. A description of Christ in his deservedly glorious titles: thus saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, that is, he that is verity and truth itself, both in his promises and his threatenings, who is holy, and cannot lie; righteous, and cannot deceive; wise, and can never be deceived; therefore Christ takes upon him this name here of the faithful and true Witness, to awaken these drowsy hypocrites, to see and consider that he knows their state and condition, and will testify and witness against them.

There is no such effectual remedy against hypocrisy, lukewarmness, and indifference in the matters of religion, as a firm belief of Christ's omniscience and veracity. The other title given to Christ, is the beginning of the creation of God; that is, the beginning of the creation of God, the original and first cause, by which all the creatures of God had their beginning. Christ is not only principium principatun, but principium principians; not the passive beginning, or he that first created, but the active beginning, or he by whom the creation was begun, both the old and new creation.

Now Christ takes upon him this title, to encourage the Laodiceans to come unto him, (according to the invitation, given v. 18.) to recover them from their formality, seeing he is omnipotent, and can give a being and beginning to grace in the new creation as he did to nature in the old and first creation.

Observe, 2. The reproof here given to this church of Laodicea, I know thou art neither hot nor cold; thou art not for open heresy or infidelity, but likest well a profession of Christianity; you receive the gospel, and so are not quite cold, but you want zeal to suffer anything for it, and so are not at all hot; I see nothing in thee but a lukewarm indifferency, for which I disown thee, nay, disdain thee.

Learn hence, 1. That Christ loathes lukewarm persons, who profess Christianity with reserves for worldly safety. These Laodiceans were neither enemies to Christ, nor true friends, but served God and gain, Christ and the world, a combination that Jesus called spiritual fornication. 

Learn, 2. That though God abominates lukewarmness and want of zeal, yet he will not disown those who have any spark of true zeal, though defective and culpably remiss; he will not quench smoking flax, but blow it up into a holy flame; but all that have not so much zeal as to prefer Christ before the world, shall be accounted his enemies, and disowned by him.

What Were You Thankful For?

Earl Gillespie

What Were You Thankful For?

Luke 17:9   Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

The single mother busied herself working two jobs all year long in preparation for this Christmas,  this would be the Christmas that she would give her only son the gifts that he had asked for.  No longer would she be embarrassed when he asked to go next door or down the street to play on his friends video games, her plans were to buy him the best game console available.  His school grades was not the best but he promised to improve them.  She often bragged about her son because of the help he provided with the upkeep of their small apartment.  When she would come home from work tired, she was contented that the morning dishes would be washed and the floors clean. He would even fix a sandwich of her liking. Yes, she was proud of her this son and this Christmas she was going to reward him properly. 

When Christmas came that year it was an exciting time, the gifts were stacked high around the tree.  Never had there been so many gifts under the tree, and they all were addressed to her son.  On Christmas morning there were smiles, tears, hugs and most of all an outpouring of thanks from her son.  The outpouring of thanks touched her deeply and she slept soundly with a smile in her heart that night as her son played video games in his bedroom.  The next morning she awoke to the sound and the smell of breakfast being prepared.  She was rewarded with breakfast in bed and a continuing outpouring of thanks for all of his gifts.

As the progression of time continued, she would come home after working the night shift and find book bags and clothes carelessly tossed about the small living room.  His promise was to do better as he continued to thank her for all that she was doing for him.  After working twelve hours, she was tired and hungry.  Her son usually  would have a sandwich fixed for her,  but now she had to ask.  As she opens the door and walked into the living room she was overcome by the smell, the clutter of clothes and school books and the loud noise from her son's bedroom.  A glance at the kitchen was more than her weary heart could accept as she rushed to her bedroom and closed the door.  From the hallway she heard her son's proclaim in his innocent voice, "Thank you mama, and I love you."  As tears filled her eyes  and rolled down her cheek she whispered, "You could have washed the dishes." 

The young entertainers were being given awards for selling perverted lyrics to young listening audience. One by one they took the stage and stood before an audience of their peers amidst  the bright lights of the television cameras  to give their acceptance speeches.  Many wore colored  glasses to hide their drug induced stupor.  One group in particular after preforming a vulgar melody that belittled the female, stepped up to the podium and delivered his acceptance speech.  "First I want to give honor and thanks to my Heavenly father, for without him none of this would have been possible..." 

Romans 1:8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

I thank my God. The God whom I worship and serve. The expression of thanks to God for his mercy to them was fitted to conciliate their feelings, and to prepare them for the truths which he was about to communicate to them. It showed the deep interest which he had in their welfare; and the happiness it would give him to do them good. It is proper to give thanks to God for his mercies to others as well as ourselves. We are members of one great family, and we should make it a subject of thanksgiving that he confers any blessings, and especially the blessings of salvation, on any mortals.

Through Jesus Christ. The duty of presenting our thanks to God, through Christ, is often enjoined in the New Testament, Eph 5:20; Heb 13:15;  Christ is the Mediator between God and men; or the medium by which we are to present our prayers, and also our thanksgivings. We are not to approach God directly, but through a mediator at all times, depending on him to present our cause before the mercy-seat; to plead for us there; and to offer the desires of our souls to God. It is no less proper to present thanks in his name, or through him, than it is prayer, he has made the way to God accessible to us, whether it be by prayer or praise; and it is owing to his mercy and grace that any of our services are acceptable to God.

The young mother expressed her thanks to God in an exuberant manner.  This Thanksgiving God had blessed her with her own Apartment, a monthly check and a EBT card.  Now she would be able to stay home and take care of her expanding family.  This Thanksgiving she was thanking God for allowing her to move out of her mother's house and as she so eloquently stated, "There is no shame in my game and God love me." 

Observe here, 1. The great and wonderful success of the gospel; it had produced faith in the hearts, and obedience in the lives of the Romans, which had made them famous throughout the world: Your faith, says the apostle, is spoken of throughout the whole world; that is, through all the Roman empire, which at that time ruled over a great part of the known world. The entertaining of the gospel at Rome, made that place more celebrated and famous than all the victories and triumphs of the Roman emperors; faith and holiness make a place and people more renowned than all outward prosperity and happiness.

Observe, 2. That this their renowned faith was the ground, yea, the highest and chiefest ground of the apostle's rejoicing; First, I thank my God, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Learn thence, That it is both the duty and the disposition of the faithful ministers of Jesus Christ, to be highly thankful to God, above all things, for the powerful success of the gospel, in bringing sinners to the faith and obedience of Jesus Christ. This is our rejoicing, nay, this will be our crown of rejoicing, in the day of Christ: We value our lives only by their usefulness to the souls of our beloved people; we live as we see some of you stand fast in the Lord; we die as we see others stick fast in their sins.

When we come before God in prayer or when we stand before him in judgement, what will we be thankful for?  This should be the basis of our thanksgiving.  Imagine you standing before God,  You do believe in God don't you?  Whether in the pulpit on Sunday or the Judgement seat of Christ, you are giving thanks to a God that suffered and died that you might have salvation, but the only thing you can thank him for is allowing you to own two new cars.  If God is God then we should address him on a spiritual level.  Maybe we should thank God for the things that will stand in the day of judgement, rather than placing so much emphasis on things that will not stand.  Maybe it is time we as a people wake up and stop pretending, this world is not getting better.  Going to church and giving money is not a prerequisite to owning stuff, nor is it an indication that you are Heaven bound.  You do believe in God don't you?

Are We Preparing To Meet God? (Part #6)

Earl Gillespie

Are We Preparing To Meet God?

Do We Really Believe In God??

What would you think of me if I ask you in church, "do you believe in God"?  No doubt your response or reaction would be on the same level of reaction to the title of my first book, "My Search For The Real God."  One lady's response was, "why would you search for the real God, you already know who God is."  Many are aware that there is an outward expression of God that make us feel apart of the group and the is that hidden expression or feeling of God that keeps us searching.  It is this feeling that causes many who once professed to be godly to turn away from Christianity. Those that are unable to control this inward expression of doubt often evolve into a 'regenerated' atheist. After the death of Jesus, Thomas's testimony was I know Jesus, I have walked with him and I have talked with him, I know what he said, yet I will not believe this new thing  unless I can see and touch."  Jesus dealt with his unbelief.  Are we prepared to deal with another's unbelief?  Do you actually believe the story of Noah’s flood?  The introdoctinated answer is, "if the Bible says it happen then I believe it happen."  Many religious scholars, preachers and pastors don’t even believe it actually happened. They explain it as a “nice story” containing symbolism that can teach valuable lessons. Why don’t people believe it? Their response is, “where is the proof?” Believing the account of the flood is strictly a matter of faith because there is no strong physical evidence. Therefore, most people do not believe in a literal flood.

The shaping of the scripture to reflect our personal wishes and/or desire, the spiritulization and sermonization of the Word  or God is not drawing souls to Christ.  Todays messages are centered around giving money to God and he will bless you.  Ask God for what you need and he will bless you with.  Come to Church and get your praise on a blessing will come down.  Many are following along for the bread crumbs that are being scattered along the way.  When Jesus fed the five thousand, I am sure many began to follow him looking for a free meal.  The is probably why he addressed them as a generation of vipers, and at no time did he say follow me and I will give you food to eat.  To Jesus, feeding the hungry was just and after the fact 'act'.  There are those who claim to believe in God but they are sheep in wolf's clothing, they are living of the flock and are destroying the true Church of God.  Do they really believe in God? 

A belief that is based upon an indoctrinated platform is not really a true form of believing.  True believing must come from within and it must be triggered by an inward or personal experience. The church's mission that it has neglected, should be to help or teach others how to believe. Can you teach a soul to believe? Can you explain the Word of God in such a manner that a distorted sinner will exclaim, "You have convinced me to be a Christian"? Not through cute phrases or indoctrinations, but aid us in having a personal relationship with God.   Those that are religious will say this is not my job, yet this is what Phillips did as he ran along side of the chariot.  The, "I know he lives because he lives with me, or, "If he did it once he will do it again," is not faith building statements, nor will these phrases help that struggling soul to grasp that moment of believablity.  To believe requires a personal experience.  Look around us, the believablity  of  God is not enhanced by promises of what God is doing or what God can do. Jesus addressed the matter in this manner, "It rains on the just as well as the unjust,"  there the person testifying of how God healed a headache or gave them a job  will not cause an unbeliever to believe.  These things happen, as Jesus said, it rain on the just as well as the unjust.  We can only find a revealing Christian experience through the application of the fruit of the spirit.  God has already provided for the natural man in the Book of Genesis, today we should seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness.  Ministers of God need to search for and teach the fruit of the Spirit.   

Church services in many arenas have given over to the charlatans who have concocted all types of schemes to fleece the sheep of God pasture of money.  Many are impressed with the promise of blessings if they give a certain amount of money.  Jesus condemns this practice.  Revelation 2:14-15  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Spiritual fornication is when the world and the church walk hand in hand) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.  (It began when the messengers of God accept money from the government, thereby giving the government control of the message.) We know that Balaam was a prophet for hire, and the Nicolaitans were a group of people that set themselves up as rulers of the Church. 

The Father gave to Jesus Christ a revelation and the prophet John was inspired to write the Book of Revelation. John never saw the fulfillment of what he wrote because it was not about his time. The beginning of Revelation is mostly about the Church of God that would continue for nearly 2,000 years, leading into the very end-time. John gave testimony about seven Church eras that would exist through this time. One era would follow another until the last era, the Laodicea era. The Church is in that era now, and near the end of it. Laodicea is the last era of the Church before the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings to rule the earth in God’s government.  The Laodicean church, a representative church in its final state of apostasy, a church that was so corrupt that Jesus found himself standing at the door knocking.   There is a failure to give proper attention to these letters because they are the beginning of a prophecy of doom, but regardless man’s  form of government is about to be brought to a close. In the first chapter of Revelation, John describes these seven Church eras, in symbolism, as seven golden lamp stands. Certainly this symbolism is important to God because it is about His Church that has continued since the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D., with each era leading into the next, until the end. These seven letters trace the corruption of the church beginning with Revelation 2:4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  The solution to the problem was laid out in Revelation 2:5  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

This is Jesus speaking to the representative Church of today.  Read and re-read this passage.  If you need enlightenment ask God. This is Jesus final message to the Church.  He is not talking to his disciples, he is not talking to the Jews, he is talking to the Church.  Revelation 3:14-22  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would that you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white clothing, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will eat with him, and he with me. To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Even the Devil believed in God but the key to pleasing God is living according to Gods directives.  How do we do that?  First we must separate our thinking from those who are shaping, mis-locating the Word of God and using it for their own vain glory.  We must heed the teachings of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  We must search for a personal experience with God that will boost out faith.  Instead of asking God for earthly goods, try asking God for the fruit of the spirit.   Focus on the things that will withstand the fire of judgement, these are the things that will cause your spirit to soar.

Are We Prepaired To Meet God? (Part 5)

Earl Gillespie

Are We Preparing To Meet God

Or

Are we just enjoying the trip?

Can you visualize yourself on a trip across country?  You have been offered a job in a city and state that you have never visited.  You mode of transportation is traveling by car.  You are enjoying the trip so much that you forget about what await you at your destination.  You are taking your time, taking in the sights and for a moment you began to wish the trip would never end.  The new company that you will be working for has promised to reimburse you for your travel expense among other benefits.   You become at ease as you slowly make your way across the country to your new residence.  In your moment of having fun and enjoying the trip you overlooked the fact that there was a time limit and the offer would be rescinded.  The moral of this story is, we can become so caught up in our journey that we loose track of our destination.

If you have been following my blogs, you will notice something different in this six part segment. The difference is that sometimes I refer to the scriptures but I did not publish books, chapter and verse.   In my normal Bible study blogs I use books, chapter and verse extensively to make a point.   In this segment I am trying to have more of a conversation that might cause you to invoke and apply the rule of common sense.  Often we are not given the chance to think in the matters of scriptures, we are told that “God said it” and once that seal is placed on the spoken word there is nothing more that can be said.   That is, unless you have the gall to stand out like the little boy in the story of the emperor's new clothes, and questions the status quo.   I consider myself a deeply religious person and for that reason I question a lot of things that are being attributed to the word of God.   Like the little boy playing in the sandbox who speak with great authority, “my daddy can whip your daddy” , we speak of God in that trivial manner and expect him to act.

What is being prepared to meet God?   Is there something we ought to be doing?  It seems that Christianity is all about cashing in on the blessing or promises of God.  God is doing so much blessing today that Christians ought to be rich and sinners should be poor.  Christians should be driving the fanciest cars while those who do not believe in God drive old beat up pickup trucks.  What did Jesus really promise his followers? Did he promise to be our lawyer in a courtroom and deliver us?  If he did then why did he allow John the Baptist his forerunner, his friend to remain in jail and get his head chopped off.   Did Jesus promise his followers wealth and glory? Why did he allow Paul to live and die in chains?   The Bible speaks of numerous people who suffered and died in the service of  their Master.  Today the major function of God is to break the chains.  Has God always spoken, or should I say do God always speak?  The answer is no, the children of Israel become so mired in sin that God went into his place,  issued a degree of divorcement and was silent for four hundred years.  Then he sent his son

The Bible is not a book of loosely inserted proverbs, each one relating to a specific event in our life.  The Bible is the sacred story of God’s creation and his interaction with his creation down through the ages and dispensations.  The Bible details Gods love for his creation and his plan to establish his Kingdom here on earth.  The devil attempted to overthrow His creator, and he was cast out of Heaven upon the earth where he attempted to establish his kingdom.  God created man to subdue the earth.   In a man’s first encounter with the devil he ceded control of God creation over to the devil.   Now the devil  does not want man to believe that he is in charge of the earth, he wants mankind to blame God for all of the evil that exists in the world.  The Devil wants humanity to go through life laughing and dancing and talking about what God is doing all the while the earth moans and groan under his evil influence.   Air pollution, water pollution, sickness, disease and death because the man choose not to live according to God's laws.  We twist the word of God and mis-locate scriptures and promise that God is going to heal this land. The Devil knows as long as we believe this we will not be prepared to meet God, we will go through this life with "no oil in our vessels."  

Think of a man, tortured, stripped of everything that was earthly dear to him.  He was lied on and spit upon, they placed a crown of thorns upon his head, then he was nailed to a cross, a spear was thrust into his side whereas he bled out and died.  Can you feel or visualize the pain?  Can you understand the suffering?  Why would the Son of God allow himself to be subjected to this type of sadist torture?  Why? He did it to pay a debt.  A debt that required a blood sacrifice.  Whose debt?  It was the sin debt of man.  Why?  Why?  Adam turned over to the Devil what God had given him dominion over.  A debt was incurred and justice demanded that the debt be paid according to the laws of Justice.  Justice demanded that man should die, but Jesus said, "I will pay the price."   John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.  What part of everlasting life we don't believe?  Was it necessary for the son of God to suffer so much pain so that we could be prosperous?

In our walk with God  we need to be careful of how we treat the name of God.  God issued a warning to the children of Israel that has been handed down through the generations when he said, "thy shall not take the Lord thy God's name in vain."  Apply the rule of common sense what does it mean to take God name in vain.  When the young child screamed, 'my daddy can whip your daddy", was he taking his father's name in vain?  Even if it was true did he expect his father to perform according to his wishes?  Do we mean what we say and most of all do we believe what we say.  In our daily walk when we reference God are we doing it in such a manner that others will be impressed and see God in our expressions? Or, are we just spouting trivial words that are designed to impress and excite?  Often in situations and times of despair we are told not to worry because God is in control, or God knows what he is doing.  These statements are true but the use can be wrong, being in control does not mean God is driving the car.  A deeper understanding of God's Word might allow us to see that God's control will be truly expressed in the day of judgement, and until that day man and his co-partner, the Devil, the antichrist is out to destroy the effectiveness of the Word of God.  Being in control means God allows and in his appointed time he will preform a strange work, he will render judgement upon a sin cursed world.

There are many paths that are littered with crumbs and the end thereof is destruction.  A walk in faith is following in the footsteps of Jesus, and searching for the fruit of the spirit.  Nothing could be truer than the words of that old song that says, "What more could he do. He has laid the foundation, open up the way, what more could my Lord do."  

Part #6

Do We Really Believe in God?