From God’s point of view.
In a previous article called ‘Being conscious of our union with God’ we looked at various scriptures and word pictures regarding that union. Last night as I was lying in bed, just before I drifted off, the following words of Jesus came to mind: “Whatever you do to another person, even the lowest person, you did it to me and whatever you didn’t do for them, you didn’t do for me” Mat 25:40,45.
Can you see the extreme to which He identifies Himself with man? This unity is not some theoretical, symbolical and religious concept. From God’s point of view, He is intricately one with man. Whatever is done and said to you – He takes personally. How we treat others is how we treat Him!
Now if this causes guilt or feelings of obligation to treat others better, we have missed the point. It is how we see others that determines how we treat them. Seeing precedes doing. Our conduct is changed when our thinking is changed. Paul said it this way:
“Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused centre: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat.
He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.
Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore.
Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! “
2Co 5:14-17
Just as Christ’s death included all men and changed their state before God (2Cor5:19), so we too should see man in a new light; no longer judging people on any other standard but this truth. The truth that they were created by God, in His image and likeness, no matter to what extent they have perverted that image.
A coin that is lost still retains its value. A man that is lost still retains his value. Even if a person lives under the influence of the father of lies, in truth there is only one creator and one Father that gave birth to us all. (Mal 2:10) This is Paul’s appeal to the pagans in Athens (Acts 17). The fact that they are lost and worship many gods does not prevent him from saying that they are the offspring of the true God. Can you see that Paul’s view of humanity changed? He no longer had an insider vs. outsider mentality. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ. (Col 3:11)
With this new view of one another, our esteem and appreciation of one another will completely change. Every person is a unique expression of God Himself; therefore, I value that person in that light.
Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
In all people I acknowledge the image of God in which they have been created. In those who have responded to the call of God, I acknowledge a restoration of union with God.
In the same way that I become conscious of my union with God, I am now conscious of God’s union with others. I don’t see another believer as an individual in isolation. Our fellowship with one another now includes the appreciating of ‘Christ in you’.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
God, I’m amazing! The credit’s down to you
God, you’ve picked me over and you know me,
intricately;
You’ve sussed me out; you know me, intimately;
You forecast my every move; my body, brain, my big, big
mouth!
You know all my tendencies, my habits, my times:
Before I’ve even said it, you’ve worked out if it rhymes;
Your armed guard stands around me, above me, below
me;
You’ve put your arm around me: you know me;
My head doesn’t have the capacity –
It’s Overload City, this “YOU and me”!
But whoa! Hey, what if I fall, go AWOL, try to lose it
all?
What do I do to hide from you? How do I outrun
The one who’s faster than sunshine?
Shuttle me to Saturn? Fine! You’re waiting for me there!
Use the cover of dawn for camouflage? You’re there!
Get reborn, other side of the world, even off the map?
Your arm’s around me: you’ve found me, surround me.
Hit the lights! The darkness bites and I hide from you:
No difference – God’s vision don’t dim;
Your arm’s around me: you’ve found me, surround me,
For you made me: I ain’t no whim;
You double-stitched my DNA, hand picked my brain
The very next day,
Made some room in my mother’s womb, and hey! I’m
away!
God, I’m amazing! The credit’s down to you;
I’m incredible: nothing to edit or review!
Everything you do fills up our wonder-tanks,
And I know I’m wonder full. So thanks!
On the production line I’m not kept back from you;
In the secret places I develop as you view.
My design’s on the drawing board; you come and take a
Look,
And the work that I’m to do’s already written in your
book!
Your ideas, your plans – beyond priceless to me;
The scale’s huge, so awesome, like dew-drops in the
sea.
Try and list them – it’s easier to count the sand grains on
a beach;
I wake up and enormous God is there, within my reach!
Psalm 139 :1-18 by Rob Lacey (The Word on the Street)
http://ecclesia.blogspot.com
intricately;
You’ve sussed me out; you know me, intimately;
You forecast my every move; my body, brain, my big, big
mouth!
You know all my tendencies, my habits, my times:
Before I’ve even said it, you’ve worked out if it rhymes;
Your armed guard stands around me, above me, below
me;
You’ve put your arm around me: you know me;
My head doesn’t have the capacity –
It’s Overload City, this “YOU and me”!
But whoa! Hey, what if I fall, go AWOL, try to lose it
all?
What do I do to hide from you? How do I outrun
The one who’s faster than sunshine?
Shuttle me to Saturn? Fine! You’re waiting for me there!
Use the cover of dawn for camouflage? You’re there!
Get reborn, other side of the world, even off the map?
Your arm’s around me: you’ve found me, surround me.
Hit the lights! The darkness bites and I hide from you:
No difference – God’s vision don’t dim;
Your arm’s around me: you’ve found me, surround me,
For you made me: I ain’t no whim;
You double-stitched my DNA, hand picked my brain
The very next day,
Made some room in my mother’s womb, and hey! I’m
away!
God, I’m amazing! The credit’s down to you;
I’m incredible: nothing to edit or review!
Everything you do fills up our wonder-tanks,
And I know I’m wonder full. So thanks!
On the production line I’m not kept back from you;
In the secret places I develop as you view.
My design’s on the drawing board; you come and take a
Look,
And the work that I’m to do’s already written in your
book!
Your ideas, your plans – beyond priceless to me;
The scale’s huge, so awesome, like dew-drops in the
sea.
Try and list them – it’s easier to count the sand grains on
a beach;
I wake up and enormous God is there, within my reach!
Psalm 139 :1-18 by Rob Lacey (The Word on the Street)
http://ecclesia.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Beyond the predictable
Beyond the predictable
It should not surprise us, if God’s guidance does not follow conventional wisdom. In fact, don’t expect His guidance to conform to your own sense of logic. We can so easily put barriers around what we are familiar with and exclude anything beyond these barriers as unacceptable. We have an affinity to the safety we feel within these boundaries. The voice of God has, throughout human history, shattered the narrow, confined ways in which men expected Him to think and speak.
To truly hear what He is saying, we have to open ourselves up to ideas far beyond the reach of our natural intellect. Paul spoke about this in the following way:
1Co 2:8-13 The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross.
That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it-- What God has arranged for those who love him. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along.
Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God--except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us.
We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
The following is an account of the Lord’s leading, that we found rather surprising, to say the least.
In the beginning of 2005, I knew within my spirit that God was directing us into a fresh adventure. Although I was excited in my spirit, my mind was searching for what this meant. As I searched for answers and guidance, a multitude of questions formed.
Have you asked lately, whether all the activities you are busy with are part of what our heavenly Father wants for you? We so easily slip into routine and become comfortable with the predictable.
Change is not always easy; radical changes can be frightening. In an attempt to justify our then, present situation, I reasoned that it was the result of obeying God and so shouldn’t need to change. All this just lead to more questions. I knew, deep inside, that decisions had to be made, but I could not clearly see what they were. In desperation for clarity, I called out to the Lord to guide me into all truth and show me things to come, as He promised He would. (John 16:13)
He started giving me specific guidance. Some of it I know was for me alone. More importantly He gave me insight into knowing His guidance that I believe will be as relevant to you. The specifics were for me alone, but the heart of it is relevant to all and that is why I’m sharing it.
The first thing He said was: “Assume nothing”
I knew immediately what He meant. So often we assume that what we are doing is His will, because we do it with good intentions or for a good cause. The greatest enemy of reaching the best in life is the temptation to settle for what is good and acceptable.
Sometimes our present situation is the direct result of us obeying the direction God gave us earlier. But God moves on. And if we don’t, we get numb by falling into a routine lifestyle; we pacify our conscience with the memory that we once obeyed God. The intimacy He desires with us is a rich awareness of our union, not a vague memory.
ASSUME NOTHING. To me, it meant that nothing in my life was to be automatically validated as right. I had to ask some pertinent questions like:
· Am I in the right career? No matter what I’ve achieved or what the future prospects are, is this what my Father wants me to occupy my time with?
· Am I supposed to be in the church that I’m currently part of? Am I effectively reaching other people through my involvement, or has this become just another activity to pacify my conscience; to numb my spirit even further from hearing His call from within. Does the way in which I fellowship with believers, mobilise or neutralise my witness?
· Am I where I am supposed to be…
The list goes on. You need to ask your own relevant questions. ASSUME NOTHING. The Lord did not ask me to evaluate each activity and then make a verdict. No. The heart of His request was that I should not consider anything as unchangeable, and open myself to whatever He directed me into.
Why don’t you go ahead and do that right now; just say: “Father, I know that You have my best interests at heart. You love me with an awesome love and I love You in response. Now Father, however you lead me; whatever You request; I want to do it. I’m willing to change anything; start anything; stop anything. I am yours and You are mine – we are one”
His second instruction was, to stop focussing on what I did not know and start focussing on what I knew for certain. There are some basic, unchangeable truths concerning our purpose on earth, (the way in which we spend our time here) that are the same for all – without exception.
You will find these in Mt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-49
These are the truths He gave me as absolute certainties:
· We have been commissioned and authorized to…
· GO to all nations; into all the world and….
· make disciples, teaching them to observe all things that Jesus taught us..
Jesus promised to:
· be with us
· signs will follow us
· we will be supernaturally protected
· we will heal the sick and deliver the oppressed.
These are the most fundamental, basic instructions that Jesus left us with. They have never and will never change.
A few months ago I ministered at a YWAM school on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. After the week of teaching and demonstration, Mary-Anne (my beautiful wife) pointed out to me that every example I used to illustrate the supernatural working of God was in a situation where we were busy ‘going’. We have at times, as I am sure many have, become comfortable in just sitting in an organized church, smiling at all the other comfortable brothers and sisters. It subconsciously makes us comfortable to see other believers ignoring the great commission and being as ineffective as we are. Surely they can’t all be wrong! Subtly our reference for doing what is right is no longer what Jesus commanded, but what everyone else is comfortable doing! Although these settings are useful to a degree, to build relationships, the supernatural confirmations do not readily occur in such environments.
Now ‘go’ does not necessarily mean another country, although you should not close yourself to the idea. To ‘go’ can be as close as your next conversation.
The above insights lead to some radical changes in our lives. The questions I asked the Lord were not to clarify some intellectual issue; they were fundamental in how we were to live. Now, the Lord might lead you in a completely different way, but the following are the changes that resulted in our lives:
We decided that we would always be ‘going’ - for the love of God compels us. (2 Cor. 5:14) No matter what our occupation or work situation; the greatest reality in our lives is our union with Christ.(Col.3:3) This ‘going’ can happen in 3 different ways, namely:
We personally go to a place that God directs us to, to minister Christ to them. Secondly, we develop material that can be sent all over the world to minister Christ in places where we personally can’t even be. These articles are part of that material. Thirdly, we financially support those who are ‘going’ as well.
After this was settled in my heart something happened that I never dreamt possible! It was one of the hardest decisions in my life. I realized that my involvement in the church I was part of, was neutralising my witness, not mobilizing it. This was particularly hard as we were part of the team that originally started this church and helped build it. We were not particularly attached to the organization that was built, but more to the wonderful people we developed friendships with.
Please allow me the following analogy – it might sound rude at first but the principle is sound: Manure is a wonderful substance when it is used as fertilizer. It is spread all over the ground and brings much needed nutrition to the soil. However, when it is heaped up, it starts rotting and smells awful. As Christians we sometimes get too ‘heaped up’; losing the essence of our fellowship, and simply gathering together because that's the thing to do. I know it’s a nice, comfy and warm environment but we often don’t realise that, in our comfort, we are rotting. That is maybe why the vast majority of the world’s population don't go near the organized church; don’t attend the formal gatherings in holy buildings. For them, it has a very distinct, unappealing odour.
Now it’s interesting for me to note that the great commission was not: “All the world should go to church.” NO! Let us remind ourselves what He said: “…You GO into all the world. “ What part of ‘GO!’ do we not understand? Two thirds of ‘GOD’ is ‘GO’!
As I said before, to go might be as close as your next conversation. So, we decided to rather spend time developing material, or conversing with people who are not attending church, than routinely and thoughtlessly attending meetings. Oh, of course we still fellowship with believers – that’s part of real church – and a part we never want to miss, but our fellowship is spontaneous and real. As important, is the fact that we have the time and opportunity to mingle with those who don’t attend organized church.
2Co 5:14 Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused centre: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat.
2Co 5:15 He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.
2Co 5:16 Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore.
Our focussed centre is Christ, His work that included all. This leads us to more than an intellectual conclusion, it leads us to intimacy; a love between me and Christ that grows to the place where it compels me to include others in it as well.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Anything that inhibits the simple and natural expression of your union with Christ is not worth having! It is so easy to change our focus to other things, especially if they are religious or good things. The simple truth is this: Fellowshipping with God will excite you to the extent of wanting to include others in that same experience. It is an intimacy that does not need to be pumped up occasionally, but it is an experience that releases a fountain of life in you. Your desire for fellowship with other believers will then be motivated by the desire to share this abundance. Meetings will no longer be an artificial life-support-machine that keeps you barely alive. Our meetings can no longer be designed to manage, control or keep the participants dependant. No. Our dependency is on nothing and no-one else but ‘Christ in us’. He is our life source.
The truths that lead to these changes are these:
· Assume nothing
· Stop focussing on what you don’t know; focus on what you do know for certain.
· Get back to the simplicity of this Gospel and don’t get involved in anything that distracts you from that purity.
Paul, on more than one occasion thought it necessary to remind people not to lose their focus. Here are some examples:
Col 2:8-10 Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ.
Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realise the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him.
When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
Col 2:20-23 So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it?
"Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!"
Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention?
Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.
Let us put these illusions of being pious, these religious pretensions, these empty traditions and superstitions behind us. Let us allow Christ to become our centred focus and guard that focus with all your heart. Realize that He is the fullness of all you could ever desire.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
andre.rabe@gmail.com
It should not surprise us, if God’s guidance does not follow conventional wisdom. In fact, don’t expect His guidance to conform to your own sense of logic. We can so easily put barriers around what we are familiar with and exclude anything beyond these barriers as unacceptable. We have an affinity to the safety we feel within these boundaries. The voice of God has, throughout human history, shattered the narrow, confined ways in which men expected Him to think and speak.
To truly hear what He is saying, we have to open ourselves up to ideas far beyond the reach of our natural intellect. Paul spoke about this in the following way:
1Co 2:8-13 The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross.
That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it-- What God has arranged for those who love him. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along.
Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God--except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us.
We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
The following is an account of the Lord’s leading, that we found rather surprising, to say the least.
In the beginning of 2005, I knew within my spirit that God was directing us into a fresh adventure. Although I was excited in my spirit, my mind was searching for what this meant. As I searched for answers and guidance, a multitude of questions formed.
Have you asked lately, whether all the activities you are busy with are part of what our heavenly Father wants for you? We so easily slip into routine and become comfortable with the predictable.
Change is not always easy; radical changes can be frightening. In an attempt to justify our then, present situation, I reasoned that it was the result of obeying God and so shouldn’t need to change. All this just lead to more questions. I knew, deep inside, that decisions had to be made, but I could not clearly see what they were. In desperation for clarity, I called out to the Lord to guide me into all truth and show me things to come, as He promised He would. (John 16:13)
He started giving me specific guidance. Some of it I know was for me alone. More importantly He gave me insight into knowing His guidance that I believe will be as relevant to you. The specifics were for me alone, but the heart of it is relevant to all and that is why I’m sharing it.
The first thing He said was: “Assume nothing”
I knew immediately what He meant. So often we assume that what we are doing is His will, because we do it with good intentions or for a good cause. The greatest enemy of reaching the best in life is the temptation to settle for what is good and acceptable.
Sometimes our present situation is the direct result of us obeying the direction God gave us earlier. But God moves on. And if we don’t, we get numb by falling into a routine lifestyle; we pacify our conscience with the memory that we once obeyed God. The intimacy He desires with us is a rich awareness of our union, not a vague memory.
ASSUME NOTHING. To me, it meant that nothing in my life was to be automatically validated as right. I had to ask some pertinent questions like:
· Am I in the right career? No matter what I’ve achieved or what the future prospects are, is this what my Father wants me to occupy my time with?
· Am I supposed to be in the church that I’m currently part of? Am I effectively reaching other people through my involvement, or has this become just another activity to pacify my conscience; to numb my spirit even further from hearing His call from within. Does the way in which I fellowship with believers, mobilise or neutralise my witness?
· Am I where I am supposed to be…
The list goes on. You need to ask your own relevant questions. ASSUME NOTHING. The Lord did not ask me to evaluate each activity and then make a verdict. No. The heart of His request was that I should not consider anything as unchangeable, and open myself to whatever He directed me into.
Why don’t you go ahead and do that right now; just say: “Father, I know that You have my best interests at heart. You love me with an awesome love and I love You in response. Now Father, however you lead me; whatever You request; I want to do it. I’m willing to change anything; start anything; stop anything. I am yours and You are mine – we are one”
His second instruction was, to stop focussing on what I did not know and start focussing on what I knew for certain. There are some basic, unchangeable truths concerning our purpose on earth, (the way in which we spend our time here) that are the same for all – without exception.
You will find these in Mt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-49
These are the truths He gave me as absolute certainties:
· We have been commissioned and authorized to…
· GO to all nations; into all the world and….
· make disciples, teaching them to observe all things that Jesus taught us..
Jesus promised to:
· be with us
· signs will follow us
· we will be supernaturally protected
· we will heal the sick and deliver the oppressed.
These are the most fundamental, basic instructions that Jesus left us with. They have never and will never change.
A few months ago I ministered at a YWAM school on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. After the week of teaching and demonstration, Mary-Anne (my beautiful wife) pointed out to me that every example I used to illustrate the supernatural working of God was in a situation where we were busy ‘going’. We have at times, as I am sure many have, become comfortable in just sitting in an organized church, smiling at all the other comfortable brothers and sisters. It subconsciously makes us comfortable to see other believers ignoring the great commission and being as ineffective as we are. Surely they can’t all be wrong! Subtly our reference for doing what is right is no longer what Jesus commanded, but what everyone else is comfortable doing! Although these settings are useful to a degree, to build relationships, the supernatural confirmations do not readily occur in such environments.
Now ‘go’ does not necessarily mean another country, although you should not close yourself to the idea. To ‘go’ can be as close as your next conversation.
The above insights lead to some radical changes in our lives. The questions I asked the Lord were not to clarify some intellectual issue; they were fundamental in how we were to live. Now, the Lord might lead you in a completely different way, but the following are the changes that resulted in our lives:
We decided that we would always be ‘going’ - for the love of God compels us. (2 Cor. 5:14) No matter what our occupation or work situation; the greatest reality in our lives is our union with Christ.(Col.3:3) This ‘going’ can happen in 3 different ways, namely:
We personally go to a place that God directs us to, to minister Christ to them. Secondly, we develop material that can be sent all over the world to minister Christ in places where we personally can’t even be. These articles are part of that material. Thirdly, we financially support those who are ‘going’ as well.
After this was settled in my heart something happened that I never dreamt possible! It was one of the hardest decisions in my life. I realized that my involvement in the church I was part of, was neutralising my witness, not mobilizing it. This was particularly hard as we were part of the team that originally started this church and helped build it. We were not particularly attached to the organization that was built, but more to the wonderful people we developed friendships with.
Please allow me the following analogy – it might sound rude at first but the principle is sound: Manure is a wonderful substance when it is used as fertilizer. It is spread all over the ground and brings much needed nutrition to the soil. However, when it is heaped up, it starts rotting and smells awful. As Christians we sometimes get too ‘heaped up’; losing the essence of our fellowship, and simply gathering together because that's the thing to do. I know it’s a nice, comfy and warm environment but we often don’t realise that, in our comfort, we are rotting. That is maybe why the vast majority of the world’s population don't go near the organized church; don’t attend the formal gatherings in holy buildings. For them, it has a very distinct, unappealing odour.
Now it’s interesting for me to note that the great commission was not: “All the world should go to church.” NO! Let us remind ourselves what He said: “…You GO into all the world. “ What part of ‘GO!’ do we not understand? Two thirds of ‘GOD’ is ‘GO’!
As I said before, to go might be as close as your next conversation. So, we decided to rather spend time developing material, or conversing with people who are not attending church, than routinely and thoughtlessly attending meetings. Oh, of course we still fellowship with believers – that’s part of real church – and a part we never want to miss, but our fellowship is spontaneous and real. As important, is the fact that we have the time and opportunity to mingle with those who don’t attend organized church.
2Co 5:14 Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused centre: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat.
2Co 5:15 He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.
2Co 5:16 Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore.
Our focussed centre is Christ, His work that included all. This leads us to more than an intellectual conclusion, it leads us to intimacy; a love between me and Christ that grows to the place where it compels me to include others in it as well.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Anything that inhibits the simple and natural expression of your union with Christ is not worth having! It is so easy to change our focus to other things, especially if they are religious or good things. The simple truth is this: Fellowshipping with God will excite you to the extent of wanting to include others in that same experience. It is an intimacy that does not need to be pumped up occasionally, but it is an experience that releases a fountain of life in you. Your desire for fellowship with other believers will then be motivated by the desire to share this abundance. Meetings will no longer be an artificial life-support-machine that keeps you barely alive. Our meetings can no longer be designed to manage, control or keep the participants dependant. No. Our dependency is on nothing and no-one else but ‘Christ in us’. He is our life source.
The truths that lead to these changes are these:
· Assume nothing
· Stop focussing on what you don’t know; focus on what you do know for certain.
· Get back to the simplicity of this Gospel and don’t get involved in anything that distracts you from that purity.
Paul, on more than one occasion thought it necessary to remind people not to lose their focus. Here are some examples:
Col 2:8-10 Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ.
Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realise the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him.
When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
Col 2:20-23 So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it?
"Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!"
Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention?
Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.
Let us put these illusions of being pious, these religious pretensions, these empty traditions and superstitions behind us. Let us allow Christ to become our centred focus and guard that focus with all your heart. Realize that He is the fullness of all you could ever desire.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Monday, June 27, 2005
Unconventional wisdom
God didn't send me out to collect a following for myself, but to preach the Message of what he has done, collecting a following for Him. And he didn't send me to do it with a lot of fancy rhetoric of my own, lest the powerful action at the center--Christ on the Cross--be trivialized into mere words.
It's written, I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head, I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots. So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God….While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom….Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one…. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."
God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest--what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God--except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us.
We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit--God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics.
Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit.
This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.
I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery.
All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery! My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you're already in--insiders--not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin.
So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.
Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.
So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it?
"Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!"
Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ--that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life--even though invisible to spectators--is with Christ in God. He is your life.
(1Cor 1:17,19,20,21,24,25 2:7,10-16, Col 1:26-28, 2:2-11, 16-23, 3:1-3) MSG
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
It's written, I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head, I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots. So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God….While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom….Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one…. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."
God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest--what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God--except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us.
We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit--God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics.
Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit.
This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.
I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery.
All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery! My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you're already in--insiders--not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin.
So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.
Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.
So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it?
"Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!"
Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ--that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life--even though invisible to spectators--is with Christ in God. He is your life.
(1Cor 1:17,19,20,21,24,25 2:7,10-16, Col 1:26-28, 2:2-11, 16-23, 3:1-3) MSG
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
Being conscious of our union with God
Being conscious of our union with God; how does one communicate such an awareness? It is an experience that I am so keen to share with others. But is it possible to reproduce this awareness through the use of words? Which words… what expressions do you draw on to contain such an experience?
In an attempt to accurately communicate this truth, in such a way that the actual experience will be reproduced in the hearer, I have one great advantage. And that is that I do not have to rely on words alone; I have more than words! I am not attempting to communicate something totally foreign or impart something totally unknown in the hearer. I am simply awakening a deep seated yearning, already present within every person. Therefore, my words do not have to contain the experience (and thankfully so, because I have not found words great or numerous enough that could). My words are simply catalysts that stir into action, that which is already present in every man. Jesus referred to words as seeds. Can you imagine a massive oak tree in a seed? The seed is out of all proportion to its eventual form. A seed and a tree almost seem to have no similarity at all. So don’t underestimate the power of words, just like you should not underestimate the power of a seed. Words are able to ignite in us something much greater than the mere meaning of the words.
The irresistible appeal of truth.
Paul speaks of our appeal to every man’s conscience (2Cor.4:2) There is a consciousness in every man of our original union with God. No matter how far a person might stray; how twisted a man becomes, there remains an undeniable awareness that He created us; that we originated in Him. Mal 2:10 Don't we all come from one Father? Aren't we all created by the same God? Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine. Psa 22:27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
Act 17:27,28 .. indeed He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also certain of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.
Do you realize that Paul said this to unbelieving pagans! He told them, even before they made any commitment, that they are the offspring of God and that God is not far from each one of them!
Can you sense what a bold and irresistible appeal we have. Man was made to respond to the call of God; the call that He now echoes through those who have already responded to it. The seed of God, although dormant, is present within each man. Our words create the environment for that seed to germinate in. When Jesus came into the world, John says He came to His own. Even though they did not recognise Him, they were still His own. (John 1:11)
‘Dormant’ can be defined as an inactive or resting condition in which some processes are slowed down or suspended, but it is expected that this condition will change! Can you sense the expectation of God? Can you see why we can be very confident in our appeal?
Authentic, raw Christianity
The purpose of this writing is to create an environment in which we will become aware of our union with God. The truth is designed to stir that primal memory in man, the memory that we came from the inside of God Himself and were created for fellowship with Him. The examples I will draw from, are the lives of the first believers; some of those 120 who were gathered on the day of Pentecost. The time period is the immediate few years that followed the resurrection.
What is it that made their witness so effective, that they were accused of turning the world upside down?
The good news is about a reality in us
Let’s imagine some aspects of their experience of Christianity in comparison to ours. At this stage (the years following the resurrection) they have no Bibles! In fact it would be decades before any of them bothered putting anything on paper! They also don’t have much access to the Old Testament scrolls, and even if they did, more than 90% of them are illiterate. But none of these facts are hindrances to enjoying the reality of fellowship with the God, who came and made His home in them. In the light of this union, the paperwork seems utterly irrelevant. Don’t get edgy! Don’t try and read into this, all types of things I am not saying. We still love the scriptures, for they articulate and reveal the reality of what happened in us. But the substance is IN US! The scriptures are simply a reference to the reality of Christ in us. This awareness was the single most defining quality of their Christianity, and should be of ours also. The place in which we meet with God is now IN US. We have so often tried to change this venue.
John 5:39,40 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want."
Spontaneous fellowship without limitations
What else would they experience differently; what else can we learn from them? Well, there are no institutions or organizations that represent the church. In fact, to think of church as an organization would be as foreign and far from their thinking as it possibly could be. In fact they are probably unaware that it even matters, how they meet together. The focus now is much more on ‘WHY’ we meet, than on ‘how’ we meet. Much later, there would be some practical advice written in letters, but once again, it did not seem to be important enough to document for decades. And once it does get mentioned in letters, it is by no means a definitive guide or a complete list of instructions. It simply touches on a few key areas. WHY? Because that is not the issue! If the Almighty Creator of the universe came to indwell you; become one with you, it kind of makes everything else fade into insignificance.
If, determining how to organise meetings, was an activity too insignificant for them to spend much time on, then developing a hierarchy of religious leaders would have been blasphemy! I mean, that is part of the good news; the fact that Jesus did away with the religious hierarchies. Those hierarchies were apparently such an issue to God that the Father Himself got involved and tore the curtain that stood between the people and the most Holy place (the place in the temple where He met with man). This, He did to extend a wholesale invitation to all men to approach Him without fear and without mediators. There is only one mediator and that is Christ Himself. (1 Titus 1:5)
So what do we see up to this point? We see people overwhelmed by the reality of God’s love; the awareness of their union with Him. We see lives that have been transformed, not by a new religious order, or a modified religious hierarchy, but by a message that awakened and reminded them of their origin. A message that was more than a promise, but a revelation of Christ in you – the reality of all you could ever hope for! (Col 1:27)
Surprised by His lavish goodness
Once these truths were received by people, it found expression in a great variety of ways. Interestingly, there are no attempts to limit these varied expressions; no desire to formalise any meeting or stifle the spontaneity. Friends met spontaneously; people witnessed without a program guiding them into how, when and where to do it. There were no formalised steps to salvation or ritualistic prayers. The apostles themselves were surprised at times, at God’s eagerness to just lavish His goodness on anyone. His apparent lack of discrimination caused a bit of concern among some disciples.
Act 10:34, 44 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality…While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.
Peter did not even finish his speech; he had no opportunity to give an invitation. God sees faith, not raised hands.
One with God
Decades later when some start documenting these events, there is an ever present theme throughout these writings; an awareness of this awesome truth that God has made His abode in us. It’s an awareness of union with Him that is so rich and strong that it frightens many who read it. There is nothing in their writing that tries to explain away this union or justify distance. Those who are frightened by these truths have spent much energy and theological thought on trying to describe the separation that remains between us and God; trying to find methods of differentiating between us and God. Any explanation that brings an awareness of distance does not share in the same spirit which we find in the N.T. The New Testament writings overflow with a rich awareness that God has restored the union He always desired. Here are a few of those phrases:
Joh 17:11,22,23 … that they may be one, even as we are one… The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Gal 2:20 I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Col 3:2 Keep your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
1Jo 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ
Col 2:9, 10 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him
2Pe 1:4 through which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature
These pages overflow with a consciousness of our union with God; an awareness of such intimacy that we are no longer able to differentiate between His spirit and our spirit. They make no attempt to explain their statements, in a way that would allow any knowledge of distance. The fellowship they speak of is not some inferior acquaintance of a transcendent God that lowers Himself to our level; rather, it is the glorious reality of God raising us to His level and transforming us into His image to enjoy a union of equal quality.
I can no longer think of myself in isolation; I am no longer an individual; I am a union. I have lost myself in this love affair. In beholding Him I have found my true self; my one-with-God-self.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
andre.rabe@gmail.com
In an attempt to accurately communicate this truth, in such a way that the actual experience will be reproduced in the hearer, I have one great advantage. And that is that I do not have to rely on words alone; I have more than words! I am not attempting to communicate something totally foreign or impart something totally unknown in the hearer. I am simply awakening a deep seated yearning, already present within every person. Therefore, my words do not have to contain the experience (and thankfully so, because I have not found words great or numerous enough that could). My words are simply catalysts that stir into action, that which is already present in every man. Jesus referred to words as seeds. Can you imagine a massive oak tree in a seed? The seed is out of all proportion to its eventual form. A seed and a tree almost seem to have no similarity at all. So don’t underestimate the power of words, just like you should not underestimate the power of a seed. Words are able to ignite in us something much greater than the mere meaning of the words.
The irresistible appeal of truth.
Paul speaks of our appeal to every man’s conscience (2Cor.4:2) There is a consciousness in every man of our original union with God. No matter how far a person might stray; how twisted a man becomes, there remains an undeniable awareness that He created us; that we originated in Him. Mal 2:10 Don't we all come from one Father? Aren't we all created by the same God? Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine. Psa 22:27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
Act 17:27,28 .. indeed He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also certain of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.
Do you realize that Paul said this to unbelieving pagans! He told them, even before they made any commitment, that they are the offspring of God and that God is not far from each one of them!
Can you sense what a bold and irresistible appeal we have. Man was made to respond to the call of God; the call that He now echoes through those who have already responded to it. The seed of God, although dormant, is present within each man. Our words create the environment for that seed to germinate in. When Jesus came into the world, John says He came to His own. Even though they did not recognise Him, they were still His own. (John 1:11)
‘Dormant’ can be defined as an inactive or resting condition in which some processes are slowed down or suspended, but it is expected that this condition will change! Can you sense the expectation of God? Can you see why we can be very confident in our appeal?
Authentic, raw Christianity
The purpose of this writing is to create an environment in which we will become aware of our union with God. The truth is designed to stir that primal memory in man, the memory that we came from the inside of God Himself and were created for fellowship with Him. The examples I will draw from, are the lives of the first believers; some of those 120 who were gathered on the day of Pentecost. The time period is the immediate few years that followed the resurrection.
What is it that made their witness so effective, that they were accused of turning the world upside down?
The good news is about a reality in us
Let’s imagine some aspects of their experience of Christianity in comparison to ours. At this stage (the years following the resurrection) they have no Bibles! In fact it would be decades before any of them bothered putting anything on paper! They also don’t have much access to the Old Testament scrolls, and even if they did, more than 90% of them are illiterate. But none of these facts are hindrances to enjoying the reality of fellowship with the God, who came and made His home in them. In the light of this union, the paperwork seems utterly irrelevant. Don’t get edgy! Don’t try and read into this, all types of things I am not saying. We still love the scriptures, for they articulate and reveal the reality of what happened in us. But the substance is IN US! The scriptures are simply a reference to the reality of Christ in us. This awareness was the single most defining quality of their Christianity, and should be of ours also. The place in which we meet with God is now IN US. We have so often tried to change this venue.
John 5:39,40 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want."
Spontaneous fellowship without limitations
What else would they experience differently; what else can we learn from them? Well, there are no institutions or organizations that represent the church. In fact, to think of church as an organization would be as foreign and far from their thinking as it possibly could be. In fact they are probably unaware that it even matters, how they meet together. The focus now is much more on ‘WHY’ we meet, than on ‘how’ we meet. Much later, there would be some practical advice written in letters, but once again, it did not seem to be important enough to document for decades. And once it does get mentioned in letters, it is by no means a definitive guide or a complete list of instructions. It simply touches on a few key areas. WHY? Because that is not the issue! If the Almighty Creator of the universe came to indwell you; become one with you, it kind of makes everything else fade into insignificance.
If, determining how to organise meetings, was an activity too insignificant for them to spend much time on, then developing a hierarchy of religious leaders would have been blasphemy! I mean, that is part of the good news; the fact that Jesus did away with the religious hierarchies. Those hierarchies were apparently such an issue to God that the Father Himself got involved and tore the curtain that stood between the people and the most Holy place (the place in the temple where He met with man). This, He did to extend a wholesale invitation to all men to approach Him without fear and without mediators. There is only one mediator and that is Christ Himself. (1 Titus 1:5)
So what do we see up to this point? We see people overwhelmed by the reality of God’s love; the awareness of their union with Him. We see lives that have been transformed, not by a new religious order, or a modified religious hierarchy, but by a message that awakened and reminded them of their origin. A message that was more than a promise, but a revelation of Christ in you – the reality of all you could ever hope for! (Col 1:27)
Surprised by His lavish goodness
Once these truths were received by people, it found expression in a great variety of ways. Interestingly, there are no attempts to limit these varied expressions; no desire to formalise any meeting or stifle the spontaneity. Friends met spontaneously; people witnessed without a program guiding them into how, when and where to do it. There were no formalised steps to salvation or ritualistic prayers. The apostles themselves were surprised at times, at God’s eagerness to just lavish His goodness on anyone. His apparent lack of discrimination caused a bit of concern among some disciples.
Act 10:34, 44 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality…While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.
Peter did not even finish his speech; he had no opportunity to give an invitation. God sees faith, not raised hands.
One with God
Decades later when some start documenting these events, there is an ever present theme throughout these writings; an awareness of this awesome truth that God has made His abode in us. It’s an awareness of union with Him that is so rich and strong that it frightens many who read it. There is nothing in their writing that tries to explain away this union or justify distance. Those who are frightened by these truths have spent much energy and theological thought on trying to describe the separation that remains between us and God; trying to find methods of differentiating between us and God. Any explanation that brings an awareness of distance does not share in the same spirit which we find in the N.T. The New Testament writings overflow with a rich awareness that God has restored the union He always desired. Here are a few of those phrases:
Joh 17:11,22,23 … that they may be one, even as we are one… The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Gal 2:20 I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Col 3:2 Keep your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
1Jo 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ
Col 2:9, 10 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him
2Pe 1:4 through which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature
These pages overflow with a consciousness of our union with God; an awareness of such intimacy that we are no longer able to differentiate between His spirit and our spirit. They make no attempt to explain their statements, in a way that would allow any knowledge of distance. The fellowship they speak of is not some inferior acquaintance of a transcendent God that lowers Himself to our level; rather, it is the glorious reality of God raising us to His level and transforming us into His image to enjoy a union of equal quality.
I can no longer think of myself in isolation; I am no longer an individual; I am a union. I have lost myself in this love affair. In beholding Him I have found my true self; my one-with-God-self.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Friday, June 24, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Spirit Identity (By Francois Du Toit)
Spirit Identity (By Francois Du Toit)
It is the greatest joy to know one another in the light of His eternal love dream and to find our fellowship there!
To remain convinced about that which persuades God’s heart is truly the Rest He desires for each one of us to live and walk in; a place of God’s unhindered enjoyment of us and our unhindered enjoyment of Him, and of one another!
We can afford ourselves the luxury to consider His opinion of us exclusively!
Our business is to make His thoughts our meditation and the theme of our conversation. ‘The communication of our faith now promotes the knowledge of every good thing that resides within us because of our union with Him.’ Philemon verse 6.
It is such a glorious thing to discover that the context of scripture is not its historic or even traditional setting, but a reality of far greater relevance, our sonship! Heb. 1:1,2.
All of scripture finds its relevance only in the revelation of Christ as our true identity! ‘You search and ponder the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me.’ John 5:39. Scripture points to Christ and Christ reveals us! 2 Cor. 3:18. The only faith that is worth pursuing is the faith of God; what God believes concerning us concerns us, and deserves our undivided attention. God’s faith is on display in the Person, the life, death and resurrection of Christ. God believes in our inclusion in Him! ‘Faith comes by hearing; the kind of hearing that imparts the revelation of Christ.’ Rom 10:17. (RSV and oldest manuscripts)
‘If you continue in my word, (The word that was from the beginning, the word that is God, the word that became flesh and dwells in us) you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Whom the son sets free is free indeed!’ John 8:31,36
To give prominence to any scripture outside of its true context, the revelation of Christ in you, is to indulge in error! ‘See to it that no one makes prey of you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to worldly principles and not according to Christ, for in Him there is all of God in a human body. He alone defines our completeness!!’ Col 2:8-10. See also v 16-23, all the types and shadows of the Old covenant are now superseded by the greater reality, the new creation in Christ! ‘We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus. He created in Himself one new man!’ Eph 2:10,15. See also 2 Cor 5:14,16,17.
The theme of scripture is all about the Maker of mankind revealed as their eternal Father who rescued His likeness and image in man through the obedience of one Man! Of far greater consequence to Adam’s transgression, is the triumph of Christ’s death and resurrection realised in us!
The greatest thrill is to imagine what God is now able to communicate through a life truly enlightened by His indwelling, the treasure of God in an earthen vessel.
Truth deserves a display in your life, equal to its prominence in the life of Christ!
‘We give to you what we have! In the Name of Jesus, stand up and walk!’ Acts 3:6. His Name is not a magic word. (Acts 19:13) His Name reveals our true identity!
‘I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.’ Eph. 3:15. Peter walked so saturated in the knowledge of his true identity, (rock hewn out of the Rock, Math 16:18, Is 51:1) that even his shadow would transmit the presence and power of God! Acts 5:15.
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
It is the greatest joy to know one another in the light of His eternal love dream and to find our fellowship there!
To remain convinced about that which persuades God’s heart is truly the Rest He desires for each one of us to live and walk in; a place of God’s unhindered enjoyment of us and our unhindered enjoyment of Him, and of one another!
We can afford ourselves the luxury to consider His opinion of us exclusively!
Our business is to make His thoughts our meditation and the theme of our conversation. ‘The communication of our faith now promotes the knowledge of every good thing that resides within us because of our union with Him.’ Philemon verse 6.
It is such a glorious thing to discover that the context of scripture is not its historic or even traditional setting, but a reality of far greater relevance, our sonship! Heb. 1:1,2.
All of scripture finds its relevance only in the revelation of Christ as our true identity! ‘You search and ponder the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me.’ John 5:39. Scripture points to Christ and Christ reveals us! 2 Cor. 3:18. The only faith that is worth pursuing is the faith of God; what God believes concerning us concerns us, and deserves our undivided attention. God’s faith is on display in the Person, the life, death and resurrection of Christ. God believes in our inclusion in Him! ‘Faith comes by hearing; the kind of hearing that imparts the revelation of Christ.’ Rom 10:17. (RSV and oldest manuscripts)
‘If you continue in my word, (The word that was from the beginning, the word that is God, the word that became flesh and dwells in us) you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Whom the son sets free is free indeed!’ John 8:31,36
To give prominence to any scripture outside of its true context, the revelation of Christ in you, is to indulge in error! ‘See to it that no one makes prey of you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to worldly principles and not according to Christ, for in Him there is all of God in a human body. He alone defines our completeness!!’ Col 2:8-10. See also v 16-23, all the types and shadows of the Old covenant are now superseded by the greater reality, the new creation in Christ! ‘We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus. He created in Himself one new man!’ Eph 2:10,15. See also 2 Cor 5:14,16,17.
The theme of scripture is all about the Maker of mankind revealed as their eternal Father who rescued His likeness and image in man through the obedience of one Man! Of far greater consequence to Adam’s transgression, is the triumph of Christ’s death and resurrection realised in us!
The greatest thrill is to imagine what God is now able to communicate through a life truly enlightened by His indwelling, the treasure of God in an earthen vessel.
Truth deserves a display in your life, equal to its prominence in the life of Christ!
‘We give to you what we have! In the Name of Jesus, stand up and walk!’ Acts 3:6. His Name is not a magic word. (Acts 19:13) His Name reveals our true identity!
‘I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.’ Eph. 3:15. Peter walked so saturated in the knowledge of his true identity, (rock hewn out of the Rock, Math 16:18, Is 51:1) that even his shadow would transmit the presence and power of God! Acts 5:15.
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
God’s opinion of you – Glory!
This may seem an odd place to start our study of God’s opinion of us, but even so, the study of the word ‘glory’ is essential to scripturally understand this truth. We have used this word in so many different ways, and indeed, the bible itself uses it with variations in its meaning. The core meaning, however, can be traced throughout.
Lets first look at the Hebrew word for glory (kaw-bode', kaw-bode') It comes from the word that simply means weight. What on earth has weight got to do with glory!
Let’s find out:
The root word weight is neutral, but then develops into two distinct directions; the one very negative and the other very positive.
On the negative side we find: burdensome, grievous, affliction.
On the positive side: honour, praise, glory.
Enough of the technical analysis; what does it mean in plain English?
Well, if I say something bad about you, something so weighty that it hurts you inside, then I’ve grieved you. Grief is the intense (weighty) sorrow caused by the loss of a loved one. On the positive side: When I say something so good about you, something that carries such weight and substance that it lifts your spirit, then I’ve honoured you. It is an honour that connects the giver and receiver in an intimate way.
Let’s look at how this glory or honour is exchanged between God and us. In the Old Testament, the glory was often manifested as a cloud. (Ex 16:10) The glory of God is His very essence, it is His absolute goodness. It’s a goodness that is so good that ‘badness’ cannot exist in its presence. This is why God hid Himself in a cloud in the O.T. – to protect the people He loved. But to say that His glory is His goodness is far too vague; let’s drill down a bit deeper.
What makes God so good? The first record we have of man experiencing the goodness of God is in Gen. 1:28 (See ‘The ultimate experience’)
“Gen 1:28 And God blessed them.. The word blessed (baw-rak) is defined as an act of adoration such as kneeling.
Man’s first experience was the overwhelming display of God’s favour and adoration! The desire within man to worship God was birthed by this experience of God’s adoration – the only appropriate response is to reflect back the adoration He gives.”
God is love and His love for us is so weighty; carries such substance that it is the greatest honour we could ever receive.
‘This sounds like God is honouring us! Should we not be honouring Him?’ are the questions many may ask.
1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
· Our love is our response to the love He gives us.
· Our honouring Him is our response to the honour He gives us!
· Our praising Him is our response to the praise He gives us!
The only appropriate praise, honour and love we can give Him, is reflecting the praise, honour and love He gives us!
Now lets look at the New Testament word for glory namely doxa:
Thayer Definition:
1) opinion, judgment, view
2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
2a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
Let us re-read a few scriptures with this in mind:
Joh 17:22 And the glory(the good opinion, praise and honour) which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one;
2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory (the good opinion, praise and honour) of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from (a lower degree of ) glory to (to a higher degree of) glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.
2Co 4:6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory (the good opinion, praise and honour) of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The good news is that God favours you! He has done everything necessary in Christ to have a good opinion of you; to demonstrate His love towards you without hindrance. Glory! God no longer tries to hide this glory from us; on the contrary, He wants as to look straight into it. His opinion of you is the weightiest issue of life. No matter what you thought or think of yourself, His opinion is more valid; carries more weight and His opinion of you is good!
There might be many issues in your life that contradicts this good opinion; you might experience many things that tries to disqualify you, and emphasise your need for change, but beholding His opinion(glory) has the power to transform you and your experiences.
As you continue to look into His face; beholding His glory; you will soon start reflecting that same favour back to Him…and to others.
Gods opinion of you.mp3 - Right click and 'Save link as'
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Lets first look at the Hebrew word for glory (kaw-bode', kaw-bode') It comes from the word that simply means weight. What on earth has weight got to do with glory!
Let’s find out:
The root word weight is neutral, but then develops into two distinct directions; the one very negative and the other very positive.
On the negative side we find: burdensome, grievous, affliction.
On the positive side: honour, praise, glory.
Enough of the technical analysis; what does it mean in plain English?
Well, if I say something bad about you, something so weighty that it hurts you inside, then I’ve grieved you. Grief is the intense (weighty) sorrow caused by the loss of a loved one. On the positive side: When I say something so good about you, something that carries such weight and substance that it lifts your spirit, then I’ve honoured you. It is an honour that connects the giver and receiver in an intimate way.
Let’s look at how this glory or honour is exchanged between God and us. In the Old Testament, the glory was often manifested as a cloud. (Ex 16:10) The glory of God is His very essence, it is His absolute goodness. It’s a goodness that is so good that ‘badness’ cannot exist in its presence. This is why God hid Himself in a cloud in the O.T. – to protect the people He loved. But to say that His glory is His goodness is far too vague; let’s drill down a bit deeper.
What makes God so good? The first record we have of man experiencing the goodness of God is in Gen. 1:28 (See ‘The ultimate experience’)
“Gen 1:28 And God blessed them.. The word blessed (baw-rak) is defined as an act of adoration such as kneeling.
Man’s first experience was the overwhelming display of God’s favour and adoration! The desire within man to worship God was birthed by this experience of God’s adoration – the only appropriate response is to reflect back the adoration He gives.”
God is love and His love for us is so weighty; carries such substance that it is the greatest honour we could ever receive.
‘This sounds like God is honouring us! Should we not be honouring Him?’ are the questions many may ask.
1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
· Our love is our response to the love He gives us.
· Our honouring Him is our response to the honour He gives us!
· Our praising Him is our response to the praise He gives us!
The only appropriate praise, honour and love we can give Him, is reflecting the praise, honour and love He gives us!
Now lets look at the New Testament word for glory namely doxa:
Thayer Definition:
1) opinion, judgment, view
2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
2a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
Let us re-read a few scriptures with this in mind:
Joh 17:22 And the glory(the good opinion, praise and honour) which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one;
2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory (the good opinion, praise and honour) of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from (a lower degree of ) glory to (to a higher degree of) glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.
2Co 4:6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory (the good opinion, praise and honour) of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The good news is that God favours you! He has done everything necessary in Christ to have a good opinion of you; to demonstrate His love towards you without hindrance. Glory! God no longer tries to hide this glory from us; on the contrary, He wants as to look straight into it. His opinion of you is the weightiest issue of life. No matter what you thought or think of yourself, His opinion is more valid; carries more weight and His opinion of you is good!
There might be many issues in your life that contradicts this good opinion; you might experience many things that tries to disqualify you, and emphasise your need for change, but beholding His opinion(glory) has the power to transform you and your experiences.
As you continue to look into His face; beholding His glory; you will soon start reflecting that same favour back to Him…and to others.
Gods opinion of you.mp3 - Right click and 'Save link as'
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com/
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Monday, June 20, 2005
112 Million Christians Unchurched
(I found the statistics in the following article very interesting - enjoy http://eclesia.blogspot.com)
112 Million Christians Unchurched
USA: 12 million with a personal relationship with Jesus, but no church "Many American preachers and TV evangelists speak of a revival apparently sweeping the nation," report Fred Jackson and Allie Martin of Agape Press. But is the 'revival' happening in an unexpected manner? Perhaps even outside the Church?
A recent study by George Barna shows that traditionally church-bound Christianity, almost inconceivably, seems to hinder rather than encourage revival. The Barna Research Group's study discovered that the number of adults in the USA no longer attending church has almost doubled since 1991, from 39 million to 75 million. The adult population grew 15% over the same period.
"It is mainly the men," says Barna, "who make up 55% of those who have left churches. Around half of churchgoers in the USA claim to have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour," as do 12.5 million, or around 16%, of those who no longer attend church.
"Out-of-church Christians"
The USA is apparently not the exception to the rule. David Barrett, author of the World Christian Encyclopedia, estimates that there are already 112 million 'out-of-church Christians' around the world - 5% of all who call themselves 'Christians'. He expects this number to double by 2025.
"Why are tens of thousands of committed Christians leaving the Church? Is it a 'movement'? What is causing this global phenomenon?" asks New Zealand author Andrew Strom, who mentioned the problem during a radio show in March 2003, and wrote a short message about it in an e-mail discussion list. He was not prepared for the response: "I was overwhelmed by e-mails from committed Christians who love Jesus and have left their churches - all over the world!" His book on the subject, so far only available on his web page (see below) has become very popular among Christians who initially believed that their desire to serve Jesus outside established churches was strange, and that they were alone in their situation.
"It's the leaders who leave"
New Zealand pastor Alan Jamieson, author of the book "A Churchless Faith", has been studying this phenomenon for years. To his surprise, it is not the 'normal churchgoers' who are leaving the church for reasons of faith: 94% of the Christians he has interviewed who are currently without a church were in positions of leadership or responsibility, such as Deacons, Elders, Sunday School teachers - and 40% of them were once in full-time ministry. Many of them said that they left the church not because they had lost their faith, but exactly because they did not want to lose it. For many people who cannot conceive of anything other than the traditional church-oriented Christianity, the movement is unsettling or even frightening. It may well be one of the most exciting developments in recent years. It will certainly have lasting consequences for the Church, because if the leaders are leaving today, what will the 'followers' do tomorrow?
Source: Barna Research Group (www.barna.org) and Andrew Strom's book (http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~revival/00-Out-Of-Church.html)
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Are you qualified to share Christ?
Are you qualified to share Christ?
I remember the excitement of the first time that I discovered that Christ was in me; the absolute fulfilment of knowing that there was no distance between us. That day God became to me, more that a philosophical concept; more than a religious being that I tried to get closer to, but He became to me the very essence of who I am; the God who chose me as His dwelling. God whispered to me “..it is no longer you who live, but it is I, Christ, living in you; and the life that you now live in the flesh, you live by my faith..” Gal 2:20. I remember running to a mirror and leaning closer, looking deeply into my own eyes and saying “I can see You, Jesus…You are right there… in me.”
That awareness of Christ’s indwelling generated an inexhaustible energy within me to share Him with others also. I began sharing Christ with whomever and whatever stood still long enough to hear me. Naturally my classmates at school were the first to hear and see. From there it grew to neighbours and strangers. The witness I bore then and bear now is without any religious obligation; it is the fellowship that I enjoy with the Father that compels me to communicate. 1 John 1:3. I had absolutely no desire to simply change people’s opinions to agree with me, neither did I have any motivation to have them join my religious organization. NO! It was the reality of Christ in me that drove me to make others aware of the wealth that was within their reach also.
Many experiences can lose their thrill after a while, but the awareness of God’s indwelling only grows in its appeal and intensity.
What qualifies you to share Christ?
Speaking from the reality of an awareness of your union with Christ; the reality of a living relationship with Him, is irresistible and it is all the qualification you will ever need. Many of the disciples Jesus chose were illiterate! And the few who learned to write, did not bother putting anything on record until decades after His death and resurrection. The simple reason for this is that Christ in them was a reality of much greater importance to them than systematic theology.
Act 4:13 Now, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and found out that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and realized that they had been with Jesus.
Your qualification to share Christ has nothing to do with your education or social status – it has everything to do with your contact with Jesus.
Paul, the one apostle that could boast of his education and human qualifications had this to say about it:
Phi 3:7 The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash--along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ.
Phi 3:8 Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ
I can’t really improve on that – read it again. If you have studied much and know the scriptures better than most you should maybe read it one more time.
Our confident appeal.
You see, if our appeal was to the intellect of man, then by all means get as much education and degrees as possible. And don’t stop with theology - psychology and philosophy could be very handy as well.
Or maybe our appeal should be to man’s natural desires. Then by all means you should make your Sunday services as entertaining as possible; make your message as un-offensive as possible and hope that your good looks and professional appearance draw some people into attending another meeting.
But if we desire to communicate the gospel of Christ, our communication needs to extend far beyond these superficial, shallow levels and stir up the spirit of man.
2Co 3:5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God;
2Co 3:6 who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.
Our aim is the spirit, not the head. The only person able to teach us this skill of hitting the target of the heart is God Himself.
2Co 4:2 but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Nothing has greater authority and ability to awaken the conscience of man, than another man walking in the truth; enjoying the reality of fellowship with God.
No institution can teach you that. No one else can be intimate with God on your behalf – there is only one person capable of bringing you into the awareness of your union with Christ – and that’s you, simply yielding to Christ in you and believing what He says concerning you and Him.
2Co 4:6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;
If we look to any of our own characteristics as a basis for our qualification to share Christ, we miss the point. It is not the clay pot that makes the treasure inside valuable; it is the treasure inside that makes the clay pot valuable.
This message carries within itself an authority that is undeniable. It’s when our appreciation of the treasure becomes dim that we try to decorate the pot. It’s when we take our focus off the message of ‘Christ in you’, that we become concerned with presenting the pot in a professional, appealing way. When you take your eyes off the message, you lose the God ordained authority that is only found within this message. That is when we seek man’s recommendation and religious titles or whatever else as a veil not unlike the one Moses wore. He wore it so that the people would not notice that the glory was fading.
Col 1:26 The mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is manifested to his saints,
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory.
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Christ is in you! What more do you need? There is nothing more! All that can be done is to appreciate more, the reality of Christ in you!
Qualified.mp3 - Right click and 'Save link as'
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
andre.rabe@gmail.com
I remember the excitement of the first time that I discovered that Christ was in me; the absolute fulfilment of knowing that there was no distance between us. That day God became to me, more that a philosophical concept; more than a religious being that I tried to get closer to, but He became to me the very essence of who I am; the God who chose me as His dwelling. God whispered to me “..it is no longer you who live, but it is I, Christ, living in you; and the life that you now live in the flesh, you live by my faith..” Gal 2:20. I remember running to a mirror and leaning closer, looking deeply into my own eyes and saying “I can see You, Jesus…You are right there… in me.”
That awareness of Christ’s indwelling generated an inexhaustible energy within me to share Him with others also. I began sharing Christ with whomever and whatever stood still long enough to hear me. Naturally my classmates at school were the first to hear and see. From there it grew to neighbours and strangers. The witness I bore then and bear now is without any religious obligation; it is the fellowship that I enjoy with the Father that compels me to communicate. 1 John 1:3. I had absolutely no desire to simply change people’s opinions to agree with me, neither did I have any motivation to have them join my religious organization. NO! It was the reality of Christ in me that drove me to make others aware of the wealth that was within their reach also.
Many experiences can lose their thrill after a while, but the awareness of God’s indwelling only grows in its appeal and intensity.
What qualifies you to share Christ?
Speaking from the reality of an awareness of your union with Christ; the reality of a living relationship with Him, is irresistible and it is all the qualification you will ever need. Many of the disciples Jesus chose were illiterate! And the few who learned to write, did not bother putting anything on record until decades after His death and resurrection. The simple reason for this is that Christ in them was a reality of much greater importance to them than systematic theology.
Act 4:13 Now, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and found out that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and realized that they had been with Jesus.
Your qualification to share Christ has nothing to do with your education or social status – it has everything to do with your contact with Jesus.
Paul, the one apostle that could boast of his education and human qualifications had this to say about it:
Phi 3:7 The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash--along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ.
Phi 3:8 Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ
I can’t really improve on that – read it again. If you have studied much and know the scriptures better than most you should maybe read it one more time.
Our confident appeal.
You see, if our appeal was to the intellect of man, then by all means get as much education and degrees as possible. And don’t stop with theology - psychology and philosophy could be very handy as well.
Or maybe our appeal should be to man’s natural desires. Then by all means you should make your Sunday services as entertaining as possible; make your message as un-offensive as possible and hope that your good looks and professional appearance draw some people into attending another meeting.
But if we desire to communicate the gospel of Christ, our communication needs to extend far beyond these superficial, shallow levels and stir up the spirit of man.
2Co 3:5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God;
2Co 3:6 who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.
Our aim is the spirit, not the head. The only person able to teach us this skill of hitting the target of the heart is God Himself.
2Co 4:2 but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Nothing has greater authority and ability to awaken the conscience of man, than another man walking in the truth; enjoying the reality of fellowship with God.
No institution can teach you that. No one else can be intimate with God on your behalf – there is only one person capable of bringing you into the awareness of your union with Christ – and that’s you, simply yielding to Christ in you and believing what He says concerning you and Him.
2Co 4:6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;
If we look to any of our own characteristics as a basis for our qualification to share Christ, we miss the point. It is not the clay pot that makes the treasure inside valuable; it is the treasure inside that makes the clay pot valuable.
This message carries within itself an authority that is undeniable. It’s when our appreciation of the treasure becomes dim that we try to decorate the pot. It’s when we take our focus off the message of ‘Christ in you’, that we become concerned with presenting the pot in a professional, appealing way. When you take your eyes off the message, you lose the God ordained authority that is only found within this message. That is when we seek man’s recommendation and religious titles or whatever else as a veil not unlike the one Moses wore. He wore it so that the people would not notice that the glory was fading.
Col 1:26 The mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is manifested to his saints,
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory.
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Christ is in you! What more do you need? There is nothing more! All that can be done is to appreciate more, the reality of Christ in you!
Qualified.mp3 - Right click and 'Save link as'
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Friday, June 17, 2005
Thursday, June 16, 2005
3.His initiative, our responce.
Does Jesus really concern me? Let’s broaden the question: think of a person you know who has no interest in Jesus Christ at all. Does the life, death and resurrection of Jesus have anything to do with that person?
The power of the gospel, the energy within it that compels us to speak; is the fact that it includes all mankind - even those who seemingly want nothing to do with it. This message concerns you, not because you accepted it, but because He took the initiative to include you.
The gospel is firstly, not about the response of man, but about the initiative of God! The gospel portrays so clearly the accomplishment of Jesus on our behalf, that it awakens the response of faith. When one clearly sees what God sees, faith is the spontaneous result.
It’s when our message loses its edge, becomes blunt and vague that we need to employ other tactics to elicit a response. When we disregard the initiative of God, we become overly focussed on how man is supposed to respond; what should the response look like; what words should be said; how can we follow up and make sure it was a genuine response. Read the book of Acts and you will find there are no formulas, no formal invitations, ritualistic prayers and properly organized follow-up programs to make sure that the response to the message was valid. They knew that the message they spoke carried within itself all that was needed to awaken the kind of response that God is pleased with – faith.
Gal 3:1 … Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it's obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives. His sacrifice on the Cross was certainly set before you clearly enough. (MSG)
The focus of this gospel is clear. The focus is what Christ accomplished for man even while man was at enmity with God!
Let’s see exactly what Jesus did for man.
· God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them 2Cor 5:19
Wow! The woooorrld is forgiven!
When you confess sin, is not when God finds out about it! Neither is your repentance the basis of your forgiveness. The basis is the sacrifice of Christ – that is where God made up His mind about sin: it’s dealt with, the slate wiped clean (Col 2:14).
1John 2:2 When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good--not only ours, but the whole world's.
1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
When a person hears this and responds in faith, then the benefit of it becomes part of his experience. But whether you enjoy the benefit of this truth or not, it is still true! Later in the article we will look at man’s response of faith, but for now we will stay focused on the essence of this message, namely: what He did, not what you must do.
"He is kind to the ungrateful and evil" (Luke 6:35). "He desires ALL people to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:4). He "gave himself as a ransom for ALL" (1 Timothy 2:6). He "is not wishing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9)
· Righteousness came upon all men. Rom 5:18 Therefore, as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men to justification of life.
It will be beneficial to read the whole passage of Rom 5:12 – 21
The following piece was written in the 1800s
“Paul also says, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." The same many that were made sinners, Paul declares "shall be made righteous." This certainly asserts the justification of all sinners. Parkhurst in his Greek Lexicon, says, Oi polloi, the many, i.e. the multitude, or whole bulk of mankind, Rom. 5:15,19, in which texts oi polloi are plainly equivalent to Pantas anthropous, all men, verses 12, 18." The learned Dr. Macknight is to the same purport. "For as oi polloi, the many, in the first part of the verse, does not mean some of mankind only, but all mankind, from first to last, who without exception, are constituted sinners, so the many in the latter part of the verse, who are said to be constituted righteous, through the obedience of Christ, must mean ALL MANKIND, from the beginning to the end of the world, without exception." See his commentary on the place. The evident sense of the passage is this: For as the many, that is, the whole bulk of mankind were made sinners, so shall the many, that is, the whole bulk of mankind, be made righteous. What can be plainer than this fact? We agree with the authors of the Improved Version, who say, "Nothing can be more obvious than this, that it is the apostle's intention to represent all mankind, without exception, as deriving greater benefit from the mission of Christ, than they suffered injury from the fall of Adam. The universality of the apostle's expression is very remarkable. The same "many" who were made sinners by the disobedience of one, are made righteous by the obedience of the other. If all men are condemned by the offence of one, the same all are justified by the righteousness of the other. These universal terms, so frequently repeated, and so variously diversified, cannot be reconciled to the limitation of the blessings of the Gospel, to the elect alone, or to a part only of the human race." (Note of Rom. 5:19)”
Jesus has forever changed the state of man before God the Father. The legitimate wall of sin that stood between God and man was removed in Christ. The only separation that remains is man’s ignorance and unbelief of this truth. This is our message that has a legitimate claim upon every man. What a confidence that God is making His appeal through us! 2Co 5:20 Now then, we serve as ambassadors for Christ, as though God were appealing through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
It is true that not all men enjoy the benefit of what God has done in Christ, but the greater truth is that their unbelief cannot nullify what God did.
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…
Whether it is accepted or rejected it remains true and that is what makes our appeal tireless – it is based on unchangeable truth.
Obviously we desire that people respond in faith. The way in which we awaken that response is by showing them what God believes! To teach unbelievers how to respond in faith to the gospel, is like a man teaching a girl how to fall in love with him! If you ever get that right it will be an inferior love, and an inferior faith.
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
The ‘profit’ or benefit of this message is only enjoyed when we mix faith with what we hear. In following articles we will look at faith, but the emphasis here is God’s initiative being the basis of our faith.
Focus on His initiative.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
andre.rabe@gmail.com
The power of the gospel, the energy within it that compels us to speak; is the fact that it includes all mankind - even those who seemingly want nothing to do with it. This message concerns you, not because you accepted it, but because He took the initiative to include you.
The gospel is firstly, not about the response of man, but about the initiative of God! The gospel portrays so clearly the accomplishment of Jesus on our behalf, that it awakens the response of faith. When one clearly sees what God sees, faith is the spontaneous result.
It’s when our message loses its edge, becomes blunt and vague that we need to employ other tactics to elicit a response. When we disregard the initiative of God, we become overly focussed on how man is supposed to respond; what should the response look like; what words should be said; how can we follow up and make sure it was a genuine response. Read the book of Acts and you will find there are no formulas, no formal invitations, ritualistic prayers and properly organized follow-up programs to make sure that the response to the message was valid. They knew that the message they spoke carried within itself all that was needed to awaken the kind of response that God is pleased with – faith.
Gal 3:1 … Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it's obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives. His sacrifice on the Cross was certainly set before you clearly enough. (MSG)
The focus of this gospel is clear. The focus is what Christ accomplished for man even while man was at enmity with God!
Let’s see exactly what Jesus did for man.
· God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them 2Cor 5:19
Wow! The woooorrld is forgiven!
When you confess sin, is not when God finds out about it! Neither is your repentance the basis of your forgiveness. The basis is the sacrifice of Christ – that is where God made up His mind about sin: it’s dealt with, the slate wiped clean (Col 2:14).
1John 2:2 When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good--not only ours, but the whole world's.
1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
When a person hears this and responds in faith, then the benefit of it becomes part of his experience. But whether you enjoy the benefit of this truth or not, it is still true! Later in the article we will look at man’s response of faith, but for now we will stay focused on the essence of this message, namely: what He did, not what you must do.
"He is kind to the ungrateful and evil" (Luke 6:35). "He desires ALL people to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:4). He "gave himself as a ransom for ALL" (1 Timothy 2:6). He "is not wishing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9)
· Righteousness came upon all men. Rom 5:18 Therefore, as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men to justification of life.
It will be beneficial to read the whole passage of Rom 5:12 – 21
The following piece was written in the 1800s
“Paul also says, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." The same many that were made sinners, Paul declares "shall be made righteous." This certainly asserts the justification of all sinners. Parkhurst in his Greek Lexicon, says, Oi polloi, the many, i.e. the multitude, or whole bulk of mankind, Rom. 5:15,19, in which texts oi polloi are plainly equivalent to Pantas anthropous, all men, verses 12, 18." The learned Dr. Macknight is to the same purport. "For as oi polloi, the many, in the first part of the verse, does not mean some of mankind only, but all mankind, from first to last, who without exception, are constituted sinners, so the many in the latter part of the verse, who are said to be constituted righteous, through the obedience of Christ, must mean ALL MANKIND, from the beginning to the end of the world, without exception." See his commentary on the place. The evident sense of the passage is this: For as the many, that is, the whole bulk of mankind were made sinners, so shall the many, that is, the whole bulk of mankind, be made righteous. What can be plainer than this fact? We agree with the authors of the Improved Version, who say, "Nothing can be more obvious than this, that it is the apostle's intention to represent all mankind, without exception, as deriving greater benefit from the mission of Christ, than they suffered injury from the fall of Adam. The universality of the apostle's expression is very remarkable. The same "many" who were made sinners by the disobedience of one, are made righteous by the obedience of the other. If all men are condemned by the offence of one, the same all are justified by the righteousness of the other. These universal terms, so frequently repeated, and so variously diversified, cannot be reconciled to the limitation of the blessings of the Gospel, to the elect alone, or to a part only of the human race." (Note of Rom. 5:19)”
Jesus has forever changed the state of man before God the Father. The legitimate wall of sin that stood between God and man was removed in Christ. The only separation that remains is man’s ignorance and unbelief of this truth. This is our message that has a legitimate claim upon every man. What a confidence that God is making His appeal through us! 2Co 5:20 Now then, we serve as ambassadors for Christ, as though God were appealing through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
It is true that not all men enjoy the benefit of what God has done in Christ, but the greater truth is that their unbelief cannot nullify what God did.
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…
Whether it is accepted or rejected it remains true and that is what makes our appeal tireless – it is based on unchangeable truth.
Obviously we desire that people respond in faith. The way in which we awaken that response is by showing them what God believes! To teach unbelievers how to respond in faith to the gospel, is like a man teaching a girl how to fall in love with him! If you ever get that right it will be an inferior love, and an inferior faith.
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
The ‘profit’ or benefit of this message is only enjoyed when we mix faith with what we hear. In following articles we will look at faith, but the emphasis here is God’s initiative being the basis of our faith.
Focus on His initiative.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
2..getting to the point: Jesus is all about you!
In the previous article we saw how all the scriptures point towards Jesus Christ. Only within the light of who He is and what He did do the real meaning of the scriptures become clear. As we follow this ‘pointing’ in scripture and come to a clear view of Christ, an amazing surprise awaits: Christ point straight back to you! In discovering who He is, you discover yourself. Jesus did not come to just live a unique life and be adored by millions. No! He came to reproduce!
2Co 3:18 But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord Spirit.
2Co 4:4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving ones, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (who is the image of God) should not dawn on them.
2Co 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For it is God who said, "Out of darkness Light shall shine;" who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
When we truly see Jesus as He wants to be seen, it is impossible to view Him in isolation; as an individual on His own. Seeing Him, immediately awakes within me the realization of who I am. I see Him as in a mirror.
Lets translate the word ‘glory’ or greek ‘doxa’ to more fully appreciate this truth.
Thayer Definition:
1) opinion, judgment, view
2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
2a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the good opinion of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from a lower opinion to a higher opinion, even as by the Lord Spirit.
..who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the good opinion of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Jesus reveals that the Father favours you! His opinion about you is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, and it’s a good opinion!
John continues this same thought by saying that what we see, determines who we are!
1Jo 3:2 … But we know that when He shall be revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Col 3:4 When Christ our Life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
The word ‘When’ can be translated: Whenever.
Whenever Christ our life is revealed, we are revealed with Him. He does not reveal Himself in isolation. He reveals Himself in a mirror. The revelation of Christ cannot be casually observed without it affecting you, because it is the revelation of your true identity.
My friend Francois Du Toit tells the following story in his book ‘God Believes in You’:
“While we were on honeymoon at Blydepoort, Mpumalanga [Jan 1979] Lydia and I met an official from Nature Conservation who told us of a fascinating incident: she witnessed the dramatic release of a Black Eagle a few weeks prior to our visit. This eagle had been captive in the Pretoria zoo for ten years. She told us how thrilled they were with excitement and anticipation when the eagle finally arrived in its cage and the gate was opened. But only with difficulty did they eventually succeed to nudge the bird out of its cage. It was one thing to get the bird out of the cage, but how do you get the cage out of the bird? In the mind of this eagle, it was still captive in the Pretoria zoo! Every one was holding their breath, but this once mighty bird remained the pathetic prisoner of an inferior mindset. Nothing changed until much later when another eagle began to call in the area. The eyes of the zoo-eagle immediately lit up, and the next moment she took off in majestic flight to soar in unrestricted space. When you hear the familiar voice, you no longer require flying lessons. The prison doors are open. Hades cannot hold you back. (Greek: ha+ideis, 'not to see' imprisoned by the senses)Faith is to your spirit what your senses are to your body. Faith is a voice!”
Jesus Christ is the voice of that free eagle. He awakens within man that part that still remembers that we originate in God. His life calls to you saying: ‘Rise to your full height; be united with God; see what God sees; think what he thinks; say what He says; and live as He lives! And through us He now continues that call; a call to the captives to declare that the prison doors have been opened!
In John 10:20 – We see an account of Greeks coming to the disciples and requesting to see Jesus. Notice that this was at the end of the religious feast; religion cannot satisfy man.
Jesus was made aware of these people seeking to see Him. He was also aware that religious tradition always seeks to separate the worshipper from ‘what’ he worships. Religion also builds endless levels of hierarchies that elevate some individuals above others. This was another situation in which people wanted to come and see the ‘Man of God’, the ‘Prophet’. Jesus responded with the most amazing words: Joh 12:24. Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit.
Jesus saw that His purpose was not to remain alone, but to bring forth much fruit. He came that we could be one with the Father as He was one with the Father. Joh 17:22 And I have given them the glory(the good opinion) which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one,
He came that we also might do the works He did, and greater! John 14:12
His purpose was to reproduce His life in others and He succeeded. That’s why he says in Heb 2:11 that He is not ashamed to us brothers!
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
2Co 3:18 But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord Spirit.
2Co 4:4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving ones, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (who is the image of God) should not dawn on them.
2Co 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For it is God who said, "Out of darkness Light shall shine;" who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
When we truly see Jesus as He wants to be seen, it is impossible to view Him in isolation; as an individual on His own. Seeing Him, immediately awakes within me the realization of who I am. I see Him as in a mirror.
Lets translate the word ‘glory’ or greek ‘doxa’ to more fully appreciate this truth.
Thayer Definition:
1) opinion, judgment, view
2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
2a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the good opinion of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from a lower opinion to a higher opinion, even as by the Lord Spirit.
..who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the good opinion of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Jesus reveals that the Father favours you! His opinion about you is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, and it’s a good opinion!
John continues this same thought by saying that what we see, determines who we are!
1Jo 3:2 … But we know that when He shall be revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Col 3:4 When Christ our Life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
The word ‘When’ can be translated: Whenever.
Whenever Christ our life is revealed, we are revealed with Him. He does not reveal Himself in isolation. He reveals Himself in a mirror. The revelation of Christ cannot be casually observed without it affecting you, because it is the revelation of your true identity.
My friend Francois Du Toit tells the following story in his book ‘God Believes in You’:
“While we were on honeymoon at Blydepoort, Mpumalanga [Jan 1979] Lydia and I met an official from Nature Conservation who told us of a fascinating incident: she witnessed the dramatic release of a Black Eagle a few weeks prior to our visit. This eagle had been captive in the Pretoria zoo for ten years. She told us how thrilled they were with excitement and anticipation when the eagle finally arrived in its cage and the gate was opened. But only with difficulty did they eventually succeed to nudge the bird out of its cage. It was one thing to get the bird out of the cage, but how do you get the cage out of the bird? In the mind of this eagle, it was still captive in the Pretoria zoo! Every one was holding their breath, but this once mighty bird remained the pathetic prisoner of an inferior mindset. Nothing changed until much later when another eagle began to call in the area. The eyes of the zoo-eagle immediately lit up, and the next moment she took off in majestic flight to soar in unrestricted space. When you hear the familiar voice, you no longer require flying lessons. The prison doors are open. Hades cannot hold you back. (Greek: ha+ideis, 'not to see' imprisoned by the senses)Faith is to your spirit what your senses are to your body. Faith is a voice!”
Jesus Christ is the voice of that free eagle. He awakens within man that part that still remembers that we originate in God. His life calls to you saying: ‘Rise to your full height; be united with God; see what God sees; think what he thinks; say what He says; and live as He lives! And through us He now continues that call; a call to the captives to declare that the prison doors have been opened!
In John 10:20 – We see an account of Greeks coming to the disciples and requesting to see Jesus. Notice that this was at the end of the religious feast; religion cannot satisfy man.
Jesus was made aware of these people seeking to see Him. He was also aware that religious tradition always seeks to separate the worshipper from ‘what’ he worships. Religion also builds endless levels of hierarchies that elevate some individuals above others. This was another situation in which people wanted to come and see the ‘Man of God’, the ‘Prophet’. Jesus responded with the most amazing words: Joh 12:24. Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit.
Jesus saw that His purpose was not to remain alone, but to bring forth much fruit. He came that we could be one with the Father as He was one with the Father. Joh 17:22 And I have given them the glory(the good opinion) which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one,
He came that we also might do the works He did, and greater! John 14:12
His purpose was to reproduce His life in others and He succeeded. That’s why he says in Heb 2:11 that He is not ashamed to us brothers!
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
1..you miss the Point: it's all about me!
There is a singular event in time that gives meaning to all other time. It is only within this one event that all other events can find purpose. Although this single event was concentrated within one individual, it included all men. Although this happened before you were born, it has a greater claim on you than your own personal past.
Whether you are aware of it or not, this event affects you; in fact its all about you. Paul refers to it as the fullness of time (Eph1:10); he describes it as the singular event that has consequences for all mankind in all ages, its an achievement that occurred once and included all.
Within this one person, God spoke His complete and final word to and regarding man. A message of such weight obviously needs to be communicated in the clearest way possible. The only being in which He could accurately express Himself was man. And so “.. the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..”
All of scripture points to Him:
The Bible is not a combination of many lessons concerning many subjects, although, if that is all you are looking for, it will most probably be all you find. The message contained within it is much more. The words simply point to a reality greater than the words themselves; to a person and what he accomplished.
Joh 5:39 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!
Joh 5:40 And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
The Street Bible:
You got your degrees in the sacred books, PhD's in books about the sacred books, and you're convinced they'll get you into heaven.But for all the points you score - you miss the Point: it's all about me! It's jam-packed with huge stomping clues about me. But you can't admit it, 'cos then you'd have to ask me for the limitless life you want.
After Jesus' death and resurrection He joined a conversation with two disciples who did not recognize Him at that moment. The content of His conversation was:
Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luk 24:45 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way.
Our study of the scriptures will remain as dim and veiled as the religious leaders understanding of Jesus was, if we do not see everything through this one event that happened in this one person, Jesus.
The scriptures are similar to a message which is encrypted with a password. The words and sentences might seem to have meaning, but their true meaning can only be discovered when they are 'decrypted' In other words the password becomes the formula that gives every word its true meaning. Jesus is the key, the essential part of the Gods message that gives all other scriptures their true meaning.
This focus on this one event is not just an adoration of a historic achievement. When God identified Himself with man, in the most powerful way possible – by becoming a man, He thereby gave us the opportunity to be identified with Him – to find our true identity in Him.
All of scripture is about Jesus, the Christ, and all of Jesus is about you! He came as God's call to you to remember your origin and return.
Lets look at some of the Old Testament realities that changed with the coming of Jesus
· The animal sacrifices ceased because Christ fulfilled all that they pointed to. (Heb. 9:19-26) His sacrifice became the final and unrepeatable act that forever dealt with the sin problem.
· The priesthood and the rituals that stood between God and those who worshipped Him ceased. (Heb. 7:23,24)
We all now have an open invitation, to boldly come into the most intimate place with the Father. There are no layers, no mediators, structures that regulates our relationship with God. It was His own doing to take it out the way, for He desires personal, individual continual contact with you.
“How did the lessons of history vanish so quickly? When Christianity became the official religion of theRoman Empire , the bishop moved his seat from among the people to the altar. It became the place of honor, power … and later the throne. Then gradually the clergy even removed worship from the people and kept it for themselves … while the people watch. Later, the Reformation merely exchanged the priest for a minister and put a sermon in the place of communion. Then, the rest of history simply supported these distortions. The Enlightenment turned preaching into worship, and modern management turned preachers into executives. ” Thomas Hohstadt from “Dying to Live – The 21st Century Church.”
· The temple has ceased to be a physical, geographical centre of worship. Christ is the venue! You are His address! He is the substance that makes our worship tangible.
Joh 4:21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
Joh 4:22 You don't know what you're worshiping. We know what we're worshiping, for salvation comes from the Jews.
Joh 4:23 Yet the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Indeed, the Father is looking for people like that to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Joh 4:23 But the time is coming--it has, in fact, come--when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
Joh 2:20 The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?"
Joh 2:21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
These illustrations are just scratching the surface of what Christ's coming accomplished. We'll examine these in more depth and move into more of the substance of His work in the next articles. The real value of what He accomplished is not found in external changes, but in what he accomplished in you. He not only changed religious practises, He changed mankind's standing before God!
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
Whether you are aware of it or not, this event affects you; in fact its all about you. Paul refers to it as the fullness of time (Eph1:10); he describes it as the singular event that has consequences for all mankind in all ages, its an achievement that occurred once and included all.
Within this one person, God spoke His complete and final word to and regarding man. A message of such weight obviously needs to be communicated in the clearest way possible. The only being in which He could accurately express Himself was man. And so “.. the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..”
All of scripture points to Him:
The Bible is not a combination of many lessons concerning many subjects, although, if that is all you are looking for, it will most probably be all you find. The message contained within it is much more. The words simply point to a reality greater than the words themselves; to a person and what he accomplished.
Joh 5:39 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!
Joh 5:40 And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
The Street Bible:
You got your degrees in the sacred books, PhD's in books about the sacred books, and you're convinced they'll get you into heaven.But for all the points you score - you miss the Point: it's all about me! It's jam-packed with huge stomping clues about me. But you can't admit it, 'cos then you'd have to ask me for the limitless life you want.
After Jesus' death and resurrection He joined a conversation with two disciples who did not recognize Him at that moment. The content of His conversation was:
Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luk 24:45 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way.
Our study of the scriptures will remain as dim and veiled as the religious leaders understanding of Jesus was, if we do not see everything through this one event that happened in this one person, Jesus.
The scriptures are similar to a message which is encrypted with a password. The words and sentences might seem to have meaning, but their true meaning can only be discovered when they are 'decrypted' In other words the password becomes the formula that gives every word its true meaning. Jesus is the key, the essential part of the Gods message that gives all other scriptures their true meaning.
This focus on this one event is not just an adoration of a historic achievement. When God identified Himself with man, in the most powerful way possible – by becoming a man, He thereby gave us the opportunity to be identified with Him – to find our true identity in Him.
All of scripture is about Jesus, the Christ, and all of Jesus is about you! He came as God's call to you to remember your origin and return.
Lets look at some of the Old Testament realities that changed with the coming of Jesus
· The animal sacrifices ceased because Christ fulfilled all that they pointed to. (Heb. 9:19-26) His sacrifice became the final and unrepeatable act that forever dealt with the sin problem.
· The priesthood and the rituals that stood between God and those who worshipped Him ceased. (Heb. 7:23,24)
We all now have an open invitation, to boldly come into the most intimate place with the Father. There are no layers, no mediators, structures that regulates our relationship with God. It was His own doing to take it out the way, for He desires personal, individual continual contact with you.
“How did the lessons of history vanish so quickly? When Christianity became the official religion of the
· The temple has ceased to be a physical, geographical centre of worship. Christ is the venue! You are His address! He is the substance that makes our worship tangible.
Joh 4:21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
Joh 4:22 You don't know what you're worshiping. We know what we're worshiping, for salvation comes from the Jews.
Joh 4:23 Yet the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Indeed, the Father is looking for people like that to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Joh 4:23 But the time is coming--it has, in fact, come--when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
Joh 2:20 The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?"
Joh 2:21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
These illustrations are just scratching the surface of what Christ's coming accomplished. We'll examine these in more depth and move into more of the substance of His work in the next articles. The real value of what He accomplished is not found in external changes, but in what he accomplished in you. He not only changed religious practises, He changed mankind's standing before God!
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 12, 2005
He’s alive – in you!
I was reminded the other day of a dream I had years ago, which deeply impacted my understanding of Christ’s death and resurrection and the implications of it in my life and in my ministry to others.
In the dream, I was acting in a drama, as a person who had gone to the tomb after Jesus’ death and discovered that He was not there.
I turned to the audience and said He’s alive, He’s alive! In that moment, I was strangely aware, that there was very little conviction in those words. Suddenly, as if from nowhere, a strong whirlwind swept across, and started tearing the pages out of the bible that was lying on the podium at the front of the stage. In the dream the pages where madly whirling upward, but in reality something significant was happening in me. It was as if this wind was inside me! It was so strong and powerful, that I shot up in my bed, gasping for breath. As I sat there in the silence, the Lord spoke these words to me:
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life. And these are they which testify of Me,
John 5:40 but you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. NKJV
The Message Bible is so descriptive:
John 5:39 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!
John 5:40 And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
The Street Bible:
You got your degrees in the sacred books, PhD's in books about the sacred books, and you're convinced they'll get you into heaven.But for all the points you score - you miss the Point: it's all about me! It's jam-packed with huge stomping clues about me. But you can't admit it, 'cos then you'd have to ask me for the limitless life you want.
Then with authority, the words came: I’m alive, I’m alive – IN YOU!
The disciples that walked and laughed and fellowshipped with Jesus, so wanted Him to stay in their midst - to hold onto Him in the flesh, in their sense realm, but, He disappeared from our midst, that we should return to our hearts and find Him there.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
As I sat there in the darkness of my room, I was overwhelmed by a greater light – the
radiance of the Father’s glory as reflected in the face of Christ – His opinion of a well
done, complete work in me!
He began to remind me of Paul’s urgency - the message that compelled him to pour
out his life and lay down his rights – Christ in you the hope of glory
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the calling with which you are called,
Paul was imprisoned, captive in Christ - consumed by this message.
The Lord gave me an illustration of a prisoner, confined within the prison walls.
In the same way, the revelation of Christ in Paul had imprisoned Him to no longer
judge anyone according to the flesh, as he had when he so fervently persecuted the
church.
(Acts 9) He was blinded for three days, so that he would not try and interpret
this revelation through his five physical senses, but so that the revelation could burn
in his heart and his calling would be made sure.
In the same way as an alcoholic starts off by taking the ‘bottle’ until the ‘bottle’
eventually takes hold of him, so, you need to gaze into this (bottle) perfect law of
liberty, until it takes hold of, captivates you.
He showed me that one feels quite safe when that prisoner is behind those walls, but
the moment he is let out of that prison, that safety is gone and all havoc breaks lose.
I have often heard testimonies of prisoners who have feared eventually being let out
into the world – almost like they are more secure within those walls.
Outside of this prison – this wonderful prison in Christ, we stumble, have no
boundaries, no clear direction, vision, but the freedom that we find in knowing He is
in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure, is a true prison – a boundary
of love.
When he appeals for us to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling ( in the greek:
Klesis - invitation/call) by which you were (originally) called (of the divine invitation
to embrace salvation of God),He is not biting his nails, nervously, but knows,
if we will fully allow ourselves to be imprisoned in Him, in the knowledge of this great
salvation, we will be able to walk in it with confidence within the boundary of “Christ
dwelling in your hearts by faith” and the comprehension of His love, which he had
just spoken about in the previous verses:
Eph 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height,
Eph 3:19 and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Eph 3:21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen.
Let us allow our words to be seasoned with grace as we communicate this awesome
Gospel of our inclusion in Christ’s redemption.
Phm 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
He’s alive, He’s alive – in you!
By Mary-Anne
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
In the dream, I was acting in a drama, as a person who had gone to the tomb after Jesus’ death and discovered that He was not there.
I turned to the audience and said He’s alive, He’s alive! In that moment, I was strangely aware, that there was very little conviction in those words. Suddenly, as if from nowhere, a strong whirlwind swept across, and started tearing the pages out of the bible that was lying on the podium at the front of the stage. In the dream the pages where madly whirling upward, but in reality something significant was happening in me. It was as if this wind was inside me! It was so strong and powerful, that I shot up in my bed, gasping for breath. As I sat there in the silence, the Lord spoke these words to me:
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life. And these are they which testify of Me,
John 5:40 but you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. NKJV
The Message Bible is so descriptive:
John 5:39 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!
John 5:40 And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
The Street Bible:
You got your degrees in the sacred books, PhD's in books about the sacred books, and you're convinced they'll get you into heaven.But for all the points you score - you miss the Point: it's all about me! It's jam-packed with huge stomping clues about me. But you can't admit it, 'cos then you'd have to ask me for the limitless life you want.
Then with authority, the words came: I’m alive, I’m alive – IN YOU!
The disciples that walked and laughed and fellowshipped with Jesus, so wanted Him to stay in their midst - to hold onto Him in the flesh, in their sense realm, but, He disappeared from our midst, that we should return to our hearts and find Him there.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
As I sat there in the darkness of my room, I was overwhelmed by a greater light – the
radiance of the Father’s glory as reflected in the face of Christ – His opinion of a well
done, complete work in me!
He began to remind me of Paul’s urgency - the message that compelled him to pour
out his life and lay down his rights – Christ in you the hope of glory
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the calling with which you are called,
Paul was imprisoned, captive in Christ - consumed by this message.
The Lord gave me an illustration of a prisoner, confined within the prison walls.
In the same way, the revelation of Christ in Paul had imprisoned Him to no longer
judge anyone according to the flesh, as he had when he so fervently persecuted the
church.
(Acts 9) He was blinded for three days, so that he would not try and interpret
this revelation through his five physical senses, but so that the revelation could burn
in his heart and his calling would be made sure.
In the same way as an alcoholic starts off by taking the ‘bottle’ until the ‘bottle’
eventually takes hold of him, so, you need to gaze into this (bottle) perfect law of
liberty, until it takes hold of, captivates you.
He showed me that one feels quite safe when that prisoner is behind those walls, but
the moment he is let out of that prison, that safety is gone and all havoc breaks lose.
I have often heard testimonies of prisoners who have feared eventually being let out
into the world – almost like they are more secure within those walls.
Outside of this prison – this wonderful prison in Christ, we stumble, have no
boundaries, no clear direction, vision, but the freedom that we find in knowing He is
in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure, is a true prison – a boundary
of love.
When he appeals for us to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling ( in the greek:
Klesis - invitation/call) by which you were (originally) called (of the divine invitation
to embrace salvation of God),He is not biting his nails, nervously, but knows,
if we will fully allow ourselves to be imprisoned in Him, in the knowledge of this great
salvation, we will be able to walk in it with confidence within the boundary of “Christ
dwelling in your hearts by faith” and the comprehension of His love, which he had
just spoken about in the previous verses:
Eph 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height,
Eph 3:19 and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Eph 3:21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen.
Let us allow our words to be seasoned with grace as we communicate this awesome
Gospel of our inclusion in Christ’s redemption.
Phm 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
He’s alive, He’s alive – in you!
By Mary-Anne
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 09, 2005
4. Equality and Fellowship
What do we know concerning man from the previous writings?
• We began before creation in the heart and mind of God.
• God Himself is the substance from which man was made.
• The most authoritative description of man came from God Himself. He described us as His own image and His own likeness.
• God adores man; He enjoys our company!
A question that follows close on the heels of these discoveries is: Are we equal to God?
Well, it depends on what we mean by equality. The basic definition of equality is to share the same qualities. The more is shared in common the greater the degree of equality. Our understanding of equality only becomes clear when we understand the word ‘fellowship’.
The word ‘fellowship’ means to share things in common. The more you share in common the higher the degree of fellowship or intimacy.
Our equality with God exists only within the environment of fellowship. We cannot be equal to and separate from God, because separation is the very opposite of sharing all things in common. This equality is only possible in unity. John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches. The same life-giving sap flows through both – the branch shares the same life as the vine as long as it is in union with it. So, when we talk about man being in the God-class of being, there can be no suggestion that man is god in and by himself; No. It is in union with Him that we are partakers of the Divine nature. (2Pet1:4).
John 10:30 I and the Father are one!
Is this an exclusive statement that only Jesus could make?
John 17:22 And I have given them the glory which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one,
John 17:23 I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.
One with God! One with the Father; One with the Son; One with His Spirit! The same union that Jesus enjoys with the Father is our portion! The same love, the same oneness, the same perfection. Whatever Jesus said about His relationship with the Father, we can say!
It was this very consciousness of His union with the Father that got Jesus into such trouble with the religious leaders.
John 10:30 I and the Father are one!
John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.
John 10:32 Jesus answered them, I have shown you many good works from My Father; for which of these do you stone Me?
John 10:33 The Jews answered Him, saying, We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God.
John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your Law, "I said, You are gods?"
John 10:35 If He called those gods with whom the Word of God was, and the Scripture cannot be broken,
John 10:36 do you say of Him whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, You blaspheme, because I said, I am the Son of God?
Jesus was accused of making man equal with God. How did He respond?
He did not deny this charge!
He confirms their accusation by quoting Ps 82:6
1John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of Life,
1John 1:2 (for the Life was revealed, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show to you the everlasting Life, who was with the Father and was revealed to us),
1John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
• We began before creation in the heart and mind of God.
• God Himself is the substance from which man was made.
• The most authoritative description of man came from God Himself. He described us as His own image and His own likeness.
• God adores man; He enjoys our company!
A question that follows close on the heels of these discoveries is: Are we equal to God?
Well, it depends on what we mean by equality. The basic definition of equality is to share the same qualities. The more is shared in common the greater the degree of equality. Our understanding of equality only becomes clear when we understand the word ‘fellowship’.
The word ‘fellowship’ means to share things in common. The more you share in common the higher the degree of fellowship or intimacy.
Our equality with God exists only within the environment of fellowship. We cannot be equal to and separate from God, because separation is the very opposite of sharing all things in common. This equality is only possible in unity. John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches. The same life-giving sap flows through both – the branch shares the same life as the vine as long as it is in union with it. So, when we talk about man being in the God-class of being, there can be no suggestion that man is god in and by himself; No. It is in union with Him that we are partakers of the Divine nature. (2Pet1:4).
John 10:30 I and the Father are one!
Is this an exclusive statement that only Jesus could make?
John 17:22 And I have given them the glory which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one,
John 17:23 I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.
One with God! One with the Father; One with the Son; One with His Spirit! The same union that Jesus enjoys with the Father is our portion! The same love, the same oneness, the same perfection. Whatever Jesus said about His relationship with the Father, we can say!
It was this very consciousness of His union with the Father that got Jesus into such trouble with the religious leaders.
John 10:30 I and the Father are one!
John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.
John 10:32 Jesus answered them, I have shown you many good works from My Father; for which of these do you stone Me?
John 10:33 The Jews answered Him, saying, We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God.
John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your Law, "I said, You are gods?"
John 10:35 If He called those gods with whom the Word of God was, and the Scripture cannot be broken,
John 10:36 do you say of Him whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, You blaspheme, because I said, I am the Son of God?
Jesus was accused of making man equal with God. How did He respond?
He did not deny this charge!
He confirms their accusation by quoting Ps 82:6
1John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of Life,
1John 1:2 (for the Life was revealed, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show to you the everlasting Life, who was with the Father and was revealed to us),
1John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
3. The Ultimate Experience
Gen 1:28 And God blessed them.. The word blessed (baw-rak) is defined as an act of adoration such as kneeling.
Man’s first experience was the overwhelming display of God’s favour and adoration! The desire within man to worship God was birthed by this experience of God’s adoration – the only appropriate response is to reflect back the adoration He gives. Man alone can appreciate and respond to His love on this level.
I remember that as a young boy of about 15, I desperately sought to please God. I constantly scrutinized my life for stuff I thought had to change to make me more attractive to God. One afternoon, lying on my bed, I again began evaluating my behaviour, searching for ways to eliminate what might be offensive. Suddenly, I became aware of God smiling over me. His favour overwhelmed me. It had nothing to do with how I performed, He just adored me because He wanted to. I realized that it was not my behaviour that attracted His favour, it was who I am. He adores what He made.
The realization of His favour, independent of my behaviour, is what enables me to spontaneously do what pleases Him. It became blatantly obvious how ridiculous it is to try and earn His favour. His approval is out of all proportion to your best achievement. It is bigger than the best deed could ever deserve. It can only be received as a gift.
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
Man’s first experience was the overwhelming display of God’s favour and adoration! The desire within man to worship God was birthed by this experience of God’s adoration – the only appropriate response is to reflect back the adoration He gives. Man alone can appreciate and respond to His love on this level.
I remember that as a young boy of about 15, I desperately sought to please God. I constantly scrutinized my life for stuff I thought had to change to make me more attractive to God. One afternoon, lying on my bed, I again began evaluating my behaviour, searching for ways to eliminate what might be offensive. Suddenly, I became aware of God smiling over me. His favour overwhelmed me. It had nothing to do with how I performed, He just adored me because He wanted to. I realized that it was not my behaviour that attracted His favour, it was who I am. He adores what He made.
The realization of His favour, independent of my behaviour, is what enables me to spontaneously do what pleases Him. It became blatantly obvious how ridiculous it is to try and earn His favour. His approval is out of all proportion to your best achievement. It is bigger than the best deed could ever deserve. It can only be received as a gift.
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
Monday, June 06, 2005
1. Your Beginning
“Where do I come from?”
Every parent has heard that question. It seems as if every child was born with that question imbedded, waiting for an opportunity to express it.
Long before you were born, you began!
Long before your ancestors walked this earth, in fact before the world began, you began in the thoughts of God.
This is the way our Father operates. Everything begins in His ‘Logos’ – logic or thought. “In the beginning was the (Logos) Word and the ‘Logos’ was with God and the ‘Logos’ was God. All things were made by Him and without Him nothing was made that was made..” John 1:1,3
His thoughts are not some vague, fleeting impressions that have no effect. His thoughts have more substance and permanence than anything you can touch or see. The whole material universe came out of the thoughts of God.
A blueprint can be defined as a detailed construction plan. The Father meticulously planned us. That design remains in Him to this day. That plan remains His unchangeable reference to who you are.
Eph 1:4 .. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love
Before any time related event, God made up His mind about you. Before you did anything to impress or disappoint Him, He decided that you are the focus of His love. Your existence, who you are, was established when God first thought of you.
How often do we allow our experiences to teach us who we are? Obviously we learn from our experience, but often we try and learn from them things that they are not qualified to teach. There are no experiences that are numerous or big enough to contain the revelation of your identity. That revelation requires more than the natural experience to be communicated. It can only be received as a gift.
The Father also knew the events that would follow creation. His creation would suffer perversion and wickedness – events that would twist man completely beyond recognition of God’s original intent. But God’s original design that was conceived in the eternal realm, even before time began, remains unchallenged by time related events.
He knows that time is temporal. And so anything that could be twisted, can be un-twisted.
What do you refer to, to describe yourself? Is it your family traits, your unique childhood, your achievements? Or maybe you have allowed some tragedy to become the defining event of who you are. There is a more valid reference! If you don’t discover that reference, you will allow events to shape and twist you. But when you discover that your identity was established in eternity, no time related event will have the power to deceive you anymore.
Whether your experiences confirm or contradict the truth, should have no effect on your persuasion off the truth. When Isaac, the confirmation of Gods promise, became too important to Abraham, he had to take Isaac to the altar. Never place more value on the confirmation of the truth than what you place on truth itself.
Come to this conclusion: I am more than the sum total of my experiences. I am greater than all the events in my life joined together. I’m bigger than the biggest disappointment or achievement. I am the image and likeness of God and not a fraction of me, has been revealed!
Another way in which a person can define themselves is by what they have gained or by what they have lost. Pride and regret are both deceptions, designed for the same purpose: to blind man; to keep man from seeing his true value; a value far beyond all the wealth you can attain; a value untouched by anything you have ever lost.
I remember the time when this truth became a very significant revelation to me. My children were young, about four and six years old. For more than a year I battled to save our business, but the time of reckoning finally came. All our possessions were repossessed.
I remember ushering in my family into the empty building we used to consider home.
Our beds were left and in a house with no other furniture everyone soon dispersed to their rooms.
It was all so surreal. I slowly walked through to what used to be my office. For some reason a single plastic chair and a desk were left. A few pieces of stationary were scattered over the floor.
I sat down. I tried to comprehend.. to realize what I had lost. It has more than the possessions; it was my reputation, my dreams for the business etc. Worst of all I failed my family. As the reality of the situation started to dawn, the heavy weight of depression filled the room. My wife walked in and hugged me. Her words surprised me. “I believe in you“ she said and then walked back to the room as she sensed that I wanted to be alone.
Suddenly the Spirit of God allowed me to sense what was happening in the spirit-realm. The depression f I sensed was more than a feeling, it was a personality – a demonic force, who found an opportune time to attach himself to me. A spirit of depression does not just want to make you feel bad, it wants to kill you.
In the midst of all my confusing thoughts, together with the suggestions whispered to me by this demonic spirit, I heard that calm familiar voice of my Father and in that moment I knew what to do.
I picked up a piece of paper and pen. I leaned back in my chair. I could sense the evil anticipation of the demon peering over my shoulder, expecting me to capture on paper the depressing lies he had been whispering. He had no idea that there was another much clearer voice to which I gave heed.
I started writing: “ I see our future and it is bright…” The Spirit of God rose within me, lifting me to heights I never knew possible. I began to prophesy over my family. In the midst of a situation that was the most unlikely place to find inspiration, I found a source of inspiration within me that was unaffected by any outside factors. I discovered a joy not bound to any natural event.
I could sense the unbelief; the shock and horror of the demon who thought he had me exactly were he wanted me. I knew that I depressed the devil so much that he had to leave.
I opened my Bible to Heb 10:34 “..but you even submitted with joy when your property was taken from you, being well aware that you have in your own selves a more valuable possession and one which will remain.”
I discovered that day that I had within myself a value of such awesome importance, that I could attach all my joy to that value. I discovered what Paul referred to as ‘ the secret of being content in whatever circumstances I am in ‘ Phil 4:11,12
Although that story had a happy ending, it is not relevant to this writing. Maybe more of that story later.
The conclusion is: Do not allow any event, whether success or failure to define you. Realize that God has invested Himself in you. No experience is big enough to define you - you are the image and likeness of God.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
andre.rabe@gmail.com
Every parent has heard that question. It seems as if every child was born with that question imbedded, waiting for an opportunity to express it.
Long before you were born, you began!
Long before your ancestors walked this earth, in fact before the world began, you began in the thoughts of God.
This is the way our Father operates. Everything begins in His ‘Logos’ – logic or thought. “In the beginning was the (Logos) Word and the ‘Logos’ was with God and the ‘Logos’ was God. All things were made by Him and without Him nothing was made that was made..” John 1:1,3
His thoughts are not some vague, fleeting impressions that have no effect. His thoughts have more substance and permanence than anything you can touch or see. The whole material universe came out of the thoughts of God.
A blueprint can be defined as a detailed construction plan. The Father meticulously planned us. That design remains in Him to this day. That plan remains His unchangeable reference to who you are.
Eph 1:4 .. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love
Before any time related event, God made up His mind about you. Before you did anything to impress or disappoint Him, He decided that you are the focus of His love. Your existence, who you are, was established when God first thought of you.
How often do we allow our experiences to teach us who we are? Obviously we learn from our experience, but often we try and learn from them things that they are not qualified to teach. There are no experiences that are numerous or big enough to contain the revelation of your identity. That revelation requires more than the natural experience to be communicated. It can only be received as a gift.
The Father also knew the events that would follow creation. His creation would suffer perversion and wickedness – events that would twist man completely beyond recognition of God’s original intent. But God’s original design that was conceived in the eternal realm, even before time began, remains unchallenged by time related events.
He knows that time is temporal. And so anything that could be twisted, can be un-twisted.
What do you refer to, to describe yourself? Is it your family traits, your unique childhood, your achievements? Or maybe you have allowed some tragedy to become the defining event of who you are. There is a more valid reference! If you don’t discover that reference, you will allow events to shape and twist you. But when you discover that your identity was established in eternity, no time related event will have the power to deceive you anymore.
Whether your experiences confirm or contradict the truth, should have no effect on your persuasion off the truth. When Isaac, the confirmation of Gods promise, became too important to Abraham, he had to take Isaac to the altar. Never place more value on the confirmation of the truth than what you place on truth itself.
Come to this conclusion: I am more than the sum total of my experiences. I am greater than all the events in my life joined together. I’m bigger than the biggest disappointment or achievement. I am the image and likeness of God and not a fraction of me, has been revealed!
Another way in which a person can define themselves is by what they have gained or by what they have lost. Pride and regret are both deceptions, designed for the same purpose: to blind man; to keep man from seeing his true value; a value far beyond all the wealth you can attain; a value untouched by anything you have ever lost.
I remember the time when this truth became a very significant revelation to me. My children were young, about four and six years old. For more than a year I battled to save our business, but the time of reckoning finally came. All our possessions were repossessed.
I remember ushering in my family into the empty building we used to consider home.
Our beds were left and in a house with no other furniture everyone soon dispersed to their rooms.
It was all so surreal. I slowly walked through to what used to be my office. For some reason a single plastic chair and a desk were left. A few pieces of stationary were scattered over the floor.
I sat down. I tried to comprehend.. to realize what I had lost. It has more than the possessions; it was my reputation, my dreams for the business etc. Worst of all I failed my family. As the reality of the situation started to dawn, the heavy weight of depression filled the room. My wife walked in and hugged me. Her words surprised me. “I believe in you“ she said and then walked back to the room as she sensed that I wanted to be alone.
Suddenly the Spirit of God allowed me to sense what was happening in the spirit-realm. The depression f I sensed was more than a feeling, it was a personality – a demonic force, who found an opportune time to attach himself to me. A spirit of depression does not just want to make you feel bad, it wants to kill you.
In the midst of all my confusing thoughts, together with the suggestions whispered to me by this demonic spirit, I heard that calm familiar voice of my Father and in that moment I knew what to do.
I picked up a piece of paper and pen. I leaned back in my chair. I could sense the evil anticipation of the demon peering over my shoulder, expecting me to capture on paper the depressing lies he had been whispering. He had no idea that there was another much clearer voice to which I gave heed.
I started writing: “ I see our future and it is bright…” The Spirit of God rose within me, lifting me to heights I never knew possible. I began to prophesy over my family. In the midst of a situation that was the most unlikely place to find inspiration, I found a source of inspiration within me that was unaffected by any outside factors. I discovered a joy not bound to any natural event.
I could sense the unbelief; the shock and horror of the demon who thought he had me exactly were he wanted me. I knew that I depressed the devil so much that he had to leave.
I opened my Bible to Heb 10:34 “..but you even submitted with joy when your property was taken from you, being well aware that you have in your own selves a more valuable possession and one which will remain.”
I discovered that day that I had within myself a value of such awesome importance, that I could attach all my joy to that value. I discovered what Paul referred to as ‘ the secret of being content in whatever circumstances I am in ‘ Phil 4:11,12
Although that story had a happy ending, it is not relevant to this writing. Maybe more of that story later.
The conclusion is: Do not allow any event, whether success or failure to define you. Realize that God has invested Himself in you. No experience is big enough to define you - you are the image and likeness of God.
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
andre.rabe@gmail.com
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