UNION IN CHRIST-2
(The Mystery)
“…..the mystery of Christ, Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs (joint-heirs-Gr.), and of the same body Joint-body Gr.), and partakers (joint-partakers - Gr.) of his promise in Christ by the gospel” (Eph. 3:4-6). There has been a mystery hidden in the heart of God from before the foundation of the world. The above verses introduce us to this mystery. Now a “mystery” is something known only to those who have been taught and revealed according to the meaning used in Scripture. But you have become a child of God; you have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of God's beloved Son. So you have every right to know this mystery. Now what is this mystery? It is stated in the words emphasized above. Dear reader, you have believed the Gospel and you are in Christ now. Therefore you are a joint-heir, and in the joint-body, and a joint –partaker of God's promise (We use the literal translation of the original Greek for the three words to bring out the emphasis which the Holy Spirit has put in them). You are heir to the Kingdom of God. Do not think that your sins have been forgiven only that you should be given a corner in heaven, though as sinners deserving eternal punishment, even this we would have been very thankful to receive. Praise be unto God for the riches of His grace! As God created Adam to give him dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:28), so God has created you anew in Christ to have dominion in the world to come.
Having understood that you are an heir, remember also that you are a joint-heir along with all the others who have received the grace of God. Do not think that you belong to any sect, or group, or movement, however good or bad. Do not glory in any of those earthly things. God has called you to something far greater. Let your heart be enlarged to receive the thought of God. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow- citizens with the saints, and of the household of God”(Eph. 2:19). “... be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:18,19). Again you are in the joint-body. You have a place in the body of Christ in which every other believer also has a place. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12). Thirdly, you are a joint-partaker in God's promise. You cannot partake of it alone. You need to be in the value of union with fellow-believers to enjoy fully the blessings of God's promise which are yours in Christ through the Gospel which you have heard and believed.
II “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:32). The Church is indeed a great mystery. Those who have not been taught by the Holy Spirit cannot understand it. It is the Bride of Christ covered with a veil and hidden from the gaze of the common eye. The word “Church” (Gr. ekklesia) means “that which is called out”. It refers to those who have been called out of this world of sin, onto heavenly ground. We have been called with a heavenly calling, a holy calling and a high calling (Heb. 3:1; 2 Tim. 1:9; Phil. 3:14). The Church which is composed of all those who are born again, believers redeemed by the blood of Christ, is also called “the Body of Christ”. “... the church, Which is his body (Eph. 1:22,23). “He is the head of the body, the church (Col. 1:18); and “... his body's sake, which is the church” (Col. 1:24).
The word “Church” is never used in the Bible for a building, which is being used as a place of worship. But we often hear people saying,” In our ‘Church' there are many benches and chairs.” They are obviously referring to the building where they meet. As long as you also think in these terms you cannot grow in the comprehension of this “great mystery” Again we often hear people asking us, “To which Church do you belong? Where is the Headquarters of your Church? Is it in England or America?” They are thinking of societies or organizations founded by individuals or groups. This idea also is entirely of human origin and is quite foreign and contradictory to the wonderful mystery of God, “which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith” (Rom. 16:25,26).
But these human ideas have become so firmly embedded in the minds of people that they refuse to receive the thought of God. The natural mind resists the things of God. So the Word of God says to us: “...my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8,9). If you want to understand this mystery of God you must be willing to empty yourself of all these human thoughts so that God may replenish you from His heavenly treasure-house.
III “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have (how greatly I strive) for you, and for them at Laodicea... That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement (full-knowledge – Gr .epignosis) of the mystery of God... of Christ” (Col. 2:1,2).
In this Body of which God is speaking to us, Christ is the head, and we are the members, joints and bands in the body (Col. 2:19; 1 Cor.12:27). God wants us to come into all the riches of the full- assurance of understanding. Do not allow doubts to come into your heart. In the beginning you will rejoice very much that you are no more alone but a member with all your fellow-believers in the Body of Christ. Then sooner or later the enemy will attack you and misunderstandings will arise with other believers. They may deal unfairly or unlovingly with you, and wound you and grieve you. You would have had great expectations and now you will find yourself badly disappointed. Then the Tempter will bring into your heart the thought that all this “tall talk” of union in the Body of Christ is humbug and it does not and cannot work. But thank God, if you know the riches of the full-assurance of understanding by revelation of the Holy Spirit, storms and tempests in your life, however severe, however unexpected, cannot shake your faith. And even then you will need to remember that although you might have come to the full assurance, you have yet to go on to the full- knowledge (Gr. epignosis) of the mystery of God. But the mystery is so great that in this life we can go only a limited extent into this full-knowledge. In the ages to come we shall know it more, in all its implications in relation to powers and principalities in heavenly places. The apostle tells us that as we come into the full assurance and press on to the full-knowledge, our hearts will be greatly comforted and we shall be knit together in love.
We begin with Gen. 1:7,8, - the division in the firmament, in the creation by God. (2) Num. 10:11,12-the cloud taken up in the journeys of the people of God. (3) 2 Chron 3:1,2 - the season for building the House of God. (4) Jonah 3:1-3, - the sending forth of the messenger of God. (5) Matt. 26:42 - the prayerful surrender to the will of God. (6) 1 Cor. 12:28,29 - the prophetic ministry in the Church of God. (7)1 Cor. 15:46-49 - the bearing of the image of the heavenly; of God. May the Holy Spirit throw light upon the application of these Scriptures, both in the heart of the writer and the reader, so that we may render acceptable service unto the Lord, in the upbuilding of the Church, which is His Body.
(To be cont.) N.J.
LETTER FOR PRAISE AND PRAYER
Hebron
Golconda Crossroads
Hyderabad -500 020
A.P., India
Telephone No:27613066
February 8, 2006
Dear Fellow-Believers in Christ,
Greetings in the precious and wonderful Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who hath led us into the second month of the New Year, with His precious promises, assuring us of His living presence and power and provisions, for us, as we seek to serve Him, in the furtherance of the Testimony of the Lord, honounng and obeying His living Word. Like John the Apostle, who is our “brother, and companion in tribulation” as he addresses us in Rev. 1:9, may we be granted a fresh vision of the glorified Son of man walking in the midst of the seven candlesticks, - the seven churches. Responding to the voice of His Spirit in true obedience, may we be made over-comers to inherit all things in His Son (Rev.1: 3,8,9,16,17; Rev.3:19-21; Psa. 85:5-8,12,13). Having entered into the second month, I am led to consider together with you, seven texts from the Scriptures, with the word second day, second month, or second time, or just secondly. From the contextual setting of the word “second” in these passages, we can derive a spiritual application and revelation, for our obedience and continuity in the ongoing purpose of God, in this age of grace.
We begin with Gen. 1:7,8, - the division in the firmament, in the creation by God. (2) Num. 10:11,12-the cloud taken up in the journeys of the people of God. (3) 2 Chron 3:1,2 - the season for building the House of God. (4) Jonah 3:1-3, - the sending forth of the messenger of God. (5) Matt. 26:42 - the prayerful surrender to the will of God. (6) 1 Cor. 12:28,29 - the prophetic ministry in the Church of God. (7)1 Cor. 15:46-49 - the bearing of the image of the heavenly; of God. May the Holy Spirit throw light upon the application of these Scriptures, both in the heart of the writer and the reader, so that we may render acceptable service unto the Lord, in the upbuilding of the Church, which is His Body.
Coming back to Gen. 1:7,8, we read, “God divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: And God called the firmament Heaven”. Here we read of a vertical division and separation. Though we have come out of darkness into His marvelous light, relating to the first day creation activity of God, there must be a clear division within us, in our heart and mind, to set our mind on things above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God, as we read in Col. 3:1-4. This is preceded by the expressions, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above” (v.1). “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (2:12). Col. 3:5 says, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth”. Also it is commanded to put on the new man, having put off the old man (vs. 8-10). While there are legitimate needs and responsibilities concerning our walk and work upon this earth, we must be taught and instructed by the Holy Spirit as to where we must draw line of d4vision between that which is above and that which is under We should never allow that which is of this' earth to override that which is above the heavenly, lest we fall short of our attaining unto the possession of our full inheritance with all who are sanctified. Like Apostle Paul we must learn to count things loss – those Things which Seem to be gain now, and thus “win Christ'. The Lord help us all.
The saints and brethren with God's servant Bro Andrews of New Jerusalem., Sangareddy would have us to thank and praise the Lord for enabling them to solemnize the marriages of the following young God s servants with the following respective handmaidens of the Lord-, Bra. PD. Paul with Naomi, Bro. M. Math with B. Mercy, and Bra. B. Enoch with P. Dorcas. A company of nearly 2500 were present on the occasion. Bro. G.T. Benjamin and myself with the local servants Shared in the ministry of the Word and solemnisation, The above couples covet our continued prayer. Pray for God's servant Bro. R.S. Kuruvilla as he has been in Australia for the past three weeks visiting the saints and assemblies. Pray for Bro. J.C. Rao of Delhi as he has been in Singapore for the past ten days in the ministry, in the fellowship of the saints and brethren in fellowship with us all. Bro. Neville of Colombo has been requesting us to pray earnestly for the recovery of Bro. Francis Vijaysingh, God's servant at 1-lebron, Winnepuwa, Sri Lanka. He is laid up with paralysis, because of cerebral hemorrhage. ‘He visited us six months ago in 2005, and has been a strength and support for the Testimony of the Lord in that Island, together with the saints and elders of the Christian Fellowship Center, Wellewatte, Colombo. Bro. Theodore Reginald has been undergoing medical treatment in Chennai, for the healing of the piles problem. Let us pray for his speedy recovery.
Though belated we would have you all to thank and praise the Lord for the freedom and liberty enjoyed in the ministry of the Gospel Campaign, in Kolkotta from 18th to 25th December. The team of 20 young brethren who went is thankful for the prayers of the church, in that the Lord was pleased to use them in various parts of the city according to His promise in Matt. 28:19,20 as His witnesses besides Barrackpore, together with the local brethren. There was no opposition and more than 400 portions of the New Testament besides Gospels and Testimonies were sold. One policeman seems to have asked them enthusiastically, “Have you come here with the purpose of removing the sins over this city of Kolkotta?” Let us pray that the Lord may bring souls to salvation, by watering the seed sown in the corners of that Metro city. The saints, together with Bro. Victor David, God's servant and elders of the church at Shalern, Vizag, would have us to thank and praise the Lord for the profitable time of fellowship and ministry of the Word from 26th to 29th January. Bro. John Stewart and myself shared the word based on the theme “Let them make me a sanctuary”. Hundreds of believers from far and near, from the various churches participated, with ready response for the word of God. They covet our prayers for the increasing need of the future ministry. Please pray for the recovery of Sis. Kamala Jeremiah, an aged inmate of Hebron as she is suffering from fracture of the hip, after an accidental fall.
I would also covet your prayers for my tn to Sydney, Australia, God willing, on the 17t February and return by 14th March. It has been a longing upon the heart of Kenneth Timothy my son- in-law, an elder in the church at Padstow Heights, that I should be present for the baptism of our grand daughters, which has been put off for some time. Also I would like to visit our aged and honoured God's servant Bro. Golsworthy at Brisbane, if possible, conveying the love arid regards of the saints in India, a country he had always loved in the ministry of the Gospel, and praying for the up - building of the saints. We are thankful for the written ministry he has been fulfilling hitherto for the Hebron Messenger, which he is not able to continue because of the infirmities of age. Let us continue to pray for him. It pleased the Lord to promote to Glory Bro. Albert Raju (Bro. Daniel of Book-room) of the church at Jehovah - Shammah, Chennal, on 2nd February, after a period of ill-health. He had been living in the premises of the church for a period of four decades, a regular worshipper, serving the Lord in the Book - room ministry besides being a spiritual help to believers. He rests from his labours according to Rev. 14:13.
Praying that the Lord may grant us all wisdom and enablement to fulfill our responsibilities in the furtherance of the Gospel and His Testimony in the land and that He may be pleased to raise up more labourers to be sent forth into His vineyard,
Matt. 9: 36, 38 I remain,
Haggai 4:5,23 Yours in His grace,
2Cor. 4:5-8 K. PHILLIP
GIVE YE THEM TO EAT--2
BAKHT SINGH
There was an urgent need to give God's message to His people during the reign of the wicked king Ahab, but even the mighty man Elijah did not know how God was going to meet that need. Though Elijah did not know, God knew through whom He was going to meet that need. He sent Elijah to Elisha because He knew all about Elisha before Elijah knew anything about him. Elijah had been saying, "Take my life away. When there is sin everywhere, what is the use of one man struggling on alone?" But God showed Elijah that unknown to him He had already been working.
I do not care what kind of food is given to me; I have decided never to murmur or grumble. I believe from my heart that the Lord blesses the food for me. and it becomes tasty; so I enjoy it whatever it may be. It is quite true that the Lord does bless the food when you ask Him. Here were a few barely loaves and a few small fishes, but He blessed them, and multiplied them, and because He blessed them they must have tasted good. Whenever you do something for the Lord, seek His blessing upon it and you will find that it will be blessed and made to bear twit. Sometimes you may be frightened to talk to someone because you think he is highly educated and you are not. You may say, “I am an illiterate person and he won't believe me,” or, “I cannot speak because I have no understanding or knowledge. I don't know anything properly”. But if you claim God's blessing, He will bless the broken words, which you may utter. Broken words have power behind them. I know it by experience. I have asked myself, “How can these broken words convince any one But afterwards I have discovered that every word was a blessing. If the Lord can bless the loaves, surely He can bless the words we speak. Put God to test, and you will find it is true in your case also. If you want your neighbours and co-workers to be blessed through you, do not be afraid to say to the Lord, ‘Touch my tongue and bless the words which I speak in Thy Name”. We know that men are in misery and sorrow and they want God's message, and if you are willing, God will use you to satisfy their spiritual hunger. Even though the loaves and fishes were blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ, the disciples had to go and distribute to the multitude. He did not seek sturdy and strong men to do that work. There was a great crowd of 5,000 men, besides women and children. There might have been at least 10,000 people, and the disciples could have said: “Lord, we are only twelve in number, how can we distribute food to so many people? Can we select from this multitude strong men to serve?” There is no mention of such a thing here. The disciples did the serving. Others could not be co-workers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only the disciples had that privilege. Only those who are truly born again and follow the Lord, can be His co-workers.The disciples were serving the food, which was blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ. In the same way, the Word, which is blessed by the Lord alone, will satisfy people. Many have knowledge and can argue very effectively. They have so many books that it would take many years to go through them all, but when they speak, they do not minister life. Others may say only a few words, but you find strength and inspiration by those broken words, because every word, which is being spoken, is blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is quite true that through faith, the words which you utter in His Name will be blessed But you must pray every morning; “Lord, anoint my tips, my tongue and my throat today I acknowledge my Lord, help me to give the r1 word for the people whom I meet”, and then you will find that throughout the day someone is given the bread of life through you. Even a few words are sufficient to answer a question, provided, the Lord Jesus blesses them.
“They did all eat, and were filled”(Matt.14:20). There was no need for them to go hungry. When there is a big crowd, those who supervise the serving of food will advise the servers to serve a little saying, “Be careful, lest we run short of the food”. In fact, they dilute the sambar with water to make it sufficient for the crowd. No wonder the disciples said: “Five thousand people, and how can we serve so many'?” - yet the five thousand ate and were full. They were given as much as they wanted. In the same way, whenever a hungry soul comes to you, seek to satisfy his hunger with the bread of life. There are some who come with small problems and some with big and many problems, but we must be prepared to meet their need. Have patience to hear their story, however long it maybe; Do not be impatient because to you the trouble may not be serious, but to them it is serious. We must have some word of counsel and encouragement to give for all their problems, and by faith they wilt be satisfied.
“They did all eat and were filled and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets”. Our Lord does not like wastage. There is a simple lesson here. If we as disciples of the Lord Jesus have to satisfy the hunger of the multitudes then there should not be any wastage in our life. Alas! We waste so many things. We waste our time, we waste our energy, we waste our food, and we go on wasting many things and that is why we cannot satisfy the hungry. These fragments were not thrown away, they were gathered purposely, because the Lord wanted to teach an important lesson to the disciples. God does not like wastage. Can we say sincerely that our time is being profitably spent, or do we waste time in ordinary conversation, or on things of low value? How do you spend your time? Supposing you have one or two hours to wait somewhere for the train, or for the bus. How do you spend that time? Do you spend it by reading magazines or books, or by looking at the walls, or the people going by? Can you say you make the best use of your time? Whether on the railway platform or bus stand, our time must be spent profitably either in reading the Bible, or in giving our testimony or in some other useful way. We must make the best use of every second, because we have to feed the hungry and the needy people.
. (To be contd.)
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