Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 8, Number 5 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Kingdom Work Based In Divine Revelation We are to do the work of the Kingdom of God while we live on the earth. What does it mean to do the Kingdom work? Let’s look at scripture to see how God defines work and the role of Revelation. John 5:17 “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. John 5:19-21 “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.” What is the work of the Father and Jesus? John 6:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 9:4 “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Jesus completed the Father’s work on the earth. John 17:4 “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Jesus now dwells in heaven. He completed His work when He lived on the earth. We are now the Body of Christ on the earth. God has equipped us to do His work. What is our work? What is our part in the Kingdom of God? Eph. 4:12-13 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Phil. 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” 2 Thes. 1:11-12 “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Tim. 4:5 “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” We can take this verse to heart and include the other gifts or work of God: “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist or teacher, make full proof of thy ministry.” Fill in the blank with your call and election. So how do we know what to do in the Kingdom of God? Jesus said that His church would be built on divine Revelation given by the Father in heaven. We receive God’s Revelation through the written and spoken Word. When we spend time in God’s presence and Receive Rhema words from the Father we are to do the work Revealed by the Father. Gal. 1:11-12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Matt. 16:19 “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matt. 18:18-20 “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Eph. 1:9-10 “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Matt. 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Questions to ponder, discuss and share: What work does the Father do in heaven? What was Jesus’ work while He lived on the earth? Does Jesus work in heaven? What work does God want the Body of Christ to do? What work does God want me to do? How does God let me know what His work is? The following is a Rhema word to consider. Recently while in worship, and singing "Majesty", God gave a new revelation of what it means that Jesus is King of kings. In Heaven, King Jesus speaks by Revelation to His kings and priests (holy people) on earth, and when we obey, we rule and reign with Him. That is a principle of the Kingdom. Take these things to the Father and ask Him to Reveal the Truth to your heart. Share what the Father shows you with the Body of Christ so we may all benefit and grow into the mature sons of God. Rev. 22:12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 8, Number 6 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
All Good Things Flow Out Of Love God loves us so much. He gave us Jesus, His only son. Jesus volunteered to pay the price for our disobedience and sin. God’s Agape Love was Revealed to mankind in Jesus. Jesus’ ministry was to show us the Father. Jesus only did good things. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, the lame walked, raised the dead and cast out demonic spirits. He displayed Agape Love by His actions. Jesus also taught us about God, the Father, and the Kingdom of heaven. One of the first messages given by Jesus was about the Kingdom of heaven. Matt. 4:17 ”From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus’ contemporaries did not understand that Jesus was not going to set up a kingdom on this earth. The disciples did not understand this Truth and asked Jesus just before He ascended into heaven. Jesus gave many parables and lessons about the Kingdom of heaven because that is where the Father dwells. Jesus was not of this world, nor are we of this world. This earthly realm is not our home because we are born again and have renewed our minds to the Word of God. Jesus continued to teach the disciples about the Kingdom of God and how to function in it until He was taken out of their sight. Acts 1:1 “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” God loves us so much. God gave us the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended into heaven. The Holy Spirit gives us power to be witnesses of Jesus everywhere we go. The Holy Spirit is a Gift of Agape Love from God to you and me. God loves us so much. God gave ministry gifts to the first century believers so they could complete the work of Jesus on the earth. The gifts of God are only good. Matt. 7:11 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” These are the gifts given by God out of Agape Love to His Body. These are some of the manifestations of Agape Love. Rom. 12: 4-8 “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.” These are the gifts of Agape Love given by God to build the structure of His Body. 1 Cor. 12:28 “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” God loves us so much. He gave us gifts that are to operate in the Body of Christ cells or small groups. These gifts are for one purpose, which is to perfect the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edification of the believers. The goal is for each member to become mature and stable in Christ so one no longer is deceived. Eph. 4:8-15 “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” God loves us so much. He gives us many wonderful gifts. He has a specific call and election for each of us to do in the Kingdom of heaven. We are a part of the Body of Christ. Because He loves us so much, He calls us to His divine purpose. He does not change His mind. We have a choice to make. We must be honest with each other and ourselves about our choices and commitment to the Lord. God loves you more than you currently understand. Fellow members in the Body of Christ love you more than you currently understand. Rom. 11:29 “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Jesus gave and displayed Agape Love to the world. He loved His disciples with gave Agape Love. However, there was one who Jesus called that changed His mind. This one was deceived. Jesus addressed the issue with His disciples at the last supper. We must also address this issue now. Matt. 26: 20-24 “Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” There is a witness of two scriptures. Mark 14: 18-21 “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.” Each one who receives this newsletter today has said ‘yes’ to God. Each person answered the call and election of the Father. Each one received a gift from the Father’s heart in Atlanta. Each one is called to be a part of the structure of the Body of Christ. The Father has been looking for those who would commit to and finish His work on the earth. The Father has been looking for a group since the first century church became tainted with fear. God is not playing games. This is a time of: let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’. It is time for each one to be honest and speak what is in their heart. This warning is given out of Agape Love. It is also given with a heavy heart. Ponder these things. Take this to the Father. Ask Him to Reveal the Truth to you. Prov. 13:12 “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 8, Number 7 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
What Fruit Do You Have?
The Father wants us to be fruitful and multiply. God commanded man to populate the earth. We are to do the same in the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught His disciples about the Kingdom of God. The Words Jesus spoke were Life and caused changes in these men. We see the result of the Word of God activated by the power of the Holy Spirit in the first century church. Jesus gave a simple, direct commandment.
Mark 12: 30-31 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
The Word of God planted in our heart and activated by the power of the Holy Spirit is to cause obvious changes in our life and in our society. We can then love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We can love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. With the power of the Holy Spirit we can do all that God asks us to do.
The result of walking in Agape Love is joy. Joy is a fruit born out of love. We cannot conjure up joy. It is something that comes from our re-born spirit. If you do not possess joy in ALL situations then you must check your heart because Agape Love is not working in your life.
Rom. 14:17-18: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
James 1:2–4: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
God calls us to walk in His divine nature. His divine nature is Agape Love. Joy is also part of His nature. He is delighted to see us complete His will. He rejoices as He sees His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. He wants to display His pure Agape Love to a lost world. The world needs to know and receive the Love of God.
Take these things to the Father for His Revelation. Share what He gives you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 9, Number 1 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Vision For The Body Of Christ
This newsletter is God’s way of feeding the Body of Christ on the earth. The Body will always receive its food from the Head, which is Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ will mature and begin to feed itself.
We look in the physical realm for an example. The six-month old baby attempts to feed itself. As the baby grows it learns how to eat with a spoon, drink form a cup and later from a glass. The toddler or young child learns how to use a knife and a fork to feed it. Later, the child or adult prepares their meals. This is how it should be with us, the Body of Christ. Currently I am doing the newsletter but soon that will change because each of you can go to the Father and ask Him for fresh food. This fresh food is to be shared with the Body of Christ. Eventually others will take on this part of the ministry to the saints. So I lovingly encourage each one to grow up and ask God for fresh manna to feed the Body of Christ.
Greetings brethren in the name of Christ. This letter is being sent to you as an explanation of the vision of the Body Of Christ as I see it. Some may not understand all things relating to the vision that has been set forth at this time. This is the reason for this Word.
As you know, the vision for the Body of Christ was set forth first by Christ. You know He prayed that His brethren would all be one even as Christ is one in the Father and the Father one in Christ. We are to be one in Christ Jesus. The fact is that Christ was and is in full submission to the Father only doing what He sees the Father doing. Full obedience by Christ is the only way Christ can be One with the Father. The same is with us. We must obey Christ in all things if we are to be One with Christ and the Father.
Jesus explains this part of the vision when He explains that if His Words are in us and we observe and do all He commands, the Father and Son will come and sup with us. The meaning here is that we are included in this Oneness with the Father and the Son through obedience to the Words of the Father as given through the Son. Jesus made it clear that the things He said and did were not His own sayings and deeds, but it was rather the Father who did the works and said the things that He said. So by obeying the Son by default we obey the Father.
Now that we have established the way to be in Jesus Christ and for Him to be in us is through obedience to His words, we can see how we are part of His body. You cannot be in something if you are not where that something is. If the Body is going one direction and you decide to go another way, you cannot be a part of the Body.
Therefore, the need for mutual submission one to another in Christ becomes very important. In the natural body every part goes together. If the head tells the Body to move, it must move. For example, an arm might be tired and worn out and cannot lift the weight, so a pain signal is sent. At that point the rest of the body takes in a deep breath, the helping arm gears up to take more of the weight and legs tighten and every other part of the body gets focused and the job gets done. So are we since we are the Body Of Christ.
Now we move on to the next part of the equation. Let us say that the finger decides it does not want to obey the Body and the head anymore. When we try to move the finger it will not move. We take it to the doctor and then what? The doctor prescribes the proper procedure to get it working. What if no procedure will work? What if the finger not wanting to obey the Body will not receive blood from the rest of the Body? The finger gets cold because of lack of blood and eventually becomes infected. What happens if part of the Body gets infected? Eventually it will have to be cut off - amputated. Why? Because anyone knows that infections in the Body are never self-contained. The infection will spread to the rest of the Body.
Now with this understanding Christ spells out his vision by saying, “If your eye offends you pluck it out that the whole body will not perish and be thrown into Hell. If your right hand offends you cut it off that the whole body will not perish and be thrown into Hell.”
During the Atlanta meeting it was shared that God was establishing His body and that it is no longer an option to get out of it. We voluntarily said we would be a part of the Body at the meeting and God started to see us as His Body. Therefore, if any of us decides at this point that we do not want to be a part of this, we are becoming that finger or body part that needs a doctor.
The best thing is to make the repair fast before it becomes a situation where a transplant is needed or an operation or an amputation is needed. Thus, we need to all come to an agreement to really listen to one another, watch out for one another lest we become gangrene and infected and subsequently infect the entire Body.
The vision was shared by Christ and was also shared by Paul close to 2,000 years ago. We must examine our own hearts and see and discern the Body. The Life of God is being spread through the Body. We must open ourselves to receive that Life. Without it we do become gangrene and infected and will lose our ability to operate within the Body.
Why do I share these things? It is not I who share these things. I have the Spirit. I write under inspiration and I actually could not do this if the Lord was not pouring out His Spirit upon me to share these things. We need to hear the Lord today and act as the Body and not as individuals that we may not only partake of the good of the Body but also be contributors to the Body that the Body through edifying itself in Love may mature and be full of grace and goodness and Love.
We remember Love covers a multitude of sins and Agape Love must flow full and free throughout the Body. For Love is God and God is Love. They are one and the same.
Please think on these things and look at these things and make your calling and election sure and be an effective part of the Body you are which is the Body Of Christ.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 9, Number 2 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
For My Body
I looked upon the earth from heaven And what did I see? I saw the body of Christ broken, Beaten in bondage and in poverty. I wondered as I looked down As if to question what brought it down To the place it had become From being a light and beacon. I looked at other men’s groups Who thought they were the light The had everything man needed And everything in which to delight They had cars, and buildings, and movie stars They had stage and screen and bands They thought they had the strategy To burst the bands on men’s hands. But as I looked down to see The frolic and frivolity The eyes of the body began to shine In brilliance like light shown from inside. I wondered as the head started to rise And then to my surprise The mouth called to the Body of Christ And said “Arise my son arise!” You must rise up and take your place In this earth and in this darkness Your clothes may be soiled and dirty And your insides stagnant But I will breath life into you And this is what I want you to do Get on your feet and stand And I will surely anoint you. I want you to go out to the highways And there you must share your light The light that I now give you. You must show in whom you delight. I have not given you stage and power Of men in their wealth and their might But I’ve given you a sword of power And might to get up and fight. So do not wallow in your despair That others don’t see you or understand I have called you to obey me And that is what you must do. You must loose the bonds of wickedness Tear down the darkness and the pride Release all of the captives Bring holiness to all in sight. I want you to be fearless as I am Not afraid to stand alone For the many who see themselves righteous Will not see you as you are. They have lived their lives in wantonness They do not have Godly fear They only see their own good works And their own generosity Yet they did not hold fast to me And they ceased to be my Body And now they are rich and you are poor But not in the way they think. You are rich in faith my son In pureness and sincerity You do not need wealth to prove it Or a big congregation to follow you. You just need me my holy one For I am your reward Now go forth in my power In the power of my Word. There are no limitations To all that you can do For the One is anointing you There’s nothing impossible to do. So do not fear the evil one Or anything he can do I will shine so powerfully Through you, through you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 9, Number 3 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
God’s Big Picture
Each one of us must pay particular attention to God's promptings and how He uses you. You were part of the Atlanta meeting where our Heavenly Father started something Fresh upon the earth. Theocracy. Each one of us is experiencing being used by Him in new and unique ways.
Theocracy has not been seen to any significant degree on the earth or in the church since a short time after the day of Pentecost But it is about to be seen again though in great power and might. Actually, this is part of His plan. Since Theocracy has little observable history, many of the things the Lord has the "Atlanta 12" doing will be unique and different than how things were done in the past. The Lord indicated that many of the elements of Theocracy have similarities to things we have seen in the church today, but motivated by Agape Love instead of fear.
As the Lord uses us in this Theocracy we must pay attention so we don't get caught up like the church did in error over the last 2,000 years. For example, the Baptists are focused on baptism, which is a vital Truth, but not the end in itself. The Pentecostals are focused on the baptism in or with the Holy Ghost, which is necessary for Victory, but not the end in itself.
Likewise, the Lord is going to show TBOC many, many things none of which we are to major in and all of which we are to minor in. This is an exciting time! We are excited. God is excited and the earth and all the elements are excited, crying out for the manifestation of the sons of God, of which we are to be named.
It is essential that we realize and see God’s Big Picture as He matures us in His calling upon each one of us. It is important that we encourage one another as we see His calling on our brother or sister in Christ.
The Body needs to learn how to feed itself moving out of the spoon-fed mighty milk-toast syndrome the worldly church organization has plunged us into. We must encourage each other to grow and mature as the manifested sons of God. The Father has called us out of the mediocre life-style found in the worldly church into His Theocracy as it is in heaven.
We must realize that we are members of one another as declared in the Bible. This is part of God’s Big Picture. We are dependant on each other to function fully as a member of the Body of Jesus.
Just as in the human body, no individual part of the body ever does "its own thing". On the contrary, every member enjoys the safety and power of corporate activity. If the body gets up and moves to the next room, the hand, arm and foot go with it. All receive the same nourishment; no one gets to go off on their own food binge.
If the finger is off on its own apart from the Body, it is not of the Body as there is no way physically or spiritually this can happen. The finger has cut itself off from the rest of the body and will die because it is dismembered.
Take these things to the Father and He will Reveal His heart to you. Share what He gives you in your local cell group and then with the newsletter. The entire Body benefits from a healthy balanced diet.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 9, Number 4 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Part Of The Body Of Christ
We are part of the Body of Christ. This is good news! We are part of Jesus. We are part of His Body.
1 Cor. 12:27 “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
We are living stones in the temple not made with hands.
1 Peter 2:5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
The Father has promised to feed the over comers with hidden food. He also gives the over comers a white stone.
He writes a new name on the stone. No man knows the new name. The Father and the recipient know the new name.
Jesus knows our new name as He gives us a white stone and our new name.
Rev. 3:17 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”
The Word says we are graven in the palm of His hands. See Is. 49:16. Jesus knew our name when He went to the cross and died for us.
What is the purpose of us being parts in the Body of Christ?
Eph. 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Take these things to the Father. He wants to share hidden manna with you.
Questions to ponder: What does the Father want to share with me about being part of the Body of Christ? What hidden manna does He want to share with me? |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 9, Number 5 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
In The Vine
Jesus shares a wonderful parable with His disciples. He paints a picture where He is the vine, we are the branches and the Father is the gardener. Branches growing from the vine will bear fruit. The Father and the Holy Spirit feed and water the plant so it is healthy and well fed. The vine is capable of bearing a lot of fruit.
We must remain in Christ. We cannot live the life God has called us to live unless we abide in Christ. We must spend time in the Word and in fellowship with the Father so we know His voice. We must listen for His Words and see what He’s doing. Then we must follow through and do and say what He what we’ve seen in heaven. This is how Jesus lived His entire life while on the earth. Jesus was fully submitted to the will of the Father. We must also be fully submitted to the Father. We are to give ourselves completely to God’s call and election for our life.
The Father wants us to abide in Jesus. When we abide in Him the Father can do many great things. He is able to work through us because we are obedient and do signs, wonders and miracles so the lost may see the Glory of God.
We are commanded by Jesus to Agape Love one another. We are commanded by God to abide in Christ and bear much fruit. All these things are done so the Father may be glorified. As we are obedient we will be full of Godly Joy, which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Godly Joy is a reflection of our obedience to the Father.
Jesus also tells us that we can ask Him anything and He will do it. This is because our heart’s motive is Agape Love for each other and obedient to the Father. We are the Father’s friends because we Love each other and obey God. He shares personal things with us because He trusts us.
John 15:1-15 ”I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
Take these things to the Father and ask Him to reveal the Truth to your heart. God richly bless you.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 9, Number 6 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
I Have Overcome The World
“I have overcome the world.” Jesus said this even
before He completed His work on the cross. He saw the work completed in
the spiritual realm and proclaimed it as fact in the earth. Man’s
redemption was complete. It only would be a matter of time until Jesus
would declare, “It is finished.”
John 16:31-17:26 “Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
During Jesus’ ministry He glorified the Father by the things He did and said. Now the Father would glorify Jesus on the earth. Now Jesus would finish the Father’s work and make it possible for mankind to have a relationship with God again.
17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Jesus gave the disciples the words of Life. Jesus prayed for those who would believe on Him because of the work of the disciples. That’s us! Notice that Jesus did not pray for the world. He prayed for those given to Him by the Father.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Jesus was not of this world. That is the reason why people were drawn to Him. He displayed Agape Love. We are not of this world and we are to display Agape Love.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Jesus wants us to be one as He is One with the Father. We are in Jesus and in the Father. It is possible to be unified and one. We are to remember that heaven is our home. We are clothed in the same glory as Jesus. We walk in His power and authority as Jesus. There is no difference. We only speak Words from the Father. We only hear Words from the Father. We do what we see the Father do in heaven. We complete His will on the earth. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are glorified.
This is our work and is to be our sole focus. We are not to be an introverted group, seeking to minister to those of like mind. We are to reach out to those around us. We are to go where He sends us. Jesus sent the disciples into the world. He also sends us into the world.
Ponder these things and ask the Father for Revelation understanding and knowledge on these things. Go where He tells you to go and do what He says.
God bless you richly.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 9, Number 7 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Learn To Breathe
Today’s letter is dealing with how well we respond or react to others on a daily basis. It amazes me how much of life repeats itself, as if it keeps a score of the things which keep upsetting us…over and over again.
Let’s all learn to breathe!
Responding to a situation or person means keeping a cool head vs. having a "hot" head. It takes careful thought and requires much effort, all the time, ha! But with practice, it can be done.
While reacting is usually common and what happens most of the time, it is often tied to a mountain of stress. And no matter how mad or angry we get, the other person still never seem to be as angry!
So, let us look at how we breathe and it will determine how well we respond. Have you ever noticed that immediately, when something triggers or pushes that button, we blow?
We breathe differently! We either talk or act according to how we breathe. When I make up my mind to respond no matter what happens, then it is a decision I choose to agree with by my actions and my words. Otherwise, I would always be in a fit of rage or bad temper mode.
When we learn and practice how to cast the cares of the day on to someone Greater than the problem, we breathe, eat and sleep a whole lot better!
Trust me, I know what I am talking about. Keeping the peace that is provided for us, through Jesus Christ, is a decision, a choice. That choice helps us to remain in the love walk long enough to act like who we say we are: Children of the Most High God. If you and I never make the decision to walk in the God kind of love, it will not show up, ever on a regular basis.
To breathe is to live a balanced live in the Spirit! Not a perfect life, but one that is submitted to the authority of God, His Word and His Way of doing things.
To breathe is to know that no matter how many trials come, joy is the first thing that pops up! Joy is the first thing that is displayed!
Joy is connected to the revelation that He, who made the promise, is faithful to back it ALL up! There is no doubt or fear involved.
I can remember many, many years ago, when we did not have money to pay the rent. We were evicted! The officials came with two or three men to "throw" our stuff out of the house, along with our physical bodies! We were in faith, believing and trusting God. They came in, but did not remove a thing. Instead, the Sheriff spoke kindly and suggested that we contact the landlord again. We prayed and the Holy Ghost spoke and told us to go the office and ask for the person in charge of the rental division. We told him what had happened. God led this man to pay all that we owed in full! We did not have to move. God is faithful! That day, I learned how to breathe.
There was no way, in the natural, we could have fixed the problem, but God knew exactly what to do. Have you ever known a Real Estate Broker to pay the rent and back rent of the tenants? I do, it happened! Today, learn to breathe. Finally, consider that the debt you owe or the Creator of heaven and earth can solve the problem.
Who or what is messing with you?
God made him, her and it! So learn how to breathe by trusting in Him. He is well able to take care of His own. Yes! Learn to breathe like that (smile).
Take these things to the Father and ask Him to Reveal the Truth to your heart. Do what He says! God richly bless you.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 10, Number 1 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
The Five-Fold
This note is to each of the Five-Fold groups around the world. We want to encourage you to in the Lord. Remain faithful to His call and election. Continue to work steadfastly within your local cell. God has much work for us to do. There is a great vision and purpose for each one. It is the Kingdom of God work
Apostle, What are you seeing as the vision for the Body in your local area? Are you seeing unity of vision within the rest of the Five-fold there? How can we pray for you?
Prophet, What are your exhortations for the rest of the Five-Fold in walking out what the Apostle sees? What are your exhortations to the rest of the Body to unity? What is working for you in building up the faith of the people?
Evangelist, How are you encouraging one another to meet the needs of friends and neighbors to Agape Love and not scare them into the Kingdom?
Pastor, How are you building the fruit of the Spirit in the rest of the Body? How are you applying the Food for the Body the fruit of the Spirit in the people?
Teacher, What specific encouragements and exhortations are you using to help the others to chew up and absorb the Meat of the Word? What particular methods are you using to help the others walk out the vision of the Apostle? How are the people absorbing the daily Food for the Body? What are you doing to help them understand and apply the Food for the Body? Is the Food for the Body "meaty" enough?
We encourage each of the Five-Fold groups to press on in the calling of Jesus Christ. The Father wants us to share our news with each other to encourage the brethren in the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God Richly Bless You! |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News
Food for the Body |
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Volume 10, Number 2 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
The Father’s Delight
The Father is pleased with the growth in His Son’s Body. He is delighted to see the gifts of the Holy Spirit beginning to operate as He desires. The Father is delighted to see us caring for each other and putting each other’s needs before our own personal concerns.
The Father delights in the time we spend with Him. He wants us to come more often into His presence. He loves it when we sit down with Him. We love our Father. We enjoy telling Him how much we love Him. We enjoy simply being with Him.
Imagine yourself sitting on a couch next to Him. Sometimes it’s great to talk and tell Him about things. Other times it’s great to sit and watch Him do His work or listen to what He says. We learn about what He wants us to do when we simply watch and listen.
Our Father gave us Jesus and His righteousness. We are clothed in the garments of God. We carry His authority, power, and tools. In the upcoming days and weeks He wants us to learn how to use the tools He gave. We know the mind of the Father. We know the heart of the Father. We see things from His perspective.
Be an excellent student of the Father. Watch Him. Listen to Him. Do exactly what He does and say what He says. Listen only to Him. Our Father has so much for us to do. He is so delighted in the work of the Kingdom. Continue forward. Do not look back. Pray for each other. Do not forget those who are not in your local area. We need to talk to each other and encourage each other to grow in God’s ways. We cam share our hearts with each other by email, telephone, or letters.
Finally, be strong in the Lord. Be diligent and follow His direction. Keep in fellowship with the brethren. Take time to fellowship with the Father.
God bless you richly. |
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We’re on the Web!
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11, Number 4 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
To Judge Or Not To Judge Matt. 7:1-2 “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” At some point in our Christian walk, we have all looked upon the outward appearance of a situation or circumstance in another's life and in our mind we have judged that person. Some could have even spoken what they thought and passed judgment. Men and women of God often bring judgment upon themselves by bringing upon themselves the very thing that they have judged in others. Gal. 5:15 “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” We have heard in our Christian walk that we do not judge the person, but we judge the fruit. The word says: Matt. 7:16-18 “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” "You will know them by their fruit." It does not say judge them by their fruit. In fact the word says: Gal 6:1-10 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” One has heard it said that we don't judge the person but the spirit operating through them. Here we find: Matt. 7:12 “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” We are taught to beware of false teachers, but not to judge if they are true believers are false. Matt. 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” The Word teaches us that there is only one judge and when we put ourselves in position to judge another's heart, we bring that very judgment upon ourselves. Let us be careful to examine ourselves and let God examine others. Gal. 6:4 “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” James 4:11-12 “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 5:9 “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Take this to the Father and ask Him for Revelation on this subject. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News
Food for the Body |
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Volume 10, Number 4 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
The
Jesus started talking about the
This is how Jesus started in His divine
call and election. Since Jesus life is our example, we can receive
revelation about what the Father is now doing with us. Jesus was in the
wilderness for forty days. After His resurrection, Jesus taught the
disciples about the
When the time was complete, Jesus came out
and began preaching the message of the
Mark 1:6-15
“6 And John was
clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins;
and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There
cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not
worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with
water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to
pass in those days, that Jesus came from
We know from scripture that the
We must receive the
It is hard for a person who trusts in
riches to enter into the
Jesus sent the twelve disciples out to preach the gospel of the Kingdom and heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2)
Jesus said the
We are to seek the
The
The
What must we learn from these verses? The
God has called us to live in the
It is critical that we receive divine
Revelation on the
Ponder these things and ask the Father for His Revelation and heart. Share these things with your brothers and sisters. We need each other.
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E-mail:
We’re on the Web!
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News
Food for the Body |
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Volume 10, Number 5 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Thy Kingdom Come
Matt. 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Early in Jesus’ ministry He teaches us
to ask for the
Initially God’s will was done on the earth before man’s fall and we separated from His fellowship. We know a Holy God cannot look on sin or sinful man for that which is of sin burns up in His Holy presence.
The current heavens and earth will pass away and melt with a fervent heat when Jesus comes in full power of the Godhead. All born of sin will be destroyed.
2 Peter 3:10-12 “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
Rev. 21:1-2
“And I saw a new
heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were
passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city,
new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband.”
God’s will is fellowship with mankind.
God wants to dwell with His people and be their God. The good news of
the gospel of the
Rev. 21:3-7
“And I heard a great voice out of
heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he
will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself
shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all
tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the
former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne
said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me,
Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It
is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give
unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God,
and he shall be my son.”
God’s objective is direct fellowship with us. Our job (call and election) is to do what the Father does and say what we hear the Father speak in heaven.
This is an illustration to which we can easily relate.
Company =
CEO = God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost Objective = To fellowship and dwell with mankind Corporate Offices = Headquarters are in heaven. However, corporate offices will soon be the new heaven and earth. Remote Office = Work is done by workers on the existing earth. Workers = The imploded believers in the Body of Christ. Worker’s Job Description = Do what they see the Father do in heaven. Speak what they hear the Father say in heaven.
This is the
God bless you.
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E-mail:
We’re on the Web!
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News
Food for the Body |
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Volume 10, Number 6 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
More About The
The
Jesus brought the fresh message of the Gospel of the Kingdom as He walked the earth. Jesus was God’s presence on the earth. He proclaimed by His words and actions the law to be finished.
Luke 16:16
“The law and the
prophets were until John: since that time the
Jesus was the
The religious of the day rejected the
message of the
Matt. 21:41-44
“They say unto him,
He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his
vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in
their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the
scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become
the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous
in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The
How do you think the worldly church will
receive the message of the Gospel of the
We have been called out and separated from the worldly church. We have answered God’s call. We are part of the Body of Christ and have made our call and election sure. God searched the whole earth since Jesus’ ascension to heaven for a group of people who will do what He is doing and speak what He says. He wants to dwell with us. He wants His will done on earth as it is in heaven.
We must focus our attention on learning
how to live and work in the
Supernatural signs and wonders will follow
those who dwell in the
God bless you as you ponder these things.
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E-mail:
We’re on the Web!
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 10, Number 7 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
God Reveals By His Spirit
If we get in the spirit, walk in the spirit, pray in the spirit, and intercede in the spirit we will bring the mysteries of God into our very presence in our lifetime.
I Cor. 2:9—10 “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him, but God has revealed them unto us by His spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. “
1 Cor. 2: 13-14 “Which things also we speak not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual, but the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can heknow them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
All things must be done by the spirit of God through us. We must see through the eyes of the spirit. If we see through the natural man’s eyes we cannot discern the things going on in the lives of others. We will only see what appears to be on the outward (the circumstances) but it is always a spiritual root involved. We must get to the root and that is only done in the spirit. Once we see the root, we get rid of it by taking authority over the spiritual force behind it, and commanding it to leave and loose the hold on the person. Victory is in the spirit.
Take these things to the Father and ask Him to Reveal His heart to you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11, Number 1 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Life In The Kingdom We have much to learn about the Kingdom of God. The Lord has started to teach and Reveal His heart to us. We are to practice what He shows us and be excellent students of our Father. We are to imitate Him. Many of the things we will learn about the Kingdom of God will not make sense to our minds. We must put our minds aside and let our re-born spirit lead and direct our steps. The Father is giving us small amounts of Revelation about the Kingdom of God. We must take these things into our spirits and let them take root and grow. We will see changes in the fruit visible in our life as the Revelation of the Kingdom of God becomes alive in us. As we mature and grow He will show us more about the Kingdom of God. We read about the early church and what they did in the Kingdom of God. Now it is our turn to finish the work of the Father. Jesus laid the foundation and is the chief cornerstone. The first century apostles’ lives give us insight to some of the signs, wonders and miracles that are fruit of the Kingdom of God. We are in a period of time where we are to immerse ourselves in the Father. This is our time to grow in Him and fellowship all the time with Him. Our spirits can do this because they are re-born. We must turn off the noise and distractions of the physical world and chose to sit with the Father. As we become more agile and flexible in the Kingdom of God we will see more consistent signs, wonders and miracles. Then when the man-child is born in this realm, we, the Body of Christ, will turn the world upside down. Supernatural events become the new everyday norm, just as when Jesus walked this earth. He went about doing good every place He went. This will be the same for us as the Body of Christ. The fully functioning adult man-child is also known as the manifested sons of God. The entire creation longs for this time. We must do everything each day to hasten these events. Encourage each other in their call and election. Build each other up in the Faith. We can be Agape Love to each other and to those we encounter daily. Speak the Word in Agape Love. Be kind and loving to each other just as Christ is with each one of us. Listen to the Father and what He says. Do what the Father does. We can be obedient now. God bless you as you take these things to Him for His divine Revelation. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11, Number 2 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Continue In The Most High Call Of Our Lord Jesus Christ
To all handmaidens and bondservants of
the Lord Jesus Christ: If the child of God attempts to carry out the Father's will with less than a perfect heart-attitude towards that Holy will (in other words NO self-desire [unrighteous motivation]), they will not, and cannot, experience the true satisfaction which comes ONLY from abiding in love. Every motivation of heart in our Christian service must be rooted and grounded in the desire for ALL of the Father's will and plan to be accomplished in the earth without ANY regard for ourselves. Our chief motivation always being that the works of Satan might be destroyed and every captive set free, and that the name of Jesus might be exalted to the greatest degree in the earth. Any motivation which proceeds from self will only serve to allow Satan an entrance into our lives! Our God is an absolute God, and for each of us to fulfill His will for our life and ministry it will take an absolute faith working through an absolute love abiding in our hearts. We must realize fully the fact that the Father has never made - and will never make - any provision for ANY action or word which is apart from, or outside of, Christ, to build His Church.
Therefore let us cleanse ourselves from
all defilement of flesh and spirit - allowing the Holy Spirit to
perfect our reverence and respect for the Father and His Word. For the
anointing which abides within us is released fully in us and through
us by faith, in His Holy Word, working through His great love and
grace, which abounds towards all those who truly love Him.
TRANSITION
AND FINE-TUNING
In this time of transition - a
transition time wherein all that can be shaken is being, and will be,
shaken things will seem a little uneasy and uncomfortable at times.
But, nonetheless, the fact remains that all that one needs to do in
this most critical hour is reach (call) out to the Father by faith and
thus call upon His great grace (perfect empowerment) to deal with any
situation that arises. It is that simple, it is also that absolute!
As faithful and obedient children of the Most High God we are to have
no other provision apart from Him. In His great love for His children He will leave no stone unturned and give each one ample opportunity to grasp the spiritual reality of this final hour and enter into the fullness of covenant with Him through a perfect obedience for indeed that is the ONLY place of safety and refuge. It is the place wherein He is found to be an indestructible asylum (Isaiah 8 Amplified) and place of refuge.
CERTAIN
CONFRONTATION During these times of confrontation it seems hard and it can be very intense as one experiences the spiritual turbulence and pressure exerted by Satan and his forces - a pressure geared to cause the child of God to pull back or compromise the will of God in some way.
It is certain that pulling back or
compromising will release the pressure exerted by the forces of
darkness, but in this hour it will be seen as a most dangerous
activity!
REACTING
SPONTANEOUSLY IN THE LOVE AND POWER
OF GOD Again, regardless of what pressures we may face in the days ahead we can be assured that if we have been faithful and obedient to pursue the life of the Cross (obedience unto the death of the self-life) THEN we will be found reacting spontaneously in the power and love of God - even in the face of the most intense attacks of the Evil One.
Ponder these things and ask the Father to Reveal His heart to you. His earnest desire is for us to mature and grow deeply in Him. We must be firmly rooted and grounded in the Word and in Kingdom of God life. This is His good pleasure. God bless you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11 Number 3 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Serving In The Kingdom Of God Mark 9:35 “And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” Jesus teaches us more about the Kingdom of God. Success and prestige in the Kingdom of God is eternally linked to serving others. Jesus had the Father’s approval. Do you recall the Father saying that Jesus was His beloved Son and He was well-pleased with Him? We all want God’s approval. God is pleased when we serve others. Jesus came to earth to serve others. We are to serve others. Mark 10:42-45 “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus was called to serve mankind. He left the Glory that He had with the Father from the foundation of the earth to redeem mankind. He lived a life of a servant. The life of a servant is not all of the horrible things you think of in the natural. The servant in the Kingdom of God: · Puts others and their needs before their own preferences, desires, needs and wishes. · Secure in who they are in Christ and aggressively seek to meet other’s needs. · Walks in humility, not pride. · Operates in power in word and deed. · Pours our Agape Love to every person they meet. Matt. 20:23-28 “And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” We have choices to make. We will either be a faithful wise servant or an evil servant. Matt. 24:35-51 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The wedding feast is ready. We are to encourage and call in the masses into the Kingdom of God. We are to go out to the highways and remote streets and urge people to come in. Let’s not make excuses. This is our job in the Kingdom of God: Luke 14:15-24 “And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” We have a choice. We must chose to either serve God completely or the world system. We cannot live in both because they do not mix. The Kingdom of God cannot be polluted with the error and garbage (sin) of the world’s system. Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Jesus demonstrates to us how we should behave with each other. Jesus laid aside His garments and started washing the disciple’s feet. John 13:12-20 “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” As we implode we will move from the servant mentality to the friend of Jesus mentality, which is living as a manifested son of God. John 15:15-17 “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.” The Father wants a big family. It is our job to share the Truth of the Kingdom of God with everyone. The Kingdom of God is simply that God wants to dwell with us. Jesus restored us to fellowship with God because of He satisfied the penalty for our sin. He restored us to the same position Adam and Eve enjoyed in the garden. This is available to every person who believes. The Holy Spirit leads and empowers us to do what we see the Father doing and say what we hear the Him speaking. We are to grow up and mature in Christ as the manifest Sons of God. The Holy Spirit is doing this now in us. Cooperate fully with the Holy Spirit and let implosion take place. The process of letting go of things seems like agony and you think you can’t survive the pain. However, once you implode completely and experience the great freedom and liberty in Lord is so great you don’t understand why you didn’t obey the Father before. Take these things to the Father and ponder them in His presence. Let Him speak to your heart God bless you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11, Number 4 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
To Judge Or Not To Judge
Matt. 7:1-2 “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
At some point in our Christian walk, we have all looked upon the outward appearance of a situation or circumstance in another's life and in our mind we have judged that person. Some could have even spoken what they thought and passed judgment. Men and women of God often bring judgment upon themselves by bringing upon themselves the very thing that they have judged in others.
Gal. 5:15 “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”
We have heard in our Christian walk that we do not judge the person, but we judge the fruit. The word says:
Matt. 7:16-18 “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
"You will know them by their fruit." It does not say judge them by their fruit. In fact the word says:
Gal 6:1-10 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
One has heard it said that we don't judge the person but the spirit operating through them. Here we find:
Matt. 7:12 “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
We are taught to beware of false teachers, but not to judge if they are true believers are false.
Matt. 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
The Word teaches us that there is only one judge and when we put ourselves in position to judge another's heart, we bring that very judgment upon ourselves. Let us be careful to examine ourselves and let God examine others.
Gal. 6:4 “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
James 4:11-12 “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”
James 5:9 “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”
James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Take this to the Father and ask Him for Revelation on this subject.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11, Number 5 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Partakers Of The Divine Nature
The Apostle Peter was given revelation understanding of the divine nature of God. We are part of the divine nature because we have obtained faith through the righteousness Jesus Christ. God’s promises are ours. But do we believe God’s promises? Do we partake of the divine nature? What does the word partake mean? The word partake means: 1. take part in (an activity); participate 2. take a portion or take some of (something) 3. show or have a trace of or show qualities of
Do our lives show the qualities of God? Can others see traces of God in our lives? Is our life divine, which means of or like God’s?
God has called us to glory and virtue. Within that calling one finds all of God’s great and precious promises. God’s promises make it possible for us to partake of His divine nature. His promises provide us with all things we would need to live a life of Godliness. We have God’s promises so we can show or display God’s divine nature to the dying world and to the worldly church.
2 Pet 1:1-12 “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.”
Let’s define the word diligence since it is used twice in this passage. Diligence means: 1. To esteem highly, select 2. the quality of being diligent; constant careful effort; perseverance A person who is diligent in their work is careful, hardworking, and industrious and gives steady, consistent effort.
1. We are to give all diligence to our faith. To faith, we are to add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. 2. We are to give all diligence to make our call and election sure. If we do these things then we shall never fall. What a wonderful promise of God!
We have been called to God’s glory and virtue (call) by His great and precious promises. We are called to partake in divine nature.
God’s promises are found in these verses:
1 Cor. 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
2 Cor. 7:16- 7:1 “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Gal. 3:28-29 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Heb. 11:17 “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.”
Heb. 11:32-33 “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,”
2 Pet. 1:4 ”Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
2 Pet. 1:10 ”Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
God gave us everything we need to reflect His character. He has given us faith (to move mountains), Agape Love (to give to others), met all our needs (He will add all things unto us if we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness), use of Jesus name (signs and wonders to follow ) and the Holy Spirit (to teach, direct and speak directly to God).
We are called to be just like God because He created us in His image. Jesus restored us to our original position of fellowship and intimacy with God. Let’s look for the qualities of God in each other and build each other up in our calling.
May God Reveal more things to you about partaking of the divine nature. God bless you as you ponder these things. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11, Number 6 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Be Diligent In Your Faith God has called us to be diligent in our faith. We are to be focused, careful and hardworking in our faith. We are to pay attention to every detail about faith. The work of a member in the Body of Christ is to believe in Jesus. We are to put our trust in Jesus. John 6:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” We must have faith to believe God exists. By faith we believe in and receive Christ. By faith we please God. By faith we receive revelation knowledge and understanding of the Word of God. By faith we repent and receive forgiveness. By faith needs are met. By faith God is able to do signs, wonders and miracles through His Body on the earth and draw all men to Himself. By faith we believe and learn of our Family name. Faith is a required element in the Kingdom of God. God works by and through faith. By faith He created everything that exists. We are created in His image so we must use our faith to operate in (believe) His Kingdom. Jesus constantly spent time with the Father to see what was going on in heaven. Jesus pursued His faith with all diligence by doing on earth what He’d seen the Father do. Jesus knew His family name. Mankind called Him Jesus but His last name was GOD or Elohiym. His given name is Jesus Elohiym. GOD: 430. 'elohiym, el-o-heem'; plur. of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but spec. used (in the plur. thus, esp. with the art.) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X mighty. God created us in His image. He is our Father and gave us His last name – Elohiym. Adam and Eve were part of God’s family and had Elohiym as their last name. Jesus restored man back to his original created state with God. We are given the last name of Elohiym when our spirit is re-born. We became alive again spiritually and can fellowship with God just the way Jesus did. Our Father Elohiym owns everything. He does not want or need anything. Each of His thoughts, Words or deeds is faith in action. He isn’t needy or poor. Neither are we. We own everything. Everything God is and has is ours because we are Family. If we are in need (health, money, house, home, clothes, etc.) we lack revelation in knowing our last name and must be diligent in our faith to receive revelation about our Family. When Jesus walked the earth He did not ask God to meet any of His personal needs. He didn’t have to! By faith He had everything necessary for abundant life. He met other peoples’ needs. Here are some things Jesus said about faith. Matt. 17:20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matt. 21:21 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” Mark 5:34 “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 10:52 “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 11:22-26 “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Forgive: 63. aphiemi, af-ee'-ay-mee; from G575 and hiemi (to send; an intens. form of eimi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow):--cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up. We are to be diligent in our faith. God wants us to seek Him for Revelation on who we are in Him and what is ours because we are part of His family. God encourages us to implode and let go of our current beliefs, thoughts and opinions on this matter. Take these things to our Father and ask Him to Reveal the Truth to your heart.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 11, Number 7 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Partake In The Kingdom Of God As we partake in the Kingdom of God we find that our lives will be very different. The Body of Christ has imploded just enough to see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God on the earth. Do not interpret the last statement as a negative. We should be encouraged because we see a glimpse of God’s hand moving on the earth today. Reread the Needs News to see how God has answered prayers. Praise the Lord! Our Father is VERY excited to see how we seek Him for Revelation understanding about the daily food He gives us. He is delighted as we turn more often to Him and watch what He’s doing in heaven and then do those things on the earth. God is pleased. As we look at each other’s lives to encourage and pray for one another we can see traces of the qualities of our Father Elohiym. We are to pray for others when the Holy Spirit brings someone to you heart. We are to also pray as a group for the others who may be in other geographic locations. As we seek God and grow up in the Kingdom of God our focus will change. Our commitment to the Father and His call and election in our life will become a reality in our life. God’s call and election will rule our physical life and all related circumstances. We will have our Father’s goal so clearly burnt in our minds, hearts and spirits that we are not distracted by anything or anyone. We will also grow to know that we are members together in the Elohiym Family. We need each other. Our life depends on knowing that our siblings in the Lord stand shoulder to shoulder with us working to bring manifestation of God’s Kingdom. We will be confident in the gifts God put in each other and trust what the Father speaks to fellow members in the Body of Christ. What are the traces of God’s character that He wants us to manifest? Ponder these verses: · God provides if we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Matt. 6:28-33 “And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” · Miracles. Matt. 12:28 “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” · Time to believe the Gospel. Mark 1:15 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” · There aren’t any secrets in the Elohiym Family. Mark 4:11 “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:” · We will see the Kingdom of God come in power. Mark 9:1 “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” · People are healed. Luke 9:2 “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” · Look what the finger of God does! Luke 11:20 “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” · You will know when your life shows traces of God’s character. Luke 17:20-21 “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” · The spirit must be reborn. John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” · Jesus taught the early apostles about living in the Kingdom of God. Now He’s teaching us how to live and finish His work. Acts 1:3-5 “To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” · The fruit of the Holy Ghost is part of the Kingdom of God. Rom. 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” · Power. 1 Cor. 4:20 “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” · Incorruptible now and forever. 1 Cor. 15:49-50 “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” Take these things to the Father and ask Him to Reveal Truth to your heart. God richly bless you.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 12, Number 1 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
That They All May Be One Jesus’ last prayer for His disciples was powerful. As you read John 17 and listen to Jesus’ words we conclude that this is how Jesus and the Father spent time together. In this prayer Jesus set in motion unity among the disciples and unity for those who would believe because of the disciple’s testimony. Look carefully at His words. · That they may be one (Unity in the Body of Christ – among the first disciples and then among us) · As Thou Father art in me (Father is part of the Son) · And I in thee (Son is part of the Father) · That they may be one in us. (All who believe are unified and one in Father and Son.) John 17:20-26 “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” The glory that God gave Jesus is life in the Kingdom of God. Jesus shared Kingdom of God splendor with the Father before He came to earth. While on earth Jesus was an example of what the Kingdom of God life looked like in this world. · The Father gave Jesus glory. (the Kingdom of God) · Jesus gave us His glory. (The Kingdom of God.) · That we might be one. Unified together with Jesus and the Father.) · Just as Jesus and the Father are one. (Unity in the God-head) · Jesus in us. (Jesus in us) · The Father in Jesus. (Unity in the God-head) · That we may be made perfect in one. (Perfect in one – unity in the Body of Jesus. United together with Him, and with the Father.) Jesus spoke the Words He heard the Father say. Jesus gave the Word to the disciples. Jesus’ last wish was for the believers to be one just as the Father and Son are one. The purpose of unity is among the believers is to reflect the traces and character of God’s glory, the Kingdom of God. Our Father is revealing what the Kingdom of God to us. Jesus glorified the Father on the earth. We are to do the same thing. Our lives are to be like a movie for the world to see. Each frame of our life is to reflect the glory of God. Jesus declared the Father’s name to us. This is the name of Elohiym. Jesus sets in motion that we are partakers of this name and Family. We are to ponder Jesus’ Words are take them into our re-born spirit. These Words must become alive in each of us. As we meditate on these Words we will come to understand more of the Elohiym Family. Jesus asked the Father to make us united with Jesus (Himself). We are part (partakers) of the Body of Christ. Jesus is united with the Father. We are one in Him. We are one in His glory. We are one Family. Jesus wants us to see His glory given to Him by the Father before the foundation of the world. Jesus had two reasons for unity among the believers: · That the world may believe that thou hast sent me · That the world may know that thou hast sent me. Ask the Father to reveal this to your heart. There is much more to this than just this high level starting point. We are to be diligent in our faith. We must be diligent about this because this is a critical element to our call and election, unity with each other and with the God-head. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 12, Number 2 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Circumstances
We must learn to deal with the circumstances of life the way Jesus dealt with them. We know Jesus spent much time with the Father in fellowship and prayer. He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. They were united. Jesus observed the Father doing His work in heaven. Jesus then did what He’d seen the Father do. Jesus’ call and election was to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God everywhere He went.
Jesus was careful to only listen and heed the voice of the Father. He listened to those who requested His help. He did not pay attention to gossip, evil reports, or circumstantial evidence.
Jesus already spent time with the Father and heard what He had to say. He already knew what He was going to do. He ignored the circumstances and the evil report offered to Him.
Luke 8:49-56 ”While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.”
Jesus heard the evil report and chose to ignore it. He told the girl’s father to not be afraid and to believe and she would be made whole. Jesus would heal her by raising her from the dead. When the crowd of mourners heard Jesus say that she was asleep, they ridiculed and scorned Him. The crowd continued to look at the circumstances – she was dead.
Jesus expelled all the doubters from the house and took the girl’s parents and three disciples into the room. He commanded her to arise. The young girl arose. Jesus brought the Kingdom of God to the girl. Jesus made her whole and restored her to her parents.
Our job is to bring the Kingdom of God to the people around us. To do that, we must not listen to evil reports and circumstantial evidence. Jesus did not repeat evil circumstances. He spoke Life into them. He did not gossip. He focused on good reports. His thoughts were of the Kingdom of God.
We are in a period of time where we cannot speak evil reports. We cannot entertain evil thoughts. We must not become trapped in the problems and trials of others. If we think about circumstances we cannot see God in them. When evil circumstances or reports are presented to us, we must ask the Father how He sees it. Then speak what He Reveals to us and NOTHING ELSE!
Many times we become snared in circumstances - either ours or someone else’s. We think, think, think, and think again about them. As a result we are stuck in those circumstances and are IMPOTENT to see the Kingdom of God. We reap more evil circumstances and reports because we have opened the door to the enemy. We reap in our life what we sow in our thoughts. Unfortunately, we are POWERLESS to bring the Kingdom of God
This IS NOT how Jesus was. He was FULL of power and refused evil reports and circumstantial evidence. We MUST imitate Jesus. If we have the Truth of the situation in us (observing the Father) then we will not be distracted by the circumstances or gossip.
Phil. 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Take these things to the Father and ask Him to Reveal the Truth to your heart.
God bless you.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 12, Number 3 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Kingdom Of God Life
Jesus defines what Kingdom of God life is in the beginning of this prayer. It is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ who was sent by God. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection we are made whole and restored to spiritual fellowship with God.
Part of Jesus’ work was to manifest the Father‘s name to the disciples. Jesus manifested God’s name. This means that Jesus shed light and revealed God’s name to mankind. Jesus reflected Elohiym to us.
We have Jesus’ Words and we are to receive them. We are to receive the Words the Father gives us today via teaching, instruction, and revelation knowledge. We are to receive these Words just as if Jesus is giving them to us. Truly He is giving them. We have the Bible and Food for the Body today. The disciples had Jesus speaking directly to them. There is no difference. The bottom line is God is speaking. Receive His Word.
John 17:3 -11 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”
Jesus declares and reminds the Father that all the Father has is belongs to Jesus. All Jesus has belongs to the Father. All the Father and Son have belongs to us because we have received His Word.
Jesus kept the early disciples together because He was present with them. Now because Jesus went to the Father and is now in heaven, we believers are kept unified through the name Elohiym. We are one just as Jesus and the Father are One. We are one with the Father and Son because they live inside us.
Unity with each other and with the Father and Son is the Kingdom of God. We are part of the Family. Jesus prays for us as He waits for the fullness of time. We are to pray for each other as we work to bring about the fullness of time.
God bless you as you take these things to the Father for His divine revelation.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 12, Number 4 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Basic Structure
There has been some confusion as to the literal application of the term spiritual gifts. In summary, the key elements to remember are:
· The gifts described in Romans 12 are personality (Charisma or spiritual personality) gifts given to each born again person who is born of the Spirit. God gives these gifts and we each have a spiritual personality.
· Eph. 4:11 gives a list of gifts that are for the church. These gifts are designed by our Heavenly Father to be used to help others grow up and become effective ministers in the Kingdom of God. These gifts will exist for a period of time until they are no longer needed. This will be when the sons of God manifest on the earth. These gifts are given to the local church group.
· 1 Cor. 12:7-10 is the manifestation of the Spirit. These are the result of the Charisma (spiritual personality) and the gifts for the church functioning together. It is the Spirit’s working in people’s lives.
· 1 Cor. 12:28 is a different list of gifts. God uses the term “set in the church” to indicate to us something that the purpose of these gifts is very different from the others. These gifts define and work in Theocracy and have not been considered before: He outlines Theocracy or what we will call Structure. Set : 5087. tithemi, tith'-ay-mee; a prol. form of a prim. theo, theh'-o (which is used only as alt. in cert. tenses); to place (in the widest application, lit. and fig.; prop. in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which prop. denotes as upright and active position, while G2749 is prop. reflexive and utterly prostrate):--+ advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.
It is easy to see that each placement by our Heavenly Father has a specific purpose and a unique function in the Body of Christ. The purpose for the Eph 4:11 gifts is obvious - for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry…until we all come to the unity of the faith unto the fullness of the measure of the Stature of Christ. These gifts (endowments upon individuals) work as a team and have an implied plurality of leadership in that they are listed horizontally. No one gift is ‘the Leader’. However, each has a special and unique function and each provides a different and unique nutritional element to the local Body.
We know the local group consists of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and the Teacher. This group of gifts operates on a time line for their usefulness and purpose. When God gave these gifts, it was He who bestowed them upon the person to whom they were given. God does not look at one’s character, capabilities, education, skills or talents when He gives a gift. He looks at the heart and not the outer man.
The gifts listed are not gender specific. Since the group is to function as a plurality of leadership group the common objection of a female in leadership is taken away. In this case a female cannot usurp authority over a male because the group is designed by God for teaching, training and perfecting (maturing) the saints and NOT for ruling or administrating authority over them. Elders are for that purpose. No single gift is to have authority over another. The Pastor is a servant gift designed to serve God’s people in order to bring them to maturity, not direct and control the entire ministry. The Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher are the management team. Each has one vote.
Just as the local church has a specialized group to lead and administrate (elders), so does the Body of Christ as a whole. In 1 Cor. 12:28 we see something very different. This set or group of gifts as noted and highlighted in the definition of the word “set”. God placed these in the church. This is Theocracy. The simple definition of Theocracy is a God administrated governmental system. As listed in this Scripture, governments are one of the functions of this set of gifts to the church. The gifts working together as a team provide oversight and direction to the church. For our understanding we will call this Structure. God calls it Theocracy. Since there is a group who guide, there are those to be guided thus, the system of Theocracy is established.
Picture it this way: A business from the core group i.e. the board of directors, (their structure) desires to expand and will set up a committee to carry out a particular function. The group needs oversight with instruction and direction in order to be effective. So it is with The Body of Christ. The local group has a specific purpose and needs to be guided and taught.
The group listed in 1 Cor. 12:28 is horizontal in listing and has an order and position given to them; firstly Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers and then (fourthly is implied) after that miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, and diversities of tongues. Theocracy does have a governmental side to it. Strong’s Dictionary indicates the words firstly, secondarily, thirdly and fourthly all indicate an order of position and importance. God did not make a mistake when He inspired the Apostle Paul to write thusly.
If we look at the Apostle Paul’s life and function in the Body of Christ, we see that he was a Structural 1 Cor. 12:28 Apostle and not an Apostle to a local church. He delineated doctrine and demonstrated oversight, giving direction and instruction to the local church ministry teams. His participation as an Apostle in the local church was minimal.
Pastors and Evangelists are not included in Structure because they are not needed for this group to function. This group is not focused on evangelizing or maturing the saints. That is the purpose of the local church. The structural gifts are focused on governing the Body and carrying out the Father’s will and providing direction to all the connected parts of the Body.
This is designed to provide you with a starting point for your own study and to receive Revelation from the Father for yourself.
Please take this information to Him and see what He has to say. God bless you.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 12, Number 5 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Sons of God Our loving Father made it possible for us to partake of His Kingdom by sending Jesus to the earth. Every man must make the choice to believe or not believe in Jesus. The word power means right, ability or privilege. We have the right, ability or privilege to receive Him and believe on His name (Elohiym). Since God gave us the right or privilege to become a son of God, we are Family. John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” In addition to being God’s Family, God gives us His Holy Spirit as a sign that we are His. If we believe then God the Father, Son and Spirit come to dwell inside us. See John 14:23. We are one with each other, Jesus and the Father. See John 17:21. Rom. 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” All creation waits and longs for the sons of God to appear in this world. Rom. 8:19 “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” As the manifested sons of God we are pure and clean. Our lives reflect the character and heart of our Father. We are to be a bright shining light in a very dark world. Jesus was the Light of the World. We, as His Body, are the Light of the world. Phil. 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” We are not of this world. We are of the Kingdom of God. It is our job as Jesus’ Body, as God’s Family, to do the things the Father wants so we make the Kingdom of God come on earth as it is in heaven. 1 John 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” Our life is to reflect the character of God. People see traces of His character – Agape Love pouring out from each one of us. As we reflect God’s character we bring the touch of the Savior into someone’s circumstances. Remember when Jesus healed people he often said, ‘The Kingdom of God has come to you’. We are to do this too. 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” The only way we can ‘see Him as He is’ is to spend time in the Father’s presence so we see what work the Father is doing in heaven. We must then do what we saw the Father do in heaven upon the earth. Then we will be like Him. Ponder these things. It is time for each one of us to know who we are in Christ. We are part of God’s Family, members of each other. We are Jesus’ Body on the earth. Find out for yourself what the Father has to say to you personally about your role and the group’s (12 of us) role as a son of God. God bless you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 12, Number 6 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Grow In Faith
Faith is a gift of God. We believe God exists by Faith. God wants us to cultivate our Faith because He wants us to grow up in Him. He wants us to progress from new-born baby to child, to adolescent to adult in our Faith. Faith grows by spending time with Him pondering and meditation on the Word. He wants us to be mature in Faith and respond to His Spirit.
Jesus had Faith in the Father. He believed God. Jesus matured in His Faith. He watched the Father doing things in heaven and then did those things on the earth. His first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding. His first public message was from Isaiah 61. His faith-filled words set the direction of His public ministry. His final act of Faith was when He uttered the words, ‘It is finished.’
This is a time where we are to grow up and become mature sons of God.
Rom. 1:17 “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Rom. 5:1-2 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Rom. 3:27 -28 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Rom. 12:3 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Gal. 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
The Kingdom of God life is one full of Faith. We believe the Father’s words and we do what He does. We must believe we can grow in Faith in God. Faith must increase and our fleshly nature must decrease.
Take these things to the Father and ask Him to reveal Truth to your heart. God bless you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 12, Number 7 |
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“Christ is the author and finisher of our faith..”
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 |
Strongholds Torn Down
The Kingdom of God advances. It is moving forth in Charleston. Today in the Spirit the strongholds of the enemy were completely destroyed. The pillars fell down and were broken into small pieces. They small pieces were ground to powder and thrown in the deepest sea never to oppress anyone in Charleston again. The Body of Christ in Charleston will soon come together and grow into a powerful force working in the Kingdom of God.
Now those who are called in Charleston must come together, be united in the Father and Son and see how the Father wants the plan to unfold. These dear brothers and sisters must be supported in prayer.
Montgomery is the first and primary cell. The maturity of the people in Montgomery will continue to grow and have a dynamic impact on Charleston. It is imperative for each person in Montgomery to fully and completely implode and give themselves fully to God’s call and election. God wants Agape Love to be reproduced in Charleston.
Thank God for His work today. It was powerful and the work is complete. Our Father is well pleased.
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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