Christ
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 13, 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 |
Hasten The Day Of The Lord Jesus told the Apostles that He was going to prepare a place for them (us). Jesus wants us to be with Him in the Kingdom of God. Peter reminds us of God’s promises. The Father Revealed to Peter more about the Day of the Lord. It will come when we least expect it as a thief in the night. The Lord did not forget us. He is long-suffering because He wants a big Family in heaven. He wants to walk and talk with many, many people. This present earth will melt away with a fervent heat and the heavens will pass away with a great noise. It is no wonder that Jesus told us to lay up treasures in heaven where it cannot be destroyed. We will not suffer any loss when the heavens and earth are destroyed. The Lord wants men to come to repentance. In order to repent, one must believe God exists (faith) and believe the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, not just the Gospel of salvation. The worldly church only believes and preaches the Gospel of salvation which is based in fear – if you don’t repent, you’ll go to hell. This is true, but fear is not a healthy motivation for an intimate relationship with God. With fear as the foundation one is placed under the law and good works for justification. This renders the death of Jesus powerless because one does not approach God from Agape Love and Faith. What would your relationships look like if they were all based in fear? What would your relationships look like if they were all based in Agape Love? Are there any differences? We are to hasten the day of the Lord. We can do this by being holy in our conversations. This means that we speak words of Agape Love. We speak only the things we hear the Father say. It also means we do what we see Him doing in heaven. We are to look for the promise of the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells. We are to be diligent and at peace with each other and in Him, without spot and blameless. We are to live the Life of God in front of those around us in the world. God’s Agape Love will draw men to Jesus. They will want to know why we are so different. When Agape Love rules our lives, the world WILL see a difference. This is not simply a religious, worldly church cliché. Jesus’ life turned the world upside down. Mankind had not seen anything of God before. Jesus walked in the Kingdom of God and revealed it to mankind. We are to do the same. 2 Pet.3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 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. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 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? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” This is an opportunity to shift our eyes toward the Kingdom of God. It is easy to think that we will have all our possessions, things and stuff with us in the future. We will not. We are to look forward to the promises of God because He has prepared things for us that we cannot even begin to imagine because they are so wonderful. We are to focus on Agape Love. This is to be what we seek first. Agape Love is the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Let’s diligently grow in the Kingdom of God and put into practice what we already have active in our re-born spirits. Take these things to the 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 13 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 |
Sorry Vs. Repentance Repentance is a condition of remorse. It has to be real and truthful! It involves a heart of contrition, of spiritual regret experienced by someone who is convicted by the Holy Spirit into realizing that he/she has broken one or more of the commandments of God. Repentance is not the sorrow of, say, a thief who has been caught red-handed with stolen property and is terrified of the consequences or a lie caught on tape! Nor should repentance be confused with the reluctant apology of a person who has been proven wrong and cannot, somehow, gainsay her/his opponent's arguments. Pride! Pride! Pride! What are we thinking in these last days? Repentance is not the regret, or sorrow, experienced by a person who has made a mistake, the results of which have “forced” someone to admit they were wrong. No, the repentance we are considering in today’s letter has nothing to do with misdeeds where no sense of guilt or regret is felt. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 shows us that repentance is an OUTCOME of sorrow. It is the godly sorrow, which leads to repentance, but sorrow itself is not repentance. Repentance is "a changed life" and a converted life, based on love towards God. Acts 3:19 reveals that repentance and conversion are two separate things. Peter says, "Repent therefore and be converted." First, we have godly sorrow. Then, we have true repentance. And finally, we have a changed life, in that order. Being just sorry all the time is not true repentance. W. E. Vine's definition of repentance: "change of mind" and involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.” So let us think of repentance as simply "a change of mind" in which we must “decide” to "turn from our sin and turn to God." Sorrow comes before it, but Change comes afterwards. That is the difference! Glory to God! Repentance is therefore a decision of the mind in which one decides to change their life. But what prompts one to make such a drastic decision? Only "GODLY SORROW” produces true REPENTANCE! "Worldly sorrow" is a SELFISH kind of sorrow based solely on Self-serving Motives. Whereas, godly sorrow is directed towards God and what is pleasing or right according to God, His Word and His Spirit. If we are sorry because our actions sinned against the Holy Ghost or we now realize the price Jesus has paid a dear price for our sin or even the fact that we ought to be more Christ-like, that becomes a godly sorrow. It touches out heart. Read Psalm 51: 4. "Worldly sorrow" produces death and regret while "godly sorrow" produces repentance to salvation and life. God must be in it somewhere, somehow. Worldly sorrow is a repetition of saying the same old words and making the same old excuses or the same old promises, with NO CHANGE in habit or action or motive. I had to “repent” for getting into a marriage relationship of 21 years! I knew it was not God’s will for me. I allowed pride and the counsel of leadership to convince me to remain in such a marriage…how silly of me! And guest what? My partner knew also! We both remained in a relationship from HELL! Ha! That is the truth. It did not get resolved until we both decided to do the right thing! We agreed to release each other and the curse began to reverse itself! Disobedience is as the sin of witchcraft! No matter what we did, it did not prosper together…we both had different vision…purpose…destiny…and passion. Listen and learn: Almighty God will not authorize or join together for the purpose of marriage, a man who refuses to lead his wife or a woman who refuses to follow her husband. NEVER! Can we honestly look at our lives and see signs that we have really had "a change of mind” or” a decision to turn from sin or wrong doing and turn to God?” You decide…answer this for your-self, right now. Where are you? The kingdom of God is His way and His system of doing things. He is All Knowing, All Seeing and Always Present. He misses nothing! He cannot be deceived. Nor can He be bribed. And no amount of counseling, prayer, fasting, rituals, or anything else will make us prosper, outside, God! He has to be the center of our focus and attention. We must be in His will for our lives! We are in need of repentance if we have not obeyed the gospel or if we have become slack in our zeal and eagerness to do the right thing based on what we KNOW is pleasing to God. There is a set standard already designed by God for His glory. He is a Holy God and we ought not to utter just anything in His presence. Nor do anything in the presence of His people. If we can still curse, get angry, hold grudges, talk abusive, gossip, act prideful, get drunk…drugged…smoked… be rude to others and simply go around and say, “I’m sorry,” then we are in need of true repentance- BIG time! In case you did not know! Been there! Done that! Recently left! I am not perfect, but I am quick to repent and change! It can be difficult at times to do in a cheerful manner, but it is necessary for optimal growth and success in life. It is called, “living by faith, not by sight.” God’s life inside us causes each of us to act a certain way. We are all different, but He becomes our common denominator! He is the sign of our love of which no one can fake…. You either have it (love) and Him (Jesus) or you do not. It is a lifestyle that has to be embraced and received as being vital, necessary, and important. If not, it is a sign of personal internal – inside issue to be reckoning with. Be not deceived, God is not mocked! We cannot afford to go around faking repentance and think it will assure us a spot in heaven! Please, let us examine ourselves (you and me). Let us be mindful of the little things that we do daily-that trip up our love walk and take away our peace. And the next time we say,” I’m Sorry!”…What are we really saying behind it? Is it spoken out of love or is it another way to get us what WE want for the moment? If what we become is so far and void of love, how can the world recognize us-as belonging to God? And if the world cannot recognize us, how can Jesus? When Jesus spoke of, “I NEVER knew you,” He was not talking to the people of the world…He was referring to us who should KNOW Him and He, us! Remember, God has YOU on His mind! He really loves you! Let Him change you today. Grant Him permission over all areas of your life, not just the part that looks good in your eyes. Take these things to the Father and ask Him to reveal His 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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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 13, 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 |
Testify Of Love We are called to share the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. God is Love. God demonstrated His Love toward us that while we were sinners Christ died for us. Jesus testified of the Father and revealed the Kingdom of God to us. His life was full of the traces of Love. He was motivated by Love. Everything He did was rooted in Love. Jesus did not leave us alone, without comfort and direction. He sent the Holy Spirit to us. His job is to testify of Jesus. The Holy Spirit wants to use our mouth to bear witness of the goodness of the Kingdom of God. John 15:26 “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” The word testify means: 140. martureo, mar-too-reh'-o; from G3144; to be a witness, i.e. testify (lit. or fig.):--charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness. This is further evidence of the Truth that we are in the Elohiym Family. Our Kingdom of God job is to testify that the Father sent Jesus to be the Saviour of the world. We are to give witness of this Truth. 1 John 4:12-19 “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us the words we are to speak as we testify of Him (Love). See Luke 21:12-15. The Holy Spirit will confirm His presence in our lives as we go about doing the Kingdom of God work. Jesus’ desire for us is that our call and election be confirmed and that we yield completely. He wants us to operate fully in our call, election and gift. We are to be in agreement with the Father about the gift He gave us. The gifts are to be used for the benefit of others – to show the world how good our God is. When each of the twelve of us completely implodes, the outcome will be the manifested sons of God. We will be united and One Body and we will speak the same thing because there won’t be division among us. 1 Cor. 1:3-10 “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.” As the manifested sons of God we speak the Word with boldness. There is no fear because we know Agape Love and man can not touch or hurt us. We are spirits. If someone kills our physical body then we will be with the Lord. Hallelujah! There is no reason to fear anyone or anything. As manifested sons of God we will testify of Love with Words given by the Holy Spirit. We give a report of what we have seen and heard. We give an account of the Agape Love of God and the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. That is our job. Rev. 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” 141. marturia, mar-too-ree'-ah; from G3144; evidence given (judicially or gen.):--record, report, testimony, witness. Take these things to the Father and ask Him to reveal the Truth to your heart. God bless you. “As long as I shall live I shall testify of love.” |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 13, 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 |
Get Revelation From The Lord We have an on-going choice from the time we make Jesus the Lord of our life and are born of the Spirit to seek first God’s way of doing things or continue to seek after things according to the world’s way which is through the vanity of our own mind, thinking and perception. The devil loves to watch and laugh at us as we try to understand the things of the Kingdom of God with our mind or try to do God’s work through our own wisdom. As babes in Christ the natural tendency is to conduct our Christian lives this way. It is only when we purpose with absolute conviction to only do things God’s way that the Holy Spirit is able to teach and lead us into this basic understanding of functioning in the Kingdom of God. We set our SELF up as god when we choose to follow direction of our mind, thoughts or perspective and apply that to life situations. It is worse when we consult another before getting Revelation from our Heavenly Father. When we do this, we put the person from whom we seek wisdom our god. Let me explain. We fall into the enemy’s trap whenever we read an Implosion or Newsletter article and immediately start to think it through, talk to others about it or evaluate it by what we know or have been taught by the worldly church or by others we have put on a pedestal. We play into the devil’s system if we observe circumstances that are contrary to the promises of God or violate who we are in Christ (Family rights and privileges) AND RESPOND THROUGH OUR OWN PERSPECTIVE. If the circumstance is lack of funds or understanding and we evaluate these ourselves or ask others to pray for us first BEFORE going to the Lord, we then function in the world’s system and God can not respond because we did not seek Him first and do things His way. We excluded Him. Then what are we to do? In the ‘Implosion Series’ the reader is encouraged to immediately take the information just read directly to the Lord. The authors of these articles asked the Lord about each point while writing. The words written were from His Revelation and that is why there is Power in them. We must do the same with as we read. As sons of God we must also go directly to the Father when we encounter any reproof of life. Instead of using your mind the next time you read an article, including this one, say to the Father, “Father, I’ve read this information, now what to You have to say about it?” The next time you observe a circumstance (good or bad) say, “Father, what is Your take in this situation?” The reason many live in negative circumstances or are confused is simply because they have tried to use their mind, thoughts and preferences in their walk with God. It simply will fail. The Father wants us to live our lives as His sons using His Revelation. We will not fall or fail if we do things His way. Take this to the Father
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 13, 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 |
We See Clearly Jesus revealed the Father to His disciples during His ministry years. Jesus and the Father were One. Jesus watched what His Father did in heaven and He then executed the Father’s work on the earth. We must remember that only a select few prophets (Moses or Isaiah) did ANY miracles. The miracles were sporadic events, not an every day routine occurrence for these prophets. But Jesus regularly performed miracles, signs and wonders. Throngs of people came daily to Him and asked for help and deliverance. The Apostle John wrote that all the books in the world could not contain all the works of Jesus. These examples included in the Bible were told so we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Mankind had not seen the power of God in full demonstration as seen in Jesus’ life. Jesus’ life and ministry was a supernatural event! Jesus said we would do greater works than what He did because He was going to be with His Father in heaven. Jesus did numerous works as THE Body of Christ. Jesus tells His us that we are part of the Body of Christ. See verse 23. Now the Body of Christ has many members and we are located around the world so we, as the Body of Christ, can have a greater impact than if Jesus was limited to a single physical body. We are SUPPOSED to do greater works than Jesus! This is one of the most basic teachings Jesus gave on the manifested sons of God as the Body of Christ. He clearly states that He is in the Father, the Father is in Him, and they are in us. We must believe, love Him and keep His commandments. The Father does the work in heaven and the Body of Christ does this work on the earth. God wants to fellowship with us. He can do that by living in us. We see Him now because the Holy Spirit reveals Him to us. We may ask the Father to do things using Jesus’ name (Elohiym). This means we are Family members. Jesus states several important things. · The Father and Son are one. · The Father does the work in heaven. · Jesus (the Body of Christ) does the work on earth. · Mankind can believe in God because of the works. · Jesus said we could use His name (Elohiym). · We can ask anything in His name. · If we love Jesus, we keep His commandments. · Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. · We can see and know the Father. · We can see and know the Holy Spirit. · We see and know Jesus. John 14:10 “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” This newsletter must be taken directly to the Father for Revelation. It cannot be understood by the mind or religious teaching. Do not attempt to think it through because your mind is too small to comprehend what the Father wants to make real to your re-born spirit. You must seek His Revelation. The Father wants us to grow up and walk in the things taught in this article and scripture passage. God bless you. |
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E-mail: dgpadgett@earthlink.net
We’re on the Web! www.thebodyofchrist.com
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The Body of Christ News Food for the Body |
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Volume 13, 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 |
The Lord Hath Need Of Most of the time we think that God has everything and that He has need of nothing. After all, our Heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the earth and the fullness thereof are His. Then why would Jesus say in Mark 11:3 and Luke 19:31: “…the Lord hath need of Him.” Even though the donkey Jesus needed was His, our Heavenly Father uses men and the things on the earth to accomplish His will. Jesus’ desire was to ride into town in style on an animal. Jesus’ desire came from the Heart of the Father. When Jesus gave the command to go get the donkey, He gave it to men, who in the natural realm did what He told them to do. They went out to the instructed place, untied the donkey and brought it to our Lord. He then mounted the donkey and rode. Jesus is our example. He, was constantly in the Father’s presence simply commanded forth everything He saw the Father do and said everything He heard the Father say. As you know, we are supposed to be doing at least what He did…and even more. When this scenario took place the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. Consequently, much of what Jesus carried out He did under the law of sin and death. He had to use man and work, through the natural realm as seen in the example. But we are the Body of Jesus upon the earth with all the privileges and authority He enjoyed. However, when we give a command it is the angels who harken or listen to the voice of the Lord. Is. 55:11: “so shall My Word that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Heb. 1:14: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation?” My Brother and Sister, Jesus set it up for us to have the angels to help us accomplish His Will upon the earth. They are ministers (or servants) for the heirs of Salvation. Who is that? Us! Are you born again and born of the Spirit? If you are then you have an entire heavenly host to aid you in accomplishing what our Heavenly Father has called you to do. Let’s utilize all the tools He has given us including the angels. Command them. They have to obey the Word of the Lord. If you have spent time with Him, you have seen His will. Now go for it! Take these things to the 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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