The Glorious church - Part 6
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John 1:14 says--
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. |
Read the full 7 part article
Part 1 The Glorious Church (Prophecy) Part 2 Inauguration Part 3 Full Immersion of Glory Part 4 Glory Defined Part 5 Seeing God Part 6 Telling Momma Part 7 All Eyes on Her Title opens after publication |
Note—Jesus’ glory was the same as the Father’s. The glory of a being carries the very image and power of that being. Glory is not a reflection of a being. It’s what a being emits. It is the potential, presence, and power of that being, thing, entity, or individual. The glory of an entity can be revealed several ways--
One---glory can be imposed on to by another. This can be in the form of honor, recognition, praise. It can be deserving or misplaced.
Two---glory can shine from a being by rightful ownership or representation.
An ambassador on any level shines the glory of his nation---measured by all the victories, wealth, resources, influence, technology, people, and military power represented by that nation. The ambassador himself didn’t create the glory but becomes a place for the glory to shine from.
In the first explanation, although imposed, glory is only directed to the object. It only becomes attached, if it is accepted by the object of that praise. The moment the object---individual, group, entity accepts the honor directed to it, is also the moment when the burden (and the weight) of that glory is bestowed. If glory is wrongly imposed and received it produces pride. This type of glory will collapse upon itself.
The Church of Jesus Christ and each member of the church embodies the same glory----in earthen vessels---bodies of human flesh. The USA Declaration of Independence borrows from the Bible’s reality when it declares, "All men...are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights."
One---glory can be imposed on to by another. This can be in the form of honor, recognition, praise. It can be deserving or misplaced.
Two---glory can shine from a being by rightful ownership or representation.
An ambassador on any level shines the glory of his nation---measured by all the victories, wealth, resources, influence, technology, people, and military power represented by that nation. The ambassador himself didn’t create the glory but becomes a place for the glory to shine from.
In the first explanation, although imposed, glory is only directed to the object. It only becomes attached, if it is accepted by the object of that praise. The moment the object---individual, group, entity accepts the honor directed to it, is also the moment when the burden (and the weight) of that glory is bestowed. If glory is wrongly imposed and received it produces pride. This type of glory will collapse upon itself.
The Church of Jesus Christ and each member of the church embodies the same glory----in earthen vessels---bodies of human flesh. The USA Declaration of Independence borrows from the Bible’s reality when it declares, "All men...are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights."
“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…." by Thomas Jefferson---Declaration of Independance USA
The Word of God goes deeper----when a human from the creation accepts the sacrifice of Calvary and becomes a new creation---instantly that believer’s being is translated into a whole new realm, reality, and kingdom.
The person literally, in spirit, is born again. The Holy Spirit, the Glory of God in person, comes to dwell in that believer, regardless of rank, file, color, name, sports team, etc . And like God the Father, the glory in the believer is not known by physical size, mass, and gravity---but by the manifest presence of the one from whom the glory originates. Jesus visited a wedding with Mary his mother at the beginning of his ministry. They ran out of the wine used for the marriage feast. They came to Mary. She told them to go to Jesus and do whatever he says to do. They did. There were six huge wash bins with water nearby. He told them to fill them up and immediately draw out. |
He told them to take what they had drawn out to the governor of the feast. The governor (overseer), having tasted the water that was now transformed into wine replied, “Normally the good wine is dispersed at the beginning of the feast, but you have saved the best for last.”
John, the Apostle, reporting on this miracle, wrote---this was the moment where Jesus began to manifest His glory.
The manifesting of God’s glory in Jesus’ ministry began with the miracle of changing water (in purification vessels) to celebratory wine---to be used by the one who was overseeing the event. According to the governor, of that feast, the glorious change happening at the latter part.
On Pentecost, Ten days after Jesus confirmed his resurrection amongst his followers, they waited, completing the purification process. The process was obedience, patience, and faith. The Spirit fell and the lives of 120 were radically changed. It was time to draw out. The hour had come.
Their voices were turned up and 3000 were saved immediately. They were changed. The Glorious Church began. The Spirit had open their voice. Jesus words had been amplified in multiplicity. The church began to grow.
I have heard a lot of awesome strategies for church growth---Technology, marketing, community programs, youth events. Most time great stuff, but all technological or systematic strategy must be founded first upon Acts 2:42-47---
John, the Apostle, reporting on this miracle, wrote---this was the moment where Jesus began to manifest His glory.
The manifesting of God’s glory in Jesus’ ministry began with the miracle of changing water (in purification vessels) to celebratory wine---to be used by the one who was overseeing the event. According to the governor, of that feast, the glorious change happening at the latter part.
On Pentecost, Ten days after Jesus confirmed his resurrection amongst his followers, they waited, completing the purification process. The process was obedience, patience, and faith. The Spirit fell and the lives of 120 were radically changed. It was time to draw out. The hour had come.
Their voices were turned up and 3000 were saved immediately. They were changed. The Glorious Church began. The Spirit had open their voice. Jesus words had been amplified in multiplicity. The church began to grow.
I have heard a lot of awesome strategies for church growth---Technology, marketing, community programs, youth events. Most time great stuff, but all technological or systematic strategy must be founded first upon Acts 2:42-47---
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Listed they are----
1. Steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine---the basics tenants of the faith centered in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus 2. Breaking bread---fellowship • And breaking bread from house to house--fellowship 3. Prayer—exercising the Christ-given authority 4. Fear and reverence to God---not just in service but in lifestyle 5. Holy Spirit demonstrations---allowing God to be God 6. All that believed were together---love and earnest care 7. They had all things common---emphasis on the body of Christ 8. Giving and selflessness 9. Continue daily on one according in the temple—corporate worship 10. Ate their food with gladness of heart----Attitude of gratitude 11. Praising God---connecting them with the glory 12. Having favor with all the people---social impact and influence |
The early church prayed...
I always remind that the reference to the “Early Church” does not refer to the 8 AM service, or does it refer to a separate entity, but the roots of the Christian Church. And these roots were planted in prayer not only on Pentecost but throughout. In Acts 4, after being threatened by religious opposition, they prayed.
I always remind that the reference to the “Early Church” does not refer to the 8 AM service, or does it refer to a separate entity, but the roots of the Christian Church. And these roots were planted in prayer not only on Pentecost but throughout. In Acts 4, after being threatened by religious opposition, they prayed.
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. ---Acts 4
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. ---Acts 4
….And the place shook
God was moving in this Holy Ghost movement confirming the Word of His Son. It is understood in chapter 2:47b And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. This was something more than "Bringing Your Coworker To Church Sunday". God was actively involved in the outreach ministry.
People were being inspired, and moved on, by the Holy Spirit as the gospel was being preached and lived. There was fervor and excitement---a desire for the risen Savior, His church, and His kingdom.
People were giving without long lessons on tithes, offering, and confiscation of tax returns. They gave because the glory of God was in manifestation. It was Philippians 4:19 in another dimension. God was meeting needs---through people---according to His riches in glory.
Something was going on. It was within this heighten manifestation of God’s glory that two people (Acts 5) lied to the Holy Spirit. It was equivalent to taking a bath with a plugged-in toaster and no GFC fused outlet. They were killed.
Yet still, fear came on people---a holy reverence. The church continued to grow. The apostles were known as “those who turned the world upside down.” And, it was done without social multimedia.
God was moving in this Holy Ghost movement confirming the Word of His Son. It is understood in chapter 2:47b And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. This was something more than "Bringing Your Coworker To Church Sunday". God was actively involved in the outreach ministry.
People were being inspired, and moved on, by the Holy Spirit as the gospel was being preached and lived. There was fervor and excitement---a desire for the risen Savior, His church, and His kingdom.
People were giving without long lessons on tithes, offering, and confiscation of tax returns. They gave because the glory of God was in manifestation. It was Philippians 4:19 in another dimension. God was meeting needs---through people---according to His riches in glory.
Something was going on. It was within this heighten manifestation of God’s glory that two people (Acts 5) lied to the Holy Spirit. It was equivalent to taking a bath with a plugged-in toaster and no GFC fused outlet. They were killed.
Yet still, fear came on people---a holy reverence. The church continued to grow. The apostles were known as “those who turned the world upside down.” And, it was done without social multimedia.
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Acts 5:11-14 |
The voice of the church has always been the "influencer" of the world. It changed the course of humanity. Jesus announced it as a spiritual gatekeeper. He said,
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 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.
Matthew 16: 18, 19
The Holy Spirit, via the Apostle Paul, called the Church the Restrainer (he who now letteth) referring to the current manifestation of God’s glory in His Church.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:7
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 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.
Matthew 16: 18, 19
The Holy Spirit, via the Apostle Paul, called the Church the Restrainer (he who now letteth) referring to the current manifestation of God’s glory in His Church.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:7
When the enemy saw that he could not stop the church he infiltrated it. The attempt was to water down the message and confused the voice. Hence, throughout history, because the message of the free, life-changing gospel had been diluted by religion, paganism, and works.
Many times people who come to God, via the church, never fully embrace the true liberty of the cross. Many, who did get saved ----didn’t know the fullness of the power. Some saved, but living in traditions, only hit and miss, never really knowing how to truly be a transmitter of the glory of God hidden in them.
All through history, the church has had moments of glory. There have revivals and reformations. But the Glorious Church of the book of Acts has really not been seen “in continuity” since then.
There was a marker on the church then. Although it was only, as recorded in size, a little over 8,120 (120+3000+5000) in its infancy, they were all had one heart. All things common. And there was no lack. They had a voice that shook the earth.
I’ve heard people preach, the church in America will be persecuted. I respond, what for?
[In my opinion] People who are persecuted are usually people who speak out---either by voice or lifestyle. The church comparably speaking has been quiet—not altogether silent—but quiet. Quiet---in voice and in lifestyle. Other groups----smaller in number and glory----have lifted their voices and lifestyles and have become more recognizable in the community, nations, and world.
Progressively, the Church has tried to be nice, accommodating, accepting---standing on the corners and in train depots with arms open wide. The church has preached for years---God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. Yet the world still translated this message as one emitting from a community of haters who serve a hateful God. Still, the response ----tone down the message---become all things to all men.
Yet persecution comes to the church from its own----persecuting those of radical faith. Persecuting those who dare speak against the defilement and death caused by sin. Has toning down the message converted “The House of Refuge” to be a “watered down shack?” No, it’s just the wrong building.
God intended the church to be a restorative place, a hospital for the hurting and broken---not a community care center that can only diagnosis an aliment—maybe. A hospital is not effective if it doesn’t first diagnose the problem and apply the treatment. The emergency room first stops the pain, but admission into the hospital begins the wholeness process.
2017 shall be the year of the glorious church
A pastor friend of mine was disclosing some of the issues he was having with his parishioners particularly in the area of worship. I consoled, well you know how lethargic we can be sometimes. Thinking I was being insightful, I included myself. Before the word “lethargic” could complete in the air. I heard the Lord speak, “Don’t call my church lethargic.”
I got it, despite our shortcoming in following His Word, lowering our evangelistic voice, non-expression of unity, indifference in caring for one another, distant in praise and worship, challenges in true bible faith---He doesn’t see us that way. You see God calls things which be not as though they are.
Jesus-----Ephesians 1:22, 23 is just as much part of the body of Christ as the body is---he is the head. And he is not distant. He the commander and chief. He attends ever service that two or three believers gather in his name---even Wednesday night prayer and Saturday band practice.
Many times people who come to God, via the church, never fully embrace the true liberty of the cross. Many, who did get saved ----didn’t know the fullness of the power. Some saved, but living in traditions, only hit and miss, never really knowing how to truly be a transmitter of the glory of God hidden in them.
All through history, the church has had moments of glory. There have revivals and reformations. But the Glorious Church of the book of Acts has really not been seen “in continuity” since then.
There was a marker on the church then. Although it was only, as recorded in size, a little over 8,120 (120+3000+5000) in its infancy, they were all had one heart. All things common. And there was no lack. They had a voice that shook the earth.
I’ve heard people preach, the church in America will be persecuted. I respond, what for?
[In my opinion] People who are persecuted are usually people who speak out---either by voice or lifestyle. The church comparably speaking has been quiet—not altogether silent—but quiet. Quiet---in voice and in lifestyle. Other groups----smaller in number and glory----have lifted their voices and lifestyles and have become more recognizable in the community, nations, and world.
Progressively, the Church has tried to be nice, accommodating, accepting---standing on the corners and in train depots with arms open wide. The church has preached for years---God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. Yet the world still translated this message as one emitting from a community of haters who serve a hateful God. Still, the response ----tone down the message---become all things to all men.
Yet persecution comes to the church from its own----persecuting those of radical faith. Persecuting those who dare speak against the defilement and death caused by sin. Has toning down the message converted “The House of Refuge” to be a “watered down shack?” No, it’s just the wrong building.
God intended the church to be a restorative place, a hospital for the hurting and broken---not a community care center that can only diagnosis an aliment—maybe. A hospital is not effective if it doesn’t first diagnose the problem and apply the treatment. The emergency room first stops the pain, but admission into the hospital begins the wholeness process.
2017 shall be the year of the glorious church
A pastor friend of mine was disclosing some of the issues he was having with his parishioners particularly in the area of worship. I consoled, well you know how lethargic we can be sometimes. Thinking I was being insightful, I included myself. Before the word “lethargic” could complete in the air. I heard the Lord speak, “Don’t call my church lethargic.”
I got it, despite our shortcoming in following His Word, lowering our evangelistic voice, non-expression of unity, indifference in caring for one another, distant in praise and worship, challenges in true bible faith---He doesn’t see us that way. You see God calls things which be not as though they are.
Jesus-----Ephesians 1:22, 23 is just as much part of the body of Christ as the body is---he is the head. And he is not distant. He the commander and chief. He attends ever service that two or three believers gather in his name---even Wednesday night prayer and Saturday band practice.
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all ---Ephesians 1:22
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all ---Ephesians 1:22
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