![]() |
|
Introductions and Testimonies Please tell everybody something about yourself. Tell us a little. Tell us a lot. Its up to you! |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#27 | |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Natal Transvaal
Posts: 5,632
|
![]() Quote:
A Christian, while yet in this flesh of sin, may presume for themself a pride of place not yet given by God. Both the disciples' decisions to choose others to do the menial tasks of waiting on tables, and Paul's decision to set up a hierarchy on earth(!) of apostles, prophets, and teachers are fraught with peril in this light (I'm not saying wrong, but perilous). There's indeed a celestial hierarchy, but on earth we should presume nothing, except "to think of each other as greater than yourself". If you see someone in need, come alongside and show God's love by helping them. If you see someone doing a good work, come alongside and "amen" them. Jesus established his ministry among the blind, the poor, and even the dead (cf "the dead are raised" as a qualifying gospel act). Our place is confirmed by firstly our good works. Then this place is permanently established at the Bema, and not a moment before. God confirmed Jesus as Messiah by two things - first the works which he did, and the by the resurrection from the dead. We are still in the first stage of The Way. Never presume the second. When the crowds saw the works of Jesus, they tried to seize him and make him king. He rightly demurred, as that was the Father's aegis alone. When BP and EM and MP and RG tried to seize WL and make him apostle, even 'the' apostle, he accepted, which was clearly an error of the first rank. Such decisions are made by God alone. To call someone a "spiritual giant" in this vein shows that one doesn't understand the first thing about the gospel. God will shame the presumptuous on that day, and send them down. On a similar note, elders cannot resign. There are elders who serve and elders who don't (1 Tim 5:17). Likewise, there are young ones who labour and those who don't. In your current circumstances are hidden opportunities to serve. Just find someone who lacks, and help them. This will demonstrate to the principalities and powers that you are in fact a child of the light, on your way home to the Father. And if the Master finds you so doing, when he returns, you'll be blessed indeed. But don't presume anything until that day.
__________________
"Freedom is free. It's slavery that's so horribly expensive" - Colonel Templeton, ret., of the 12th Scottish Highlanders, the 'Black Fusiliers' |
|
![]() |
![]() |
|
|