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I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalms 18:3) |
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Psalms Eighteen is a remarkable description of David's attitude toward the Lord. Actually it is the Spirit of Christ who is speaking in David. |
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One aspect of the psalm (which I term "The Warrior's Prayer") is the manner in which David sought help in his time of need. |
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When David was desperate he called on the Lord! |
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What's new? Don't all preachers tell us to call on the Lord when we need help? |
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Maybe they used to. |
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But a new spirit has entered our ranks. It is the concept of trying to get hold of God in such a manner that we can deliver ourselves. |
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If we will only listen to the right tape, read the right book, say the right words, take the right attitude, send a thousand dollars to the evangelist, get rid of our bitterness, imagine we are a child wandering through the woods, get right with our wife, pay our bills, tithe to the church, form a mental image of what we want, speak the word of faith, proclaim the creative word, gird up the loins of our mind, think positively, act as though it is true, go to Texas to be prayed for by someone with an outstanding gift, persuade the whole church to fast and pray, we will get what we want. |
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Have you ever had this kind of advice? If you can find the right formula you will be delivered. |
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Many of the items we have listed work very well on certain occasions. On other occasions nothing happens. I can hear you saying amen! |
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Notice, in Psalms Eighteen, David did none of these things. |
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What did David do? He called on the LORD. |
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There is a time to work the moves, try the formulas. But when your head feels like a rotten melon, when you have to look up to see the bottom, the advice of Job's comforters is a pain in the neck. |
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Someone said, "When I'm sick don't let the Christians near me." This is a bit overstated but I know what he means. |
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I will now tell you the greatest prayer in the English language, one used by the saints of old. Are you ready? "Help me Lord!" If you are from the South, you probably will say, "Hep me Lord!" Same prayer, different dialect. God understands both of them. |
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If you have a need right now why don't you call on the Lord! Maybe you've tried everything else. Call loudly enough so God can hear you. Blow the trumpet in His ears. God loves that. "Help me Lord." |
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The Eighteenth Psalm tells you what will take place. God will become excited, bow the heavens by His galactic power, shake up the situation, and come down to find out what's wrong. |
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After the Lord delivers you, you will have strength enough to go back to your formulas. Sometimes they're helpful. |
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God will tell you what to do. Brother Dowell used to say, "If you can't get God to go your way, why not try going God's way." |
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And he was from Texas! |
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If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:14) |
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I had a good friend once and we both used to preach sanctification. This was more than forty years ago. But we drifted apart over the teaching of faith. |
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He said that if we kept saying a thing was true it would take place. If you were sick you kept saying you were healed. If you said it long enough and hard enough it would happen. And you should always act as if it were true. This meant no medicine, no doctors, and so forth. All in Jesus' name, of course. |
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I didn't believe it then and I still don't believe it. I know there are some verses of the Bible you can use to support this sort of thing but it doesn't go along with my experience with the Lord. |
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When we were in Bible school there was a student who went to a "healing" meeting. She was told to break her glasses. She did. |
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The next day her eyes were all bloodshot. You guessed it. She had to buy another pair of glasses. |
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A couple of days ago I heard a sad tale about a diabetic who was persuaded to stop his insulin. He did, and died. This actually happened to a well-meaning Christian. |
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Dr. Charles Price wrote a book titled The Real Faith. I don't know where you can get it now. Dr. Price had the goods, a marvelous ministry of healing. But he told how he never prayed for anyone until the Lord showed him that healing would take place. I saw the same thing in the ministry of William Branham when he was going strong in the Lord. |
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The Apostle Paul commanded us to think soberly about the amount of faith we have. Nowhere in the Bible are we commanded to "step out in faith." In fact, this is what Satan advised Jesus to do when He was on top of the Temple. |
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I think we've got soulish faith mixed up with true spiritual faith. |
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You can close your eyes and say "I believe I believe I believe" all you want to. But I have been healed miraculously several times. On at least two occasions, nearsightedness in my eyes and arthritis in my knee, I was healed instantly when I wasn't even prayed for. I knew when I was healed because I was healed! |
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Do you know, God is so powerful He can heal you even if you go to the doctor and take pills? God is bigger than your pills so quit trying to force the issue. The Lord told me to "do what is reasonable" when I am sick. Sometimes that means going to the doctor. The Lord blesses when I do what He says. |
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Stepping out in faith is another name for presumption except when the Lord directs you to do so.And if you don't know whether the Lord has directed you, then He hasn't. |
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God is real. There is a real faith for healing and other miracles and it comes from God. |
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Live righteously, pray, love the Lord, delight yourself in Him, and tell Him what you want. Don't try to do it yourself with your soulish power. |
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Have faith in Jesus rather than faith in faith. |
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And as for the current teaching that if you are sick it's your fault because you don't have enough faith, who needs this when they are sick? |
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I wonder if Job's comforters ever got a bad case of boils. It would have helped their ministry. |
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What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (Romans 6:1) |
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God does not just hand the fullness of eternal life to us as a gift on the basis of a de jure (legal) status. While it is true that we receive an initial touch of eternal life when we receive Christ, the complete inheritance of eternal life must be gained, must be sown, must be brought about through our interaction with the body and blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. There must be a true repentance on our part. We must follow the Holy Spirit on the road to complete deliverance from unrighteousness if we would attain the fullness of eternal life. |
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God gives to us the necessary authority and power so we may be able to lay hold on complete deliverance from the cause of death, which is unrighteousness. |
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There can be no lasting eternal life apart from actual (de facto) righteousness. There can be no Divine, eternal Life where sin and self-will are active, except as God is leading the believer toward deliverance from such behaviors. Imputed righteousness is a temporary provision. |
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Imputed righteousness is not the Kingdom of God but a provision God has made so faith-filled people may be able to press forward to the righteousness of behavior that is the Kingdom of God. |
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It is here in this concept of provisional, temporary righteousness that the nucleus of the error in current theology resides. |
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The error is as follows: imputed righteousness is an eternal blinding of God, an eternal negating of the Kingdom law of sowing and reaping, and we forever shall be sinners whose actual rebellion of personality is being overlooked through God's mercy. Our sin and rebellion are being overlooked so we can abide in Paradise, in God's Presence while we still are sinful and rebellious. |
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The truth is, the goal of our redemption is a de factorighteousness, a righteousness that governs our actions, our words, and our thoughts and imaginations. De jure(imputed) righteousness holds in full force only on the condition we are continuing in God's will. God's will always is bringing us toward complete freedom from sin and rebellion in spirit, soul, and body. It is only as we walk in the light of God's will that the blood of the Lord Jesus cleanses us from all sin. |
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Christian scholars may understand in theory that de jure righteousness is a shield that protects us until God delivers us from sin. But the central doctrine of redemption, which is actual sanctification and change into the image of Christ, is not always presented clearly, practically, emphatically in our day. Our deliverance from sin and self-centeredness is being relegated to an undefined time, an undefined place, and an undefined method. There does not seem to be an understanding that the Kingdom of God exists in de facto righteousness. |
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The result is, the believers do not maintain a vigorous pressing forward toward de facto righteousness. They are taught that God loves them so much He is anxious to bring them into His Kingdom whether or not they are dressed for the occasion. |
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Far too much stress is placed on being clothed in imputed righteousness, in Christ's righteousness. Far too little emphasis is being placed on our pressing into Him so His power and Nature can deliver us from sin and self-centeredness. (from It Is Time for a Reformation of Christian Thinking) |
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By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Hebrews 11:8) |
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Abraham lived in the land of Canaan as a pilgrim. He could have afforded to build a palace but he chose to live in a tent. Yet, Canaan was to be given to him as an inheritance. |
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So it is with us. We are living on the earth and are supposed to be a pilgrim. We have been called of God but we don't know where we are going. |
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This world is not our home. We understand this. We are not supposed to act as though it is and invest all of our time, effort, and affection in it. |
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It is true, however, that the earth one day will be given to us as an inheritance. |
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What, then, is going on? Why doesn't God just give it to us instead of testing us, testing us, testing us? |
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The answer is, God wants to see what kind of person we are before He gives us Paradise on the earth. |
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Abraham was tested severely in the case of Isaac, both as to his birth and later on Mount Moriah. Why did Abraham and Sarah have to suffer such deferrals of pleasure everyone else was receiving? They were both righteous. Why couldn't they have children like all their slaves? |
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The reason was, God wanted to see what kind of people they were before He entrusted them with the permanent possession of the earth. |
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You may notice that when Abraham was about to kill Isaac, God said, "Now I know that you fear God." |
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Think about this statement. Doesn't God know everything from the foundation of the world? Yes, and no. Maybe God did know that Abraham feared God but it had to be established by Abraham's decision. |
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The present world is a proving ground, a place of testing. It is a probationary period. Every decision you and I make is influencing our eternal destiny. |
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The new world that is coming is eternal. We will live on a new earth that lacks nothing we ever could desire. Our love, joy, and peace will be so superior to anything we can imagine that there is no comparison with our present life. |
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But now is the hour of testing. Now is the one opportunity in all of eternity that we can demonstrate to God whether we fear God, whether we have integrity, what we would do with unlimited power, how we would behave were we returned to Paradise. |
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The biggest mistake any individual can make is to view the present life as all there is and to clutch the things of the world without regard to God's commandments or the welfare of other people, especially of those dependent on him or her. |
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Rather, view the present life as a kind of "Mission Impossible" in which situations are contrived to test your character. |
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Always act with integrity. Put God and others first in importance when you make your decisions. Keep in mind that God is watching to see how you behave under pressure, especially how selfish you are. |
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You have all of eternity to enjoy yourself. Now is the time to show what you're made of. |
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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14) |
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Today is Christmas. Yesterday I had a good lesson. |
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I had bought a bit of jewelry for Audrey (my wife) and had hid it in the usual place. While I was working out on my treadmill (to please the cardiologist) it came to me to check to make sure Audrey's present was ready for tomorrow. This was about 10:00 A.M. |
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No gift-wrapped package in the usual place! Panic! |
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I looked all over the house. No red package with the yellow bow. Oh, man! |
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I finally went and told Audrey and assured her we would go down in a couple of days and pick out something better. I didn't want to rush down and pick out any old thing. I had prayed a lot about the jewelry and had found just what I wanted. |
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So I went into the bedroom and sat down. "Lord, what is going on? I prayed about this so much! You even gave me a special time to buy it without Audrey knowing about it!" |
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I said to the Lord, "Whatever is going on I want to learn the lesson in it. I know there is a lesson here." |
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Then I praised the Lord for showing me before Christmas morning so we would be prepared to have no present for Audrey. As I prayed I had the assurance that the gift was in the house and I would find it in time. |
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Well, you can't always go by feelings. My son David and I had looked in every possible place. But I had this assurance! |
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Time came for church. Since I am a worrier and like all my ducks in a row I had to pray hard to keep my mind on what I was going to teach. I said, "Lord, I am going to fly by instruments. You have given me the assurance everything will work out fine tomorrow so I am going to press forward even though all my ducks are not in a row." |
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I thought nobody would be there for the Bible study since it was Christmas Eve, but some new people came and I taught them on the feasts of the Lord. The people that get our tapes love it when I'm teaching new people or children because then I slow down and explain what I'm talking about. |
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Driving home I thought, "Now is your chance Lord. Time is running out." But I didn't really expect to find that package. |
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When I got home I was putting my stuff away, and there it was—Audrey's present. I had been looking for a red package with a bow and forgot I left it in a little black paper bag from the store. |
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I have been praising God ever since. Boy, did I learn a lesson! You really can fly by instruments. I think this is going to be useful in the days ahead. |
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It is my habit to listen to the still, small voice. But since this dramatic experience my faith has really increased. "I'm listening, Lord!" |
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"Lord, help me to trust!" |
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And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:9,10) |
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Many of the problems of the world arise from poor government. The rulers and leaders are filled with the love of the world spirit, the lusts of the flesh, and self-seeking. They are not seeking God nor are they humble before Him. They trust in money, military strength, and education to save them. They are seeking their own glory and profit. |
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Meanwhile those who are being governed are suffering. There are ample resources on the earth to feed and shelter many times the present population. Because of the avarice of the rulers the resources of the earth are overabundant in some areas and lacking in others. |
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Democratic government is being heralded in many places as the solution to the problems of people. It appears, however, that people have not been created with the ability to govern themselves. The so-called "free" nations are chained in every kind of Satan-inspired corruption. The totalitarian and feudal systems are just as bad if not worse, in terms of an equitable application of earth's resources. |
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In the meantime there are wars, revolutions, famines, economic distress, while all the governments promise liberation to those who will accept their philosophy. |
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At the present time in the United States of America a presidential election has been held. It does not matter who was elected. Crime and other forms of social disintegration will become increasingly prevalent unless the nation humbles itself and turns to God. |
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When the world began, man was placed in a garden, in a situation that contained every element needed for a totally joyous existence. Before the Lord returns, the whole earth will become as Sodom and Gomorrha—indeed, far, far worse than Sodom and Gomorrha. From the large cities the scream of demoniac laughter, the piercing cries of children being molested, the agonized whisper of the tortured fetus, the jungle-beat of drug-inspired music, the foul stench of raging, cursing, drunken men and women will ascend to the heavens. |
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America is not too far from this condition in the present hour. |
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This is why the New Testament in so many passages speaks of the saints ruling cities, of kings and priests, of crowns, of governing the nations. God is preparing righteous rulers who will return paradise to the earth. |
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If you are a Christian, God is dealing with you night and day so you will be prepared to rule. You will suffer many things in order that you may be cleansed from sin and self-seeking. |
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If you finish the race, if you gain the crown, you will return with the Lord Jesus. Then you will have the incomparable privilege and joy of bringing freedom from sin and eternal life to the peoples of the nations of the earth. |
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Don't give up. Heaven plans to come to earth through you! (from A Basic Concept) |
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Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:15-18) |
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Christ Jesus is the beloved Son in whom God is well pleased. Christ is the Word of God from the beginning, the image of God's Person, God's Being, God's will, God's way, God's holiness, God's love. There is nothing in Christ that is not in God and there is nothing in God that is not in Christ. |
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Christ Jesus is the perfect, complete revelation of God Almighty. |
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God is so pleased with what Christ Is He has determined to fill the creation with the image of Christ. For this reason God counts the creation currently in existence as being dead—finished. |
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Christ Jesus is the Firstborn of the new creation. He is the Seed that eventually will influence every saved creature on earth and in the heavens. The heavens will be planted with Christ and the foundations of the earth will be laid upon Christ. |
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Christ is the Way in which God desires every creature exist. Whether we are referring to the heirs of salvation or to the spirits that minister to the heirs of salvation, all will find their proper place in Christ. All will be subject to Christ. |
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Christ is King and Lord of all. He inherits and fills all things. |
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Only people can be transformed into the image of Christ. It is not given to angels to become the temple of God, sons of God, brothers of Christ, heirs of salvation, or the Wife of the Lamb. The Presence of Jesus Christ will fill the heavens and the earth, all angels and other spiritual creatures being in absolute subjection to Him. |
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The method God is employing to fill the universe with the image of Christ is the creation of a company of brothers, of holy ones who themselves are the image of Christ. |
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The Church, (the Wife of the Lamb, the sons of God, the brothers of Christ Jesus—call the saints what you will) is the enlargement, the magnification of the image of Christ. The Church is the fullness, the completion of Christ. It is the Body of Christ. |
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In the disciples of Jesus the eternal moral law of God is magnified and made approachable and desirable to people. The disciples are God's covenant—the new covenant—with the nations of the earth. |
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The saints are the living epistles of the ministry of the apostles, written with the ink of the Holy Spirit of God, known and read by all people. The disciples are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. But not of themselves—it is because Christ is in them and with them. |
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The Church, the Servant of the Lord, is the fulfillment of the original proclamation concerning man: "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth." This announcement points toward the day when the heavens and the earth are filled with the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, as expressed through His saints. (from Behold My Servant!) |
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