by Michael L. Radney
The purpose of this teaching is
to help fellow Christians along the path of truth regarding personal
relationships in the Body of Jesus Christ. I long to see that body come to
the place where each member has several "key" relationships
wherein the Holy Spirit is completely unhindered for bringing the
resources of His Kingdom to the children. In the difficult days straight
ahead, we will need these relationships for their safety, health, and
warfare.
For this purpose, I will attempt
to identify three levels in relationship necessary to fully "function
together" in Christ Jesus. Each progressive level requires increased
faith, transparency, and integrity to function successfully at that level.
The first level, or "general
forgiveness", is based on the heart of the Lord for all mankind.
This level, we extend to every human being.
The second level includes "acceptance,"
primarily of our brethren, as such, in the body of believers. Here, each
professing Christian is seen as a member of Christ. On this level we may
begin to see the error or "sin," effecting the relationship.
Learning to deal with issues as the Lord directs is the challenge before
us.
The third level, "agreement",
is even more profound and requires great depths of understanding, respect,
and mutual submission. All three levels, but particularly this third
level, are necessary to walk "side-by-side" in kingdom purposes.
It is therefore, this third level
of relationship, which our Lord so desires to see operating in His Church
on a broad-scale basis. Unfortunately, when this depth of relationship is
not attained due to major difficulty or impasse, the relationship can
suffer divorce, or even death.........
This however, need not be the
case!!!
Ephesians 4:11 "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 fullness 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: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in
the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying
of itself in love."
1 Corinthians 12:13-31, "For
by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or
Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot
shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it
therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the
eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole
body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing,
where [were] the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of
them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member,
where [were] the body? But now [are they] many members, yet but one body.
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again
the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members
of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those
[members] of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we
bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant
comeliness. For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the
body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which
lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members
should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer,
all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members
rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
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. [Are] all apostles?
[are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all
interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a
more excellent way. "
Introduction
Yes, the "five-fold
ministry" is here to stay. Or at least, "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 fullness of Christ."
Can anyone say we have arrived?
Without fear of dispute, I can answer for each of you. Your answer would
be, "no, not yet." Having been exposed to a five-fold ministry
for several years, I would have to say that most are still trying to
understand how they "fit together," much less, how the body can
fit together as described in the above Ephesians 4 passage.
The fact is, each of the
different five-fold ministries view things using a very different scope
and understanding of the scripture, and of our Lord. Until those office
ministries can "fit jointly together," they will not be fully
able to support the Body of Christ in doing likewise.
To add to the dilemma, we must
acknowledge an invisible enemy who is highly organized to hinder this
process from taking place. Additionally, if we recognize an increase of
"darkness," as well as the Holy Spirit's call to "come
forth and meet the bridegroom," we have a difficult question to
answer.
This basic, and vital question
is, "How will the Church, under such extordinary circimstances,
actually come to the place where each part is "matured" and
"functioning," in the least amount of time?
As you may be suspecting by this
time, I have come to recognize "the answer" as being much more
basic than to wait, or look for a mature "five-fold" ministry to
personally touch our lives. In this, I’m not downplaying their important
role, I’m just saying there is something more primary to this equation.
That primary thing, I submit to you this day in Jesus’ Name, is so
profoundly simple it has been almost entirely overlooked by the vast
majority since shortly after the writing of the New Testament;
THE SPIRIT OF GOD MUST BE
INTIMATELY INVOLVED AS THE INITIATOR, AND CONTINUING "THIRD
PARTY" WITHIN EACH AND EVERY RELATIONSHIP IN THE CHURCH!!
Ephesians 5:31 "For this
cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto
his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I
speak concerning Christ and the church."
The basis for the following
teaching is a two-part revelation presented to the writer over a seventeen
year period. The first part was an open vision and impartation of the
doctrine of the Blood of Christ, along with the revealing of Our Lord’s
desire to bring a "prophetic doctrine" to the church. (1981) For
a very long time, I thought this revelation of the "Blood" was
the prophetic doctrine the Spirit referred to. Seven years later however,
the second part came in the form of yet another "spiritual
revelation" of the second principle of communion. The Lord then
personally confirmed that this was the prophetic doctrine He was planning
to release to the Church.
Since that time, (November 1989)
a third part is being revealed as the spiritual goal of partaking in the
Blood and Body of the Lord Jesus Christ........"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." John
17:21
IMPORTANT WARNING!!!!
The principles contained herein are
to be experienced corporately. The major difference
between this teaching and what most of us have experienced in a normal
communion service is that here, we are inviting the Holy Spirit into our
relationship with the Father, and individuals of His choosing.
Futhermore, mental assent to the
truth does not allow us to "grow up into Him", but puffs us up,
as any other knowledge apart from the Holy Spirit. For these reasons, and
due to the fact that when truly implemented, an intense spiritual reaction
will be set in motion, I strongly advise consulting a local apostle to
oversee your journey. If you don’t know one, please include one of the
other "seasoned" Ephesian 4:11 ministries. May the Lord bless
you abundantly in the knowledge of Him and His Ways!
GETTING STARTED
For centuries, the church has
been involved in spiritual warfare with an enemy much stronger than
herself. Paul the Apostle spoke clearly in the book of Ephesians that we
"war not against flesh and blood", but against invisible
spiritual entities and their powers of darkness. From a twentieth century
perspective, this warfare has not always been successful. In fact, if one
honestly evaluates church history since Martin Luther, we see only
temporary, partial victory. Yes, there have been great revivals or
awakenings, but for the most part they were short lived. As we look to see
what God accomplished in this time frame, (1545-1998) it becomes apparent
that He was bringing "line upon line" revelation to the Church,
for the purpose of bringing full restoration to the "Sons of
God."
Romans 8:18-19, "For I
reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be
compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest
expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of
God."
On an individual level, we have
seen some excellent examples of what God can do with one person
in their generation. That period is now drawing to a close. We are rapidly
moving into what is being called the new wineskin, cluster, or corporate
anointing. By way of preparation for this anointing, we need to look at
several ways we may potentially be hindered from developing powerful
spiritual relationships:
1. Generational sin
2. Spiritual
Curses/possession/oppression
3. Curses on the Land
4. Effects of personal choice
(sowing and reaping)
The fourth category of personal
choice is obviously one which must be dealt with on a daily basis. The
others however, can be initially dealt with (though occasionally needing
maintenance) through the following principle of our
communion,........FORGIVENESS THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. In the event
that you aren’t sure of the authority or benefits conferred to you as a
"born again" child of God, I suggest that you work through the
first 3 areas with one or more in your group who does.
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
John 16:7-8, "Nevertheless I
tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go
not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will
send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment: "
Generally speaking, when one
reads this, and many other biblical passages, they are seen from an
individualistic viewpoint. In the case of the above scripture, the Holy
Spirit is seen as being sent to the world for the purpose of bringing
reproof of three things; sin, righteousness, and judgment. In many
ways we are simply the spectators. If however, we apply these verses to
ourselves, (the Church in the world) we find that God is stating three
monumental problems in our relationship with Him, our brethren, and the
unbelieving world, respectively. Effecting all three relationships, and
perpetuating these problems is our spiritual enemy, satan, (and his
domain) the world and sin.
The Holy Spirit is sent to bring
answer for these problems. The scope however, is so far reaching that I’ve
come to call them the "three God-sized steps" to spiritual
awareness. It is important therefore, to meditate on God’s answer for
each of these problems. I submit that the first two (of sin, and of
righteousness) are answered in the principles of communion. The third, (of
judgment) is the ensuing fruit of allowing the Holy Spirit to apply these
principles to our individual relationships in Christ.
After prayerful meditation and
study of the entire teaching, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in
your relationship with the Father which is not based on the completed work
of Christ. This may take several days, weeks, or months.
[Note: Sin, or "missing the
mark", as many of us have been taught is not the issue here. In fact,
if missing the mark hinders your access to Abba, you have not thoroughly
applied the first principle (forgiveness through the Blood) to your own
life.]
More specifically, what we are
asking Him is if there is anything in which we commend ourselves before
His Throne except the Blood of the Covenant, i.e., do we feel more
accepted when we do good, or less accepted when we don’t.
Once we are confident that our
standing before God is based on forgiveness through the atonement, we are
ready to develop relationships in Christ, on the same basis.
This is the first and foremost indicator of our own experience with the
forgiveness of God; "that you forgive others, as I have forgiven
you."
Next, ask the Lord Jesus to
identify other Christians with whom He desires you to have deeper
relationship. When you have identified one or more, (generally not more
than 3 or 4 at a time) invite them to a time of quality fellowship in a
quiet environment. Share the following communion principles with the
purpose of inviting the Holy Spirit into each relationship. After
initiating the principles, look to the Lord and carefully work through any
issues He brings up.
[note: Don't be surprised (after
sharing) if some relationships immediately become more distant. Personal
experience concludes that we tend to choose relationships based on
something other than God’s choice. Relationships that are not intended
to "go deeper" will not be able to stand the intense
"proving" which follows. In that case, simply extend
forgiveness, blessing, and wait. We must not force others through our own
unfulfilled expectations. Ultimately, the Lord will either show us that we
were not intended to have that "deeper" relationship or that
there is an impasse He is working on. [The impasse may be in us.]
At length, you will find a core
group of brothers and sisters for whom the Lord has chosen as a
"support system" for kingdom purposes. To this group or
"cell," invite the Holy Spirit to reveal how each of your
different giftings, callings, and anointings work together to accomplish
His purposes in your given areas of influence.
The third level of relationship,
agreement, has very much to do with identifying and destroying the works
of darkness. It should also help in relation to "government" in
the Body of Christ, and Kingdom of God. If determined that none of you are
called to one of the three governmental offices of 1Corinthians 12:28,
(apostle, prophet, or teacher) ask the Lord to identify those in your area
who are. Rightly relating to these governmental offices allows greater
freedom and spiritual support as you (corporately) engage the enemy, or
discern the will of God.
COMMUNION, THE ROAD TO SPIRITUAL
COVENANT (part 1) THE BLOOD
[Note: August 6, 1999. It has
become very apparent to stress that communion is not spiritual covenant,
but as stated, the "road" to covenant. The process the Lord
initiates in communion allows us to progressively recognize the depth of
His Covenant with which we have entered. No way, no how, will we walk this
thing out through the resources of the flesh. Quite the contrary, if we
are viewing covenant from the natural understanding with attempts to
fulfill it in the flesh, many of us will fail. This has the potential to
leave others in the place of doubting whether our original commitment was
true]
Genesis 9:3 "Every moving
thing that liveth shall be meat for you;.......But flesh with the life
thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, ye shall not eat."
Leviticus 17:11 "For the
life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the
altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that]
maketh an atonement for the soul."
Hebrews 9:12 "Neither by the
blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into
the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]."
Hebrews 9:13,14 "For if the
blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the
unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall
the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself
without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the
living God?"
Hebrews 9:22 "And almost all
things are by the law purged with blood; and without
shedding of blood is no remission." (of sin)
Matthew 1:21 "And she shall
bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save
his people from their sins."
Hebrews 10:12,14 But this man,
after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the
right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his
footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are
sanctified. (being made holy)
Hebrews 10:16.17 "This [is]
the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord,
I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write
them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."
The God of Abraham, Jacob, and
Isaac has always placed high value on blood sacrifice. From the very
beginning, God Himself "slew" an animal to cover the first
couple in their transgression of the Divine Will. Furthermore, the entire
system of sacrifice in Israel was set up for the purpose of pointing to
the "ultimate" sacrifice of Jesus Christ several thousand years
later.
The primary purpose of the
Eternal Blood of the Covenant is recorded in Colossians 1:20:
"And, having made peace
through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto
himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in
heaven."
Jesus, as High Priest, provided
the payment for this complete reconciliation by offering His own Blood in
the Holiest Place of the heavenly tabernacle. When we "see" and
embrace this provision, we become "heirs" to all the great and
precious promises of God’s Word. As His Children, the first, and
according to 1 Corinthians 15:3, the most significant benefit of this
great salvation is absolute forgiveness from the ultimate penalty of sin.
Without this, none of the other promises could be fully realized in us.
For this, God needed "holy vessels."
The first effect of this
overwhelming forgiveness should be (according to Hebrews 9:14) "to
purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." This
purging of our conscience could not be accomplished by the blood of bulls
and goats according to the Word of God. However, if those offerings were
sufficient, the effect would be what we
are after in this part of the teaching:
Hebrews 9:2 "For then would
they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once
purged should have had no more conscience of sins."
If we are still attempting (at
this primary level) to "make ourselves worthy" or clear our
conscience before God, it should be apparent that something is wrong. I
submit that if this is you or I, the problem doesn’t exist on God’s
part, but rather, on our understanding and experience with the truth.
(Admittedly, we need to continue
growing in our relationship with the Lord. As we do, He will be very
faithful to show us where we are falling short. Given time, He will also
show us how to deal with each and every issue. That however, is another
topic!!)
For now, let it be shouted from
the roof tops, we have been completely (past, present, and future)
forgiven for His Name sake!!!
In first Corinthians 3:10 Paul,
the apostle said; "According to the grace of God which is given unto
me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation.....
This foundation of God’s
forgiveness through Christ Jesus must be individually "layed"
in the hearts of God’s people. Without such a foundation, we will
ultimately experience failure and condemnation, or worse, be found
building structures of pride which will eventually need to be torn down.
Either way, we will be delayed from truly "growing up" in Jesus.
In plain words, this foundation is of uppermost importance.
Hebrews 13:9 "For
it is a good thing that the heart be established in grace."
Romans 4:5 "But to him that
worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his
faith is counted for righteousness."
As we continue to embrace His
Righteousness in our "heart of hearts" (and physically in
communion) we participate in His Life, which according to the scripture,
is in the Blood.
(Leviticus 17:11 For the life of
the flesh [is] in the blood:)
Likewise Jesus said, (John
6:53-55) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of
the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth
my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him
up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink
indeed."
Many of us were taught that when
communion time comes we should examine ourselves to "see if there is
any sin in us." In this teaching, I submit that what we are asking is
for the Holy Spirit to examine us to see if we have allowed
anything (good or bad) to effect our perfect standing before the Throne of
Grace......except the Eternal Blood of Christ.
The old hymn "Just as I
am" is more than a call to the sinner. Rather, it expresses our only
provision for approach to Holy God on a daily basis;
"Just as I am, without one
plea, but that thy blood was shed for me
and that thou biddest me to come,
oh Lamb of God, I come, I come"
Hebrews 10:18-22, "Now where
remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin. Having
therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through
the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And [having] an high priest over the
house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies
washed with pure water."
Therefore, before partaking of
the communion wine, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any unbelief in the
"once for all" sacrifice of Jesus. Confess to your
brothers/sisters what He is revealing. Then as a group, bind the power of
unbelief which works to hinder "perfect" access to the Father.
You may even want to ask for assignments of angels to assist in
maintaining this access to the Throne. Thank and praise the Living God for
the provision of the Eternal Blood of the Covenant!!!
Note: I realize this will be
difficult for some. Previous teaching and experience in the faith tends to
produce a response that says something like, "this man is teaching we
can continue in sin." This simply isn’t true. That reaction comes
from the natural mind which, without revelation, can not discern
differently. Some in Paul’s time also concluded likewise; Romans 3:8
"And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some
affirm that we say) Let us do evil, that good may come?"
My response to such statements is
that as the "revelation" comes, the desire to turn away from sin
is included. Furthermore, the desire to serve this living, loving God is
the immediate, and life-long effect!!
Romans 3:26-28, "To declare,
[I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the
justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 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."
Don’t be surprised if many
things and people come your way trying to contradict this stance of
"complete freedom" in Christ. As you remain firm in your
convictions, you will find that these "tests" are just that. The
truth does not change. In time, you will find yourself abiding in the
truth that truly sets one free. (from religious striving)
COMMUNION (part 2) THE BODY OF
CHRIST
Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as
God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Romans 15:4-7 "For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scripture might have hope. Now
the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward
another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind [and] one
mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore
receive ye on another, as Christ also received us to the glory of
God."
James 2:1 "My brethren, have
not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with
respect of persons.
________________________________________________________________________
From the first principle of
communion, we realize that God has completely forgiven us "For His
Name sake." We have simply accepted this without reservation, based
on the utter reliability of His Character and Word;
"Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,
by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he
shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" Titus 3:5,6
Now, we are directed by the Word
of God to forgive and accept one another in the same way that God has
forgiven and accepted us. Furthermore, we must do so impartially, or
without respect of persons.
On this second level of
relationship, (acceptance) we begin to
glimpse the awesome scope of Christ’s sacrifice. Once again, it is by
"looking unto Jesus’ that we identify this second principle of
relationship. For when we recognise His
way of dealing with us, we also discovery how we are to relate to our
brothers;
Colossians 2:13-23, "And
you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he
quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting
out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary
to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross...."
Romans 5:9-21, "Much more
then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath
through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by
the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by
his life."
Colossians 1:22-29, "In the
body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and
unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and
settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have
heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under
heaven;"
Once His forgiveness is
established in our hearts, we can simply allow it to flow to others. We
also begin to understand the heartfelt purpose and desire of God is for
having life-long, intimate relationship with His Children. For this
purpose, we are accepted as family members in the "household
of faith." For the rest of our lives we will be seen and dealt with
as "sons and daughters" of the Most High God.
Being God, He will never endorse
error in His Children, yet His Love and encouragement towards us remains
constant. Consequently, even while correcting, or rebuking, He will nearly
always extend great validation as well.
This is how He expects us to
view, and treat one another.
Do we fall short in this?
Absolutely! Do we even consistently think about each other in such terms?
I don’t think so!! The fact is, if we are honest here we will
"throw in the towel," realising the impossibility of fulfilling
such an command! Humanly speaking, this is utterly true. We just don’t
possess that kind of love. But, this is
exactly what the Spirit of God is wanting us to understand!
His goal on this level of
relationship is not that we share our resources of love, but that
we learn how to allow His Love to flow through us to one another.
John 13:34,35 "A new 2537
commandment 1785 I give 1325 5719 unto you 5213, That 2443 ye love 25 5725
one another 240; as 2531 I have loved 25 5656 you 5209, that 2443 ye 5210
also 2532 love 25 5725 one another 240. 35 By 1722 this 5129 shall 1097 0
all 3956 [men] know 1097 5695 that 3754 ye are 2075 5748 my 1699 disciples
3101, if 1437 ye have 2192 5725 love 26 one to another" 1722 240.
I’ve included the Strong’s
Exhaustive Concordance numbers for your convenience. The Greek words for
Love in this portion of scripture is "agape" and "agapao".
This is the Love which comes from God alone.
It was this Love that allowed our
Lord to be beaten and have His beard pulled out without reviling. It was
this Love that moved Him to wash even the feet of the one who would later
betray him. Beloved, this is what our Lord desires to see operating in our
relationships. Simply put, His Love, His Life!!
APPLICATION (SECOND LEVEL)
In the same way that we invited
the Holy Spirit to reveal anything hindering our access to the Father, we
now ask Him to show us if we have conducted ourselves in ways that fall
short of extending His forgiveness and love to those with whom we are
partaking. (whether by deed, thought, or attitude)
[Note: Individual, specific
confessions need not be done at this time. Many such confessions are
appropriately done in private. Simply committing to do so at the next
available time will be sufficient]
Basically, what the Lord is
desiring here is for us to simply recognize and acknowledge
if we have restricted His Life flow to the ones we are sharing the
communion with. (and beyond) Don’t be in a hurry. It may take
"some" time.
Next, we take more time, allowing
Him to go one more circle out in our relationships, eventually including
the entire Body of Christ. Then, even further, to include every human
being. When allowing Him this time, we will generally find that we have
held someone in our heart in an inappropriate way. Do not be discouraged,
this is very normal for the first several hundred times. [big smile] I’m
convinced that this is why the Lord directed us to do this "as often
as we meet."
The immediate point of allowing
this type of "fearless inspection" by the Holy Spirit is to
enable corporate dealing with the subtle, but debilitating power of
unbelief. In time, it will also make us very sensitive to the loss of His
manifest presence through allowing unclean thoughts to lodge in our minds.
Simply confessing, "Yes
Lord, I have walked in agreement with unbelief. I now repent and desire to
walk in perfect agreement with You," releases sufficient power to
take back any "legal ground" unbelief may have been given, as
well as prohibit it’s current operation in those relationships.
Purposefully extend the forgiveness of Christ to each person in the group.
Next, corporately bind the "power" of unbelief between each
relationship. Finally, ask the Holy Spirit to alert you when an attempt is
made to effect those relationships in the future.
As the revelation comes, you will
find that Jesus’ statement in the Lord’s Prayer, "forgive us as
we forgive others," is very similar to;
Matthew 7:2 "For with what
judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it
shall be measured to you again."
Please understand, you are now
agreeing to experience God’s forgiveness to the same degree that you are
willing to extend it. This will become a wonderful indicator of your
"abiding" in Him.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
From the above scripture in James
2:1, we see that God’s Love is impartial. He loves each and every one of
His Children intimately. As far as worth goes, we are equal. Furthermore,
He treats each of us by the same standard. This is the concluding value of
the Heavenly Father regarding human life; who causes His rain to fall on
the unjust as well as the righteous. Therefore, to experience His Love in
"fullness," we must recognize and eliminate the use of different
standards.
We will ultimately learn to use
these same basic principles with every person. As we grow in maturity,
each of God’s Children becomes "our children." We will begin
to see and treat them as we would our own offspring. The result of being
transformed in this area allows us to "hear" His Voice clearly, through
other vessels. We will be able to give and receive as He directs.
Additionally, it allows Him the rightful sovereignty to "honor"
the vessels of His choosing, as, and when He chooses. This sets the
stage for the third level of relationship. (agreement) On this
level, the Holy Spirit personally sets in motion the scenarios necessary
to bring the relationships to maturity according to His purpose for each
individual involved.
Therefore, time and experience is
required to identify those willing to submit to these masterfully designed
"proving grounds." Eventually, we recognize relationships
becoming increasingly transparent before God and each other. In these
priceless relationships, each participant, along with their bridegroom can
say with one voice.............."WE HAVE COME TOGETHER ACCORDING TO
THE WILL OF GOD, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!!"
FINALLY
Though the above teaching is very
directive in approach, it is not intended as a "formula."
Rather, it is a basic outline of how "communion" can be
effectively communicated in a "house" setting. In the new
testament, both the large group, (love feasts) and house to house sharing
occurred. This intimate sharing simply puts us directly in touch with the
"heart" of our basis for relationship with Abba, and each other.
As we learn to accept one another
as He has accepted us, there is no option for rejection!!! Nor is
there any valid reason for maintaining a heart of unforgiveness,
regardless of the situation!!! (even if, in some cases we find that we
cannot walk together for lack of agreement. See: Amos 3:3) This allows God
an arena to use all of our "issues" to conform each
participating member to the image of Christ. Otherwise, our tendency is to
move on to the next group of relationships, while making the same mistakes
again and again.
[Note: I am not suggesting that
we "blindly" accept one another to the point of potentially
harming other relationships. (since each one is equally important) Take
for instance, the situation of a Christian brother still addicted to
drugs, or excessively violent. I would not (unless specifically directed)
pose a potential threat to my children (I have four) by inviting that
person to live in my home. The point is not judging harshly, or rejecting
those for whom Christ died]
Since receiving these principles
from the Holy Spirit, I have come to understand that a relationship
"in conflict" is not necessarily a bad thing. (though it still
usually feels like it....smile)
Many times it is one in which the
Lord has something "key" for both parties. If the relationship
is ended prematurely, the possibility of missing that lesson is quite
high. In such cases, the Holy Spirit will generally give us another
opportunity to "get it right," but then again, it may take quite
some time before we have that chance. Either way, we should be developing
an attitude that is set for seizing each opportunity to "grow up in
Jesus."
Last, but not least, the
ability to temporarily retreat from the third level of relationship,
(agreement) allows us the time and space to re-evaluate the relationship
(especially our part in it) without causing lasting harm. By God’s
help, let there be an end to unhealthy relationships in the Body of
Christ. In Christ’s Name, let us get past offence. (whether given or
received)
Always remember.......Proverbs
18:19 "A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city:
and their contentions [are] like bars of a castle."
Lord God, I have attempted to
give what you have given me. I am fully aware of how inadequate these
words are. I therefore extent the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to
each person reading this material. My prayer is that every hindrance to
receiving the revelation of Your Presence among us would be destroyed by
the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning. Lord, reveal Your
heart for our relationships. Let it be said of us, "We know they are
Christians by the Love they have, one to another." So be it, for Your
Glory and Honor!! Amen and amen!!