Back to The Garden

   

Relationships Built for War

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.

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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!! Next Part II Communion The body

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