The sanctity of the Church is of utmost concern to me seeing that the times are consuming many of our friends and loved ones. I am hopeful that I might by the grace of God, encourage and strengthen you who remain faithful, though somewhat faint-hearted.
The Lord desires to see Christ formed in His body. I hope to encourage all who trust in God to place complete and unwavering trust in His Son Jesus Christ. These days must be consumed with an unwavering love for Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord must become the preeminent one in our lives. His Spirit must be our only guide and counselor in these last days. We must set our affections upon Him alone. We must yield only to those who are sent by Him to serve (minister to) His church by His Spirit.
In total obedience to Jesus, we must honor His chosen vessels, who are called by His Spirit, not honoring those appointed by men nor dishonoring them either. Honoring all men with the honor that is due them according to the word of God, by the grace and power of God.
For the time has come when we must say, “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. We must, with meekness of spirit, receive such men who are sent to be helpers of our faith. Therefore we must also support those who labor in the preaching of the gospel with our finances and prayers.
There is much work to be done, so let us come together in the spirit of His love, trusting that God has called us to His end-time work.
We must of necessity turn our faith toward Jesus Christ , the faithful one, who is able to establish us, the builder of the only true church, whose church we are.
Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep. He alone is our high priest. It is Jesus Christ who watches over us by His Spirit. Angels are subject to Him. And He alone can cause us to triumph over the opponent of our faith, the accuser of the believers, our adversary the devil.
Who is going to cause us to stand triumphantly in these last days? In who or what is our faith placed? Are we looking to our churches, denominations, our fellowships, friends, pastors, or ministers? I pray that you are boldly relying upon and yielding to the one who rent the vail of the temple from top to bottom, the one who gained us access to the very throne of God through His shed blood. I pray that the Holy Spirit of God will open your eyes to the fact that Jesus is alive and that it is He who is perfecting and keeping us by His Spirit. There is nothing that we have that did not originate in God. We must not boast in any gift that has been afforded us, for apart from His grace we are nothing and possess nothing. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, admonished us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of us be puffed up for one against another ( see 1 Corinthians chapters 1-5 ).
As Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, so must we follow Jesus Christ as He leads us into our promise land. We are all under His rule, so let us not be puffed up one against another. Let those who are ministers walk as brothers and co-laborers in the Lord, knowing that we will be exalted in due time. Let the body of Christ have the same care one for another, always willing to serve rather than be served. Honor those who labor among you, those faithful laborers who watch for your souls through much affliction and persecution. “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
Pray that God will promote His faithful ministers in these days. Be mindful of the needs of the body of Christ. Pray for those held captive by our enemy, the devil, as well as those who are held captive behind natural prison doors.. Remember your fellow believers who are in foreign lands. Pray for peace in Jerusalem. Pray for all government leaders that they will trust in the living God. Pray with a heart filled with compassion and unfeigned love, and without partiality. For it was compassionate love that caused God to sacrifice His only Son on that cursed tree, the cross, so that we might have eternal life.
Brothers and Sisters, these are the last days. We must come together as one, with one purpose, and that purpose must be to exalt our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, high above all else, Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Ephesians. 4:3).
May we all walk in the REST that only comes from obediently following Him.
Amen.
Jamie Thompson 