Tag Archive | lordship

The Church – Keeping the Unity

Dec15

but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.     Ephesians 4:15‭-‬16 NASB

Jesus must be made the head of the body, the Church, for unity to be accomplished. He places each part (person) of the body in the church and He “causes the growth for the building up of itself in love”. We individually must surrender to the Lordship of Christ and be obedient to His commands (the Word of God, Bible).

Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:25 NASB

Neighbor: members of the church and accountable for and to one another.

be angry, and yet do not sin ; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 NASB

Remember that the devil is seeking whom he may devour and if he can destroy a church he will. Let us not give him the opportunity.

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29‭ NASB

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31 NASB

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:32 NASB

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NASB

from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.    Ephesians 3:15‭-‬19 NASB

🌹O the blessings, the “riches of His glory”, “strengthened with power through His Holy Spirit”, the dwelling of Christ in the heart! By this and our obedience we comprehend with all the saints the abounding, overflowing, tremendous love of God and are filled to the fullness of God.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Advertisement

The Church – Body of Christ

Dec11

In yesterday’s devotion we read how a Christian is a new creation. We have put on the new self, the image of Jesus.

What does that look like in relation to the Church, the body of Christ?

Well, we, a part of the body should. . .

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2‭-‬3 NASB

Be diligent (earnest, persistent, painstaking) to preserve the unity of the Spirit. How? In the bond of peace which means every part of the body (each person) must be humble, gentle, patient, tolerant in love.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.      Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NASB

As a Christian we have the Spirit abiding in us so we have the capability to display the fruit of His Spirit particularly to the body of Christ.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.      Ephesians 4:4‭-‬6 NASB

God is the church. Jesus is Lord of His church. The Spirit unites us into one body under the Lordship of Christ and we are one with God who is over all, through all and in all.

🌹Are you united in faith with a body of believers? The body of Christ?!

God, I pray for your church. Unite your church into one body under the Lordship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pour out Your Spirit on Your body of true believers to be diligent in preserving unity in Your church by the fruit of Your Spirit being displayed toward one another. In godly love may Your church be known by their love for You displayed in loving one another.

In Jesus name, amen.

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

God Will Be Known

Aug31

I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the Lord.”‘
Ezekiel 38:23 NASB

As you read the Scripture prior to this statement by God, “that many nations will know that I am God”, it is not a pretty picture. It is a picture of destruction.

God is gracious and has great mercy but when blatant disobedience continues with no regard to God’s love, lordship, grace, mercy, His will and way, then punishment is inevitable.

🌹How far are you willing to push the limit of God’s grace and mercy? God will make Himself known to all.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon