In Philippians chapter 3 Paul writes:
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
Just as Paul was an example for those whom he ministered, we should be an example to those we encounter. Both Paul and John (the Beloved Disciple) had a clear understanding of Divine unconditional Love and emphasized it in their writings. John had first hand knowledge and experience of Jesus’ example of Love and it is no wonder that the Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to him as the last book of the Bible. He had been prepared to receive and write the Revelation.
Men look for FATHER in formulas, numbers, and signs but I say don’t be limited to those examples of HIS handiwork when seeking a higher understanding of HIM. Seek the ONE WHO created those formulas, numbers, and signs and HE will respond accordingly. HE is not some distant god but is omnipresent as is HIS SPIRIT. Present yourself as a Holy, acceptable, living sacrifice and HE will guide you in all your affairs. Become sensitive to HIS leading and you will meet up with those needing ministry.
Paul continues:
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
The cross of Christ symbolizes Love acting to sacrifice itself for the purpose of forgiveness of sin and attaining victory over the flesh. Paul warns us of those who continue to walk in the flesh whose end is destruction. They are more interested in satisfying “self” or the ego and they set their mind on worldly matters rather than Spiritual Truths. They are predisposed with the things of the world and earthly riches rather than that found in Heaven. Their quest is temporal and will never fully satisfy their belly. Their priorities always point back to self rather than others.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 1, Paul refers to the cross of Christ:
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written,
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
My writings are simple and direct. I am not interested in trying to impress people with complex messages that few can understand. I know that FATHER meant for all men, women, and children to understand the Gospel, not a select few who have the supreme intelligence to follow a complex subject. After all, Jesus only spent 3 1/2 years ministering and did not require His audience to walk around with a dictionary. His message was simple and straightforward. The wisdom of the world attempts to divide whereas the Wisdom from Above is intended to unify. It is simple- we must die to the flesh and take on Divine unconditional Love to fully mature in Christ. We must not dilute the cross of Christ by some clever speech and pulling verses out of context in order to bypass the cross. Jesus said to take up your cross and “Follow Me!” Any questions?
The mind has such difficulty in processing the cross and that is why the disciples (especially Peter) were not expecting victory in this manner. They assumed that Jesus would call forth 10,000 angels and defeat the invading armies of Rome. Jesus did the opposite and sacrificed His flesh so that man could be redeemed on an everlasting basis. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul continues:
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
The cross is the portal between earth and Heaven and it represents the place where transformation occurs. The resurrection would have not taken place without the cross. As we die to the flesh we position ourselves to become conformed to His glorious body and thus be known as the mature Body of Christ. There will be no question of our citizenship and loyalty. All of the rhetoric of the world becomes noise when compared to the Wisdom from FATHER. The cleverness of man is no match for the CREATOR of Heaven and earth.
If you haven’t already, change your citizenship to the everlasting. Walk toward the cross and you will find The Door to enter through. It is hidden from access to those whose god is their belly. HE opens the door AND HE closes the door. The time is short.
PS: My wife was again awakened earlier this week by a door shutting. What she heard was in the SPIRIT.