UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST (JOHN 17)

UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

Some of the most pertinent exhortations in the New Testament originate in the Epistles of Paul. Still, observe what Peter wrote under inspiration of the Holy Spirit...

2Pe 3:16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are SOME THINGS HARD TO BE UNDERSTOOD, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Furthermore:
Hbr 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
:13 For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

COMMENT: Who's to say that you are not the spiritual "babe?" After all, when you describe yourself as "apoplectic," it does not conjure ones confidence in your stability or objectivity.

ILLUSTRATION: I am a consistent listener of National Public Radio, (NPR), & enjoy most of the content, yet I am a "right-wing" Christian; however, I rarely listen to Rush Limbaugh because I find him offensive. Most likely Rush is a nice "off-the-air" fellow, but his radio personality attracts listeners.

Rick Joyner has been my pastor since '99. He is a solid leader, a good husband, & the father of five wonderful children. Largely, he is a topical preacher with a pastoral staff that deliver balanced, exegetical sermons.

Christians looking for the perfect teacher/preacher are invariably doomed for disappointment. No one on earth has a complete revelation of God but God Himself.

Jhn 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Besides, too often we depend on the pastor for our spiritual sustenance. In my opinion, this is because converts are taught, but disciples are trained. Consequently, we have churches filled with converts, not disciples. Only disciples can disciple; only disciples can replicate.

Figuratively speaking, we haven't been trained to "dig our own wells," or study the Word of God; therefore, the church in the USA is spoiled. We expect the pastor to do our Bible reading & study, not to mention prayer. The Body of Christ needs a paradigm shift.

You don't have to insinuate that Rick Joyner is a false prophet. At least his books inspire others, like yourself, to examine the Word of God. I have never heard Rick say his books were canon, but personally, I find them inspirational.
I know how to "chew on the hay & spit out the sticks."

Finally:
1Cr 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Cr 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am.
COMMENT: Perhaps every sermon, revelation, & insight should be prefaced by these truisms.

Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

AGAIN:
1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:

CONCLUSION:
We need less criticism & more wisdom...

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

1Cr 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?


Jam 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.
:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

AGAIN:
Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
COMMENT: God judges the heart, so be careful what you perceive about a man. Yes, you have the right to judge prophesy, but divisiveness cloaks itself in knowledge, & as the scripture exhorts:
Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Sincerely,

Johndeweb


PS Help me stand against the Wahabists, who call themselves true Muslims. That is where the real end-time struggle exists. Let's stop fighting each other. The time is short, & we need a united front.

Jhn 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
:21 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.