was successfully added to your cart.

Cart

Category

Training

The Gospel of Matthew – Lesson 7

LESSON 7

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

CHPTRS. 20-24

CHAPTER 20

Matthew 20:1-34
Matt. 20: 1-16 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.2 “Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.3 “And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,4 “and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went.5 “Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.6 “And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’7 “They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’9 “And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.10 “But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.11 “And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,12 “saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’13 “But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?14 ‘Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.15 ‘Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’16 “So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
20:1-16 THE PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD WORKERS For the sovereigndom of the heavens is likened to a man — a lord of the house who goes at dawn to hire workers for his vineyard: and he bargains with the workers for a dinara a day: and apostolizes them to his vineyard: and about the hour three he goes and sees others standing idle in the market and words to them, You also go to the vineyard, and I give you what you need.— and they go. He goes again about hour six and nine and works likewise: and about the hour eleven he goes and finds others standing idle and words to them, Why stand you here idle all day? They word to him, Humanity hires us not. He words to them: You also go to the vineyard: and whatever you need, you take. And when, being evening, the lord of the vineyard words to his Rabbi of the House, Call the workers, and give them their reward, beginning from the final until the first. And those of hour eleven come: and they each take denara, denara.( denarious plural of denara) And when the first come and they presume to take much more: and they also take denara, denara .(denarious) And when they take, they murmur against the lord of the house, wording, These final worked one hour and you equalize them with us who bore the load and scorch of the day. And he answers, wording to one of them, Comrade, I injure you not. Has it not been for a denara denara you bargained with me? Take your own and go: and I will to give this final, as to you. Or am I not allowed to work whatever I will with my own? Or is your eye evil because I am graced? Thus, the final become first, and the first final: for many are called but few selected. Aramaic NC

A. THE PARABLE SUMMARIZED
1. Early in the morning a landowner hires laborers to work for an agreed upon wage – Matt. 20:1-2.
2. Later, at different hours of the day, he finds more and hires them also, for a fair but unspecified wage – Matt. 20:3-7.
3. At the end of the day, they are all paid equally, which irritates those who had worked all day – Matt. 20:8-12 4. The landowner responds to the complainers.

a. I treated you fairly, for you received according to our agreement – Matt. 20:13-14a.
b. I wish to pay the others the same – Matt. 20:14b.
1) Do I have not the right? – Matt. 20:15a.
2) Are you envious, because I am gracious? – Matt. 20:15b.

4. Jesus concludes by repeating the warning – Matt. 20:16 (some manuscripts add another warning: For many are called, but few chosen), meaning many are called but few make the choice to answer the call.

B. THE MESSAGE OF THE PARABLE
1. Many and varied have been the interpretations; for example:
a. The various bands of workers are the O.T. saints; those called at the eleventh hour are the apostles.
b. The workers first called are the Jews, those called last are the Gentiles.
c. The parable represents the whole gospel age up to Christ’s return, and the workers are groups saved at various periods.
d. It refers to different periods of a person’s life in which he may respond to the Lord: some responding early, others late in life.

2. Since this parable is in response to Peter’s question, I suggest:
a. That the first workers represent the apostles and others like them.
1) Who are called by Christ through the gospel early in life
2) And who therefore may labor long and hard in the vineyard (i.e., the kingdom of God).

b. The other workers represent those who are called by Christ via the gospel at various times.
1) Some of whom are called late in life.
2) Who do not have opportunity to do as much for the Lord.

3. In light of this interpretation, the main point of the parable is:
a. What everyone receives will be more than fair.
b. No one has the right to question the generosity of the Lord (Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?)
c. Those who may serve long and hard should not be envious if others receive the same reward.

d. Therefore no one should serve the Lord with a commercial or mercenary spirit!
1) The very danger Peter was close to falling into by the question he raised!
2) A danger to which we are all susceptible!

4. Perhaps I should stress that this parable is NOT saying that those who purposely put off obeying Christ until the last moment can be saved!
a. If that were the point, the parable would have been worded differently.
1) Notice that those who responded at the late hour of the day had not been working, because no one hired us. – Matt. 20:7 2 They accepted the offer as soon as they heard it, though late in the day — They were not people who turned down many opportunities to accept the offer to labor in the vineyard, only to accept at the last hour!
b. Many question whether one can be saved at the last moment after lifelong rejection of the gospel. I say, Yes. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

The point is, did you fulfill your calling and the Book that was written for you all the days of your life?

Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Verse 16-So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

Many are called, but few make the choice.

Matt. 20:17-34 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them,18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death,19 “and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.”23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.26 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.27 “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”29 Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him.30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

20:17-34 YAH SHUA PROPHESIES HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION And Yah Shua prepares to ascend to Uri Shelem and leads the twelve disciples among him in the way and words to them ,Behold, we ascend to Uri Shelem to shelem of the Son of humanity to the Rabbi Priests and to the scribes — to condemn him to death— to shelem him to the peoples— to mock and to torture and to stake and the third day he rises.

PRIORITY POSITIONS Then the mother of the sons of Zabedai approaches — she and her sons, worshipping him and asking somewhat of him. And he words to her, What will you? She words to him, Word that these my two sons sit, the one by your right and the one by your left in your sovereigndom. Yah Shua answers and words, You know not what you ask: Are you able to drink of the cup I am prepared to drink? — or baptized with the baptizing I am baptized? They word to him: We are able. And he words to them, My cup, you drink and baptized with baptizing I am baptized — and to sit by my right and by my left be not my own to give — except for whom it is prepared by my Father.
THE TEN INDIGNANT DISCIPLES And when the ten hear, they anger over the two brothers. And Yah Shua calls them, and words to them, You know that the hierarchs of the peoples Lord over them: and the great are magistrates over them: but thus be it not among you: but he who wills being great within you, becomes your minister: and he who wills being first within you, becomes your servant: as the Son of humanity comes not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his soul a redemption for many. YAH SHUA HEALS TWO BLIND
And as Yah Shua proceeds from Irihu a vast congregation is following him: and behold, two blind sitting upon the way when they hear that Yah Shua passes over, and they give voice, and are wording, Befriend us, my Lord, son of David.
— and the congregation is reproving them to hush within. And they lift their voices excessively, wording, Befriend us, our Lord, son of David. And Yah Shua stands and calls to them, and words: What will you that I work to you? They word to him, Lord, that our eyes open. So, Yah Shua befriends over them and approaches their eyes: and straightway their eyes open and they go after him. Aramaic NC

We will continue with Les.7 next week.

The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22

David & Mary Sue

How to Have Greater Faith

How to Have “Greater Faith”

Becca Card

 

I always find inspiration when I read the story of the Centurion’s faith in Matthew 8:5-11.   No one starts the faith walk with “great faith” however, we all have been given a “measure of faith” that can grow as we gain revelation knowledge, believe, speak, and act on Yahweh’s Word.

 

Romans 12:3 (ESV) – For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

 2 Thessalonians 1:3 – We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

It is interesting to see that faith is “measurable” and can be increased to reach the fullest potential of “great faith.” Yahshua measured people’s faith when ministering to them. He would make statements like, “according to your faith be it done to you”, indicating that some people had greater faith than others. He also located the faith level of Peter in Matthew 14:31 when he said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt.

Peter tried to walk in the level of faith that Yahshua was operating in but was not quite ready to believe beyond the five-sense realm longer than a few minutes. The phrase “little faith” here actually means “faith that didn’t last long enough, or short faith.”

Yahshua not only measures our faith when we are wanting to receive from Yahweh, but He looks for faith when we approach Him as proved from the story of the paralytic who was lowered through a roof by his friends, “When He saw their faith”, Luke 5:20.  Faith that can receive from Yahweh is so vital that Yahshua will be looking for it when He returns.  “Will the Son of Man find faith on the earth when He comes.” Luke 18:8

There are four keys to develop “great faith” that we can see clearly in the life of the centurion who amazed Yahshua with his faith.

Recognition of the Lordship of Christ

Matthew 8:5-6 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 – “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”  

I remember someone saying that “if Yahshua isn’t Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”  A full surrender to Yahshua giving Him total reign over our lives is the first step to developing great faith.

Humility

Matthew 8:8 – But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Humility is a “proper estimation of self.” Pride is an “overestimation of self.” This centurion knew that he was not “deserving” of Yahweh’s help because of who he was or what he had done, but all that Yahweh does for us is done as a “free gift.” 

Romans 8:32 – He who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 

 Understanding Yahweh’s Will

 Matthew 8:7 – And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

We must be convinced of Yahweh’s will and pray in faith.

1 John 5:14-15And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

Understanding the Nature of Faith

Matthew 8:8 – But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.

 “Say the Word only and my servant shall be healed.” Real faith requires no proof or evidence from the five senses; but believes with the heart. Faith is a “sixth sense” that is independent of the five physical senses. The man with great faith said in effect, “If you say it, it’s done.” He went his way believing his servant was healed before he ever saw him.

Notice what Jesus said in Matthew 8:13 – And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. In Matthew 8:10 – We read the astounding words of Yahshua affirming the level of faith of this Roman, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.  Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek him.

 May We All Grow in Faith!

 

 

FS Word of Power – He Calls Me Friend – 02/12/20

FS Word of Power

Eva Windahl

“He Calls Me Friend”

 

A couple of days ago I noticed that I had approximately 2600 Facebook “friends.”  Most of them are more acquaintances than close friends but I appreciate each one for the connection and I love getting to know people from all walks of life. Now, some of my FB friends are really close.  They are like family to me and some of them are intercessors and friends who I truly am very grateful for. Each true friend is such a God given gift. As I was thanking God for all my friends worldwide, I was reminded of what Yeshua told his disciples in John 15:15; “I no longer call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I have heard from My Father have I made known to you.”

The word servant or doulos in the Greek means slave. Jesus told His disciples, “I no longer call you “slaves”, but I call you “friend”. In the Bible, being a servant of God was no shame, it was a position of status and high honor.  Moses, Joshua and David were all called servants or slaves of God. The apostle Paul even identified himself as a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ, which he too considered to be an honor. Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” On the other hand, we read about Abraham, the Father of the “Faith” is called a “friend” of God. Why is that? Being a friend of God implies faith in God and intimacy with God that is available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To become a friend of Jesus it starts with a love for God through receiving Jesus. He is the way to the Father´s heart. Only love can produce love in return. When God calls Abraham “friend” He is actually using the Hebrew word ahav meaning intimate love or in other words: God was “in love” with Abraham. That may sound a bit odd but when God talks about friendship, he means a LOVE relationship.

In John 3:16 it is clear that “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” A servant does not have the same responsibilities as a friend.  When one is a servant one simply follows directions. They do what they are told, but Yeshua emphasizes that “I no longer call you slaves, but I call you friends”- loved friends. What an honor!  What a BLESSING that God has promoted us from the status of “slaves” to “friends” by faith through his Son! This should have a GREAT IMPACT on how we relate to God. You see really close friends share the same interests, the same heart, the same vison and the same passion. When we are FRIENDS with God other people should notice that! We should reflect who we share our lives with and how much we love our friend, our Savior, our Lord! Aren´t you glad and want to rejoice together with me saying: THANK YOU LORD for being my friend forever!

Bless you my friend <3

 

THE HIGH CALLING – TERRY THOMPSON

THE HIGH CALLING

Pastor Terry Thompson

Sometimes life can throw a real curveball at you when you least expect it, and it is generally at a time when you are at your most vulnerable. Nobody likes the idea of being rejected yet it happens to us all.  

ZACCHAEUS  

Can you remember Zacchaeus climbing up that sycamore tree? He scampered up the tree just to get a bird’s eye view of Jesus.  As soon as Jesus passed under him, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus make haste come down, for today I must abide at thy house.” (Luke 19:5) Zacchaeus is a living example of the grace of God.  He was a man that was openly accepted by the Lord in front of all the people despite his past. Zacchaeus quickly responded and gave half of his goods to the poor, and he said if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I will restore him fourfold. Yet what was the crowd’s reaction?  They all murmured (complained) Luke 19:7. Yet Jesus openly accepted him.  When Zacchaeus heard about Jesus nothing could hinder him from his goal, he was a man on a mission and public opinion could not stop him!   

Luke 19:9   – And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”   

 

 BARTIMAEUS

 BE QUIET! 

In the book of Mark, it is recorded of a man called Bartimaeus who was blind.  He begged at the side of the road coming out of Jericho. When Bartimaeus found out who Jesus was he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Now the word cry in the Greek is not just a loud noise, it actually means scream. Jesus was teaching as he walked, and the people were intent with the truths that He was giving. But when they got to where Bartimaeus was crying the people reacted and told him to be quiet. 

Mark 10:48a – “And many charged him that he should hold his peace (be quiet):”   

But Bartimaeus knew what he needed, and he pushed into his breakthrough.     

 

 THE WOMAN WITH THE ALABASTER BOX 

Even our closest friends can be a hindrance to our vision when they do not see what you are trying to achieve. 

Matthew 26:7-13 

 

  1. There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.  

 

  1. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, to what purpose is this waste?  

 

  1. For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.  

 

  1. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman?  for she hath wrought a good work upon me.  

 

  1. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 

 

  1. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 

 

  1. Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”   

What I am trying to show you is, there is always opposition with every commission the Lord gives us. Whether it is spirit v flesh fight within us or an external fight with the people around us. The struggle always creates growth and maturity if you push through.   

Love Y ‘all!  Keep under the spout where the glory runs out!!! 

OFFENSE – TERRY THOMPSON

OFFENSE

By Pastor Terry Thompson

 

Ever been offended? Did you know you can choose not to be offended! When you take offense, you are allowing someone other than yourself to shape your response.  Offense comes when a breach of your territory takes place and your heart gets crushed. Learning to yield to God is the only way you will get the victory.

JAMES 4:7 – 8

 7  – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

 8 – Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

 SPIRIT CONTROLLED RESPONSE

Your feelings are part of your soul, taking control of a runaway feeling takes an act of your spirit. Living a spiritual life is not just learning to yield to the Holy Ghost! We have to learn to give the reigns to our spirit instead of our soul. Jesus was constantly having accusations thrown at him but he knew how to address each occasion. Let us turn to the scriptures for help on this topic. Solomon was a very wise man and he gave this instruction.

DISCRETION

Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion (wisdom) of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

Ever been in a hard place and it felt like the sky tumbled down upon you? Can you remember what you said to yourself, Never again! That is the beginning of wisdom or discretion. Welcome to the school of hard knocks. If you listen and learn then you are growing.

EXASPERATION

The apostle Paul says,

Ephesians 4:26 – 27  

 26 – Be ye angry (exasperated), and sin (to miss the mark) not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (exasperation):

 27 – Neither give place to the devil (the slanderer).

Even as Christians we get exasperated with each other but let us not forget we reap what we sow. Your attitude will determine your altitude.

Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ‘s sake hath forgiven you.”

If we want to be a witness to others, we need to show an example.

Matthew 7:12 – Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

ADDRESSING OFFENSE

If somebody repeatedly abuses our friendship, we need to address the problem.

Luke 17:3 – Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke (charge sharply) him; and if he repent, forgive him.”

DEALING WITH PRIDE

Do not let pride destroy relationships.

Proverbs 13:10 – Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 18:19 – A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

 You do not need to win every argument. Pick where your values are.

 Matthew 11:6. Luke 7:23 – And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

CONCLUSION

 When a negative action is directed at you don’t let your soul (feelings) take control. Open up your spirit and yield to God. When peace comes, direction will come with it to tell you what to say, or what not to say to your aggressor. The right words and the right attitude will diffuse the worst attitude.

 

 

Psalms 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

 

Love Y’all!

 

Keep under the spout where the glory runs out!!!

 

 

 

EPHESIANS LESSON 5 (CHAPTER 4) 12/21/19

LESSON 5-Ephesians

Chapter 4

BEING THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Ephesians 4:1-32

Eph.4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4:3 Being vigilant to guard your oneness of spirit.  We are prisoners of peace.  We confirm the fact that there is only one body, also that there is only one Spirit. Mirror Translation

A close up of a ropeDescription automatically generated

Endeavoring” – present active participle of SPUDADZW, “to hasten; to be zealous; to be diligent”.

The concept of unity is brought up again in 4:13 and the following verses. Unity among people comes about when there is unity of thinking. It is edification and Christian growth that causes believers to be unified in their thinking, because the content of every person’s thinking is the same, the Word of God. Without the unity of thinking that comes about through learning Bible truth, everyone is free to think independently. This results in a lack of unity.

The word “unity” here refers to a common essence, to the characteristics we share as members of the family of God, the Body of Christ, the things listed in verses 4 to 6.

An illustration of unity of thinking and purpose is found in the OT in Gen. 11 with the building of the Tower of Babel (they are one and nothing that they have proposed to be shall be impossible to them.

Gen. 11:6 And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.”

 

Also, in the OT books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where the Jews under Zerubbabel rebuilt the temple and the wall with tools and weapons in hand. (one guarding, one building) Neh. 4:16

Related Scripture:

1 Peter 3:8, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” In this verse there are four chief characteristics of Christian unity.

1.”having compassion” – SYMPATHEIS, “suffering with”. The English word “sympathy” is a transliteration of this Greek word. This is the ability to share with another person because of understanding in the spiritual frame of reference. Bible truth can be communicated because of knowledge of what the other is going through and how to help. One believer can think when another is not able to think; this is a great help when someone is going through a time of great stress.

2.”love as brethren” – PHILADELPHOS- literally ‘One who loves one like his/her brother/sister, This is rapport love, and it grows as the Christian grows, through edification. It is rapport and compatibility between two or more believers based on applied truth in the soul.
3.“pitiful” – EUSPLAGTHNOS. Literally, “happy innards”, therefore “good emotions”. The word “pitiful” in the KJV times (early 17th century) carried this meaning of sympathy and “having pity”, but the English word carries an unhappy, unpleasant connotation today. The ability to have good feelings is the result of “mind over emotions”, Bible doctrine leading the thinking so as to produce good feelings, in this case, towards others. Paul said  to King Agrippa “I think myself happy.” Acts 26:2

4.“courteous” – TAPEINOPHRON”lowly-minded,” humble minded, a mental attitude of graciousness.

Unity- We are already One in Christ Jesus. We must just wake up to this truth and act accordingly.

 

Body of Christ – The Unit

The Body of Christ, like all bodies, is comprised of many parts. There are joints (leaders) limbs, organs, and various members that, when left alone, are useless, but when assembled make up the entire body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describe it like this: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So, it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.” 

Related Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

 

A person in a green fieldDescription automatically generated

Acts 2:1When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

 

With One Accord Meaning:

Notice, it is “with one accord”, not in one accord. (the old Honda joke!)

Definition: If a number of people do something with one accord, they do it together or at the same time, because they agree about what should be done. Synonyms: unanimously, without exception, by common consent, united.

This is unity of the Spirit.

Jesus prayed in John 17 that the Body of Christ would be united with the Godhead in the same way that He Himself is united with His Father.

John 17:21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

The implication is that when people see us, they have seen the Father. And if they don’t believe us on account of our words, they should believe us on account of our works, because we are to do greater works than Jesus did. That is the kind of unity that will cause the world to know that the Kingdom of God has come!

 

That prayer has been answered. We are One!!

(Eph 1:22-23) And He has put all things under His feet and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

WE ARE ALREADY ONE IN CHRIST!!

 

A close up of a logoDescription automatically generated

Unity is not discovered in programming, but in being filled with the very fullness of God himself. This is what marks the church – it’s not our systems and our structures. The church is “his body…the fullness of him…” (Eph 1:23). 

The emerging church is the “Corporate Christ. “It is, “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).

He has given us the ‘glory’ that we may be one as they are one. But what is this ‘glory’? It is “Christ in you” – or in Jesus’ words, “I in them and you in me”.  Without being filled with the fullness of God any ‘unity’ we experience will be a lie. It will not be the product of the Spirit of God. And will inevitably have at its core the dynamics of Babel. It will have a human hand on it and will serve to enhance someone’s profile. The ‘you’ of “Christ in you the hope of glory” is plural in the Greek. What does this mean? It implies that the revelation of the indwelling Christ in the heart of the individual believer is the fountainhead of corporate unity. Because God is a ‘unity’ (the oneness of the Father and the Son), to be filled with the fullness of God.

Other Unity Scriptures:

UNITY- ONE MIND, ONE ACCORD

Psalm 133:1-2 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.

John 17:11-21 “Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.12 “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.13 “But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.14 “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.15 “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.16 “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.19 “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;21 “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Col. 2:19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Col. 3:14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

A picture containing person, man, clothingDescription automatically generated

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17

We will continue with Lesson 4 next week.

The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by    blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22