| The `Why`s.... [message #10456] |
Sun, 01 December 2013 00:24  |
 Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Gary you raised an important thought which I totally agree with. We are disciples, followers of Jesus & it is He by His Holy Spirit making us like unto Himself.
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{{{ For Marylin's benefit -> what we called the school of trials was our belief that God would tailor-make tests (trials)in our lives wherein He would allow the devil to attack us in some way. As we faithfully overcame ( there is that
"overcome in all things" idea ) the test/trial we would learn spiritual lessons - maybe patience, stronger faith, the need
for more holiness, etc. We believed that God was discipling each of us Himself, One on one tutoring, the Holy Spirit
within each of us - through the use of these trials/tests }}}
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So the `Why` the need of mentoring?
Hope I don`t lose you in my explanation but it`s always good to try & understand why God is doing something.
Now previously (OT) Gentile people who came to know God would often come into the nation of Israel - eg, Rahab, Ruth etc. Now why didn`t God just continue to do that - Gentiles coming under Israel? This will happen in the Millennium & be a fulfilment in part of God`s purposes for Israel, to rule the nations on earth.
But in the interim time we have come to know that God has a different purpose for us. He is making a community of people called the `Body of Christ.` We are not individual nations but we are a Body of people that God is fashioning to be able to operate in the heavenly realms - in the unseen areas where the greater workings of this universe takes place. To be able to operate there we need suitable bodies(which God will provide), plus qualities that enable us to function as a unified company of people. These qualities (Christ`s character) are being formed in us now by Christ`s Holy Spirit. (as Gary said)
As has been stated it is through the trials & temptations that we learn to overcome our carnal nature & the enemy & `put on,` Christ`s nature. Note, only Christ`s character qualities will enable us to function in the eternal realm.
Thus it is not just a matter of getting our `ticket to heaven,` or `being saved,` but it involves the whole process of maturing which also involves being interdependent with each other - `set in the Body,` & any friction, prickling etc can cause a fissure, or a dislodging, etc.
Thus it is, that Christ by His Holy Spirit is working in us, so that we will actively work with Him, in the `building up of the Body of Christ.`
`...speaking the truth in love we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the Head, even Christ, from who the whole Body being fitted & held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, cause the growth of the Body for the building up of itself in love.` (Eph. 4: 15 & 16)
We are not just individuals becoming mature but we are also being connected with each other to grow as a Body, collectively like Christ also. And this involves mentoring, building up the Body, for it is in these relationships one with another that we are changed, for the Christ like qualities can then come forth.
What do you all see?
Marilyn C
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| Re: The `Why`s.... [message #10464 is a reply to message #10460] |
Mon, 02 December 2013 19:25  |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Gary,
You are right, for us to please the Lord. I was trying to bring out the point that the Lord does desire for us to make disciples, teach & encourage, & mentor others. I was trying to show why the Lord desires us to do this - to connect us in a family, community & not just be individuals of different nations.
Jman had said -
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Btw: John the Baptist was before Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to indwell the believers.
Believers now should have the Holy Spirit within which enables the school of trials
- see John 14:26 <- this was future tense to John the Baptist
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And that got me thinking on the `Why.` Hope that makes sense.
Marilyn C
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