https://youtu.be/c2FDZABA6XM

Come Closer!

Subtitle: Intimacy with GodHow?Ephesians 5: 18-21 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. – Being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (AMP)What does submitting to one another have to do with intimacy with you God?God: I cannot have a relationship with ANYONE who does not have any regard for MY BODY, the church.I am the Body and the body is made up of your brothers and sisters – and we are one part of the body and if any part of the body is against the rest of the body, it’s not complete and I cannot reside in that mess and since God will not walk away from the body, I will spit out those that brings division.We are required to submit to one another in the fear of the Lord.What is this fear of the Lord? I am supposed to serve my brother and sisters and when I do, it pleases God – it brings sweet aroma to Him?

This is not the fear we try to overcome in many areas of our lives.This is a fear that if we do not ask God to search our hearts and see our motives, that we might find ourselves outsides Gods will.This is a Holy Fear, a fear that keeps me in the confines of God’s guidance and love.I used guidance because, when we are guided and we abide by the rules set, then we can enjoy the love that comes with obedience. This is the reason we enjoy football – Seahawks games – there are rules, otherwise, the love for the game would not be there if in the field did whatever they wanted.This is not a call to be scared of God – walking tip toeing around God – it’s being consciously aware that if you go out of the confines of Christ, there is danger.1 Peter 5:8 ”Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.Its walking around with the awareness of the surrounding danger around you. That if you do not stay in the confines of God’s protection, you will be subject to danger.

Example of Safari: (Picture) Masai Mara =583 mi²God is saying that we need to treat each other, with a Holy fear that if we do not walk in love – Continually, we will find ourselves outside the protection of God.God said, I will not allow you in my courts (presence) if you don’t love my children, your brothers and sisters. If you don’t esteem your brothers and sisters. I weigh you motives and I know your heart.Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragranceIt’s like saying that you love your neighbor, but you cannot stand their kids, you like her but you hate the husband, you love one but hate the other? Though they are of the same family.Wait a minute…that does happen…. See in our human nature, this does not compare well.

The best way I can describe this that when Jesus was sent to come and dies on the cross for our sins, Imagine if He went around Jerusalem saying, I will love on that one, I will love on that other one, not that one…. sometimes on that one…maybe that one when they change this and that.Yet, we have been commanded that we need to love each o...