Strength In Adversity (20240417)

Following our last discussion, we continue to mention the activities that we have done in the name of religious expediency but that are of no spiritual value. These activities are one way or another derived from scripture but twisted and corrupted into potentially clanging symbols as depicted by Paul.

https://youtu.be/sARO69qll6c

A basic requirement for teaching and training is the use of imagery and routines with the intent of exposing the learner to the higher truth they ought to grasp and implement. Like a boxer who punches bags understands that in the ring on fight day, the opponent shall fight back unlike the bag hanging from a gym ceiling.

https://youtu.be/PZ6OayXKKLA

The Distinction of Holiness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NehmJV6lQi8

Jesus repeatedly told the crowds that followed He had brought a Kingdom. “The Kingdom of God is at hand and with you and is in you”, He said.

In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.

However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

Walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

...but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit

Having covered the Person of God in the previous discussion, we seek to identify the Son, His nature and work. God’s plan has always been Christ. It was the plan before the beginning since before Abraham was, Jesus said, “I AM”.

Jesus is and has solely always been the express image of the Father, the perfect imprint and very image of God's nature, the one whom we are to become like.

Is your pursuit to be Christ-like?

As common to most human beings, foundational statements are considered true and unquestionable at face value. This results in the formation of traditions and practices that eventually define and engulf the life of a group of like-minded people.

“If you truly want to follow me, you should at once completely reject and disown your own life. And you must be willing to share my cross and experience it as your own, as you continually surrender to my ways. For if you choose self-sacrifice and lose your lives for my glory, you will continually discover true life. But if you choose to keep your lives for yourselves, you will forfeit what you try to keep."

Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, resulting in the good works He did. Are you driven by compassion?

It has been said that Knowledge is power. In fact, Hosea writes that people are destroyed due to lack of knowledge. Knowledge empowers us to rise and solve life’s problems and challenges and become that which we have decided, envisioned and planned.

Knowledge once received but not acted upon is however meaningless.

The power resident in knowledge is in its utility and in like manner, Christ defined that loving Him is indicated by implementing His very instructions.Let us strive to walk in the truth we acquire and encounter so that we may remain faithful servants of The King.