We’re used to seeing signboards that list the services that are offered in a gas station, don’t we? One that says things like “air,” “water,” “first aid,” etc.
Have you ever thought about the priceless air that surrounds us? Man, it’s all around me, free of charge, 24 hours a day. I walk in it. I breathe it. Why on earth do they still tell us that there is air available?
Before I connect the inspired notion to it, let’s pause and reflect on this for a bit.
Despite the fact that this priceless air surrounds us and encircles us from head to toe, it cannot be coerced into anything without an external or internal means. We couldn’t breathe in or out if it weren’t for the sponge-like breathing organs located in the thorax of our body, the lungs.
Similar to this, we developed air compressors, which are now widely utilized across the globe for a variety of uses, most notably to utilize the enormous amount of air that surrounds us. It is one of the fundamental instruments used today for all types of work, without which it would be difficult, time-consuming, or better yet, impossible.
Compressors come in a variety of varieties. Let’s concentrate on the simple, widely utilized one. If you are already familiar with this device, you may skip the information below.
The Wise GEEK: An air compressor increases the amount of air in a particular space. By packing in the air, the air pressure is increased which creates a force that is useful for a variety of purposes, from industrial and manufacturing to commercial and personal purposes. The original air compressor is the lung. When you take a deep breath to blow out your birthday candles, for example, you're increasing the pressure of the air in your lungs, which effectively is an air compressor containing pressurized air. You then use the force of the air in your lungs to blow out the flames of your birthday candles. Eventually, manmade air compressors were created. These generally fall into one of two types, positive displacement or dynamic, defined by its mode of operation. A positive displacement air compressor works by filling and then emptying an air chamber. A dynamic air compressor, on the other hand, uses a rotating device to accelerate and then decelerate air. This process uses the speed or velocity of the air to increase the air's pressure. WWW: It is used in almost every industry you’d care to name; automotive, construction, universities, hospitals, mining, agriculture, food and beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, electronics, and more. On the smallest scale, the compressed air can run a huge range of hand tools, such as grinders, drills, and nail guns. Using air power makes the tools lighter and cooler, since they don’t need internal motors. In manufacturing, compressed air is ubiquitous as a source of power: to gently move products from one location to another, drive powerful punches or stampers, or power modern robotic tools. Finally, some applications make more direct use of the air. Compressed air is essential in sand blasting and spray painting. It is commonly used for cleaning - from blowing metal shavings off a lathe to make sure semiconductors are, dust free. And of course, there are straightforward applications like inflating tires and filling scuba tanks. Regardless of the application, the machine that makes it possible is an air compressor.
According to the Bible, one of the characteristics of “The Almighty” is that he fills the entire cosmos, as stated in Jeremiah 23:24 and Psalm 139:7–10. (Omnipresent). From your Spirit, whither shall I depart? Or how will I escape your presence? If I soar into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, see, thou art there.”, the psalmist recited.
Let’s compare man to the tires, tubes, and other items that occasionally need to be refilled with the holy air of God, which is essential to the existence of every believer. To live a fruitful Christian life on earth, the dynamic sway of the Spirit is essential. Look it up in (Eph 5:18).
We are aware that it is difficult to fill and utilize such items, which I have described, without a compressor. Purchasing a compressor alone won’t help either unless it is filled and the gauge on the compressor indicates sufficient pressure.
The conclusion of it is that: The Shepherds, Bishops, or Overseers who have been entrusted with the privilege and duty of caring for the flocks should be filled and empowered with/by the Holy Ghost and power in order that they may guide others into the realm of the Spirit through the laying on of hands or through prayer. Therefore, a spiritual man must act as a compressor.
Some contend that since God is in charge of fulfilling His obligations, we are not required to do so. How heretical it is! According to 1 Corinthians 3:9, we work alongside God as his coworkers (2Cor 6:1).
God is Almighty, and He has the power to summon things with the snap of a finger. Additionally, there are regiments of angels out there at His command. A couple of them are more than enough to wind up all of the work in no time. Is He unable to complete tasks on His own? Is the Lord’s hand shortened, that it cannot save? And why should He depend on man?
Many of us are unable to provide an answer to that question. A portion of God’s dealings is revealed to us through the ancient prophets, quenching our thirst for knowledge about Him and His ways.
Even though God is omnipotent, He will never foist himself on anybody unless it is for a very specific reason, as He did with the Apostle Paul – 1Cor 9:16,17 – and many other Old Testament prophets. That’s His nature. And in order to carry out His eternal purposes that He envisioned in Christ, He is reliant on Mankind in whom He has implanted His eternal Spirit. Isn’t it true that even nature, which was subjected to vanity, is patiently awaiting the manifestation of God’s sons? Rom 8:19-23
“Without man, God will not, and without God, man cannot” – Saint Augustine.
Our limited intellect are unable to comprehend how valuable we are to God. The things of the Spirit of God are foolishness to the natural man (in this context, babes in Christ – 1Cor 3:1-3/13:11), and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned (to be understood by the renewed spirit) (1Cor 2:12,14).
The Scripture tells us that we are co-workers/laborers together with God: and we are God’s husbandry, God’s building (1Cor 3: 9/2Cor 6:1). It is almost impossible for God to fulfill His plans without the aid of man. Not because He is impotent, but no man (without the covering of the Holy Spirit) would live, after seeing Him face to face. No man hath seen God at any time (1 John 4:12/1Tim 6:16) – When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead (Rev 1:17). One of the reasons why God had to take on human form! Also, it was expedient that one man – Ezekiel 22:30 – should die for the people – John 11:50 – without which, our redemption wouldn’t be possible. Without shedding of blood is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).
Who among the fallen herd of man possess the grit to come face to face with the one who created it if we are unable to see the sun overhead with our naked eyes* (a star of a type known as a G2 dwarf, a sphere of hydrogen and helium 870,000 miles (1.4 million km) in diameter that obtains its energy from nuclear fusion reactions in its interior, where the temperature is about 15 million °C. The surface is a little under 6,000°C), *which is (about) 91 million miles from planet earth, so they say? Unlikely in this life (1Tim 6:16)! A light from heaven that was brighter than the sun shone around me and those who were traveling with me at noon, and we were all on the ground (Acts 26:13,14).
Another point is that, given that we ourselves live, move, and have our being in Him, how on God’s green earth can anyone or anything contain this unmatched, incomprehensible, infallible, omnipresent God? (Acts 17:28)
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? Do not I fill heaven and earth? Says the LORD (Jeremiah 23:24). To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him? Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand that hath meted out heaven with the span? Who hath comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he takes up the isles as a very little thing. It is He, that sits upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshopper; that stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in (Isaiah 40:12,15,18,22).
So who will you compare me to? Or am I to be equal? the Holy One declares (Isaiah 40:25). It remains a riddle that our depraved condition of mind is unable to completely comprehend. When God transforms our evil body—the redemption of the body—we will know everything that our mind is unable to comprehend at this time (1John 3:2, Phil 3:21, Rom 8:23).
One must go through numerous processes of purging in order to develop into a spiritual compressor and to attain that level of spiritual maturity. He cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce excellent/more fruit (John 15:2). We are unable to accomplish it on our own. We shall live if we mortify the actions of the body by the Spirit (Rom 8:13). If a grain of wheat doesn’t fall to the ground and perish, it remains alone; nevertheless, if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. Whoever loves life will lose it, but whoever despises life in this world will keep it for eternal life (John 12:24,25).
You can see that there is a cost involved: according to Ephesians 5:26 and 2 Corinthians 1:7, we must be sanctified and cleansed by the washing of water by the word. According to Hebrews 9:13, the purging of the flesh is “sanctification”–Let us approach/draw near to God – Ps 73:28/James 4:8 – with a sincere heart and a firm conviction in our faith, with our hearts purged from sin/evil conscience and our bodies washed in clear water (Heb 10:22). Purified by the word of God and prayer; cleansed by the word of God (John 15:3/1Tim 4:5). Therefore, if a man cleanses himself of these, he will become a vessel for honor, sanctified, ready for the master’s use, and equipped for all good works (2Tim 2:21). Having received approval from God, being a trustworthy craftsman, and accurately dividing the truth (2Tim 2:15).
Because God’s desire is for you to be sanctified (1Thes 4:3). Purify your souls by abiding by the truth as revealed in 1 Peter 1:22/2:11/ and 2 Corinthians 7:1–5/ Col 3:5 and Romans 6:12–13–13:14. Therefore, set aside every naughtiness and filthiness, and accept the engrafted word, which has the power to save your souls, with humility (James 1:21).
Keep in mind that conformity to the truth or applying the Word isn’t that effortless (Matt 13:21). Reestablishing or renewing an acquaintance with our mind that all these years was a servant to sin, need to be contended with, to bring it to obedience (Heb 12:5-11/1Pet 1:7/4:1,2,11-14/5:10/2Thes 1:4,5/2Cor 10:4,5).
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Rom 6:16) Casting down (discard) imaginations, and every high (admirable, passionate, hedonistic, prominent, opulent) thing that exalts (idolize, venerate, dignify, praise) itself against the knowledge of God (experiential knowledge – getting acquainted and intimacy with – that they should seek the Lord, if happily they might feel after him, and find him – Acts 17:27), and bringing into captivity (detention, confinement, incarceration) every thought to the obedience (compliance, deference, conformity, acquiescence, obsequiousness) of Christ (2Cor 10:5).
That’s what it means when it says that we, the church, his body, must emulate Christ’s level of obedience to the Father. And the only way to renew this mentality, which had been captured by the corrupt nature, is by the word of God. Don’t adapt to this world; instead, let your minds be renewed so that you can discern God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will for your lives (Rom 12:2). Put the old man, who is corrupt according to the deceptive lusts, aside from the previous talk, and become regenerated in your mind’s spirit (Eph 4:22,23).
We must face the process of releasing our soul from its bonds—whose roots can extend all the way to death—and only the living God’s word is able to do it with surgical precision. The Bible is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Receiving the culmination of your faith (tried faith – James 1:3/1Pet 1:7), even the salvation of your souls (1Pet 1:9) (Heb 4:12).
Without the help of the Blood, Spirit, and Word, we are nothing more than rotting meat. In accordance with his mercy, he delivered us by abundantly pouring out the Holy Ghost through Jesus Christ our Savior to wipe away our sins and regenerate us (Titus 3:5,6).
To walk before God, it is imperative to bear the mark of circumcision, which is a seal of the righteousness of the faith (Rom 4:11). Examine Ex 4:24–26. We can see how enraged God was with Moses in that passage; God even attempted to have Moses killed because Moses refused to circumcise his son. Man is not infallible, but God is. Thus, a covenant was always upheld between man and God for the benefit of man because each time man disobeyed God and strayed into his evil plans, God would remember the promise and spare him.
God made the everlasting covenant of circumcision with Abraham, the father of the faith. For an everlasting covenant to be a God to you and to your seed after you, I will establish my covenant between me, you, and your seed (Christ – Gal 3:16) after you in their generations. Every man-child among you shall be circumcised as part of my covenant, which ye shall maintain, between me and you and thy offspring after thee (Col 2:11/Gal 3:16). And as a sign of the agreement between Me and You, You Must Circumcise the Flesh of Your Foreskin (Gen 17:7-11).
And this is the reason why Joshua did circumcise:
All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised (Josh 5:4,5).
Only those who are circumcised are eligible for God’s protection. What does this circumcision covenant have to do with us now? Men of Judah and residents of Jerusalem, circumcise yourselves before the LORD and remove the foreskins of your hearts lest my wrath spring up like fire and burn that no one can quench it because of the wickedness of your deeds (imputed sin) (Jeremiah 4:4).
Contrary to Abraham, Moses, and Joshua—Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant (Heb 12:24), circumcises the foreskin of our hearts. To ensure that you love the LORD your God with all of your heart and soul in order to live, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your seed (Deut 30:6). Because God is the one who causes you to both will and act in accordance with his good pleasure – Phil 2:13 – Christ living in me (Gal 2:20). Therefore, remove the foreskin of your heart and stop be not stubborn (Deut 10:16). Remember, we co-labour with the Lord!
We gain rather than lose when we let the Holy Spirit and the word of God circumcise our hearts. Most serious Christians are unaware of the recommended surgical procedure they need to have. This putting away of the corrupt self (the prepuce of the heart – Eph 4:22) by the power of the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance if you are to love the Lord with all of your being, which is the first and great commandment (Matt 22:37,38). And those who follow Christ have crucified the flesh along with their passions and emotions (Gal 5:24).
He is not a Jew despite having an outward Jewish appearance, and it is not the physical circumcision that God approves of. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly, whose praise is not from men, but from God, and whose circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter (Rom 2:28,29).
To be grafted into the good olive tree, this is a prerequisite for every believer. Circumcision causes some discomfort; it is that light affliction (2Cor 4:17) that is for a moment* (it is grievous – Heb 12:11 – when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world – 1Cor 11:32 – that we may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God – 2Thes 1:4,5), *but works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. They who have entered into this covenant partnership shall get the blessing of Abraham (Gen 28:4; Gal 3:14). The act of heart circumcision serves as a mark of the righteousness of the faith (Rom 4:11,12).
Therefore, in light of the fact that Christ endured physical suffering on our behalf, empower yourselves with the same perspective. After all, the person who through physical suffering has turned away from sin and is no longer living his life in accordance with human lusts but rather God’s desire/will (1Pet 4:1,2). Being spiritually circumcised has that effect. The result is that we are set free from the sin that once held us captive or enslaved us (Rom 7:17,20/1Pet 4:1,2); we share in his holiness and divine nature; the life of Jesus is also made manifest in our mortal flesh; and it produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:10,111/2Pet 1:4/2Cor 4:10, 11).
Now being made free from sin (likewise) and become servants to God (servants of righteousness), ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (Rom 6:18,22). For when ye were the servants of sin* (whom ye yielded yourselves servants to obey – Rom 6:16 – when you were a babe in Christ, you were unskillful in the word of righteousness/ the heir (Gal 3:29), as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant – Gal 4:1/Heb 5:13), *ye were free from righteousness (Rom 6:20).
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child (a babe, unskillful in the word of righteousness – Heb 5:13,14), I thought as a child: but when I became a man* (them that are of full age – mature in spirit, able to digest strong meat – Heb 5:14 – a purged vessel (John 15:2/Heb 12:6-8) unto honor, sanctified – 2Tim 2:15,21), *I put away childish things (1Cor 13:11).
You cannot flaunt around like the rest of the world and expect to be filled with the power of God. God gives the Holy Ghost (endued with power – Luke 24:49/2Pet 1:10,11 – kingdom of God comes upon you – Luke 11:20 – ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you – Acts 1:8) to them that obey him (Acts 5:32). Elimination of the corrupt self is one of the pre-requisites to reach that place of absolute tranquility the Lord had promised (Heb 4:1-11/John 12:25/Matt 11:28-30/16:24/ Eph 4:22/Rom 8:13). Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, we partake of the divine nature (2Pet 1:4). Being then made free from sin (1Pet 4:1,2), ye become the servants of righteousness (Rom 6:18,22). The Spirit in us is one thing (available to everyone that are called – Rom 8:9/John 14:16,17) and the Spirit upon us, is another (for the chosen, few – Matt 22: 14/2Thess 1:4,5)!
For whom he foreknew he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Rom 8:30). Foreknow – Predestinate – Called – Justified – Glorified (sanctified state – spirits of just men made perfect – Heb 12:23/ who hath cleansed themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit – 2Cor 7:1 – by the washing of water by the Word – Eph 5:26).
Everything up until the justification procedure are undemanding and complementary* (other than the few Spirit instigated steps of obedience (precondition – preparatory) that one must take – ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you – Rom 6:17 – whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved – Rom 10:13 – He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved (from the imputed sin – sins that are past – the transgressions that were under the first testament – Heb 9:15 – by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost/ through the faith of the operation of God/ through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ – Titus 3:5/Col 2:12/1Pet 1:2) – Mark 16:16/Rom 3:25/5:12-19 – with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation – Rom 10:10 – Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God –1John 5:1 – no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost –1Cor 12:3), *but touching the road to glorification, will require of your renunciation of self (Matt 16:24/John 12:25/ 1John 2:15,16/ 3:16/Gal 6:14). Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit (1Pet 1:22).
Obedience is vital (Rom 6:16/1John 2:4/James 1:21,22/Heb 11:8). The process of sanctification intensifies from that point onwards. This is the place where you (those who will – Matt 16:24/John 12:25/1John 3:16/Job 23:10–James 5:10,11) will be led to endure the nails and thorns and the scourging (Heb 12:6,7/Gal 6:17). For this is the will of God, even your sanctification (1Thes 4:3/Heb 10:14/Jude 1:1/2Tim 2:15,21/John 17:19/Eph 5:26/2Cor 7:1).
The Spirit of God is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify and purge them (the willing, compliant) as gold and silver (when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold – Job 23:10/James 1:3/1Pet 1:7/4:1,2/5:10/ Heb 12:10,11), that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness (Malachi 3:2,3). Every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2/Job 23:10). If a man, purge himself from these (sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word – Eph 5:26/James 1:25/2Cor 7:1), he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work (2Tim 2:15,21). For whom the Lord loves (John 14:21/Ps 91:14) he chastens (subdue, humble, deflate, abase), and scourges every son whom He receives (whip, lash, afflict, plague, burden, cane, cross to bear, torment, oppress).
What? Shall we (only) receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? (Job 2:10) If ye endure chastening (bear, undergo, suffer, tolerate, take and persevere), God deals with you, as with sons. For what son is he whom the father chastens not? (Heb 12:5-11/5:8,9/2:10/Job 5:17/Pro 3:11) When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord (1Cor 11:32).
To partake of His holiness, this process of cleansing is indispensable (Heb 12:6-11). The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you (1Pet 5:10/Heb 2:10/5:9). Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh (Heb 2:10), arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (indwelling) (1Pet 4:1/Rom 6:18,20,22/7:17,20/1John 1:8). Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you (James 1:3/1Pet 1:7/Deut 8:2), as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye (the reason!), for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (1Pet 4:12-14).
It can also mean, the fiery trial/afflictions/persecutions he/she is enduring because of the Word/for righteousness’ sake, is the proof that the spirit of glory and of God is resting upon (Matt 5:10/13:21). It is the reproach of Christ (Heb 11:26/13:13); it is the fellowship of Christ’ sufferings (Phil 3:10/2Tim 2:12/2Cor 1:5,7/Heb 3:14 /1Pet 4:12,13); it is the persecution for the cross of Christ (Gal 6:12); tribulation and persecution because of the word of God (Matt 13:21/Mark 4:17); it is the effect of living godly in Christ Jesus (2Tim 3:12/Phil 1:29); it is the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God (2Tim 1:8); it is the righteous judgment of God, that we might be counted worthy of the kingdom of God (2Thes 1:4,5); it is the chastening of God that we might be partakers of his holiness and by it we yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:6-8,10,11/1Cor 11:32); it is the trial of our faith/trying of our most holy faith (1Pet 1:7 /4:12/Job 23:10/Jude 1:20).
Instead of grieving over our trials, let us be jubilant from now on, for counting us also worthy to suffer shame for his name (Acts 5:41/Phil 3:16/Luke 6:23/James 5:10,11/1Pet 4:13). Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets (such a one possess the spirit of the good shepherd/a true prophet indeed/ and he is not of the herd of the hirelings – John 10:11-13/1John 3:16) (Luke 6:22,23). For he bears in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus (Gal 6:17).
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience (lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds – Heb 12:1-3). Behold, we count them happy which endure (if ye endure, God deals with you as with sons; otherwise, ye are bastards and not sons – Heb 12:5-8/1Cor 11:32/Mark 13:13/2Tim 2:3/4:5/ 2Thes 1:4 – otherwise, ye have no fellowship whatsoever with Christ –1Pet 4:1,2,12,13/Phil 3:10,11/2Tim 2:12/2Cor 1:5,7). Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord (James 5:10,11). When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10/Ps 105:17-19/Heb 11:17/1Pet 1:7/Deut 8:1-3).
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love (John 14:21); in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith (tried/perfected –1Pet 1:7/ James 1:3/2:22), even the salvation of your souls (1Pet 1:6-9). All your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God (when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world –1Cor 11:32), that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer (2Thes 1:4,5).
It will not be inflicted upon anyone; but upon everyone that are willing to follow every bit and chunk of the word of God, who are willing to follow the Master no matter what, who are also not afraid to take the demanding, strait gate and narrow path, which alone leads to life (Matt 7:13,14/6:24/Gal 6:14/Col 3:1,2/Luke 12:30/2Tim 2:3,4). Jesus said if any man “will” (Matt 16:24); He also said, he that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world (the effect of the circumcision of the heart – Gal 2:20/5:24/6:14/Rom 6:6/Eph 4:22) shall keep it unto life eternal (John 12:25/Matt 10:37,38). If children (Gal 4:1/1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14), then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (Rom 8:17). If we suffer, we shall also reign with him/glorified together with him (2Tim 2:12/Rom 8:17). Well, one need not seek trouble. It itself will find you when you labor for the meat which endures unto everlasting life/apply the word of God (Matt 13:21/5:11/ Gal 4:29/John 6:27/15:20/Heb 12:11/James 1:12/2Tim 3:12/1Pet 5:10/1Cor 10:3,4).
The inner conflict that you would eventually come to grips with* (tug-of-war between the flesh and spirit – Gal 5:17/1Pet 2:11 – this testing place – Deut 8:2,3/1Pet 1:7/James 1:3 – is where the Israelites abandoned God – Jude 1:5/1Cor 10/Acts 7:39), *when you let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom is what makes or breaks you. Sadly, many that will begin the journey would not make it to the spiritual Canaan (the cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, love and pleasures of this life will choke them to unfruitfulness – Luke 8:14/Mark 4:18,19/Matt 7:13,14); many would stumble at the Word being disobedient –1Pet 2:8/Matt 13:21. But, blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life (a conditional offer – an immunity!), which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12). Thou therefore endure hardness, afflictions, and chastening as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2Tim 2:3/4:5/Heb 12:7).
And after letting a chosen vessel go through many a process, God entrusts this person with His power, the same creative power to set the captives free, to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to strengthen the feeble knees, to heal the broken hearted. If a man therefore purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work (2Tim 2:21). God lags, when it comes to repairing things, but He is always swift to make things new.
For example: In the book of (Isaiah 65:17) the Lord says, for behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered nor come into mind; and in (2Cor 5:17) behold, all things are become new. He abolishes one and establishes another. He destroys one thing and creates something new. I make all things new (Rev 21:5). He enables us to put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph 4:22,24).
We, human beings are “The repairers of the breach” “The restorers of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). God has appointed us, the body of Christ as the maintenance faculty. But keep in mind: Neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters; but God gives the increase. Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building (1Cor 3:7-9); it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Phil 2:13). God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence (1Cor 1:27-29).
God just cannot appear in His celestial form to set the captives free. The Bible says, he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick (Luke 9:1,2).
God, who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted-out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance, to whom the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance, who sits upon the circle of the earth, for whom the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens as a curtain, and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in (Isaiah 40); imagine what would be left on earth, or would the earth even survive, if its Creator comes down in His unendurable brilliance and power (1Tim 6:16), unless He makes it anew? (Rev 21:22,23/2Pet 3:11-13)
He upholds all things by the word of His power (Heb 1:3). He is also invisible (Col 1:15). The heavens and the earth will terminate itself if they ever catch a glimpse of the face of the awesome One. I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them (Rev 20:11). The truth of the matter is: neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we must do (Heb 4:13). Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea: even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me (Ps 139:7-10).
Everything to Him is naked and open; but even the angels that are in His presence cannot remain undamaged if they ever see His face. He dwells in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see (1Tim 6:16). Even to see His glory, Moses had to be hid by God Himself in the cleft of the Rock, which is Jesus Christ (Ex 33:18-23/1Cor 10:4). God the Father was made to perceive in Christ (John 14:9). Even the angels of God saw his face for the first time in Jesus Christ! (1Tim 3:16) Only the begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, hath seen God (John 1:18). In actuality, “thou canst not see His Face: for there shall no man see Him, and live” (Ex 33:20). He is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29). He is the Father of lights (James 1:17). God came from Teman (South), and the Holy One from mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of His hand (bright beams out of his side): and there was the hiding of his power. Before him went the pestilence and burning coals (diseases) went forth at His feet. He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting (Habakkuk 3:3).
To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him? To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? Says the Holy One (Isaiah 40). Only in Christ can we see the Father. He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how says thou then, Show us the Father? (John 14:9) Know ye not that, he and the father are one (John 1:1-4/10:30,38/Isaiah 9:6/1Tim 3:16). We shall see him as he is, when he shall appear (the second time without sin – Heb 9:28 – the first advent, he came to bear our iniquities); and we shall be like him (1John 3:2).
Lift your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things that, brings out their host by number (by the multi-trillions): he calls them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one fails. Hast thou not known – hast thou not heard that, the everlasting God the LORD the Creator of the ends of the earth, faint not neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding (Isaiah 40).
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them, which journeyed with me. And when, we were all fallen to the earth (Acts 26:13,14). And he was three days without sight (Acts 9:3,8). And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming (2Thes 2:8).
Now you know why God cannot appear as He is. Even the glorified Son no longer possesses that same mortal form which he took upon. Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more (2Cor 5:16). See the devastating result when the Son of man comes in his glorified state. The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see (1Tim 6:15,16). For the LORD Most High is terrible (Ps 47:2) (intense, causing, or likely to cause terror, indescribable, inconceivable, horrifying, insufferable, overwhelming etc) (Rev 1:10-18). The LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible (Deut 7:21). Let them praise thy great and terrible name, for it is holy (Ps 99:3).
And Moses said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. And he said, thou cannot see my face: for there shall no man see me and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shall stand upon a rock (which is Christ, that spiritual Rock that followed them –1Cor 10:4/Acts 4:5-12 – the word of God – John 1:1): And it shall come to pass, while my glory passes by (not Him), that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock (Jesus Christ), and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shall see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen (Ex 33:18-23).
Wow, we not only shall be like him* (like Jesus Christ –1John 3:2 – if we live after the Spirit and the Word, we not only can have the mind of Christ, his holiness; but also can partake of the divine nature after having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust –1Cor 2:16/2Pet 1:4/1Pet 4:1/Heb 12:10,11), *but also shall see him as he is, at his appearing (if we continue in the faith grounded and settled (1Pet 5:10), and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel – Col 1:23). After that he fashions our vile body like unto his glorious body (Phil 3:21) we will be able to experience God the way the first-born of God (Col 1:15/Heb 12:23) experiences Him. But for that, we must bear about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body/mortal flesh (2Cor 1:5,7/4:10,11/ Gal 6:17/Rom 6:5).
Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness (1Tim 3:16). Only through His Spirit and the body, which he hath compacted, does He consummate things. He now has a body in the earth made up of mortals, whose head is the glorified Man, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph 2:20-22). We also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house (1Pet 2:5). Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supply according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Eph 4:15,16).
Effectual working: If a component in an electronic circuitry blows up, the whole thing is destined to malfunction. Then, the only remedy is to locate the snag and remove it. Likewise, things work in the body of Christ too (1Cor 12). If a part doesn’t function, as it should, it interrupts the circuitry causing the entire system to even breakdown. And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it (1Cor 12:26). It’s a very costly affair. And the body of Christ cannot tolerate/afford such a mishap.
When men failed in Adam, it dragged the creator also along with them to partake of their curse (Heb 2:14/Rom 8:3). Now that bond is reinforced in Christ; and when one person becomes ineffective (unproductive, fruitless, purposeless, unprofitable, powerless, opposing, polarity), it takes toll on every other member, affecting the whole body. From whom (Christ) the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supply according to the effectual working in the measure of every part (Eph 4:16). If a man abides not in me (conflicting, unfit, defective, inoperative, fruitless, malfunctioning), he is cast forth as a branch (gets off course, deviated, out of the narrow way), and is withered (destroyed, that part gets removed/unfruitful – Mark 4:19/Luke 8:14/1John 2:15,16/Matt 16:25/Rom 11:20,22/2Pet 1:3-8 – it withered away, because it lacked moisture in spirit – Luke 8:6); and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (John 15:6). Toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness (in the perfect law of liberty – James 1:25): otherwise, thou also shall be cut off (Rom 11:22).
A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbers (obstruct, hinder, hamper) it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also (tried to patch up, make amends for), till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit (if it works, yields), well: and if not, then after that thou shall cut it down (remove)(Luke 13:6-9).
We know him (Jesus) no more after the flesh! Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more (2Cor 5:16).
People still carry within them the image of the man Jesus from Nazareth. Look how he’s changed. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body (1Cor 15:42-44/Rev 1:12-17).
First timothy chapter six, verse sixteen portrays, God as the only one who hath immortality that dwells in the light, which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see. On several occasions God made himself visible to, few of the chosen one’ in the Old Testament time, but certainly not in His celestial body! I have it discussed in another chapter of this book.
So, you see, God cannot appear just like that often. We’ve just learned the aftermath. But the other side of it is that, total absence of God is dreadful. For instance: Hell.
Earth is made for man and man alone. God does nothing in the earth without notifying his children beforehand and that too through His Spirit. He conferred with Abraham before he smothered Sodom and Gomorrah with burning sulfur. Have you not read in Amos chapter three and verse seven, that God does nothing without revealing his secret counsel to His servants? (NASB) If God ever attempts to intervene in the affairs of man directly, it will be nothing less than a complete wipe out of the entire physical realm. God personally cannot influence this fallen entity without a mediator man (chosen vessel), because of the interfering wall of iniquity (Isaiah 1:2). That could be one of the reasons, why the Logos took upon Him the seed of Abraham (Heb 2:16-18).
Though His Spirit is omnipresent, he cannot just influence the world or a person without a chosen medium. If such a vessel isn’t available in an area, that place is destined to perish. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom 8:19)! When the righteous, are in authority (dominance, control, jurisdiction, rule) the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn (Pro 29:2). Imagine a fallen world void of Missionaries, Evangelists, Apostles, Prophets, and Philanthropists! The light that we now have is, the only light that God through these offices bestowed unto us in his mercy.
Before the inception of such men and women, this world was in utter chaos and darkness; men were cannibals and barbaric. The light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ not only brought in the light of this world and salt of the earth restoring its savor to an ample proportion, which stabilized and kept us all from being squashed by the enemy of our souls, but also placed a covering of flesh upon our stony hearts. Jesus said, as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (John 20:21). We whose spirits are revived have become the mediums through which God impacts people.
God used men and women to fulfill His plans throughout these years. The scripture is stuffed with evidence. God needed a Joseph, to sustain the world at the time of sever famine. He needed a shepherd boy named David, to rescue His people from the threat of the Philistine, Goliath. He needed a Moses to deliver His people from the iron fist of the evil Pharaoh. If there was no, prophet Elisha; Naaman the captain of the host of the king of Syria would have slept with his fathers as a leper without knowing the true God (2Kings 5:1,15). He needed a Pharisee like Saul, to suffer in his flesh for Him, thereby to fill up that which was behind the afflictions of Christ, for the Church (Acts 9:16/Col 1:24). He needed an illiterate Fisherman named Simon, who had later become the Apostle of Faith, to spread the good news and to set the captives free. He even needed the Apostles and Prophets to lay their lives down as foundation stones for his Church (Eph 2:20) etc.
There are countless characters in the Scriptures that were used by God to fulfill His plans. He always and still is, counting upon man.
What I am trying to say is that impartation by the laying on of hands is extremely vital for the body of Christ to function effectively here on earth. It acts like a supercharger (Heb 6:1,2) (Rom 1:11/2Tim 1:6/1Tim 4:14/Acts 19:6/8:14-18). It is our God given duty. Jesus said I give you, authority. What, for? Read (Luke 9:1/Matt 10:1,7).
Impartation by the laying on of hands is an indispensable factor (Heb 6:2), without which a church or any Christian organization would slide back to a state of stagnation and corrosion.
- The initial and introductory spiritual impartation was done by God himself (Gen 2:7)
- Lot under the shadow of Abram thrived.
- What would have become of Joshua had Moses not laid his hands on him? (Num 27:18)
- Elisha would have been plowing his field with oxen throughout his life, had Elijah not come his way.
- Without Prophet Samuel where would David be?
- David devolved the mantle of leadership to Solomon.
- Had Ananias restrained himself from laying his hands upon Saul, what would have been his fate? (Acts 9:17)
- What is Timothy without Paul (1Tim 4:14)
- Jesus breathed on them the Spirit the same way he breathed on Adam (John 20:22).
- By the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought (Acts 5:12).
- Chosen seven who were full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom were laid hands upon (Acts 6:3,6).
- Gifts of the Spirit were imparted through the laying on of hands (1Tim 4:14).
- People received the Holy Ghost, when the Apostles laid hands on them (Acts 8:17).
- It is an indispensable feature to establish a person in the Lord (Rom 1:11).
Do I need to say more? Let us reflect on the story of Naaman once again. See what that little Maid tells her mistress concerning the solution she knew for curing leprosy. “I wish that my master was with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his leprosy” (2Kings 5:2,3 – NASB). She did not tell her, the Lord God she calls upon, would deliver her master. But what she told her mistress was, the prophet of God has the answer to your problem! We’ve been told by many a shepherd and prophets to fast and pray for our deliverance; or do this or that! They load people with burdens they hardly can carry, just like the Pharisees (Luke 11:46,52).
We don’t have enough elders who are charged with the compressed virtue of God within, to impart life to others; the same way a compressor is used to inflate tires, tubes and for various other purposes. This is the gravest problem we are faced with, at this hour.
Everybody is busy with one’s own life. For all seek their own; not the things which are Jesus Christ’s (Phil 2:21). There is none available to lay their lives down for their brethren. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1John 3:16).
We mock God when we ignore His words. He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me (John 14:21). We grieve the Holy Ghost when we water down the word of truth, just to please men. Those who with feigned words make merchandise of us* (2Pet 2:3/ For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple – Rom 16:18)* are that ravenous wolves, which have crept in (not through the strait door – John 10/Matt 7:13), who are the hirelings, the wolves in sheep clothing, who at the time of crisis would leave the sheep alone to grope in darkness (Matt 7:15/John 10:12-/10:1
Folks, are you looking for revival? Don’t look here and there. It won’t come. First, we need to be filled, then comes the revival. We are the coals, which needs to be kindled by the Spirit. We are desperately in need of human compressors in our churches to break free from this spirit of lethargy.
Most of us are aware of the story of Apostle Peter’s encounter with the lame man on the street. Peter did not advice to fast and pray or to keep on praising God for the healing. He was very much conscious of that power which was residing within him. He did not hesitate to act on God’s behalf. He commanded the lame man to rise and walk in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter restrained not the virtue from within him, to pass through that immobilized man that made him whole.
Transfusion of the power of God is the secret behind all deliverance.
Faith, which is hatched by the understanding of the Word (Rom 10:17), wrought with works and by works (obedience, cultivation, application) made perfect (James 2:22) and tried in fire (1Pet 1:7/James 1:3), is the carrier wave or the bridge that links both.
For the letter kills, but the spirit gives life (2Cor 3:6).
Another tremendous story about this virtue release from within an anointed person is depicted in the gospel of Luke 8:43. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, came behind him and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched, and Jesus said, who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude, throng and press thee, and says thou, who touched me? And Jesus said somebody hath touched me: for I perceive the virtue is gone out of me. Luke 6:19, and the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him and healed them all.
Jesus Christ was a compressor and so were all the apostles. They all had something in common. They had might in the inner man, which is the “Dunamis”. Everything is available to us. Air is around us, so is God. Men of God take this truth to the heart; because, only, and only by the understanding of the word of truth can you experience freedom/liberation/ abundance of life (John 8:32/10:10/Matt 13:19/James 1:25/Gal 5:13/3John 2).
Along with the Apostle Paul, let us also pray that God would grant us, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16). Amen!