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The Work of God |
Dear Brethren,
Some might ask, "Why is Jesus taking so long to
return?" Could it be that God is giving His people time to grow and mature? Most
would agree that there are some qualities lacking in some of the groups of God's people.
Have some gone off on tangents by focusing too much on single issues? What are some of
the attributes that would describe a Church pleasing to Jesus Christ?
A fellowship of believers who are earnestly endeavoring to hold fast to
God’s truth, would be an important requirement. It would be made of
brethren who undertake to live lives of caring concern for one
another. God’s Spirit would be guiding them in their undertakings.
They would be begotten Children of God, who were looking forward to
being born spiritually into the Family of God.
Today, God’s people are scattered all across the lands. Yet, we know it
is the will of God that brethren reach out and serve one another as
though serving Jesus, Himself. Brethren must be in close contact with
each other, so as to help carry one another's burdens. "They that
feared the Lord spoke often one to another." (Malachi
3:16) Those pleasing to Jesus would recognize that everyone
who is being led by God’s Spirit is a Child of God. No matter where
they live or attend Sabbath services, they are brothers and sisters in
Christ.
Jesus prayed the night before He died, “that they may be one.” (John
17) God intends that all His people be truly unified in His
Spirit. The love and esteem that the Children of God demonstrate toward
each other must extend far beyond group affiliations. "There is one
body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling." (Ephesians 4:4)
The people of God will be dedicated to doing the Work of God in
preparation to be the Bride of Christ. "Jesus said, This is
the work of God, that ye believe on Him [Jesus] whom He [the
Father] hath sent." (John 6:29) The Work of God is believing the guiding
principles of Jesus and the good news He brought concerning the soon to
be established kingdom of God. Those who are growing spiritually will
be zealously seeking the way of the Kingdom of God in every aspect of
their lives, and serving others who are also
striving toward that same goal.
God has given His people a reprieve to have the time to "go on to
perfection." (Hebrews 6:1) Unless we, the brethren, learn to lay
our lives down for our fellowman, we will not have a part in the Kingdom
of God. In the past, too many in God’s Church have believed that our
faith consists mostly of the ceremonial observance of rituals, rather
than being the living sacrifices that we must be.
We must come to love one another in sincerity and truth, and have a
close relationship with our Creator. He will impart His Holy Spirit to
us and when this gift is received, His Spirit “will bear witness
with our spirit that we are the Children of God.” (Romans 8:16)
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Sermon: |
"The Churches of Revelation - Part 1" |
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Sermon: |
"The Churches of Revelation - Part 2" |
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