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The Testimony of the Christ

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

God does not tell us what He is doing when taking us through dark experiences. If He did, it would be all right. If He said, "I am going to lead you into a bad time, it is all going to be dark and strange and perplexing and bewildering and helpless, but it is all right, I am working a tremendous thing, this is what I am going to bring out of it," if He said that, the faith element would fade out. If only He would tell us He is doing something, and what He is doing, instead of leaving us in the dark and seeming to be so far away and without any interest in us! If only! Ah yes, but He did not do that, and we know He does not do that, He does not explain. But here is the challenge.

This is what is meant by Hebrews 11 and the men of faith, that is what it means. And thank God we have the heritage, we have a great heritage, we have more than they had. These men did not have a Bible, it was not written when they were going through it. We have their story and so many more. We see the issue, we have the sequel, but is it really helping us? When you are having a bad, dark time and feel that all has gone wrong, read the story of Joseph again... starting on it you will not want to put it down. Take its great lessons. The God of Joseph is our God and He is doing the same thing, and we know that that is true to life. What I have been saying is so true to life. We have that evidence. That, at any rate, is very much like my experience, and therefore I have reason to think and believe that the same thing is involved. The God of resurrection is working this to glory.

The Body of Christ - Once Upon Eternity (2)

No man ever spoke like this Man!

You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever. § The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. § His mouth is most sweet, yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend.

All bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. § He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. § The sword of the Spirit … is the word of God. § The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. § The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

John 7:46;  Ps. 45:2;  Isa. 50:4;  Song 5:16;  Luke 4:22;  Matt. 7:29;  Col. 3:16;  Eph. 6:17;  Heb. 4:12;   2 Cor. 10:4,5

The triumphing of the wicked is short.

You shall bruise His heel. § This is your hour, and the power of darkness. § As the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. § Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith. § Resist the devil and he will flee from you. The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming. § The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. § The devil … was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone … and … will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Job 20:5;  Gen. 3:15;  Luke 22:53;  Heb. 2:14;  Col. 2:15;  1 Peter 5:8,9;  James 4:7;  Ps. 37:12,13;  Rom. 16:20;  Rev. 20:10

Victorious Vinedresser

No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them who are exercised by it" (Heb. 12:11).

Vision: The Word gives us the true picture of growth. Verification: The Spirit gives us a taste thereof. Vindication: The Lord Jesus, later, gives us maturity.

"A great mystery surrounds the spiritual growth of the hungry-hearted believer. The Spirit gives a foretaste of a deeper life before the believer is led into the fulness of it. Many believers mistake their foretaste for the fulness, not realizing that the Lord is just beginning to lead them."

"The forwardness of nature is the failure of our youth - our spiritual youth, as well as our natural youth; eagerness to run in God's path, but not apprehending what the path is, or what it requires to walk in it. On the other hand, when the cost is counted, and our weakness known, the energy begotten of self-confidence being gone, we need a stimulating call on God's part, to get out of the persistent occupation with our weakness now, as with our strength before." -F.W.G.

"Suffering is not meant by God to be loss and deprivation. Satan says that it is. God means suffering to result in increased spiritual capacity, which is the basis of added responsibility, trust, and fruitful sharing. The branch of the vine may bleed from the drastic pruning and feel stripped of much glory; but more and better fruit is the vinedresser's vindication."

"As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly" (1 Cor. 15:49).

A Hiding of His Power