"Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]-- to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever...." (Ephesians 3:20, 21--Amplified Bible)
Many times when I hear the first part of our text quoted, it is, "....to Him be glory in the Church." "....and in Christ Jesus," is usually left out. It may seem subtle, but to me it is a master stroke of the Enemy to confuse humanity as to the purpose of the Living Triune God.
The Gospel is Jesus Christ. It is not a "plan of salvation," not a how-to-get-to-Heaven, not an escape from judgment. Though the aforementioned is certainly included in The Gospel, they are not central, fundamental. When a "plan" is emphasized, when a get-you-somewhere, when an escape-from-something are emphasized, it is a diversion which confuses humanity as to just what the purpose really is of life, "Abide in Me." Does this not thrill you? Isn't is far more wonderful that, "the faith of Jesus," is the faith of relationship with and in a Person, not a formula?!?
The Church and Jesus Christ are synonymous. We are, as the Scriptures say, "The Body of Christ." We are not the body of worship, or prayer, or projects; therefore, worship, prayer, and missions, feeding the poor, service of any kind is the Church, "in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever." And, "....forever and ever," tells me that this will be the case in Eternity. The Blessed Trinity does not break up "when we all get to Heaven." Only Jesus "defines" Father to us. Only to Jesus is the One Whom the Holy testifies. Only through the Blood of Jesus is the forgiveness of sin. Only through and in the Blood of Jesus are we going to Heaven. Only in and through the Blood of Jesus are we preserved and kept safe in the Living Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and eternally.
It follows, then, that no person who ever comes among the "Church Gathered" should ever leave not knowing why we were gathered. Jesus' Name should fill the air in worship, prayers, sermons. It is Biblically correct to say, "To Him (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) be glory in the Church...in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen."
Father, in Jesus' Name, in a world which is so confused as to just what You have intended for us all, "let Jesus Christ be praised." Amen.
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Many times when I hear the first part of our text quoted, it is, "....to Him be glory in the Church." "....and in Christ Jesus," is usually left out. It may seem subtle, but to me it is a master stroke of the Enemy to confuse humanity as to the purpose of the Living Triune God.
The Gospel is Jesus Christ. It is not a "plan of salvation," not a how-to-get-to-Heaven, not an escape from judgment. Though the aforementioned is certainly included in The Gospel, they are not central, fundamental. When a "plan" is emphasized, when a get-you-somewhere, when an escape-from-something are emphasized, it is a diversion which confuses humanity as to just what the purpose really is of life, "Abide in Me." Does this not thrill you? Isn't is far more wonderful that, "the faith of Jesus," is the faith of relationship with and in a Person, not a formula?!?
The Church and Jesus Christ are synonymous. We are, as the Scriptures say, "The Body of Christ." We are not the body of worship, or prayer, or projects; therefore, worship, prayer, and missions, feeding the poor, service of any kind is the Church, "in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever." And, "....forever and ever," tells me that this will be the case in Eternity. The Blessed Trinity does not break up "when we all get to Heaven." Only Jesus "defines" Father to us. Only to Jesus is the One Whom the Holy testifies. Only through the Blood of Jesus is the forgiveness of sin. Only through and in the Blood of Jesus are we going to Heaven. Only in and through the Blood of Jesus are we preserved and kept safe in the Living Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and eternally.
It follows, then, that no person who ever comes among the "Church Gathered" should ever leave not knowing why we were gathered. Jesus' Name should fill the air in worship, prayers, sermons. It is Biblically correct to say, "To Him (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) be glory in the Church...in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen."
Father, in Jesus' Name, in a world which is so confused as to just what You have intended for us all, "let Jesus Christ be praised." Amen.
*****************************
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
