If, or when we consider that with which we have been entrusted, that is the gospel of God containing all mystery and things once hidden from time(s) past, we come to realize we have been taken out of time. Quite literally, as ones once occupying time and a place, and as a fish in a river can be caught and removed, we have been plucked from a place and manner of existence into this place we now call true life; that is the Kingdom of God. It is the deepest of truths we are actually given to prove out, even in much experimentation, to know it as true. In that sense we are all scientists proving out each “if” we find of hypotheses presented in our growth. And acknowledging such growth is only of God.
But not only so. Where once we found ourselves with some familiarity, or even some ease of navigating in the old in practices and habits ingrained by repetitions, they begin to have a strangeness about them, an ill fitting and impracticability that is becoming more and more apparent. Additionally, and O! so wonderfully, the new place (which is in Christ) has not what we might label too casually as a familiarity, but rather some unspeakable quality of a “homeness” about it that would almost belie the very truth that it is and remains always new to us. As comforting as it may be to us, even if in coming to some comfortableness about its occupation, there is never any sense imparted of “I am now where certain matters can be taken for granted”. We learn the difference between knowing and presumption. And it is of course this working upon us by the love of God that is all of this accomplishment. I tell you nothing “new” in the sense of information.
“God gives the increase”, one said a while ago. Whether a long while ago or little will depend upon one’s hearing and how devoted it is to time’s framing of all experience per history. There is no situation we will ever encounter, no matter how we may frame it to will or desire in which this is not so…God’s giving of increase. And we do encounter desires here, we do encounter will here, but we dare not be lulled into any sense of our own doing as producing of result, especially growth. Yes, we pray. Yes we entreat. Yes we speak, prophesy, encourage, or warn, caution and/or have some desire of good product even when speaking in matters of, or by, instruction. And inclusive of all matters we might describe as care, or expression of caring. But we dare not take to ourselves any responsibility in it, to it, or for it. And only the novice does not yet see the great comfort and relief in such attitude. Even such tender ministry of comfort and relief to us as experienced in coming to such attitude.
What is meant by this? All is under the Husbandman’s care and tending. But first we must be made aware of this in our very own selves and souls. From there, in gathering, it becomes the attitude in, and of, the church. Poor indeed are we if we do not know this. That if, of His body, we do not yet acknowledge (have something in and of knowing) that in all things it is Christ’s care alone for His own body that is in all exercise to it and for it; we will think a “we” or an “I” has done such thing. This is antithetical to a matter we, again, dare not relinquish by any means…Christ’s speaking:
“I will build my church…”
And as it is uncompromisingly true in any and all particulars to it, the church; each member must be brought to acknowledge (have a knowing) of its veracity. There is no church that is otherwise minded. Such that may appear otherwise for any time as God may allow, will find gates of hell in full prevailing over it eventually. “It” will be stopped. For the stop is already “built into it” so to speak, by any notion of it being man’s doing. And let the ignorant be ignorant.
Will we find labors as believers? Of course. Will we find labors as individual stones gathered into a holy habitation for God to inhabit by His spirit, that is, the church? Again, of course. But I may say with all otherwise convincing as may appear contrary to it and without any fear, no labor will come as more necessary, nor more resisted by the necessity of its most strenuous exercise, than resisting the taking of any credit for any growth, or good product as we may call it if seen, than this labor. And all the more will be the floodgates of hell opened to anything and everything that by any of man’s claim of establishing is presently in being of beholding.
And I have little doubt that to many this appears unspeakable.
And again, with little doubt, I am sure some will point to Paul, claiming to know him or of him enough to say…”But wait!” and go on “Did not Paul appear to have some delight in this saying, even claiming to himself some wisdom?”
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
We need to look again, and hear again, even if need be from Paul, of his saying in that which is being said. You say you like context, you want context, but do you? Can you place it in the context of the man’s words? Even his speaking if there be any claim of any knowing of Paul enough to find his words salubrious? To even repeat them? Paul is as hidden to the eye and apprehensions of man as is Christ himself, being in Him and hidden with Him, in God. For we know no man, nor can, as after the flesh.
And I have little doubt this is again to many…unspeakable.
israelx7wordpresscom 