ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

Onward Christian Soldiers

 

Like a mighty army moves the Church of God!

Brethren we are treading where the saints have trod.

Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise!

Christians lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!

Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war

With the Cross of Jesus going on before!

 

    1. Like gasoline on a fire.

    “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

    “And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.  As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.”  Acts 8:2-3 (NKJV)

    “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.”  Acts 8:4-8 (NKJV)

    “Went everywhere preaching the word. The rage of the persecutors only extended the reign of Christ. The scattered saints, long prepared at the feet of the apostles, went everywhere as preachers of Christ. The blood of Stephen was the seed of the church.” —People's New Testament, Johnson’s Notes

    a) The Kingdom of God.

    “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."  Mark 1:14-15 (NKJV)

    “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”  Acts 8:12 (NKJV)

    “The unmistakable reality of the miracles wrought by Philip convinced the people that he was attended by the power of God; and that was enough to make them acknowledge the authority of God in what he communicated to them. In order that men may believe the Gospel, it is only necessary that they believe it to be, in reality, the word of God. But the Holy Spirit convinced them that what they heard was the word of God, by attending it with a sensible demonstration of the power of God. That they believed was but the natural result of what they saw and heard.” McGarvey—Acts of the Apostles

    2. The Triumphant March of Life!

    “Christians have done just about everything to sterilize the Gospel.  The Church is no longer, as in the first centuries, the triumphal march of Life through the graveyards of the world”.  Evdokimov

    “But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.  But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.  Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king--Jesus."  Acts 17:5-7 (NKJV)

    “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.  These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.  Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men” Acts 17:10-12 (NKJV)

    Where there was a Jewish synagogue, this is where Paul began. Here he found people, both Jew and Gentile, who believed in Jehovah God and the Old Testament Scriptures. He would show how the prophets predicted the death and resurrection of the Messiah, and that this proved Jesus to be the Messiah who was to come, Three Sabbath days. This is how long he argued in the synagogue. Many of them were converted. Some were Jews. A large group of Greeks - Gentiles who wanted to learn about the God of Israel, and who came to the synagogue regularly, but had not converted to Judaism and been circumcised.  And many of the leading women.  Wives of the leading citizens, who had much influence.

    “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”  1 Thess 1:9-10 (NKJV)

BEATITUDES IN REVELATION

BEATITUDES IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

    Quotations from KJV and Petersen's MESSAGE Version.

     God allows upheaval and ferment and change in this sea of humanity.  Yet there is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:25-29).  Keep this in mind.  God is gathering a People out of this sea of peoples, multitudes, nations, tongues.  John sees a Lamb standing on Mount Zion.  Out of this same sea rises His Church!  The Bride of Jesus - His Church - safe and secure under His Wings, outfitted with the armor of God, swords, helmets.  We see them bloody but unbowed, wounded yet not defeated.  In submission to God by His Holy Spirit this sea of humanity becomes the Church - the Community of Jesus!  Victory already belongs to the Lamb and His church!!!  BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH!!!

 

1. Rev. 1:3  “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”  Rev 1:3 (KJV)

   And John told everything he saw: God's Word—the witness of Jesus Christ!  How blessed the reader! How blessed the hearers and keepers of these oracle words, all the words written in this book!  Time is just about up.

    I, John, am writing this to the seven churches in Asia province: All the best to you from The God Who Is, The God Who Was, and The God About to Arrive, and from the Seven Spirits assembled before His throne, and from Jesus Christ—Loyal Witness, Firstborn from the dead, Ruler of all earthly kings.

 

2. Rev. 14:13  “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Rev 14:13 (KJV)

    Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God's commands, staying faithful to Jesus.  I heard a voice out of Heaven, "Write this: Blessed are those who die in the Master from now on; how blessed to die that way!"

    "Yes," says the Spirit, "and blessed rest from their hard, hard work. None of what they've done is wasted; God blesses them for it all in the end."

 

3. Rev. 16:15  “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”  Rev 16:15 (KJV)

    "Keep watch! I come unannounced, like a thief. You're blessed if, awake and dressed, you're ready for Me. Too bad if you're found running through the streets, naked and ashamed."

 

 4. Rev. 19:9  “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Rev 19:9 (KJV)

        She was given a bridal gown of bright and shining linen. The linen is the righteousness of the saints.  The Angel said to me, "Write this: 'Blessed are those invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.'  He added, 'These are the true words of God!'"

 

5. Rev. 20:6  “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”  Rev 20:6 (KJV)

    And those involved most blessed, most holy. No second death for them! They're priests of God and Christ; they'll reign with Him a thousand years.

 

6. Rev. 22:7   “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Rev 22:6-7 (KJV)

    The Angel said to me, "These are dependable and accurate words, every one. The God and Master of the spirits of the prophets sent His Angel to show His servants what must take place, and soon.  And tell them, 'Yes, I'm on My way!' Blessed be the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

 

7. Rev. 22:13  “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”  Rev 22:14 (KJV)

    "Yes, I'm on My way! I'll be there soon! I'm bringing My payroll with Me. I'll pay all people in full for their life's work.  I'm A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.   How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they'll walk through the gates to the City."

 

THE BEATITUDES

THE BEATITUDES

    God blesses those who come to Him.  The Sermon on the Mount is God's call to righteousness. Paul understood righteousness in terms of God's saving acts and of a person's right standing before God. Jesus uses the term for moral behavior that conforms to God's will, as James does. Specifically, righteousness is doing the will of God as Jesus reveals it. This "revelation of righteousness" unifies the entire Sermon.  Jesus teaches life’s basic principles.  “Blessed” (makarios) means “shout for joy!” 

 

    “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”

Matt 5:3-10 (NLT)

 

    Matt 5:3.  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

    The World says: “Happy are the slave drivers (ambitious, aggressive) for they get on in the world.”

    Jesus says: “The spiritually humble are God’s people, for they are citizens of His Kingdom.”

 

    Matt. 5:4.  “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”

  The World says: “Happy are the hard boiled, for they never let life hurt them.”

    Jesus says: “They who are deeply concerned are God’s people, for they will see their ideas become reality.”

 

    Matt. 5:5.  “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.”

  The World says: “Happy are those who complain, for they get their own way in the end.”

    Jesus says: “They who are gentle are His people, for they will be His partners across the land.”

 

    Matt. 5:6.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”

  The World says: “Happy are the worldly wise (who care for nothing), for they never worry over their sins.”

    Jesus says: “They who hunger for justice are God’s people, for they will be given plenty to chew on.”

 

    Matt. 5:7.  “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”

  The World says: “Happy are the slave drivers, for they get results.”

    Jesus says: “The generous are God’s people, for they will be treated generously themselves.”

 

    Matt. 5:8.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.”

  The World says: “Happy are the knowledgeable ‘men of the world’, for they know their way around.”

    Jesus says: “Those whose motives are pure are God’s people, for they have spiritual insight.”

 

    Matt. 5:9.  “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.”

  The World says: “Happy are the trouble-makers, for people have to take notice of them.”

    Jesus says: “Men of peace and goodwill are God’s people, for they will be known throughout the land as His children.”

 

    Matt. 5:10.  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

    The World says: “Happy are those who cover their trail and avoid resonsibility, they have it made.”

    Jesus says: “Those who have endured much for what is right are God’s people, they are citizens of His new order of things.”

 

    “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Tim 3:12-15 (NKJV)

 

Fathers Bless Your Children

Fathers - Bless Your Children

      “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.  Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”  Psalms 127:3-5

    “Speak blessings upon your children.  Of all the tools God gave you to raise a child, the most powerful is your tongue.  Use it for good.”  Hayford

1. Jesus The Example.

    “Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”  Luke 2:51-52

    “This verse contains the history of thirty years. It describes the growth of our Lord as a natural, human growth (compare Luke 1:80); for, though Jesus was truly divine, he was also perfectly man. To try to distinguish between the divine and human in Jesus, is to waste time upon an impracticable mystery which is too subtle for our dull and finite minds.  His life expanded like other human lives. He learned as other boys; he obeyed as other children. As he used means and waited patiently for growth, so must each individual Christian, and so must the church. Though the latter is a mystical body, and animated by the Holy Spirit, it must nevertheless make increase of itself before coming to the perfect man—Eph 4:16.”  —McGarvey, Four-Fold Gospel

    “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”  Eph 6:1-4

    “The power of words is not evident just when God uses them in creating.  It is also evident in His ways that teach us how to live within that creation.  All the Father’s laws are essentially God’s guidelines for making life “work” in the realm He has created for man’s fruitfulness and fulfillment.”  Hayford

2. The Many Ways to Bless

    The first order of blessing is reflected by the simplest things we might do, which, though seemingly ordinary, carry an immense weight in telling children they are loved, cared for, valued and being “looked over” (rather than overlooked).

    Remember those childhood experiences when you simply sensed the approval or care of a parent or loved one? We can learn from the ultimate Father by noting how He blesses us with His attentions in distinct ways that parallel our warmest memories as children when someone blessed us in simple yet affirming ways:

    An arm over the shoulder or an embrace in a time of disappointment or fear (see Deut. 33:27)

    A pat on the back or a firm steadying hand at a crucial moment (see Ps. 139:5)

    A whisper in the ear, giving quiet assurance or secret instructions (see Is. 30:21)

    A snug tucking in bed when surrounded by the darkness of night (see Ps. 127:2-3)

    A kiss on the cheek or being dandled on a parent’s knee (see Ps. 103:13; “pities” is translated from the Hebrew word rawcham, which means “to tenderly love or caress”).

    Blessings that come in words: (1) words that affirm and approve; (2) words that commend and compliment; (3) words that specifically speak love and affection; (4) words that invoke hope and self-confidence; and (5) words that answer pain and disappointment with support and faith.  It is never wrong to encourage hope.

    The fountainhead blessing in the Bible is found in Numbers 6:24-26. This is the blessing God ordained that the priests of Israel use to speak blessing in His name over His own children, whom He called “the children” of Israel.

    “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:  "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: "The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."  "So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them."  Numbers 6:22-27

      Paul’s blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”  2 Cor 13:14 (NKJV)

PENTECOST

Pentecost is always new and continuing

     “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things. “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”  Luke 24:45-49 (NLT)

     “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.  The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.”  John 16:7-11 (NLT)

     1. The Church must live in the power of Pentecost.

     The first need of the church is to always live Pentecost.  We pray: God by Your Holy Spirit renew Your wonders in our day as by a new Pentecost. 

     Many throw up their hands in despair today.  The church is dying, they say.  Even Christians who are strong spread gloom, even though this is contrary to what they believe.  While the church is arguing over issues and fine points, other things are happening.  The second largest religion in W.Va. is Islam.  The second largest in OH is Judaism.  The second largest in CA is Buddhism. Have the “gates of hell” really prevailed against the church?  NO!!!

     Peter the Apostle said: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:15-17

     2. A real Christian is a man of Hope. 

     We must take hold of hope once again and restore it to its rightful place.  Hope is a doctrine issue. 

     “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”  1 John 3:1-3

     3. The Church must relive the Book of Acts.  

     Warning.  “We have made the Church an organization just like any other.  We made it able to stand by itself.  And now we are trying to get it to work.  It does, more or less, but it works like a machine and not something alive.”  Athenos

     We should read Acts and relive the time when the 120 disciples were together in the upper room.  They were preparing to receive the Promise/Gift which is Jehovah The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4,8).  We see in Acts the Holy Spirit directing and confirming the Lord’s church as they reach out to the world.  We always need the wind and fire and spiritual power that the written word testifies to.  We must look beyond human limitations and allow the power of God to work in and through us.  We need to open the windows of the upper room and allow the first breeze of God’s Springtime to blow through us.

     The hour of suffering is the hour of God.  The situation seems hopeless – then this is the time for hoping.  Along with Abraham we trust God: “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.” Romans 4:18

     4. The power of faith/trust.

     Paul said: “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Cor. 3:6).  Some read with a veil over their face, but faith in Christ takes away the veil.  Remember the God of the OT Church is also the God of the NT Church.  God called Abraham to be the Founder of a Spiritual Family.  True Israel believes!

     “Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.”  1 Cor 12:3

     “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.  For in fact the body is not one member but many.”  1 Cor 12:13-14

     “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.  There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.”  Eph 4:3-6 (NLT)

 

A GOD WHO LOVES AND FORGIVES

A GOD WHO LOVES AND FORGIVES

There's a GOD standing at heaven's door,

And HE's looking this universe o'er;

And HE sees each mortal with a searching eye,

You can't do wrong and get by.

[from  song by R.E.Winsett]

1. Will God really forgive our sins?

    “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?  But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.”  Psalms 130:3-4 (NLT)

    a) Sins have a way of coming out.

    Recent headlines have focused on some who got caught when their sins found them out.  God is very much aware of what we do.  But HE is also a GOD who forgives sin.

    “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.  Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”  Luke 12:2-3

    "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.  For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;  As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us."  Psalms 103:10-12.

    b) God wants us to be holy.

    "Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”  Eph 4:23-24 (NLT)

    A change of lifestyle is possible because of Christ the New Man.

    c) Some are currently debating: How much sin can be in our lives and we still be saved?  I believe this is taking hold of the wrong end.  We go by what the Bible actually says.  And John the Apostle already dealt with this question.

    "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." 1 John 1:7-10

    “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23

    c) We are told to pray for one another's forgiveness.

    "If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death."  1 John 5:16-17

    Alford (Greek Testament) says the "sin unto death" is an appreciable ACT of sin, namely, the denying Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God (in contrast to confessing this truth, 1John 5:1,5; 1 John 2:19,22; 1 John 4:2,3; 1 John 5:10).  This is what some were doing in blaspheming the Holy Spirit, Matt. 12:31. 

2. Christ in you the hope of glory.

    "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."  Col 1:27-28

    "To the saints he would reveal the glory of the mystery. The glory of the mystery is Christ in you. Christ dwelling in the saved and filling their hearts with the hope of glory.  Every man. Note that this is repeated three times in the verse. The apostle impresses the fact that the gospel is not for a few favored ones, but for every one. In all wisdom. In every form of wisdom. Perfect. We should all aim at perfection; the apostle aims to bring all to this ideal. The high ideal is before, for which we all should aim. However, he whose sins are all blotted out will be counted perfect in the great day."  —People's New Testament (Johnson's Notes).

    a) Satan cast down.

    "Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down."  Rev 12:10

    b) Christ bears the sins of many.

    "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."  Hebrews 9:27-28

There is one thing I can boast of, salvation from the fall,

I'm an heir to wealth in glory, my Father owns it all.

That's why I'm shouting happy, and go at His command,

For I want to be ready, to meet Him in glory land!

[from a song by R.E.Winsett]

     "Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world.  Lamb of God, You grant eternal life.  I approach Your throne with confidence, where there is grace for my need.  Take away my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  Fill me with Your truth & light.  I want to be right with You! "

I AM THE CHURCH

I Am The Church    [adapted from Dave Mason]

    I am the Church Triumphant - People redeemed by the Lamb of God.  [Col. 2:13-15.]  (“God made you alive with Christ.”)

    Jesus said: “I will build My church...I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.”  [Matt. 16:18-19.]

    “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”  Col 1:13-14 (NLT)

    “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matt 8:11

    “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.  And they were shouting with a mighty shout, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”  Rev 7:9-10 (NLT)

 

    I am the Stone which Daniel saw, cut out without hands, filling the whole world.  I am the Kingdom which can never be destroyed.  I was born in the streets of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost spoken about in Acts 2.

 

    I am millions (and billions) of believers living and dying faithfully for the sake of Christ Jesus over the past 2,000 years.  I am also the men and women of faith who will live in the future before our Lord Comes Again.  [Rev. 7:9-17.]

 

    I am Peter, Barnabas, and Paul.  I am Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, Lois and Eunice.  I was there in a room in Jerusalem as tongues of fire landed on the 120 disciples.  I spoke in languages never learned.  3,000 people “obeyed the gospel” that day, responding to the message of hope & salvation which Peter preached.  Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled.  God’s New Covenant is now in effect!

 

    I am the souls of those persecuted, crucified, burned at the stake, imprisoned, beaten, and tortured.  I am the souls of those under the altar who had been killed for the faith, shouting out to the Lord: “Almighty Lord, faithful and true!” [Rev. 6:9-11.]

 

    I met in the Temple at Jerusalem for a while, growing to be 100,000 or more.  Many beautiful buildings have housed me and my people.  I am a kingdom not made with hands.  I am a kingdom not of this world.  I am the first fruits of the glory to come in Eternity.

 

    I am a Bible study in a home in the remotest jungle of Africa.  I am a group meeting in a Chinese prison.  I am 10,000 people lifting up their voices to God in a rented football stadium.  I am Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, and I am a teacher helping a child to draw a picture of the prodigal son.  I am a preacher comforting a family at a graveside.  I am a helper delivering the Lord’s Supper to a homebound person.

 

    I am the women’s class, the senior citizens, and I am the family who learns a new language to go to a foreign country to preach Christ.  I am a group of teenagers helping a neighbor.  I am 50 people meeting in a steelworker’s building.  1 am 250 people constructing a new church-building.  I am 450 people stepping out in faith to buy land with the dream of reaching their community with the gospel of Christ Jesus.

 

    I am a clerk in a supermarket, a nurse in the ER, out on the highway directing traffic, a teacher in the public schools, a lawyer, a judge, a steelworker, many things.  But I am a pilgrim journeying on my way to Heaven.  [Hebrews 11:13.]

 

    I am the church - the Body of Christ founded upon the Rock which is Jesus The Truth.  I am being renewed every day even as my outward body is perishing.  My light and momentary troubles are achieving an eternal glory that outweighs them all.  I keep my eyes on the unseen, not on the visible.  This world is temporary, but our God is Eternal.  [Col. 3:10.]

 

    I am all those called together from the world.  I am Jew, Greek, man, woman, slave, freeman, from every nation in the world, and I speak a babble of languages.  Yet I am One in Christ.  I am all of us who have been baptized into the One Body by the same Holy Spirit.  [1 Cor. 12:13]

 

    I am a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a unique and distinct group of people faithfully following Jesus the Master.  I am blood-bought, baptized, Spirit-filled, cross-carrying, message-proclaiming, hope-giving, regenerated and renewed people-of-God.  [1 Peter 2:9-10.]

 

                May I remain faithful until He Comes Again.  Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess: Jesus Is Lord!  To Him be the honor and glory and power both now and forevermore!!!  I am the church.  [Rev. 19:1-10.]