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The Forming of the Body of Christ. Paul`s Prison Letters. (cont.)


The Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body had given the Apostle Paul all the great truths of His purpose for the Body of Christ. Paul taught these, the whole Counsel of God and also warned of the heresies trying to deceive the believer. Then the Lord gave to Paul the encouragement to give the believers as they went through various trials. 

Thus while in prison Paul wrote more letters, some to groups and some to individuals - Philippians, Philemon and Ephesians. These are important, for we learn of the believer`s walk in the spirit. It is the outworking of the believer`s experience whatever the circumstances.

 

Rejoice amid life`s trials - (Philippians)

 Paul reveals that even in prison God`s work goes on. (Phil. 1: 12 & 13) And at the end of the letter we read how not only the saints at Rome greet the Philippians but `also those who are of Caesar`s household.` (Phil. 4: 22)

So amid great trials and difficulties the Apostle encourages the believers to rejoice. (Phil 4: 4) And with his great heart for the believers he turns their minds towards the Lord. (Phil. 2: 5 - 9) What need they fear, for the Lord is above every authority and power, and every knee will bow and confess that He is Lord. (Phil. 2: 10 & 11)

 

Forgive others - (Philemon)

This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon. In the letter Paul intercedes with Philemon for a runaway slave. Paul does not minimize the sin, but pleads for forgiveness on behalf of the sinner. This is the message of the cross, for Christ bore our sins in His own body on the tree.

 

The Eternal Purpose - (Ephesians)

In this letter to the believers at Ephesus, we read of the greatest revelation of truth God has given to man. It is the mystery that has been hidden before the foundation of the world.  (Eph. 1: 9 & 10,  3: 9 - 11)

The Apostle then reveals the supreme position Christ has in God`s great kingdom. (Eph. 1: 20 & 22)

Paul then goes on to write of another mystery - the Body of Christ. The believers are members of this body of which Christ is the Head. It is a spiritual organism and each member has a part. (Eph. 1: 22 & 23)

The building and maturing of this Body of Christ is by the Spirit of the Lord. It is through Him that the believers are in unity and that finally as truth is clarified across the Body then there will be the maturing of the whole Body. (Eph. 4: 13)

 

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existential mabel

Posted

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Thus while in prison Paul wrote more letters, some to groups and some to individuals - Philippians, Philemon and Ephesians. These are important, for we learn of the believer`s walk in the spirit. It is the outworking of the believer`s experience whatever the circumstances.

Paul's Epistles which i am now realising are the fruit of the Revelations from God. is my understanding, giving us the Gentiles moral and spiritual guidance. The Jews have their laws and observations and festivals but the Gentiles didnt have anything like this, is my understanding, hence a good reason why Paul is in the bible. the Jews and the Gentiles differ in that the Jews require and sign and the Gentiles walk by the Spirit in Faith. the Gentiles dont need signs and wonders and miracles. the Gentiles just need to believe the Gospel of their Salvation, and they will receive the Holy Spirit of God and sealed for all eternity. works is not necessary. just belief in the finished work of Christ on the Cross. that All our Sins are now under the blood of Jesus and fully paid for.

Paul has 6 Mysteries in the Bible and the 7th  Mystery is  written by John in the book of Revelation

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The building and maturing of this Body of Christ is by the Spirit of the Lord. It is through Him that the believers are in unity and that finally as truth is clarified across the Body then there will be the maturing of the whole Body. (Eph. 4: 13)

living in the time of Apostasy its quite remarkable that this has not been derailed! i think the internet has a big part to play in this because the main stream churches dont cover much if anything and skip about and mix doctrines and dispensations. imho

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existential mabel

Posted

these Mysteries are

#1 The birth of Jesus Christ + The Trinity

#2 Christ in you the Hope of glory ( indwelling)

#3 The Body of Christ (being in the Body, You in Christ)

#4 The Rapture

#5 The iniquity

#6 Religious Whore

#7 Restoration Of Israel

these are the basic foundational  doctrines of Christianity. what amazed me was that i had never heard of these until very recently. these help us to not fall into wrong teachings.

1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Eph 4:14 that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

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Marilyn C

Posted

That`s a good list there mabel.

Now a mystery in scripture is something that was hidden and then in God`s time was revealed. 

eg. `we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.` (1 Cor. 2: 7 & 8)

existential mabel

Posted

yes a mystery that was once hidden...as look what could have happened to the Lord Jesus Christ otherwise. Timing is everything!

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