TimesofRefreshingMinistriespage13

COUNCIL CHAMBER

Across the Pastor's Desk

As the Church looks forward to the unfolding of
the rest of the new millennium, mixed emotions
and an apparent lack of clarity seem to permeate
the atmosphere. Since Jesus did not return at the
turn of the century, as most church folk thought
He would, it is easy to detect a real uncertainty
among the saints as to just what the Church should be doing now. It is easy to imagine that God the Father stands on the edge of eternity and looks out into time and asks God the Son, "Just where did we go wrong?" No doubt before the Son can answer, God the Holy Ghost pipes in, "We under-emphasized the nature of the on-going war they stepped into when they received Jesus as their Savior." He continues, "We didn't adequately prepare them to endure until the end!" "We allowed them to get side-tracked by the 'good feeling' that comes from being in our presence." "We failed to diligently instruct them to really grasp the fact that their salvation is not in their feelings (which is their soulish realm) but it is their spirit that becomes born-again."

In reality, the above conversation should take place between contemporary pastors, as we occupy our position as watchmen on the wall. We need to acknowledge, with keen awareness, the fact that the Church has had a power failure and is operating on emotions & feelings as opposed to operating on the power of the Holy Ghost. For the power of the Holy Ghost comes to transform mere mortals into Warriors of God, Servants of the Holy One of Israel that: are more than conquerors; are the head and not the tail; and can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens them. As pastors and leaders of the Lord's Church, we are obligated to insure that the sheep are properly fed, healthy enough to reproduce, and free from parasites & disease. As officers in the Lord's Army, we must be 100% certain that the troops are properly equipped for battle. They must have the necessary uniform, weapons, and ammunition to assure them the victory, which they have been told has already been provided for them through the death, burial, & resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Servant Warriors of Jesus Christ, you must know that your purpose, as a Christian, is to witness & be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. You must understand that you were not saved to go to church; but you were saved to go to the world with the message that Jesus yet saves! It's tight, but it's right......it's still holiness or hell! God has called us to humility and servitude. We must not exalt ourselves, but allow the character of Christ to be exalted in us. It's alright for us to look like us; but we must BE like Him. Allow God to plant these truths in your spirit and watch your spiritual growth as He transforms your attitude & your behavior. I remain yours in His service,
Pastor Ron