The point is, the physical world is openly exposing itself as what it has become. The spiritual world too has revealed itself just as real but toward another direction. The two paths have now merged into a physical-spiritual watershed point. It has come to a point where the divide between the physical and the spiritual is growing into a chasm. No, this is not a premonition. This is not a prophecy. Rather, this is the passing of ancient prophecies.
Being put in Christ (in union and communion with Him), walking this earth, today a believer in Christ looks at the paths ahead and realizes that one cannot proceed further without taking stock of their current spiritual state.
This is how one takes stock of their personal spiritual state, in order to carry on in the two parallel worlds. The Bible verses are quoted from the New Matthew Bible (NMB).
Look at the spiritual: Who God is and who I really am
Know and acknowledge that God is always good: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.” It’s an absolute truth; there are no exceptions. God is always good. (James 1:17)
Who I am and what my purpose is for being here (on this planet), in particular, at this increasingly perilous time
“9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and his own special people, in order that you should show forth the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light –” (1 Peter 2:9)
What I am supposed to do next at the present scenario and in future:
This is a reminder to all who are serious about our life hereon and thereafter. It is all about stewardship of what we have been given. The people of God have resources. What do we do with our resources? Jesus said we need to be gentler than doves and yet wiser than serpents. Jesus also uses one last parable to describe a final set of criteria whereby the goats and sheep will be sorted into two categories, to each its end.
7 The end of all things is at hand. Be therefore discreet and sober, so that you may be fit for prayer. 8 But above all things, have fervent love among you. For love covers the multitude of sins. 9 Be ready to take one another into your homes, and that without grudging. 10 As each one has received the gift, minister the same to one another, as good ministers of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:7-10)
“The English word “sober” was translated from the Greek word “SOPHRONEO,” and this Greek word means “to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate” (Strong’s Concordance). It is not just talking about not being drunk. The Amplified Bible renders this word “watch” as “alert.” So, true prayer will keep us alert unto what the Lord is doing.”
“The only way to maintain relationships is with fervent love, the kind that is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The word “fervent” was translated from the Greek word ektenes. The other occurrence was in Acts 12:5, where “fervent” was translated “without ceasing.” So “fervent charity” in this verse may be interpreted as “charity without ceasing.” ”
Love, God’s kind of love, is a power. It is a supernatural power. It has worked on the cross two thousands of years ago. This is the Truth that Jesus has revealed and personally demonstrated. God’s kind of love is God’s kind of power. And all the apostles and early church disciples of Jesus knew this. (Read the New Testament and the early church history)
We are required to be “watchful” and “alert.” So, true prayer will keep us alert unto what the Lord is doing. For this purpose, the Lord has given us the spiritual abilities to see, hear, understand, discern and make the right choices/decisions at the right time.
Jesus actually spoke at length about the perilous time. I will not repeat here. Please read the related chapters in the Gospels and also the Book of Revelation.
What is the consolation for His people? I have been comforted and reassured of the goodness of God and the confident expectation of good for the people of God, in countless Bible verses. I pray you too as you read this blog and meditate on the verses the Lord will give you as you move on from your own watershed point to a point of the hope in Christ that all born again believers have.
HCSB Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. (1 Peter 5:10)
MSG Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)
AMP For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. (1 John 5:4)
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out devils, and will speak with new tongues, 18 and will kill serpents. And if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. They will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover. (Mark 16:17-18 NMB)
What is the next step for all who are the followers of Jesus and Bible believers?
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” （Romans 4:20）Abraham had done this as our trail blazer. So can we.
This is how Jesus has prepared and fully equipped us: (1 Corinthians 2:9-16)
9 But as it is written: The eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love him.
10 But God has revealed them to us by his Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yea, the bottom of God’s secrets. 11 For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of a man which is within him? In the same way, the things of God are known by no man, but by the Spirit of God. 12 And we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which comes of God, in order to know the things that are given to us by God –15 But he who is spiritual evaluates all things. Yet he himself is judged by no man. 16 For who knows the mind of the Lord, or who shall inform him? But we understand the mind of Christ.
We have the mind of Christ! (NKJV)
Application for all who believe: start practicing reading and mediating the Word of God, to know, understand and receive the wisdom of Christ and in Christ. Pray in the Spirit. Ask the Lord’s Spirit to speak to us and guide us specifically in every decision/direction. Be deliberate and be alert. Live as Jesus did and does now.
AMPC In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17)
καί notes, 2022-08-29
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