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| Salvation, Kingdom, Healing |
| Written by Administrator |
| Monday, 01 December 2008 16:57 |
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We are in a time when things are changing in the economies of the world. Political interactions of nations is entering into new dynamics. This is also a time when the church in North America is standing at the crossroads. Important changes must take place or we will soon become of no account in our society.
Jeremiah 6:16 gives us important directions for the times that we are living in.“This is what the LORD says: ``Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” So let’s ask together for the ancient paths. It is important for us to go back to the beginning and see the things that Jesus focused on while here and do them.While reading through the New Testament lately, I’ve been impressed with three large themes that Jesus emphasized in His ministry and with His disciples. One of the ancient paths we must emphasize is that people must repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Why is this so important? The Ancient of Days has not changed. The destiny of man is that we are going to hell, eternally away from God and be in torment for having broken the moral law of God. God’s solution is Jesus Christ. He has fully satisfied the justice of God. His payment for sin is enough for all who will agree with God that they have broken God’s law and are under His judgement. They need to agree that they have no way to make payment for themselves. They must confess that Christ’s payment is the only hope for them. They also must repent (stop doing breaking God’s laws). If they will put their full trust in Jesus Christ, then their destiny path is changed from going to hell to go into heaven. I believe we need to return to presenting the truth of the salvation in these Biblical, very descriptive terms. The modern message of the Gospel comes across that God will enhance your life. It fails to point out the reality of sin, the destiny of hell and the judgment of God. It also creates an expectation that God is there to serve them and make life easy. People focus on getting from God, rather than serving Him. Let’s return to the ancient path and present the gospel as Jesus did. Another crossroad truth that we need to re-emphasize is that of God’s kingdom here on earth. I have been concerned lately about some of the presentations of what the kingdom of God should look like here on earth. I do not believe the kingdom of God is primarily about transforming the nations into the kingdom for God. This can get into a social type of gospel – that is trying to change the underpinnings of our society. The ancient path Jesus seemed to talk about was that the Kingdom of God is in contrast to the Kingdom of Satan. Jesus Himself said, “My kingdom is not of this world”. The kingdom that we are to overthrow is the kingdom of darkness, the kingdom of Satan. Through Jesus Christ we are to undo the works that Satan’s kingdom has worked in the lives of people. Jesus worked the works of God the King while He was here on earth. It was evidenced by casting out demons, opening blind eyes and releasing the paralyzed so they could walk. Jesus’ mandate in Isaiah 61 is talking about bringing release and freedom to people. I don’t see Him talking about transforming nations and the way they operate. It may lead to that as people get saved and starting living God’s Kingdom priorities. Let’s return to the ancient path and seek first the kingdom of God. The other ancient path that I see Jesus walking out is that of healing. I have already referred to this but let me expand it more. When Jesus sent out the apostles (Luke 9), he told them to preach the Kingdom of God , cast out demons and heal the sick. I already talked about preaching the kingdom of God. I believe we need to emphasize that Jesus Christ is the Healer. Then because we believe He is the healer, we must heal the sick. That will involve casting out demons, it will involve laying hands on the sick, it will involve anointing them with oil. Once again we need the signs that follow believers to follow us“They will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.'' (Mark 16) Because we are people who we are filled with the Spirit, we must do those things that will bring glory to Jesus Christ . We must return to the ancient paths of emphasizing salvation only through Jesus Christ, declaring that Christ is the King and then demonstrating His reign and rule by healing the sick and declaring that Christ is the Savior not only of our sin but also of our sicknesses. At this time of crossroads, choose with me these ancient paths for they are the paths of the Ancient of Days – our God. |