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Prepare thee the way of the Lord! A new day is dawning. A New Church, prepare thee the way of
the Lord! A new day is dawning.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)
Much has been written regarding what
God is about to do in the future regarding His church. I will not enter into the debate on theology or doctrine, nor will
I claim myself an expert on the subject. I will only speak forth what the Spirit is saying to me, and humbly ask for discernment.
It was this morning while reading Matthew 24, which the word "stone" jumped of the page and became quick and living. This
is the verse:
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to [him] for to shew him the
buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be
left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Matthew 24:1-2)
Apparently, the disciples were pointing
out the beauty and splendor of their church building. Almost if saying, isn't it wonderful what we have done for God's glory?.
Jesus responded by telling them that this building was to be torn down into a heap of rubble. Although this literally did
later happen, I believe the important message Jesus was trying to convey to them was this; He was going to tear down the present
church. Notice the word "stone". The Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary number is G3037, lee'-thos – a stone (literally
or figuratively): (Mill – Stumbling-) stone. The same word is used in I Peter 2:5 to describe how the church of God
is built up! The word stone in Scripture is a fascinating study in itself. In essence, it can be construed in one of two ways,
a way of spiritual life or a way of spiritual death.
The spiritual life of the Hebrew church had declined to such
a degree it needed to be torn down and the stones of the spiritual house rebuilt one upon another. I believe that God is preparing
to move in such enormous power and awe, that yet again a realignment of His body the church, is in order.
Bring forth
therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say
unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. (Luke 3:8)
The church has said within
itself, we are sufficient. But we have failed to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. But God is able, and will, bring
forth children unto Abraham. A major realignment of these stones is about to take place. His words are true and will not fail.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should
be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27). The glorious church is for himself! It is not ours!
How much more shall
the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
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