Partnering For God's Work
“Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:24 NKJV). Also, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV). Also, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Appeal for Tracts: Brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly appeal to you to please consider donating postage charges on our Ministry’s behalf directly to the Fellowship Tract League. As a ministry, we are constantly engaged in witnessing activities, and we are in need of tracts. However, since each member of the body of Christ works to compliment the work of God (1 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 12:4). Thus, soul winning is a shared burden, and the Lord promised that there would be material and spiritual fruits that God would provide to those who lends to Him (Proverbs 19:17; Philippians 4:17; Luke 10:30-37). We do have a ‘Support Us’ notice towards the right on this blog as commanded by the Lord Jesus Himself. For any further information, you may email us directly at bookorder@prepareforthekingdom.com or email Brother Glenn directly at glenn.vanrooyen2@gmail.com . Thus, your prayers and support to help us reach the lost for the Lord will not escape God’s attention and your efforts will be duly rewarded (Hebrews 6:10). Brethren, PLEASE! Let this appeal for help not escape your notice in Jesus name.
Divisions Through False Prophecies
As for our message today, let’s be honest, it is common knowledge that Christians the worldwide are looking forward to the Lord’s Coming. We know that this excitement and enthusiasm have been created by the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:13; 24:42-51). The Lord also reminded us recently that His promise of Coming will happen and it will be suddenly. Sadly, though, many well-meaning man and women of God have sacrificed their reputations and fallen victim to the temptation of implicating certain people as being the anti-Christ. Instead of praying for our leaders as the Bible teaches, we are following the world and promote feelings of dislike and hatred (1 Timothy 2:2). Biblically, a Christian is not supposed to practice partially, love is impartial and all encompassing (Leviticus 19:15; James 2:1-7) and we should transcend the cultural (difference) divide through the unifying force of love (Colossians 3:14).
Christians Hating Each Other
I would like to share a brief testimony involving some members of our ministry. A few years ago, two brethren got involved in a bitter feud so severe that it threatened their salvation. This incident completely laid bare the ill-feelings the brethren had for one another. After rebuking both parties for their hatred and intolerance for one another, the Lord encouraged the brethren to forgive, love and to continue fellowshipping with one another (Ephesians 4:32). As the feelings of hatred grew deeper between the brethren, so did the Lord intensified (through messages) the need for forgiveness and love and this insistence from the Lord broke down the wall of unforgiveness resulting in love and true brotherly reconciliation. Through their actions, these precious brethren would not allow ill-feelings to keep them captive in bondage. Instead, their love for the Lord was evident in their respect and love for one another.
Token of Reconciliation
The message the Lord gave me this morning for our article came through a short vision this (22/01/2017) morning. I saw two men whom I perceived to be Christian brothers in the Lord. I could further perceive that one of these men had an intense hate (or dislike) for the other and this hatred led him to avoid the company of the other brother who seemed to be gentle and at peace with the other brother. The vision changed and I saw the two brothers having to face each other with nowhere else to turn to avoid one another. I heard the gentle brother greeting the other cheerfully, and the other brother responded reluctantly. As they walk towards each other, they hugged, and I heard the loathsome brother weeping as he leaned onto the other. He took something from his pocket and gave to the gentle brother as a token of a peace offering (Genesis 32:13-21). Just then another Christian sister passed by and asked, ‘what happened’? And the gentle brother replied, ‘we reconciled and saw the gift I received’ and both of them appeared to be happy and at peace with one another. Thus, this vision needs no explanation except to add that the Lord is teaching us that both parties in a dispute have a responsibility to pursue reconciliation and not just the guilty person. From this, we learn that these two brethren had a need for each other’s love, and being compelled by the love of the Lord in obedience (2 Corinthians 5:14) they ended avoiding each other’s company and made peace.
Fake and Shallow Christianity Equalls Godlessness
On a serious note, there are number of Christians who hate and dislike each other simply because of some points of difference; However, little do they know that their Christianity is being exposed either to love or hatred of others. It is shameful to profess to be Christian while openly harboring and displaying ill-feelings towards your brother(s) or sister(s) in Christ (1 John 4:20-21). Being disobedient to the Lord and allowing bitter roots (of hatred, envy, and unforgiveness) to grow results in us missing the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14-15). The Lord warned that nothing good you ever did would stand for your defense, but your inability to live in peace and pursue it with your fellow man will be your greatest lost (Psalm 34:14-16). Again, the Lord is warning you brethren, just because some Christians are in the habit of avoiding those they regard as enemies and being contemptuous towards others does not mean you have to conform. Let us live to obey the Lord and let us not despise His teachings that encourage us to be good and gentle people for only through these lofty virtues is Christ truly seen and well-regarded (1 John 4:16).
In conclusion, Brethren, if we live not to reconcile with our offenders we may be sure that our prayers are hindered (John 9:31; 1 Peter 3:7). Additionally,not forgetting that true peace from the Lord would be absent leaving us frustrated (1 Samuel 16:14). Thus, don’t be just a Christian in talk displaying your Bible knowledge with an empty, selfish heart, but be one in the power of love which is evident through a peaceful spirit.
Now, if you are ready and willing to pursue peace and reconciliation with those who offended you or if you have offended someone, let it be known that for reconciliation, you must make right with your offender and not God on your behalf. We thus suggest that you pray sincerely from the heart asking the Lord to open the heart of thine offender and after prayer, step out in faith and be at peace with your fellow man (Romans 12:18).
As always, we would like to extend an invitation to anyone who does not know the Lord Jesus Christ yet, or of you are not born again, to pray our suggested prayer on this link Prayer of Sincere Repentance
by faith and follow the Lord (Matthew 4:19). You may also contact us for any questions or comments about this article or our ministry.
Blessed Peace
