The Church that Jesus is building has an unmistakable glory. It is marked in ways that only His Presence, rule and power can produce.
His glory, meaning His excellence and superiority, is exhibited in the Fruit of the Spirit; the Beatitudes; peace in any storm; holiness; love for others, and servant hearts, for example. And in followers who love Him, obey Him and joyfully serve Him as mission-focused bondslaves. These marks are often accompanied by Holy Spirit empowered healings, and various signs and wonders.
Jesus’ glory marked the Church in the book of Acts, and the saints of Hebrews 11. It can mark Christians today too but is most likely to be found in places where they suffer, and especially where they have no other hope.
To them, the Gospel is truly Good News. They receive it as having transformational power to give them a new identity, hope and life purpose “in Christ” – – which is lived out by the enabling of the Holy Spirit who also empowers them to be witnesses.
Such Jesus-followers fearlessly share the Gospel with others and chose to die rather than deny their Lord. They love and forgive their enemies as they pursue Jesus and Life in His Kingdom.
This, I believe, characterizes the Mt. 16:18 Church that Jesus is building, and it is the ONLY Church that He would call “My Church.” How well does it describe us?
Do we want those marks of glory or are we satisfied with things as they are?
JESUS SAID
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 kjv
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
Aug. 17, 2021
Also on Facebook as: Ken Stoltzfus – Kidron
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