Brethren! Complete This Application!

Recently, the county where I reside received word from state officials that their application for grant funding had been denied. The reason for denial was FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION. Apparently one very important component, REQUIRED BY THOSE WHO HAD AUTHORITY, had been left out.

"For we (Paul and those who are with him) are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you be MADE COMPLETE." 

(2 Corinthians 13:9)

"Finally, brethren, farewell. BECOME COMPLETE." (2 Corinthians 13:11)

application- a form to be filled out by an applicant; the act of putting to a special use or purpose (two of ten definitions in Webster's)

There is no paperwork to fill out in this process Paul discusses, but the understanding to put to special use or purpose is vital. Becoming complete is in God's hand, in the name of Jesus Christ by the quickening of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by your submission to it. 

"Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), and ALL THE BRETHREN WHO ARE WITH ME." (Galatians 1:1,2) With these words Paul begins his letter to the Galatian church.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is not I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh (body) I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Just as completion of the grant application would have provided dedicated funding, the understanding to allow the Lord to show us how to be crucified with Him will provide the avenue to intimacy Paul had received.

Sainthood: Comprehending the Love of Christ

Ephesians 3:17-19

".....that you, being rooted an grounded in love, may be able to comprehend WITH ALL THE SAINTS what is width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

comprehend - to understand the nature or meaning of; to take in or embrace; include; COMPRISE (Webster's)

comprise - to consist of;  to be composed of (Webster's)

I would say that sainthood begins when a person first trusts in Christ; after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, having believed and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. 

(Ephesians 1:12-14)

Paul greets these as "the saints who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus".(Ephesians 1:2)

Yet, that is the beginning. Saints of God are willing to turn toward Him at every revelation of Jesus Christ, counting not the cost there of; receiving the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; the eyes of their understanding being enlightened; that they may know what is the hope of His calling; what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians 1:17,18)

The love of Christ requires that they keep His commands, are willing to lay down their lives for their friends and let Him show what it means to become the called according to His purpose, as He is head of all things to the church.

Would you like to be one of those who comprehend? Would you like to be comprised of the width and length and depth and height of Christ's love? Ask the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, and your joy will be full! 

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able." (Luke 13:24)

Wasting His Goods

Luke 16:1,2,9; 19:11-27

"He also said to His disciples: 'There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was WASTING HIS GOODS. So he called him and said to him, "What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward'."

Then, if you will read ahead, the unjust steward compounds his unrighteousness. Instead of repenting, He makes himself a home, with the unrighteous, by unrighteous mammon. 

The heading of that portion of scripture is "The Parable of the Unjust Steward". 

"Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore He said: 'A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.' But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'WE WILL NOT HAVE THIS MAN TO REIGN OVER US.' (Please read through v.27) 

"And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the FRIEND of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." (James 2:23.24) A man is made into a "just steward" as he seeks, knocks, asks; hears and repents as God reveals; allows 'the nobleman' to reign over him.

Wasting (squandering) or scattering His goods is the rejection of those things we already understand about the kingdom of God. The "wicked servant" (Luke 19:22) had an understanding of what to do ("Do business till I come") but rejected the works by which he could be justified. He would not let This Man justify him.