Let us continue to distinguish the organism ,the body of Christ the church and the organization of man that man calls the church. In this teaching we will look at the heart. The word heart is defined in the OT Hebrew, the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything. In the NT Greek; the heart, that is, (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy/or comparison) the middle. So we understand that heart is the center of or the middle of us. We could say the heart is the core of who we are that includes our feelings, will, intellect and/or thoughts. Knowing the true meaning of the word heart gives enlightenment to His Words, “A good man out of the good treasures of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
I have exposed and could continue noting the differences between the organism of His body the church and the organizations of men called the church. By now you should comprehend that the heart of man’s organizations benefits man. In every way. By honor from men, by statute and/or title, by esteem in the organization and the community, by finances. By “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,” is not of the Father. Even as man strives to do that which is written, if God has not said for him to do so, he labors in vain. Remember His Word says, “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” The church is the organism of the body of Christ. Not for the glory of men, but for the glory of God. He appoints, He anoints and He sets all in the body as it pleases Him. “Till we all come to the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
The Word of God is the heart of God. The Word of truth, God’s Word is written, tried, proven and established. It is sure. Many fail to acknowledge the fact that the bible is indeed God’s Word. For in truth if we believed that God Himself speaks to us through His Word and gives us direction, correction and His plan for His Body the church, the organization of man that is called the church would be void.
His Word says, “that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” We realize that the power of God is in the Word of God. “who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Jesus became all things to His people. He is Savior. He is the Chief Shepherd. He is King. He is the High Priest. He is our Redeemer. He is the Healer. He is Lord. He is all in all. He alone gave His life that we might have life. He purchased us with a price, His own blood and said we are not our own,we belong to Him.
Consider the teachings you have read concerning the organism of His body the church and the organization of man that man calls the church. Ponder who He is and what He has done for all. You? Now I ask you, examine your own heart. Search yourself. Judge your own self. Not by my words but by His Words. You decide for yourself if He is the head over the church. You determine if your heart is in allegiance to that which He purposed and anointed. Will you, can you continue to practice and participate in that which man has designed and not in what God has determined? Is your heart entwined with the dead works of men or do you, will you walk in the liberty that He gave His life that you might have? God has given us His Word and He is not a man that He should lie! Your heart is yours to do what you want. Therefore are you a part of the organism of the body of Christ the church or the organization of man?
I pray as Jesus prayed: “Father, I have given them Your Word. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth!” Amen
