Are we starting to throw out the "box" and enter more into the flow?  Are we beginning to see that we don't go to "First Church ......." but that we are the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, His holy organism?  Are we beginning to see that we don't "join a church" and become members because some man or organization accepts us.  We are bought with a price, the precious Blood of Jesus.  That is the only way to be a member of the body of Christ.  "No man comes to the Father, but through the Son."  Are we beginning to see that we don't attend "services" just to sit on a pew and listen to "the pastor"?  We assemble together as a many- membered body to flow with the Holy Spirit and to edify and build up one another in the faith.  Are we beginning to see that names of church groups and men's names placed on signs are not what signify His church, as His divine organism?"  We are the church and the Name that is written on us is the Name of Jesus.  "You show and make obvious that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with (the) Spirit of (the) Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts" (II Corinthians 3:3 Amp).  "Do you not discern and understand that you (the whole church at Corinth) are God's temple (His sanctuary) and that God's Spirit has permanent dwelling in you -- to be at home in you (collectively as a church and also individually)?" (I Corinthians 3:16 Amp).  Brethren, it is not where we meet together, whether one on one or in a great number, but what we do when we are together.  I would venture to say that 90% of the Lord's ministry is away from a "pulpit" or "church building". Let's come out of the "box!"  Hallelujah!    

            I would like to share with you a vision that I recently had as I was praying and meditating about the Lord's church.  I saw myself standing on the bank of a fast flowing river.  I noticed that there were a large number of boats located there on the bank, but were very obviously without boat paddles.  As I noticed the current of the water, I thought how useless the boats would be in the river, especially without paddles to help guide them.  At that moment the Lord spoke to me by His Spirit and said, "Get into the boat, my son, and do not be concerned about the paddles, because the river is my flow and I will guide you in the stream of my movement.  Do not look for the paddles, because the paddles are the arm of the flesh and I do not need help in guiding my vessels in my flow".  Here is where we are, brothers and sisters, standing on the brink of the last great outpouring of God upon the earth.  It is going to be His final hour of glory.  He is going to guide us, His church, by His divine flow and we must yield ourselves to this flow and not depend on any human strength or ability. 

            FATHER, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR DIVINE PLAN FOR YOUR CHURCH.  WE THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT, FOR GUIDING US, AND TEACHING US ALL THINGS, AND LEADING US INTO ALL TRUTH.  WE EXALT YOU, LORD JESUS, HEAD OF YOUR BODY, THE CHURCH, AND SUBMIT OURSELVES TO YOUR HOLY WILL. AMEN! 

DIVINE UNITY – THE KEY TO REVIVAL

            In John, Chapter 17, Jesus Christ prayed over His disciples and over all who would ever follow Him.  "Sanctify them -- purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy -- by the Truth.  Your word is Truth.  Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.  And for their sake and on their behalf, I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the Truth.  Neither for these alone do I pray -- it is not for their sake only that I make this request -- but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching" (vss. 17-20, Amp).  Here we see who Jesus was praying for. In the following verses we see for what and why He was praying.  "So that they may all be one (just) as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.  I have given to them the glory and honor which you have given Me, that they may be one (even) as We are one.  I in them and You in Me in order that they may become one and perfectly united and that You have loved them (even) as You have loved Me" (vss. 21-23, Amp).  Hallelujah! 

            Jesus prayed for all who would ever believe in Him that they would be one.  Four times in three verses He repeats this statement, "that they be one" and even "perfectly united".  The "What" is the unity of the brethren, the unity of the saints of God.  The "why" is so that the world may know that Jesus was sent.  If we do not flow in divine unity there is no way that the world will believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Lord, our Master, or the Head of the Church.  If the people of the world cannot see supernatural change come to the life of the church, then they will not have any desire to become a member of the body of Christ.  God will not add to a strife-ridden, contentious group of people who claim to be His church.  When divine unity exists, by and through the power of the Holy Spirit, there is a drawing of all men to Jesus Christ because He is being exalted and lifted up through His people. In His divine organism, through His divine flow, comes His divine unity. This unity is not something fabricated by men's attempts to create a mutual admiration society or by organizational concepts to put everyone under the same roof. These are forms of denominationalism and sectarianism.  Unity is only accomplished as we, the church, decide to submit to Him and then to one another to accomplish His purposes on the earth. 

            We see how the pattern of divine unity began as we see the church in its beginning in Acts, chapter 2.  "And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all assembled together in one place." (vs. l, Amp).  Here were the same ones that Jesus prayed for in John chapter 17, all gathered together as a result of His instructions to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high.  "When suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting." (vs. 2, Amp).  When we are in unity and obedience we will hear from heaven and receive from the throne of God.  "And there appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were separated and distributed and that settled on each one of them." (vs. 3, Amp).  Each one of them that were there in unity, for the same purpose, were receiving the same divine blessing.  "And they were all filled -- diffused throughout their souls with the Holy Spirit ...." (vs 4, Amp).  Many people, who are ignorant of God's will, quickly say that this outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the believers on the day of Pentecost was only for a special few, but the Word of God informs us differently in verse 39 of this same chapter.  "For the promise (of the Holy Spirit) is to you and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away (even) to as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself."  You see divine unity begins with the invitation of the Divine God.  Until we receive this Holy Spirit infilling and constant refilling we cannot be one.  "Therefore those who accepted his message were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand souls." (vs. 41, Amp).  Where we see true Holy Ghost unity is when we see true Holy Ghost revival.  Revival is nothing more than God being able to add to His church because of the obedience of His church to flow together in unity.  After the flow of unity begins there are continuous manifestations of His presence in His people, the body of Christ.  "And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread (including the Lord's Supper) and prayers.  And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came over every soul, and many signs and wonders were performed through the apostles -- the special messengers.  And all who believed -- that is who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ -- were united and together they had everything in common, and they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need.  And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread (including the Lord's supper).  They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people, and the Lord kept adding (to their number) daily those who were being saved (from spiritual death)." (vss. 42-44, Amp). 

            Let's review what happens when the flow of unity exists in the church.  There is perseverance; there are teachable hearts and minds; there is constant fellowship; there is the breaking of bread together (including the Lord's supper); there are signs and wonders; there is sharing of all things in common; there is a concern for the needy; there is regular assembly, congregationally and from house to house; there is constant praise to God; there is favor and goodwill with all the people; and there is the constant saving of souls by the Lord.  This should motivate us to pay the price and submit ourselves to the Lord Jesus and to flow in His divine unity. 

             Next we see the immediate attempt of Satan to disrupt the unity and flow among the brethren by bringing in persecution and opposition.  In Acts, Chapter 4, we can learn how we should respond and how important it is to protect the unity of the brethren.  There is power in unity and in the agreement of the church.  I encourage you to read Acts, chapters 3 and 4 to get the sequence of events that lead up to what I would like to share now. When the church heard of the persecutions and accusations toward Peter and John for the Gospel's sake, they cried out to God together in unity.  "And they, when they heard it, lifted their voices together with one united mind to God and said, O Sovereign Lord, You are He who made the heaven and the earth and the seas and everything that is in them.... and when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage.  Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was (exclusively) his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all"  (Acts 4:24, 31-32, Amp).  Let's review what happened when they lifted their voices together in unity, or with one united mind to God.  There was a manifestation of the presence of God (the place was shaken where they were); there was a refilling with the Holy Spirit; there was freedom, boldness, and courage to speak the Word of God; there was one heart and soul among them; and there was again no selfishness, instead a great spirit of generosity demonstrated among the believers that were together in divine unity.  We need every one of these manifestations in our midst, Amen! This is the fire of God that is necessary to witness His love and grace to all the inhabitants of the earth. 

           Our carnality stimulated by satanic strategy adversely affects divine unity.  In the early church, evidenced by the epistles to the church, we see the disunifying forces introduced that created dissensions, factions, and divisions.  Every move of God begins with His people being in unity.  It is obvious that to stop, delay, or detour God's will and purpose, it would be necessary for counter-productive forces to be introduced.  Unity is God's way of beginning revival and restoration and it must be guarded and protected at all costs.  We must be quick to see destruction and quick to repent of any and all factors that would destroy the unity of the brethren.  "But I urge and entreat you by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony, and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you; but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments." (I Corinthians 1:10, Amp). You see, brethren, no one can make us be united, only the Holy Spirit can urge us and entreat us.  No one can order perfect harmony and full agreement among us; but the Holy Spirit is begging us to be one.  We know that to have a common opinion is not possible in the natural, only in the supernatural, and only with the mind of Christ appropriated in us can we arrive at this divine state of being.  As it was made clear to Paul, it can be made clear to us, that in dividing Christ, or in reality, the body of Christ, we destroy the unity of the Spirit and thus paralyze the divine flow to the divine organism (See vss. 11-15 in this same chapter.)  We must be willing to pay the price and deny self to preserve divine unity. 

            How can we preserve, protect, and persevere in unity?  How should we act, think, speak, and react to our brothers and sisters?  First of all, assuming that we have some degree of unity present, we must guard against doing some things and learn to do other things.   I want to give you some suggestions according to what we find in the Word of God.  Never exalt or elevate men to the headship of the church.  Never consider one local church or congregation more important than another. (See again I Corinthians 1:10-15). Never claim credit for the work of God nor enter into competition with your brothers or sisters, nor look for glory or rewards from anyone but God. (See I Corinthians 3:1-8).  Have nothing to do with strife and contention.  Do not fellowship with it! (See Titus 3:10-11).  Turn aside from and avoid those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause division. (See Romans 16:17-20).  Withdraw from those with impure motives and those who are seeking personal gain. (See I Timothy 6:3-5). Do not fight, contend, or quarrel with anyone in the church. (See II Timothy 2:24-26).  Avoid all such people, in your regular association, who are lovers of self, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, troublemakers, fierce, haters of good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, and those having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. (See II Timothy 3:2-5).  

           Flowing in divine unity will greatly narrow the field of those with whom we regularly associate.  We cannot expect the presence of the Holy Spirit and the fire of God to be with us unless we take heed to His warnings found in His Word.  Please take time to read the scripture references given above.  We must follow the Lord's instructions. God's ways are higher than our ways. Amen! 

            There is a word of caution and clarification at this point.  We are not talking about refraining from reaching out to the people of the world which includes people of all types with all kinds of problems.  This we should always be available to do because this is the Great Commission. What we are talking about is guarding, protecting and preserving divine unity in the body of Christ.  It is ungodly to hate, despise, and reject people; for God so loved the world that He offers to all, who would believe, the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Even in the church we have explicit instructions about our attitudes toward our brethren.  Romans, Chapter 12,  tells us,  "Repay no one evil with evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble -- aiming to be above reproach -- in the sight of everyone.  If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good". (vss. 17-18, 21, Amp). When we see what divine love really is, we can understand the difference between not associating with someone, while at the same time loving them in the Lord.  "Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealously, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.  It is not conceited -- arrogant and inflated with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecoming.  Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it -- pays no attention to a suffered wrong, it does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.  Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything (without weakening).  Love never fails -- never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end ...." (I Corinthians 13:4-8, Amp). 

            Where does the responsibility lie in the pursuit of divine unity?  What part do we each play?  I hope we can see that unless we individually act and react according to the Word of God, we cannot expect a corporate flow of unity in the body of Christ.  I always feel it necessary, when brethren come to me with complaints and problems that exist among one another, to ask the question, "And what are you doing about it?"  You see, brothers and sisters, it only takes a little leaven to leaven the whole lump.  Galatians, Chapter 5, goes on to say:  "For the whole law (concerning human relationships) is complied within the one precept.  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  But if you bite and devour one another (in partisan strife), be careful that you (and your whole fellowship) are not consumed by one another" (vss 14-15, Amp).  I would suggest that if you desire to see and understand more about the destructive forces of religion and sectarianism, you read "Religion, The False Hope".  This is available from the same address that you will find at the end of these writings. 

            Let me say that calling one another to account to the Word of God or calling one another to repentance is not an ungodly or divisional activity.  These actions are necessary in the church of the Lord, but we must constantly remember that we cannot change anyone else.  What we can do is allow God to change us.  We see over and over in the exhortations and instructions to the church that God's divine organism through His divine flow is brought into His divine unity.  "So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ, the Messiah, and individually we are parts one of another -- mutually dependent on one another ..... live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive) but readily adjust yourself to (people, things) and give yourselves to humble tasks, never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceit" (Romans 12:5, 16, Amp).  "Be gentle and forbearing with one another and if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has freely forgiven you, so must you also (forgive).  And above all these (put on) love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony.  And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts -- deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds -- (in that peaceful state) to which (as members of Christ's) one body you were also called (to live).  And be thankful -- appreciative, giving praise to God always" (Colossians 3:13-15, Amp).  We are called by God to be responsible as His people and to conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of our divine vocation.  We cease to be His ambassadors and representatives when we conduct ourselves otherwise. 

            There is only one Gospel of one Lord.  There is only one church of divine nature that has one faith.  At present we live and serve the Lord in Honduras, Central America.  Although I am a North American by natural birth, my supernatural birth gives me a Heavenly Father, Who is neither an American nor a Honduran.  Those who are washed in the Blood of the Lamb all have the same Heavenly Father.  Hallelujah!  "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, appeal and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the (divine) calling to which you have been called -- with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service living as becomes you -- with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness); with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.  Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of (produced by) the Spirit in the binding power of peace.  (There is) one body and one Spirit, just as there is also one hope (that belongs) to the calling you received.  (There is) one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of (us) all, Who is above all (Sovereign over all), pervading all and (living) in (us) all" (Ephesians 4:1-6, Amp).  In Chapter Four of Ephesians, we can get another good overview of God's divine plan for His divine organism which exists under His divine unity of His Holy Spirit.  We see Jesus, the Head of His church (vs. 15), calling us, His one body, by His one and only Spirit, to our divine faith in Him our only Lord (vss 4-5) under our one and only God and Father (vs. 6).  That is unity with a capital "U".  If that isn't enough, He desires to equip us and develop us until we all attain oneness in the faith and the knowledge of Him, the Son of God, and to complete our personalities to His own standard or perfection, the fullness of His stature (vs. 13).  He has this goal for every one of us.  Praise His Holy Name!  He has not called us to be in strife with one another, but rather to strive earnestly to harmonize and be one in the Spirit and in peace (vs. 3). "For because of Him, the whole body (the church, in all its various parts closely) joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part (with powers adopted to its need) is working properly (in all its functions), grows to full maturity, building itself up in love: (vs. 16, Amp).  Machinery made by the hands of men does not function well unless all the parts are working together in harmony.  How much more important it is that we, the divine organism of God, function and flow together in harmony? 

            Many of us use the excuse that we are imperfect, fallible vessels.  This in itself is true, but we must never forget that we have been recreated with a destiny of perfection in Christ Jesus.  Unless we accept this truth and exercise our faith in God's goal for us as His people, we will always fall short of our divine potential.  When we fail to reflect the correct image, we must look unto Jesus, Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, and Who is the best example to follow. "So by whatever (appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever) strengthening and consoling and encouraging (our relationship) in Him (allows), by whatever participation in the (Holy) Spirit (we share) and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy, fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.  Do nothing from factional motives -- through contentiousness, strife, selfishness or for unworthy ends -- or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance.  Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself -- thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves.  Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.  Let this same attitude and purpose and (humble) mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.  Let Him be your example in humility..." (Philippians 2:1-5, Amp). 

            Many years ago the Holy Spirit spoke to me this simple word.  "Unity before revival."  Some few years later He spoke to me, "Humility before unity."  The key to unity is for us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.  Then and only then will we experience the divine unity that will bring His final outpouring of His revival fires upon the earth.  The world is waiting to see the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19). 

LET US ALLOW HIM TO WORK IN US SO THAT HE MIGHT WORK THROUGH US.  TO HIM BE ALL THE GLORY!  AMEN! 

THE DIVINE POTENTIAL

            The word "divine" has been constantly used in all these thoughts and principles which have been shared up to this point. In His divine organism, the church, there is the divine flow that brings forth the divine unity; that results in reaching the divine potential.  Hallelujah!

            We can certainly understand that the word "human" carries with it limitations, while the word "divine" has no limitation. What is divine potential?  It is the potential that is completely unlimited, incomprehensible, and infinite in nature.  That is the definition of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ: the divine organism, the body of Christ, completely unlimited, incomprehensible and infinite in nature.  Glory!

            When we mediate on the manifold purpose of God to save mankind from eternal destruction and perishing, hopefully we can see just what we have received from such a great salvation.  We, who have been saved by grace and washed in the Blood of Jesus, should have an attitude of gratitude to our Lord.  We should desire to please Him by seeing His Great Commission fulfilled on the earth. We have been rescued, so that we can help rescue others.  We have been saved to serve! God, in His divine plan, is interested in every human being that has lived, that will live, and that is living now at this very moment.  Amazing as it seems, His divine plan is designed to involve those of us who have received His mercy and love, so that we can participate in the perpetuation of this divine process. Jesus' Great Commission is very simple, but requires participation on our part.  Go forth and preach the Gospel to all; teach my ways and principles; call all to repentance in My Name, and make disciples of all the nations; heal the sick, cast out devils, feed the poor, clothe the naked, etc.  Jesus spoke these commands to us, who believe in Him as our personal Savior and Lord, to be responsible and be active in this "co-mission." 

            A soldier in any army is constantly in training and preparation for missions which involve active participation of each member of that military unit.  If any one of the soldiers fails to do his part, the fact is that lives can be lost and the mission can fail to accomplish its potential, purpose, and goal.  It is exactly the same in the Kingdom of God, however, much more critical in nature.  His mission or commission for His church is for spiritual territories and dominions to be conquered and for people to be restored and brought into fellowship with God.  When we, as the church, don't reach our potential then lives are lost and people perish.  Does this motivate you to be serious about the divine plan for the divine organism?  

            The purpose in writing in detail about the divine flow and divine unity is so that we can see more clearly our divine potential.  Without the flow and unity in the body of Christ, the corporate potential cannot be reached.  Whether we are serving the Lord in a local body of believers or serving the Lord in some far distant land, the principles remain the same. The potential of God is unlimited for each of us.  God's love is so great! He is truly no respecter of persons and each place and people are of equal importance to Him.  What God can do in one place, through His church, He can do in every place.  The key that opens the door is our decision to cooperate, to participate, and most importantly, to obey the Master.  Amen! 

            What part we may play in His plan is not the most important factor, for we all have our part to play. The most important factor is that we appropriate the maximum supernatural resources that we can receive and that we know and understand His will individually.  This allows us to reach His potential corporately. 

            As one chorus says, "It is beautiful beyond description to marvelous for words" to have been saved from our sins, freed from our oppressions, healed of our sicknesses, rescued from our dilemmas and filled with His Holy Spirit.  All of these benefits are part of His covenant promises to us who believe. But as Jesus said, "I did not come to be ministered to, but to minister".  In other versions it is made even clearer what our purpose should be as servants of God.  "For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many -- the price paid to set them free" (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Amp).  It did not cost us anything to receive the salvation of God.  We only had to believe in Him.  That is why we are not saved by works but by grace through faith.  It is a gift of God (See Ephesians 2:8).  It will not enhance our position in God in relation to “salvation” whether we serve God or not. But what we are speaking of is active service, not just living a "good Christian life".  To carry this thought one step further, let's see what Jesus actually said to His disciples when they asked Him about their works.  "They then said, What are we to do that we may (habitually) be working the works of God? -- What are we to do to carry out what God requires? -- Jesus replied, this is the work (service) that God asks of you, that you believe in the one whom He has sent -- that you cleave to, trust, rely on and have faith in His Messenger" (John 6:28-29, Amp).  Brethren, we cannot say that we are cleaving to, trusting in, relying on, and exercising faith in our Jesus and ignore His word to "go forth".  Furthermore, we cannot do one single thing to please Him without faith (See Hebrews 11:6). 

             Without trust and reliance we can't move one inch to participate in His divine strategy.  If we believe that we are forgiven, have eternal life, and that we are healed and delivered, etc. This is good, but we do not believe or obey Him unless we follow Him by paying the price so that others may be set free.  This will require constant decisions, efforts, and sacrifices.  "And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me let him deny himself -- that is disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself -- and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (that is, cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and if need be in dying also.)" (Luke 9:23, Amp).  To reach this divine potential will cost us everything that is ours (which is precious little, by the way).  We will lose nothing of great value to gain everything of true value.  Men and women have set great and glorious goals for themselves in the world to reach their potential.  Many are willing to sacrifice their families, friends, health and well being to gain their desires of fame and fortune.  The sad thing is, as Solomon says, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun and behold, all is vanity, a striving after wind and feeding on wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14, Amp).  Is the Kingdom of God and His plan for His people important to us?  Are we willing to pay this divine price to reach the divine potential?  Lord, let it be so with us! 

            God has a divine strategy to reach His divine potential in every place on the earth.  By and through the Holy Spirit, we must realize and recognize what this strategy and plan is for each one of us.  For example, His potential will never be reached by our going about soliciting members for our churches, by building great structures, by exalting men and women, by trying to raise funds for our projects and programs, or by any other carnal means.  His potential will only be reached as we are faithful to His Gospel and His Kingdom by investing all of our resources into people. Jesus paid the supreme price at Calvary for people and people alone. 

            As has been mentioned many times, we must submit to Jesus, Who is the Head of the church, to see the divine potential reached in and through us, His body.  There could be many of us who are waiting until we can get a certain number of people to support our ministry before we obey God.  There are others of us who could be waiting until we have sufficient facilities to accomplish "a world wide outreach."  Brethren, God doesn't accomplish His purposes within the limited framework of our ideas and concepts.  We must enlarge our vision and extend our faith so that He may be glorified.  How many started out in the army of Gideon?  It was some 32,000 men.  They were greatly outnumbered by an enemy of 120,000.  God's strategy was to reduce the army instead of increase its number.  What was the final count?  It was only Gideon and 300 faithful men who went forth to victory because God had a strategy and Gideon and those with him followed it.  

             Jesus started out His earthly ministry with 12 and then later 70 more were added.  From the Word of God we can follow the lives of some of the disciples and can see that some disciples turned away from Him (See John 6:66).  After Jesus resurrection He appeared, according to the scriptures, to more than 500 brethren (See I Corinthians 15:6).  Of these there were only 120 faithful followers who were obediently tarrying in Jerusalem waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit and following the instructions of the Lord.  After the Day of Pentecost, we see in the Word of God the testimonies of some of these 120 people.  What is the final analysis of all of these examples?  God's potential can only be reached through His obedient ones.  It is not what we think or what way we go, but the ways and thoughts of the Lord that really matter.  "For My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways My ways says the Lord; For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9, Amp).   

            Brethren when it comes to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, God has not kept us in the dark.  From the time  Jesus announced to His disciples that He would build His church, and from its inception in the book of Acts, its early development in the epistles, and its culmination in this present day, even as depicted in Revelation, the Holy Spirit has been revealing His divine plan and potential for the body of Christ.  We must follow His plan and His flow to reach His goal!  Our personal experiences in our Christian lives and in the body of Christ do not necessarily prove things out to be true or false from God's perspective.  Only if we are following Jesus' example and those who followed Him, can we expect to have the same type of experiences.  Are we experiencing what our brethren experienced in the Book of Acts, etc.?  If not, are we willing to examine ourselves instead of blaming others for our failures?  As one dear brother says, "Let's learn to place our fingers on our own noses and say, there's no problem in heaven with the Father, nor the Son, nor the Holy Ghost, so it can only be where my finger is resting at the moment."  This takes humility and honesty and a desire to repent of our ways and go God's ways. 

            Hopefully, I can encourage you with a personal testimony.  Some 15 years ago, the Lord raised up a local congregation in the rural community where my family and I lived. This was a new beginning and it actually began in our home. According to Paul and others we read about in the Word, there were new beginnings and congregations of believers who met in homes.  Let me say very sincerely that where a local church meets is not the issue. The issue is what is the result and outcome of these gatherings.  At the time that the Lord chose to raise up this group, I had been serving the body of Christ and answering the call of God as a part of a denominational group.  Due to the traditions and doctrines of men, the divine potential was not being reached in that congregation.  I was also actively participating in a Christian businessmen's ministry and in a bible teaching center in the capital city some 35 miles away from our community. I was seeing many wonderful and exciting things happen during those days and was content in some ways to continue along those same paths.  Then the Holy Spirit challenged me with some very abrupt changes and instructed me to cease serving in all these areas.  If He had not challenged me, I might still have been in some of these same areas of service instead of where God intended for me to be.  Thank God!  He calls us outward and upward!  Hallelujah!  We need to be hungry and open to seek what is His will.  Amen!  We have expressions in the world such as "good", "better" and "best".  We can be involved in good things for God, while seeking better things and pressing on, by His grace, to arrive at His best.  You see, "learning to be content", as Paul said in Philippians 4:11, and becoming satisfied and settling down in our present state are two entirely different things. 

            From the beginning of the call of God on my life, I realized that God chooses vessels to work through.  We should never feel worthy or be haughty about God choosing us.  It is only by His grace that we can reach His potential.  "But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God.  (This is) because the foolish thing (that has its source in) God is wiser that men, and the weak thing (that springs from) God is stronger than men.  For (simply) consider your own case brethren; not many (of you were considered to be) wise, according to human estimates and standards, not many influential and powerful, not many of high and noble birth (No) for God selected -- deliberately chose -- what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame.  And God also selected -- deliberately chose -- (what) in the world is low born and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are; so that no mortal man should (have pretense for glorying and) boast in the presence of God" ( I Corinthians 1:24-29, Amp). 

            As we began to meet together in our house and then from house to house, following the New Testament church principles and patterns, we began to experience the same New Testament church results. God was adding to the church daily those that were being saved.  God began to raise up men and women to serve in this local body and we began to reach out in our “Jerusalem and surrounding areas".  There was a migration of people in and out of the local body, as is always the case no matter where or what size group may exist. People were drawn by the Holy Spirit to have some of their needs met and to began anew and afresh to follow God's plan for their lives.  It was during this time that the Lord spoke a word to me that I didn't fully understand.  It was only later that I began to see the wisdom of what He spoke.  He said, "Many will come here for a season and a reason.  Do not be concerned about the comings and goings, only minister My love to those that come."  This didn't sound very positive or encouraging because we all like to see "church growth" humanly speaking, but we must learn to see growth on God's terms.  What is true growth?  Kingdom growth?  Church growth? It is changed lives!  Hallelujah! 

            God desires life-long commitment to His church, which results in constant personal and corporate growth.  You may ask, as many do, "Why do some come and why do some go?” I believe that down through the years I have come more and more to understand.  Let me give you some considerations: 

            First:  As we continue to follow the patterns and principles laid out by the Word of God, and the direction of the Holy Spirit, some choose not to accept the challenges that are put before them to grow up, mature, and follow Jesus as one of His disciples.  We discussed the price that we must be willing to pay to follow Him.  Amen! 

            Secondly:  When we fail to flow continually in His divine flow, some are caused to stumble and are discouraged and hurt.  Since we are responsible for these carnal mistakes, I am greatly grieved in my spirit for the victims of our errors.  Let me say right now, however, that no situation lends itself for believers to "throw in the towel" or “give up on the church.” Our Lord is the restorer of the breach and we should allow this restoration to take place. 

            Thirdly: Since freedom should be available to all without conditions such as "membership", "compelled financial obligations" or other types of formal commitments, some can come from other local bodies to have special needs met and for personal restoration. Some of these brethren eventually return to their original groups, desiring to be an asset to their congregations upon returning. (We are not talking about those who go back to "Egypt" or continue in some form of religious bondage, but about those who are seeking God and find some personal freedom and liberty in the Spirit, and who want to share these benefits with others.) 

            And lastly:  As we continue to help prepare and train one another, some people are “sent out” by the Holy Spirit and the church resulting in some positive dispersion.  Praise the Lord! 

            As I began serving as a pastor and elder of this local congregation I was dedicated to this task the best I knew how.   After a few years I began to feel my eyes being lifted to other fields.  Here is where divine vision is important.  You see, we can have a limited vision (not a heavenly vision) or we can have His divine vision which makes His divine potential possible.  During those years of pastoral ministry, I was mainly concerned about serving the sheep of the local church that I was a part of.  I also began to understand more clearly that we all have seasons and purposes in God's plan.  As I have stated before, these seasons and purposes not only affect us individually, but also affect us corporately.  Suddenly, God began to call us and open doors for us to serve Him in another country. I continue to appreciate seeing His plan unfold through His divine potential. 

            As I have previously testified, I have been content while serving in each area of God's calling on my life, but there is always a stirring of the Holy Ghost in me to reach out to God's potential, Hallelujah!  During this time of pastoral ministry, I had no desire or intention of leaving the local body.  I was consumed and greatly fulfilled with the opportunities of serving the local church.  But as God stirred me more and more for Honduras, Central America, where we now live and serve, I was no longer content to continue to serve in the local area.  I had no natural desire to leave my family, local church, house, lands, etc; but to reach His potential, I saw then and see more now, that we must always be willing to do what He says, when He says it, where He says it, and with whom He says.  I must say to you that I do not feel that I have reached some spiritual plateau but only to say as Paul said, "Not that I have now attained (this ideal) or am already made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus, the Messiah, has laid hold of me and made me His own" (Philippians 3:12 Amp).  Right at this moment you may be thinking "but what about all those mistakes that you admitted to making?"  Let me say to you very sincerely that the mistakes and errors I have made while pursuing the plan of God for my life have caused pain and grief, but I can truly say again, along with Paul, "I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet).  But one thing I do -- it is my one aspiration; forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward" (Philippians 3:13-14, Amp). 

            You see, dearly beloved, there has to remain in our sight the divine goal and the divine potential of the divine organism of which we are a part.  Hallelujah!  I have also had the privilege and joy of witnessing this divine process in many local congregations. 

            This is the divine process.  Because there is always a need for the Lord in every locality, and when the Good News of the glorious Gospel comes, people are changed by God's power and God raises up a local congregation of saints. As the discipling process begins in this group and as it continues, people are sent out of this local congregation by the Holy Spirit to repeat this divine cycle. This is the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Glory to God!  It all sounds simple enough and it is simple, but it is divine and supernatural from the beginning to the end. 

            I can not finish my testimony today, because the Lord Jesus has not finished His plan for me yet, but I can say that His plan will be the best plan for my life.  It will be the best plan for my life and for your life if we can only believe in the divine potential that lies ahead.  "As the Scripture says, what eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and has not entered into the heart of man, (all that) God has prepared- made and keeps ready- (that is, for those who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed)" (I Corinthians 2:9, Amp).  Let us as His divine organism allow Him to flow and work in us and through us to reach His divine potential for His glory and His honor.  Lord, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. 

            I THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER FOR REVEALING THESE TRUTHS AND FOR THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.  I PRAY FOR EVERY PERSON THAT READS THESE WRITINGS THAT THEY WILL HEAR WHAT YOUR SPIRIT IS SAYING TO YOUR CHURCH.  I THANK YOU FATHER, THAT YOU PLACED JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, AS HEAD OF YOUR CHURCH AND I THANK YOU THAT HE IS BUILDING IT, EVEN AT THIS MOMENT, TO BE YOUR GLORIOUS, DIVINE ORGANISM THAT WILL ACCOMPLISH YOUR DIVINE PURPOSE HERE ON THE EARTH UNTIL THE END OF THE AGE.  HELP US, EMPOWER US, AND EQUIP US TO FLOW IN YOUR DIVINE FLOW OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DO OUR PART TO SPREAD YOUR GOSPEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.  I PRAY THIS IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN. 

Buddy Axley
March 9, l993
Valle de Angeles
Honduras, Central America

A LATER WORD

March 1, 1994

            It has been almost a year since these writings were finished and because many things have transpired that pertain to what I have shared previously, I wish to add the following:

            As we are in the latter days of the church age, all of us who are seriously seeking God are aware of the many dealings that the Lord has begun on the earth, particularly in His Body of believers.  We are in a day of final preparation which includes purging, purifying, and character building in our lives as Christians.  These, of course, are both individual dealings and corporate dealings.

            During the last six months it was necessary for the Lord Jesus to disperse the local church that we had been a part of and sent out of.  I had mentioned in my personal testimony in the portion dealing with the divine potential that the Lord began, developed, and used this local church for 15 years in His overall strategy and plan.  However, because of a lack of repentance individually and corporately, it was necessary for the Lord to remove His lampstand from this local congregation.  Although it was a grievous event for all concerned, mostly for the Lord Himself, I feel compelled to share it with you.  I hope we can always learn from our disobedience and allow God to restore us and use us once again in His Kingdom work.  We must be willing to be humble and honest if we are to finish the course with God.

            There are always scriptural principals that apply to every phase of church development and history.  This is so because the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is the same today, as it was yesterday, in purpose and vision.  This is so because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  We must heed the Lord's counsel through His Word realizing that it applies to us today just as it applied to the church when it was first spoken to them by the Holy Spirit.  We must always hear what the Spirit is saying to the church (See Revelation 2:7, 11, 29: 3:6, 13, 22).  We must be willing to examine ourselves to see if we are guilty of soiling our garments and if so, to run quickly to the Lord with repentant hearts and allow Him to forgive us and to restore us.  Hallelujah!

            Let us look at the message that Jesus gave to the churches found in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3.  I have noticed in my dealings with many church groups which were in different stages of development that they have exhibited the same characteristics that we find here in these scriptures.  Let me say to begin with, as a matter of truth, that in every local church that the Lord raises up there are always good things happening in the beginning.  Souls are being saved, peoples' lives are being changed on a daily basis, the fruit of the Spirit is being manifested, and growth and maturity is coming to pass so that the church may continue to participate in the Great Commission and the extension of the Kingdom of God on the earth.  You may be thinking that this goes without being said; but I can tell you very sincerely that when a local church begins to enter into some of the traps and maladies stated here in Revelation by the Lord, the purpose and vision that Jesus has for that local expression of His church can be quickly and easily lost.

            We must receive one key word in our hearts if we are going to reach the potential God has for us as Christians.  That word is repentance.  Now that is not just a word, but an action.  It is the word that the Lord Jesus gave the churches in Revelation and that He gives to His church today.  It always requires action on our part.  Repentance is turning away from our carnal course of action to God's divine course of action.  It is change.  It is changing our minds and attitudes to the will and purpose of God.

            In the congregations of the saints there are those who are obedient and those who are disobedient.  We must decide, at all cost, to obey God and be doers of His Word, particularly in the daily dealings in the life of the local church.  Jesus is very merciful and long suffering with us but we must not be ignorant and resistant to His warnings for He will have the last word concerning the church.  It is His church and man will have to yield to His lordship one way or the other.

            In Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, we find Jesus simply stating the conditions He found in each local church and in what ways the churches were to continue or in what ways they were to repent so that their purposes might be completed and their final rewards given.  Please take note that while Jesus recognized the good in some of the churches, He did not excuse these same churches from being responsible to correct the bad.  This is where we are deceived many times. We only want to concentrate on the good things that are going on.  Praise God for the good, but it is nothing more than pride if we are not willing to recognize that which is displeasing to the Lord in our midst.

            Revelation 2:1-7 (please read) depicts the condition of the local church in Ephesus.  It was a church of industry and activity in the Spirit with patient endeavor.  It was intolerable of false messengers and wicked men and hated false doctrines.  It had not become weary or exhausted for His Name sake but in the midst of all of these positive points Jesus stated that they had left Him as their first love and had fallen from great heights.  Jesus warned them that unless there was repentance and a return to their previous work and condition, He would come and remove their lampstand.  Maybe you have never studied what the lampstand is to the local church.  According to Revelation 1:20, the lampstand is the local church itself.  That is to say that Jesus can decide to cease to allow us to effectively exist in a locale if we will not repent.  Some historians say that the church at Ephesus was 40,000 strong.  This I don't know, but in Turkey today, where the church at Ephesus was and where all the other six churches were, these local churches do not exist.  In fact, it is against the law in Turkey to preach the Gospel and congregate.  It is an apostate nation today.  If Jesus would warn a church of 40,000 to repent or else, what do you think He would say to us today?

            In Revelation 2:12-17 (please read), Jesus recognized that the church at Pergama was holding fast to His Name and not denying the faith, even in the midst of Satan worship that was going on all around them. Due to these difficult situations, the church had allowed false doctrines to enter in and Jesus called them to repentance. He said that if they didn't repent, He would fight against those who were practicing these doctrines.  No one would expect a local church to flourish and be blessed if they had the Lord fighting against them.

            In Revelation 2:18-29 (please read), we find Jesus dealing with the church located at Thyatira. He stated that this church was operating in faith, love, long suffering, and in serving each other and that they were accomplishing more of recent than of before. This was certainly to their credit, wouldn't you say?  However, in the midst of all of this was an intolerable element.  A Jezebel woman, a false prophetess, was in their midst and was leading astray some of the members of this local church.  The Lord will not tolerate ungodly, destructive, and divisive forces that control His church; nor can we tolerate these forces either.  He gave them time to repent, but He said He would bring His judgment if there was no change.  Because of a fear of "losing members", etc., many churches today are tolerating these same types of spiritual forces in their midst.  We must hold fast to the Truth until He comes.  Amen!

            In Revelation 3:1-6 (please read), the Lord deals with the church located at Sardis which was dead and asleep spiritually.  Only a few in this church had remained awake and been faithful, so the Lord took note of this fact.  Believe me brothers and sisters the Lord Jesus takes note of each one of us individually, although we are parts of the local congregation.  He dealt with this dying, sleeping church, corporately calling them to account; but He also recognized each one of them individually, and the part they were playing within the church.  We must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts in whatever environment we may find ourselves in and always be faithful to Him.

            In Revelation 3:14-22 (please read), the Lord is revealing an abominable condition of lukewarmness that existed in the church at Laodicea.  This same condition of lukewarmness exists today in many churches, sad to say.  It comes from an attitude of self-sufficiency and satisfaction that is diabolical in nature.  In the Lord's call to repentance here, He emphasizes His great love for His people and lets us see His purpose in reproof, correction and discipline. We need to hear what He says to us, His church. He is knocking on the door of our hearts and desiring to come in and fellowship with us.  HE WANTS TO RESTORE US!

            By now you may see why the Lord must deal with each local church, according to the need. I would hope that you would also note the rewards that the Lord has for those who are faithful to Him and who are quick to repent.  Hallelujah!  Take a moment to read over them as found in: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28: 3:5, 10, 12 & 21.

            Where does this leave us today?  Do you think we have the same responsibilities and accountabilities as did these churches?  If we believe that the Word of God is active and living then it should convince us spirit, soul, and body that the answer is yes.  That is why the Lord deals with each local church so that they may be built up and established to accomplish His purpose.  If they cease to accomplish His purpose in a certain locality then He is under no obligation to endorse their existence. Things may be held together in a carnal way such as keeping the building doors open with scheduled services, etc., but it will no longer be part of God's overall strategy on the earth.  There will be no presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the congregation and an 'ICHABOD' (God has lifted His presence) condition will exist.

            Where does this leave the members of the local church and the people of the local community?  God alone knows the hearts of the people both within and without the church.  One thing is for sure, He is not limited by the success or failure of a local body of believers to respond to His will.  He has promised that the Gospel will be preached unto all the earth, unto all the nations, and to every creature before the end comes (See Matthew 24:14).  Whether or not a local area has sufficiently heard or not only the Lord knows.  For that reason, He may disperse one group and raise up another in its place; or He may not choose to replace one because of the rejection of the Gospel or the hardness of heart of the people in that locale.  Because of His great mercy, the Lord always has a remnant of people everywhere that would bear true testimony and witness to His Name.  As far as the members of a local church are concerned, the Lord Jesus, Who is the Great Shepherd of the sheep, will relocate and restore His people, who cry out to Him, so that they may have the opportunity to finish their course.

            Again let me emphasize that to be able to continue on with the Lord, accomplishing His will and purpose for our lives, we must be willing to repent of any and all things that have caused problems in the local church where we are committed.  It is a great deception for us to think we can change locations and escape the dealings of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  It will eventually be dealt with either through our repentance or through the Lord's discipline and judgment.  Remember, a little leaven leavens the whole lump (See Galatians 5:9).  We must decide to be lumped together as one and not be those who always create problems in the local church.  Be a holy lump, not unholy leaven!  Amen!

             For those whom the Holy Spirit has sent out of a local church, which has been our case for the last 11 years, there is a certain grace that is given to be separated by physical distance from the local congregation.  This by no means indicates that there is no consequence for those who are out laboring in other fields if a local church is failing. They will lack the prayer, agreement, assistance, and help that came from their local church. They will lack that treasured fellowship that was available when they return to their local area from time to time.  They will lack the intimacy that they once had with that body of believers; but in spite of all this, we all must finish the course.  God is faithful to us as we are faithful to Him no matter what occurs.  I would hope we could all say as Paul said, "I have fought the good (worthy and noble) fight:  I have finished the race; I have kept (firmly) the faith.  (As to what remains) henceforth there is laid up for me the (victor's) crown of righteousness -- for being right with God and doing right -- which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that (great) day; and not to me only but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return) (11 Timothy 4:7-8, Amp).

            Again, from a personal testimony standpoint, the dispersal of our local church which we were sent out of has left us with some temporary voids.  We do, however, enjoy fellowship, encouragement, and help from other local congregations that the Lord has connected us with as we see in the Word that Paul and other servants experienced.  This has seemed to increase, in our particular case, since the dispersal of our local church.  Nevertheless, we are concerned for the other members of our local church and for their need of fellowship.  We know that the Lord will provide this need as our brothers and sisters seek Him and press on with determination.  We are sure that whatever God has been able to do in the lives of the people of a local congregation, He will enable them to contribute wherever they may congregate and serve in the future.

            As for our local community, we continue to pray for a strong witness for Jesus to be present and for all the people who live there to open their hearts to God.

            When some part of the church fails this does not cause all the church to fail. We have a great promise from the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  "I will build my church and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it -- or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it." (Matthew 16:18 (b), Amp).

            We are the church and wherever we find ourselves in this world, we should represent Him.  Let's press on to the high mark of calling in Christ Jesus.  Glory to God!

Love to all in Jesus,
Buddy and Nellie Axley.