VATIC Expressions
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
Where Does the Body Go From Here?
by Penny Ojeda
There is a pendulum in which we find ourselves. On that pendulum is the body of Christ. There is the conservative, the moderate/middle, and the liberal. They all look at each other and think the other is wrong.
The conservative can be so far “left” that they say, “if you aren’t doing what I am doing, then you are out of God’s will.” Some measure by tradition, others measure by the letter of the law. There are varying opinions or interpretations of the “original way” regarding external expressions of worshipping God, and not all agree on that. There are conservative people who fully believe in the living Word of God and the life-giving power to guide and heal, but they do not believe the Gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible are active today.
Then there are groups of those who focus on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and are not reading the full Word of God and, therefore, not discerning by the Word what is of Him, and what is not.
The liberal think they are free but are in “mixture” and compromise because they don’t really believe the Word of God as being the true Word of God, so they interpret it loosely without the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Instead, the spirit and opinion of man or the ways of the world is what guides them.
Where do you fit on the pendulum?
It will be so amazing to see the people of Christ’s Body have a balance of believing in the Word of God, and also operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A powerful group of people where unbiblical theology, tradition, and doctrines of demons or man will not hinder the truth of the Word or the active gifts of the Holy Spirit. I long to see Jesus’ Bride come together and be the people He has destined us be.
The following are scriptures about the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
1 Corinthians 12:27-31 AMP:
Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function]. So God has appointed some in the church [for His own use]: first apostles (special messengers); second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders); third teachers: then wonder-workers; then those with ability to heal the sick; helpers; administrators: (speakers in) different (unknown) tongues. Are all apostles (special messengers)? Are all prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God)? Are all teachers? Do all have the power of performing miracles? Do all possess extraordinary powers of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all –love].
1 Corinthians 14:1 AMP:
EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim; your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts) especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).
Hebrews 2:3-4 AMP:
How shall we escape [appropriate retribution] if we neglect and refuse to pay attention to such a great salvation [as is now offered to us, letting it drift past us forever]? For it was declared at first by the Lord (Himself), and it was confirmed to us and proved to be real and genuine by those who personally heard [Him speak]. [Besides this evidence] it was also established and plainly endorsed by God, Who showed His approval of it by signs and wonders and various miraculous manifestations of [His] power and by imparting the gifts of the Holy Spirit [to the believers] according to His own will.
Mark 16:17-18 AMP:
And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will get well.
John 10:37 AMP:
If I am not doing the works [performing the deeds] of My Father, then do not believe Me [do not adhere to Me and trust Me and rely on Me].
Will you believe?
© 2015 Penny Ojeda
Sunday, July 30, 2017, Desiree at klema33@***.com said:
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
This is very insightful, Penny! Great article. It comes through with your love and grace without compromising the truth. I pray for the day we arrive at the plumb line center - Jesus living through us completely.