Paul Says It…

SUN., JAN. 2, 1994, 6:48 AM
FARM, STUDY

One of the apostle Paul’s most clear themes, in his letters to churches he has organized, is that they have been chosen, by God, to hear story of Jesus and to believe. How could he feel otherwise? His own experience was so dramatic and so life-changing, and, in all honesty, he could not affirm that he, with free will, just decided. As an ardent Pharisee Saul was fervent in his attacks upon those who were straying from the Hebrew faith and believing that this Jesus, who was crucified, was the promised Messiah.

Then, as Jesus and as Spirit, I came to him, called him by name, and struck him blind. I took his zeal and transformed it, and as his eyes were finally opened he had become My most ardent servant. He knew this was no rational decision. He had been chosen, and he now had a new life… and a new life work. I needed him. I chose him. I called him. He simply could not refuse My call.

Thus, he felt comparably about those who heard his message about the risen Christ and the grace that came with his miracle… and believed. He believed and he told them that they had been chosen to believe… to know the truth… that this was the Lord God’s most significant act. He, the Christ, had died for them, and He, the Almighty Father, had returned life to His Son, and all who accepted this and told others about it are saved for eternal life with this God, Who is now Two. (I wasn’t included yet as an Equal, even as I was the One Who brought and reinforced that fundamental truthful message.

And you notice, don’t you, that My title for this Teaching is “Paul says it…” rather than Paul said it… The message in this Scripture to be read and preached this morning is directed to you and to all others in the congregation, with the same strength and power as it came to those at Ephesis. This letter is an historical document, but, more importantly, it is a means by which I call people to My service on this day, in this church and in any others in which this Word is read.

Those who hear and believe are those who have been called, from the beginning of time, to be among those who will be with Christ forever. The word that I laid upon Paul was that I, as the Christ, would come again soon and bring all of the chosen together with Me. There are three explanations for the fact this this didn’t happen: “soon” is longer than Paul expected… this message was appropriate for Paul and a means to help churches stay together… or… I changed My mind.

The best answer is that there is a mystical union and reunion of souls who have come to Me, which is not limited by life in the earth. Earth life continues, and more come to Me in each generation… and just continue with Me as they come into this realm. (Finish this after this morning’s sermon.)

(7:30 AM – (Sun) 12:31 PM)

You were a bit disappointed that My servant Jack didn’t emphasize what I did in the first 2 pages of this Teaching. Even though he himself was called to ministry he chose not to put that call in stark Calvinistic terms. Instead he emphasized the necessity of living the Gospel or Good News message. It is not sufficient to declare or preach truths that I, as Jesus, and others in the Biblical entourage, offered. What is crucial is that you live these truths, so that others can see them in your daily life.