for those around the Seattle / Puget Sound area - or if you're open to coming out this way! - there will be an area picnic on Aug 14 for all the churches who can make it. You can find details here: http://www.simplechurchseattle.com/viewtopic.php?f=…
Page,
Thank you for the invite. I was invited by a friend of mine from Portland, OR as well. As I told him I couldn't make it since I work that day. It would be nice to go. I did mentioned to few brothers here and will mentioned it again at next meeting.
Thanks again and God bless,
bro. Bob
Yesterday while helping another brother sort through some household items there was a certain furnishing that kept being brought to my attention which I believe just might be the answer to this question of yours:
What do you think is a healthy view of our role in his plan of salvation for his creation?
sorry if my train of thought is derailing;^D But yes, may the Lord grant us a relentless and earnest spirit to press on toward the mark for the prize.
You ask:What do you think is a healthy view of our role in his plan of salvation for his creation? What is a proper pespective on us being made in his image; of being temples of the Holy Spirit?
Me: I believe the only healthy view and perspective are the Lord's, and I'm under the impression that He's wanting us to see with Him. His people perish because of a lack of vision, His. Obviously our most generous Father has something most magnificent in mind for the saints, seeing that He chose us in His Son before the foundations of the world.
Page, you say:While yes, it's all about Jesus, but on the other hand, Jesus is so into his bride as well.
Me: Can't argue with that, but isn't the Last Adam's Eve the same as the first Adam's.....of HIS flesh and of HIS bones? Can't it be said that the Bride is an extension of Him? Doesn't her character and come from Him?
However,I do see that God views us as most precious, because originally we were created in His image and likeness, and because of that He's divinely invited us into joint participation with His Son(1Cor1:9), which He hasn't with His angels. That's why they are most curious1Pet1:12
And concerning being the temple of God....I believe that is a collective thing. WE are the temple of God......but then that all fades away in the New Jerusalem where there is no temple, for God Almighty is it's temple, even the Lamb. Could it be that we are so immersed in Christ that it's only HIM?
I think we're on the same *page*, Page. I just wonder how much of the effort that's being put forth is the arm of the flesh in *christian sleeves*.
You say: But I also believe there is profound blindness at work here. I'm no expert in these things, but it seems closely tied to the "boastful pride of life" - where we want to say "look what I did!"
Me: I'm wondering if there's a motive at work that's hidden from some folks; Their desire for quick results is akin to those on the plain of Shinar who made bricks and instead of waiting for them to dry in the sun they burned/baked them to speed up the process. And they are using bricks FOR stone. And they desire to build a city, and to make a name for themselves.
I went back and read your comment to the Rabbit and Elephant again. And again my thoughts????? I'm under the impression that we should be much before our gracious and generous Father to inquire of Him what His heart is truly set upon. And to ask Him to bring us into complete agreement and cooperation in seeing His desires met. And I'm wondering if it's in His rest that we find ourselves in complete agreement and cooperation with Him. Let us enter into God's rest. He's been at rest ever since His Son sat down at the right of His throne. And could it be that out of His rest, that His works which were accomplished from the foundations of the world, will be carried out and manifested in this realm in space and time. That we will find ourselves working alongside our Father IN His Son Christ Jesus.
howdy Page,
You asked about my thoughts on the matter...........I suppose we should consider the Lord's thoughts on the matter. Is He concerned about quick mulitiplication? Or is He concerned about maturity? At this moment I'm under the impression that *evangelism* will spring forth from the abundance of LIFE that's present IN the body.
And LIFE can only come by the illumination of the Spirit. It's not a matter of programs and formulas. I know a lot of folks out there believe they are commanded to *GO* because they read it in the scripture. And they fear being dis-obedient so they go and do whatever they think they're supposed to do. They make disciples after themselves. I believe this might be the *danger* that you spoke of.
The other day I couldn't help but notice how so many *members* at SC have the book cover of *Rabbit and Elephant* as their profile pic, which led me to click on the R&E link. I must say I truly appreciate the boldness you demonstrated in your comment to the *plug* of the book.