“If We Are The Body… ” (Pt.4) – 8/13/23 Worship Service
Stephen Streett
"If We Are The Body... " (pt.4)
Romans 12:1-5 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Many of you have heard Joye Percival and I speak of thin places, meaning a thin space between heaven and earth.” While we cannot manufacture these thin spaces, where heaven and earth meet, there are those sacred moments (some are practices) that are predictable and even promised “thin spaces.” God promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us; that where two or three gather in the name of Jesus, He is there with them; that “God inhabits the praises of His people” (Psalm 22:3 – the Hebrew word, “inhabits” is yashab which means to sit, settle, dwell, inhabit, and abide); that “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12); that if we ask, seek, and knock it will be given, we will find, and the door will be opened to us (Matthew 7:7); that God initiates, calling and knocking at the door and if we will hear and answer He will come in (Revelation 3:20); the reward of our loving obedience is God showing himself to us (John 14:21 — the word “show” means to reveal and manifest); to name a few.
These promises are so powerful and point to the power and presence of God and His revelation. It is in these “thin spaces” where the source of revelation (God Vision) is able to work and speak into our lives. It is in these “thin spaces” that we’re in a position spiritually to hear and see what God is wanting to say and show us.
The church struggles with the temptation to look to alternative sources or to make the moments and practices the point and purpose, when in fact they are merely a pathway to the point and purpose. It isn’t the singing, the praying, the gathering, the obeying, etc., that are the main experiences. It is where those take us, into the awareness and manifest presence and revelation of God! Revelation (God Vision) is the work of the Spirit. If we are not careful, we can easily find ourselves in a position of loving the work of the Lord more than the Lord of the work.” In the end, He is the vine, we are the branches, and apart from Him we can do nothing, not even have a clear or right vision.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
