Exalted With Christ · Thursday, September 19th · Pastor Chris For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren (Hebrews 2:11). In Mathew 11:11, the Master said: "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." It’s important for us to understand that the underlined portion above says, "he that is least in the kingdom of heaven…" and not "…he that is least in the kingdom of God…." You might want to ask, "Is there a difference between the "Kingdom of God" and the "Kingdom of heaven?" the answer is "Emphatically yes!" Both expressions: "the Kingdom of God" and "the Kingdom of Heaven," though synonymously used, are clearly different. The Kingdom of God refers to all that’s under the influence of the Almighty God in heaven and on earth. The Kingdom of heaven, on the other hand, has to do with the work of Jesus Christ in the earth; it’s actually the extension of the Kingdom of God in the earth, headed by Jesus. The Kingdom of heaven is the Church, of which we’re a part. So when Jesus said, he that is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist, He was talking about us—those who are joint-heirs with Him. We’re greater because we’re the body of Christ; and each one of us has been exalted to sit together with Christ at the right hand of power: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-6). Our greatness isn’t the result of human associations, but a function of our oneness with Him; we have the same life with Him, having been born of His Word and His Spirit. We’re associates of the God-kind; we’re inextricably united with Him: "…he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:17). Confession I’m a joint-heir with Christ; everything He has belongs to me, and my life is for His glory. I walk in boldness and confidence today, conscious of my inextricable union with Him. Halleluiah! Further study: John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. ; John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Daily Scripture Reading 1 Year Reading Plan : Galatians 3:26-4:1-20, Obadiah 2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 23:34-43, 2 Samuel 11-12
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:37:18 +0000
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