20/05/2013 - BLESSED AUTHORITY

• 
• 
• 
• 

For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—

II Corinthians 10:8

God has given us His authority to edify His people in the most holy faith. Although salvation is the greatest blessing that could have been granted to us, it is not enough to be saved; we must also grow in understanding, in the fulfillment of the mission we have been assigned with. In so doing, we will be successful here and throughout eternity.

The heavenly Father expects us to make use of this authority to proclaim the Gospel through preaching, through films and cartoons, songwriting, ministration of lessons to workers, advice, admonition and exhortation; in short, everything He tells us to do. We must watch and pray lest we drift away from this noble mission (Matthew 26:41), after all we have a responsibility to the flock the Lord has given us.

One must remember that the authority given to us is meant only for edification and not for the destruction of anyone. Those who are wise will be transformed by the words we speak. Unfortunately there are people who rebel, like Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16). On the other hand, the number of obedient servants is much higher, which gives us joy and strength to continue doing what we have been given.

Those who oppose the divine will seek their own destruction, but those who remain firm in the Lord will enjoy peace, they are given more missions as well as the ability to carry them out. We want a church full of good works, abounding with divine revelations and whose praise is directed to God. Against it the gates of hell will never prevail (Matthew 16:18), because this Church is edified by Jesus.

The biggest folly an individual can commit is to move away from God. The Bible says that he who isolates himself seeks his own desire, and it is not wise to rage against true wisdom (Proverbs 18:1). So, be careful! The enemy walks around you as a roaring lion (I Peter 5:8) and will do everything to devour you and rob you of eternal happiness. The attack of the evil one may come as a “good deal” that few are able to resist.

Everything the Father tells us to speak is for the edification of His people. So meditate on what has been ministered through the divine Word because that which you understand is the Lord’s voice that will deliver His people from the paths of the destroyer. God has an eternal purpose for your life, which is why He led you into getting to know the Gospel. Do not exceed the limits of what is written in the Holy Book.

Because we do not want to be embarrassed, we are striving to present the Lord with a pure church, clothed with good works; a church with nothing to be ashamed of. Our goal is to edify it for the glory of God!

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares