In continuing our study of the coming kingdom of God and how we are called to build a highway for the kingdom, we will look at how we can expect the church to rise up to its purpose in these times. The church is the Lord's body, and what He does He will do through His church. If we want to be a part of what God is doing, it is fundamental that we find our part in His body and begin functioning in it.

We have briefly looked at some of the eschatological views developed from a historical perspective. However, we should keep in mind that not all of the Reformers held to the same views about the end-time fulfillment of biblical prophecies. Neither did the Catholic theologians all hold to the same views, and there is a diversity of views in almost every major camp of Christianity today. Why is this?

The next aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is “faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). As we have discussed, the characteristics of the Spirit are called “fruit” because it must be cultivated and grown. It takes faithfulness, which is demonstrated by endurance, for any of the fruit to be grown. But how is faithfulness grown? This is important for us to understand if we are going to bear any fruit.

Our goal is to see the apostolic faith restored to the church. However, as discussed, we must realize that we are not seeking to build another first century church, but the twenty-first century church. The church, as it is called to be, will be the most relevant entity on the earth to its times. It is only as the church has become out of step with the Lord that it has lagged behind in its relevance. Before continuing, we want to briefly look at one more prophecy that will help us to understand the times in which we live. Revelation 7:1-3 says:

This week we continue our study of the armor of God in Ephesians 6:17:

The teacher is the last of the five equipping ministries listed in Ephesians 4:11, but it is foundational for all of the other ministries. To equip others will require teaching as well as training and impartation. However, the teaching ministry is one that focuses on imparting the knowledge of God’s ways, especially as revealed through the Scriptures, by the Spirit.

     I have not ceased to be amazed at how I can share something in a service and immediately afterward people will come to me and have heard something entirely different from what I said. Often it is the very opposite of what I said. Long ago, I became convinced that it is not possible to say anything without it being misunderstood by some. I have concluded that this cannot be helped, and if you worry too much about it, you would not say anything. Even so, it is right to develop ours skills of communication to eliminate as much of this as possible. 

         Before proceeding to Revelation 5, we will conclude this part on the throne of God with a related truth from Hebrews 4:14-16:

         Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

This week we continue our study of the armor of God in Ephesians 6:15: