christT H E E X P E R I E N C E O F

I N P H I L I P P I A N S

NAME

CAMPUS

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FALL 2019

Friday

7:30 Message One

9:15 Depart for snacks and hotels

Saturday

Rise, get ready, eat breakfast

8:30 Depart for Event Center

8:45 Morning devotion fellowship

9:00 Personal morning devotion time with Jesus

9:30 Message Two

11:00 Break

11:15 Special Topic #1

12:15 Depart for Lunch/Recreation (Lucy Park)

Lunch, recreation, rest, study, hang out

4:15 Breakout Groups (@ hotels) 4:15 Break into groups and read assigned sections 5:00 Gather together and present sections to other groups

5:45 Dinner (@ hotels)

6:40 Depart for Event Center

7:00 Message Three

9:00 Depart for snacks and hotels

Conference overflow by campus (@ hotels)

Lord’s Day

Rise, get ready, eat breakfast

8:30 Depart for Event Center

8:45 Morning devotion fellowship

9:00 Personal morning devotion time with Jesus

9:30 Special Topic #2

10:45 Break

11:00 Message Four

12:15 Depart for Lunch

)

Songs 4

Messages 16

Message One - The Work of Christ for the Experience of Christ

Message Two – Living Christ to Magnify Him

Message Three – Gaining and Pursuing Christ

Message Four – Strengthening Our Experience of Christ

Material for Breakout Groups 24

Morning Devotion Fellowship 36

College Conference November 15-17, 2019

Table of Contents

4

Songs

Index of First Lines and Choruses

Above the waste and emptiness 6

All my life long I had panted 32

And the bread (and the bread) 22

And the light shines in the darkness 6

Are you washed in the blood 21

Arise, my soul, arise 5

As this life flows through me 27

Before the throne of God above 20

Christ has come to be life 27

Come, Thou Fount 8

Do come, oh, do come 19

Drink! A river pure and clear 19

Everyone who thirsts 10

Fill my spirit up 41

Forgetting the things which are behind 1

God has called us for His purpose 44

God of peace now crushes Satan 29

Hallelujah! I have found Him 32

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing 21

How marvelous! How wonderful! 17

I am the living bread 22

I give my heart to Thee 3

I stand amazed in the presence 17

I want to be filled 34

I was lost, now I’m found again! 33

I’m gonna praise God unceasingly 37

I’m so happy here 33

I’m walking down the road 28

I’ve kissed the Son 39

I'm pressing on the upward way 45

In Christ alone my hope is found 30

Jacob saw the vision of a dream in Bethel 2

Jesus Lord, I’m captured by Thy beauty 16

Jesus, O living Word of God 43

Just taste and see that the Lord is good 36

Lord Jesus, You’re lovely 23

Lord, I just love You 26

Lord, lift me up, and let me stand 45

Loving as the moments fly 7

My hope is built on nothing less 11

Noah’s life was one that surely changed 35

Now in our spirit we can feed 37

Now the Lord is the Spirit 24

O Lord! Amen! 24

Oh! Precious is the flow 9

Oh, may a clear controlling vision 44

Oh, what a mystery! 4

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand 11

Pursue Him 1

Seek ye first the kingdom of God 31

Shout Hosanna, all ye people 29

Simply loving every day 7

So I will drink, drink, drink 34

So, why not open up and call His name 15

Spring up, O well, within my spirit! 10

The church is the building up 38

The gift of righteousness 15

The steadfast love of the Lord 18

Then John…saw the vision 2

There is a fountain filled with blood 25

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall 13

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water 14

This is the year of jubilee 12

Until we all arrive 42

What can wash away my sin 9

What things were gains to me 40

With the brothers and the sisters 28

Would you choose to be a living overcomer 35

5

1 Pursue Him

1 Pursue Him and know Him; be found in Him. Count all things loss for Him. Just gain Him, obtain Him; lay hold of Him. It’s Christ the central vision.

Forgetting the things which are behind, Press on, pursue with this mind. By any means each hour now redeem; Stretch forth, lay hold of Him.

2 Pursue Him and seize Him, Christ the supreme.

Just love this precious Person. Forgetting and leaving all other things, Love Him with your whole being.

3 Christ now is my center and reality,

My life for eternity. All things are just dung compared to Him, So love and just gain Him!

2 Then John…Saw the Vision

1 Jacob saw the vision of a dream in Bethel, Moses saw the vision on a mountain, do tell, David saw the vision of the holy temple, Ezekiel saw the vision of the house.

Then John.... saw the vision of the New Jerusalem, Well, it’s God.... dispensed and God built into men, We need a vision so we open to the Lord, Seeking revelation in the Holy Word, Turning to the spirit for the building of the church, The church is the fullness of the One. (Ephesians one: twenty three)

2 Zechariah’s vision was for God’s recovery,

Daniel had a vision of Christ in victory, Paul and Peter’s vision of the building of the Body Complete the revelation of the age.

3 I Give My Heart to Thee

1 I give my heart to Thee, O Jesus most desired;

And heart for heart the gift shall be, For Thou my heart hast fired.

Thou hearts alone wouldst move, Thou only hearts dost love;

I would love Thee as Thou lov’st me, O Jesus most desired.

2 What off’ring can I make,

Dear Lord, to love like Thine; That Thou, the Word, didst stoop to take A human form like mine? “Give Me thy heart, my son“:

Lord, Thou my heart hast won; I would love Thee as Thou lov’st me,

O Jesus most desired.

3 Thy heart is opened wide, Its offered love most free,

That heart to heart I may abide, And hide myself in Thee.

Ah, how Thy love doth burn, Till I that love return!

I would love Thee as Thou lov’st me, O Jesus most desired.

4 Here finds my heart its rest,

Repose that knows no shock, The strength of love that keeps it blest

In Thee, the riven Rock. My heart, as girt around,

Her citadel hath found; I would love Thee as Thou lov’st me, O Jesus most desired.

4 Oh, What a Mystery!

Oh what a mystery! Christ in you, Christ in me! Oh what a victory! Christ in you, Christ in me!

Christ is in you, Though the body’s dead because of sin. The spirit’s life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:10)

God willed to make known The riches of the glory of this mystery, Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

Test yourselves, prove yourselves. Or do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

I am crucified with Christ and it is no longer I Who live but it is Christ who lives in me! (Galatians 2:20)

Oh what a mystery! Christ in you, Christ in me! Oh what a victory! Christ in you, Christ in me!

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5 Arise, my Soul, Arise

1 Arise, my soul, arise! Shake off thy guilty fears; The bleeding Sacrifice In my behalf appears.

Before the throne my Surety stands; My name is written on His hands.

2 He ever lives above

For me to intercede, His all-redeeming love, His precious blood to plead.

His blood was shed for all our race, And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

3 Five bleeding wounds He bears,

Received on Calvary; They pour effectual prayers; They strongly speak for me.

Forgive him, O forgive, they cry, Nor let that ransomed sinner die!

4 The Father hears Him pray,

His dear anointed One; He cannot turn away The presence of His Son.

His Spirit answers to the blood, And tells me I am born of God.

5 To God I’m reconciled,

His pardoning voice I hear; He owns me for His child, I can no longer fear.

With confidence I now draw nigh, And Father, Abba, Father, cry.

6 Above the Waste and Emptiness

1 Above the waste and emptiness Broods the spirit of God Bringing forth God's speaking in us Hey! Let there be light!

And the light shines in the darkness And the darkness did not overcome In Him was life and the life was the light of men

2 Nights decreasing, day increasing

Every day His Word we're speaking Don't be discouraged, spirit releasing! We are the children of God

7 Simply Loving Every Day

1 Simply loving every day; Loving through a stormy way, Even when my faith is small, Loving Jesus, that is all.

Loving as the moments fly, Loving as the days go by, Loving Him whate’er befall, Loving Jesus, that is all.

2 Brightly doth His Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine; While He leads I cannot fall, Loving Jesus, that is all.

3 Singing if my way be clear,

Praying if the path be drear; If in danger, for Him call, Loving Jesus, that is all.

4 Loving Him while life shall last,

Loving Him till earth is past, Till His gracious advent call, Loving Jesus, that is all.

8 Come, Thou Fount

1 Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wand'ring from the face of God; He, to save my soul from danger, Interposed His precious blood.

2 O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be! Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter, Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee. Teach me, Lord, some rapturous measure, Meet for me Thy grace to prove, While I sing the countless treasure Of my God's unchanging love.

3 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;

Prone to leave the God I love: Take my heart, oh, take and seal it With Thy Spirit from above. Rescued thus from sin and danger, Purchased by the Savior's blood, May I walk on earth a stranger, As a son and heir of God.

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9 What Can Wash Away My Sin

1 What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2 For my cleansing this I see—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus! For my pardon this my plea— Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

3 Nothing can my sin erase

Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Naught of works, 'tis all of grace— Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

4 This is all my hope and peace—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus! This is all my righteousness— Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

10 I’ve got a River of Life

1 Everyone who thirsts Come to the waters And you who have no money Come buy and eat Yes come buy wine and milk Without money, without price. Ho! Everyone who thirsts come to the waters

2 I've got a river of life flowing within me;

It makes the lame to walk and the blind to see. It opens prison doors, sets the captives free. I've got a river of life flowing within me.

Spring up, O well, within my spirit! Rise up and tell, so all can hear it! Spring up, O well, so I experience That life abundantly.

3 I've got a river of life flowing within me;

It started gushing up when God set me free. That I keep the flow is my only plea. I've got a river of life springing within me.

4 Once I call His name there's a flow within;

It turns me from my day, makes Him Lord again. As my spirit burns, Satan cannot win. Calling, “Oh Lord Jesus,” keeps the flow within.

11 On Christ the Solid Rock

1 My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.

2 When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

3 His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay

4 When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found; In Him, my righteousness, alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

12 This is the Year of Jubilee

1 The Lord has given freedom To all who just believe Him. Be no longer enslaved. Come now! Return to Jesus. Receive the Life that frees us! Call on Him and be saved.

This is the year of jubilee! Proclaim our liberty in Him! Throughout the land we sound out: The slaves have been returned to Him, Released from toil, anxiety, and sin! This is the year of jubilee!

2 Reclaim the land, our portion,

God as our rich possession. Feast on Him ev’ry day! Enjoy Him with God’s fam’ly; Find satisfaction and peace. Here forever to stay!

13 Therefore the Redeemed

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, And come with singing unto Zion; And everlasting joy shall be upon their head.

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, And come with singing unto Zion; And everlasting joy shall be upon their head.

They shall obtain gladness and joy; And sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

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14 Therefore with Joy

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water Out of the wells of salvation.

And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord.

(Repeat the above four lines)

Call upon His name, Declare His doings among the people, Make mention that His name is exalted. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: For great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

15 The Gift of Righteousness

1 The gift of righteousness is measured in abundance,

The depth of His love I’ll never understand. His love reaches me and you; His mercy goes farther too. The One on the throne of God is called the Lamb.

So, why not open up and call His name, “Oh Lord!” Find your spirit where His grace has been outpoured. Call His name, taste His grace, exercise before His face He’s longing and yearning. He’s hoping and waiting. He’s ever desiring for you... To turn to Him.

2 He knows your deepest thought,

Your every situation. He understands your heart, He knows your history. There’s nothing in His way, He’s just waiting for you to say “Lord Jesus, my wandering heart

I give to Thee.”

16 Jesus Lord, I’m Captured

1 Jesus Lord, I’m captured by Thy beauty, All my heart to Thee I open wide;

Now set free from all religious duty, Only let me in Thyself abide.

As I’m gazing here upon Thy glory, Fill my heart with radiancy divine;

Saturate me, Lord, I now implore Thee, Mingle now Thy Spirit, Lord, with mine.

2 Shining One—how clear the sky above me!

Son of Man, I see Thee on the throne! Holy One, the flames of God consume me,

Till my being glows with Thee alone. Lord, when first I saw Thee in Thy splendor,

All self-love and glory sank in shame; Now my heart its love and praises render,

Tasting all the sweetness of Thy name.

3 Precious Lord, my flask of alabaster Gladly now I break in love for Thee;

I anoint Thy head, Beloved Master; Lord, behold, I’ve saved the best for Thee.

Dearest Lord, I waste myself upon Thee; Loving Thee, I’m deeply satisfied. Love outpoured from hidden depths within me,

Costly oil, dear Lord, I would provide.

4 My Beloved, come on spices’ mountain; How I yearn to see Thee face to face. Drink, dear Lord, from my heart’s flowing fountain,

Till I rest fore’er in Thine embrace. Not alone, O Lord, do I adore Thee,

But with all the saints as Thy dear Bride; Quickly come, our love is waiting for Thee; Jesus Lord, Thou wilt be satisfied.

17 I Stand Amazed

1 I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me, A sinner condemned, unclean.

How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful!

Is my Savior’s love for me!

2 He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own;

He bore the burden to Calv’ry, And suffered, and died alone.

3 When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see, ’Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me.

18 The Steadfast Love of the Lord

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases His mercies never come to an end They are new every morning New every morning.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness.

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19 Do Come!

1 Drink! A river pure and clear that's flowing from the throne;

Eat! The tree of life with fruits abundant, richly grown;

Look! No need of lamp nor sun nor moon to keep it bright, for

Here there is no night!

Do come, oh, do come, Says Spirit and the Bride: Do come, oh, do come, Let him that heareth, cry. Do come, oh, do come, Let him who thirsts and will Take freely the water of life!

2 Christ, our river, Christ, our water, springing from

within; Christ, our tree, and Christ, the fruits, to be

enjoyed therein, Christ, our day, and Christ, our light, and Christ,

our morningstar: Christ, our everything!

3 We are washing all our robes the tree of life to eat;

"O Lord, Amen, Hallelujah!"—Jesus is so sweet! We our spirits exercise, and thus experience

Christ. What a Christ have we!

4 Now we have a home so bright that outshines the

sun, Where the brothers all unite and truly are one. Jesus gets us all together, Him we now display In the local church!

20 Before the Throne of God Above

1 Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea: A great High Priest, whose name is Love, Who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on His heart; I know that while in heaven He stands No tongue can bid me thence depart No tongue can bid me thence depart.

2 When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look, and see Him there Who made an end to all my sin. Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free; For God the just is satisfied To look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me

3 Behold Him there, the Risen Lamb My perfect, spotless righteousness, The great unchangeable I am, The King of glory and of grace! One with Himself I cannot die My soul is purchased by His blood My life is hid with Christ on high, With Christ, my Savior and my God With Christ, my Savior and my God

21 Are You Washed

1 Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow'r? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul‐cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as

snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

2 Are you walking daily by the Savior's side?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Do you rest each moment in the Crucified? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

3 When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be

white! Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Will your soul be ready for His presence bright, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

4 Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb; There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean, O be washed in the blood of the Lamb.

22 I am the Living Bread

I am the living bread, which came down out of heaven; If anyone, if anyone eats of this bread he shall live forever;

And the bread (and the bread) Which I will (which I) Will give is my flesh, given for (given for) for the life (for the) life of the world.

I am the living bread, which came down out of heaven; If anyone, if anyone eats of this bread he shall live forever.

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23 Lord Jesus, You’re Lovely

1 Lord Jesus, You're lovely. You're more to be desired, Than any earthly pleasure. You're fine, beyond compare. Lord Jesus, Your beauty Does far exceed all others. You're comely and You're tender. You're radiant and You're fair.

2 When I behold You Jesus,

You draw my heart completely. I cannot turn away Lord, I rest in Your embrace; And time is gone there's only Your holy, matchless presence Abiding in You, gazing Upon Your glorious face.

3 I give my life to You Lord,

For You alone are worthy. There's nothing and there's no one That I desire but You. May all my days be Yours, Lord, My heart be given to love You, To treasure and to serve You By Your sufficient grace.

24 Now the Lord is the Spirit

1 Now the Lord is the Spirit—that’s how He can get inside of you right now. It’s so easy to be filled with Him. He’s made it really simple. One, two, three— That’s how easy it can be.

O Lord! Amen! That’s the way to let Him in. Hallelujah! I love to hear it. He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.

2 Now the Lord is the living air; You can breathe Him in anywhere— Anytime of day, whenever you please. He’s made it really easy. O Lord! Amen! Let’s sing it again.

3 Now the Lord lives inside of me. And He’s filling me constantly. Yes, He’s filling up every gap. He makes me really happy. I’m so happy! Hallelujah! Taste and see!

25 There is a Fountain Filled

1 There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Immanuel's veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains: Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains.

2 The dying thief rejoiced to see

That fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he,

Wash all my sins away: Wash all my sins away, Wash all my sins away;

And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away.

3 Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood

Shall never lose its power, Till all the ransomed ones of God

Be saved, to sin no more: Be saved, to sin no more, Be saved, to sin no more;

Till all the ransomed ones of God, Be saved to sin no more.

4 E'er since by faith I saw the stream

Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme,

And shall be till I die: And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die;

Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die.

5 When this poor lisping, stammering tongue

Lies silent in the grave, Then in a nobler, sweeter song,

I'll sing Thy power to save: I'll sing Thy power to save, I'll sing Thy power to save;

Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I'll sing Thy power to save.

26 Lord, I Just Love You

Lord, I just love You. And there’s no one like You. In the whole universe I have no other one like You. Lord Jesus, I love You.

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27 Christ Has Come to be Life

1 Christ has come to be life, the processed divine Trinity. God the Father's the source, a fountain emerging to be. God the Son as a gushing up spring, And the Spirit's a river for life imparting Oh how can this miracle be? The Triune God flowing in me! Oh, I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being! I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being!

As this life flows through me, I'm supplied abundantly.

His life nullifies sin! Power springs now from within!

To be free, overcoming spontaneously.

2 Yet this life though it frees, is not meant for mere victory. God is full of intent and never could flow aimlessly. So this life has a totality, a consummate issue encompassing me. Life moves and life grows, life shapes as it flows Now I share in this life's destiny. Oh, I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being! I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being!

We'll abide mutually, God and man revealed to be

Lamb, Wife, Spirit, and Bride. Come! Drink! And riverside, Grows the tree, our enjoyment for eternity!

3 So I've no cause to frown as one who's received this zoe. I know life runs its course and triumphs inevitably. I'm required just to stay in the flow, If I do the drinking then God gives the growth. So there's joy in my heart, and a spring in my step, And a smile on my face as I sing, Oh, I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being! I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being!

28 I’m Walking Down the Road

I’m walking down the road That leads to glory. I’m pressing toward the mark By enjoying God! I don’t know so much, Just to love Him. I’m walking down the road, Glory, here I come.

1 With the brothers and the sisters, We enjoy Him day by day. It’s so simple and easy, Our worries flee away. Now we’re growing together, As one big family, Abiding in the joy of the Lord.

2 We enjoy You, Lord Jesus, In our experience. We’re getting to know You— It’s making us leap and dance. Just eating and drinking, It’s what we do the best, Delighting in the love of the Lord.

3 We’re walking, not running, Cause we’re in the pasture land. Our Shepherd is nearby, We’re trusting in His hand. He’s everything to us, He’s all we ever need, Resting in the peace of the Lord.

29 Shout Hosanna, All Ye People

1 Shout Hosanna, all ye people, Christ defeated every evil; We unite with one accord; Praise Thee, ever conq’ring Lord.

2 Nevermore we fear the devil, Christ destroyed him on the cross, Stripping off the authorities; Now we live His victory.

God of peace now crushes Satan Under overcoming feet; Our rejoicing overthrows him, Shaming every enemy.

3 All day long sing hallelujahs In the train of vanquished foes; Through our praise we never leave, Seated with Him at the throne.

Never let the lies deceive you; Christ has shut the serpent’s mouth; Claim the fact that we have seen him In the lake of fire now.

4 Soon the earth cries out, exalting Our returning, shining Lord; Until then we praise and sing; All the glory’s to our King.

Consummated corporate warrior, New Jerusalem are we, One with our ascended Husband, Lord of lords and King of kings.

5 Hallelujah, Christ the Conqueror, Every day we’re one with Him, Walking in Him constantly, Living Christ our victory.

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30 In Christ Alone

1 In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.

2 In Christ alone! who took on flesh Fulness of God in helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones he came to save: Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied - For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live.

3 There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave he rose again! And as He stands in victory Sin's curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine - Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

4 No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

31 Seek Ye First

1 Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness; And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!

2 Ask, and it shall be given unto you;

Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!

3 Man shall not live by bread alone,

But by every word That proceeds out from the mouth of God. Hallelu, Hallelujah!

32 All My Life Long

1 All my life long I had panted For a draught from some cool spring, That I hoped would quench the burning Of the thirst I felt within.

Hallelujah! I have found Him Whom my soul so long has craved! Jesus satisfies my longings; Through His life I now am saved.

2 Feeding on the husks around me, Till my strength was almost gone, Longed my soul for something better, Only still to hunger on.

3 Poor I was, and sought for riches, Something that would satisfy, But the dust I gathered round me Only mocked my soul’s sad cry.

4 Well of water, ever springing, Bread of life, so rich and free, Untold wealth that never faileth, My Redeemer is to me.

33 I’m So Happy Here

I’m so happy here, With my Father dear, Once lost, now I’m near again! (It was) First His smiling face, Then His warm embrace, I’m surprised by grace again!

I was lost, now I’m found again! I was dead, but now I live! Come rejoice with us, and be merry then. Back in my Father’s house again!

Robe, ring, sandals on And my hunger’s gone! Back where I belong , again! (Because He) Clothed me thoroughly, (And then He) Reinstated me! (Now I’m) Back in the family again!

34 I Want to be Filled

I want to be filled with the Triune God. He makes me happy; I want to be filled with Him. (Repeat)

So I will drink, drink, drink, drink, drink that living water, And I will eat, eat, eat, eat, eat the tree of life, And I will call upon His name, O Lord Jesus! ’cause I want to be filled up, up, up Oh, I want to be filled up, up, up Yes, I want to be filled up, up, up with Him.

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35 Choose to be an Overcomer

1 Noah’s life was one that surely changed the age, When he found the grace of God; He was not afraid to stand against the world, So he built the ark of wood.

Would you choose to be a living overcomer, Be a person not ashamed to be a Jesus lover, One who eats the tree of life, And drinks the living water? Would you choose to be a living overcomer, To leave the world and consecrate To be today’s age‐turner? I give myself to You for Your return.

2 Moses was a person who was called by God,

He was meant to turn the age; He was God’s companion, he was for God’s move, He was faithful, meek, and sage.

3 Samuel ministered to be a God-pleasing priest,

He was absolute for Him; Samuel gave himself to be a Nazarite, Saved from death, the world, and sin.

4 Daniel had companions, and they ate God’s Word,

From the world, they stood apart; Through a praying spirit were aligned with God, For His people, God’s own heart.

I will choose to be a living overcomer, Be a person not ashamed to be a Jesus lover, One who eats the tree of life, And drinks the living water. I will give myself to be an overcomer, To see a heav’nly vision, Keep my flaming spirit burning! I give myself to You, to turn this age.

36 Just Taste and See

1 Just taste and see that the Lord is good; Just taste and see that the Lord is good. He’s good for You, as He is for me; So whatever you do, just taste and see.

2 Just call O Lord—He’ll change your life;

Just call O Lord He’ll change your life. Amazing grace He will afford; If in every place You call O Lord.

3 You’ll feel real love coming into your heart;

You’ll feel real love coming into your heart. You’ll sense a flow from God above; And You will know you’ve found real love.

4 So praise the Lord for His life in you;

Yes, praise the Lord for His life in you. Something of Christ He has outpoured Into your life; so praise the Lord!

37 I’m Gonna Praise God Unceasingly

1 I’m gonna praise God unceasingly Because He lives in me, He’s everything to me, Gives life continually. I’m gonna praise God unceasingly Because He lives in me, And He will never leave.

Now in our spirit we can feed, Jesus Christ is all we need, Call His name and He becomes reality. Open up your mouth and you will see, Just how rich our Lord can be. He’s the very life supply, complete is He.

2 Now I live by the tree of life,

His fruit does nourish me, O, how it strengthens me, I’ll live eternally. Now I live by the tree of life, Him daily I apply, He is my food supply.

3 There’s a river of life in me,

Flowing so livingly, Moving continually, He just keeps flooding me. There’s a river of life in me, He’s always filling me, His name is Jesus Christ!

38 The Church is the Building up

1 The church is the building up Of all God’s chosen and redeemed, Regenerated and transformed people, The ultimate work of God, His counterpart, the new man, The seven golden lampstands, God’s house on earth, The Body of Christ, The desire of God’s heart.

2 Praise the Lord! Philadelphia:

They hold fast to God’s Word, Never denying His name, Living in the local church, Fellowshipping universally On the ground of genuine oneness, Constituting the Body of Christ.

3 Rise up! Grow in life!

Minister Christ to the nations, Arrive at oneness— Lord, have mercy, We would see Your eternal purpose. Keep us faithful To recover and build up Your church.

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39 I’ve Kissed the Son

Kiss the Son, kiss the One Who for love to me has come, Cheering me, charming me, And has died upon the tree, He died for me, saving me, Now His Spirit joins to me, I’ve kissed the Son!

1 Serving in my mingled spirit In the gospel of His Son, First receiving Christ the Spirit; He’s the processed Triune One.

2 Jesus Christ in our experience Is the worship God desires; This true worshipping in spirit Is the service God requires.

3 Serving Christ, just let Him kiss you, Living with Him all the day, Worshipping God by our living Is the gospel-serving way.

4 In the Body let us serve Him, Nothing natural, there, can be; Through Christ’s death and resurrection, Worship in reality.

40 What Things Were Gains to Me

1 What things were gains to me, These I now count as loss. Jesus has set me free From what I was! All of the things I had; Everything, good or bad, I count as refuse That I may gain Christ!

I won’t give up! I will keep running until I have attained The goal of my calling! I must press on! I must pursue until I lay hold of Him Who laid hold of me!

2 Forget the things behind!

Stretch for the things before! Press onward with this mind: Always want more! Seeking in Him to grow, Increasingly to know Him that I daily might Be found in Christ.

41 Fill My Spirit Up

Fill my spirit up, Fill my spirit up, Till it overflows right out of my innermost being! (2x)

Fill me today Fill me I pray Oh Lord Jesus, flow as the living water! Oh Lord Jesus, gush up as the living spring! Right out of my innermost being!

Break through every part Break through every part Of my mind, emotion, will, and heart! (2x)

Break through today Break through I pray Oh Lord Jesus, flow as the living water! Oh Lord Jesus, gush up as the living spring! Right out of my innermost being

Flow that river out Flow that river out Whether I might call, pray, sing, or shout! (2x)

Flow out today Flow out I pray Oh Lord Jesus, flow as the living water Oh Lord Jesus, gush up as the living spring Right out of my innermost being

42 Until We All Arrive

Until we all arrive At the oneness of the faith And of the full knowledge Of the Son of God, At the oneness of the faith, At a full-grown man, At the measure of the stature Of the fullness of Christ, Until we all arrive.

Let us rejoice, And let us give the glory to Him, For the marriage of the Lamb has come, Let us exult, And let us give the glory to Him, For the marriage of the Lamb has come, And His wife has made herself ready. For the marriage of the Lamb has come.

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43 Jesus, O living Word of God

Jesus, O living Word of God, Wash me and cleanse me with Your blood So You can speak to me. Just let me hear Your words of grace, Just let me see Your radiant face, Beholding constantly.

Jesus, living Word, My heart thirsts for Thee; Of Thee I’d eat and drink, Enjoy Thee thoroughly.

Jesus, most precious One to me, I want to seek You constantly So you can spread through me. I would just call upon Your name, Open to you; I have no shame Loving You, Jesus Lord.

Jesus, precious One, Be so real to me. You are all I want; I open wide to Thee.

Jesus, Oh living One in me, Open my eyes that I might see All that You are to me. Just let me enter in Your heart, Never from You would I depart, Loving You constantly.

Jesus, living One, Flood me thoroughly; Take my willing heart And overcome in me.

Lord I want You to have Your way, Save me from being Satan’s prey, I am believing You. All I can give to You, my Lord, Is my whole being, love outpoured; Lord, I belong to You.

Jesus, faithful God, Gain us through and through; Use us thoroughly To see Your purpose through.

44 God Has Called us for His Purpose

1 God has called us for His purpose, His economy so glorious, For which He was fully processed; Consummated now is He! As the Spirit, He indwells us; As our God allotted portion, Working out His full salvation, Making us the same as He is.

Oh, may a clear, controlling vision of The Lord’s economy direct my heart, And burn in me until my spirit’s wholly set afire! With spirit strong and active we’ll press on

To consummate God’s goal— New Jerusalem, Hallelujah!

2 Jesus lived the God-man pattern,

Set the way for us to follow, He denied His natural man and Was obedient unto death, Once He was the only God-man; Now we are His duplication. As the many grains we’re blended As His corporate reproduction.

3 Living out His resurrection,

Dying to the flesh and soul-life. Living by the mingled spirit, Natural man we will deny. Now we’re living in the Body, Every day we’re overcoming, Striving for the peak of Zion, Watching for our Lord’s appearing.

4 God and man will have one living,

Always in the mingled spirit; We two are incorporated One organic entity! This the vision of the ages Will control our daily living That the Lord may have His Body Shining as the holy city.

45 I’m Pressing on the Upward Way

1 I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up, and let me stand By faith on Canaan’s tableland; A higher plane than I have found, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2 My heart has no desire to stay

Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Though some may dwell where these abound, My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

3 I want to live above the world,

Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground.

4 I want to scale the utmost height

And catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found, “Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

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Message One

The Work of Christ for the Experience of Christ

I. The Process of Christ

A. Incarnation (Matt. 1:23; John 1:14; 1 Tim. 3:16)

Philippians 2:6‐7—Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God a treasure to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming in the likeness of men.

B. Human Living (Matt. 4:3-4; Heb. 4:15, 5:8)

Philippians 2:7‐8—But emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming in the likeness of men; 8and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, and that the death of a cross. John 5:19—Then Jesus answered and said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, The Son can do nothing from Himself except what He sees the Father doing, for whatever that One does, these things the Son also does in like manner.

John 5:30—I can do nothing from Myself; as I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.

C. Death (1 Cor. 15:3; Heb. 2:9; John 12:24)

Philippians 2:8—And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, and that the death of a cross. 1 John 3:8—…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Hebrews 2:14—Since therefore the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also Himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death He might destroy him who has the might of death, that is, the devil. John 1:29—… Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Galatians 6:14—But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. Romans 6:6—Knowing this, that our old man has been crucified with Him… Ephesians 2:15—Abolishing in His flesh the law of the commandments in ordinances, that He might create the two in Himself into one new man, so making peace. Galatians 5:24—But they who are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and its lusts.

D. Resurrection (Acts 2:24; Rom. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:45)

Philippians 3:10—To know Him and the power of His resurrection...

John 12:24—Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

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1 Peter 1:3—Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has regenerated us unto a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Cor. 15:45—…the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.

E. Ascension and enthronement (Acts 2:33-36, 5:31; Eph. 1:20-23, 4:8)

Philippians 2:9‐11—Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue should openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

F. Descension (1 Cor. 15:45b; Acts 2:33; 1 Cor. 12:13)

Philippians 1:19— ...the bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

G. To our spirit

Philippians 4:23—The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

II. For the Producing of the Church

A. The definiteness and practicality of the church

Philippians 1:1—Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.

B. The oneness of the church experientially

Philippians 1:27—Only, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, that whether coming and seeing you or being absent, I may hear of the things concerning you, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving together along with the faith of the gospel.

C. The key to the oneness in the church–life

Philippians 2:2—Make my joy full, that you think the same thing, having the same love, joined in soul, thinking the one thing. Philippians 4:2—I exhort Euodias, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same thing in the Lord.

D. Rich in virtues

Philippians 2:1, 3‐4—If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any tenderheartedness and compassions… 3Doing nothing by way of selfish ambition nor by way of vainglory, but in lowliness of mind considering one another more excellent than yourselves; 4Not regarding each his own virtues, but each the virtues of others also.

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Message Two

Living Christ to Magnify Him I. Paul’s Vision — Dispensing

Acts 26:19—Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.

II. Fellowship for the furtherance of the gospel

Philippians 1:3‐5—I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4Always in my every petition on behalf of you all, making my petition with joy, 5for your fellowship unto the furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now.

A. Join with the brothers

Acts 16:1—And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there… Acts 16:3—Paul wanted this one to go forth with him… Philippians 2:19‐22—But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged by knowing the things concerning you. 20For I have no one like- souled who will genuinely care for what concerns you; 21for all seek their own things, not the things of Christ Jesus. 22But you know his approvedness, that as a child with a father he has served with me unto the gospel.

B. Fellowship of the Body of Christ — in the homes

Acts 16:15—And when she was baptized, as well as her household, she entreated us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and abide. And she constrained us. Acts 16:23‐25—And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them securely, 24who, having received such a charge, threw them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks. 25And about midnight Paul and Silas, while praying, sang hymns of praise to God; and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:33‐34—And he took them with him in that very hour of the night and washed their wounds. And he was baptized immediately, he and all his household. 34And he brought them up into his house and set a table before them; and he exulted because he had believed in God with all his household. Acts 16:40—And they went out from the prison and entered the house of Lydia…

C. In each others’ heart

Philippians 1:6‐9—Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun in you a good work will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus; 7even as it is right for me to think this concerning you all because you have me in your heart, since both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel you are all fellow partakers with me of grace. 8For God is my witness how I long after you all in the inward parts of Christ Jesus. 9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more…

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III. Magnifying Christ by Living Him

Philippians 1:19‐21—For I know that for me this will turn out to salvation through your petition and the bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I will be put to shame, but with all boldness, as always, even now Christ will be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Galatians 2:20—I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 1 Corinthians 6:17—But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Philippians 4:22—All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household.

IV. Holding Forth Christ

Philippians 2:14‐16—Do all things without murmurings and reasonings 15That you may be blameless and guileless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as luminaries in the world, 16Holding forth the word of life, so that I may have a boast in the day of Christ that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.

V. Ready for a Glorious Transfiguration

Philippians 3:21—Who will transfigure the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of His glory, according to His operation by which He is able even to subject all things to Himself.

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Message Three

Gaining and Pursuing Christ

I. Gaining Christ

A. By Counting All Things as Loss on Account of Christ

Philippians 3:7—But what things were gains to me, these I have counted as loss on account of Christ. Philippians 3:4‐6—Though I myself have something to be confident of in the flesh as well. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I more: 5circumcised the eighth day; of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to the righteousness which is in the law, become blameless. Galatians 1:13‐14—For you have heard of my manner of life formerly in Judaism, that I persecuted the church of God excessively and ravaged it. 14And I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries in my race, being more abundantly a zealot for the traditions of my fathers.

B. Through the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ

Philippians 3:8—But moreover I also count all things to be loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as refuse that I may gain Christ. Ephesians 1:17—That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him. Ephesians 3:4‐5—By which in reading it, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, 5which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostle and prophets in spirit.

C. By Aspiring to be Found in Christ

Philippians 3:9—And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is out of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is out of God and based on faith. Galatians 5:22-23—But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

D. By Knowing Christ Experientially

Philippians 3:10—To know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Acts 9:4‐5—And He fell on the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? 5And he said, who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, whom you persecute.

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II. Pursuing Christ A. By Laying Hold of Christ

Philippians 3:12—Not that I have already obtained or am already perfected, but I pursue, if even I may lay hold of that for which I also have been laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

B. By Forgetting and Stretching Forward

Philippians 3:13—Brothers, I do not account of myself to have laid hold; but one thing I do: Forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before. Luke 9:62—But Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand on the plow and looks behind is fit for the kingdom of God. Joshua 13:1—Now Joshua was old and advanced in age; and Jehovah said to him, you are old and advanced in age, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.

C. By Pursuing towards the Goal for the Prize

Philippians 3:14—I pursue toward the goal for the prize to which God in Christ Jesus has called me upward. Hebrews 12:1—Therefore let us also, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, put away every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us and run with endurance the race which is set before us, 2 Timothy 2:22—But flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

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Message Four

Strengthening Our Experience of Christ

I. A life of forbearance without anxiety is the expression of a life

that: lives Christ, takes Christ as its pattern, and counts

everything as loss in order to gain Christ

Philippians 1:20‐21—According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I will be put to shame, but with all boldness, as always, even now Christ will be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 2:15‐16—That you may be blameless and guileless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as luminaries in the world, 16holding forth the word of life… Philippians 3:8‐9—But moreover I also count all things to be loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as refuse that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him... Philippians 4:5—Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is near. 2 Corinthians 10:1—But I myself, Paul, entreat you through the meekness and gentleness of Christ…

(“Gentleness” in this verse is the same Gk. word as “forbearance” in Phil. 4:5)

A. Anxiety being the totality of the human life and forbearance

being the totality of the Christian life

Philippians 4:5‐6—Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6In nothing be anxious… Matthew 6:25—Because of this, I say to you, Do not be anxious for your life, what you should eat or what you should drink; nor for your body, what you should put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body than clothing? Matthew 6:31—Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? Matthew 6:34—Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself; sufficient for the day is its own evil. Matthew 13:7—And others fell on the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. Matthew 13:22—And the one sown in the thorns, this is he who hears the word, and the anxiety of the age and the deceitfulness of riches utterly choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

B. Dealing with the anxieties of human life by our fellowship “to

God”

Philippians 4:5‐6—Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

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C. The God of peace being with us and the peace of God guarding our hearts and thoughts

Philippians 4:7—And the peace of God, which surpasses every man’s understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:9—The things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace will be with you.

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BREAKOUT GROUP MATERIAL

The Way of Practice

The things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace will be with you. — Phil. 4:9

SECTION ONE: CALLING ON THE NAME

Acts 2:21 And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 9:21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is this not the one who ravaged those who call upon this name in Jerusalem and came here for this, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests?

Acts 9:14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Your name.

Romans 10:12‐13 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all and rich to all who call upon Him; 13 for “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Psalm 88:9 My eye wastes away at the affliction; I have called out to You, O Jehovah, every day; I have spread out my hands to You.

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, the called saints, with all those who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, who is theirs and ours.

2 Timothy 2:22 But flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

The Definition

What is the meaning of calling on the name of the Lord? The Hebrew word for call means to call out to, to cry unto, to cry out. The Greek word for call means to invoke a person, to call a person by name. In other words, it is to call a person by naming him audibly. Although prayer may be silent, calling must be audible.

Jeremiah tells us that to call on the Lord means to cry to Him and to experience spiritual breathing. “I called upon Your name, O Jehovah, from the lowest pit. You have heard my voice; do not hide Your ear at my breathing, at my cry” (Lam. 3:55-56).

The Purpose of Calling

1. To be saved

Why do we need to call on the name of the Lord? Men need to call on the name of the Lord in order to be saved (Rom. 10:13).

Suppose a particular person hears the gospel and begins to believe in the Lord. You can help him to be saved by having him pray to the Lord in a very quiet way, and I have seen many persons saved in this manner. However, if you would not only help him to pray, but also to call upon the name of the Lord, his experience of salvation would be much stronger. The first way, the way of praying quietly, does help people to be saved, but not so richly. The second way, the way of calling loudly, helps people to be saved in a richer and more thorough way. Thus, we need to encourage people to open themselves and to call on the name of the Lord Jesus.

2. To be rescued from distress, trouble, sorrow, and pain

Another reason for calling on the Lord is to be rescued from distress (Psa. 18:6; 118:5), from trouble (Psa. 50:15; 86:7; 81:7), and

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from sorrow and pain (Psa. 116:3-4). People who have argued about calling on the Lord found themselves calling on Him when they were subject to a certain trouble or illness. When our lives are free from trouble, we will argue about calling on the Lord. However, when trouble comes, there will be no need for anyone to tell you to call on Him. You will call spontaneously. Calling on the Lord rescues us and delivers us. We need to call on the Lord when in distress and trouble. Furthermore, Psalm 116:3-4 tells us that calling on the name of the Lord rescues us from many negative things such as pain, sorrow, death, and hell. If you want to be delivered from such things, you need to call on the Lord.

3. To participate in the Lord’s mercy

Psalm 86:5 says that the Lord is good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all them that call upon Him. The way for us to participate in the Lord’s plenteous mercy is to call upon Him. The more we call upon Him, the more we enjoy His mercy.

4. To receive the Spirit

Another reason for calling on the Lord is to receive the Spirit (Acts 2:17, 21). The best and easiest way to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to call on the name of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit has already been poured out. We simply need to receive Him by calling on the Lord. We can do it anytime. If you call on the name of the Lord several times, you will be filled with the Spirit.

5. To enjoy the riches of the Lord

Romans 10:12 says that the Lord of all is rich to all who call upon Him. The Lord is rich and rich to all who call upon Him. The way to enjoy the riches of the Lord is to call upon Him. The Lord is not only rich, but also nigh and available as mentioned in verse 8 of the same chapter because He is the life- giving Spirit. As the Spirit, He is omnipresent. At any time and in any place we may call on His name. When we call on Him, He comes to us as the Spirit, and we

enjoy His riches. When you call on Jesus, the Spirit comes.

First Corinthians is a book on the enjoyment of Christ. In chapter twelve Paul tells us how to enjoy Him. The way to enjoy the Lord is to call on His name (12:3; 1:2). Whenever we say, “Lord Jesus,” we drink of Him, the life-giving Spirit (v. 13). In 15:45 we are told that the Lord is now the life- giving Spirit. Whenever we call, “Lord Jesus,” He comes as the Spirit. If I call a person’s name, and if he is real, living, and present, then that person will come to me. The Lord Jesus is real, living, and present. He is always available. Whenever we call on Him, He comes. Even during the Old Testament times Moses said of the Lord, “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is whenever we call upon him” (Deut. 4:7). Whenever we call upon His name, He is nigh (Psa. 145:18). Do you want to enjoy the Lord’s presence with all His riches? The best way to experience His presence with all His riches is to call on His name. Call on Him while you are driving on the freeway or while you are at work. Anywhere and anytime you call, the Lord is nigh and rich to you.

6. To stir up ourselves

By calling on the name of the Lord we can stir up ourselves. Isaiah 64:7 says, “And there is no one who calls upon Your name, who stirs himself up to lay hold of You.” When we feel that we are down or low, we can lift and stir ourselves up by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus.

The Way 1. With a pure heart

To be pure in heart is to be single in purpose, to have the single goal of accomplishing God’s will for God’s glory (1 Cor. 10:31). The seed of being pure in heart is developed in 2 Timothy 2:22: “With those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Here something is added to being pure in heart. That is, you must pursue righteousness, peace, and love with all

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those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. There is not only the matter of a pure heart, but also the matter of calling out of such a pure heart.

2. With an open mouth

The Greek word for “call” in Acts 2:21 is epikaleo, composed of epi, upon and kaleo, call by name, that is, to call out audibly, even loudly, as Stephen did (7:59-60). From this we see that to call on the name of the Lord is to call on Him audibly. This is a fact in the Word and in our experience, and I encourage you to try it.

3. With others

Furthermore, we need to call on the Lord corporately. Second Timothy 2:22 says, “Flee also youthful lusts: but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.’’ We need to come together for the purpose of calling on the name of the Lord.

4. Daily

Calling on the name of the Lord is not merely a doctrine. It is very practical. We need to practice it daily and hourly. We should never stop our spiritual breathing. We hope that many more of the Lord’s people, especially new believers, will begin the practice of calling on the Lord. In any situation, at any time, call “Lord Jesus, O Lord Jesus!”

When we feel lonely or homesick and call on the name of the Lord Jesus, we experience Him as our Companion. When we do not call, we may feel quite lonely, but once we call, we have a Companion. Even when we feel miserable, our misery will disappear when we call on His name, and we will be joyful.

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SECTION TWO: PRAY‐READ HIS LIVING WORD

Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found and I ate them, and Your word became to me the gladness and joy of my heart.

1 Peter 2:2‐3 As newborn babes, long for the guileless milk of the word in order that by it you may grow unto salvation, 3 if you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Ephesians 6:17‐18 And receive the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which Spirit is the word of God, 18 by means of all prayer and petition, praying at every time in spirit and watching unto this in all perseverance and petition concerning all the saints.

The Main Function of the Word

All Christians know that the function of the Word of God is to reveal God to us. Although this is true, this is not its main function. The main function of the Bible is to impart God into us as life and as the nourishment of life. It is not only to give us knowledge about God and His love, but to impart God Himself into us. Whenever we read the Bible, we should not merely try to know or understand it, but take something of God’s essence into us just as we take our food. Then, like food, this substance will be assimilated into our very being.

However, the concept which most of us have of the Bible is that it is a kind of teaching, a book full of doctrines. Thus, we come to the Word with the intention of understanding and knowing something. In all of our Christian life, how much of the Word have we taken in as food to our spirit? We must not come to the Bible only to learn and to understand. The Bible is not the tree of knowledge; it is the tree of life! If we take the Word of God as the tree of knowledge, we misuse the Bible, because 2 Corinthians 3:6 tells us that the letter kills. We must never take the Bible as a book of letters, but as a book of life.

In 1 Peter 2:2-3 we have a most important passage. “As newborn babes, long for the guileless milk of the word in order that by it you may grow unto salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good.” These verses are important to us because they tell us clearly how to taste the Lord: drink “the guileless [pure] milk of the Word.” If we would taste Christ, we must

take into us the milk of the word. Then we will be nourished for spiritual growth. Praise the Lord, the Bible says tasted! It does not say that we know this aspect or that aspect about the Lord, but that we taste the Lord. When we drink the milk of the Word, we are actually tasting the Lord. Therefore, the way for us to taste the Lord is simply by drinking the milk of the Word. The Word is not only for us to study or learn, but even more for us to taste. The way the Lord nourishes His Body is by His Word. If we desire to enjoy the Lord and be nourished by the Lord, we must come to the Word to taste the Lord.

First Timothy 4:6 says that we are “nourished with the words of the faith.” No doubt we have read this verse many times, but have we noticed the word “nourished”? Praise the Lord! The concept of the apostle Paul was that God’s Word is food to nourish God’s children. We too must have the same realization regarding the Word of God. We should not consider it only as knowledge, but as food to nourish and supply us all the time.

Jeremiah said, “Your words were found and I ate them...” (Jer. 15:16). To eat something is not merely to receive it, but to assimilate it. To assimilate is to receive something into you, digest it, and make it a part of yourself. Then he said, “Your word became to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (Jer. 15:16). This is a kind of enjoyment. The Word, after being eaten, became a joy and also a rejoicing. God’s Word is an enjoyment; after it is taken into us and assimilated into our very being, it

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becomes joy within us and rejoicing without.

From these verses we realize that the Word of God is not only for us to learn, but even more for us to taste, to eat, to enjoy, and to digest. The Lord Jesus even speaks of God’s Word as spiritual food: “It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out through the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Every word which proceeds out of the mouth of God is spiritual food to nourish us. This is the food by which we must live.

Taking the Word by prayer—with our spirit

In Ephesians 6:17 and 18 we see the way to take in the Word: receive the Word of God by means of all prayer and petition. When we receive the Word by prayer and petition, the Word gets into us and becomes the Spirit who fills our spirit and spreads into our mind, becoming the Spirit of the mind and renewing the mind. Furthermore, the Word washes us inwardly and, by spreading into the inward parts of our being, makes a home for Christ within us.

To be a praying people, every day we have to read the Word, but we have to pray more than read. This kind of prayer is not to pray for affairs, business, husbands and wives, school, jobs, or even for help. This is simply to pray about what we read and to pray with what we read in order to contact the Lord. It is not a business-doing prayer but a God-contacting prayer. We must learn to pray to feed on Christ and drink of Christ. We should forget about our business and forget about our needs. We have Matthew 6:33 as a promise: If we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, He will add to us whatever we need.

We need to pray with what we read and pray about what we read. Then the word which we receive will become the Spirit in our spirit, and when the word becomes the Spirit, it is life to us. “The words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (John 6:63). How can the word become

Spirit to us? There is no way other than by our prayer.

Practicing

Suppose we do agree to spend more time daily in the presence of the Lord, what shall we do? We must learn to do only one thing—that is, we must mingle our reading with our praying. We must contact the Lord by mingling our reading with prayer, and by mingling our prayer with reading. This is why we have used a new word: “pray-read.” We must pray-read the Word.

First, begin by spontaneously offering a short prayer to the Lord. Then open your Bible and start to read. While you are reading, spontaneously respond to the Lord with what you read. Do not read too many verses, such as a long paragraph or a long section before praying. While you are reading, respond to the Lord by praying.

The key is to respond to the Lord immediately with what you understand. Utter a short prayer of just a few words. After responding in this way, read on. Simply read and pray, pray and read—pray- read. In this way, your praying will be mingled with your reading. Read and pray, read and pray, then pray more and read again.

Do not try to pray long sentence prayers, and do not pray for so many things, asking the Lord to do something for you. Simply learn to pray with the words you read or with what you understand from the Bible.

Suppose you are reading John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” As you read this passage in the spirit, you will have the sense that something within is responding. Immediately utter what you sense within. You may respond, “O Lord, it is so wonderful! You are the Word! You are the explanation, the definition of God! Without You, no one can understand God; and in eternity You were such a Word!” Do not say too much, but simply utter what is responding within.

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Don’t say: “O Lord, I am going to the office, protect me from any car accident, etc.” This is not the valuable prayer. The valuable prayer which contacts the Lord is to utter or express what is responding within as you read the Word. When you do this, your spirit is exercised. When you read in this way, by mingling the Word with prayer, what you understand will be realized into your spirit.

It is not necessary to pray for a long time; simply pray a few words. Then go on to read the next verse. Read only a few verses from the Bible, and whatever you receive into your heart, turn into prayer. Do not merely read, and do not merely pray. You must pray-read and mingle these two things into one. As you read, simply pray. If there is anything which you do not understand, leave that for next year. The most important thing is to turn all that you understand into prayer. Try this for one day, and you will come back and give a testimony. You will see the blessing and the growth in your life. There will be a big change. If all of us will simply take this advice, all the problems and different opinions will be over. Instead of problems, we will be full of spiritual nourishment, full of life and full of Christ in our spirit.

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SECTION THREE: HAVE A FULL, REAL MEETING LIFE

Hebrews 10:25 Not abandoning our own assembling together, as the custom with some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more as you see the day drawing near.

Matthew 18:20 For where there are two or three gathered into My name, there am I in their midst.

Gathering to Enjoy Christ’s Presence

One outstanding characteristic of the church is that it meets. A Christian can never substitute meetings with “self- taught” pursuits. God has a category of grace reserved for the meetings only. If we do not meet with others, that portion of corporate grace will not be available to us.

How should we meet? The first principle in the Bible concerning meetings is that all meetings are conducted in the Lord’s name. Matthew 18:20 says, “Gathered into My name,” which can also be translated as, “Gathered under My name.” What does it mean to be gathered under the Lord’s name? It means to be under the Lord’s authority. The Lord is the center, and everyone is drawn to Him. We do not go to a meeting to visit certain brothers or sisters, nor do we go because we are attracted by certain brothers or sisters. We go to the meeting to be gathered together with other Christians under the Lord’s name. The Lord is the center. We do not meet to listen to someone’s preaching but to meet the Lord.

In Matthew 18:20 the Lord said, “For where there are two or three gathered into My name, there am I in their midst.” His presence here refers to His presence in the meeting. Only in the meeting can we have this second kind of presence. The Lord’s presence with an individual and His presence in the meeting are two different things. Some only know the Lord’s presence as individuals. But this knowledge is insufficient. The more compelling and powerful presence is experienced only in the meeting; we cannot experience such a presence individually. Although individually we can have the Lord’s presence, this presence is never as great or

as powerful as His presence in the meetings. But when we are among the brothers and sisters we can touch a presence which we could not otherwise experience as individuals. We have to learn to meet together with the brothers and sisters because it is in the meeting that we experience the Lord’s special presence. This is a tremendous blessing.

Primarily in the Homes

The main place in which Christians should meet is in the homes. Acts tells us that the early churches met in the homes of the believers. The Epistles tell us of four different homes in which the churches met (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Philem. 2). To meet in the homes is organic. If we take the way revealed in Acts, whatever we do will be organic, not organizational.

Meeting in the believers’ homes is for all the members of Christ to function. In any big meeting it is hard for the believers to function. But in a small meeting with four or five, or two or three, even a small boy or girl could function. He or she could say, “The Lord Jesus loves me, and it is so good that I love Him.” This is a small function, but do not despise it. The new believers will function in a small way at first, but from that point, they will continue to progress in life and in function. By the functioning of all the members, the small home meetings will grow and be built up. When a new couple brings forth a little infant, they have the faith that their family will be built up. The same applies to the home meetings. We should exercise our faith and practice the home meetings with much expectation.

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For Breaking Bread, Prayer, Teaching, and Fellowship

There are several different types of Christian meetings recorded in the Bible. The first is the “bread breaking meeting.” Acts 20:7 says, “And on the first day of the week, when we gathered together to break bread.’’ To break bread is to eat the Lord’s supper, remembering the Lord who died for us (1 Cor. 11:20, 23-25).

Another type of meeting is the prayer meeting. In Acts 4:24-31 it is recorded, “And when they heard this, they lifted up their voice with one accord to God… and as they were beseeching, the place in which they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God with boldness.” It says here that in those days when the disciples were under persecution, they met together to pray with one accord. That kind of prayer caused them to be filled outwardly with the Holy Spirit and to speak the word of God with boldness. The Bible also says, “Prayer was being made fervently by the church to God concerning him’’ (Acts 12:5); “where a considerable number were assembled together praying’’ (12:12). On the day when Peter was imprisoned, the church prayed fervently for him, and a considerable number were assembled together in a sister’s house, praying for him specifically. That prayer caused God to perform a great miracle, delivering Peter out of prison.

Moreover, in our small group meetings we need to practice teaching by mutual asking and mutual answering. We need to consider how to answer questions on subjects such as objective justification, reconciliation, subjective sanctification, and further growth in life. It seems that we understand the doctrines, but when it comes to the matter of teaching, we may think that it is too difficult. However, if we do not do our best to teach, the small groups will have no way to go on. In the group meetings the main thing is to perfect and equip one another by teaching. If we do not practice the mutual teaching, the group

meetings will not be so useful. We need to make the group meetings very busy, with much traffic. This depends on our asking and on our answering; it depends on our teaching.

Speaking in Mutuality

The characteristic of a Christian meeting is, first, mutuality, and second, speaking. Speaking in mutuality is not talking about common things but speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and exhorting one another. Mutuality is not one- sided. It is not only one speaking, but everyone speaking. You speak to me and I speak to you. This is the characteristic of a Christian meeting.

God’s ordained way of meeting has a characteristic, that is, speaking to one another in mutuality (Eph. 5:19), exhorting one another (Heb. 10:25). In a proper Christian meeting each one has a psalm, a teaching, or a revelation (1 Cor. 14:26). These are all speaking. The teaching and bringing the good news of Jesus as the Christ in Acts 5:42 are also speaking. When believers gather together without speaking, the characteristic of a meeting of the believers is gone. However, when everyone cannot wait to speak, the characteristic of a meeting is manifested.

For Building Up the Church by the Functioning of All the Members

Ephesians 4:16 says, “All the Body, being joined together and being knit together through every joint of the rich supply and through the operation in the measure of each one part, causes the growth of the Body unto the building up of itself in love.” Therefore, each member should function according to his own measure. If in a church all the believers were like this—you performed your function, I fulfilled my duty, he carried out his charge, and each one operated according to his own measure and manifested his particular function—then the church there would be built up.

Everyone who is being built up in a church must learn to exercise his function.

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Colossians 2:19 shows us that in the Body some are joints while others are sinews. Joints are for supply, whereas sinews are for knitting together. The supplying joints and the knitting sinews are necessary for the building up of the Body. These two kinds of members are big members. Besides these, there are many small members. In the church every one of the brothers and sisters is a member of the Body. Hence, under normal circumstances, each one, whether big or small, has a function.

We need to see that the service in the church is the responsibility of every believer. In the New Testament age all the saved ones are priests, and they are also members one of another. Hence, in the church we all need to exercise our function according to our measure for the building up of the Body of Christ.

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SECTION FOUR: REJOICE

Philippians 1:18 (2); 2:17 (2); 2:18 (2), 28; 3:1; 4:4 (2), 4:10

Philippians 4:1‐7 So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in the same way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. 2 I exhort Euodias, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same thing in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, genuine yokefellow, assist them, since they contended with me in the gospel, as well as with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses every man’s understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

The Importance of Rejoicing in the Lord

In 4:4 Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” According to Paul’s word here, we should rejoice in the Lord always. This rejoicing affords us the strength for the oneness spoken of in verses 2 and 3. In order for Euodias and Syntyche to think the same thing, it was necessary for them to learn to rejoice. Rejoicing in the Lord is also the secret of having the excellent characteristics listed in verses 5 through 9. If we would have the virtues found in these verses, we need to rejoice in the Lord. To rejoice in the Lord is a very important matter.

Moreover, Paul emphasizes this point by opening verse 10 with the words, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly.” Moreover, in 1:18 Paul, speaking of his affliction, says, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truthfulness, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice; yes, and I will rejoice.” Paul’s word about rejoicing is especially significant when we consider his circumstances. He was a prisoner in Rome, and certain of his opposers were doing everything possible to damage his ministry. Nevertheless, Paul declares, “I know that for me this will turn out to salvation through your petition and the bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (v. 19). Salvation here means to magnify Christ by living Him. Thus, Paul says, “According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I will be put to shame, but with all boldness, as always, even now Christ will be magnified in my

body, whether through life or through death” (v. 20). Paul did not expect to be put to shame in anything. No matter how difficult his circumstances were, he did not have any anxiety. Because Paul was not anxious in anything, he was not put to shame in anything. Instead, Christ was magnified in him.

Forbearance is related to rejoicing in the Lord. In 4:4 Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Immediately after this he says, “Let your forbearance be known to all men” (v. 5). If we do not rejoice in the Lord, we will not be able to forbear. If we would make known our forbearance, we need to be happy and joyful in the Lord. Those who are sad or sorrowful cannot have forbearance. Instead, they find it easy to be upset, to complain, or to lose their temper. The forbearance in verse 5 is the issue, the result, of the rejoicing in the Lord mentioned in verse 4. From experience we know that rejoicing and forbearing go together.

To rejoice in the Lord is to be one with Him. When we are one with the Lord, we are not anxious about anything, for we are not only under the Lord’s sovereign hand but also in the Lord Himself. If we live this kind of life, how could we be anxious? The more we practice being one with the Lord, the more we will realize that His destiny is our destiny. If He wants us to stay on earth for a longer period of time, He will keep us alive. But if it is His desire that we go to Him, He will take us to Himself. Since everything depends on His will and since we are one

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with Him in a practical way, there is no reason for us to be anxious.

When we are separated from the Lord, we are anxious about everything. Everything in human life gives rise to anxiety, but when we are one with the Lord, we are separated from the natural human life and its anxiety. If we would make our forbearance known to all men and not be anxious in anything, we need to practice being one with the Lord. This is the reason Paul charges us to rejoice in the Lord before he exhorts us to make known our forbearance.

Even though Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he was not anxious about anything, because he was one with the Lord actually, practically, and thoroughly. He could even say that to die was better than to live (Phil. 1:21-23). Paul was so one with the Lord that he knew that the Lord was his destiny. Not only was Paul’s destiny in the hand of the Lord—his destiny was the Lord Himself. Because Paul was one with the Lord, he knew that Satan could not do anything to him, even though he might send a messenger, a thorn in the flesh, to buffet him (2 Cor. 12:7). Paul was not worried about what Satan might do, for the Lord was his destiny.

Paul had learned the secret of being able to do all things in the One who empowered him (Phil. 4:13). In verse 4 he exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord always. We may think that it is easy to rejoice in the Lord. Actually, in order to rejoice in the Lord, we need to be in Him as the One who empowers us.

The Way for A Christian to Have Joy

Everyone likes to rejoice. No one likes to be sorrowful. For man to rejoice and not be sorrowful, he must not have any burden. Otherwise, he will not be able to rejoice. According to the Bible, there are two kinds of burdens: one is the burden of sin, and the other is the burden of anxiety. If the burden of sin is not resolved, there is no joy; if the burden of anxiety is not resolved, there is also no joy. If the burden of sin is resolved

but the burden of anxiety is not, the joy is not complete. At the same time, if the burden of anxiety is resolved but the burden of sin is not, the joy cannot be complete either. The burdens of sin and anxiety must be resolved together in order for one to rejoice.

Today what we will speak is for Christians. We will consider how a Christian can have joy. Since all Christians are saved, the burden of sin has already been resolved! However, if their burden of anxiety is not resolved, they still cannot rejoice. If Christians are not joyful, they put the Lord and His name to shame. This means that they do not trust in Him and that they doubt Him. Christians know that their sins are forgiven and that they are saved; they know that they are children of God. But many Christians are not joyful. This lack of joy is surely not God’s portion for Christians. When we are free from anxiety, we can rejoice.

But how many Christians can always rejoice? The Lord’s will is that we know our sins and come to Him for forgiveness so that we can have the authority to become children of God through the redemption of the Lord’s blood. All these things are good, but He also wants us to always rejoice (Deut. 28:47-48 ; Psa. 100:1-2 ; 1 Thes. 5:16- 18). If we do not have joy, we do not have the proper living and attitude of a Christian. Christians must always rejoice. If we read the Bible, we will find out that believers ought to live in joy and without anxiety.

Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” The first thing we have to know is that rejoicing is a commandment of God. God never commands us to do what we cannot do. Every command of God to man can be done by man. The Bible commands us not to be happy, but to rejoice in the Lord. We should not only rejoice in the Lord, but rejoice in Him always. If a man worships idols, we know that this violates God’s commandment. But we may not realize that if a Christian is not rejoicing, he is also breaking God’s commandment. We may

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think that if we worship idols we are breaking the commandments but if we do not rejoice, we are not breaking the commandments. Actually, in both cases we are breaking His commandments. Since rejoicing is a command of God, we must practice accordingly; otherwise, we are breaking God’s commandment. Perhaps you may think, “I have such and such a problem. How can I rejoice? I am a laborer and have to support a family. Even though I toil and sweat, I do not earn much in wages, and living expenses are so high. How can I rejoice?” As a result, you may become anxious. Perhaps you are a mother and a widow. You have many children and a meager income which does not adequately cover your expenses. Since you live from hand to mouth, you may think, “How can a person like me rejoice?” Perhaps you are a student, doctor, master, or servant, and you feel that it is difficult to deal with other people in the world. You cannot rejoice. Indeed, many things can make you unable to rejoice. But please note that the rejoicing in verse 4 is not to rejoice in yourself, but to “rejoice in the Lord always.”

God has not asked us to rejoice in our environment, in things going our way, or in any kind of happiness. God tells us to “rejoice in the Lord.” The world may oppose us, misunderstand us, reject us, and trap us, but no one can cover the heavens from us. The Lord never changes. The world could put Paul into prison and lock him up, but it could not keep the Lord within Paul away from him. Therefore, Paul and Silas were able to sing and praise God within the prison cell (Acts 16:25). We should be clear about one thing: do not rejoice in the environment; rather, rejoice in our Lord. When friends and relatives are away and the heart is aching and weeping, we can be comforted and rejoice if we look to the Lord who loves us and whom we love. He is enough to satisfy our heart. But Christians are very forgetful! We may hear about this today but forget about it tomorrow! This is why Paul followed by saying, “Again I will say, rejoice.” God’s intention is that we

rejoice. Therefore, whatever happens, we must rejoice.

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Morning Devotion Fellowship

Good Morning, Lord Jesus!

And He is the Head of the Body, the church; He is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, that He Himself might have the first place in all things. — Col. 1:18

A. The Importance

Abraham—Gen.19:27; 21:14; 22:3

Jacob—Gen. 28:18

Moses—Exo. 8:20; 9:13; 24:4; 34:4

Joshua—Josh. 3:1; 6:12; 7:16; 8:10

Gideon—Judg. 6:38

Hannah—1 Sam. 1:19

Samuel—1 Sam. 15:12

David—1 Sam. 17:20

Job—Job 1:5

Jesus—Mark 1:35

Mary—Luke 24:22; Mark 16:9; John 20:1

The Apostles—Acts 5:21

Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, George Müller, Billy Graham, and many, many more

B. The Way

2 Corinthians 3:16 But whenever their heart turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Matthew 4:4 …Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out through

the mouth of God.

Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found and I ate them, and Your word became to me the gladness

and joy of my heart…

Psalm 5:3 O Jehovah, in the morning You will hear my voice…

C. The Meaning

John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week, Mary the Magdalene came early to the tomb while it was yet dark and saw the stone taken away from the tomb.

John 20:11‐14 But Mary stood outside at the tomb weeping. Then as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb 12 and beheld two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him. 14 When she said these things, she turned backward and beheld Jesus standing there…

D. The Place

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your private room, and shut your door and pray to

your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Exodus 34:2‐3 And be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and

present yourself there to Me, on the top of the mountain. 3 And no one shall come up with you, nor

let anyone be seen anywhere on the mountain, nor let the flocks or herds graze in front of that

mountain.