SONSHIP 4 MY BRETHREN-- THE CONGREGATION

MY BRETHREN-- THE CONGREGATION

One more way in which there is shown a difference between the OVERCOMER and the "run-of-the-mill" Christian is in the usage of the terms "My Brethren" and "Congregation". It is not apparent in the casual observation of the Scriptures, but is there, non-the-less. Here are some outstanding examples, plus some other scriptures which bear out the same thought-- that our status in God is greatly dependent upon what use we make of the Word of God in its application to our own lives AFTER WE ARE INITIALLY SAVED.

WE ARE EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT OF THE BELIEVER. WE, OURSELVES, DETERMINE OUR OWN DESTINY IN OUR PROGRESS IN SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT.

Psalms 22:22 I will DECLARE THY NAME UNTO MY BRETHREN: in the MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION WILL I PRAISE THEE.

Psalms 102:21 To DECLARE THE NAME OF THE LORD IN ZION, and his PRAISE IN JERUSALEM;

Hebrews 2:11,12 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I WILL DECLARE THY NAME UNTO MY BRETHREN, in the MIDST OF THE CHURCH WILL I SING PRAISE UNTO THEE.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that he might be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.

The NAME OF THE LORD embodies HIS NATURE, as Moses heard it in the Mount.

Exodus 34:6-7 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Psalms 103:7 He made known HIS WAYS UNTO MOSES, his ACTS UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.

Deuteronomy 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, WHOM THE LORD KNEW FACE TO FACE,

PRAISE, AS WONDERFUL AS IT IS, IS SECONDARY TO "HEARING" THE NAME OF THE LORD.

The Lord will accept PRAISE from anyone-- regardless of their degree of Spiritual Maturity. But, to HEAR THE NAME OF THE LORD requires a large degree of personal refinement by the Word and Spirit of God.

ONLY GOD knows the heart of each individual. Therefore, only He can be the judge of who gets what.

Psalms 22:25 My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

Psalms 35:18 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

Psalms 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.

WHATEVER THE COST TO OURSELVES MAY BE, the PRIZE of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS will be worth all the price.