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The Daily Word of Righteousness
The Tabernacle of David, #7
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22,23)
We see, therefore, that if we have the Tabernacle of the Congregation without the Ark of the Covenant and the covering Lid of Atonement we have everything to which Spirit-filled people are accustomed, with the exception of the Presence of God Himself and His judgment on Satan.
Is it possible to have the gifts of God apart from God Himself?
Indeed it is. We of the Christian churches, although we may think we know all about Christ and His salvation, are often quite ignorant of the realities of the spirit realm. Sometimes we do not understand the difference between God and His gifts.
We do not understand, for example, that the gifts of the Spirit operate at several levels. We do not understand the difference between spirituality and spiritual giftedness. We are not aware of the distinction between the numerous spirits that operate in the assemblies and the Holy Spirit of God.
Sometimes it happens that a man or woman is used mightily of the Lord in evangelism, or in working miracles, or in leading people into the baptism with the Spirit of God. We may idolize this gifted individual.
Then we discover that our idol is dishonest or immoral. We cannot understand how such an immoral person could be used to bring souls into the Kingdom of God. The inconsistency causes confusion. We do not know whether God simply is not interested in morality or whether the entire Christian enterprise is a hoax.
What we must come to realize is that God gives a variety of gifts and graces to people with the hope that they and those to whom they minister will profit and grow in the knowledge of the Lord. The gift of such a minister is subject to the minister. He may stir it up or allow it to lie dormant. He may use his gift for his own aggrandizement, or to become rich, or to seduce weak believers to commit adultery with him, or to bless and enrich the Lord's flock.
But God Himself—that is another matter. The only way in which the Presence of God can be gained is by total, stern obedience to God's written and revealed Word, righteous and holy conduct, and much waiting on the Lord.
There is a wealth of ministry in the churches of today. Multitudes are being saved and baptized in water. Some are following the rules of righteousness and holiness. People are being born again. Believers are being filled with the Spirit of God. A few are seeking a life of discipleship and are pursuing the Spirit-filled life. Christians are seeking and receiving the gifts of the Spirit.
All this is the Tabernacle of the Congregation.
To be continued.