The primary goal of the work of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and shepherds is the unifying and maturing of the saints. The ministries and gifts have been placed in the Body for the strengthening and building of the Body of Christ.

The feeding of the Lord's sheep and lambs is of such importance in the Kingdom of God that it has been placed first in order in the prophetic listing of the reconstruction of the gates in the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem.

The world is waiting for the unifying and maturing of the Church, for it is only through the Church that the world can be released from the "bondage of corruption" (Romans 8:21).

All of the purposes of God, such as the creating of His eternal dwelling place among mankind, the creating and perfecting of the Bride of the Lamb, the judging of evil and the removing of evil from the universe, the ruling of the world in righteousness, the bringing into being of the sons of God and brothers of Christ, can be realized only in the Church, in God's people who have been chosen out of the world. Therefore, it is of the greatest importance that the Lord's sheep and lambs are fed regularly and well.

The Church is not of the world just as Christ is not of the world. The world hates the Church because it is not of the world. The world resents all that God is performing in the Church. Yet, it is only through the Church that the world can receive life and light. It is all-important, not only from the standpoint of God but also from the standpoint of the world, that the Lord's sheep and lambs are strengthened and nourished.

The world is the world and the Church is the Church. Between the world and the church is being created the highest, thickest, sturdiest wall in the creation of God. Satan understands that his end will come at the hand of the Church. The world senses that the Church is the eternal enemy of the spirit of the world. This is why there has been and will continue to be vicious persecution of the saints, even when the saints go about in the Spirit of the Lord doing good and healing all who are oppressed by the devil.

The Spirit of God is in the process of restoring all of the gifts and ministries to the Body of Christ. God has determined to bring the Church, and shall bring the Church, to perfect and unblemished completeness, unity, and maturity. The work is of God and He shall accomplish it.

As soon as we begin to look to Jesus for revival, He causes us to understand one of His first concerns is the feeding and care of His sheep and lambs.

We may be concerned about unsaved people becoming Christians. This is a righteous concern. But the Lord Jesus may be even more concerned that those persons who have received Him begin to walk in His ways. Of what use to the Lord Jesus is an unclean church? Of what use to the world is an unclean church? It is as salt that has lost its flavor. It is good for nothing but the garbage heap.

The doors of the sheep gate must be set up. Then we will be able to find our way into the green pastures. There are green pastures and quiet waters for each of the Lord's sheep—for you, dear reader. But the "doors" in some instances have not been set up.

To be continued.