A teacher of English to foreign students shared how, in a classroom situation, two students of the same Muslim faith expressed completely different beliefs regarding practices within the same faith.

It was a remarkable comparison with issues within Christianity and the Body of Christ. Jesus said, “You have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition,” Matthew 15:6

As we enter into “the dispensation of the fullness of times,” Ephesians 1:10, let us ask ourselves two questions:

Do I hear the voice of God as clearly as I think I do?

Am I as far on in God as I think I am?

I cannot bear testimony of myself but there should be independent witness outside of myself i.e. my life and lifestyle, my circumstances, my relationships with others. All these speak louder than my own words. So often the world cannot hear what we say for the noise of what we are!

Many people claim, “God told me,” as a rebuke to anyone who would challenge their believing. If I am standing on God’s word then nothing can affect me – “Great peace have they who love Thy law and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165 Challenge me by all means! Disagree with me by all means, but do not break relationship with me if we cannot agree. Amos 3:3 is often misquoted. The verse reads, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” It is a challenge. There is plenty we can be in agreement about, and we can agree to disagree, without being disagreeable and breaking the important bond of relationship and fellowship.

Some have declared that they have heard an “audible voice” of God as though this substantiates their position. 2 Peter 1:16 – 19 records the account of Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, hearing the audible voice of God declare, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” verse 17, but in verse 19, Peter states, “….but we have a MORE SURE word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arises in your hearts.”

As we continue into a tremendous time for the Body of Christ in this church age, surely the key to this problem is graciously finding a way, in humility, of discussing our differences without being guarded and contentious.

Is there an analogy between a recent event in the natural and a coming challenge in the realm of the Spirit? Recent news reports that a record has been made by the first man to break the sound barrier by free-falling from the earth’s atmosphere. In an interview the record-maker shared how he prepared himself for a long period to take this huge risk into the unknown, dealing with his fears of how the consequences of his choice could affect him physically. He was a pioneer in this event and he succeeded with no ill effects.

In the realm of the Spirit, for the glory of God, there are boundaries we need to press out of our comfort zone and into God’s, evidenced by carrying His rest. 2 Corinthians 1:8 – 10…..”…..we were pressed out of measure……that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God……that he will yet deliver us.”

A life lived to the glory of God demonstrates humility. A life lived to the glory of man can result in self glory – “wood, hay and stubble” to be burned up.

When the divine Potter lovingly fashions us on His wheel, as we yield we begin to see things with our spiritual eyes from God’s perspective, and recognise that man’s glory is enmity against God.

Currently the world continues to be in free-fall of chaos in many areas. There are daily news reports of fiscal collapse, wars, global disasters, broken relationships – the list is endless. We each need to know the preparation we are to be schooled and grounded in for this hour, day and dispensation, the fullness of times.

For the people of God this is a glorious opportunity to demonstrate the supernatural power of God by carrying His Presence amidst the turmoil and darkness of these times. We serve the same God who supernaturally provided for the children of Israel in the wilderness – daily food, clothes and shoes that did not wear out and 24 hour guidance through cloud and fire in the sky. OUR GOD DOES NOT CHANGE.

This dispensation is bristling with opportunity for the children of God to demonstrate the life of Another – Christ in us, the hope of God’s glory for His kingdom purposes. This is the hour for the “Daystar” to arise in our hearts, (2 Peter 1:19) to demonstrate God’s love, light and peace to a crumbling world.

Whatever the scientists, evolutionists, governments, “prophets of Baal” say, God will have the last word over His creation. When they have all finished their vain-glorious speeches and working themselves up into a frenzy, God will send down His “fire” and have the last word. Hallelujah!

Children of the Living God, come forth and step into your calling!