HEAVEN'S PERSPECTIVE

Peaceful Combat In A Turbulent World Explained

We are all caught up in the sprawling architecture of the House of God. Our spirits forever sealed and seated in His lofty, heavenly places. His promise echoes across the halls of eternity, a promise not of physical gold and silver – riches coveted by those with weaker imagination, but one far richer, etched in the very bedrock of our souls.

God’s cosmic choreography is presently shaking up the world. His shaking reveals our true nature, like kernels in a popper, as we shed our husks of worldly preoccupation. Out of this tumult and righteous indignation, we are commanded to stand firm. Here’s where we find God’s plan, His ecclesia, emerging from the shaking. Have you noticed? We are naturally separating ourselves from the prurient interests and carnal lusts of those who’ve stolen power.

Transformed and renewed, we are becoming more than just beings of flesh and bone; we are spiritual warriors armed with supernatural authority. Like the prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 6, we’re comforted by God’s presence, even in times of peril – His Glory is pouring forth covering our world. His miraculous power is being invested in we, His People – and it is His Majesty and Miracles which illuminate the darkness. His divine hosts surround us while our vision is being cleared to see mountains brimming with heavenly chariots. Our world is not merely natural, but brimming with His supernatural.

This is of infinitely more value than mere gold and silver that’s been promised; it’s a purpose, a role in His divine drama. The narrative arcs toward God’s ultimate goal, as we all, in our own ways, contribute to the building of His ecclesia – first in walls of protection, then with increasing precision and combined intent, to build His temple, even as the worldly around us surrender in despair. Yet, when we surrender ourselves as His living sacrifices, willingly stepping onto the anvil of transformation, miracles beyond measure will be the consequence – and not even a fool would dare choose any other path!

Truly, we all know the cost has been great. Lost loved ones and friends who do not yet see His divine purpose. Yet, the cost fades, overshadowed by the grand product, others the worldly few remaining will recognize the clarity of purpose and His holy love – that reaches out to all in despair.

Forged in divine fires, we emerge not brittle but resilient, shining with the glory reflected by our Creator. Romans 12 beckons us to this new life, where our humble sacrifices are woven into a radiant tapestry of spiritual service, not conformed but transformed, not grudging but joyful, not solitary but in welcoming unison. Together, we serve God’s purpose, each a vital thread in His cosmic tapestry. This is God’s ultimate goal; this is His ecclesia. And we are part of it, by His grace and for His glory.

ROMANS 12

Living Sacrifices to God

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Serve God with Spiritual Gifts

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Behave Like a Christian

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient[c] in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given[d] to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have[e] regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore,

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.