The four elements of succesful spiritual living...

[Twilight]

There are four important elements to the individual Christians relationship with God.

These four fundamental elements are shadowed in the Sanctuary.

Let us consider them:

1. The blood of the lamb (the offering).

2. The light of the Holy Spirit (the lampstand).

3. The word (table of shewbread).

4. Prayer (the table of incense).

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1. The blood of the lamb.

Without the blood, the sanctuary could not be entered into.

God could not be approached.

So the very first step in a Christians life, is to appropriate the blood of the lamb to themselves.

To be covered by it and cleansed by it.

Only when this has happened are the next three items available.

Only when you have received the sacrifice of Christ on your behalf, can you enter in.

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2. The Holy Spirit.

When the Holy Place was first activated, the lamp had to be lit.

When a Christian comes into the Holy Place, they need the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, to illuminate the truth for them.

Without it, we will stumble around in the darkness.

They need the specific leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

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3. The Word.

This is signified by the table of Shew Bread.

Without daily taking of the word, we will become spiritually starved.

We also have to fortify the mind with the word, so that it is in a healthy condition to discern the leading of the Spirit.

If our mind is not "renewed" by the Word, we can be subject to the leading of any "spirit".

It is our protection, our intelligent protection, it enables us to discern Gods leading.

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4. Prayer.

Prayer that is cleansed by Christs sacrifice is essential.

This prayer is to be continous, throughout the day.

It is to ascend into the Fathers presence continually.

As the incense ascended up over the curtain between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place, so is our prayer to enter into the presence of God continualy.

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In conclusion:

To gain access to the Father so that we can grow as Christians, all four fundamental aspects must be in place.

But please note.

It is only when we are covered by the merits of Christ's blood, that the other three elements can be accessed.

It is only through the blood of the lamb that we can enter in and partake of these elements.

Engaging in these elements without the blood of the lamb is walking with self.

Not God.

So let us take hold of the blood of the lamb and make use of the means of the gift of the Holy Spirit, Gods Word and Prayer.

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Your thoughts?

Mark

[SivartM]

I never thought of it that way. Great insight. I have nothing to add to this. :D

[Twilight]

I never thought of it that way. Great insight. I have nothing to add to this.

I find that this shows us that without all of these elements, we are not "safe" spiritually...

I think it is a good lesson in the way of the Christian walk.

Also, one easy to remember. :-)

Mark

[Guest]

Wow! looks like we got a new paint job.

[Twilight]

I thought I would bump this...

[WayneV]

Mark,

Is this your original work. If so, may I have your permission to use part, or all of it, in my "spiritual formation" class (with proper credit, of course)?

Agape`

[Twilight]

Mark,

Is this your original work. If so, may I have your permission to use part, or all of it, in my "spiritual formation" class (with proper credit, of course)?

Agape`

No, this definitely belongs to God Wayne. :-)

I am sure you have His express permission on this one. :-)

Mark

[WayneV]

Thanks Mark,

This is a good Word.

Agape`

[Twilight]

One of the biggest problems in my view, in Adventism, is our lack of appreciation of the work of the Holy Spirit.

Many Adventists do not realise they have the gift of the Holy Spirit, let alone how to be led by Him.

We do not generally know how to recognise the leading of the Holy Spirit.

This is because of some fundamental gaps in our understanding of the bible and the nature of man in my view. :-)

So lessons like this from Gods Word, should emphasise all of these things, but the emphasis must be placed on the leading of the Spirit, because it is through this we are sanctified.

When we are sanctified, Jesus can come.

Consider this:

1. The blood of Christ opens up the way into the Christian walk.

2. The leading of the Spirit (light of the candles) is dependant on the other two items in the Holy Place.

3. The "Word" (table of shewbread), identifies the leading of the Spirit and protects us from false leadings.

4. Continual Prayer (table of incense), establishes the continual connection we need with God and trains us to focus on God.

So the Blood of Christ, opens up to us the experience of growing into Spirit led Christians.

The elements of being Spirit led are:

1. The gift of the Holy Spirit.

2. Bible study.

3. Continual prayer (prayer in the heart, in the spirit).

With these we can be led by God.

But only can we be led safely when we have all three.

Mark :-)

[Twilight]

HEY TWILIGHT

THESE are good thoughts and ideas

thank you for posting

dgrimm60

You are welcome my friend. :-)

Mark