Eric W. King ~ TSW, "The Shepherds Way": "Time to Awake." ~ TSW

Ancient Antiochene

Mysteries

Part Ten

“Time to Awake.”

By presbyter Eric William King (August 13^th 2024)

All Christians must study God’s word to avoid deception. We must cling to the words of Jesus Christ. We must trust only in Him and His word to get the Truth. Many have given up and left the work of the Lord. Only God’s true elect will continue to cling to Him, love Him, and truly trust Him. Never lose sight of the promises of our Almighty God.

Those who are members of His bride – The Ancient First Church – know that they are in His arms. They have received the gift of eternal life with Christ in Heaven. The true elect cannot be deceived, they are sealed with the Holy Spirit and planted in His word. A Christian is a person who follows Jesus, not man.

God instructs us to study to show ourselves approved unto Him. Many today who call themselves Christians are reading and studying everything but the Word of God. They simply accept what their pastor says without confirming it in Scripture. This is the sad condition of the Laodiceans. Jesus stands at the door of these churches and knocks. Do you hear the knock?

The false church expects you to answer to the fallen elders and bishops of their Unclean Sect. Deceived leaders leading deceived people, the blind leading the blind. The true Church is spiritually alert - AWAKE. It is not off sleeping like the Laodiceans. Trials continue to come into the Church of God. God providentially allows trials to occur that the Church may learn to properly grow. We are to grow in the love of Christ. In today’s world we see and sense polarity at it's extreme. So much new distorted diversity in a world full of electronic toys and gadgets. So many things are affecting our old ways of thought and how we live daily.

The Church of Christ is currently faced with a great struggle of collective sanctification. In a world full of opposing arguments and strife, in a world full of drugs and violence, how is the Christian Church to respond? With a "holier than thou" attitude? Most certainly not!

As Christians we must always remember that God is in complete control. We serve a Sovereign God. Many people today feel overly judged. You are either this, or that. There does not seem to be any “in-between” stance. Loneliness, anger, temptations and anxiety pound most human hearts. Those who are not close to the love of God are asking; “Where is God in all of this”?

The Christian Church has the challenge of learning how to respond to the extremes and diverse issues we all face today. I truly believe that the Christian church needs to rise above all the confusion and hatred and let the Light of Jesus Christ shine brighter and brighter. It is time to have Jesus Christ show the fallen world just how His children deal with all these issues. We deal with them through and in the Love of Jesus Christ. It is time for this world to truly experience the love of God.

Let your light shine!

In this world there is a spiritual war between good and evil. As Christians we are to rise above the duality of it all and learn to rest in the victory that we already have through Christ Jesus our Lord. There are spiritual powers at play beyond mere human power. God has given His children the greatest power, now is the time to let that power through.

Yes, God’s church is experiencing turmoil but see the Light through the turmoil.

Stop trying to keep up with this fallen world. Escape hectic living by learning to live the simple Christian life. God loves you and He is now asking you to share that love with others. In order to share the love of God, you have to have the love of God yourself. Take time out every day to accept and receive God’s unconditional love in your own life, and then you can share it with others. Remain with His church, the Ancient Antiochene Church of God.

God is love. (1^st John 4:16) Don’t sit around trying to prove that your way is the only right way. Instead, live and accept God’s way. By living in God’s love others will see God’s love. It’s really that easy. My challenge for you today is to not be offended by this fallen world but instead learn to pray for it. Pray for others and simply walk in God’s love. All else will fall into its proper place.

Rest in Jesus Christ every day.

All Antiochene Christians, in every church, stand tall.

It is truly time to awake.

This is most certainly true.

Eric William King (August 14^th 2024)