01/06/17 TRUST ME, THERE IS A POINT TO THIS

01/06/17 TRUST ME, THERE IS A POINT TO THIS
* Speed and distance on land are measured differently than speed and distance on water.
* A land mile is shorter than a nautical mile.
* Tons are measured differently from one another.
* A short ton weighs about 2000 pounds and a long ton weighs about 2240 pounds.
* Then again, the term "ton" can refer to either weight or capacity.
* Pounds are measured differently from one another.
* While a 100 pounds of concrete does not weigh more that 100 pounds of feathers, a pound of gold or a pound of silver is not measured the same as a pound of feathers or concrete.
* Some pounds are 12 ounces and some pounds are 16 ounces.

Okay, so what is my point?
Words have precise meaning. The same word used by two different people can mean two different things. The same word, used by one person can also mean two different things.

When it comes to spiritual things, communications can get even more confusing because there is a dimension of understanding among those who are spiritually enlightened that is different from those who are less spiritual or those who are carnal or those who are still in their sins.

We use to refer to Christian communication as, "speaking in the language of Canaan."

In other words...
The unsaved person (also known as someone who lives in Egypt) does not understand the spiritual realities of the redeemed person (also known as those who have escaped Egypt's bondage by crossing the Red Sea, into the Sinai wilderness).

Likewise, the justified individual (referred to as someone who has crossed the Red Sea, going from Egypt into Sinai) does not always understand the spiritual realities of the Spirit filled believer (also known as someone who has crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land or Canaan).

It is not simply a matter of using analogous terminology. It is a matter of having spiritual insight that is only understood by the spiritually minded. In the natural realm, a person without taste buds cannot understand taste, a person without sight cannot understand colors, a person from one part of the world may not understand the terrain or people's behavior in another part of the world. Experience is part of understanding.

We do not really understand the things of God until we are walking in the way of God. We do not really understand the grace and mercy of God until we have experienced the salvation of God. We really do not understand the love of God until we have become partakers of Divine nature.

The pastor's job, the Bible teacher's job is to convey factual information, but also to lead people into relational and spiritual transformation.

* Come out of Egypt.
* Leave behind the Wilderness Wanderings.
* Enter into the Promised Land that Flows with Milk and Honey.

The ministers goal is to bring sinners to salvation and bring believers to a life lived in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 1:28-29
(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
(29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Consider these passages.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
(6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
(7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
(8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
(9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
(10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
(11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
(12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
(13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
(14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
(16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Ephesians 3:3-5
(3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
(4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
(5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Colossians 1:25-27
(25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
(26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
(27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: