Scripture: Colossians 1 v 10 - 14: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"
The Cross was our crossroads, our choice to become born again, or to reject salvation, or postpone it. We, who chose salvation, have been translated into the Kingdom of God. From the moment of baptism in water after repentance, our spirit was exchanged for the nature of Jesus.
Our old way of life, our old man, died under the water. We are buried with Jesus in baptism and He takes our spirit that was dead through sin, and we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. He is alive in our flesh and soul body. Outside of Jesus we are dead. "For we are dead and our lives are hid with Christ in God." Colossians 3 v 3. We are only alive when we are in Him and spiritually active.
Jesus is seated on the right hand of the Father therefore we are up close and personal with our Father at all times. He communicates with us Spirit to spirit. He pours His love, wisdom, acceptance, encouragement and blessings upon us. As much as He loves Jesus, He loves us. We are the Body of His Son. If our child has challenges to any part of its body we do not reject that part, we do everything we can to improve it and heal it.
So when the Holy Spirit sees some imperfection in us, like anger or fear or disobedience, He stirs our conscience (that inner twinge that says I shouldn't have said or done that) to be sorry and make amends. However, some stubborn souls rebel and squash the conscience by declaring angrily that "they had it coming!"
Often these souls need guidance through the Word or through a pastor or Christian friend. If they don't heed the Word, reinforcements are required. Sometimes the Father has to chastise the unruly soul. Suddenly, things are going wrong at home, at work. Relationships become tense, or a contract gets cancelled. The Lord allows these things in order to regain our attention. Just as He did to Israel throughout the Old Testament.
We must not come to the Cross, get saved and park there, happy to just sit and wait for Heaven. Too many people do that and never know the real power of the Holy Spirit and the blessed advantage He gives us.
1 Corinthians 12 v 4 - 7: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
There are times when the Gifts of the Holy Spirit work things in our favour in the secular situation. In business for instance. I was on a journey of about half an hour and prayed in tongues the whole way. When I stopped the Holy Spirit interpreted the tongues for me. It was about a business deal I should make and with whom. The same day that man contacted me and proposed the very deal my tongues had uttered. I knew it was safe and sure because Jesus was backing it up!
The Lord uses all the Gifts to bless and help us. All the while He is drawing us closer to Himself to fill us with the fruits of righteousness. That's what going beyond the Cross does. It makes us holy, which means set apart for God's purpose. Not that we walk about in goody-twoshoes fashion, but we are aware God has a task for us. Something above and beyond the call of duty is required of us.
There are souls that have not received the proper gospel teaching in their youth, who are now confused and become contrary. People who were Christened as babies do not feel the need to be baptised in water so they reject it and compromise their salvation. Some souls have heard strange explanations for speaking in tongues and refuse the baptism of the Holy Spirit because of their objections.
Our tasks are to patiently reveal the truth to them and answer their questions according to the Word of God, trusting the Holy Spirit to work with us to help people receive the fullness of what God has for them. He needs us to use all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to reach and teach and demonstrate the power of God.
Matthew 7 v 17 - 20: "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
If a Church, pastor, or ministry consistently brings forth good, Godly, fruit then you can trust them to continue doing so. Jesus says a good "tree" cannot bring forth evil fruit. A lovely peach tree cannot produce poison berries for example.
There was a poisoned Apple in Eden that should never have been eaten. It has produced evil fruit for 6000 years, not even the Flood could wipe it out. It opened the door that can only close when we become born again Christians and go beyond the Cross into the fullness of life in Christ.
Our greatest task is to testify of our salvation to those who are still on the outside looking in, or running away. The best way is to convey what God means to us without saying a word. Showing the changes He has made in our lives, showing love and kindness to those who have little, staying humble and discreet are ornaments of great value to our Father.
When we go beyond the Cross we enter into a fellowship with the Trinity of God that is above every Earthly relationship. It is exhilarating to be communing with God about one's own needs and hearing of the needs God has planned to do through us. Seeing the big picture, knowing the plans of the Enemy, receiving the strategy to outwit him, believing God for a favourable outcome. These are what's called joy unspeakable and full of glory!
One such example comes to my mind immediately. I was on the phone making plans to assist a friend get to an interview next day. The Lord interrupted me to say don't agree to this plan. No reason. However, I cancelled that plan. A few hours later I learned that my unsaved mother had died suddenly of a heart attack. At the exact time I was told to cancel plans.
This was long before cell phones. That morning I had received a specific scripture from the Lord for my mother. Revelation 7 v 9 - 10: "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." My thought was that today my mother would be saved.
The next morning I was singing a song of praise to the Lord for saving her when I was aware that I was singing a duet before the Throne of God. I could not see the Lord but I was wondering who was singing with me. My eyes fell on the white garment she was wearing and her hand feeling the materia for quality! It could only be my mother! The only person I knew who would be in Heaven and still check for quality. She was Scottish! This way the Lord confirmed that He had indeed clothed her in a white robe before His Throne. My song of praise was truly meant.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for translating us into Your Kingdom to enjoy the peace of Heaven while on Earth. Help us to live fruitful lives beyond the Cross and to demonstrate Your love to the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.