Only when the Holy Spirit enters a person can there be Life. Only when a man enters a woman can there be conception. Only when a preacher embodies his message can there be revelation. Only when a bee climbs into a flower can there be pollination.
So then, how much life, conception, revelation or pollination can we expect in a church movement built only on associations and convocations? Without the divine and human intimacy of the Book of Acts, all you are left with are empty acts. My contention is that true intimacy between God given friends, ministers and churches need be felt in our bowels, not merely our year planners.
Jesus washed feet, wept over death, was moved with compassion and indwelt his relationships with persevering love. He discipled his friends by imprinting his life on them, by leading the way and taking the fall. So too, we are not ministers and apostles if we merely preach, travel and counsel. - these alone make us professional churchmen, no more. True ministers have entered the kingdom through many hardships, carry men on their hearts and suffer for the sake of the elect.
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