“Total Separation”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 19 05/20/2007

Genesis 12:1, 4, 5 Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get out of your country and from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you:

Our call is like Abram’s call - a call to Total Separation!

God called Abraham to leave—his country, his relatives, his father… So Abram departed, as the LORD had said; and Lot his brother's son went with him… However, it wasn’t a complete separation!

If we want our faith to please God then we need to be totally separated! This is a two fold separation. We are to be separated from the world and separated unto the Lord.

Two cannot walk together unless they are agreed.

Even though Christ was in the world He was not of this world and neither are we to be. Our citizenship is in heaven and we are only ambassadors here representing Christ. A question we must ask ourselves is are we living and acting as an ambassador of Christ or are we just enduring this separation.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon

Now Abram heeded the word of God but not completely.

Many Christians today start off like Abram… they start out with great enthusiasm to follow the Lord, perhaps as a result of a crisis but then later grind to a standstill in their walk.

The key is perseverance, enduring to the end.

God’s call to Abram to leave his country and go to an unknown country is comparable to leaving the world behind looking toward heaven.


God’s call to leave his relatives was comparable to leaving the old nature (the old man) or our flesh nature behind.

Abram went through a lot of self inflicted misery, trials and pain because he really wasn’t separated… but now in Genesis 13 we see a separated relationship developing.

Genesis 13:2,5 And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold… Lot also had flocks, and herds, and tents.

Genesis 13:8 And Abram said to Lot, Let there not be strife between me and you, or between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are family….

As we look at the lives of these two men we see that

Abram’s life symbolizes a spirit controlled person.
Lot’s life represents a carnal (worldly) person.

Our walk with the Lord requires, rather it demands total separation.

Lot was not separated. It is not noted that God spoke to him. I Corinthians 3:1-3 Brethren, I could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk and not with meat because you are not able to deal with it, nor are you yet able. For you are still carnal: because there is among you envying and strife and divisions, you walk as men…

Abram built altars to God and pitched his tent.
Lot built his tent and pitched his altars.

Lot lived by sight, Abram lived by faith!

Abram seemed interested in pleasing God, but there is no indication whatsoever of Lot even being interested in God.

Lot got himself into major trouble, just as any believer gets into trouble when he/she does not take time to fellowship with God on a daily basis.

When Lot left Egypt he took something else with him which did him far more harm and damage than his possessions… a worldly spirit.

The conflict between Abram and Lot illustrates the struggle that takes place between the spirit and the flesh.

Lot was self-centered and greedy, Abram was generous and kind. Genesis 13:8-9 And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife between me and you separate yourself from me: if you wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Do you have enough faith to let God have his way to leave things to him without worrying about the outcome?.

Do you stick with faith even if it doesn’t go your way?

Abram was called to Canaan not Lot, yet he gave Lot the choice. He could have insisted on his rights. God had given the land to Abram not Lot. Abram was older, the first choice should have been his - but he had an unshakable faith in His God. He knew full well that no matter the results God’s will would be done!

Abram chose peace by giving Lot first choice.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as it is up to you, live peaceably with all men.

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to take, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

As Christians we are not to insist on our rights, even as Christ did not insist on His.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Lot chose the things seen, things with no eternal value. Genesis 13:10-11 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere…...as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

Genesis 13:12-18 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. The LORD said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward and southward and eastward and westward: For all the land which you can see I give to you and your seed forever. I will make your seed as the dust of the earth….. Arise, walk through the land, the length of it and the breadth of it; for I will give it to you. Then Abram removed his tent and came and dwelt in Hebron, and built there an altar to the LORD.

In Genesis 19 we read of Lot’s demise. (his wife, daughters)

Joshua 7:21 describes Achan - he saw, he coveted, he took.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

I pray that you will be moved by the Word of God, not by self interest. I pray you lean on the promises of God and not on your own understanding.

Remember you are charged by God to come out from among the world.

II Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

II Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

filthiness of the flesh = sins of the mind, our thinking /attitude


If you are going to be what God really wants you to be, you must be careful to confess your sins.

Please take note that it was not until there was complete separation on Abraham’s part that he was fully in the will of God.

Re-cap
Abram: Spirit led, walked by faith, Generous and spiritual, Looked for a city whose builder was God, became father of all believers, made heir of Canaan’s land, pleased God.

Lot: Flesh led, walked by sight, self-centered and worldly, looked for a man made city, had no testimony with his family, lost his wife, his daughters committed incest with him, became father of desert tribes, lost everything when Sodom was destroyed.

“Poolside Miracle”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 18 05/12/2007

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, having five porches John 5:2 The pool of Bethesda was apparently fed by an underground stream and at certain seasons the water stirred. This troubling of the water was attributed to an unseen angel who released healing power into the pool and the first person to enter was healed.

Multitudes of crippled, paralyzed and handicapped people gathered to wait for the water to move, hoping they would be the lucky ones. Some scholars suggest the five porches were constructed to shelter the multitudes who camped around the pool. The Word says that by this pool lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. John 5:3

John write, For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had John 5:4

I believe John recorded this Jewish tradition just as the Jews believed it - to expose its weakness and limitation as compared to the all-inclusive, absolute healing power of Jesus Christ.

I don't serve a God who would cause such a horrible scene of selfishness. Strong, rude, self-centered people pushing and shoving their way to a place nearest the pool… that sounds like a God thing to me. Less crippled bullies muscling their way over other poor cripples to get into the pool first. Certainly sounds like it would honor the Father?

Quick - it's moving! What a mad rush it had to be, with the hopes of the weakest and neediest dashed because some more nimble soul got there first.

One poor cripple heard that cry for 38 years. He didn’t have a chance, he’d drag his crippled body a few feet, and by that time it was all over, someone else had stepped into the pool.

People were healed no question, but each healing would only create more anguish and hopelessness for those who had waited so long in vain.

Please understand every poor soul laying by that pool already had something better than a chance troubling the water. They had the precious promises of a loving God who had made provision to heal them all. If you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God and do that which is right in His sight and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you, which I have brought on the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that heals you Exodus 15:26

Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits: who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases Psalm 103:2,3

This hurting multitude was spiritually blind to God's Word. They weren’t laying there handicapped and crippled because they were all horrible sinners - no doubt sin had brought sickness and disease on many of them - but not all.

God could’ve received great glory had they sought out His Word and acted with as much confidence in what He promised as they did toward being first into the pool.

Christ was approached by his disciples about a man who was blind from birth - they asked, Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in Him John 9:2-3

According to the Word - they were waiting for the wrong thing!
Truly my soul waits on God; He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:1,2,5,6

Jesus was drawn to a certain impotent man laying by the pool. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity 38 years. When Jesus saw him, knowing that he had been there a long time, he asks him, Will you be made whole? John 5:5,6

Impotency comes in many forms. It can be physical, spiritual, mental - or all of these at once. Mentally and spiritually you may be that man laying by the pool! You are in a situation that seems hopeless - and you see no way out. No one really understands the depth of your suffering - no one seems to care enough to stop and help; no one really touches the hurt in you.

Take a good look at that impotent man, and think of the years of struggle, the hurts loaded on him by uncaring, insensitive people. How often he must have lifted a withered hand to those rushing by to get their own needs met, crying, Some-one, help me! Please! I can't do this on my own!

Jesus asks, "Do you really want to be healed?"

There is a danger in prolonged agony and pain - and that is to finally give up, embrace the sorrow, and just make do with things as they are. The Puritans called it, "hugging the pain"

The Lord's question implied the man was not ready to face the responsibility that comes with being made whole. Listen to the man's immediate response. Rather than a joyful, expectant, "Yes, I will be healed" - he says, Sir, I have no man John 5:7

It is sad, but true, that many hurting people could not survive without their sorrow and pain. I am speaking about people who have built their very lives around pain, affliction and suffering.
They’ve complained and talked about their situation so often and for so long that if they were healed, they’d have nothing to talk about.

They’ve been sad and murmuring for so long, it has become an addiction. If they were healed it’d mean learning a whole new way of life. They'd have to learn the language of hope.

Suffering has the potential of turning people into grumbling, self-centered cripples wallowing in self-pity. How miserable to live with someone like that, because they measure your love by your willingness to cater to their emotional pain.

Jesus said to him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk John 5:8

He might have heard about Jesus; but this man didn’t know Him; he wasn’t at all intimate with Jesus. He had been too trapped by his infirmity. But Jesus knew all about him!

Jesus had come to him in his misery and sorrow - and mercy was about to spring forth! Jesus didn’t cross examine him; He didn’t rebuke him for bitterness or self-pity.

Jesus was touched by this poor man’s infirmity. At this time Jesus made no demands. All Jesus asked of him was to believe His Word and act on it. Rise! Take up your bed! Walk - away from this scene!

Later, after his healing, Jesus would find him in the temple. He would hear the Lord's command to go and sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you v.14 He’d get to know and trust Jesus. But now, laying by the pool helpless and in despair, he faced the biggest decision of all his painful years.

A Word of resurrection hope had come to him! He was being challenged: Rise by faith, be made whole, join the living or lay there in self pity and die all alone!

The man had to believe this was God at work, that his cries had been heard and his time for deliverance had come.

Jesus said, Verily, I say to you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do: for whatever he does, the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he does; and he will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel John 5:19, 20

In essence, Jesus was saying to the Pharisees, "My Father wanted him healed, so I healed him. I do only what my Father wills."

It was God's will, God's love - God's desire, to make this man completely whole. It is so difficult when you are down and weak to believe God still loves you!

When years have been wasted, when sin has crippled your body and soul, when you feel worthless and displeasing to God and you wonder why He’d even still care - it is then that it takes child-like faith to accept that love and step out in faith saying, Lord, on your word alone I will arise - get up out of this crippling weakness - and walk with you!

They cry to the Lord in their trouble, and he saves them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:17-21

The word of hope, forgiveness, mercy, love and restoration has come to you through this message. Cry aloud! Heed his Word, repent, then rise - walk with the Lord and be made whole!

"Not Among The Tree Huggers"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 17 05/06/2007

The apostle Paul warns that in the last days perilous times shall come. II Timothy 3:1 Paul's use of the word "perilous" means "dangerous, fierce and violent times that sap away all strength." Those times are here!

As tempting as it may be, running away is contrary to everything in God's Word! Besides, if you seek to save your skin you’ll loose it!

Jesus is not coming back for a cowardly people on the run!

Jesus knew what our times would be like. He was aware of all the horrible violence that would take place. He foresaw the outbreaks of wickedness, the school killings and the terrorism . And still He commanded, Go to all the world! Preach the gospel, baptize, heal the sick - I’ll be with you at all times!

Noah lived in a society that had become totally corrupt - a world so violent that God could no longer endure it! God saw the wickedness of man was great and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:5-6,11-13

For 120 years Noah watched his society grow more evil, people consumed with violence, corruption, murder, rape and incest, but he stood in the midst of it, preaching righteousness. Kept by the power of God! He never wavered! All he feared was the Word of God!

I believe God has a role for you in these evil times and it is not just to survive. And it is definitely not just to attend church!

May God find those among us able to say, I am going to do what God wants me to do. I will not run and hide! I’ll stand for God in this wicked hour, even if I stand alone. Jonathan, son of Saul, is a great example of this kind of faith! He too lived in a time of moral and spiritual decay. In the midst of an evil society, Jonathan represents what God is looking for in His people today!

God is looking for courageous men and women who will stand in the gap for their family and for their communities.

Here is the scenario: Israel in seeking to have a human ruler over them appoint Saul as king, but, Israel under Saul became morally wretched. Soon their enemies began to make inroads against them. The Philistines surround Israel with 30,000 iron chariots, 6,000 horsemen and an army as numerous as the sands of the seashore! I Samuel 13:5

When the Israelites saw the enemy's massive power they fled for their lives. They ducked into caves, thickets, among rocks, in pits and high places. Those with Saul followed him trembling I Samuel 13:7 Saul hides under a pomegranate tree along with 600 soldiers, completely confused, not knowing whether to run, surrender or go on a suicide mission!

Totally overwhelmed. Nobody in that tiny group had a plan. They were helpless, powerless - with all hell about to break loose upon them!

Only holiness provides boldness! Only a godly, praying people can stand unshakable in the face of the enemy! The righteous are bold as a lion Proverbs 28:1

In I Samuel 14 we see that Jonathan had a plan, and running wasn’t a part of it!

He decided to undertake single-handed warfare. Good thing he didn’t say anything to the other tree huggers. They’d have laughed him to scorn! You? Alone? Going to fight the enemy territory, just you and your armor bearer?

Yet Jonathan said boldly in faith to his armor-bearer, There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few! I Samuel 14:6 In other words, "I'm going on the offensive. Numbers don't matter to God!"

Every change involves a letting go of one thing to reach out for what is next.

The victory that is needed in your family depends on you! You must step out from under the tree and fight single-handedly, or else the enemy will get the upper hand.

Jonathan's plan had two options: "Stand still," or "Charge!"
I Samuel 14:9-10 Insanity - 600 under a tree 2 swords/spears

I can picture Jonathan standing on a rock, waving his sword and crying out, Hey You! And in mockery the Philistines answer, "Come on up. We'll show you a thing or two!"

I wish I could’ve heard Jonathan praying as he climbed up the side of those sharp rocks: Glory to God, victory is in You! No more running! No devil in hell can destroy my family, my community, my country! O God, fight for me!

Friends, one little victory threw the enemy into confusion and brought them down completely in defeat: I Samuel 14:13-16 Jonathan won only a half-acre victory - twenty dead soldiers. But this small battle steamrolled into a mighty victory.

Remember this: It is the Spirit of God coming on men that makes them dare to step out in faith to do battle! Verse 15 says, There was trembling in the host... and the earth quaked: a very great trembling. The devil panicked!

There were three divisions of Philistines, and the word spread like wildfire, "There's a mighty army coming!"

If we only understood the mighty force with us when we pray, we’d intercede and do battle in faith much more!
Jonathan's sword became lightning-quick and powerful because the Spirit of the Lord was on him. And so it is with every saint who declares war on satanic strongholds: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God II Corinthians 10:4-5

Men and women just like you through faith subdued kingdoms... quenched the violence of fire... waxed valiant in fight Hebrews 11:33-34 This power is available to us today!

Through faith and prayer, we can quench the fiery darts of the devil! We can shut the mouths of the lions! May God remove all fear from your heart, so you can stand up by faith and go against the strongholds Satan has established in your family.

What scares the devil more than anything is a persevering Christian, one who keeps coming back and saying, I'm not giving up, I'm not moving. I'm standing on this rock until I see my Lord's victory! Holy boldness filling your heart!

Will you dare to step away from the pomegranate tree? Are you willing to, simply take God at His Word. Then, "Stand fast, and see the salvation of the Lord!"

I Samuel 14:7 And his armor-bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart: go ahead; behold, I am with you according to your heart.

Isaiah 43:18-19 Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

"Will You Be Found Sleeping With The Five Foolish Virgins?"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 15 04/22/2007

Isaiah then describes an unusual scene: In that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach Isaiah 4:1

Seven virgins tried to make a deal to marry a man. Yet, not a word was whispered about an engagement, intimacy, forsaking others, remaining faithful. These women were looking for a loveless, noncommittal marriage, to provide them with a certain status. The number 7 in scriptures usually represents spiritual things. These 7 women may well represent certain people who appear to have a part in God's kingdom. All we want is your name, to take away our reproach.

I believe Isaiah is speaking of the church. He illustrates something important here. He's saying that would-be believers will try to have a marriage of convenience with Christ. They'll want to appear spiritual, claiming to be part of the kingdom of God. They will say things like, I want you, Lord, but I want to go my own way and do my own thing. Just give me your name. I want to be known as one of yours. These folk don't want to have intimacy with the Lord, or to be dependent on him. They want to live unto themselves, no obligations, no commitment.

Is it possible that Isaiah's prophecy is being fulfilled right now. Churches around the world are filled with millions of people calling themselves Christians, yet have no intimacy with Jesus.

They spend no time in prayer with Him, no time in the Word, They have no idea what God desires of them. Incredibly, God has continued to bear with these people…. Somehow, these people have attached themselves to Christ's name. Yet they did so wholly on their own.

Our Lord won't have any part of such an arrangement. The wise virgin, has great passion for the bridegroom. She constantly longs for intimacy with him: My beloved is mine, and I am his Song of Solomon 2:16. Indeed, the cry of the true Christian is, Lord, I don't want just your name. I desire you at all times. I think of you every night, as I go to bed. And every morning when I wake, my heart goes out to you. Isaiah 26:8-9

The true believer declares, I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels Isaiah 61:10

We're also going to witness an incredible scene from Jesus' parable: While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept Matthew 25:5 All the virgins, both foolish and wise, were asleep. Christ is describing a slumbering church just prior to his coming. He warns in Mark, Watch therefore: for you know not when the master of the house comes... Watch that he doesn’t find you sleeping. I say to all, Watch Mark 13:35-37

I’ve always wanted to advertise a sermon title “Will you be found sleeping with the five foolish virgins?” How could these wise virgins be slumbering? How could any godly servant, waiting for Jesus' return for so long, be asleep as the Lord approaches?

Christ's prophesied that in the last days, a great falling away would take place in the church. Paul admonishes Now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Romans 13:11 Paul's warning suggests that just before Jesus returns, a great slumber will fall upon many Christians. Even the righteous will be in danger of slumbering. Paul also warned, Ephesians 5:14-16 Wake up, saints. Don't be sleeping virgins. Be wise, and stay watchful for the Lord's return. Make no mistake about who Paul is addressing here. He's speaking to "followers of God...dear children" 5:1

Many believers are going to be tested by this great slumber.

Our Lord's return is closer now than ever. Yet, as I look around, I see many believers falling into a deep sleep. Indeed, over the years this spirit of slumber has already overtaken multitudes. At one time, these people longed for his coming and diligently prepared to meet him. Wide awake with hearts on fire, full of passion for Christ. But over time, they began slowly turning away. Now they make up the company of foolish virgins. This issue of slumbering Christians has been burning in my spirit for years now. I believe God is speaking to many other shepherds. Yet multitudes of God's spokesmen have fallen asleep, just as the sheep in their care have. Isaiah described what we're seeing today, when he cried out, His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber Isaiah 56:10 The unwise virgins were not present at the marriage supper. They were shut out completely. Only those who were prepared were allowed to be with him. At midnight there was a cry made Matthew 25:6

God in His faithfulness has a holy remnant of watchmen who will not be silenced. In spite of being mocked, scorned and ridiculed, these servants cry, It is now midnight, the bridegroom is coming for his bride. Jesus will soon be at the door. Christian, be ready to meet your Lord. Prepare for glory! The good news is that there's still time. The door is still open. And the Lord's greatest desire is to have you at his side for the marriage supper of the Lamb. He loves you even in your negligence.

If you want to be a wise virgin, there are two steps you must take. They're simple steps, but they can't be overlooked!

1. Make Christ the center of your thought life. Let the Lord be in all your thoughts. When you wake up in the morning, whisper his name. At night, as you're going to bed, call out to him in thought and on your knees. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatso-ever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things Philippians 4:8 Let this verse be the basis of a simple prayer for you throughout the day: "Jesus, you are true, honest, just, pure, lovely. You are my Good News."

2. Pray throughout the day, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." This simple prayer is the oil for your lamp.

Praying it daily is how you begin to prepare to meet the Lord. You're telling God, "Father, I'm not worthy to be called by your name. I need your mercy. Whatever goodness I may possess gains me nothing. It's all filthy rags in your sight. I know I can't be saved by my good works. I need your grace. I humble myself before you now. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." When the publican first prayed this prayer, Jesus said of him, I tell you, this man went down to his house justified Luke 18:14

In other words, here was one to whom Jesus will open the door. Repent, and determine to seek Jesus with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. He promises that if you do, you're sure to find him. He will open every door to you

"Partakers of the Divine"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 16 04/29/2007

We at the Gathering Place have been asking God for an understanding of what Peter meant when he said, we might be partakers of the divine nature… II Peter 1:3-4

However, in the natural we can’t receive these things. They are spiritually discerned. yet, if we are willing and hungry to experience the deeper things of God, the Spirit will not fail us.

The Truth Jesus said would set us free, will be revealed to us. Not only will we see and understand, but those truths will be woven into the very fabric of our being. (partakers of divine)

You can’t possess truth apart from Him, who is the Truth.

Will you continue to pamper self and crucify Christ afresh, or will you die to the self-life (flesh-life, the old life, the carnal), and rise up out of the grave to live in the power of Christ's resurrection, complete in the will of God?

Here in lies the Key - The Church must not only teach death to self it must also teach living the Christ Life! This my friends this is of absolute necessity! Make no mistake in your decision, stand with God and break with self! This is why Jesus came.

His death was no mere accident. He was slain front the foundation of the world. His death was not simply that of a martyr. I lay down my life that I may take it again. No man takes it from me but I lay it down of myself John 10:17-18

A crucified Christ so He might have crucified followers. We must choose to identify with the Cross of Christ. Then we must not only refuse the "old life", we must refuse it consistently, every time our old nature would reinstate itself.

You have this divine nature once and for all when you are grafted into the True Vine. Held in Divine trust so you may choose, again, and again, and continue to choose.

Do you desire Divine Life which flows as a great river from the Lamb? Then you must refuse your own life. Do this, and you’ll be more than a conqueror. Do this, and you’ll no longer agonize over a role, trying to imitate the Christ; you’ll unconsciously, spontaneously walk as Jesus walked.

It’ll be an easy thing, a joyous thing. It’ll be natural for you to be Christian - you’ve been made partakers of His Divine nature. Brothers and sisters up to now we’ve been enjoying a 50% redemption…. We either hear too much about dieing or we hear too much about living. We need 100% both dieing and living!

It is useless to talk of revival apart from a deep participation in the Cross. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We read in Exodus that the oil was not applied until first the blood had been sprinkled. The oil (Holy Spirit) after the blood (Cross) Exodus 31:32 To share the Christ-life, we must partake of Christ death!

Nature teaches this same lesson. Not a tree, not a blossom, not a shrub, not a fruit, but what cost the death of a seed. Clearly through Old Testament type and symbol the Holy Spirit flashes light on this mystery of our co-crucifixion…..

Abraham must sacrifice his Isaac. YES Isaac was spared, yet, in spirit, Abraham offered him up, that is why the promise was made: I’ll bless you and multiply your seed as the stars of Heaven, and as the sand on the seashore.

Joseph is buried in an Egyptian prison before he rises to power which he seemed to share with the mighty Pharaoh.

40 years on the lonely slopes of Midian Moses is schooled. There were graves, scattered all over the mountainside where hope after hope was buried until at last self goes down in utter annihilation. But for those graves, the Man of God who spoke face to face with Jehovah, could not have been used.

The Israelites must go down into the valley of the Jordan, leaving in the bed of the stream twelve stones, in order to enter the land of milk and honey. The waters return as Israel passes, burying the twelve stones, symbolic of Israel's twelve tribes. Israel can’t dwell in the promised land without a constant abiding in death through the 12 symbolic stones, buried in the stream Joshua 4:9

David does not come to the throne until in the caves of the Philistines, he was hunted down like a dog by the infuriated Saul, he dies-deaths innumerable.

Jeremiah dies a thousand deaths as he weeps over the chosen people. Jonah is pitched into the sea and is swallowed by a whale-even then he does not come forth wholly purged from self.

God's people have never in any age come to the mountain-peak of glorious unbroken communion with the Most High, without having the "self-life," the "flesh-life," brought again and again to the dust of death.

Our fretful, greedy, self-centered, fussy, lustful, hateful "flesh-life" must die. absolutely and mercilessly terminated. By an act of faith you must lay hold of Christ’s death as your death; you must place Christ's Cross between yourself and "the body of sin." You must take your stand with Christ on Calvary ground and each time that the "self-life" tries to assert itself, say: "In Christ I died. In His name, I refuse my old nature."

This done, the Holy Spirit will bear witness to your faith and set you free, and keep you free.

"Just Do It"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 14 04/15/2007

John 21 in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples didn’t know it was Him. Jesus said to them, Lads, catch anything? They answered, No. And he said to them, cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast the net and now they weren’t able to draw it in, because of the large catch. John said to Peter, it’s the Lord....

This was familiar… it brought back memories of days gone by….

Luke 5:4-6 Jesus told Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch. And Simon said, Master, we’ve toiled all the night and have caught nothing: nevertheless at your word I will let down the net. And when they did that, they caught such a great number of fish that net began to break. They called their partners in the other ship to come and help them. They filled both ships to the point they began to sink.

Luke 5:10-11 Jesus said to Simon, Don’t be afraid from now on you shall catch men (fishers of men). And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.

This miracle took place at the first encounter with the disciples and three years later in the first showing of the resurrected Christ. I believe it is far more significant than we may first imagine.

Two similar events: identical requests made by Christ, identical responses by the disciples, and the exact same results.

Now lets look at this event…

Did Jesus tell the disciples to try a different fishing spot? No.Did Jesus tell Peter to use a different net? No.Did Jesus tell the disciples to use a different boat? No.Jesus told the disciples to throw the net on the other side of the boat. Same sea, same boat, same net, just a different side.Now, I’m pretty sure they had cast their net on the “other side” of the boat before. I mean, come on? After a whole night of fishing to no avail, there is a really good chance that they had already tried this “other” side of the boat. Yet Christ was asking them to trust Him and do what didn’t make a lot of sense… and cast the net on the other side.

Think about you being out there - all night long. and nada, nothing, zip, zero catch. And you know from experience how long that night can be when you catch nothing. You thank God that its over and your heading back to shore… the last thing you need is some shore walker asking if you caught anything let alone telling you to try the other side of the boat.

Listen, the fact that Peter was unable to catch any fish had nothing to do with any of the surrounding circumstances.

There was nothing the disciples could blame their failure on.

They were doing what came natural, they were doing their own thing! Life it self can often hinder our success. Stuff happens.

I believe Jesus was trying to teach the disciples then and now, that it's not about boats, nets and lakes; it's about living our lives completely following the directions that He gives us.No matter how illogical. It was Christ's direction and Peter obeying it that brought Peter his success.
Now get this. Peter’s boat couldn't have been that big. It was a fishing boat after all... not an Ocean Liner. Which means those fish were probably down there the whole time.

I believe that God in order to stay true to His Holy nature is forced to withhold blessings from us until we OBEY His voice, actually DOING what He requires of us.

I find it very interesting that although the Roman Catholic Church has set the Virgin Mary in a high and lofty place, they neglect the one and only command she ever gave.

They’d do well to heed John 2:5 Jesus’ mother said, Whatever he tells you to do, do it.

OBEYING CHRIST IS EVERYTHING!

Luke 6:46-49 Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings and does them, I will show you to who he is like: He is like a man which built a house, digging deep and laying the foundation on a rock: and when the flood waters rose the stream beat violently against that house, but didn’t shake it: because it was built on a rock. Jesus went on to say, he that hears my word and does not do it, is like a man built a house without a foundation, the flood stream beat against that house, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

John 15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command

Let’s go back to the basics…. Mark 12:30-31 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment. The second is, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There’s no other commandment greater.

So it is back in your ball park. What are you going to do with this message.
Are you going to keep fishing on the wrong side of the boat? How long before that gets old? May the church get what Niki promotes…. JUST DO IT!

"Not Your Typical Easter Message"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place,

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 13 04/08/2007

For the most part this will be the same but then again I held back because we were in someone else’s house….But this is our house of worship and we long for an intimate time with our God.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalms 126:5

Sowing comes before reaping! Tears come before joy! Death comes before Resurrection! Repentance before Revival!

As a Pentecostal I remember a day when didn’t apologize for our zeal. I remember a day when we believed it only right to be passionate about our relationship with God! For sure we dwelt on the other side of the theological tracks, but the glory of the Lord was in our midst.

Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and built cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Much of what we experience or see today is artificial, fleshy, and repulsively stagnant. We have no distinguishing marks of servant hood on us. We have compromised, become religious, and worldly…. We do not flow with living waters.

I long, how I long for a church life, that includes nights of prayer, followed by signs and wonders and divers miracles.

I long for the church to freely operate in the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I am desperate for the time when we weren’t clock watchers and our meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power!

We should be moved to tears with heartfelt sorrow because so many of our own children are turning a deaf ear to the Gospel, willingly to risk hell in the process.

The true believer:
Should be grieved at the worldliness of the Church.
Should be grieved at the blindness of the Church.
Should be grieved at the tolerance of sin in the Church.
Should be grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church.

I am not saying the church doesn’t pray however much of what we pray for reads more like a shopping list than intimate conversation with Almighty God!

The true believer is known in Hell! Acts 19:13-16 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon themselves to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We demand you by Jesus whom Paul preaches…. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, so they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

We should be disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil in this sin-mad society.

Many gathered here today have no heart-sickness for the former glory of the Church because, well basically because you’ve never known what true revival is.

Where are those who’ll allow their hearts to be stirred for salvation and soul winning?
100 years ago, a series of boisterous revival meetings in a converted stable on Azusa Street launched a global movement that overcame differences in class, gender /race to unite around the belief that the Holy Spirit still works miracles.

Today, there are about 600 million Pentecostal and charismatic Christians whose roots are in the Azusa Street revival. The pre-revival meetings were nights filled with public repentance. We sit in our churches void of the living waters because we are content rather to drink from our man-made cisterns.

For the most part we sleep easy at night while this generation is going to hell in a hand basket. They are being swallowed up swiftly into the eternal darkness. Shame on us! This same Jesus who we celebrate today - wept over the lost.

He was aware how near their judgment was. We are not.

The Apostle Paul sent a tear-stained letter to the Philippian saints, writing: For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Notice that he did not say they are enemies of Christ; rather that they live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

I tell you with tears, they live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Powerful words, words that strike fear into the heart of man. Enemies of the cross of Christ? You gotta wonder who he’s talking about.

I think of people like Hitler. Problem is, Paul isn’t speaking about Hitler. I think of those who commit such horrible crimes that to speak of them is difficult. However, Paul is not talking about those people either.

Listen, and weep this blessed Easter morning For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul goes on to say Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

Enemies because they LIVE IN A WAY that diminishes the redemptive values of the cross. If we believers trust in anything other than the saving work of Christ, we are guilty of living like enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul, knew that earthly things cannot save us. For him the death and resurrection was everything.

But friends, it doesn’t matter how well you adhere to this law or that law…without the saving work of Christ, His death and His resurrection you can’t be saved. Galatians 2:21 if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.Fellow believers, it is us Paul is talking to… we are the ones who LIVE like the enemies of the cross of Christ. Listen to what Jesus said, When the householder has risen up and shut the door, you’ll stand outside and knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us. He’ll answer you, I do not know where you come from. Then you’ll begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets. But he will say, I tell you, I do not know you, depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!
Jesus condemns all who ate and drank at His table, all those who sat under his teaching, because it was not an intimate relationship it was casual - all too casual.

Jesus isn’t warning wicked men here, this is aimed at us!

We are being warned to take our discipleship seriously. We are warned not to neglect co-crucifixion. That is we need to die with Christ so we can be raised with Him!

Why are we so reluctant to place the cross at the center of our lives? I Corinthians 1:18 the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God. Rejoice in the cross of Christ!

Is there a better time to get right in our thinking about the cross?
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

"Community Good Friday Service"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at the Osoyoos Baptist Church
Good Friday - Joint Service 04/06/2007

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalms 126:5

This is the divine edict. This is more than preaching with zeal. This is more than scholarly exposition. This is more than delivering sermons of homiletical perfection.

Whether preacher or pew dweller we should be appalled at the shrinking authority of the Church in this present hour.

We should cringe with sorrow because so many are turning a deaf ear to the Gospel, willingly to risk hell in the process.

Our heart is often crushed but for the wrong reasons, (selfish). The true believer should be heartsick, and grieved at the worldliness of the Church. The true believer is grieved at the blindness of the Church, grieved at the corruption in the Church, grieved at the tolerance of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church.

The true believer is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil.

The true believer is embarrassed that Church folks no longer cry in their despair before a devil-ridden, sin-mad society, Why could we not cast him out? Matthew 17:19 Many of us have no heart-sickness for the former glory of the Church because we have never known what true revival is.

It should bother us that when the church asks for testimonies we hear about something God did 20 or 30 years ago. My understanding is that God is still alive and active.

Where are those who weep for revival?

Revivals like the 1751 Baptist Church Revival brought by an obscure Connecticut preacher, whose heart was stirred for salvation and soul winning under the ministry of George Whitefield.

The immediate results were astonishing for the frontier era. More than 900 baptized in the first 3 years. It is estimated that the Sandy Creek Revival directly resulted in the birthing of over 1000 Baptist churches. Where are those who’ll allow their hearts to be stirred for salvation and soul winning?

One hundred years ago, a series of boisterous revival meetings in a converted stable on Azusa Street launched a global movement that overcame differences in class, gender and race to unite around the belief that the Holy Spirit still works miracles.

Today, there are about 600 million Pentecostal and charismatic Christians whose roots are in the Azusa Street revival. They make up the fastest-growing segment of Christianity, thriving especially in the Southern Hemisphere, with their beliefs having an impact on nearly every Christian denomination.

Where are those who still believe that the Holy Spirit still works miracles.

We sleep easy at night while this generation is going to hell in a hand basket. They are being swallowed up swiftly into the eternal darkness of hell. Shame on us!

This same Jesus who we celebrate today - He, Himself wept over the lost.


He was aware how near their judgment was. We are not.

We are clueless, and ignorant. The Apostle Paul sent a tear-stained letter to the Philippian saints, writing: For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. Notice that he does not say they are enemies of Christ; they are, rather, enemies of the cross of Christ.

Enemies because they deny or diminish the redemptive values of the cross. There are many like this today, even among us this Easter week-end.

As a Pentecostal I remember a day when we dwelt across the theological tracks, but the glory of the Lord was in our midst.

Regrettably sad, no rather shameful is the fact that we have no distinguishing marks on us today… we have compromised, we have become religious.

I long, how I long for a church life, that included nights of prayer, followed by signs and wonders and divers miracles.

I long for the church to freely operate in the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I am desperate for a time when we were not clock watchers, and our meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power!

I blush to think that our children know nothing of such power!

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

We have just heard powerful words. Words that stand to strike fear into the heart of man.
When you hear Paul speak of the enemies of the cross of Christ…it is a very difficult thing not to try and picture who he is talking about. Enemies of the cross of Christ…it makes me think of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party. Their treatment of the Jewish people…the death camps…. There is only one problem with that.

The Apostle Paul isn’t speaking about this type of people. He’s not railing against those who commit such heinous crimes that to speak of them is difficult. “Amazing Race” contestants stopped at Auschwitz concentration camp, where some 1.5 million people died. The contestants were so moved they wept.

They wept as I weep this morning - this blessed Easter Morning.

I weep because the enemies of the cross are not who you may think.

It ought to shock you to hear Paul say, For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.The Apostle speaks of other preachers that have come to Philippi… claiming the faith of Jesus, yet teaching it is needful to adhere to Jewish purity laws in order to be saved.

Paul, was confident that earthly things cannot save us. He knew that…without the saving work of Jesus Christ suffering, dying, rising again and ascending into Heaven…we could not be saved!

Without the cross you can’t be saved.My dear friends, we are in grave danger if we fail to see Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross as the only means to our Salvation. If we begin to trust in ourselves or in humanity for our salvation, we become enemies of the cross of Christ.

It is possible to do this while still claiming a relationship with Jesus.

When the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will stand outside and knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us. He’ll answer you, I do not know where you come from. Then you will begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets. But he will say, I tell you, I do not know you, depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!

What we see in this passage is Jesus condemning those who ate and drank at the table with Him, those who sat under his teaching, but it was all to casual. The important word…the word which all of this hinges upon is the word casually.

They know of Jesus, know who He is and what He is about, but treat their relationship casually.So we begin to see what all of this is about. It is not the condemnation of wicked men…rather it is aimed at the average and ordinary person. It is aimed at us. We are being warned to place the cross of Christ at the center of our lives…we are being told to take our discipleship seriously.

We are warned not to neglect co-crucifixion. That is we need to die with Christ so we can be raised with Him! Perhaps not your typical Good Friday message … But then again is there a better day to get right in our thinking about the cross of Christ. It ought to be at the center of our lives.

I make no apology for my boldness - Why would we not want to try and be the best disciples we can be? Rejoice in the fact that we are servants of the cross. May we become more and more who we are called by God to be.

"Imitate VS Partake" II

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 12 04/01/2007

Christ and all true believers, are one. They constitute His body. They are, in the language of Adam, bone of His bone, and flesh of His flesh. Most Christians have never had so much as an inkling of what that really means. May the Holy Spirit enable us not only to understand, but to realize our oneness with Christ.

One responsibility of the Holy Spirit is to graft the believer into Christ, as a gardener would graft the branch of a tree into the main body of another. By one Spirit are you all baptized into one body I Corinthians 12:13

Paul dwells on this grafting process in Romans 11, where he speaks of the breaking off of Israel from the Root, Christ, and the grafting in of the Gentiles, to become partakers of the Root. True conversion in its deepest aspect is just that.

A grafting into Christ. We must be rooted into the very Trunk of the Eternal Godhead. We do not simply strive to imitate a Divine Leader; exceeding great and precious promises have been left to us whereby we are made partakers of the Divine Nature II Peter 1:4

The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God, heirs and joint-heirs with Christ Romans 8:17

In the Greek, the much-loved John 3:16, conveys a very different meaning from our English versions. It is not simply he that believes in Christ, but rather he that believes into Him, who shall have eternal life. Now this grafting necessitates some cutting, of course. Don’t pull away from God when this takes place. If we won’t die to the natural, how can we expect to live in the supernatural?

Paul puts it like this: If we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him. The branch which is grafted into a tree of another species, must die to the old life. It must now depend on the roots of the new trunk. It receives a new life. Its relation with the old is severed so utterly, and so completely, that for it, the old no longer exists.

A seems that the all those who have truly lived in and for Christ have with few exceptions experienced what has been called "a second work of grace." There came a time when they longed for a fuller participation in the life of God. The facts indicate that they usually wander for some years in the wilderness of a divided affection before entering into the land of milk and honey. It is the Holy Spirit who works in the believer this conviction of the sin of a divided heart. The believer comes to realize that he is crucifying Christ afresh by his lust for pleasure, his greed for excitement, and his passion for self. He sees that though he has been rooted into Christ, yet, he has been drawing more from the old roots.

He begins to understand Romans 7. He, too, would be free. The secret cry of his heart also becomes: O wretched man that I am! who will deliver me from the body of this death?

This marks a crisis. The hour has come for a fresh revelation of Christ's redemptive work. The believer's eyes are opened to the deeper aspects of the Cross of Christ. The Cross is unveiled. He begins to see that unless Self is crucified, Christ is. It is all the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not natural for a man to turn against himself and to begin to hate that which by nature he loves.
But He can’t bring us to the place called Calvary-without our consent. We must be willing to die. Romans 6 How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer in sin? Don’t you know that as many of us who are baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death?... We are buried with Him into death... We have been planted together in the likeness of His death... our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.... In that He (Christ ) died, He died to sin once... Likewise reckon also yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ

Oh! that the Church might catch a fresh vision of Calvary and come to appreciate the deeper aspects of the Cross! The Church, said the great French preacher, Lacordaire, was born crucified and until, like her Divine Head, she falls into the ground and dies, she abides alone, the life-giving streams cannot break forth from her bosom.

Oh that Christians might be brought down into the grave, and then brought up in resurrection power! Be clear about one thing: Christ does not come into our lives to patch up the "old man."
This is where too many Christians get "hung up." They think it was Christ's mission "to make them better." There is absolutely no Biblical ground for any such idea.

Jesus has no intention of pouring His new wine into old wine-skins. He said that unless we renounce ourselves utterly, we cannot be His disciple. Christ does not come to simply straighten out the "old life." He never promised to just make us better. We must die and be born again. Christ takes us down into the grave, the "old life" is utterly terminated, then he partakes of His resurrection.

Christ our Lord imparts to us an entirely "new life." Christ the Vine, we the branches. He is the Head, we form the body. Paul again and again points to co-crucifixion. We shall live with Christ, if we die wiith Him. We shall be with Him in the likeness of His resurrection, if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death. We shall reign with Him, if we suffer with Him."

The Cross kills. The one who goes to Calvary soon discovers that a hidden fire burns within his bones. The old "self-life," so resentful, so fussy, so greedy, and so touchy, so haughty and so vain, can no more resist the impact of Calvary, than some frail break the onrush of a great tidal wave.

The Lord’s crucifixion was not mere dying. Rocks exploded, the earth quaked when in that hour of triumph the Son of Man cried out with "a loud voice", "It is finished." His final cry shook the world When the centurion saw that so He cried out, Truly this Man was the Son of God. Mark 15:39

The "old life" brought under the dynamic of the Cross, is doomed to die. Resurrection life takes its place. Little wonder the Apostle cried out God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom I am crucified to the world, and the world to me. We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God.

"Imitate VS Partake"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 11 03/25/2007

I have been for 34 years a missionary of the Cross, and have no thought of deserting the ranks. I have great faith in God and I believe that we as His children are just moments away from great victory.

My purpose this morning is to call attention to our failures as Christians, in order to point the way to victorious life in Christ.

We are to hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 I believe that although most of us really do long to faithfully reflect our Master' image, we fall very, very short. Before your defense lawyer jumps up with your objections listen to the following verses:

We are to walk as Jesus walked I John 2:6
We are to love our enemies Matthew 5. 44
We are to forgive as Jesus forgave. Colossians 3:13
We are to be aggressively kind towards those who hate us, we are actually to pray for those who despitefully use us Matthew 5:44
We are to be victors, more than conquerors Romans 8:37
We are to give thanks in all things believing that all things, even those which blast our fondest hopes, work together for our good Romans 8:28; Ephesians 5:20
We are to be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let our requests be made known to God, so that the peace of God which passes all understanding may guard our hearts and minds Philippians 4:6
We are to rejoice in the Lord always Philippians 4:4
We are to think on whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report..... Philippians 4:8
We are to be holy, for God is holy I Peter 1:16
Rivers of living waters are flow from our innermost being John 7:38
We are to stand out in bold, unmistakable contrast from the crooked, perverse world, blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, shining as lights Philippians 2:15
We are positively to hate ourselves not to pamper, nor to caress, nor to seek, nor to love ourselves, but literally to hate and to renounce our own selves, daily Matthew 16:24
We are to renounce ourselves utterly and absolutely in all things, and at all times Luke 14:26
our affections are to be set on things above Colossians 3:1

Enough, already dare we go further. It would only increase Our shame, and our pain.

We are not What Christ would have us to be.
If the scriptures I just read are a measure of the Christian life, if they form the basis upon which we are to be judged, if this is what God requires of us, like Isaiah we cry: "Woe is me, for I am undone."

Why doesn’t Jesus, so tender, so understanding, so loving and wise, not make requirements more in keeping with our human nature? Why does He seem to be so unreasonable?
He demands we soar, yet we have no wings.

Why does Jesus go so far beyond the merely natural?
It is not natural to love our enemies; it is not natural to rejoice always; it is not natural to be thankful for the things that hurt; it is not natural to hate ourselves; it is not natural to walk as Jesus walked….. Honestly folks this is a dilemma!

Romans 7 talks of this The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do... I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but, I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Paul struggles. He agonizes. He weeps. He strives all to no avail. Now Paul doesn’t go into smoke and mirrors mode, he states very plainly that in himself (that is, in his flesh, he can find no good thing.

Yes, he loved Jesus. Yes he was a soldier of the Cross. Yes, he was a consecrated Christian. It was just that he now saw himself in a new light, the blinding light of the Cross.

What before would have been excusable, now overwhelms him. Innocent little things, harmless attitudes, insignificant little sins which before would pass unnoticed, now break his heart.
They are repulsive. They are unbearable. They seem to burn with the fire of hell. They sting like the bite of a scorpion. They stink like a rotting carcass.

Paul wants to be like Jesus.

It is no longer a question of mere ethics.

It is no longer a question of right or wrong.

Is it Christ-like? That is the burning question.

Paul wants to be free. Self-love even in its secret forms, its harmless gestures, nauseates him. He would be like Jesus.

I am going to take a chance and speak plainly to you:

We are not what Christ would have us to be; sin is still rampant in our lives; we are not free from envy, pride, self-love, and lust of pleasure; the mountain of secret selfishness still crushes us and in spite of all our efforts remains immovable; there is so little joy, so little freedom of spirit, we agonize, and struggle,-but failure dogs our footsteps.

So what is the problem? I believe it is that we are attempting to do what the Savior Himself never expected us to do. We are trying to live a Christian lifestyle, rather than allowing Him to live through us! The Christian life is not Imitation, it is Participation.

For we are made partakers of Christ Hebrews 3:14

II Peter 1:3-4 According as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature...

Not! "... that by these ye might undertake the divine nature!
UNDERTAKE: to take upon oneself, agree or attempt to do..

"... that by these ye might imitate the divine nature!
IMITATE: to behave or attempt to behave in the same way as; to mimic or impersonate, to have or take on the appearance of

“... that by these ye might be a spectator of the divine nature!
SPECTATOR: One who veiws a show or game, an on looker

It says that we are to be Partakers of the divine nature!
To PARTAKE means: to take part ,have a share in, to recieve

What is impossible to me as an imitator of Christ, is perfectly natural as a participant of Christ.
Friends our Christian walk is not to be like straining over a role like some actor agonizing over poorly learned lines .

The Christian life is possible only when we become partakers of Christ Hebrews 3:14

Exceeding great and precious promises are given us, that by these we might be partakers of the Divine Nature II Peter 1:4

This Jesus whom you serve has by His divine power given you all things that pertain to life and godliness. It is His disire that you be partakers of His very own divine nature!

In Jesus and by Jesus Spiritual reality can be experienced!
You dare not settle for anything less.

Next week we will attempt to show you the way this is done!
In the mean time ask God to show you the way!

"The Family Of God"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place, Osoyoos Christian Centre
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 10 03/18/2007

I’m so glad that I am in the family of God! Rudyard Kipling wrote about families, "all of us are we--and everyone else is they."

A family shares things like dreams, hopes, possessions, memories, smiles, frowns, and gladness...A family is a clan held together with the glue of love and the cement of mutual respect. A family is shelter from the storm, a friendly port when the waves of life become too wild. No person is ever alone who is a member of a family.

It is very important you realize that EVERY BELIEVER at the time of their re-birth becomes a vital member of the church - the body of Christ.

According to I Corithians 12:18 we have been “placed in His body where it pleases God the most.”

I Corinthians 12:12-28 “For as the body is one, yet has many parts and all the parts of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ…. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, Because I am not the hand, I am not part of the body; is it therefore not part of the body? And if the ear says, Because I am not the eye, I am not part of the body; is it therefore not part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? …. We are many parts members), yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, I don’t need you: nor can the head say to the feet, I have no need of you... there should be no schism in the body; but all the members should have the same care one for another. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice. Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

Too many are actually unsure of their place in the body. Worse yet, some folk resent their God given place in the body.

To prove his love for her, he swam the deepest river, crossed the widest desert and climbed the highest mountain. She divorced him. He was never home.
The body of Christ and the church are one and the same. Ephesians 1:22-23 refers to Jesus being the head of the church, which is His body....

I Corinthians 12:7-26 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every person to profit all. To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these are directed and used by that same Spirit, dividing to every person as He wills.”

Having a poor attitude regarding your place in the body can and does hinder the proper function of the body.

Paul in his twisted sense of humor describes the foot denying its place in the body because it is not a hand. The lesson is obvious.... the foot lacking the visibility, creativity and dignity of the hand gets filled with insecurity.

Unfortunately, many saints tend to be insecure.

We need to be careful not to depreciate our role in the body. We of course know the foot is a very important member, but if the foot doesn’t believe that, insecurity weakens the body.

Paul pictures the eye proudly rejecting the hand saying “I have no need of you”. But Romans 12:5 says we are all individual members of one another. Each part is important to the next. When one hurts they all hurt!

Matthew 25:15....He gave gifts to every man according to their personal ability We were born with natural interests and abilities.

Some are musically inclined, some mathematically gifted, some love working with their hands, others with children or seniors, some are mechanically inclined.

These natural abilities are not given by chance. According to Ephesians 2:10 we are specifically designed for God’s purposes..... we are his workmanship. And again in Matthew 25:15.… gifts given to our ability.

Our natural abilities are energized by the Holy Spirit, becoming gifts to the body of Christ. Romans 12:6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.

Jesus said in John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.

The body of Christ - the church consists of many members, each with gifts and talents that have been given by God.

It is important that you:
1. RELATE TO YOUR GIFT REALISTICALLY:
Romans 12:3 ..do not think more highly of yourself than you ought, but think soberly as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

2. Remember the source of Your abilities:
I Corinthians 4:7 Who makes you to differ from another? and what have you that you didn’t receive?

3. REALIZE YOUR GIFT CAN INCREASE: God will reward faithfulness and diligence. In the parable of talents those who invested wisely received more.

4. REMEMBER GIFTS ARE FOR SERVING!
Luke 22:27 I am among you as He that serves. Our gifts and callings are for the purposes of serving others and building up the body of Christ.
God hasn’t called you to be something you are not!
He has made you perfectly suited for the practical ministry he has called you to.

In order to help you find your place in the body here are few tips:

Submit yourself to God’s calling. We must be willing to accept whatever place or function He has for us.

Warning! Don’t compare your place with that of others. Be the best you, you can be! Then help others to be their best!

Give God time: Many Christians run ahead of God. Although you may receive a calling early in your walk it may well be some time before it is fully manifested!

Get involved: Once a basic foundation is laid in your life, you should get involved. All saints can pray, witness, or help some area of the local work. Trying your hand at helping in various areas can often reveal the areas of gifting in your life.

Consider your abilities and desires: We should honestly evaluate our talents and abilities to realistically determine what we are qualified for. If you are tone deaf it may not be the best choice to lead the song service, no matter your desire.

Further training and Preparation: Having discovered your place of function / calling you must diligently prepare yourself.

Be willing to sacrifice: There is always a cost involved!

As we the individual members of His body find and accept our place within His body this world will see a greater and a deeper revelation of Jesus!

"Heaven?"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 8 03/11/2007

Friends, there is a glorious dwelling place provided by Christ for all those who believe and trust in Him. This world is not their resting place: they are pilgrims and strangers in it. Heaven is their home…. They like the hymn writer so wonderfully proclaims, have a mansion just over the hillside!

In our Father's house are many mansions John 14:2
God provides a heavenly home in heaven for all who by faith have run to Christ. In Father's house are many mansions… It’ll bless God if heaven were to be very, very full.

By rights this shouldn’t be a long message because I can only tell you a little bit about heaven…. Who here on this earth can explain the full nature of the glorious inheritance of the saints?

Who can describe the glory which is yet to be revealed? Words fail, language falls short. Mind cannot conceive fully, and tongue cannot express perfectly, the things which have been prepared for the sons and daughters of God Almighty.

John said, I John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

The Bible only reveals a very little about our future home. We get but a small glimpse, just a peek under the veil. How could it be any more? We’re not able to understand much more than that. We are yet too earthly.

We get more of idea about what won’t be in heaven, than what will be. There will be no more night and no more curse. Death will be cast into the lake of fire, and all tears shall be wiped away, never again will we hear, "I’m not feeling well!"

No corruption! No taxes! No fading! No withering! No devil!
No curse of sin! No sorrow! No tears! No sickness! No death!

Praised God Almighty, no more disagreements, no more misunderstandings among believers. I’m sure we’ll blush to find how childish and blind we’ve been here on earth

Christ gave Himself for the Church, that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing Ephesians 5:27

Think about it… an eternal good-bye to sin!

Do you long for a world in which you don’t need to be always watching and warring? We’ll have it perfectly in glory.

There remains a rest for the people of God Hebrews 4:9
The daily, hourly conflict with the world, the flesh, and the devil, will all come to an end: the enemy shall be bound; the warfare shall be over; the wicked one will trouble us no more. the weary will be at rest. There will be a great calm.

Are you burdened by a feeble body?
Is your spirit willing, but often hampered by poor weak flesh?

We shall no longer have to mourn over cracks in all our earthen vessels.

Jude 24 Now to him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with great joy

Praise God, we’ll see all the saints we have read about in the Bible. Those in whose steps we have tried to walk. We shall see the apostles, prophets, patriarchs martyrs, reformers, missionaries and ministers, of whom the world was not worthy.

We’ll see the faces of those we’ve known and loved in Christ on earth. We’ll see them more bright and glorious than they ever were.

Best of all we’ll see them without hurry and anxiety, and without feeling that we have only met to part again.

In glory there is no death, no parting, no farewell!
I Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
I Thessalonians 4:17 We shall ever be with the Lord

Our eyes will see the hands and feet which were pierced with nails, and that head which was crowned with thorns. Where He is, there will the sons of God be.

Friends we are dying in a dying world; all that is before us is yet unseen: the world to come is to us mostly unknown! But Christ is there and that is enough.

If there is rest and peace in following Jesus here on earth, there’ll be far more rest / peace when you see Him face to face.

If you have found it good to follow the pillar of cloud and the fire in the wilderness, how much better to sit down with Christ in the promised land.

If you are not yet among the heirs of glory, I feel sorry for you. You are missing so much! Oh, that you would hear Him call out your name - run to Him and get your life in order.
Mark 9:44 their worm doesn’t die and the fire is not quenched.

If you are an heir of glory, you should rejoice. For you can bear your cross without murmuring: your light affliction is but for a moment!

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which is soon to be revealed.

As a believer you shouldn’t be cast down by your circumstances: the eternal part of you is safe! You can look calmly on death: it simply opens a door between you and your inheritance.

You don’t have to sorrow excessively over the things of the world, over partings and bereavements,- over losses and crosses: the day of gathering is before you; your treasure is beyond reach of harm. Matthew 6:20 lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal..

Friends glory in, hope in, rejoice in your inheritance. If you are a child of God: Heaven will be your possession. Luke 10:20 rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Revelation 20:12,15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works…. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:1-4 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away….

Revelation 22:3-5 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

I Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

II Timothy 1:12 I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Matthew 24:36-38 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be….Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.

James 5:7-8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh.

"Radical Commitment"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 7 03/04/2007

Radical Commitment: Radical means: One who carries his theories or convictions to their furthest application.

God makes an incredible observation regarding man in Genesis 11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

We know that it was at that time that God confused their languages, causing the people to scatter and relocate in other parts of the then known world. However, let’s look at this verse 6 one more time... the people is one, and they have all one language; now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. I believe it is now the appropriate time for us to be ONE; speaking the same language (that of grace and mercy and love) speaking the same thing!

Consider that when you hear these words from John 17:21 That they all may be one; as You, Father, are in me, and I in You, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that You have sent me And the glory which You gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and You in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that You have sent me, and have loved them, as You have loved me.

Consider also Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; According to the Apostle Paul, God’s plan for human living is the exact opposite of an isolated self-sufficiency. The church according to Paul is one spiritual body of interdependent members.

I Corinthians 12:21 the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Paul insists every member of the body needs every other member.

John Wesley says the New Testament knows nothing of the solitary Christian. I believe he’s right! The New Testament is personal, but NOT INDIVIDUALISTIC!

The New Testament Church is a fellowship of caring and sharing - a community of believers - disciples of the the Lord Jesus Christ interacting with one another in one cause and purpose.

Christianity in it’s true form teaches that we need one another, as much as the hand needs the eye and the heads needs the feet. All of us need our brothers and sisters if we are going to develop into the productive disciples.

Psalms 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in your house:
Psalms 84:10 I’d rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Throughout the Word we see that God’s redeemed people joined together regularly with their brothers and sisters. This was a regular habit - as routine as eating and sleeping.

Participation in worship and fellowship was not something like a second cup of coffee after diner. It is not something to take or leave! Look even at our Lord’s life pattern - Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath

Worship was our Saviour's custom, His habit. He shared regularly in the fellowship of God’s house with God’s people.

Look also at the early church: Acts 2:42, 46 they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and prayers. They, continued daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

A daily fellowship that produced gladness and generosity a fellowship that stimulated spiritual growth.

Just in case you think I’m making this up - I’ll read the immediate verses following the two I just read you - I read Acts 2:42 now listen to 43: And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. I read you 46 now listen to 47: And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

So what should our regular practice be? We have an unmistakable directive in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as you see the day approaching.

We dare not be careless about our fellowshipping with one another. We must actively and consistently participate in the body life! Fellowship is God’s way - His appointed means of stimulating growth in grace and ONENESS in the body of Christ!

There is something significant and interesting about Paul’s list of qualities in Galatians 5:22-23 the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: Did you see it as I read it? Let me read it again.

These personality traits can be developed only through relationship and interaction with one another. They cannot be developed by hermits or self sufficient individuals.

What is love? Very simply stated love is caring for somebody else as much as I care for myself. How then can I expect to produce this characteristic if I isolate my life from others?

What is joy? Joy is love rejoicing, but love cannot truly rejoice without other people. Selfishness can no doubt rejoice alone: love, however cannot truly rejoice unless the rejoicing is shared.

Peace? Peace is love manifesting quiet tranquillity, cultivating that same spirit among people.
Patience? Patience is love tolerating frustration / refusing to become frustrated with others.
Kindness? Kindness is love exercising compassion and forgiveness toward others.
Goodness? Goodness is love being Christlike in showing grace and mercy towards others.
Faithfulness? Faithfulness is love keeping its promises and commitments made to others.
Gentleness? Gentleness is love refusing to be harsh and demanding toward others.
Self-control? Self control is love voluntarily putting the brakes on its own feelings and actions.

All of these Christ like characteristics are dependent upon the soil of relationship.

If we want to be fruitful we must make it our practice to join with our brothers and sisters in fellowship in worship and study. BOTTOM LINE - WE NEED EACH OTHER!

Again and again the New Testament INSTRUCTS us how to INTERACT with ONE ANOTHER: We are told…
that we ought to be kind to one another!
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another
that we ought to honour one another!
Romans 12:10 in honour preferring one another;
that we ought to teach and admonish one another!
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. that we ought to serve one another!
Galatians 5:13 by love serve one another. that we ought to bear one another’s burdens!
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens that we ought to tolerate one another!
Ephesians 4:2 forbearing one another in love;
that we ought to be tender hearted / forgiving one another!
Ephesians 4:32 be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God has forgiven you.
that we ought to comfort one another!
I Thessalonians 4:18 comfort one another with these words.

Those statements add up to RADICAL COMMITMENT.
By faithfully pursuing this type of RADICAL COMMITMENT to one another we grow into oneness with Christ. And when we are one in Christ nothing will be impossible for God to do through us!

Call to ministry - Mutual ministry!
Being kind to one another!
Giving honour to one another!
Teaching and admonishing one another!
Serving one another!
Bearing one another’s burdens!
Tolerating one another!
Showing tenderness and forgiveness to one another!
Comforting one another!