Intercessory Prayer: The Will Of God

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your

 most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for

 the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

 and others save with fear, pulling them 

out of the fire; hating even the 

garment spotted by the flesh.

Jude 20-23

     We must remember and recall these men of God who in the beginning of the Christian Church faced the same trials as we do today: viz: adultery, fornication, money issue, false teachers, a government that opposes Christianity, or even just a bad government, and in the days of Ignatius, Christians were put to death for their unwavering faith. There is a glue that holds us together so that we can face the onslaught trials: faith, the mercy of God, and our future home, eternity. 

     When trials become so overwhelming it is easy to fall from your faith allowing the stinger of Satan to sting you with doubt. It now, when this happens to a fellow brother or sister we are to lovingly guide them back to the faith. You cannot do this unless you are aware of your brothers and sisters and their need(s). This is the will of God that we care for one another and this takes intentional effort. Read now the words of Ignatius to the Ephesian Church: 

      "But inasmuch as love does not permit me to be silent in regard to you, on this account I have been forward to entreat of you that ye would be diligent in the will of God.

For, so long as there is not implanted in you any one lust which is able to torment you, behold, ye live in God. I rejoice in you, and offer supplication (Thus Cureton renders the words, referring in confirmation to the Peshito version of Phil. i. 4, but the meaning is doubtful.) on account of you, Ephesians, a Church which is renowned in all ages. For those who are carnal are not able to do spiritual things, nor those that are spiritual carnal things; in like manner as neither can faith [do] those things which are foreign to faith, nor want of faith [do] what belongs to faith. For those things which ye have done in the flesh, even these are spiritual, because ye have done everything in Jesus Christ.

And ye are prepared for the building of God the Father, and ye are raised up on high by the instrument of Jesus Christ, which is the cross; and ye are drawn by the rope, which is the Holy Spirit; and your pulley is your faith, and your love is the way which leadeth up on high to God."

     Ignatius uses a phrase: (your pulley is your faith, and your love is the way which leadeth up on high to God). What love? Agape love, that is the principle love of God that He has for you, so we then take this love and aid others. 

     "Pray for all men; for there is hope of repentance for them, that they may be counted worthy of God. By your works especially let them be instructed. Against their harsh words be ye conciliatory, by meekness of mind and gentleness. Against their blasphemies do ye give yourselves to prayer; and against their error be ye armed with faith. Against their fierceness be ye peaceful and quiet, and be ye not astounded by them. Let us, then, be imitators of our Lord in meekness, and strive who shall more especially be injured, and oppressed, and defrauded.)

     Prayer, a thing that is so often neglected. It is good to have a special time of prayer, and even more, it is good to pray wherever you are and in all circumstances. 

The work is not of promise, (The meaning seems to be that mere profession, without continuous practice, is nothing. unless a man be found in the power of faith, even to the end.) We who are holding fast to Authentic Christian faith and see another who is struggling we make intercessory prayer for them so that they (will be counted worthy of God).

     "My spirit bows in adoration to the cross, which is a stumbling-block to those who do not believe, but is to you for salvation and eternal life."

     The cross, a thing, an event, that which God did for man, is seldom preached in today's pulpits. Do to this the cross has become a stumbling-block for many, those who do not believe, but for you and I, it is salvation and eternal life. It is God that keeps you now and for eternity and all we have to do is accept what Jesus did on the cross, put our faith in Him and in His promises. It is this faith that is founded on the truth of God's word that we hold dear, practice in our everyday life, and it is our Authentic Christian Faith that will helps endure this world and all its ills. Change now from the inside/out and consider faith. Measure your faith by the word of God. 

      This was what was taught to those early Christians, not some euphoric experience, not some jumping and shouting, and singing in such a way that is more like the world, no, it is Authentic Christian Faith and our quiet life that we are to have and hold dear. Here is why!

     "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

I love them that love Me;

      and those that seek me early

shall find Me.

            Proverbs 8:17 

Look to God, not men

Richard L. Crumb