SPIRITUAL DNA

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. (AMPLIFIED)

We hear a good deal of talk about DNA today.  DNA has been helpful in convicting individuals of a crime. It has also been helpful in exonerating individuals of wrong doing. I believe there is a spiritual DNA and it's very important to the believer today. 

It seems the old ways are deeply ingrained. It's hard to let go of our traditions and our old ways of doing things.  Sometimes we have the wrong DNA.  You could say is a Phariseeical DNA.  We must completely rethink the way we've understood and experienced church if we, as believers, are to reach our full God-given potential .

Using the analogy of DNA we can see what makes a church a church.  We know that every living thing has a DNA that defines it's unique characteristics. Because God's church is alive through the Holy Spirit, we, too, have a DNA – a spiritual DNA which defines our unique characteristics. The DNA of the church consists of Divine Truth, Nurturing Relationships and Apostolic Mission (DNA). I believe every member of God's church possesses this DNA.

When we speak of divine truth, we are referring the the Word of God – both written and personal. The written Word is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training or instruction in righteousness so that the man of God may be mature, adequate and equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). The Word is also personal. Jesus told the Pharisees, You search the Scriptures because you think that you have eternal life, but it's these that testify of Me. He also said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. He also said, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. You see, any expression of church that doesn't include an awareness of the actual presence of God is missing the main point – JESUS IS THE WORD, THE HEAD OF HIS CHURCH AND HE'S ALWAYS PRESENT

Ensuring that each part of the body is connected to the Head and surrendered to His leading is absolutely essential for the church to function as it should.  We need to be connected to Jesus!  Jesus is not an absentee King! He is the King reigning now!  Praise God!

The church is not called to be a business, a hospital or even a school. It's called to be a family.

Intimate personal relationships are necessary for the body to grow in love. God's Word is filled with admonitions that can only be carried out in relationships. Biblical admonitions such as through love serve one another, bear one another's burdens and stir one another to good deeds illustrate this point very well. Additionally, there is the principle that iron sharpens iron (Prov 17:17). If the Spirit of God is present and active in the life of every believer, then God can use any believer at any time to influence or direct another believer or group of believers

The word “apostle” literally means “sent one”. The church is not meant to be a sending organization, but rather a sent people. God is the sender and we are the sent. Every believer and thereby every church is filled with people who have been gifted and called by God to fulfill a purpose in this world. In order for a believer to become mature in the Lord he/she must be given the liberty and freedom to follow Jesus wherever He leads. After all, We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).  This spiritual DNA at the core of every believer is the glue that links us together and connects us to Jesus, to one another and to the world. We are all on a mission

This DNA is not something new – it's as old as the Bible itself. Again, we're not talking about a program. The whole DNA is found in every cell. Activity flows out from it, not to it. There is organic growth as opposed to institutional growth. Too often believers say they believe in these principles yet we trust in our own organizational abilities and programs more than the spiritual DNA that God has implanted within us. We must let the presence of God among us be the only glue the binds us together.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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