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Paul's Ministry |
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Unlike most of the original disciples, Paul did not relate to Christ physically. As a matter of fact, the great apostle worked for the Jewish establishment at the time - even persecuting Jews who embraced the ministry of Christ Jesus. As a result, Paul submitted to the Devil unknowingly. While under Satan's influence, he persecuted Jewish Christians who attempted to worship our Lord. But Jesus confronted Paul asking the apostle. "Why are you persecuting me?" Paul did not understand that when we persecute Jesus's loyal followers, we are in a state of sin. Paul acknowledged his sinfulness and became God's minister to the gentiles who heard our master's voice. Unlike most of the original disciples who concentrated on preaching Jesus's message to the Hebrews, Paul spoke to groups which did not practice Jewish rites such as circumcision and water baptism. Therefore Paul had little contact with Jesus's original disciples. He was ministering to groups and individuals who recognized the power and love of Christ. Small wonder Paul was disturbed when individual gentiles informed him of the fact that the Jewish disciples insisted the gentile friends of Christ submit to outward circumcision and indulge in water Baptism. Paul then confronted James and the other disciples with the spiritual knowledge provided by Christ himself that neither gentile or Jewish converts need to indulge in these aforementioned rites. Instead they needed, as we need today, to hear Jesus - and do what our Everlasting Prophet requires of us. Early Friends in unity with Paul, did not practice outward circumcision and water baptism. Instead they recognized that Jesus circumcises our willing hearts with a spiritual cleansing. For that to happen, we need to open our hearts to Jesus's inward light. We will then be open to that wonderful power that pervades our souls if we remain faithful. Likewise, Jesus does baptize us inwardly granting us the power to listen to our great Lord recognizing, as the apostle John did that Christ enlightens every individual. Many unfortunately do not comprehend that all embracing light. That is why when we do preach the everlasting gospel it is imperative to preach the message that indeed Christ baptizes us inwardly enabling us to live gospel oriented lives. We conservative Friends understand that Jesus does not merely baptize individuals in awesome power but also baptizes meetings in the power of His love. This baptism enables us to obey Him. We are then able to serve individuals in the power of the gospel, the same gospel that Paul understood. In our obedience we become Friends of Jesus empowered to accept His benevolent authority as His people, His beloved.
Arthur Berk |