As believers, we need to understand what our mindset and lifestyle should be in these turbulent times. What does God demand of His people particularly during times of upheaval, opposition, oppression and persecution. He requires His people to stay steadfast!
This word recalls a calm assurance, an unwavering faith, and unchanging character in times of trouble. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (TPT) says, “So now, beloved ones, stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.”
1 Peter 1:14-16 (TPT) says, “As God’s obedient children, never again shape your lives by the desires that you followed when you didn’t know better. Instead, shape your lives to become like the Holy One who called you. For Scripture says:
“You are to be holy, because I am holy.”
During a study about the Protestant Reformation, I learned about the religious revolution in the Western church. This revolution occurred in the 16th century. I came across the Latin phrase coram deo. It translates to “in the presence of God.” This phrase embodies the idea of Christians living in the presence of God. They live under the authority of God. Their lives are for the honor and glory of God. Living life in the presence, under the authority, and for the glory of God. We are to manifest God’s holiness to a godless word. 1
A lot is changing in the spiritual atmosphere. In this new season, the way is opening up. The Holy Spirit is beginning to reveal things to the church. A new reformation is not only coming to the church, but also to the societies in which we live. I am not the only one discerning this. Many are proclaiming that God’s kingdom is coming here on earth as it is in heaven. We are becoming more aware of just being good Christians. There is such a wealth of knowledge of His glory being poured out in this season. God is revealing kingdom-oriented realities. The purpose is to give us wisdom and revelation so that we will know Him better. You wonder why there needs to be a new reformation.
What was the Protestant reformation?
Some of you have heard of Martin Luther. He was a German theologian and religious reformer who was the catalyst of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. He was troubled by what was happening in the society that surrounded him. Sin and corruption were running rampant. They were destroying not only the lives of the people he saw every day in the town of Wittenberg. In 1517, Martin Luther published his 95 Theses. He wanted the Roman Catholic Church to stop selling indulgences, or ‘get out of hell free’ cards. Luther did not think the Church had the authority to grant such indulgences, especially not for money.
At last meditating day and night, by the mercy of God, I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that through which the righteous live by a gift of God, namely by faith. Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through the gates that had been flung open. —Martin Luther
Why is important? It reveals the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ. This love surpasses all understanding (Ephesians 3:18-19). He is willing to bring the church back into alignment with His truth. It’s important for us to choose to live pursuing His perfect will.
One of the key concepts of the Reformation was coram deo. All of life is lived “before the face of God.” It’s about living every aspect of our lives in the presence of God. We live under the authority of God. We aim to glorify God. When I ponder this term, Psalm 16:11 comes to mind. It says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Learning to live in the manifest presence of God requires maturity in the Spirit. To mature spiritually, you must make a choice to learn God’s Word. Allow God to renew your mind. Be obedient to what you learn. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I remember one particularly powerful time during my ordination, the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me. All I can do was fall to my knees and cry out to God in thanksgiving. There are times I sense a heavy anointing come on me when I’m speaking. It seems to wreck me after I’m done. Now, I’m learning to allow Him to take me to a deeper place of surrender. I am open to the Holy Spirit and look for open doors to release Him.
I believe that as you start to grow spiritually, God will lead you into a deeper place of yieldedness. This means being more open to God’s guidance. So, learn to position yourself every day! “Always be eager to present yourself before God as a perfect and mature minister, without shame, as one who correctly explains the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Read How, Then Should We Live?
May God’s wonderful grace be with you all!
Love in Christ,
Dr. A.
Note:
- Coram Deo, Wikipedia
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