Destined: God's Ultimate Purpose For The Church

Written by Steve Barnes Saturday, 07 November 2009 11:33

A good friend gave me this book a few days ago. I am reading it this weekend. Each chapter has a summary, and scanning them immediately tells me Stuart Gramenz has realised some things in God that few seem to. His realisation of Jesus; words that "the kingdom of God does not come with (outward) observation", that it is a spiritual kingdom made of "living stones" is foundational to this discourse.

He asks why we don't see the same level of commitment in todays church that we did in the early church. The early church "loved not their lives to the death". My personal opinion is that Jesus tells usclearly in Revelation what opposition we face the most in the last church He speaks to - Laodicea - the church that says "we are rich and have no need", yet is poor and needy is spirit. The god of this age is the god of Mammon. Yes, Mammon is a god.

Stuart also asks how we will cope if trouble and turmoil continue to escalate, with "men's hearts failing them for fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth". I too hold to a post-tribulation view of the scriptures and consider the mass belief in an easy rapture to be a snare for those who believe there is an easy way out and that they don't need to learn to truely walk with Jesus in this time. Stuart calls us to know and walk with Him. Remember "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of MyFather in heaven" (Matt 7:21)

If you want to know Him personally; as a believer, without having to hold a "pastor's" hand, this book will help you.Get it, read it, pray.