Today's Passage - Hebrews 5:5-6

Hebrews 5:5-6   In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father." And he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."     Many people have incorrect view of "glory".  They feel that it is holy and can not be spoken of carelessly.  It says here that Jesus did not take on the glory himself.  That does not mean Jesus was not worthy of the glory.  In fact, after Jesus' resurrection, he came into power in glory.  Do not be afraid that glory is bestowed upon yourself.  But be prudent that you do not take on yourself the glory.  Satan was an archangel in heaven, named Lucifer.  He took the glory upon himself and resulted in falling from heaven.  King Herod Agrippa I of the New Testament, did not gave glory to God when people cried that his voice was the voice of God in a theatre in Caesarea.  As such, he was eaten by worms and died.  Roman 3:23 says:" For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".  When one takes glory upon oneself, it takes glory away from God.  And this is sin.    On the other hand, our church's vision is to "build God's glorious church".  However, we don't take on the glory by ourselves.  It is because: first, the reason we want to build a glorious church is because Lord is our glorious savior, and the church is His body.  It is God's will that this church to be a glorious church so that it befits this glorious savior.  Second, we build this church in accordance of God's will.  He wants this church to be glorious, such that it befits Jesus.  God wants church to a glorious bride together with Jesus Christ in heaven.  We are building in accordance with God's will, not by our own will nor our own preference.  We should not be embarrassed proclaiming building a glorious church.    Because this is God's will, ever lasting from the beginning of time.  When we labor with God, building our church, his glory will manifest, drawing everyone turn towards Him.       When we build God's church, when He reveal His presence, we want to be wittiness that Jesus Christ is indeed God's son.  We welcome holy spirit descending upon us.  Let God's glorious presence be among ourselves, ridding of all sins and evil.  Let Jesus Christ be held upon high, drawing everyone turn towards him.  We welcome God's glory, yet we need to be prudent not to give glory to ourselves.  May God help us to guard our hearts.   Praying with Pastor Tong Liu   Lord, we thank you because you are willing to share your glory with us.  We welcome your glory presence to be revealed among us,  not only in the church, but also upon ourselves.  Your spirit, move freely within us.  Drawing everyone coming to you.  We thanks and we pray in the glorious name of Jesus Christ.  Amen! Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!