The Vision

of "What Mean These Stones?"

With each passing generation, we witness a greater degree of division between two groups of peoples called 'Christian'.  This divide, which once was quite muddied, is becoming clearer . . . more distinct.   The world, that which is of man, is moving further in its separating from the truths of God’s word.  With this rapidly increasing degree of separation from God, a large segment of ‘Christendom’ has chosen to affix their hearts and loyalty to the world.  They believe this action is not only right, but biblical and that it is the desire of God.

There is evidence that a few, like the sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32), are understanding and discerning of these times in which we currently live.  These men and women of God search His word; and through His word they are being equipped to “discern the signs of the times,” (Matthew 16:3).  They are recognizing the dangers that lurk for those wading in the murky swamps of concession and compromise. They are not the ones that through prideful knowledge lord over others (modern 'pharisaism') . . . but they are genuine servants of Christ, maturing in submission to His truths. 

We see men and women, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, and young people walking away from the 'striving for’ the promised riches and pleasures offered by the world and religions of man.  The obedient in Christ are choosing not to store up treasure here on earth, for they know “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:19-21).  Hearts are turning from the desire to satisfy an appetite that feeds upon the offerings of the world around them.  In their seeking they have ‘heard’ and are responding to God's calling!

Putting away their former selves and cloaking all that they are with His righteousness becomes their desire.  They are experiencing His love; which through Him better equips them to love others.  This is not boastful pride on their part; it is the reality of the confidence attained when those of God are abiding in the promises and assurances that the Wonderful Counselor gives in truth through His teaching, counsel, and love.  Fellowship with God and being bathed in His Light is a daily experience to be enjoyed by true followers of Christ. (1 John 1:6-7) 

No, they are not walking away from jobs, emptying all bank accounts and isolating themselves from all contact with the world like many mistakenly believe (1 Corinthians 5:9-10).  But, in discerning obedience they insulate themselves from that which is an abomination to their God.  These people are coming to, and have come to Christ as He has called them.  Our Lord responds to those that seek after Him with true and genuine hearts . . . with all of their heart.  This ‘all of the heart’ is not mere spoken words to them, for mere words constitute the majority of what they have heard spoken, defended and preached around them for so long, for so many years.  Authentic, genuine, and true submission now describes the condition of their heart given to the One true God. 

Their hearts sought after and found the outstretched hand of the Almighty God, a Magnificent God; a God that is ever present, all powerful, and all knowing; a God to be feared, to be awed; a God to be loved, a God that is Love; a God that is their all in all. This God is called Jealous, and He will not share His glory with any other.  All types of people with all kinds of histories, from those with much, to those with little, the old, middle-aged, and the young seek and serve Him and Him alone.  He is the loving Father that gave His Son as a sacrifice now risen; with his Son being the only and single path that all may come freely to the Father; through belief in Him, our Lord, our Christ, our Saviour.  This coming is a belief that institutes a repentant faith, a changed heart . . . one that is born again . . .  a new creature.

They come to Him with a repentant heart grieved because of the sin they practiced; now recognizing that sin is a serious offense before the Judge of all men.  They recognize that the darkness of their sin alienated them from an all Holy God, an all pure God.  Practiced sin permanently separates and such a practitioner will bear the wrath of God.  But the repentant sinner pleads for forgiveness before the One from whom all righteousness derives, but One also that judges in righteousness.  Each one of these come with a rended heart and spirit, surrendering the one and only thing He desires . . . God must be given all of who and what each man, women and child holds most dear; their very heart, and mind, and soul, and body.

There is a cost that will be borne by the few that follow Him as He says one must follow. A cost levied by those opposed to the practice of genuine saving faith; a cost that few understand; a cost some believe is too great a burden to bear.  True followers of Christ recognize that there will be suffering and persecution, and only the strong in Him will persevere. This suffering and persecution will be and is being experienced primarily through the ‘so-called-brethren’, and family . . . which Christ instructs His disciples will come upon them.  Yes, being slandered, hated, and mocked will be a part of the cross one must carry. But these men, women and children, these genuine servants of Christ, know that the cost is small; and the suffering and persecution experienced today will end.  Peace with mankind is not peace with Him He strongly admonishes, for He came “not to grant peace, but rather division.”   It is as the Scriptures states it will be, and some believe.

The child of God’s hope is not placed here on earth, but is in heaven.  They store up not what will tarnish, rust or decay here in this world; but store up treasure in the kingdom of their permanent abode with the King of Kings, Lord of Lords.

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’  And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’  And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost” (Revelation 22:17) . . . and a few heard, and came.