Becoming a Living Stone, Paul Kim

The Lord made me who was a lump of clay, a natural man, to a living stone, a transformed man, (1 Peter 2:5), and He is building me to become His dwelling place. Praise Him! I was born into an unbelieving family, but by His mercy I have been under His care since my years in Sunday school. I contacted the local churches in 1983 on a college campus. Before then I was involved in many denominations and Christian groups. I cannot describe the blessings the Lord bestowed on me during my sixteen years in the local church, including my time in the Full-Time Training. I would like to speak about a few of these blessings.

First, the Lord brought me into the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8) through the local churches. I tasted for the first time the riches in the local churches while reading a message in the Life-study of Exodus. In addition, by enjoying the verses in hundreds of hymns. I could see the depth and the richness of the truth in the local churches. The all-inclusive Christ whom I enjoy today becomes a rich storehouse (Genesis 41:55) to feed others.

Second, through the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee, the Lord made me realize He is not only the objective God outside of me, but the subjective one who lives in me and whom I can experience. What a blessing to know our Lord has become edible (John 6:57) and drinkable (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Third, it was another blessing to know God's desire that was hidden in Him (Ephesians 3:9). This made clear the goal and direction of my life in faith. The doctrine of the union of God and man emphasized by John and the apostle Paul was clearly opened up to me. Simply going to heaven after we die cannot be the goal of our Christian life. We as men living in God and God living in us corporately make us His body and will consummate as the New Jerusalem, God's desire. The Lord as a bridegroom is eagerly awaiting to obtain the bride who matches Him (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 21:9-10).

Fourth, it was such a blessing when my self-confidence for being a very honest and good person was utterly broken. The Lord conquered me, who was going against God's righteousness (Romans 10:3) by my self-righteousness. Hallelujah! I saw what it is to follow the Lord and take up the cross by seeing the pattern of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee's living expressed in their daily life and ministry (Mark16:24). In the Church of God, I do not need to be a spiritual giant but one who genuinely knows how to take the cross (Galatians 2:20).

Fifth, the marriage life with my wife is getting sweeter every day. I believe my wife also feels the same way. This word is trustworthy. To tell the truth, the troubles in my family end when my self is given to the Lord. Praise the Lord! I have learned this secret by being in the local church.

I eat, drink, and live the Lord as a living member (John 6:35). Now I want to stay in the local church where I am being built into the dwelling place of God with other members (Ephesians 2:22). Amen.