Tuesday, 4th July
We study the two messages from the previous evening, by reviewing the outlines and the study questions.
Afterwards, those of us staying in FTTA hospitality go straight to the cafeteria next door to eat lunch.
The two messages today were:
3. God Building Himself in Christ into Our Being
4. Blending and the Reality of the Body of Christ
Here are a few nuggets from these messages:
I thought that all my plants needed was soil, water and light. After message 3 I realized that the same way my plants need compost (nutrients) to enrich the soil and bear fruit, my heart needs to be enriched with the Triune God so I can grow and bear fruit! More than exercising my spirit and being satisfied with Him there, I need to open my heart and let Him grow!
– From Message 3
I was very touched from message 4 on blending and what blending is in reality, how necessary it is and what it issues in. Especially with us being on a blending trip, it is so good to hear that “blending” is not just a social, outward activity, but there should be an inward reality and this is by touching the Spirit in our spirit. In this way there is a substance added to our getting together whether for coffee or other outward things. The Spirit flowing among us blends us into one loaf and brings in the reality of the Body and the God-man living. We need to open to be touched by others and to touch others in blending and thus we genuinely care for one another in living by another life, the life of reality in Jesus Christ.
– From Message 4
Before each message from Tuesday onwards, there is a test. We were thankful that we were not called for the test today (it was FTTA second years for the first message, and then current and recent FTTA-XB and FTTA Middle-aged Trainees for the second test), but we will keep studying and preparing every day!
May the Lord make everything we are hearing our experience and our reality!
Live Update (6 July): We are posting our blog a day or two behind, but as a current prayer request, we would like to ask the saints back home to please pray for the health of us all here at the Semiannual Training! A couple of us have had cold symptoms, and there are saints some of us have been around who have since tested positive for covid. There are around 3000 saints here at the Semiannual! May the Lord limit the spread of any illness, and minimise any disruption to the release of His word, our receiving His speaking, and also to our participation in the blending trip and trainings. Thank you saints for standing with us!