The Riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8), R.W.

When I was a child my first experiences of Christ's riches were those of His great love (Romans 5:1-11) I especially realized that He, as the Lamb of God, died for me (John 1:29). Receiving His love (Galatians 4:4-6) enlarged my heart (Romans 8:16-18, Galatians 5:22-26), and I began to worry about suffering believers in the world (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). My fellowship with the Lord consisted of petitions and questions, and the most common was: “Why?”

The Lord Jesus wanted me to experience His wisdom (Colossians 1:9, 2:23; Ephesians 1:15-17), so He asked me back the question: “Why the cross? What did I die for?” This question motivated me to seek the truth during my youth (Mark 14). The Spirit gave me the key to answer His question through chapter 17 of the Gospel of John. I knew by reading it that this prayer was at the time of Christ's death, and the Lord Jesus sweated blood (Luke 22:44). I asked the Father to enlighten me (Ephesians 1:18-23) and reveal to me (Matthew 16:17-18; Ephesians 3:14-21) the essence of this crucial event.

God is faithful! The first thing that impressed me in John 17 was the character of the God-man, Jesus Christ. I saw His strong will, great love for His disciples, desire to glorify the Father, compassion for our weaknesses, the desire to protect babes in the faith and to reach the lost ones, His perfect submission to God's purpose, and His reliance on the Father's fellowship. During the next months, I prayed for His rich virtues to be expressed through me; then a word began to operate in me, which conducted me to the unique answer to my questions: ONE.

The word “one” is mentioned five times in John 17. It led me out of organized religion (Revelation 18:4) and into looking for such a reality on the earth (Matthew 6:33; John 17:21). I was in many denominations and free groups; I tried hard to produce oneness among believers in Christ. I am still in contact with some dear Christian brothers and sisters I met during my 12-year pilgrimage; I am one with those scattered, hidden believers, and at His coming they will be manifested (Colossians 3:3-4).

I was tired of wandering and frustrated because of many opinions (2 Corinthians 4:7). The Great Shepherd had mercy on me (2 Corinthians 4:1). He led me to a meeting (1 Corinthians 14:26; Luke. 15:4-7) in the city of Austin, Texas, USA, where some Christian brothers and sisters meet based on the practice in the New Testament of one church in one city (Revelation 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:15) and based on the truth that there is one Body in the universe (Ephesians 4:1-6), comprising all the believers in Christ. My spirit overflowed with the echo of ONE. I reached the practicality of the Christian life (Acts 2:46), through Witness Lee's writings. I enjoyed (Romans 14:17) the rich supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ with the believers (Philippians 1:19) in the new man (Colossians 3:10-11). Here, I live holding forth the word of life (Philippians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 4:11-13) so that Christ as the Bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-10; John 3:29) may claim His bride (Revelation 21:2-9).