Who is online?
In total there are 30 users online :: 1 Registered, 0 Hidden and 29 Guests :: 1 BotAdmin
Most users ever online was 386 on Sun 25 Apr 2021, 2:56 pm
Latest topics
GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
Page 5 of 40
Page 5 of 40 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ... 22 ... 40
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
The sovereignty of God
By David P. Caudell
The sovereignty of God is something that most grace believers do not
understand. God as our creator and the very breath that we inhale is in
his hand. To say that in someway that God created down deep inside of us
a response to him, doesn't have any basis in the truth for the body of
Christ as given to the apostle to the gentiles, Paul.
In the book of Ephesians it is clear that God choose us before the
worlds foundation which is before any of us had any choice. After Adam
sinned and gave us his sin nature, the problem that we all had since
then, was that we are dead spiritually (2:1), that is that we cannot
respond to anything. Have you ever tried to talk to a dead man, what
would be his response? He could not move so much as an eye lid or speak
or dig up that supposed God created part of us that could respond. We
are dead. What does dead mean?
It is clear that in Ephesians 2:8. "For ye are saved by grace through
faith: and this not of yourselves: it is God's gift" The gift includes
the saved, the grace, and the faith. If it depended on you, a dead
person, you would remain dead.
You might say well God foreknew that I would respond and that's why he
choose me. No! God's foreknowledge was that he knew who he would choose
before the foundation of the world. All were under the condemnation of
death, there is none that seeketh after God, no not one.
In God's mercy and grace he picked us out of all that were born of
Adam's race to fulfill God's purpose. Eph. 3: 8 - 11 ,"to me, less than
the least of all saints, has this grace been given, to announce among
the nations the glad tidings of the unsearchable riches of the Christ,
and to enlighten all (with the knowledge of) what is the administration
of the mystery hidden throughout the ages in God, who has created all
things, in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the
heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various
wisdom of God, according to (the) purpose of the ages, which he purposed
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph. 2:12 "that ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise,
having no hope and without God in the world". No hope because we were"
dead in your offences and sins"
I think it is man's pride that makes him think that he can choose
salvation (something to do (works) but as a friend pointed out recently
that is limiting God to our responce and God has no limits, except that
he cannot lie.
Why did God choose me? That is something that I cannot answer but that
brings out the response in me that I will praise and worship him for who
he is and what he has done for me, a former dead man.
*
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
By David P. Caudell
The sovereignty of God is something that most grace believers do not
understand. God as our creator and the very breath that we inhale is in
his hand. To say that in someway that God created down deep inside of us
a response to him, doesn't have any basis in the truth for the body of
Christ as given to the apostle to the gentiles, Paul.
In the book of Ephesians it is clear that God choose us before the
worlds foundation which is before any of us had any choice. After Adam
sinned and gave us his sin nature, the problem that we all had since
then, was that we are dead spiritually (2:1), that is that we cannot
respond to anything. Have you ever tried to talk to a dead man, what
would be his response? He could not move so much as an eye lid or speak
or dig up that supposed God created part of us that could respond. We
are dead. What does dead mean?
It is clear that in Ephesians 2:8. "For ye are saved by grace through
faith: and this not of yourselves: it is God's gift" The gift includes
the saved, the grace, and the faith. If it depended on you, a dead
person, you would remain dead.
You might say well God foreknew that I would respond and that's why he
choose me. No! God's foreknowledge was that he knew who he would choose
before the foundation of the world. All were under the condemnation of
death, there is none that seeketh after God, no not one.
In God's mercy and grace he picked us out of all that were born of
Adam's race to fulfill God's purpose. Eph. 3: 8 - 11 ,"to me, less than
the least of all saints, has this grace been given, to announce among
the nations the glad tidings of the unsearchable riches of the Christ,
and to enlighten all (with the knowledge of) what is the administration
of the mystery hidden throughout the ages in God, who has created all
things, in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the
heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various
wisdom of God, according to (the) purpose of the ages, which he purposed
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph. 2:12 "that ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise,
having no hope and without God in the world". No hope because we were"
dead in your offences and sins"
I think it is man's pride that makes him think that he can choose
salvation (something to do (works) but as a friend pointed out recently
that is limiting God to our responce and God has no limits, except that
he cannot lie.
Why did God choose me? That is something that I cannot answer but that
brings out the response in me that I will praise and worship him for who
he is and what he has done for me, a former dead man.
*
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
THERE IS BUT ONE FAITH FOR THE BODY
Part 3 of 3
By Pastor Byron Richardson
A full response and commitment to the truths presented are all that is needed. Outward testimonials of an internal, abiding power and peace usually appear gradually, as each candidate grows in Grace and knowledge of truth. The Word is like a planted seed, which generates, sprouts, buds and blossoms in order to produce fruit, flower or foliage.
Portions of the so-called Gospels, Acts, James and Revelation do exhibit signs and fleshly manifestations. However, all of them are associated directly with the earthly Kingdom of Heaven for Israel. They have no privity with the New Covenant or the Body.
Some of these visible Kingdom demonstrations are: healings, visions, dreams etc. (Acts 9:3~ 12:7~ 16:9). Under Grace most believers begin their new life in an unassuming manner, and proceed on their spiritual path without much fanfare. God works in decency and order in this matter also. However, emotionalism does play an important part in our spiritual experiences later. No thrills can equal those which come through God's Word and the Holy Spirit.
Due to the dismal situation which existed in the Corinthian church, God permitted its constituents to speak in unintelligible tongues, but only in a restricted sense (1 Cor. 13:8; 14:27-31). This was because of their raw paganism and their shallow spiritual perception. The Lord often used this same strategy, rather as a rebuke than as a commendation (Matt. 19:8~ Luke 19:22) .
Sometimes God's choicest saints prefer Satan's lie to God's truth, as did Peter (Matt. 16:21-23; Acts 10:14). Immediately after making a bold declaration Peter reversed his position completely. His Kingdom aspirations were blasted by the Lord's prophecy concerning His death and resurrection, of which He had spoken on several occasions (Mark 9:10,31-32; Jno. 10:6; 12:32-34; 20:9).
From this account we can appreciate somewhat the high value which, God places upon His infallible Word (Psa. 138:2; Matt. 4:4). God is jealous for His Word. He must defeat Satan's attacks upon it, even when they are made by His most intimate servants.
Admission into the New Covenant heavenly Kingdom, which leads to the New Jerusalem, is predicated upon the New Birth. Its prospective terminus is the General Assembly, which is not the Body (Luke 23:42; Jno. 3:3,5,16; Acts 20:28; Heb. 12:23). Overcomers from the General Assembly in the New Jerusalem will become the Church of the Firstborn which consists of the Kingdom of Priests. This prophesied Church could not be the Mystery Body Church (Matt. 16:18). Neither could it be the Pentecostal (Kingdom) Church, which will be confined to the New Earth, and will not have access to the New Jerusalem.
As stated, some members of the New Covenant's Church of the Firstborn will be entitled to the extra privilege of becoming Kings and Priests unto God by performing meritorious works (Matt. 19:28-29; 1 Cor. 10:1,4-10; Heb. 3:17). Peter's John's and Hebrews epistles persistently pursue the New Covenant, but not the Body or the earthly Kingdom of Heaven (1 Pet. 1:3,18-19,23; 1 Jno. 1:4-5,7).
Under the New Covenant our Lord bequeathed His abiding Peace to His disciples. But, in the Body HE is our Peace personified (Jno. 14:27; Eph. 2:14). The latter is that Peace of God which exceeds all human comprehension. It cannot be produced by, or prevented by man's ingenuity. This is positive proof that definite increases in benefits are bestowed upon the Body over and above those of the New Covenant.
To neglect or to deny these progressive factors would prove disastrous to the whole tenor of God's planned economy. All the fulness of the Godhead dwells in the Son (Col. 2:9-10). He then is the ONE unspeakable GIFT which surmounts all other good and perfect gifts, and which exclude all boasting (Rom. 3:27; 5:17; 7:18; 8:32; 1 Cor. 1:26-31; 15:10; Gal. 6:3 In the Body He is God's incomparable GIFT appropriated by Faith alone (2 Cor. 9:15).
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging Christians to believe what God says.
Message "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission "To Make All See" Eph. 3:9
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:"
We are wiling to help you on this journey just give us a call, 1 623 546 8866, Paris
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
Part 3 of 3
By Pastor Byron Richardson
A full response and commitment to the truths presented are all that is needed. Outward testimonials of an internal, abiding power and peace usually appear gradually, as each candidate grows in Grace and knowledge of truth. The Word is like a planted seed, which generates, sprouts, buds and blossoms in order to produce fruit, flower or foliage.
Portions of the so-called Gospels, Acts, James and Revelation do exhibit signs and fleshly manifestations. However, all of them are associated directly with the earthly Kingdom of Heaven for Israel. They have no privity with the New Covenant or the Body.
Some of these visible Kingdom demonstrations are: healings, visions, dreams etc. (Acts 9:3~ 12:7~ 16:9). Under Grace most believers begin their new life in an unassuming manner, and proceed on their spiritual path without much fanfare. God works in decency and order in this matter also. However, emotionalism does play an important part in our spiritual experiences later. No thrills can equal those which come through God's Word and the Holy Spirit.
Due to the dismal situation which existed in the Corinthian church, God permitted its constituents to speak in unintelligible tongues, but only in a restricted sense (1 Cor. 13:8; 14:27-31). This was because of their raw paganism and their shallow spiritual perception. The Lord often used this same strategy, rather as a rebuke than as a commendation (Matt. 19:8~ Luke 19:22) .
Sometimes God's choicest saints prefer Satan's lie to God's truth, as did Peter (Matt. 16:21-23; Acts 10:14). Immediately after making a bold declaration Peter reversed his position completely. His Kingdom aspirations were blasted by the Lord's prophecy concerning His death and resurrection, of which He had spoken on several occasions (Mark 9:10,31-32; Jno. 10:6; 12:32-34; 20:9).
From this account we can appreciate somewhat the high value which, God places upon His infallible Word (Psa. 138:2; Matt. 4:4). God is jealous for His Word. He must defeat Satan's attacks upon it, even when they are made by His most intimate servants.
Admission into the New Covenant heavenly Kingdom, which leads to the New Jerusalem, is predicated upon the New Birth. Its prospective terminus is the General Assembly, which is not the Body (Luke 23:42; Jno. 3:3,5,16; Acts 20:28; Heb. 12:23). Overcomers from the General Assembly in the New Jerusalem will become the Church of the Firstborn which consists of the Kingdom of Priests. This prophesied Church could not be the Mystery Body Church (Matt. 16:18). Neither could it be the Pentecostal (Kingdom) Church, which will be confined to the New Earth, and will not have access to the New Jerusalem.
As stated, some members of the New Covenant's Church of the Firstborn will be entitled to the extra privilege of becoming Kings and Priests unto God by performing meritorious works (Matt. 19:28-29; 1 Cor. 10:1,4-10; Heb. 3:17). Peter's John's and Hebrews epistles persistently pursue the New Covenant, but not the Body or the earthly Kingdom of Heaven (1 Pet. 1:3,18-19,23; 1 Jno. 1:4-5,7).
Under the New Covenant our Lord bequeathed His abiding Peace to His disciples. But, in the Body HE is our Peace personified (Jno. 14:27; Eph. 2:14). The latter is that Peace of God which exceeds all human comprehension. It cannot be produced by, or prevented by man's ingenuity. This is positive proof that definite increases in benefits are bestowed upon the Body over and above those of the New Covenant.
To neglect or to deny these progressive factors would prove disastrous to the whole tenor of God's planned economy. All the fulness of the Godhead dwells in the Son (Col. 2:9-10). He then is the ONE unspeakable GIFT which surmounts all other good and perfect gifts, and which exclude all boasting (Rom. 3:27; 5:17; 7:18; 8:32; 1 Cor. 1:26-31; 15:10; Gal. 6:3 In the Body He is God's incomparable GIFT appropriated by Faith alone (2 Cor. 9:15).
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging Christians to believe what God says.
Message "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission "To Make All See" Eph. 3:9
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:"
We are wiling to help you on this journey just give us a call, 1 623 546 8866, Paris
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
THERE IS BUT ONE FAITH FOR THE BODY
Part 2 of 3
By Pastor Byron Richardson
The ONE Faith as stated in our text is the only Faith which has been designated as a free GIFT (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 2:8). This astounding fact is found only in Paul's writings. Such Faith cannot be earned, measured, equated, produced, reduced or mixed with other kinds. We are of the opinion that this Faith inures to the sole benefit of members of the Body, since only Paul mentions it.
The quality of Faith varies proportionately with the amount of revelation available in each dispensation. We search in vain for evidence to corroborate our erroneous assumption that the faithful from every dispensation are eligible to dwell in the Heaven of Heavens. The New Covenant opened the door to the New Heaven only.
Furthermore, we were surprised to learn that no part of Heaven became available to Israel, until the Apostle John opened it to them under the New Covenant (Jno. 1:12, 29; 3:16; 14:2-3; 20:31; 1 Jno, 3:1), Even then the prospect was only a heavenly City. All segments of God's plan must be reconciled, or we shall be vulnerable to Satan's vicious attacks upon the truth, caused by ignorance of God's Word.
This particular brand of Faith may be cited as the very essence of divine Faith, It exceeds all human faith, which can be measured by human deportment. Such limited faith tends to vacillate considerably. God's innate Faith is constant, and it is not subject to man's estimation.
Certain saints express more faith than do others, who are less saturated with the Word rightly divided (2 Cor. 10:13). This vicarious Faith is the same in kind to each recipient, but it differs materially in degree from person to person. The results depend upon individual responses (Rom, 12:1).
God imparts His own Faith through His Word illuminated by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 10:17; 12:3), In this unilateral transaction God's intrinsic Faith displaces human faith, when it is permitted to do so.
God is the author of all types of faith which have been dispensed in all eras (Heb. 12:2). He bestows unprecedented Faith upon the Body, over and above that of the New Covenant. Such superb Faith cannot be questioned, since it is God's perfect Faith bestowed as a legacy. As stated, this Faith is conferred upon the Body in proportion to each member's ability and willingness to assimilate His Word (Rom. 10:17) It is not imputed to members of the Body, as it is under the New Covenant. It is transferred to that select group without any change in its original character and intrinsic value.
According to Paul's Gospel, human faith is mediocre as with the Faith which is granted to us as a free Gift (Eph. 2:8). This substitutive type of Faith is potent enough to make God's Righteousness ours as a free GIFT (Rom. 5:17; 9:30; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9). The kind of faith imputed under the New Covenant results in a lesser position than does that under the Body. The superior Faith allocated to the Body is not imputed faith, as it is under the New Covenant, but it is a substituted Faith (1 Jno. 5:4).
Most evangelists expect outbursts of emotion to accompany regenerative experiences. Many converts become disturbed because their initial impressions did not meet their expectations. They came to them as a still small voice, rather than in an earth shaking tumult (1 Kings 19:11-12). First contacts with the Gospel often are mild and disappointing. The twelve Apostles were called into service without ostentation. There is no record that Paul's converts responded with hilarity.
When Nicodemus was convicted of his spiritual need there was no spectacular display of either agony or ecstasy. Spiritual relationships are established when one changes ones attitudes and views toward spiritual matters. No outward signs of emotion are required for entering into the fellowship, either of the New Covenant or the Body. Such demonstrations belong to Israel and the earthly Kingdom.
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging Christians to believe what God says.
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
Part 2 of 3
By Pastor Byron Richardson
The ONE Faith as stated in our text is the only Faith which has been designated as a free GIFT (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 2:8). This astounding fact is found only in Paul's writings. Such Faith cannot be earned, measured, equated, produced, reduced or mixed with other kinds. We are of the opinion that this Faith inures to the sole benefit of members of the Body, since only Paul mentions it.
The quality of Faith varies proportionately with the amount of revelation available in each dispensation. We search in vain for evidence to corroborate our erroneous assumption that the faithful from every dispensation are eligible to dwell in the Heaven of Heavens. The New Covenant opened the door to the New Heaven only.
Furthermore, we were surprised to learn that no part of Heaven became available to Israel, until the Apostle John opened it to them under the New Covenant (Jno. 1:12, 29; 3:16; 14:2-3; 20:31; 1 Jno, 3:1), Even then the prospect was only a heavenly City. All segments of God's plan must be reconciled, or we shall be vulnerable to Satan's vicious attacks upon the truth, caused by ignorance of God's Word.
This particular brand of Faith may be cited as the very essence of divine Faith, It exceeds all human faith, which can be measured by human deportment. Such limited faith tends to vacillate considerably. God's innate Faith is constant, and it is not subject to man's estimation.
Certain saints express more faith than do others, who are less saturated with the Word rightly divided (2 Cor. 10:13). This vicarious Faith is the same in kind to each recipient, but it differs materially in degree from person to person. The results depend upon individual responses (Rom, 12:1).
God imparts His own Faith through His Word illuminated by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 10:17; 12:3), In this unilateral transaction God's intrinsic Faith displaces human faith, when it is permitted to do so.
God is the author of all types of faith which have been dispensed in all eras (Heb. 12:2). He bestows unprecedented Faith upon the Body, over and above that of the New Covenant. Such superb Faith cannot be questioned, since it is God's perfect Faith bestowed as a legacy. As stated, this Faith is conferred upon the Body in proportion to each member's ability and willingness to assimilate His Word (Rom. 10:17) It is not imputed to members of the Body, as it is under the New Covenant. It is transferred to that select group without any change in its original character and intrinsic value.
According to Paul's Gospel, human faith is mediocre as with the Faith which is granted to us as a free Gift (Eph. 2:8). This substitutive type of Faith is potent enough to make God's Righteousness ours as a free GIFT (Rom. 5:17; 9:30; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9). The kind of faith imputed under the New Covenant results in a lesser position than does that under the Body. The superior Faith allocated to the Body is not imputed faith, as it is under the New Covenant, but it is a substituted Faith (1 Jno. 5:4).
Most evangelists expect outbursts of emotion to accompany regenerative experiences. Many converts become disturbed because their initial impressions did not meet their expectations. They came to them as a still small voice, rather than in an earth shaking tumult (1 Kings 19:11-12). First contacts with the Gospel often are mild and disappointing. The twelve Apostles were called into service without ostentation. There is no record that Paul's converts responded with hilarity.
When Nicodemus was convicted of his spiritual need there was no spectacular display of either agony or ecstasy. Spiritual relationships are established when one changes ones attitudes and views toward spiritual matters. No outward signs of emotion are required for entering into the fellowship, either of the New Covenant or the Body. Such demonstrations belong to Israel and the earthly Kingdom.
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging Christians to believe what God says.
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
The sovereignty of God
By David P. Caudell
The sovereignty of God is something that most grace believers do not understand. God as our creator and the very breath that we inhale is in his hand. To say that in someway that God created down deep inside of us a response to him, doesn't have any basis in the truth for the body of Christ as given to the apostle to the gentiles, Paul.
In the book of Ephesians it is clear that God choose us before the worlds foundation which is before any of us had any choice. After Adam sinned and gave us his sin nature, the problem that we all had since then, was that we are dead spiritually (2:1), that is that we cannot respond to anything. Have you ever tried to talk to a dead man, what would be his response? He could not move so much as an eye lid or speak or dig up that supposed God created part of us that could respond. We are dead. What does dead mean?
It is clear that in Ephesians 2:8. "For ye are saved by grace through faith: and this not of yourselves: it is God's gift" The gift includes the saved, the grace, and the faith. If it depended on you, a dead person, you would remain dead.
You might say well God foreknew that I would respond and that's why he choose me. No! God's foreknowledge was that he knew who he would choose before the foundation of the world. All were under the condemnation of death, there is none that seeketh after God, no not one.
In God's mercy and grace he picked us out of all that were born of Adam's race to fulfill God's purpose. Eph. 3: 8 - 11 ,"to me, less than the least of all saints, has this grace been given, to announce among the nations the glad tidings of the unsearchable riches of the Christ, and to enlighten all (with the knowledge of) what is the administration of the mystery hidden throughout the ages in God, who has created all things, in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom of God, according to (the) purpose of the ages, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph. 2:12 "that ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world". No hope because we were" dead in your offences and sins"
I think it is man's pride that makes him think that he can choose salvation (something to do (works) but as a friend pointed out recently that is limiting God to our responce and God has no limits, except that he cannot lie.
Why did God choose me? That is something that I cannot answer but that brings out the response in me that I will praise and worship him for who he is and what he has done for me, a former dead man.
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
By David P. Caudell
The sovereignty of God is something that most grace believers do not understand. God as our creator and the very breath that we inhale is in his hand. To say that in someway that God created down deep inside of us a response to him, doesn't have any basis in the truth for the body of Christ as given to the apostle to the gentiles, Paul.
In the book of Ephesians it is clear that God choose us before the worlds foundation which is before any of us had any choice. After Adam sinned and gave us his sin nature, the problem that we all had since then, was that we are dead spiritually (2:1), that is that we cannot respond to anything. Have you ever tried to talk to a dead man, what would be his response? He could not move so much as an eye lid or speak or dig up that supposed God created part of us that could respond. We are dead. What does dead mean?
It is clear that in Ephesians 2:8. "For ye are saved by grace through faith: and this not of yourselves: it is God's gift" The gift includes the saved, the grace, and the faith. If it depended on you, a dead person, you would remain dead.
You might say well God foreknew that I would respond and that's why he choose me. No! God's foreknowledge was that he knew who he would choose before the foundation of the world. All were under the condemnation of death, there is none that seeketh after God, no not one.
In God's mercy and grace he picked us out of all that were born of Adam's race to fulfill God's purpose. Eph. 3: 8 - 11 ,"to me, less than the least of all saints, has this grace been given, to announce among the nations the glad tidings of the unsearchable riches of the Christ, and to enlighten all (with the knowledge of) what is the administration of the mystery hidden throughout the ages in God, who has created all things, in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom of God, according to (the) purpose of the ages, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph. 2:12 "that ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world". No hope because we were" dead in your offences and sins"
I think it is man's pride that makes him think that he can choose salvation (something to do (works) but as a friend pointed out recently that is limiting God to our responce and God has no limits, except that he cannot lie.
Why did God choose me? That is something that I cannot answer but that brings out the response in me that I will praise and worship him for who he is and what he has done for me, a former dead man.
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
THE CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY
By Pastor Joel Finck
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1 :22, 23
Many Christians believe that every time the word "church" appears in Scripture, it refers to the same thing. This is unfortunate, for this thinking has led to much error and confusion. The fact is, at least three churches can be distinguished in Scripture.
The first church we find in the Bible is "the church in the wilderness" (Acts 7:38). This was the Old Testament congregation of Israel. Some would object to calling Israel a church, but this is exactly what the Holy Spirit calls her. In fact the Hebrew word for "congregation," found numerous times in the Old Testament, is equivalent to the Greek word for "church" (see Psalm 22:22 & Hebrews 2:12). Yet, the Old Testament Israelite church is not the church of today.
The next church we read of in Scripture is yet future. Christ spoke of it in Matthew 16:18 where Christ told Peter, "I will build my church; and the gates of hell (Gk. 'hades') shall not prevail against it." This church is still future, for it is begun with a resurrected people. The "gates of hades" is not a reference to Satan's forces, an many teach, but a reference to the entrance (and exit) of the place of the dead (cf. Isaiah 38:10 where "gates of the grave" is literally "the gates of sheol" ---sheol being the Heb. equivalent to the Gk. hades).
The third church is the church of today. Paul calls it "the church which is his body" (Ephesians 1:22, 23). All true believers today are members of the Body of Christ, the one true church in this dispensation of grace. Are you a member of this church?
"There are many dangerous trends pulling folks away
from true Bible Christianity.
Many of the newer philosophies of
ministry employ methods that are wholly carnal.
Some have adopted objectives that have not
one line of Scripture to support them,
and some employ conduct that differs little from the world. "
----Tozer
"May God, Whose grace is irresistible and
all sufficient, be glorified!"
Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled USA. We are loosing a great many of our privileges the founding fathers of our great county have protected us by the Constitution of America, there is no country in the world as great as America. Let's stand up and take back our roots.
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
By Pastor Joel Finck
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1 :22, 23
Many Christians believe that every time the word "church" appears in Scripture, it refers to the same thing. This is unfortunate, for this thinking has led to much error and confusion. The fact is, at least three churches can be distinguished in Scripture.
The first church we find in the Bible is "the church in the wilderness" (Acts 7:38). This was the Old Testament congregation of Israel. Some would object to calling Israel a church, but this is exactly what the Holy Spirit calls her. In fact the Hebrew word for "congregation," found numerous times in the Old Testament, is equivalent to the Greek word for "church" (see Psalm 22:22 & Hebrews 2:12). Yet, the Old Testament Israelite church is not the church of today.
The next church we read of in Scripture is yet future. Christ spoke of it in Matthew 16:18 where Christ told Peter, "I will build my church; and the gates of hell (Gk. 'hades') shall not prevail against it." This church is still future, for it is begun with a resurrected people. The "gates of hades" is not a reference to Satan's forces, an many teach, but a reference to the entrance (and exit) of the place of the dead (cf. Isaiah 38:10 where "gates of the grave" is literally "the gates of sheol" ---sheol being the Heb. equivalent to the Gk. hades).
The third church is the church of today. Paul calls it "the church which is his body" (Ephesians 1:22, 23). All true believers today are members of the Body of Christ, the one true church in this dispensation of grace. Are you a member of this church?
"There are many dangerous trends pulling folks away
from true Bible Christianity.
Many of the newer philosophies of
ministry employ methods that are wholly carnal.
Some have adopted objectives that have not
one line of Scripture to support them,
and some employ conduct that differs little from the world. "
----Tozer
"May God, Whose grace is irresistible and
all sufficient, be glorified!"
Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled USA. We are loosing a great many of our privileges the founding fathers of our great county have protected us by the Constitution of America, there is no country in the world as great as America. Let's stand up and take back our roots.
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
Do YOU demonstrate the power that works in YOU every day?
Part 1
Ephesians 4:11-13:
And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;
and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and
teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fulness of Christ:
Thus the perfecting, the finishing, the completing includes the building up of the body, not the tearing down; not the things that separate us and cause us to be diverse, but the things that unite us, bring us together, and what is that? Christ! How do you measure the fullness of Christ? It is not going to be done with a container, and I am not a vessel that can handle His fullness.
Â
Verse 14-16:
Â
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to
and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But
speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him
in all things, Which is the Head, even Christ:
From Whom the whole body fitly joined together
and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,
according to the effectual working in the measure
of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love.
Â
Going to Strong's Concordance:
Â
(G4883-sunarmologe6-From G4862 and a derivative of a compound of G719 and G3004 (in its original sense of laying); to render close jointed together, that is, organize compactly: be fitly framed [joined] together).
Â
We have been given the truth! Do you believe it? Or are we:
 ... children tossed to and fro, and carried about by
every wind of doctrine.
Â
Paul goes on in Ephesians to say, Grow up into Him." He is talking about children maturing in the Word based upon what they know to be true. He then adds to beware of:
Â
... the sleight of men in cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
Â
Why is it every time Paul gives us something inspiring, he comes right back and says, "beware." Beware because there are vain philosophers. Beware because there are deceivers, sleight-of-hand cunning men. Do you think Satan is an ugly, grotesque, being who looks like he came out of a horror film? He doesn't look like that. He is an attractive, shining creature. The world looks to the pleasing of the eye, and Satan knows our weaknesses. That's how he "deceived" Adam and Eve -- the fruit looked pleasing (Gen. 3:6).
Â
Let's look at that verse again in Ephesians 4:15-16:
... speaking the truth in love, may grow up into
Him in all things, Which is the Head, even Christ:
from Whom the whole body fitly joined together
and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,
according to the effectual working in the measure
of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love.
Â
Consider what Paul is thinking about. He is talking about "complementing." This body, if we are all members of it, has to complement. We have to work together. We have to fit together. Even I, with my limitations, still have a God-given place in His order. And I am mandated to work together with you for the unity for it to increase. And what does it increase in? Love, charity, brotherly kindness. However you want to describe it, it goes without saying that I/we should have output with every input. That is what people see, and that is what people measure. I might be a small input, but I am still a part, and I have a function. My body is a vessel, a container.
Â
This "body" has all kinds of parts --- they all fit together. And if they didn't, it and I wouldn't be full. That's the point Paul is making. "Fitly joined together" is a great Greek word --- to render closely joined together, or fitly joined together. Have you ever seen tongue and groove flooring? This picture shows how we are just all "tongue and grooved" together, and, therefore, fitly joined together to be complete.
Â
No more children ...
Â
... the verse continues. So we have to grow up! Are we making an increase in the body here? Is this all there is supposed to be? Are we all the parts? Are there more parts out there? Who in our lives can we touch with this truth that might help the body grow?
.... unto the edifying of itself in love.
Â
Lack of love for everyone shows we are not filled up. So now given the knowledge that I have shared with you intellectually, are you more complete? Maybe feelings have emotionally grabbed you which say, "I'm not quite filled yet, and I need to do something different." Do you believe that you are "Complete in Christ"? That is where it starts. Are you filled up? Are you still trying to add to what Christ has already done? If so, then you are saying that Christ was insufficient for you and YOU are greater because it takes your effort. That effort we contribute is waste!
Â
We are full! ! We have been filled!! Believe it!! This is where it starts, and then we demonstrate it by showing this fullness in our lives. Showing others the life that is within us, the hope that is within. Instead of strife, let's focus on what we agree upon and show others the Love of Christ! So, in summary, there are at least 32 things that Christ did to "fill up" the believer.
GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
Buy the Truth and Sell It Not
by Pastor C. R. Stam
Every true Christian should understand that the truth costs. If you
don’t think so, make it your own, value it, defend it, stand for it, and
see if it doesn’t cost. Before you are through it may cost you far more
than you had thought — hours of ease and pleasure, friends and money.
Yes, the truth costs. Salvation is gloriously free but the truth costs —
that is, if you want it for yourself. Many who know the truth won’t buy
it. They won’t pay what it costs to say: “This is what I believe. This
is my conviction.” The truth isn’t worth that much to them.
But in Prov. 23:23 God’s Word urges us: “Buy the truth” ! Not, “Buy it
if you can get it at a bargain; if the price is not too great.” No, “Buy
the truth” ! Buy it at any price. It is worth far more than anything you
can give in exchange for it.
And when you have bought it: “sell it not.” How many, alas, have bought
the truth only to sell out again! For a while they valued and defended
some God-given light from His Word, but presently they sold it again for
something that seemed more valuable. Perhaps it was peace with others,
or position, or popularity or some other temporal gain. They still gave
mental assent to it but it formed no part of them. It was no longer a
conviction.
Such should read again the Spirit’s counsel: “Buy the truth,and sell it
not.” He does not say: “Don’t sell it unless you can get a very good
price for it.” He says: “Sell it not.” Sell it not at any price. Buy it,
no matter what it costs and when it is yours do not sell it for any
price or under any consideration.
It is because the truth is so little valued in this indifferent age,
that many of God’s people have become so spiritually powerless. They
hold opinions instead of convictions, because they have given the
infallible, unchangeable Word of God little place in their lives. God
blesses and uses those who “buy the truth and sell it not.”
*Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
Message "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission "To Make All See" Eph. 3:9
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by
the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
by Pastor C. R. Stam
Every true Christian should understand that the truth costs. If you
don’t think so, make it your own, value it, defend it, stand for it, and
see if it doesn’t cost. Before you are through it may cost you far more
than you had thought — hours of ease and pleasure, friends and money.
Yes, the truth costs. Salvation is gloriously free but the truth costs —
that is, if you want it for yourself. Many who know the truth won’t buy
it. They won’t pay what it costs to say: “This is what I believe. This
is my conviction.” The truth isn’t worth that much to them.
But in Prov. 23:23 God’s Word urges us: “Buy the truth” ! Not, “Buy it
if you can get it at a bargain; if the price is not too great.” No, “Buy
the truth” ! Buy it at any price. It is worth far more than anything you
can give in exchange for it.
And when you have bought it: “sell it not.” How many, alas, have bought
the truth only to sell out again! For a while they valued and defended
some God-given light from His Word, but presently they sold it again for
something that seemed more valuable. Perhaps it was peace with others,
or position, or popularity or some other temporal gain. They still gave
mental assent to it but it formed no part of them. It was no longer a
conviction.
Such should read again the Spirit’s counsel: “Buy the truth,and sell it
not.” He does not say: “Don’t sell it unless you can get a very good
price for it.” He says: “Sell it not.” Sell it not at any price. Buy it,
no matter what it costs and when it is yours do not sell it for any
price or under any consideration.
It is because the truth is so little valued in this indifferent age,
that many of God’s people have become so spiritually powerless. They
hold opinions instead of convictions, because they have given the
infallible, unchangeable Word of God little place in their lives. God
blesses and uses those who “buy the truth and sell it not.”
*Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
Message "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission "To Make All See" Eph. 3:9
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by
the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*HIGH-BORN
By Miles Stanford
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Heb.
10:22).
The darkness of this place will in time turn us to the light of His face
- "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus
Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).
"When the believer has a real understanding that he belongs to that new
place in glory, the Holy Spirit delights his heart with the things of
that place. 'Set your affection on things above.' I used to pity those
who are alone in the world. I pity no one now who has a room where he
can find himself isolated from everyone, to be with the Lord Jesus where
He is; where he can have his feathers oiled, to come out and face all
the roughness here." -J.B.S.
"May the Lord lead us into the shelter of His holy presence, that we may
daily grow in the elevation to which He has raised us, and consequently
into moral distance from the old man which is so entirely estranged from
the light and perfection of the Father's presence."
"If I am risen with the Lord Jesus, I must occupy myself with Him where
He is, or I shall fall back to the things out of which He has risen; and
the very fact that I am in the scene where He is not makes it the more
necessary that I should be fellow shipping with Him where He is."
"We are conversant with man in death and sin and distance from the
Father, for that is our state by nature; but to know the Man in glory,
One in acceptance with the Father according to all His moral greatness,
is new to us and magnificent. And according as we know Him there we
become not only superior to, but distanced from, our own state with
which we are associated.-J.B.S.
"For ... your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3).
*If you are blessed by this devotional, please *
*forward it to your friends*
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21Â Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;Â To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
By Miles Stanford
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Heb.
10:22).
The darkness of this place will in time turn us to the light of His face
- "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus
Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).
"When the believer has a real understanding that he belongs to that new
place in glory, the Holy Spirit delights his heart with the things of
that place. 'Set your affection on things above.' I used to pity those
who are alone in the world. I pity no one now who has a room where he
can find himself isolated from everyone, to be with the Lord Jesus where
He is; where he can have his feathers oiled, to come out and face all
the roughness here." -J.B.S.
"May the Lord lead us into the shelter of His holy presence, that we may
daily grow in the elevation to which He has raised us, and consequently
into moral distance from the old man which is so entirely estranged from
the light and perfection of the Father's presence."
"If I am risen with the Lord Jesus, I must occupy myself with Him where
He is, or I shall fall back to the things out of which He has risen; and
the very fact that I am in the scene where He is not makes it the more
necessary that I should be fellow shipping with Him where He is."
"We are conversant with man in death and sin and distance from the
Father, for that is our state by nature; but to know the Man in glory,
One in acceptance with the Father according to all His moral greatness,
is new to us and magnificent. And according as we know Him there we
become not only superior to, but distanced from, our own state with
which we are associated.-J.B.S.
"For ... your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3).
*If you are blessed by this devotional, please *
*forward it to your friends*
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21Â Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;Â To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
~Grace Daily Inspirational~
Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 4 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
Four things characterize the walk of these "enemies of the cross."
1) "Whose end is destruction." The word "end" can mean their ultimate
end, or it can refer to the result of such a walk. The word
"destruction" can mean destruction, ruin, loss or waste. An unbeliever
who remains an enemy of the cross of Christ throughout their life will
perish. They will be separated from God and reside in the lake of fire
for all eternity. A believer who walks like an enemy of the cross of
Christ will not perish, but they will lose rewards, and such a walk will
result in a wasted, ruined life.
Believers should seek to walk in such a way that our lives bring forth
fruit, works that will stand the fires of the judgment seat of Christ
and will endure to the glory of God.
2) "Whose god is their belly." The word "god" implies what they worship,
serve, honor or value most in life. Rather than worshipping their God
and Creator, their focus is on their own belly, satisfying the
needs/wants of their own bodies, the desires of the flesh.
A believer's walk should reflect a desire to be "well-pleasing" to the
Lord, a life more concerned with our spiritual life and relationship
with Him rather than our mere physical existence.
3) "Whose glory is in their shame." They glory, boast, and rejoice in
things they should be ashamed of; things that are not fitting, proper,
or suitable. They have "debased minds," leading them to do things "which
are not fitting" (Rom. 1:28).
Believers should have nothing to do with these "unfruitful works of
darkness." It is shameful even to speak about such sinful acts (Eph.
5:12). These types of deeds are not proper or suitable for those whom
God has called "saints," meaning "holy ones" who are set apart for Him.
4) "Who mind earthly things." Here is the fundamental problem with those
who walk as "enemies of the cross of Christ": their minds. Their
thinking, their reasoning, their value system is centered on earthly
things instead of on heavenly things. They have not counted the things
of this life as "loss" that they "may gain Christ."
Since we have been "raised with Christ" we are to "seek those things
which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." We
are to set our minds and hearts "on things above, not on things on the
earth" (Col. 3:1-2). We have been "crucified with Christ" to the things
of this world. Our life is "hidden with Christ in God." Christ is our
life! Our walk should reflect this wonderful spiritual reality.
This earth is not our home. Like Abraham in the land of Canaan, we are
merely pilgrims, sojourners here on earth.
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for
the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body
that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Phil. 3:20-21)
Our citizenship is in heaven. The King James Version reads, "Our
conversation (conduct, manner of life) is in heaven." Both ideas are
present in the original Greek word. We need to remember that we are
heavenly citizens, and we need to think like heavenly citizens, even
while living here on earth. What's more, we need to conduct ourselves
like heavenly citizens. Our walk should be worthy of heaven and worthy
of our glorious Lord who dwells there (Col. 1:10).
One of the things that helps us maintain such a worthy walk is to keep
our focus on the future, on eternity. As we live and serve the Lord, day
by day, we are to "eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Our hope, our expectation for the future is in Him. One day soon He will
appear, and when He appears, we will appear with Him in glory (Col.
3:4). He will change our lowly bodies of flesh, and they will be
conformed to His wonderful body of glory. We shall be "like Him" and we
shall be "with Him" forever in our heavenly home.
Until that day comes, Paul encourages each and every believer to live a
life ordered by the same rule, a rule I believe is summed up in this
simple statement in Philippians 1:21: "to me, to live is Christ."
http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/Mansions.htm
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 4 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
Four things characterize the walk of these "enemies of the cross."
1) "Whose end is destruction." The word "end" can mean their ultimate
end, or it can refer to the result of such a walk. The word
"destruction" can mean destruction, ruin, loss or waste. An unbeliever
who remains an enemy of the cross of Christ throughout their life will
perish. They will be separated from God and reside in the lake of fire
for all eternity. A believer who walks like an enemy of the cross of
Christ will not perish, but they will lose rewards, and such a walk will
result in a wasted, ruined life.
Believers should seek to walk in such a way that our lives bring forth
fruit, works that will stand the fires of the judgment seat of Christ
and will endure to the glory of God.
2) "Whose god is their belly." The word "god" implies what they worship,
serve, honor or value most in life. Rather than worshipping their God
and Creator, their focus is on their own belly, satisfying the
needs/wants of their own bodies, the desires of the flesh.
A believer's walk should reflect a desire to be "well-pleasing" to the
Lord, a life more concerned with our spiritual life and relationship
with Him rather than our mere physical existence.
3) "Whose glory is in their shame." They glory, boast, and rejoice in
things they should be ashamed of; things that are not fitting, proper,
or suitable. They have "debased minds," leading them to do things "which
are not fitting" (Rom. 1:28).
Believers should have nothing to do with these "unfruitful works of
darkness." It is shameful even to speak about such sinful acts (Eph.
5:12). These types of deeds are not proper or suitable for those whom
God has called "saints," meaning "holy ones" who are set apart for Him.
4) "Who mind earthly things." Here is the fundamental problem with those
who walk as "enemies of the cross of Christ": their minds. Their
thinking, their reasoning, their value system is centered on earthly
things instead of on heavenly things. They have not counted the things
of this life as "loss" that they "may gain Christ."
Since we have been "raised with Christ" we are to "seek those things
which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." We
are to set our minds and hearts "on things above, not on things on the
earth" (Col. 3:1-2). We have been "crucified with Christ" to the things
of this world. Our life is "hidden with Christ in God." Christ is our
life! Our walk should reflect this wonderful spiritual reality.
This earth is not our home. Like Abraham in the land of Canaan, we are
merely pilgrims, sojourners here on earth.
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for
the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body
that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Phil. 3:20-21)
Our citizenship is in heaven. The King James Version reads, "Our
conversation (conduct, manner of life) is in heaven." Both ideas are
present in the original Greek word. We need to remember that we are
heavenly citizens, and we need to think like heavenly citizens, even
while living here on earth. What's more, we need to conduct ourselves
like heavenly citizens. Our walk should be worthy of heaven and worthy
of our glorious Lord who dwells there (Col. 1:10).
One of the things that helps us maintain such a worthy walk is to keep
our focus on the future, on eternity. As we live and serve the Lord, day
by day, we are to "eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Our hope, our expectation for the future is in Him. One day soon He will
appear, and when He appears, we will appear with Him in glory (Col.
3:4). He will change our lowly bodies of flesh, and they will be
conformed to His wonderful body of glory. We shall be "like Him" and we
shall be "with Him" forever in our heavenly home.
Until that day comes, Paul encourages each and every believer to live a
life ordered by the same rule, a rule I believe is summed up in this
simple statement in Philippians 1:21: "to me, to live is Christ."
http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/Mansions.htm
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
~Grace Daily Inspirational~
Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 3 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
In our last issue, we looked at Paul's admonition in Philippians 3:15-16
that we "order" our Christian walk according to a certain "rule," a rule
based on having the right mindset. Paul describes this proper mindset in
the preceding verses of Philippians 3. Its essence is found in the words
of verse 8. "... that I may gain Christ." This is the mindset of a
mature believe, the mindset that will bring a believer to maturity.
Paul follows this admonition with some examples of this type of ordered
walk, some positive, some negative.
Positive Examples
"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as
you have us for a pattern." (Phil. 3:17)
Paul directs us to become "imitators" of him. The expression "join in
following my example" is in the imperative mood, meaning it is a
command. The Greek word consists of two parts: (1) the word "mimeomai,"
from which we get our English words "mimic" and "mimeograph, means to
imitate or to follow exactly and (2) the preposition "sun" which means
"together with." All believers are to be of the same mind and walk by
the same rule; all believers are to be imitators of Paul.
This does not mean that we are to become "Paulites" or worshippers of
Paul, but, as Paul told the Corinthians, "to follow Paul as he followed
Christ." Paul was quite humble; he never magnified himself, but he did
magnify his office (Rom. 11:13) as an apostle of Jesus Christ, called of
God to a unique apostleship to the Gentiles. We are to follow Paul in
his doctrine, as the steward of the dispensation of the grace of God. We
are to follow Paul in his attitude in faithfully serving the Lord Jesus
Christ, the very attitude we find in Philippians 3:7-14.
Paul also directs us to "note those who so walk as you have us for a
pattern." Paul's life was a pattern (type or example) for us to follow,
but his was not the only one. There were others who labored with Paul in
the ministry, both men and women, whose lives we should give special
consideration to as well. Timothy was a young man whom Paul described as
"likeminded," a man who sincerely cared for others (Phil. 2:20). Silas
and Barnabas were fellow apostles who faithfully travelled and served
alongside Paul even through times of great persecution. Aquila and
Priscilla were a husband and wife team who "risked their own necks" for
Paul (Rom. 16:4). We also need to take note of brothers and sisters in
Christ that we know personally who "so walk" and learn from their example.
Negative Examples
"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is
destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their
shame—who set their mind on earthly things." (Phil. 3:18-19)
Paul warns that there are many whose walk is not ordered according to
the right rule or standard. Their walk is so far off that they have
become "enemies of the cross of Christ." This was not the first time
Paul had warned the Philippians about these people. He had often
reminded them in the past, and now he felt they needed to hear it again.
Paul did not hesitate to repeat himself, especially in warning the
saints about spiritual dangers (Phil. 3:1), even when the reminder
brought him grief. Just thinking about those who walked this way caused
Paul to weep. Paul had a genuine love and concern for others, and his
heart was stirred when he encountered those who did not know the Lord
(Acts 17:16).
Those who are "enemies" are filled with hatred and hostility. Paul
warned about those who were not just "enemies of Christ," but "enemies
of the cross of Christ." There are many religious groups who claim to
follow Christ, especially in the areas of His teaching and His life, but
they deny His finished work on the cross. The message of the cross is
the gospel for this present age, the basis for our salvation, but the
majority of religious people in the world hate this truth. Many are like
the Jews of Jesus' day. They are religious; they have "a zeal for God,
but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10:2). They are offended at the
simple teaching that salvation is "by grace through faith" and that we
are "complete in Christ" (Col. 2:10) without any religious works. To
them, the "cross of Christ" is a stumbling block. Others are like the
Greeks of that same generation. They are humanists; proud and
self-sufficient. They consider foolish the teaching that man is, by
nature, a sinner and in need of a Savior, and that man's salvation is
only possible through the death of God's Son on the cross of Calvary. To
them, the "cross of Christ" is foolishness.
Some have questioned if these "enemies of the cross of Christ" could
include believers? It doesn't seem likely that a true believer could be
an enemy of the cross, but believers can walk like these "enemies of the
cross of Christ." That is why they are held up as a negative example, to
warn us against walking as they do.
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 3 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
In our last issue, we looked at Paul's admonition in Philippians 3:15-16
that we "order" our Christian walk according to a certain "rule," a rule
based on having the right mindset. Paul describes this proper mindset in
the preceding verses of Philippians 3. Its essence is found in the words
of verse 8. "... that I may gain Christ." This is the mindset of a
mature believe, the mindset that will bring a believer to maturity.
Paul follows this admonition with some examples of this type of ordered
walk, some positive, some negative.
Positive Examples
"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as
you have us for a pattern." (Phil. 3:17)
Paul directs us to become "imitators" of him. The expression "join in
following my example" is in the imperative mood, meaning it is a
command. The Greek word consists of two parts: (1) the word "mimeomai,"
from which we get our English words "mimic" and "mimeograph, means to
imitate or to follow exactly and (2) the preposition "sun" which means
"together with." All believers are to be of the same mind and walk by
the same rule; all believers are to be imitators of Paul.
This does not mean that we are to become "Paulites" or worshippers of
Paul, but, as Paul told the Corinthians, "to follow Paul as he followed
Christ." Paul was quite humble; he never magnified himself, but he did
magnify his office (Rom. 11:13) as an apostle of Jesus Christ, called of
God to a unique apostleship to the Gentiles. We are to follow Paul in
his doctrine, as the steward of the dispensation of the grace of God. We
are to follow Paul in his attitude in faithfully serving the Lord Jesus
Christ, the very attitude we find in Philippians 3:7-14.
Paul also directs us to "note those who so walk as you have us for a
pattern." Paul's life was a pattern (type or example) for us to follow,
but his was not the only one. There were others who labored with Paul in
the ministry, both men and women, whose lives we should give special
consideration to as well. Timothy was a young man whom Paul described as
"likeminded," a man who sincerely cared for others (Phil. 2:20). Silas
and Barnabas were fellow apostles who faithfully travelled and served
alongside Paul even through times of great persecution. Aquila and
Priscilla were a husband and wife team who "risked their own necks" for
Paul (Rom. 16:4). We also need to take note of brothers and sisters in
Christ that we know personally who "so walk" and learn from their example.
Negative Examples
"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is
destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their
shame—who set their mind on earthly things." (Phil. 3:18-19)
Paul warns that there are many whose walk is not ordered according to
the right rule or standard. Their walk is so far off that they have
become "enemies of the cross of Christ." This was not the first time
Paul had warned the Philippians about these people. He had often
reminded them in the past, and now he felt they needed to hear it again.
Paul did not hesitate to repeat himself, especially in warning the
saints about spiritual dangers (Phil. 3:1), even when the reminder
brought him grief. Just thinking about those who walked this way caused
Paul to weep. Paul had a genuine love and concern for others, and his
heart was stirred when he encountered those who did not know the Lord
(Acts 17:16).
Those who are "enemies" are filled with hatred and hostility. Paul
warned about those who were not just "enemies of Christ," but "enemies
of the cross of Christ." There are many religious groups who claim to
follow Christ, especially in the areas of His teaching and His life, but
they deny His finished work on the cross. The message of the cross is
the gospel for this present age, the basis for our salvation, but the
majority of religious people in the world hate this truth. Many are like
the Jews of Jesus' day. They are religious; they have "a zeal for God,
but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10:2). They are offended at the
simple teaching that salvation is "by grace through faith" and that we
are "complete in Christ" (Col. 2:10) without any religious works. To
them, the "cross of Christ" is a stumbling block. Others are like the
Greeks of that same generation. They are humanists; proud and
self-sufficient. They consider foolish the teaching that man is, by
nature, a sinner and in need of a Savior, and that man's salvation is
only possible through the death of God's Son on the cross of Calvary. To
them, the "cross of Christ" is foolishness.
Some have questioned if these "enemies of the cross of Christ" could
include believers? It doesn't seem likely that a true believer could be
an enemy of the cross, but believers can walk like these "enemies of the
cross of Christ." That is why they are held up as a negative example, to
warn us against walking as they do.
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
~Grace Daily Inspirational~
Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 2 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
What does it mean to "gain Christ?" Paul elaborates in verse 9-14.
Position---To gain Christ begins with our position, spiritually: "to be
found in Him" (vs. 9). We are born into this world "in Adam" where we
are spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1-3). When we
trust in Christ as Savior, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit into
Christ. God now sees us "holy and without blame," not because of any
goodness in us or good works on our part (the works of the flesh), but
simply because of our position in His Son (Eph. 1:4).
Personal Knowledge---To gain Christ continues as we personally
experience Him living in and through us: "that I may know Him" (vs. 10).
The word "know" means to get to know through personal experience. Paul
wanted to experience Christ in three areas: 1) "the power of His
resurrection" (walking in newness of life by the power of the
resurrected Christ living in us---Gal. 2:20). 2) "the fellowship of His
sufferings" (suffering for the name and cause of Christ, who is our
life, knowing that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will
suffer persecution---2 Tim. 3:12). 3) "being conformed to His death" (
recognizing that we have been crucified with Christ to the things of the
world, that our old sin nature, the flesh, is to be reckoned as dead,
powerless---Rom. 6:11-13).
Purpose---To gain Christ centers on fulfilling His purpose for our
lives: "that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid
hold of me" (vs. 12). The words "lay hold" mean to lay hold on, to
seize, to take possession of. Christ "laid hold" of us and saved us by
His grace for a reason. He desires to use us in His service and for His
glory. Paul desired to "lay hold" of Christ's purpose for His life and
see this purpose realized in his daily life. This should be the mindset
of every believer.
Pursuit---To gain Christ requires us to pursue one thing---Him: "to
press on ... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching
forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark ..."
(vs. 12-14). The word "press" in verses 12 and 14 is translated from the
Greek word "dioko" which means to pursue or to follow hard after. This
same Greek word is also translated "persecute." All the zeal, time, and
energy Paul once expended in persecuting Christ and the church, he now
redirected in pursuing the excellence of knowing and serving Christ.
Prize---To gain Christ means that we keep our eyes focused on the
ultimate goal: "to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus" (vs. 14). As he lived and served the Lord,
Paul was continually "looking for that blessed hope and glorious
appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Tit. 2:13). Paul
looked forward to Christ's coming for His Church with great expectation,
knowing he would stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be
rewarded for his service (2 Cor. 5:10). Having a mindset that values
eternal things more than our temporary time here on earth has a powerful
impact on our daily walk for the Lord.
"Therefore," Paul says, "let us, as many as are mature, have this mind;
and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to
you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us
walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind" (vs. 15-16). "This
mind" is characterized by the things Paul describes in verses 7-14,
things that are present in the mindset of a mature believer, things that
enable a believer to grow into spiritual maturity. We are to exercise
our minds in this direction, regardless of the level of our spiritual
maturity. We are instructed to walk (order our steps) by this same rule,
to think, reason, and purpose with this same mind. In brief, to growing,
mature believers, Christ is our life (Col. 3:4); He is our "all in all."
Paul expressed the essence of this mindset in chapter 1: "To me, to live
is Christ" (Phil. 1:21)
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 2 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
What does it mean to "gain Christ?" Paul elaborates in verse 9-14.
Position---To gain Christ begins with our position, spiritually: "to be
found in Him" (vs. 9). We are born into this world "in Adam" where we
are spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1-3). When we
trust in Christ as Savior, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit into
Christ. God now sees us "holy and without blame," not because of any
goodness in us or good works on our part (the works of the flesh), but
simply because of our position in His Son (Eph. 1:4).
Personal Knowledge---To gain Christ continues as we personally
experience Him living in and through us: "that I may know Him" (vs. 10).
The word "know" means to get to know through personal experience. Paul
wanted to experience Christ in three areas: 1) "the power of His
resurrection" (walking in newness of life by the power of the
resurrected Christ living in us---Gal. 2:20). 2) "the fellowship of His
sufferings" (suffering for the name and cause of Christ, who is our
life, knowing that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will
suffer persecution---2 Tim. 3:12). 3) "being conformed to His death" (
recognizing that we have been crucified with Christ to the things of the
world, that our old sin nature, the flesh, is to be reckoned as dead,
powerless---Rom. 6:11-13).
Purpose---To gain Christ centers on fulfilling His purpose for our
lives: "that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid
hold of me" (vs. 12). The words "lay hold" mean to lay hold on, to
seize, to take possession of. Christ "laid hold" of us and saved us by
His grace for a reason. He desires to use us in His service and for His
glory. Paul desired to "lay hold" of Christ's purpose for His life and
see this purpose realized in his daily life. This should be the mindset
of every believer.
Pursuit---To gain Christ requires us to pursue one thing---Him: "to
press on ... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching
forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark ..."
(vs. 12-14). The word "press" in verses 12 and 14 is translated from the
Greek word "dioko" which means to pursue or to follow hard after. This
same Greek word is also translated "persecute." All the zeal, time, and
energy Paul once expended in persecuting Christ and the church, he now
redirected in pursuing the excellence of knowing and serving Christ.
Prize---To gain Christ means that we keep our eyes focused on the
ultimate goal: "to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus" (vs. 14). As he lived and served the Lord,
Paul was continually "looking for that blessed hope and glorious
appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Tit. 2:13). Paul
looked forward to Christ's coming for His Church with great expectation,
knowing he would stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be
rewarded for his service (2 Cor. 5:10). Having a mindset that values
eternal things more than our temporary time here on earth has a powerful
impact on our daily walk for the Lord.
"Therefore," Paul says, "let us, as many as are mature, have this mind;
and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to
you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us
walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind" (vs. 15-16). "This
mind" is characterized by the things Paul describes in verses 7-14,
things that are present in the mindset of a mature believer, things that
enable a believer to grow into spiritual maturity. We are to exercise
our minds in this direction, regardless of the level of our spiritual
maturity. We are instructed to walk (order our steps) by this same rule,
to think, reason, and purpose with this same mind. In brief, to growing,
mature believers, Christ is our life (Col. 3:4); He is our "all in all."
Paul expressed the essence of this mindset in chapter 1: "To me, to live
is Christ" (Phil. 1:21)
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 1 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in
anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk
by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." (Phil. 3:15-16)
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, admonishes us, as believers in
Christ, to "walk by the same rule." The word "rule" is translated from
the Greek word "kanon." The English word "canon" is typically associated
with the canon of Scripture, meaning the books recognized and accepted
as being inspired by God. The Greek word "kanon" refers to a straight
reed or rod to which some- thing was fastened to keep it straight or
aligned. The word came to mean a measuring rod. Hence, the basic meaning
of "kanon" is a rule or standard for measurement or judgment. Paul uses
the word here as a standard for measuring the believer's walk.
The word "walk" is not the typical Greek word used in the New Testament
of a person's walk. The word most often used is the Greek word
"peripateo" which literally means "to walk about" and simply has
reference to our daily conduct. Here in Philippians 3:16 Paul uses the
Greek word "stoicheo" which means to walk orderly, to march in military
rank, or to keep in step, thus to walk according to some order or rule.
What is this rule or order for our walk as believers?
Paul clearly associates the "rule" for our walk with the word "mind."
Those who are spiritually "mature" believers are told to "have this
mind" (vs. 15), and he relates walking by "the same rule" with being of
"the same mind" (vs. 16). The word "mind" is actually a Greek verb
"phroneo" which means to exercise the mind, to think, to understand in a
certain way; to be disposed in a certain direction, thus to be of a
certain sentiment or opinion.
One of the primary themes of the book of Philippians is the believer's
mind or mindset. This is particularly evident in the second chapter
where Paul instructs the brethren at Philippi to be "likeminded," to be
"of one mind" (Phil. 2:2). Paul tells them, "Let this mind be in you
which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). Paul identifies two
elements of Christ's mindset we are to follow: 1) He humbled Himself and
2) He became obedient to the will of the Father. We find more specifics
about the type of "mind" we are to exhibit in chapter 3.
Our passage, Philippians 3:15-16, begins with the word "therefore,"
which forces us to look back to the preceding context to understand
Paul's admoni- tion. Chapter three begins with Paul warning the
Philippians about false teachers, specifically the Judaizers, who placed
their confidence in the flesh rather than walking by faith (vs. 1-3).
Paul reminds them of his own past life in unbelief, a time when he felt
absolutely confident in and even boasted of his fleshly accomplishments:
his Jewish lineage, his circumcision, his education, his zeal for God in
persecuting the church, and, to cap it all off, the righteous- ness
which he felt he had established by his adherence to the Mosaic Law (vs.
4-6).
Paul begins verse 7 with the word "but" from the Greek word "alla," a
word which indicates strong contrast. "But, what things were gain to me,
these I have counted loss for Christ" (vs. 7). The things that Paul once
felt were great gain to him, the things he boasted of and placed his
confidence in, he now counted as loss for Christ. Paul continues, "Yet
indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (vs. 8). When
Paul came to know the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, his
mindset changed drastically. He now counted (esteemed) all the things of
the flesh loss for the one thing that excels everything: "the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul not only "counted" these things loss, he
"suffered" the loss of all things. When Paul acknowledged Jesus of
Nazareth (whom he once persecuted) as Lord and Christ, he lost his
position, his reputation, and his favor among the Jewish rulers and
among the majority of the Jews. He was willing to suffer this loss
because he realized that the things which he once highly valued, were
nothing but "rubbish" (KJV uses the word "dung") or worthless. Paul's
mind, heart, and desire was now set on one thing: "that I may gain Christ."
*Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
Message "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission "To Make All See" Eph. 3:9
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by
the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
(Part 1 of 4)
By Gregg Bing
"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in
anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk
by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." (Phil. 3:15-16)
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, admonishes us, as believers in
Christ, to "walk by the same rule." The word "rule" is translated from
the Greek word "kanon." The English word "canon" is typically associated
with the canon of Scripture, meaning the books recognized and accepted
as being inspired by God. The Greek word "kanon" refers to a straight
reed or rod to which some- thing was fastened to keep it straight or
aligned. The word came to mean a measuring rod. Hence, the basic meaning
of "kanon" is a rule or standard for measurement or judgment. Paul uses
the word here as a standard for measuring the believer's walk.
The word "walk" is not the typical Greek word used in the New Testament
of a person's walk. The word most often used is the Greek word
"peripateo" which literally means "to walk about" and simply has
reference to our daily conduct. Here in Philippians 3:16 Paul uses the
Greek word "stoicheo" which means to walk orderly, to march in military
rank, or to keep in step, thus to walk according to some order or rule.
What is this rule or order for our walk as believers?
Paul clearly associates the "rule" for our walk with the word "mind."
Those who are spiritually "mature" believers are told to "have this
mind" (vs. 15), and he relates walking by "the same rule" with being of
"the same mind" (vs. 16). The word "mind" is actually a Greek verb
"phroneo" which means to exercise the mind, to think, to understand in a
certain way; to be disposed in a certain direction, thus to be of a
certain sentiment or opinion.
One of the primary themes of the book of Philippians is the believer's
mind or mindset. This is particularly evident in the second chapter
where Paul instructs the brethren at Philippi to be "likeminded," to be
"of one mind" (Phil. 2:2). Paul tells them, "Let this mind be in you
which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). Paul identifies two
elements of Christ's mindset we are to follow: 1) He humbled Himself and
2) He became obedient to the will of the Father. We find more specifics
about the type of "mind" we are to exhibit in chapter 3.
Our passage, Philippians 3:15-16, begins with the word "therefore,"
which forces us to look back to the preceding context to understand
Paul's admoni- tion. Chapter three begins with Paul warning the
Philippians about false teachers, specifically the Judaizers, who placed
their confidence in the flesh rather than walking by faith (vs. 1-3).
Paul reminds them of his own past life in unbelief, a time when he felt
absolutely confident in and even boasted of his fleshly accomplishments:
his Jewish lineage, his circumcision, his education, his zeal for God in
persecuting the church, and, to cap it all off, the righteous- ness
which he felt he had established by his adherence to the Mosaic Law (vs.
4-6).
Paul begins verse 7 with the word "but" from the Greek word "alla," a
word which indicates strong contrast. "But, what things were gain to me,
these I have counted loss for Christ" (vs. 7). The things that Paul once
felt were great gain to him, the things he boasted of and placed his
confidence in, he now counted as loss for Christ. Paul continues, "Yet
indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (vs. 8). When
Paul came to know the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, his
mindset changed drastically. He now counted (esteemed) all the things of
the flesh loss for the one thing that excels everything: "the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul not only "counted" these things loss, he
"suffered" the loss of all things. When Paul acknowledged Jesus of
Nazareth (whom he once persecuted) as Lord and Christ, he lost his
position, his reputation, and his favor among the Jewish rulers and
among the majority of the Jews. He was willing to suffer this loss
because he realized that the things which he once highly valued, were
nothing but "rubbish" (KJV uses the word "dung") or worthless. Paul's
mind, heart, and desire was now set on one thing: "that I may gain Christ."
*Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
Message "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission "To Make All See" Eph. 3:9
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by
the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*LOVINGLY LAYING UP AND LAYING HOLD
PART 2 of 2
By Charles W. Wages
*Laying Up in Store
The way to lay up in store is defined in 1 Timothy 6:18: That they do
good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate. There are four things delineated in this verse:
Do good
Be rich in good works
Ready to distribute
Willing to communicate Again, we must be reminded that we are not saved
by good works (Eph. 2:8-9). However, Ephesians 2:10 should be read in
conjunction with verses 8 and 9. What does it teach? We are saved unto
good works.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto (UPON A
FOUNDATION OF) good works, which God has before ordained that we should
walk in them. (Eph. 2:10)
This instructive verse not only teaches us that we are saved to do good
works, but that we are to walk in them also. We are to walk the work!
What are a few laid up spiritual blessings that are already assured to
those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus? One, of many, is found in
Colossians 1:3-5,
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying
always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the
love which ye have to all the saints. For the hope which is laid up for
you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the
gospel.
This spiritual blessing is further explained in Colossians 1:27,
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this
mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory.
That hope is in the person of Jesus Christ, who is now in the glory. He
is our hope! Another of these spiritual blessings that is laid up in
heaven is the inheritance of the saints in light. This is found in
Colossians 1:12.
Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of
the inheritance of the saints in light.
According to Ephesians 1:14, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is the
earnest or assurance of the believer's inheritance awaiting the
redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory.
What blessings are laid up for those who by God's grace have been
redeemed from self and sin! But the question comes to all believers have
we laid hold of these wonderful spiritual blessings in heavenly places
in Christ?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Eph. 1:3)
Dear faithful Lord, I long to live by faith more and more as each day
dawns. I see that this is the only way I can access Your glorious grace.
Lord, I need Your grace constantly. No other resource will suffice. Too
often I am striving by my best performance. What weariness and failure
always results. Show me the areas of my life where I am not trusting in
You, that I might look to You anew. In Your gracious name I pray, Amen
*A prayer for our nation..ONE NATION UNDER GOD.....*
**
* I thank you Lord for allowing me to be a part of your Body of
Christ.
I Pray for you to take charge of this Nation and that our country
will again be ONE NATION UNDER GOD that the founding fathers of America
planned and prayed for in our Constitution. I pray YOUR HANDS will
bring Righteousness and Honor back to our Churches and this Nation.
I pray this in YOUR PRECIOUS NAME, LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
PART 2 of 2
By Charles W. Wages
*Laying Up in Store
The way to lay up in store is defined in 1 Timothy 6:18: That they do
good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate. There are four things delineated in this verse:
Do good
Be rich in good works
Ready to distribute
Willing to communicate Again, we must be reminded that we are not saved
by good works (Eph. 2:8-9). However, Ephesians 2:10 should be read in
conjunction with verses 8 and 9. What does it teach? We are saved unto
good works.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto (UPON A
FOUNDATION OF) good works, which God has before ordained that we should
walk in them. (Eph. 2:10)
This instructive verse not only teaches us that we are saved to do good
works, but that we are to walk in them also. We are to walk the work!
What are a few laid up spiritual blessings that are already assured to
those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus? One, of many, is found in
Colossians 1:3-5,
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying
always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the
love which ye have to all the saints. For the hope which is laid up for
you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the
gospel.
This spiritual blessing is further explained in Colossians 1:27,
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this
mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory.
That hope is in the person of Jesus Christ, who is now in the glory. He
is our hope! Another of these spiritual blessings that is laid up in
heaven is the inheritance of the saints in light. This is found in
Colossians 1:12.
Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of
the inheritance of the saints in light.
According to Ephesians 1:14, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is the
earnest or assurance of the believer's inheritance awaiting the
redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory.
What blessings are laid up for those who by God's grace have been
redeemed from self and sin! But the question comes to all believers have
we laid hold of these wonderful spiritual blessings in heavenly places
in Christ?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Eph. 1:3)
Dear faithful Lord, I long to live by faith more and more as each day
dawns. I see that this is the only way I can access Your glorious grace.
Lord, I need Your grace constantly. No other resource will suffice. Too
often I am striving by my best performance. What weariness and failure
always results. Show me the areas of my life where I am not trusting in
You, that I might look to You anew. In Your gracious name I pray, Amen
*A prayer for our nation..ONE NATION UNDER GOD.....*
**
* I thank you Lord for allowing me to be a part of your Body of
Christ.
I Pray for you to take charge of this Nation and that our country
will again be ONE NATION UNDER GOD that the founding fathers of America
planned and prayed for in our Constitution. I pray YOUR HANDS will
bring Righteousness and Honor back to our Churches and this Nation.
I pray this in YOUR PRECIOUS NAME, LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*LOVINGLY LAYING UP AND LAYING HOLD*
*PART 1 of 2*
*By Charles W. Wages*
*
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us
richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store
for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may
lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
There is a great interest and emphasis today in investing for the
future. This, of course, in the main, refers to money or goods for this
life on earth. This is not necessarily evil in itself. For instance,
Joseph of old was led of God to store up food for a future day of
famine. The apostle Paul instructed the saints in Corinth to lay by him
in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I
come. All of these examples are earthly and temporary. However, when we
look and consider eternal values, a different perspective must be
considered.
In our lead Scripture a contrast is made between uncertain riches that
we accumulate for ourselves on earth and what God gives us to richly
enjoy. There was nothing wrong with Joseph laying up food for his
brethren to alleviate the suffering in times of famine. Neither was it
wrong for the Corinthian saints to have means to help in the work of the
Lord. However, the directing purpose, and what is being laid up is all
important.
The purpose of laying up and laying hold is not to earn salvation.
Salvation is by God's grace by believing in the finished work of Christ
on Calvary (Eph. 2:8-9). Timothy had been told in 1 Timothy 6:12, Fight
the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art
called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Eternal life is a present possession of every person who has accepted
Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. It is not something we earn by good
works. It is not something in the far-off future, but a present
possession of every believer! Also, Timothy had been called a man of God
in verses 11 & 12, and had been exhorted and encouraged to flee, follow,
and fight the good fight of faith. In doing this, he could lay hold on
eternal life. Even though eternal life is a present reality to every
believer, not every believer has a present realization of this great
spiritual blessing!
Laying hold of eternal life does include our work and sacrifice for Him
who loved us and gave Himself for us. This involves our giving in every
way giving of self, service, and substance. Someone has aptly said, He
is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Dear Lord Jesus, You came to give us life abundant. Please fill my life
to overflowing with the empowering work of Your Spirit. Lord, I am not
seeking personal benefits. I am asking to become a more effective
witness. I need the Holy Spirit's power that I might reflect the reality
of the risen Christ, in Your mighty name, Amen.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*PART 1 of 2*
*By Charles W. Wages*
*
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us
richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store
for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may
lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
There is a great interest and emphasis today in investing for the
future. This, of course, in the main, refers to money or goods for this
life on earth. This is not necessarily evil in itself. For instance,
Joseph of old was led of God to store up food for a future day of
famine. The apostle Paul instructed the saints in Corinth to lay by him
in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I
come. All of these examples are earthly and temporary. However, when we
look and consider eternal values, a different perspective must be
considered.
In our lead Scripture a contrast is made between uncertain riches that
we accumulate for ourselves on earth and what God gives us to richly
enjoy. There was nothing wrong with Joseph laying up food for his
brethren to alleviate the suffering in times of famine. Neither was it
wrong for the Corinthian saints to have means to help in the work of the
Lord. However, the directing purpose, and what is being laid up is all
important.
The purpose of laying up and laying hold is not to earn salvation.
Salvation is by God's grace by believing in the finished work of Christ
on Calvary (Eph. 2:8-9). Timothy had been told in 1 Timothy 6:12, Fight
the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art
called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Eternal life is a present possession of every person who has accepted
Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. It is not something we earn by good
works. It is not something in the far-off future, but a present
possession of every believer! Also, Timothy had been called a man of God
in verses 11 & 12, and had been exhorted and encouraged to flee, follow,
and fight the good fight of faith. In doing this, he could lay hold on
eternal life. Even though eternal life is a present reality to every
believer, not every believer has a present realization of this great
spiritual blessing!
Laying hold of eternal life does include our work and sacrifice for Him
who loved us and gave Himself for us. This involves our giving in every
way giving of self, service, and substance. Someone has aptly said, He
is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Dear Lord Jesus, You came to give us life abundant. Please fill my life
to overflowing with the empowering work of Your Spirit. Lord, I am not
seeking personal benefits. I am asking to become a more effective
witness. I need the Holy Spirit's power that I might reflect the reality
of the risen Christ, in Your mighty name, Amen.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*RIGHTEOUS WRATH *
*By Pastor Bob Hanna*
Fear of God's wrath troubles many who are ignorant of its nature and
their fate in relation to it. The apostle offers solace to the saints:
"To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from
the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power" (2
Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Paul assures us, "Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we
shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:9), "For God hath not
appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ"
(I Thessalonians 5:9), The apostle's comforting words bear witness of
our salvation. We will not be present at the scene when God will display
His wrath because it will take place after He has taken us up in the
rapture, "and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17).
Our security against God's wrath was established when we received Christ
as Savior. "After that ye believed [or, upon believing] ye were sealed
with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:13,14). The Holy Spirit Himself is the
seal.
Not only does the Holy Spirit seal us, but He indwells us permanently
from the moment we believe. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you" (I Corinthians 3:16)? "What?
know ye not that you body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in
you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,
which are God's" (I Corinthians 6:19,20.) Positionally we are already in
heaven: "from whence we look for [expect] the Saviour, the Lord Jesus
Christ" (Philippians 3:20). "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear,
then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:4).
Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why
not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending
the USA the Word of God is so needed in our troubled world. It is our
WEB SITE
Grace And The Truth
www.graceandthetruth.com
Please don't hesitate to contact US if there is any way WE can be of
help, or encouragement to you. You are special to US, and WE will try to
help you walk through the problems you are facing in your life and be
victorious. God loves you, and wants to live HIS life through you.
Paris Phil. 2:13
**Phone 1 623 546 8866*
Our Purpose and Mission
The purpose of this ministry **"Grace and the Truth" is to be a positive
force in winning lost souls to Christ; and to enhance fellowship, to
encourage, to strengthen, and to establish Christians who are committed
to the truths in the Word of God. It is not the purpose of this ministry
to rule over any local church or to establish a denomination, to be
sectarian, or to be competitive with any organization. We promote
personal Bible study for faith practice, and fellowship.
As we go forward with this purpose, We want to encourage you to study
the Word, for help in this area subscribe to our in-depth daily
devotions. They are sure to "enhance fellowship," "encourage,"
"strengthen" and help "establish" us as Christians. We love you and our
hope is in Christ.
(Col 1:27 ......... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.)
*By Pastor Bob Hanna*
Fear of God's wrath troubles many who are ignorant of its nature and
their fate in relation to it. The apostle offers solace to the saints:
"To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from
the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power" (2
Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Paul assures us, "Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we
shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:9), "For God hath not
appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ"
(I Thessalonians 5:9), The apostle's comforting words bear witness of
our salvation. We will not be present at the scene when God will display
His wrath because it will take place after He has taken us up in the
rapture, "and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17).
Our security against God's wrath was established when we received Christ
as Savior. "After that ye believed [or, upon believing] ye were sealed
with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:13,14). The Holy Spirit Himself is the
seal.
Not only does the Holy Spirit seal us, but He indwells us permanently
from the moment we believe. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you" (I Corinthians 3:16)? "What?
know ye not that you body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in
you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,
which are God's" (I Corinthians 6:19,20.) Positionally we are already in
heaven: "from whence we look for [expect] the Saviour, the Lord Jesus
Christ" (Philippians 3:20). "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear,
then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:4).
Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why
not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending
the USA the Word of God is so needed in our troubled world. It is our
WEB SITE
Grace And The Truth
www.graceandthetruth.com
Please don't hesitate to contact US if there is any way WE can be of
help, or encouragement to you. You are special to US, and WE will try to
help you walk through the problems you are facing in your life and be
victorious. God loves you, and wants to live HIS life through you.
Paris Phil. 2:13
**Phone 1 623 546 8866*
Our Purpose and Mission
The purpose of this ministry **"Grace and the Truth" is to be a positive
force in winning lost souls to Christ; and to enhance fellowship, to
encourage, to strengthen, and to establish Christians who are committed
to the truths in the Word of God. It is not the purpose of this ministry
to rule over any local church or to establish a denomination, to be
sectarian, or to be competitive with any organization. We promote
personal Bible study for faith practice, and fellowship.
As we go forward with this purpose, We want to encourage you to study
the Word, for help in this area subscribe to our in-depth daily
devotions. They are sure to "enhance fellowship," "encourage,"
"strengthen" and help "establish" us as Christians. We love you and our
hope is in Christ.
(Col 1:27 ......... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.)
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*Adoption as Sons*
*Part 2 of 2 *
*by Dennis Hogg *
"He predestined us to adoption as sons through Christ Jesus to Himself,
according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory
of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." Ephesians
1 :5,6
Just as with adoption, this choice lies entirely with the father and not
the sinner. Also, God is completely within His rights to save some and
to allow others to remain in sin. There is no injustice towards the
sinner, just as the slave who remains a slave is not mistreated. This
demonstrates the sovereignty of God.
This should impact the way we view ourselves before God. God chose us
because it pleased Him, not because we wanted to be saved, or because we
asked to be saved. (We were incapable of wanting or asking for this
salvation. Rom. 3:11; 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4)
This unmerited adoption now puts us into a new relationship with our
Heavenly Father.
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of
God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear
again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we
cry out, 'Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our
spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs
of God and fellow-heirs with Christ, if we indeed suffer with Him in
order that we may be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-17
Now we can approach God and without fear approach Him as Father or
"Daddy". 'We are free to come into His presence and can talk with God on
this personal Father-son level.
Associated with the Father-son relationship is an inheritance. We cannot
even begin to imagine what God has in store for us.
"And has raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly
places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show
the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ
Jesus." Ephesians 2:6,7
God will use us as a showpiece throughout all eternity to demonstrate
how loving and kind He can be.
"Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not
entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who
love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
Any attempt to describe this would be futile.
Our position, in this inheritance is guaranteed. (Recall that once
adopted a son cannot be cast away,) Not only this, but "The Spirit
Himself bears witness with our spirit" (Romans 8:l6) that we are
adopted. Since the Holy Spirit is eternal, we have a witness forever
that we are sons and heirs of God the Father, Our position is as secure
as God is eternal.
*If Jesus is at the core of our*
* existence, that gives us an *
*identity much greater than *
*most Christians acknowledge!*
*Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why
not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one. The Word of God is
so needed in our troubled USA. We are loosing a great many of our
privileges the founding fathers of our great county have protected us by
the Constitution of America, there is no country in the world as great
as America. Let's stand up and take back our roots.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
WEB SITE
Grace And The Truth
www.graceandthetruth.com
*Part 2 of 2 *
*by Dennis Hogg *
"He predestined us to adoption as sons through Christ Jesus to Himself,
according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory
of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." Ephesians
1 :5,6
Just as with adoption, this choice lies entirely with the father and not
the sinner. Also, God is completely within His rights to save some and
to allow others to remain in sin. There is no injustice towards the
sinner, just as the slave who remains a slave is not mistreated. This
demonstrates the sovereignty of God.
This should impact the way we view ourselves before God. God chose us
because it pleased Him, not because we wanted to be saved, or because we
asked to be saved. (We were incapable of wanting or asking for this
salvation. Rom. 3:11; 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4)
This unmerited adoption now puts us into a new relationship with our
Heavenly Father.
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of
God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear
again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we
cry out, 'Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our
spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs
of God and fellow-heirs with Christ, if we indeed suffer with Him in
order that we may be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-17
Now we can approach God and without fear approach Him as Father or
"Daddy". 'We are free to come into His presence and can talk with God on
this personal Father-son level.
Associated with the Father-son relationship is an inheritance. We cannot
even begin to imagine what God has in store for us.
"And has raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly
places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show
the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ
Jesus." Ephesians 2:6,7
God will use us as a showpiece throughout all eternity to demonstrate
how loving and kind He can be.
"Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not
entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who
love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
Any attempt to describe this would be futile.
Our position, in this inheritance is guaranteed. (Recall that once
adopted a son cannot be cast away,) Not only this, but "The Spirit
Himself bears witness with our spirit" (Romans 8:l6) that we are
adopted. Since the Holy Spirit is eternal, we have a witness forever
that we are sons and heirs of God the Father, Our position is as secure
as God is eternal.
*If Jesus is at the core of our*
* existence, that gives us an *
*identity much greater than *
*most Christians acknowledge!*
*Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why
not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one. The Word of God is
so needed in our troubled USA. We are loosing a great many of our
privileges the founding fathers of our great county have protected us by
the Constitution of America, there is no country in the world as great
as America. Let's stand up and take back our roots.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
WEB SITE
Grace And The Truth
www.graceandthetruth.com
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*Adoption as Sons *
*Part 1 of 2*
*by Dennis Hogg
Scripture often uses symbolism to illustrate spiritual principles. As
with all Divine symbolism, the correspondence between the symbol and the
actual principle is perfect. For this reason we can thoroughly analyze a
symbol and thereby discover a deeper understanding of the spiritual
principle as long as we analyze the symbol as given and remain
consistent with the rest of Scripture.
Paul uses the Roman custom of adoption to illustrate the salvation and
resulting position of the believer. Adoption was a very common practice
as even a father's natural born children had to be adopted before they
became sons and heirs. This is illustrated in Galatians 4:1-7...
"Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at
all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under
guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we,
while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things
of the world. But when the fulness of time came, God sent forth His Son,
born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those
who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And
because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our
hearts crying, 'Abba' Father! Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a
son; and if a son, then an heir through God."
The characteristics here show us several things. The position of the
child before adoption is paralleled with that of a slave. The two terms
are so similar that they are almost completely interchangeable in this
metaphor. Slaves were like property since they had no control over their
own destiny. The child or slave had essentially no rights, and no power
with which to change that situation. The power to change the future for
a slave or child rested entirely with the father.
The father made the choice as to whom he would adopt. In many cases the
natural firstborn child was not necessarily the heir. A natural born
child may well expect that someday he would be adopted as a son, but a
slave would never have any reason to expect to become an heir. (By
working hard a slave could not merit adoption, because it was his duty
to work hard in the first place. See Luke 17:7-9) The father was
perfectly within his rights to adopt whomever he chose, and if a slave
was adopted this was an unrequired act of kindness on the part of the
father. Adopting one slave did not imply that the father had to adopt
any other slave.
The result of the adoption was a new relationship between the father and
the newly adopted son. This new closeness allows the son to call his
father "Abba". The use of this title, essentially equivalent to the
English "Daddy", was never permitted by a slave. The son was now also
the heir, and had a vast amount of rights and privileges that he would
otherwise not enjoy. The father-son relationship is also permanent. A
wife could be divorced, and a slave could be sold, but a son is a son
forever.
The metaphor of adoption illustrates Christian salvation perfectly. We
started out as slaves to sin. Galatians 4:7. ' We had no rights before
God. Even if we could have done good works these were never a reason why
God should save us. God chose to demonstrate His love and His kindness
in us and has saved us even though we were totally undeserving of this
kindness.
"To know the Word of God, to live the Word of God, to preach the Word,
to teach the Word, is the sum of all wisdom, the heart of all Christian
service."
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*Part 1 of 2*
*by Dennis Hogg
Scripture often uses symbolism to illustrate spiritual principles. As
with all Divine symbolism, the correspondence between the symbol and the
actual principle is perfect. For this reason we can thoroughly analyze a
symbol and thereby discover a deeper understanding of the spiritual
principle as long as we analyze the symbol as given and remain
consistent with the rest of Scripture.
Paul uses the Roman custom of adoption to illustrate the salvation and
resulting position of the believer. Adoption was a very common practice
as even a father's natural born children had to be adopted before they
became sons and heirs. This is illustrated in Galatians 4:1-7...
"Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at
all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under
guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we,
while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things
of the world. But when the fulness of time came, God sent forth His Son,
born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those
who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And
because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our
hearts crying, 'Abba' Father! Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a
son; and if a son, then an heir through God."
The characteristics here show us several things. The position of the
child before adoption is paralleled with that of a slave. The two terms
are so similar that they are almost completely interchangeable in this
metaphor. Slaves were like property since they had no control over their
own destiny. The child or slave had essentially no rights, and no power
with which to change that situation. The power to change the future for
a slave or child rested entirely with the father.
The father made the choice as to whom he would adopt. In many cases the
natural firstborn child was not necessarily the heir. A natural born
child may well expect that someday he would be adopted as a son, but a
slave would never have any reason to expect to become an heir. (By
working hard a slave could not merit adoption, because it was his duty
to work hard in the first place. See Luke 17:7-9) The father was
perfectly within his rights to adopt whomever he chose, and if a slave
was adopted this was an unrequired act of kindness on the part of the
father. Adopting one slave did not imply that the father had to adopt
any other slave.
The result of the adoption was a new relationship between the father and
the newly adopted son. This new closeness allows the son to call his
father "Abba". The use of this title, essentially equivalent to the
English "Daddy", was never permitted by a slave. The son was now also
the heir, and had a vast amount of rights and privileges that he would
otherwise not enjoy. The father-son relationship is also permanent. A
wife could be divorced, and a slave could be sold, but a son is a son
forever.
The metaphor of adoption illustrates Christian salvation perfectly. We
started out as slaves to sin. Galatians 4:7. ' We had no rights before
God. Even if we could have done good works these were never a reason why
God should save us. God chose to demonstrate His love and His kindness
in us and has saved us even though we were totally undeserving of this
kindness.
"To know the Word of God, to live the Word of God, to preach the Word,
to teach the Word, is the sum of all wisdom, the heart of all Christian
service."
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
TRUE FELLOWSHIP*
*PART 2 of 2*
*By Gregg Bing*
*
Paul also enjoyed fellowship with these believers in the ministry of the
gospel. They were in his heart, for these saints shared with Paul in his
preaching and teaching of the gospel, from the first day until now
(Phil. 1:5). How did they share with Paul in this work?
To begin with, they shared with Paul by helping supply his needs. When
Paul departed from Macedonia after visiting Philippi the first time,
theirs was the only church who consistently shared with Paul and
supported his ministry, sending aid once and again for his necessities
(Phil. 4:15-16). Even in his chains, as he wrote this letter from prison
in Rome, the Philippians were still supporting Paul, having sent a gift
by the hands of Epaphroditus (Phil. 4:10,18). Paul spoke of the
Philippians sacrificial giving when he wrote to the Corinthians.
For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond
their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency
that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves
to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (2 Cor. 8:3-5)
These saints also shared with Paul in being willing to suffer and endure
the same type of conflict he experienced, all for the sake of the gospel
of Christ (Phil. 1:28-30). Sharing a common suffering often brings
people closer together, even unbelievers. For instance, people who have
a serious illness, such as cancer, often feel close to someone who has
shared the same experience. The bond is even closer when the sufferings
are for the cause of Jesus Christ. In a very real sense, as we suffer in
the ministry of the gospel, we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ
Himself (Phil. 3:10).
Finally, the Philippians also stood with Paul in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel (Phil. 1:7). The ministry of the gospel
involves preaching or proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and Him
crucified so that people may believe and be saved, but it also involves
much more. In preaching the gospel, there is often much opposition,
fueled by Satan himself. The apostle Paul was set or appointed by God,
not only to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 1:17), but also to defend it
(Phil. 1:17). As he stood firmly for the truth of Gods Word against the
adversaries of the gospel, the Philippian brethren stood with him,
striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).
The church at Philippi also shared with Paul in the confirmation of the
gospel. The word confirmation, according to Strong's Lexicon, means to
make firm, to establish, or to make sure. After people hear the gospel
and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior, they need to be established
in the truth of the gospel and Gods Word. Though often neglected, this
is an important part of the gospel ministry. After Paul preached the
gospel in a city, he would often return, strengthening the souls of the
disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith (Acts 14:22). This is
one of the key functions of a local church, and a wonderful work to
share together in; seeing believers grow and mature, and become rooted
and built up in Him (Christ) and established in the faith, as they have
been taught (Col. 2:7).
Paul's relationship with the church at Philippi is a wonderful example
to us of true, spiritual fellowship. What was the secret of their
continuing and consistent fellowship in the gospel? They were all
partakers together of grace (Phil. 1:7). Gods grace not only saves us
from our sins, it also sustains us and supplies our every need. It is
sufficient for us (2 Cor. 12:9). As we yield to the Lord and the
strength of His grace (2 Tim. 2:1), He will work in and through us to
accomplish His will (Phil. 2:13). We can be confident, as Paul was,
being fully persuaded, that He who has begun a good work in you will
complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).
When we recognize that true, spiritual fellowship with other believers
is centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ, it causes us to have a
genuine longing and affection for one another (Phil. 1:8). As we share
together in the blessings of our salvation in Christ, stand and suffer
together for the cause of Christ, and spread the gospel of Christ to
others, we experience a unity and closeness that brings real joy to our
hearts and great pleasure to our Lord.
*Lord Jesus, my indwelling Savior,
please express Your life in and through me.
May there be no area of my life
that is just me doing my best or me fulfilling my will.
Also, Lord, be my strength,
enabling me to share these great realities with others,
in Your mighty name, Amen
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*PART 2 of 2*
*By Gregg Bing*
*
Paul also enjoyed fellowship with these believers in the ministry of the
gospel. They were in his heart, for these saints shared with Paul in his
preaching and teaching of the gospel, from the first day until now
(Phil. 1:5). How did they share with Paul in this work?
To begin with, they shared with Paul by helping supply his needs. When
Paul departed from Macedonia after visiting Philippi the first time,
theirs was the only church who consistently shared with Paul and
supported his ministry, sending aid once and again for his necessities
(Phil. 4:15-16). Even in his chains, as he wrote this letter from prison
in Rome, the Philippians were still supporting Paul, having sent a gift
by the hands of Epaphroditus (Phil. 4:10,18). Paul spoke of the
Philippians sacrificial giving when he wrote to the Corinthians.
For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond
their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency
that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves
to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (2 Cor. 8:3-5)
These saints also shared with Paul in being willing to suffer and endure
the same type of conflict he experienced, all for the sake of the gospel
of Christ (Phil. 1:28-30). Sharing a common suffering often brings
people closer together, even unbelievers. For instance, people who have
a serious illness, such as cancer, often feel close to someone who has
shared the same experience. The bond is even closer when the sufferings
are for the cause of Jesus Christ. In a very real sense, as we suffer in
the ministry of the gospel, we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ
Himself (Phil. 3:10).
Finally, the Philippians also stood with Paul in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel (Phil. 1:7). The ministry of the gospel
involves preaching or proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and Him
crucified so that people may believe and be saved, but it also involves
much more. In preaching the gospel, there is often much opposition,
fueled by Satan himself. The apostle Paul was set or appointed by God,
not only to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 1:17), but also to defend it
(Phil. 1:17). As he stood firmly for the truth of Gods Word against the
adversaries of the gospel, the Philippian brethren stood with him,
striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).
The church at Philippi also shared with Paul in the confirmation of the
gospel. The word confirmation, according to Strong's Lexicon, means to
make firm, to establish, or to make sure. After people hear the gospel
and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior, they need to be established
in the truth of the gospel and Gods Word. Though often neglected, this
is an important part of the gospel ministry. After Paul preached the
gospel in a city, he would often return, strengthening the souls of the
disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith (Acts 14:22). This is
one of the key functions of a local church, and a wonderful work to
share together in; seeing believers grow and mature, and become rooted
and built up in Him (Christ) and established in the faith, as they have
been taught (Col. 2:7).
Paul's relationship with the church at Philippi is a wonderful example
to us of true, spiritual fellowship. What was the secret of their
continuing and consistent fellowship in the gospel? They were all
partakers together of grace (Phil. 1:7). Gods grace not only saves us
from our sins, it also sustains us and supplies our every need. It is
sufficient for us (2 Cor. 12:9). As we yield to the Lord and the
strength of His grace (2 Tim. 2:1), He will work in and through us to
accomplish His will (Phil. 2:13). We can be confident, as Paul was,
being fully persuaded, that He who has begun a good work in you will
complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).
When we recognize that true, spiritual fellowship with other believers
is centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ, it causes us to have a
genuine longing and affection for one another (Phil. 1:8). As we share
together in the blessings of our salvation in Christ, stand and suffer
together for the cause of Christ, and spread the gospel of Christ to
others, we experience a unity and closeness that brings real joy to our
hearts and great pleasure to our Lord.
*Lord Jesus, my indwelling Savior,
please express Your life in and through me.
May there be no area of my life
that is just me doing my best or me fulfilling my will.
Also, Lord, be my strength,
enabling me to share these great realities with others,
in Your mighty name, Amen
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
THE CHURCH AND THE TRIBULATION*
*By Pastor Bob Hanna*
A prominently held view among Christian believers states that the
church, the Body of Christ, will be included in the tribulation - the
time of Jacob's trouble. Our apostle says otherwise. Writing to members
of the body, he declares, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that
day [the day of the Lord] shall not come except there come a falling
away [literally, a departure] first, and that man of Sin be revealed,
the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that
is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the
temple of God, shewing himself that he is God" (ll Thessalonians 2:3,4).
Verse seven states, "He who now letteth [hindereth] will let [hinder]
until he be taken out of the way." That which hinders is the church, the
Body of Christ. The rapture will take us out of the way. "And then shall
that Wicked [one] be revealed." This is the great deceiver whose being
revealed begins the tribulation period. Hence the rapture precedes the
tribulation, which means that the church will not go through the
tribulation. Verses nine through twelve graphically describe the
activities of the man of sin during the first half of the tribulation.
By this time we, members of Christ's body, will be in heaven with our
Lord and Savior "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (I
Thessalonians 4:18).
Some of those who put the church in the tribulation say that we are
present in the first 3.5 years. Others say that we will not be raptured
until after the full seven years. Either way, there is no substantiation
to be found in Scripture. One verification of the fact of the rapture
preceding the tribulation: our apostle nowhere instructs or advises us
re how we would cope with the conditions or how to survive accordingly.
Our apostle repeatedly assures us in this regard. "God commendeth His
love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through Him"- (Romans 5:8,9). "For God hath not appointed us to
wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians
5:9).
*The only way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything.*
*Frank A. Clark
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*TRUE FELLOWSHIP*
*PART 1 of 2*
*By Gregg Bing*
*
The fellowship we enjoy with other believers is a wonderful blessing of
the Lord, but often we take a rather shallow view regarding what
fellowship is. To many, fellowship is basically viewed as friendship and
having fun with other believers. In many churches, fellowship is almost
always associated with the idea of food. Many churches have a fellowship
hall in their building; and what is almost always connected to this
fellowship hall? A kitchen! We speak of fellowship breakfasts or
fellowship dinners as if the two ideas naturally go together. There is
certainly nothing wrong with believers enjoying a meal together, but
fellowship is much more than friendship, fun and food. In this lesson,
we will examine the Scriptural concept of true, spiritual fellowship.
In the opening verses of his letter to the Philippian saints, Paul
writes:
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of
mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the
gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:3-5)
What a love Paul had for these saints at Philippi. Every remembrance of
them and every reminder he had of them caused him to give thanks to God.
They were constantly in his prayers, making request for them all with
joy. It is interesting that, even though Paul wrote this letter from a
prison house in Rome (Acts 28, Phil. 1:7,13), the tone of the entire
letter is one of joy and rejoicing. One of the key reasons is found in
Philippians 1:5.
His joy was for their fellowship in the gospel from the first day unto
now. The Greek word translated for is a word that literally means upon
or based upon. Thus, the basis for Paul's joy regarding these saints was
their fellowship in the gospel.
The word fellowship is translated from the Greek word koinonia. Vines
Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words gives the meaning of this
word as communion, fellowship, sharing in common. To have fellowship
means to have a common bond, to have something in common with someone
else, to share together with another. What did Paul have in common with
these saints at Philippi? The gospel! Their fellowship was in the gospel.
The word gospel means good news. It was clearly an important bond he had
with the Philippians for he mentioned the gospel 5 times in the first
chapter alone (vs. 5, 7, 12, 17, 27). What was the gospel that Paul
referred to? It was the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7): that Christ died
for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and
that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor.
15:1-4). It was the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24): For by
grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it
is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Eph. 2:8-9).
It was this glorious gospel message that Paul had in common with the
brethren at Philippi.
How did they share in this gospel? First, they had a common salvation.
They believed the same gospel message. They trusted in the same
wonderful person, the Lord Jesus Christ, as their Savior (Acts 16:31).
They enjoyed the same glorious position, spiritual blessings, and hope
in Christ (Eph. 1:3-14, Phil. 3:20-21). What a wonderful fellowship we
have, as believers in Christ, rejoicing together in a common salvation.
These are joys that can't be understood by those outside of Christ. As
we read further in Philippians 1, we find that Paul's idea of their
fellowship in the gospel went beyond just their common salvation.
Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you
in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For
God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of
Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:7-8)
*Dear Lord, I thank You and praise You for Your
great grace toward me.*
* Just to think that you chose me
be for the foundation of the world,*
* and are so gracious even beyond that to allow *
*me to walk in the good works that you did on the cross,*
* your burial, your resurrection,*
* and to know that you have seated me *
*at the right hand of God the Father*
* as you have placed me in Christ.*
* May I become an instrument of *
*Your grace in the lives of others,*
* all for Your glory and honor, *
*in Jesus name, Amen.*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*By Pastor Bob Hanna*
A prominently held view among Christian believers states that the
church, the Body of Christ, will be included in the tribulation - the
time of Jacob's trouble. Our apostle says otherwise. Writing to members
of the body, he declares, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that
day [the day of the Lord] shall not come except there come a falling
away [literally, a departure] first, and that man of Sin be revealed,
the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that
is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the
temple of God, shewing himself that he is God" (ll Thessalonians 2:3,4).
Verse seven states, "He who now letteth [hindereth] will let [hinder]
until he be taken out of the way." That which hinders is the church, the
Body of Christ. The rapture will take us out of the way. "And then shall
that Wicked [one] be revealed." This is the great deceiver whose being
revealed begins the tribulation period. Hence the rapture precedes the
tribulation, which means that the church will not go through the
tribulation. Verses nine through twelve graphically describe the
activities of the man of sin during the first half of the tribulation.
By this time we, members of Christ's body, will be in heaven with our
Lord and Savior "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (I
Thessalonians 4:18).
Some of those who put the church in the tribulation say that we are
present in the first 3.5 years. Others say that we will not be raptured
until after the full seven years. Either way, there is no substantiation
to be found in Scripture. One verification of the fact of the rapture
preceding the tribulation: our apostle nowhere instructs or advises us
re how we would cope with the conditions or how to survive accordingly.
Our apostle repeatedly assures us in this regard. "God commendeth His
love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through Him"- (Romans 5:8,9). "For God hath not appointed us to
wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians
5:9).
*The only way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything.*
*Frank A. Clark
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*TRUE FELLOWSHIP*
*PART 1 of 2*
*By Gregg Bing*
*
The fellowship we enjoy with other believers is a wonderful blessing of
the Lord, but often we take a rather shallow view regarding what
fellowship is. To many, fellowship is basically viewed as friendship and
having fun with other believers. In many churches, fellowship is almost
always associated with the idea of food. Many churches have a fellowship
hall in their building; and what is almost always connected to this
fellowship hall? A kitchen! We speak of fellowship breakfasts or
fellowship dinners as if the two ideas naturally go together. There is
certainly nothing wrong with believers enjoying a meal together, but
fellowship is much more than friendship, fun and food. In this lesson,
we will examine the Scriptural concept of true, spiritual fellowship.
In the opening verses of his letter to the Philippian saints, Paul
writes:
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of
mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the
gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:3-5)
What a love Paul had for these saints at Philippi. Every remembrance of
them and every reminder he had of them caused him to give thanks to God.
They were constantly in his prayers, making request for them all with
joy. It is interesting that, even though Paul wrote this letter from a
prison house in Rome (Acts 28, Phil. 1:7,13), the tone of the entire
letter is one of joy and rejoicing. One of the key reasons is found in
Philippians 1:5.
His joy was for their fellowship in the gospel from the first day unto
now. The Greek word translated for is a word that literally means upon
or based upon. Thus, the basis for Paul's joy regarding these saints was
their fellowship in the gospel.
The word fellowship is translated from the Greek word koinonia. Vines
Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words gives the meaning of this
word as communion, fellowship, sharing in common. To have fellowship
means to have a common bond, to have something in common with someone
else, to share together with another. What did Paul have in common with
these saints at Philippi? The gospel! Their fellowship was in the gospel.
The word gospel means good news. It was clearly an important bond he had
with the Philippians for he mentioned the gospel 5 times in the first
chapter alone (vs. 5, 7, 12, 17, 27). What was the gospel that Paul
referred to? It was the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7): that Christ died
for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and
that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor.
15:1-4). It was the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24): For by
grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it
is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Eph. 2:8-9).
It was this glorious gospel message that Paul had in common with the
brethren at Philippi.
How did they share in this gospel? First, they had a common salvation.
They believed the same gospel message. They trusted in the same
wonderful person, the Lord Jesus Christ, as their Savior (Acts 16:31).
They enjoyed the same glorious position, spiritual blessings, and hope
in Christ (Eph. 1:3-14, Phil. 3:20-21). What a wonderful fellowship we
have, as believers in Christ, rejoicing together in a common salvation.
These are joys that can't be understood by those outside of Christ. As
we read further in Philippians 1, we find that Paul's idea of their
fellowship in the gospel went beyond just their common salvation.
Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you
in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For
God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of
Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:7-8)
*Dear Lord, I thank You and praise You for Your
great grace toward me.*
* Just to think that you chose me
be for the foundation of the world,*
* and are so gracious even beyond that to allow *
*me to walk in the good works that you did on the cross,*
* your burial, your resurrection,*
* and to know that you have seated me *
*at the right hand of God the Father*
* as you have placed me in Christ.*
* May I become an instrument of *
*Your grace in the lives of others,*
* all for Your glory and honor, *
*in Jesus name, Amen.*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*~STEPPING UP TO STEPPING DOWN~*
*By Charles W. Wages, *
Taking on new responsibilities is always an adventure and challenge.
However, the laying down of those responsibilities is possibly a more
difficult task. There will always be beginnings and endings in a
lifetime. That is the reason for this editorial.
There is no higher calling in anyone's life than being a minister
(servant) of God's Word. The ministering of the Word is as broad as
humanity itself and isn't the personal domain of any individual or
group. It ranges from the home to the heavens.
The writer of this "departure" note came to know the Lord as Saviour as
a young man and immediately entered the ministry of teaching and
preaching to young people and then further as responsibilities grew. By
the grace of God, and the help of a faithful pastor, Brother Ike T.
Sidebottom, I have had the privilege and blessings of being His servant
for 64 years, in giving out the message of the Gospel of Grace and the
giving forth of the teaching of the dispensation of the mystery, by
spoken word and the printed page.
In all these years I have also had the privilege of serving as pastor.
Forty-four of those years were spent with this congregation of saints
here in Fort Worth; twenty years were spent in Denton County as pastor,
radio minister, and evangelistic Bible teacher.
There have been other ministry related opportunities across these years.
The educational opportunities have afforded a springboard of living and
learning to give out the Word. Serving as teacher, counselor, principal,
and superintendent of a growing suburban school district afforded many
opportunities of "defending the faith" and giving the gospel. These
opportunities opened doors to be a witness and testimony to the
wonderful grace of God.
A ministry of 64 years involved all the ups and downs, the high-lights
and heartaches, the suffering and the glory that accompanies living and
trying, by God's grace to serve Him. The results are all to the praise
and glory of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.
As to the ministry of the Timely Messenger, and related books and
pamphlets, there are many faithful saints who will be rewarded for their
faithful continued work and support. It was my privilege to be serving
as Associate Pastor with Brother Side-bottom when he began the Timely
Messenger. My wife and I helped with the first printings, and have had
the privilege of contributing lessons in the Timely Messenger all these
years. There are many who have served to help in the giving out of the
Word through the Timely Messenger. Quenton Goyne has given his time and
talent in printing the Timely Messenger all these years. He was a
professional printer, but gave his time on the side to be our printer,
serving without any financial pay-just the blessing of giving out the
Word for His glory. Even in his retirement years, he continues to do the
printing. Through many years my wife, Beverly, did the typing and
preparing for the printer; before the days of computers. Now much work
is saved through the computer. Others have joined to help with the
mailing out. Many have contributed articles and Bible study lessons
through these years. Many of you readers have helped support this
printing ministry with your offerings and prayers, and helping to
distribute to others. Your letters and words of encouragement have meant
much to us through the years. To all of you, I give my heartfelt thanks
for your labor of love.
Having said all that is needed to be said, your long-time editor and
friend, is stepping down after having the privilege of "stepping up" to
the most wonderful and rewarding work of using this as one means of
giving out the Word. This issue will be my last issue as editor of the
Timely Messenger. It is left in capable and faithful hands and will
continue, by God's grace. Brother Gregg Bing will be the editor
beginning in January.
We ask you to continue to pray for this printing ministry and, pray for
Brother Gregg. We also ask that you continue to remember Beverly and I
as we carry, out what the Lord has for us to do.
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto
myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry,
which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the
grace of God." (Acts 20:24)
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*By Charles W. Wages, *
Taking on new responsibilities is always an adventure and challenge.
However, the laying down of those responsibilities is possibly a more
difficult task. There will always be beginnings and endings in a
lifetime. That is the reason for this editorial.
There is no higher calling in anyone's life than being a minister
(servant) of God's Word. The ministering of the Word is as broad as
humanity itself and isn't the personal domain of any individual or
group. It ranges from the home to the heavens.
The writer of this "departure" note came to know the Lord as Saviour as
a young man and immediately entered the ministry of teaching and
preaching to young people and then further as responsibilities grew. By
the grace of God, and the help of a faithful pastor, Brother Ike T.
Sidebottom, I have had the privilege and blessings of being His servant
for 64 years, in giving out the message of the Gospel of Grace and the
giving forth of the teaching of the dispensation of the mystery, by
spoken word and the printed page.
In all these years I have also had the privilege of serving as pastor.
Forty-four of those years were spent with this congregation of saints
here in Fort Worth; twenty years were spent in Denton County as pastor,
radio minister, and evangelistic Bible teacher.
There have been other ministry related opportunities across these years.
The educational opportunities have afforded a springboard of living and
learning to give out the Word. Serving as teacher, counselor, principal,
and superintendent of a growing suburban school district afforded many
opportunities of "defending the faith" and giving the gospel. These
opportunities opened doors to be a witness and testimony to the
wonderful grace of God.
A ministry of 64 years involved all the ups and downs, the high-lights
and heartaches, the suffering and the glory that accompanies living and
trying, by God's grace to serve Him. The results are all to the praise
and glory of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.
As to the ministry of the Timely Messenger, and related books and
pamphlets, there are many faithful saints who will be rewarded for their
faithful continued work and support. It was my privilege to be serving
as Associate Pastor with Brother Side-bottom when he began the Timely
Messenger. My wife and I helped with the first printings, and have had
the privilege of contributing lessons in the Timely Messenger all these
years. There are many who have served to help in the giving out of the
Word through the Timely Messenger. Quenton Goyne has given his time and
talent in printing the Timely Messenger all these years. He was a
professional printer, but gave his time on the side to be our printer,
serving without any financial pay-just the blessing of giving out the
Word for His glory. Even in his retirement years, he continues to do the
printing. Through many years my wife, Beverly, did the typing and
preparing for the printer; before the days of computers. Now much work
is saved through the computer. Others have joined to help with the
mailing out. Many have contributed articles and Bible study lessons
through these years. Many of you readers have helped support this
printing ministry with your offerings and prayers, and helping to
distribute to others. Your letters and words of encouragement have meant
much to us through the years. To all of you, I give my heartfelt thanks
for your labor of love.
Having said all that is needed to be said, your long-time editor and
friend, is stepping down after having the privilege of "stepping up" to
the most wonderful and rewarding work of using this as one means of
giving out the Word. This issue will be my last issue as editor of the
Timely Messenger. It is left in capable and faithful hands and will
continue, by God's grace. Brother Gregg Bing will be the editor
beginning in January.
We ask you to continue to pray for this printing ministry and, pray for
Brother Gregg. We also ask that you continue to remember Beverly and I
as we carry, out what the Lord has for us to do.
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto
myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry,
which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the
grace of God." (Acts 20:24)
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*THE BIBLE *
*GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD *
*Part 3 of 3*
*By Jack Trumm*
*
Because of Israel's unbelief, God has revealed a new program to Paul,
the apostle of the Gentiles (or nations). "For this cause I Paul, the
prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if you have heard of the
dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. How that
BY REVELATION he made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in
few words, whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in
the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the
sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same
body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Whereof I
was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given
unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who as less than
the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among
the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see
what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the
world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ".
(Ephesians 3: 1-9)
Notice Paul says it was REVEALED to him from God concerning the mystery
of Christ. It was not by his own knowledge or ability that he wrote
these things.
This brings up the question, What was revealed to Paul? "That the
Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of
his promise in Christ BY THE GOSPEL" (Verse 6). What gospel? The gospel
which was not made known in ages past, "which in other ages was not made
known unto the sons of men" (verse 5). What was the message of this
gospel? "Moreover, brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I
preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand,
by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto
you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of
all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins
according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose
again the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4).
What is so beautiful about this revealed message is that we can be saved
by just believing it. "By which also ye are saved" (verse 2).
Paul speaks of himself in this way, "And I brethren, when I came to you,
came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the
testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save
Jesus Christ, and him crucified (or what He accomplished in the cross).
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And
my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom,
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should
not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (I Corinthians
2: 1-5) We are also told, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which
God hath prepared for them that love him. BUT GOD HATH REVEALED THEM
UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep
things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit
which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but
the Spirit which is of God, that WE MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS THAT ARE
FREELY GIVEN TO US OF GOD. Which things also we speak, not in the words
which man s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth,
comparing spiritual things with spiritual. " (I Corinthians 2:9-13)
So I would conclude by asking again, is the Bible man's word or is it
God's Word? Yes, the Bible was penned by man, but it was not man's word,
it is GOD'S WORD. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
WORD OF GOD." (Romans 1 0: 17)
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD *
*Part 3 of 3*
*By Jack Trumm*
*
Because of Israel's unbelief, God has revealed a new program to Paul,
the apostle of the Gentiles (or nations). "For this cause I Paul, the
prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if you have heard of the
dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. How that
BY REVELATION he made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in
few words, whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in
the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the
sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same
body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Whereof I
was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given
unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who as less than
the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among
the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see
what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the
world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ".
(Ephesians 3: 1-9)
Notice Paul says it was REVEALED to him from God concerning the mystery
of Christ. It was not by his own knowledge or ability that he wrote
these things.
This brings up the question, What was revealed to Paul? "That the
Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of
his promise in Christ BY THE GOSPEL" (Verse 6). What gospel? The gospel
which was not made known in ages past, "which in other ages was not made
known unto the sons of men" (verse 5). What was the message of this
gospel? "Moreover, brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I
preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand,
by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto
you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of
all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins
according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose
again the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4).
What is so beautiful about this revealed message is that we can be saved
by just believing it. "By which also ye are saved" (verse 2).
Paul speaks of himself in this way, "And I brethren, when I came to you,
came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the
testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save
Jesus Christ, and him crucified (or what He accomplished in the cross).
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And
my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom,
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should
not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (I Corinthians
2: 1-5) We are also told, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which
God hath prepared for them that love him. BUT GOD HATH REVEALED THEM
UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep
things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit
which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but
the Spirit which is of God, that WE MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS THAT ARE
FREELY GIVEN TO US OF GOD. Which things also we speak, not in the words
which man s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth,
comparing spiritual things with spiritual. " (I Corinthians 2:9-13)
So I would conclude by asking again, is the Bible man's word or is it
God's Word? Yes, the Bible was penned by man, but it was not man's word,
it is GOD'S WORD. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
WORD OF GOD." (Romans 1 0: 17)
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*THE BIBLE *
*GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD *
*Part 2 of 3*
*By Jack Trumm*
Luke tells us (concerning Israel, God's covenant people) what God's plan
was for them: "But those things, which God before had showed by the
mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so
fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your (Israel's)
sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from
the presence of the Lord, and he shall send Jesus Christ, which was
before preached unto you, whom the heaven must receive until the times
of restitution of all things, WHICH GOD HATH SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL
HIS HOLY PROPHETS SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN. For Moses truly said unto the
fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your
brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he
shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which
will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people
(Israel). Yea, AND ALL THE PROPHETS FROM SAMUEL AND THOSE THAT FOLLOW
AFTER, AS MANY AS HAVE SPOKEN, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye
are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made
with our fathers, saying unto Abra-ham, And in thy seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you (Israel) first God, having
raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every
one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:18-26)
What these verses tell us is that God inspired (or told man by
revelation) to write down things concerning Israel and concerning our
Lord Jesus Christ's coming to cleanse them and then reign over them,
making Israel the instrument of blessing to the rest of the nations.
This process of revelation began at the beginning of the world "since
the world began" (verse 21). What was prophesied concerning Israel?
Verses 19 and 20 tell us that if Israel as a nation would have been
obedient to God by repenting of the murder of Jesus Christ, God would
have at that time forgiven the nation and sent His son back to them.
Jesus Christ would have immediately returned to reign over them as their
King. God would have used the nation Israel as a blessing to all other
nations of the earth. " ... and in thy seed shall all the nations of the
earth be blessed" (verse 25) "unto you first ... " (verse 26).
This does not sound like something that man could come up with by his
own knowledge, and even if he could, how would he carry it out?
We also know that Israel as a nation failed to adhere to the word of God.
So what God has done is to set that program with Israel aside for the
time being. Since they (as a nation) would not believe the claims of
Jesus Christ, nor the witness of God the Father, nor the witness of the
Holy Spirit in His coming at Pentecost, they have been temporarily
broken off and set aside in unbelief.
" ... because of unbelief they were broken off'. (Romans 11:20)
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD *
*Part 2 of 3*
*By Jack Trumm*
Luke tells us (concerning Israel, God's covenant people) what God's plan
was for them: "But those things, which God before had showed by the
mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so
fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your (Israel's)
sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from
the presence of the Lord, and he shall send Jesus Christ, which was
before preached unto you, whom the heaven must receive until the times
of restitution of all things, WHICH GOD HATH SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL
HIS HOLY PROPHETS SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN. For Moses truly said unto the
fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your
brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he
shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which
will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people
(Israel). Yea, AND ALL THE PROPHETS FROM SAMUEL AND THOSE THAT FOLLOW
AFTER, AS MANY AS HAVE SPOKEN, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye
are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made
with our fathers, saying unto Abra-ham, And in thy seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you (Israel) first God, having
raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every
one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:18-26)
What these verses tell us is that God inspired (or told man by
revelation) to write down things concerning Israel and concerning our
Lord Jesus Christ's coming to cleanse them and then reign over them,
making Israel the instrument of blessing to the rest of the nations.
This process of revelation began at the beginning of the world "since
the world began" (verse 21). What was prophesied concerning Israel?
Verses 19 and 20 tell us that if Israel as a nation would have been
obedient to God by repenting of the murder of Jesus Christ, God would
have at that time forgiven the nation and sent His son back to them.
Jesus Christ would have immediately returned to reign over them as their
King. God would have used the nation Israel as a blessing to all other
nations of the earth. " ... and in thy seed shall all the nations of the
earth be blessed" (verse 25) "unto you first ... " (verse 26).
This does not sound like something that man could come up with by his
own knowledge, and even if he could, how would he carry it out?
We also know that Israel as a nation failed to adhere to the word of God.
So what God has done is to set that program with Israel aside for the
time being. Since they (as a nation) would not believe the claims of
Jesus Christ, nor the witness of God the Father, nor the witness of the
Holy Spirit in His coming at Pentecost, they have been temporarily
broken off and set aside in unbelief.
" ... because of unbelief they were broken off'. (Romans 11:20)
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
Justified Without A Cause
by Pastor C. R. Stam
God tells us in His Word that believers are“justified freely by
His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24).
The word “freely,” here, does not mean “without cost,” but “without
cause.” The same original word is so translated in John 15:25, where we
find the words of Christ: “They hated Me without a cause.”
Thus sinners hated Christ “without a cause,” yet God justifies sinners
“without a cause.”How can this be? Let’s see:
What had Christ done to earn the enmity of men? Nothing whatever. He had
been kind and good, had helped those in distress, had healed their
sick,had made the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear, the blind to see, and
the lame to leap for joy. Why, then, did they hate Him: The Bible says
they hated Him “without a cause, i.e., without any cause in Him. The
cause of their hatred lay in their own evil hearts.
But on the other hand, what have sinners done to merit justification
before God? Again the answer is: Nothing whatever. They have broken His
commandments every day, lying, stealing, and committing hundreds of
other sins. Yet in love God gave His Son to die for them on Calvary“that
He might be just and [at the same time] the Justifier of him that
believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). He loves and justifies believers
“without a cause”, i.e.,without any cause in them. The cause is to be
found in His own compassionate heart, for “GOD IS LOVE.”
Thus those who trust in Christ, who died for our sins, are justified
without a cause, by God’s grace, through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus.
“God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners
Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
“By this man is preached…the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that
believe are justified from all things, from which He could not be
justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38,39).
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*THE BIBLE *
*GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD *
*By Jack Trumm*
*Part 1 of 3*
*
When reading the Bible, can we be sure that it is accurate? Can we read
it with the assurance that it is the truth? Or is there error in it? So,
therefore, do we need to interpret some things written in the Bible,
simply because there are those that would say the Bible was written by
man, therefore there could be error in the Bible?
What is amazing is that people will subscribe to a daily newspaper and
read it from one end to the other, and believe every word it says, and
not question it, yet it was written by man. People will subscribe to a
monthly magazine and read it cover to cover and believe what it says.
Yet, it was written by man.
There are those who will go to a library and get a book that is based on
a true story, not question it, yet it was written by man. If one
purchases a product that needs to be assembled, he is informed to read
the instructions thoroughly before beginning to assemble it. Yet the
instructions were written by man.
But, when it comes to the Bible (God's Word) some will say, it was
written by man therefore there could be error in it and therefore we
need to interpret or come to the conclusion that some of it might not
even be true. So then, was the Bible written by man? Yes, it was written
by man, but not by man's own knowledge or his own ability. Rather, it
was written by men through inspiration from God. As Paul the apostle to
the Gentiles tells us, "all scripture (the Bible, or God's Word) is
given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy
3: 16)
The word inspiration is taken from the Greek word (theopneustos) which
translated means "divinely breathed in". What God has done was to
breathe into the hearts and minds of those men that He had chosen to
write down those things concerning Himself that He would have us to
know, and that word would be the Bible or God's Word, not man's word.
Look also at the first two words of this verse, "all scripture" and
especially the word "ALL". Notice it does not say "some scripture" but
rather ALL SCRIPTURE. This means that every word in the Bible was given
by inspiration of God.
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*Truth can't be judged on the basis of popularity. *
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
by Pastor C. R. Stam
God tells us in His Word that believers are“justified freely by
His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24).
The word “freely,” here, does not mean “without cost,” but “without
cause.” The same original word is so translated in John 15:25, where we
find the words of Christ: “They hated Me without a cause.”
Thus sinners hated Christ “without a cause,” yet God justifies sinners
“without a cause.”How can this be? Let’s see:
What had Christ done to earn the enmity of men? Nothing whatever. He had
been kind and good, had helped those in distress, had healed their
sick,had made the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear, the blind to see, and
the lame to leap for joy. Why, then, did they hate Him: The Bible says
they hated Him “without a cause, i.e., without any cause in Him. The
cause of their hatred lay in their own evil hearts.
But on the other hand, what have sinners done to merit justification
before God? Again the answer is: Nothing whatever. They have broken His
commandments every day, lying, stealing, and committing hundreds of
other sins. Yet in love God gave His Son to die for them on Calvary“that
He might be just and [at the same time] the Justifier of him that
believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). He loves and justifies believers
“without a cause”, i.e.,without any cause in them. The cause is to be
found in His own compassionate heart, for “GOD IS LOVE.”
Thus those who trust in Christ, who died for our sins, are justified
without a cause, by God’s grace, through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus.
“God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners
Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
“By this man is preached…the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that
believe are justified from all things, from which He could not be
justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38,39).
Our Purpose and Mission
The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.
We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and
the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:"
OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:
2Co 5:16-21 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we
[him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To
wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*THE BIBLE *
*GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD *
*By Jack Trumm*
*Part 1 of 3*
*
When reading the Bible, can we be sure that it is accurate? Can we read
it with the assurance that it is the truth? Or is there error in it? So,
therefore, do we need to interpret some things written in the Bible,
simply because there are those that would say the Bible was written by
man, therefore there could be error in the Bible?
What is amazing is that people will subscribe to a daily newspaper and
read it from one end to the other, and believe every word it says, and
not question it, yet it was written by man. People will subscribe to a
monthly magazine and read it cover to cover and believe what it says.
Yet, it was written by man.
There are those who will go to a library and get a book that is based on
a true story, not question it, yet it was written by man. If one
purchases a product that needs to be assembled, he is informed to read
the instructions thoroughly before beginning to assemble it. Yet the
instructions were written by man.
But, when it comes to the Bible (God's Word) some will say, it was
written by man therefore there could be error in it and therefore we
need to interpret or come to the conclusion that some of it might not
even be true. So then, was the Bible written by man? Yes, it was written
by man, but not by man's own knowledge or his own ability. Rather, it
was written by men through inspiration from God. As Paul the apostle to
the Gentiles tells us, "all scripture (the Bible, or God's Word) is
given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy
3: 16)
The word inspiration is taken from the Greek word (theopneustos) which
translated means "divinely breathed in". What God has done was to
breathe into the hearts and minds of those men that He had chosen to
write down those things concerning Himself that He would have us to
know, and that word would be the Bible or God's Word, not man's word.
Look also at the first two words of this verse, "all scripture" and
especially the word "ALL". Notice it does not say "some scripture" but
rather ALL SCRIPTURE. This means that every word in the Bible was given
by inspiration of God.
*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, *
*which from the beginning of the world *
*hath been hid in God,*
*who created all things by Jesus Christ*
*Truth can't be judged on the basis of popularity. *
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*WARNING*
*The Tribulation is Coming! *
*Part 4 of 4*
*BY S. Lee Homoki *
(13) Widespread crime and violence (Ezek. 7:11,23-24; Hos. 7: I; Isa.
1:21). Death, mischief, destruction and fear stalked the streets of the
ancient world. It spreads like a disease. Do you remember when you could
go for a leisurely walk down the street, park or mall? Do you remember
when we could leave our car or house unlocked? Is there a lesson here
that our modern society needs to learn?
(14) Complete moral and spiritual breakdown in all segments of society
(Hos. 4:2; Ezek. 22:1-12, 24-31; Jer. 7:8-10). Israel's character,
justice, honor, and righteousness are gone. The foundations of Israel's
society and nation are gone. Corruption, like leaven, infuses the whole
nation from top to bottom. No one is exempt; even the most impeccable
failed to keep the conditional clauses of the covenants (2 Kgs. 17:15;
18:12; Isa. 24:5-6; Jer. 34: 18-20). The nation of Israel had been given
specific guidelines for the operation of the Kingdom. These guidelines
are called the Covenants; they had two divisions - unconditional clauses
and conditional clauses. In the conditional clauses, God said in effect,
"If you will do this, then I will do this. " This is illustrated in
Deuteronomy 27, 28 and 30:1-6. The history of Israel is replete with
examples of Israel's circular obedience and disobedience. The
Tribulation Period represents the final stage in Israel's disobedience
and judgment (Lev. 26).
(15) Fallen into pride (Jer. 13:17; Ezek.16:49; Isa. 2:9-17). The proud
heart will not bend even when it knows the consequences of its
disobedience. God's Word is proven to be true - "Pride goeth before
destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov.16:18).
(16) Neglected evangelism (Isa. 43:1-28; 56:3-8 with Mk.11: 17-18).
Israel had been given the custodianship of the truth that would set men
free - not just the Israelite, but all men. The nation of Israel was
elected of God to be a "kingdom of priests" (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6) to
the whole world. However, Jesus said that the appointed place and people
for the worship of God had deteriorated into a "den of thieves. " In
Matthew 23:37 He laments, "0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the
prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I
have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her
chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Evangelism was the thing
closest to the heart of God. He said He was "not willing that any should
perish."
(17) Turned to the cults and the occult (Isa. 2:6; 2 Kgs. 17:17). This
was strictly forbidden and was a manifestation of the depth of Israel's
departure into spiritual darkness.
Does this partial list of Israel's sins bother you? It bothers me! I am
deeply concerned. These are the sins that provoked God to wrath! One
day, and I don't believe it will be in the too distant future, Israel
and the whole world will be placed into the "winepress of God~' wrath"
(Rev. 14:I 9-20; 19:15) during the Tribulation! All the references in
this study are in some way, either directly or indirectly, connected by
context with the "Time of Jacob s trouble. " God will use this strong
disciplinary action to cleanse Israel for their future role in Christ's
Kingdom.
Somewhere near the middle of the "week" /seven years of Tribulation,
Israel "will look upon Him Whom they have pierced" God has promised that
"Before they call, I will answer" (Isa. 65:24; 58:8-9). Praise the Lord!
The Apostle Paul says at that time, " ... all Israel will be saved"
(Rom. 11:25-26)
*Conclusion *
*
Only a blind man would fail to recognize that this list of Israel's sins
paints an accurate picture of the sins of the world we live in today !
Question: If God has and will judge Israel for their sin, wiII He
dismiss the sins of this Christ-rejecting world? I guarantee you, He
will not. If they do not repent, they "shall likewise perish" (Lk. 13:3-5).
*Prayer for America *
*
"Heavenly Father, thank you for my country, the United States of
America, the only country in the world founded upon religious freedom
and your Word. Thank you for our founding fathers, Lord, who looked to
you for guidance to develop the kind of government that would be
pleasing to you. We need your wisdom to safeguard our freedom. May the
light of your word run swiftly throughout our country, and your love
burn brightly in our land. Give us a rebirth of freedom, in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
*COPY PASTE AND LISTEN TO SAME*
http://www.personalliberty.com/liberty/they-signed-for-us-2/
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*The Tribulation is Coming! *
*Part 4 of 4*
*BY S. Lee Homoki *
(13) Widespread crime and violence (Ezek. 7:11,23-24; Hos. 7: I; Isa.
1:21). Death, mischief, destruction and fear stalked the streets of the
ancient world. It spreads like a disease. Do you remember when you could
go for a leisurely walk down the street, park or mall? Do you remember
when we could leave our car or house unlocked? Is there a lesson here
that our modern society needs to learn?
(14) Complete moral and spiritual breakdown in all segments of society
(Hos. 4:2; Ezek. 22:1-12, 24-31; Jer. 7:8-10). Israel's character,
justice, honor, and righteousness are gone. The foundations of Israel's
society and nation are gone. Corruption, like leaven, infuses the whole
nation from top to bottom. No one is exempt; even the most impeccable
failed to keep the conditional clauses of the covenants (2 Kgs. 17:15;
18:12; Isa. 24:5-6; Jer. 34: 18-20). The nation of Israel had been given
specific guidelines for the operation of the Kingdom. These guidelines
are called the Covenants; they had two divisions - unconditional clauses
and conditional clauses. In the conditional clauses, God said in effect,
"If you will do this, then I will do this. " This is illustrated in
Deuteronomy 27, 28 and 30:1-6. The history of Israel is replete with
examples of Israel's circular obedience and disobedience. The
Tribulation Period represents the final stage in Israel's disobedience
and judgment (Lev. 26).
(15) Fallen into pride (Jer. 13:17; Ezek.16:49; Isa. 2:9-17). The proud
heart will not bend even when it knows the consequences of its
disobedience. God's Word is proven to be true - "Pride goeth before
destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov.16:18).
(16) Neglected evangelism (Isa. 43:1-28; 56:3-8 with Mk.11: 17-18).
Israel had been given the custodianship of the truth that would set men
free - not just the Israelite, but all men. The nation of Israel was
elected of God to be a "kingdom of priests" (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6) to
the whole world. However, Jesus said that the appointed place and people
for the worship of God had deteriorated into a "den of thieves. " In
Matthew 23:37 He laments, "0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the
prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I
have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her
chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Evangelism was the thing
closest to the heart of God. He said He was "not willing that any should
perish."
(17) Turned to the cults and the occult (Isa. 2:6; 2 Kgs. 17:17). This
was strictly forbidden and was a manifestation of the depth of Israel's
departure into spiritual darkness.
Does this partial list of Israel's sins bother you? It bothers me! I am
deeply concerned. These are the sins that provoked God to wrath! One
day, and I don't believe it will be in the too distant future, Israel
and the whole world will be placed into the "winepress of God~' wrath"
(Rev. 14:I 9-20; 19:15) during the Tribulation! All the references in
this study are in some way, either directly or indirectly, connected by
context with the "Time of Jacob s trouble. " God will use this strong
disciplinary action to cleanse Israel for their future role in Christ's
Kingdom.
Somewhere near the middle of the "week" /seven years of Tribulation,
Israel "will look upon Him Whom they have pierced" God has promised that
"Before they call, I will answer" (Isa. 65:24; 58:8-9). Praise the Lord!
The Apostle Paul says at that time, " ... all Israel will be saved"
(Rom. 11:25-26)
*Conclusion *
*
Only a blind man would fail to recognize that this list of Israel's sins
paints an accurate picture of the sins of the world we live in today !
Question: If God has and will judge Israel for their sin, wiII He
dismiss the sins of this Christ-rejecting world? I guarantee you, He
will not. If they do not repent, they "shall likewise perish" (Lk. 13:3-5).
*Prayer for America *
*
"Heavenly Father, thank you for my country, the United States of
America, the only country in the world founded upon religious freedom
and your Word. Thank you for our founding fathers, Lord, who looked to
you for guidance to develop the kind of government that would be
pleasing to you. We need your wisdom to safeguard our freedom. May the
light of your word run swiftly throughout our country, and your love
burn brightly in our land. Give us a rebirth of freedom, in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
*COPY PASTE AND LISTEN TO SAME*
http://www.personalliberty.com/liberty/they-signed-for-us-2/
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Re: GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
*WARNING*
*The Tribulation is Coming! *
*Part 3 of 4*
*BY S. Lee Homoki *
*
(4) Trusted in foreign alliances (Jer. 2:17-19; Hos. 8:8-10).
(5) Depended upon man (Jer. 17:5-9). Reasons 3 & 4 are very similar.
They teach that the unregenerate man or carnal man, whether he be Jew or
Gentile, wiII always seek the solution to his problems and the very
meaning of life, independent of God. This proves once again that, "There
is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death " (Prov. 16:25). The heart of man is incurably diseased and
hopelessly corrupt (Jer. 17:9).
(6) Turned to idolatry (Isa. 2:8,20; Jer. 17:1-4). Israel's gods of
stone , wood, precious metals or mammon were a poor substitute for
Jehovah God, maker and ruler of Heaven and earth. The Psalmist has
rightly said of Israel and their gods, "Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of men's hands. They have mouths but they speak not: eyes have
they but they see not: they have ears, but they hear not: noses have
they but they smell not: they have hands, but they handle not: feet have
they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They
that made them are like unto them; so is everyone that trusteth in them"
(Ps. 115:4-8).
(7) Relied upon human viewpoint (Jer. 17:9-11). Having, departed from
the wisdom and strength of the Word of God, the Israelites, like today's
Modernist, were left to stand upon the shifting, sinking sands of
emotionalism and subjective thinking. They trusted their "vain
imaginations" for direction. The wisdom of this world had turned them
into fools!
(8) Followed a faulty value system (Isa. 2:7-8) Israel was entrapped by
the kind of thinking and living that sacrificed the eternal for the
temporal. Their priorities were all wrong. (God's commandment, "Thou
shalt love the Lord thy (God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy might" (Deut. 6:5) had been set on the back shelf.
Israel was content to pay Iip service to God, while their hearts were
moving farther and farther from Him (Isa. 29:13). The mistake Israel
made was to think that they needed something more than the Word of God.
It may be their thinking was like that of modern man who believes that
his security or success depends on having more money, more possessions,
or more government control etc., etc. The Apostle Paul would have
reminded them, as he does us, that in alI things Christ must have the
"preeminence" (Co!. 1:18).
(9) Hardened their heart (Jer. 19:15; Hos. 5:4; Ezek. 3:7). Like the
hands of a working man, the hearts of the rebellious Israelites grew
calloused with the passing of time. They hardened their hearts as in the
days of the "provocation in the wilderness" (Heb. 3:8) until they were
"past feeling" for God. God gave them up (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:8,28),
even as He gave up the Gentiles, because unbelief, too, had hardened
their hearts (Rom. 1:24,26, 28).
(10) Succumbed to drunkenness and drug addiction (Jer. 13:13; Isa.
28:1,7), Drunkeness proved to be the perverter of all moral conduct and
character for Israel. Recently, while preaching in a federal prison, the
warden told me, in a private conversation, that most of the incarcerated
men would not have been there had there not been involvement with either
drugs or alcohol.
(11) Apostasy in the pulpit (Jer.23:9-40; 2 Chron. 15:3; Isa. 56:9-12;
Lam. 4:13-14). The profane prophets and priests taught what the people
wanted to hear, not what the people needed to hear. The people needed
truth and compassion to bind up their wounds and make them strong; but
the pagan pastors of Israel destroyed and scattered the flock "by their
lies and by their lightness. " These ancient theological liberals, like
their modern counterparts, taught the lying imaginations of their own
heart and not the council "out of the mouth of the Lord" For these, God
reserves His worst condemnation (Hos. 4:9).
(12) Corrupt political leadership (Isa. 3:12-15; 9:16; Ezek. 22:67).
Israel was dead at the top. If the head is corrupt, then the body
becomes corrupt Everything rises or falls on the quality of leadership!
A tried and true principle - then and now! It is true in all walks of
life - business, home, sports, etc. It is certainly true in politics and
government. As goes the national leadership, so goes the nation.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
*The Tribulation is Coming! *
*Part 3 of 4*
*BY S. Lee Homoki *
*
(4) Trusted in foreign alliances (Jer. 2:17-19; Hos. 8:8-10).
(5) Depended upon man (Jer. 17:5-9). Reasons 3 & 4 are very similar.
They teach that the unregenerate man or carnal man, whether he be Jew or
Gentile, wiII always seek the solution to his problems and the very
meaning of life, independent of God. This proves once again that, "There
is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death " (Prov. 16:25). The heart of man is incurably diseased and
hopelessly corrupt (Jer. 17:9).
(6) Turned to idolatry (Isa. 2:8,20; Jer. 17:1-4). Israel's gods of
stone , wood, precious metals or mammon were a poor substitute for
Jehovah God, maker and ruler of Heaven and earth. The Psalmist has
rightly said of Israel and their gods, "Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of men's hands. They have mouths but they speak not: eyes have
they but they see not: they have ears, but they hear not: noses have
they but they smell not: they have hands, but they handle not: feet have
they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They
that made them are like unto them; so is everyone that trusteth in them"
(Ps. 115:4-8).
(7) Relied upon human viewpoint (Jer. 17:9-11). Having, departed from
the wisdom and strength of the Word of God, the Israelites, like today's
Modernist, were left to stand upon the shifting, sinking sands of
emotionalism and subjective thinking. They trusted their "vain
imaginations" for direction. The wisdom of this world had turned them
into fools!
(8) Followed a faulty value system (Isa. 2:7-8) Israel was entrapped by
the kind of thinking and living that sacrificed the eternal for the
temporal. Their priorities were all wrong. (God's commandment, "Thou
shalt love the Lord thy (God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy might" (Deut. 6:5) had been set on the back shelf.
Israel was content to pay Iip service to God, while their hearts were
moving farther and farther from Him (Isa. 29:13). The mistake Israel
made was to think that they needed something more than the Word of God.
It may be their thinking was like that of modern man who believes that
his security or success depends on having more money, more possessions,
or more government control etc., etc. The Apostle Paul would have
reminded them, as he does us, that in alI things Christ must have the
"preeminence" (Co!. 1:18).
(9) Hardened their heart (Jer. 19:15; Hos. 5:4; Ezek. 3:7). Like the
hands of a working man, the hearts of the rebellious Israelites grew
calloused with the passing of time. They hardened their hearts as in the
days of the "provocation in the wilderness" (Heb. 3:8) until they were
"past feeling" for God. God gave them up (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:8,28),
even as He gave up the Gentiles, because unbelief, too, had hardened
their hearts (Rom. 1:24,26, 28).
(10) Succumbed to drunkenness and drug addiction (Jer. 13:13; Isa.
28:1,7), Drunkeness proved to be the perverter of all moral conduct and
character for Israel. Recently, while preaching in a federal prison, the
warden told me, in a private conversation, that most of the incarcerated
men would not have been there had there not been involvement with either
drugs or alcohol.
(11) Apostasy in the pulpit (Jer.23:9-40; 2 Chron. 15:3; Isa. 56:9-12;
Lam. 4:13-14). The profane prophets and priests taught what the people
wanted to hear, not what the people needed to hear. The people needed
truth and compassion to bind up their wounds and make them strong; but
the pagan pastors of Israel destroyed and scattered the flock "by their
lies and by their lightness. " These ancient theological liberals, like
their modern counterparts, taught the lying imaginations of their own
heart and not the council "out of the mouth of the Lord" For these, God
reserves His worst condemnation (Hos. 4:9).
(12) Corrupt political leadership (Isa. 3:12-15; 9:16; Ezek. 22:67).
Israel was dead at the top. If the head is corrupt, then the body
becomes corrupt Everything rises or falls on the quality of leadership!
A tried and true principle - then and now! It is true in all walks of
life - business, home, sports, etc. It is certainly true in politics and
government. As goes the national leadership, so goes the nation.
*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*
Page 5 of 40 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ... 22 ... 40
Similar topics
» GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE
» Grace and Forgiveness
» *GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET*Led by the Spirit *(1-4)
» Growing in Grace
» The Riches Of Grace
» Grace and Forgiveness
» *GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET*Led by the Spirit *(1-4)
» Growing in Grace
» The Riches Of Grace
Page 5 of 40
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
Today at 12:59 am by Admin
» Amir Tsarfati BEHOLD ISRAEL
Today at 12:28 am by Admin
» PROPHESY NEWS WATCH
Today at 12:17 am by Admin
» HONEST REPORTING Defending Israel from Media Bias plz read REGULAR UPDATES
Yesterday at 10:42 pm by Admin
» Year of the Death of Jesus
Yesterday at 10:27 pm by Admin
» AISH
Yesterday at 10:01 pm by Admin
» BIBLE STUDY on VERSE
Yesterday at 9:59 pm by Admin
» Chip Brogden CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS
Yesterday at 9:23 pm by Admin
» Israel War UPDATE
Yesterday at 9:09 pm by Admin
» ZAKA Tel Aviv
Yesterday at 9:07 pm by Admin
» israelAM
Yesterday at 9:04 pm by Admin
» WHY DID GOD CREATE EVIL
Yesterday at 4:36 pm by Admin
» WORTHY NEWS
Yesterday at 2:37 pm by Admin
» Gatestone Institute
Wed 27 Mar 2024, 11:18 pm by Admin
» ISRAEL BREAKING NEWS
Wed 27 Mar 2024, 9:54 pm by Admin
» Pressure from UN Threats
Tue 26 Mar 2024, 11:45 pm by Admin
» Ship that obliterated Baltimore bridge
Tue 26 Mar 2024, 11:44 pm by Admin
» Be Fervent in Spirit
Tue 26 Mar 2024, 10:54 pm by Admin
» Remain in God - iBelieve Truth
Tue 26 Mar 2024, 1:25 am by Admin
» WORTHY NEWS
Mon 25 Mar 2024, 11:00 pm by Admin