GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE

* 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*

UNTIL WHEN?
by C. R. Stam*
One of the greatest prophecies of Scripture is found in Psalm 110:1
where David wrote: "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at My right
hand until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool." *

*In Matt. 22:41-46 our Lord explained that this was a prophecy about
Himself, David's Son and Lord. Men might hate Him and cry "Away with
Him!" They might nail Him to a tree and laugh and sneer at Him, but God
the Father responds by saying: "Here, come sit at My right hand until I
make your enemies your footstool." *

*We should never forget that according to Bible prophecy God's response
to man's rejection of Christ was to be judgment and wrath. In Psalm 2
the question is asked why the nations rage and the people of Israel
imagine a vain thing: that they can get along without the One whom God
has anointed to be King. The Psalm depicts God laughing at their
attempts to thwart His purposes and predicts that "the Lord shall have
them in derision" and "speak unto them in His wrath." *

*At Pentecost all was ready for the judgment to fall. Christ had been
crucified and "the last days" had begun, as Peter declared in Acts
2:16,17, quoting from the prophet Joel. But strangely, while some of
Joel's prophecy was fulfilled, or began to be fulfilled, at that time,
the rest of it was not, for God did not -- and has not yet -- sent the
prophesied judgment. *

*Thank God, in infinite grace He interrupted the prophetic program,
delayed the remainder of its fulfillment and revealed to the Apostle
Paul His secret purpose to offer to His enemies everywhere salvation and
reconciliation by free grace, through faith in the crucified, risen
Savior. In His Ephesian letter the Apostle asks whether they 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" (Eph. 3:1-3).
Now, thank God, His eternal purpose in Christ is no longer a secret.
While the day of grace lasts we may be "justified freely by His grace,
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24). *

*How God Makes Foolish the Wisdom of this World*
*PART 1 OF 2*
*By Weldon Rightmer*
*"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise?
Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the
wisdom of this world?" (1 Corinthians 1:19-20
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Corinthians+1.19-20&t= NKJv).

*The expression "bring to nothing" means to "cast aside, to frustrate,
to disannul." (It would be very interesting to see this truth in reverse
in Galatians 3:15
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Galatians+3.15&t=NKJV>).
Now, we shall attempt to see just how "God makes foolish the wisdom of
this world."*

*First, we will look at the matter of salvation. Man's worldly wisdom
tells him that surely he can gain favor in the sight of God by his own
good works. This seems to be the attitude of so many members of Adam's
fallen race. The wisdom from beneath is "earthly, sensual, devilish"
(James 3:15 http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=James+3.15& t=NKJV>).
One can hardly see how this wisdom can be depended on, as far as knowing
God is concerned. "The world by wisdom knew not God" (1 Cor. 1:21
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Cor.+1.21&t=NKJV>).
We would like to quote a verse that sums up everything we are trying to
say. "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be
wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise" (1 Cor.
3:18
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Cor.+3.18&t=NKJV>).
"The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord." With these verses
read Job 32:8
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Job+32.8&t=NKJV>
and 1 Corinthians 2:14
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Corinthians+2.14&t=NKJV>.*

*"It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching (of the thing preached)
to save them that believe" (1 Cor. 1:21
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Cor.+1.21&t=NKJV>).
It doesn't seem logical to a worldly wise man that one could be saved by
believing that "Christ died for our sins, that He was buried, and that
He rose again the third day." This doesn't seem possible to even the
so-called religious folks. Had Paul preached law works for salvation, he
would not have had to suffer the offence of the cross. See Galatians
5:11
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Galatians+5.11&t=NKJV>.
Those who preach the pure "gospel of God's grace" still have to suffer.
Such a message does not appeal to the natural man. However, those who
are willing to become fools for Christ's sake, are in a position to be
saved by His wondrous grace.*

*Man's wisdom simply cannot understand God's plan of salvation. We must
take Him at His word, by faith, believing everything God says. It is
beyond my comprehension to fathom all that is mine in Christ Jesus. I
can say with Paul "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." Words
cannot express the value of this precious gift. All that God has for the
sinner is wrapped up in this gift, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. "How
shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom. 8:32
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Rom.+8.32&t=NKJV>).
Truly, in this way, "God makes foolish the wisdom of this world."*

*Next, "God makes foolish the wisdom of this world" by giving His
inspired Word in such a manner that it cannot be understood apart from
the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. If I, through worldly wisdom,
could gain a definite understanding of God's holy Word, I would be
forced to declare it the product of mortal man. "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." (1 Cor. 2:13
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Cor.+2.13&t=NKJV>).
It is fine to be helped by God appointed teachers; but it is impossible
to really understand what God has said without the office work of the
Spirit. Again, we ask you to read Job 32:8
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Job+32.8&t=NKJV>.*

*A casual reading of the Bible might indicate serious contradictions.
This is the belief of practically every worldly wise individual with
whom this writer has conversed. First, one must know the Lord as
personal Saviour. Then, he must apply 2 Timothy 2:15
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=2Timothy+2.15&t=NKJV>:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." When we think of these
things, we can clearly see how "God makes foolish the wisdom of this
world."*
*How God Makes Foolish the Wisdom of this World*
*PART 2 OF 2*
*By Weldon Rightmer*

*Thirdly, there is the union of two natures in the God-man. We do not
mean by this that Christ had the Adamic nature. We mean that the One who
had been "in the form of God" took the "form of man." He had a real body
of flesh; but He was "God manifest in the flesh." Read carefully 1
Timothy 3:16
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Timothy+3.16&t=NKJV>.
This certainly is a "great mystery." Worldly wise men do not believe
that Jesus of Nazareth was actually "God manifest in the flesh."
Christians make no claim of understanding this great truth. "God made
foolish our worldly wisdom." Now, in simple faith, we believe in the
eternal deity of our blessed Lord.*

*There is also the union of three in one in the Holy Trinity. This is a
declared fact in the Bible; but it is not an explained fact. The
following references will prove that this is a teaching in the sacred
Scriptures. Many more could be added to the list. Please read Genesis
1:26
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Genesis+1.26&t=NKJV>;
Isaiah 6:8
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Isaiah+6.8&t=NKJV>;
Matthew 3:13-17
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Matthew+3.13-17&t=NKJV>;
John 14:16-17
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=John+14.16-17&t=NKJV>;
Colossians 1:1-8
<http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Colossians+1.1-8&t=NKJV>;
and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Thessalonians+1.1-6&t=NKJV>.
Natural man is frustrated completely when he tries to fathom this teaching.*

*Fourthly, "God makes foolish the wisdom of this world" by declaring in
His Word, His sovereignty and man's responsibility. We will probably
never be able to thoroughly reconcile these two things this side of
glory. I firmly believe that the Bible teaches both. Man's
responsibility comes under the sovereignty of God. "O the depths of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his
judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom. 11:33
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Rom.+11.33&t=NKJV>).
Compare with this, Deuteronomy 29:29
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Deuteronomy+29.29&t=NKJV>.
I do not understand all of God's ways, but I know that "He doeth all
things well."*

*That God is all sovereign is evidenced by the following Scriptures.
Note, Isaiah 46:9-10
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Isaiah+46.9-10&t=NKJV>
and Ephesians 1:11
<http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Ephesians+1.11&t=NKJV>.
We can be thankful that our Father is sovereign in all things. It is
also taught in the Word that man is self-willed, and is at enmity
against God. Read Romans 8:7
<http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Romans+8.7&t=NKJV>,
Colossians 1:21
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Colossians+1.21&t=NKJV>,
Titus 1:7
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Titus+1.7&t=NKJV>,
and 2 Peter 2:10
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=2Peter+2.10&t=NKJV>.
Man is also held responsible for accepting or rejecting Christ. See John
3:16-18
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=John+3.16-18&t=NKJV>.
Much more could be given on this subject, but that is not the purpose of
this article.*

*Finally, "God makes foolish the wisdom of this world" by giving us the
truth concerning "the Body of Christ," the church He is now building.
Read prayerfully Ephesians 1:22-23
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Ephesians+1.22-23&t= NKJV>,
2:14-22
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Ephesians+2.14-22&t=NKJV>,
3:1-9
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Ephesians+3.1-9&t=NKJV>,
and Colossians 1:24-26
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Colossians+1.24-26&t=NKJV>.
God's church for today is a spiritual organism. The church is a body of
Holy Spirit baptized believers. See 1 Corinthians 12:13
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Corinthians+12.13&t=NKJV>
and Ephesians 4:5
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Ephesians+4.5&t=NKJV>.
This is the baptism that makes all believers of the present dispensation
one in Christ (Gal. 3:26-28
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Gal.+3.26-28&t=NKJV>).
It is performed by the operation of God (Col. 2:12
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Col.+2.12&t=NKJV>).
This same body is composed of those who have been circumcised with the
"circumcision made without hands."*

*Worldly wise men want something that can be seen. It is hard for them
to believe that one could have been circumcised and baptized without
having had it accomplished by natural man. It is also difficult for them
to see that God's house is actually the "Body of Christ." When worldly
wisdom comes to naught, these truths can easily be grasped. It is often
hard to give up what one has always been taught. So many are steeped in
tradition. Who, this day, is willing to become a fool for Christ's sake?

GUARDED AND GUIDED
By Miles Stanford

"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

How difficult it is for the hungry heart to adjust to the Father's pace.
He is so deliberate and thorough, while our need is so pressing and
paramount. Apart from never being behind time, our Father is an eternity
ahead of time! We have but to see in the Word what He has accomplished
on our behalf in the Lord Jesus, and then quietly rely upon Him,
"according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that
pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).

"God will perfect that which concerneth His own; and even where there
are mistakes and failures, as alas! there are in abundance with all of
us, the Lord's rich grace abounds over all, and actually takes occasion
from our very mistakes to shine out all the more brightly---- though,
assuredly, the mistakes and failures must produce their own painful and
humiliating results.

"It is the remembrance of this which alone can give calm repose in the
midst of the most discouraging circumstances. If we take the eye of
faith off God, our souls must soon be overwhelmed. It is our privilege
to be able, in our little measure, to thank God in view of everything,
and take refuge in His eternal counsels, which must be made good despite
all the unbelief of man, and all the malice of Satan." -C.H.M.

"May God give us to increasingly know Him! If we had only to learn what
we are, we should surely be cast down, and sink into despondency; but
His object in giving us a knowledge of ourselves and of His grace, is to
give us an expected end."

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Ps.
23:6).

*~POWER TO OVERCOME~*
*by C. R. Stam *

Every true Christian knows by experience that the Holy Spirit does not,
upon saving us, take possession of us and thenceforth supernaturally
cause us to live lives pleasing to God. Rather, as with salvation, so
with the Christian life, He operates in the believer "by grace through
faith".

Powerful assistance to overcome sin is freely provided by grace, but
this help must be appropriated by faith in each individual case. There
is no blanket provision for continuous victory throughout our whole
life. We must look to Him in faith for the help we need in each separate
battle.

Thus the Scripture teaching with regard to victory over sin is not that
it is not possible for the believer to sin, but rather that in any given
case it is possible for him not to sin. Thus too, the question in times
of temptation is generally whether we truly desire to overcome, for
deliverance is freely provided by grace if we will but appropriate it by
faith.

But just how is deliverance provided? The answer is: BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.
No longer need the believer remain enslaved to sin; for the Holy Spirit
within, who imparted spiritual life to begin with, will also impart
strength to overcome temptation. When tried and unable even to pray as
we ought, "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities" and "maketh
intercession for us" (Rom. 8:26). When weak and ill, we may be
"strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph.3:16).
Indeed, the Spirit even strengthens God's people physically to overcome
sin, for we read:

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in
you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken
[strengthen] your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you"
(Rom. 8:11).

And the following verse goes on to say:

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after
the flesh" (Rom.8:12). The thought is that, since believers have the
Holy Spirit to help them overcome sin, they are debtors --- and not to
the flesh, but to God, to live pleasing to Him.

CHILDREN, GROW UP!*
*By Pastor Ivan Burgener*

*
"That: We may be no longer 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 unto Him in all things, Who is the Head, even
Christ: from Whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplies..." (Ephesians 4:14.16.)

There is both a risk and a tendency for those young in the faith, here
called children (really babies), to come short of the spiritual growth
God intends. To accomplish this growth the glorified Lord has given
gifts "for the perfecting of the saints to the work of the ministry and
the building up of the body of Christ." These provisions are "until we
all come in the unity of the faith...the full knowledge of the Son of
God, unto a perfect (mature) man...." This is the goal for every member
of the body of Christ and for the body as a whole.

The Corinthians had not grown, for Paul had to write, "I...could not
speak to you as to spiritual (people), but as to carnal, even as to
babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with solid food, for
until now you were not able, neither now are you able" (1 Cor. 3:1-2).
Of the Hebrew believers we read "when...you ought to be teachers, you
have need that one teach you again...the first principles of the oracles
of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of solid food,
for everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness:
for he is a babe" (Heb. 5:12-13). In all cases, God has made abundant
provision for spiritual growth, but neglect seems to get the upper hand!

How shall such growth be accomplished? By "speaking the truth in
love...." Here Paul coined a new word, one we do not have in English. He
said simply, "truthing in love," that is, by living every act, motion,
and motive in love according to and in clear expression of the truth.
Elsewhere he wrote, "having renounced the hidden things of dishonesty,
not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but
by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's
conscience in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 4:2). That's it!

Be Not Ignorant*
*By Charles Wages*
*

The apostle Paul uses the expression "I would not have you ignorant" six
times in addressing four cities---Rome, Corinth, Colosse, and Thessalonica.

The word "ignorant" simply means "without knowledge" and doesn't
necessarily mean that a person is unlearned or retarded in normal
knowledge. It does mean, though, that we all stand in need of
instruction from God's word, and it is not God's will for us to be
without knowledge.

In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul states, "For we would not, brethren, have you
ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed
out of measure above strength insomuch that we despaired even of life."
In reading and studying 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, we find that death and
resurrection stand out clearly. We are told that we have "the sentence
of death in ourselves" that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God
who raiseth the dead.

This "sentence of death" was the direct result of sin. Romans 5:12
states: "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death
by sin; so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."
Certainly, we should know that this sentence of judgment is beyond our
control, therefore we should "not trust in ourselves" to save our own
selves or to keep ourselves saved.

God would have everyone know that He has delivered His creation from the
"sentence of death" through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He lets us
know that there is a continuous deliverance from this death. In 2
Corinthians 1:10, we are instructed that deliverance is threefold: past,
present, and future. It is stated that "God delivered us from so great a
death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver."

It would be wonderful if everyone was fully aware of the fact that they
are sinners by nature and that they are "dead" in trespasses and sins,
but that through Christ's death on the cross of Calvary they could be
delivered from this death into a newness of life.

We must continue to give forth God's Word that men will "not be
ignorant" of their lost condition and then inform them how they may be
saved.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, the apostle introduces the great truth about
the Lord's coming for His Church, by saying, "But I would not have you
to be ignorant, brethren."

Again the fact of death and resurrection stands out clearly. This great
theme is given that we should "sorrow not as others who have no hope"
and that we should "comfort one another with these words."

The majority of people in the world, even the religious world, are
ignorant of our Lord's appearing to gather His own unto Himself. No
wonder there is so much sorrow---no wonder there is so little comfort.
If people would only know and believe that "the Lord himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and
with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we
which are alive and remain shall be caught up together to meet the Lord
in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

The widespread ignorance of believing people concerning the "blessed
hope" of the Church is causing despair and a sense of "giving up." Many
of God's saints are "without knowledge" when it comes to His plans for
His Church and for their individual lives. I am sure we are all ignorant
of many things, but God is willing to reveal the wonders of His Word to
us as we are willing to yield to Him and learn.


Dear God of faithfulness, how delightful to realize that my persistence
of faith in You hinges on Your faithfulness toward me. I see that I can
continue to depend upon You, because you are fully faithful to me. What
expectation this gives me as I consider Your great promises! You will be
faithful to fulfill every one of them, as I place my trust in You!

ENCOURAGEMENT TO A WEARY SOLDIER*
* by C. R. Stam*
During his ministry at Corinth, the strain of battle began telling on
the Apostle Paul. He found himself haunted by fear and depression. Later
he wrote of it.

"I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" (I Cor.
2:3).

It must not be supposed that fearlessness was characteristic of a nature
so sensitive as Paul's. On the contrary, he was often afraid. His, by
the grace of God, was rather the courage that went on braving dangers in
spite of his fears.

After having left the synagogue at Corinth, the strain of meeting, week
after week, right next door, with all the embarrassing situations
inevitably involved, may well have caused some of his followers, and
possible himself, to question the wisdom and propriety of the step he
had taken, adding to his mental depression (though this step, moving
into the home of Justus, next door, was most appropriate under the
circumstances) . But the Lord was to endorse the act again in an
unmistakable way.

It would appear from several passages in the Second Epistle to the
Thessalonians (especially II Thessalonians 3:1,2), that this letter was
written while Paul was becoming apprehensive about the work at Corinth
and that it was after this that the Lord appeared to him in a vision to
encourage him.

Let the reader try to place himself in Paul's position while reading
Verses 9,10 of Acts 18 so as to appreciate its force more fully:

"Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, BE NOT
AFRAID,--BUT SPEAK,--AND HOLD NOT THY PEACE:--FOR I AM WITH THEE,--AND
NO MAN SHALL SET ON THEE TO HURT THEE;--FOR I HAVE MUCH PEOPLE IN THIS
CITY."

Ah, tomorrow he could begin the work anew, assured in advance of the
outcome! Whether he "continued" in Corinth (Verse 11) a year and six
months longer or all together is perhaps impossible to ascertain, but we
know that his ministry there was exceedingly fruitful.

"NOT ASHAMED"*
* by C.R. Stam *
* *
The Apostle Paul uses three wonderful phrases in Romans One: "I am
debtor" (Ver.14), "I am ready" (Ver.15), and "I am not ashamed" (Ver.16).

As God's appointed Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul declared: "I am debtor
both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the
unwise".

The gospel now was no longer to be confined to Israel, but was to go to
all nations, and Paul felt himself a debtor to proclaim it, first
because God had appointed him to do so, and second, because he held in
his hands that which would save the lost. He was morally obligated --
and so are Christians today.

Notice: the Apostle did not say, "I am debtor, but" and then begin to
give a thousand excuses, as so many Christians do. He said: "I am
debtor...SO. .." and his fidelity to his call is seen as he adds: "So, as
much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel" (Rom.1:15).

Oh, that the millions of Christians today would join Paul and say: "I AM
READY to preach the gospel with all that is in me".

But in Verse 16, the Apostle explains why he was ready to put his all
into proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; unto the Jew first and
also to the Greek [Gentile or Nations]" (Rom.1:16).

Many thousands of Jews had already come to trust Christ as Saviour, but
the good news of Christ's finished work of redemption was -- and is --
"the power of God unto salvation to EVERY ONE that believeth".

Surely there is no other way. None of the pagan religions can give the
assurance of salvation. They all represent efforts to find or earn
salvation. Only the gospel, the good news of our Lord's payment for sin
can give us the knowledge, the assurance and the joy of salvation from
sin.
*The Family of God*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9GotkK2MJA

A Most Delightful Walk*
*Part 7 of 7*
*by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)*
*

Our message today concerns divine attainment by our being 'seated with
Christ.' This is a continued message from last week's bulletin. The
message of last week told us that there were two great blessings by this
relationship with our Savior. They were the positional and the practical
or our everyday experience as a result of the position in Christ. There
are two distinct practicalities.

First, because of being seated with Christ we have the blessed assurance
that all things pertaining to our life here on earth must work together
for good. Romans 8:28 TELLS US: 'And we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose.' This is a wonderful verse but it is not too
often really understood. It is so easy for both the believer and the
unbeliever to refer to this verse when troubles come. This the believer
has a right to do; the unsaved does not have this right. This verse
definitely states 'to them that love God....who are the called according
to His purpose.' However, the Christian has no right to attach
boundaries of time to this verse. If a Christian thinks all things are
for good for his life, he is certainly mistaken. A precious family left
motherless because of death's cold tentacles certainly is for no good if
we think only of this life. This verse has no time limit. If you will
carefully notice, verse 29 reads us into eternity. 'For whom He did
foreknow, He also did predestinate. ...' 'All things' for the child of
God are for good if we include eternity, or life beyond his earthly
calling. Life does not end with the cessation of earth's activities.
Thank God for that. Thus, what a real blessing for every child of God to
know that our Heavenly Father permits life's experiences for some
purpose beyond the grave.

May I ask you to consider something else as related to the 'all things'
of Romans 8:28? Open your Bible and look at the 'all things' of verse
32. Could it be that the 'all things' referred to are those given us by
the Holy Spirit in verses 29 and 30? God foreknew, that is, on the basis
of His decrees; not that He foreknew we would have innate within us the
moral fiber to accept Christ. Oh, no! But because of His decrees He
foreknew. Thus He predestinated, called, justified and glorified us.
Again I ask, could these be the 'all things' of Romans 8:28? They are
indeed wonderful. The little things along life's way could be the means
to accomplish His desired end of glorification. How grand then to rest
each case with God knowing indeed that these so-called happenings are
ordained of God and for the believer's good. There is real rest in
accepting this. We may have to wait to realize the answers but by a walk
of faith we rest in God knowing that some day we shall realize.

In the second place, there is the real and practical blessing in being
seated with Christ in that the fear of death is removed. Hebrews 2:14,15
says; 'Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood,
he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And
deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject
to bondage.' It does not say death is removed. It is not Scriptural to
say there is no death to a believer. That is erroneous. 1 Cor. 15:26
says, 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.' Death is still
stalking the land. As a pastor I hear the death groans every week. The
Word of God does teach, however, that 'the fear' of death may be
removed. We may, because of our position and association with Christ, be
delivered from the fear of death. God gives grace for even this
translation from earth's sphere to Heaven's glory. The hymn writer wrote
'He giveth grace' and 'He giveth and giveth again.' For our bodies to
experience the 'sting' gives triumphant glory to the spirit knowing that
we are seated with Him in the glories.

It is glorious to be a Christian and to walk in the blessing of the
finished work of Christ. Thank God nothing remains to be done to
complete our eternal redemption. 'Ye are complete in Him,' 'raised with
Christ' 'ascended with Christ' and 'seated with Christ.' Glory in these
facts, dear child of God. Walk about always magnifying the Magnificent
One because of His good works!

Amen and love,
Pastor Lloyd Peterson

*GOD CONSIDERS US OF UNIQUE WORTH AND VALUE,*
*SEES US "IN CHRIST," *
*"ACCEPTED IN THE ONE ALWAYS BELOVED,"*
* WITH ALL THE ACCEPTABLENESS OF CHRIST HIMSELF, *
* WITHOUT BLEMISH AND WITHOUT SPOT. *
*-------Keith McDonald*

*A Most Delightful Walk*
*Part 6 of 7*
*by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)*
*
A few weeks ago we started this series on the text Ephesians 2:10. Three
distinct divisions were given for study based on verses 5 and 6 of this
chapter. They were, and are, as follows:

1. Quickened with Christ.
2. Raised with Christ.
3. Seated with Christ

This and next week's bulletin will concern the third and last division.
Our being seated with Christ in the glories means divine attainment. Dr.
A.H. Strong, the Baptist theologian has well said: 'In the person of the
ascended Christ, glorified humanity has attained the throne of the
universe.'

The divine attainment is twofold: that which is positional and that
which is practical. Our message today will concern the positional. The
Greek word chosen by the Holy Spirit to picture our glorified position
is sugkathizo. It means 'to cause to sit with' or 'seated in company
with.' It pictures our being in the same position and on the same level
with the one with whom we are seated. It may be illustrated in this way:
a child totally foreign to a certain family may be adopted into that
family. If the child is legally adopted into this family by due process
of court or legal action, that child has equal rights with any child
that may have been or might be born into that family. They are in this
sense seated together. A true believer in the finished work of Christ,
regardless of his or her spiritual maturity, is 'accepted in the
Beloved' and seated with Him. The poet's word is right in saying;

Near, nearer I cannot be,
For in the person of His Son I am as near as He.
Dear, dearer I cannot be,
For in the person of His Son,
I am as dear as He.

Our being seated with the glorified Savior likewise means that there
will be no more judgment for sin as far as the believer is concerned.
'Seated with Christ' implies a finished transaction. For this age of
Grace, and in relationship to the believer, the Savior is seated. All
work is finished. There is no judgment to come. This is not so of Israel
as a nation; judgment is coming to them. Is it not interesting to note
that when Stephen (God's last witness to Israel in offering to them
their Messiah) was dying, he saw the Son of man standing on the right
hand of God? He is standing as a judge, for here they (Israel) committed
the so-called 'unpardonable sin.' They must now await the tribulation
judgment. It is also interesting to note position; Scripture so declares
in Isaiah 3:13. 'The Lord standeth.... to judge the people.' Note that
when God judges Israel in tribulation He pictures the Savior in this
position.

Revelation 5:6 says, 'And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne
and the four beasts and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb and it
had been slain.' The preceding verse calls Him the 'Lion of the tribe of
Judah' for He is about to come in judgment of Israel and usher in the
tribulation period. To the church this is not true. He is seated, for
Hebrews declares; 'When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on
the right hand of the majesty on high.' Hebrews 1:3.

To you then that are saved, judgment is forever past. 'There is
therefore no judgment to those in Christ Jesus.' Romans 8:1. I am well
acquainted with the Scripture that speaks of 'the judgment seat of
Christ.' This, however, has nothing to do with sin and thank God for that.

To you who are not saved, it means that Christ has died for your sins.
You cannot come with your good works for salvation. One payment has been
made. It is all finished. If you are unsaved and are reading this
message, you should accept the finished work and rejoice for your
position in Christ. If you are already a Christian, you should 'rest' in
this finished work and rejoice forevermore that you are 'seated with
Christ' and 'complete' in Him

O Lord, my Redeemer, thank You for using Your law as a tutor to lead me
to Jesus Christ. Your law was so correct regarding my desperate need of
a Savior. Now I rejoice that I am no longer under that tutor. What a
delight to relate to You by faith and not by performance. What a
precious blessing to humbly hope in the Lord Jesus for righteousness and
love and growth. How wonderful to look to a gracious, loving Person, the
Lord Jesus, instead of to a perfect unyielding standard, the law. Lord
Jesus, please complete in me the good work of Your grace that began when
I first believed in You. In Your name, and for Your glory, I pray, Amen.

*A Most Delightful Walk*
*Part 5 of 7*
*by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)*

Some years ago it was my privilege to win a family to the acceptance of
Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. I was privileged to fellowship
with them in many other delightful experiences, among which was the
adopting of a little girl. This girl must have been about four years of
age when she was taken from the orphanage to live in a new home and in
family life. She had been in the orphanage long enough so that when
brought into this new life where she was given more intimate and
personal attention she cherished it much more than the average child
could possible appreciate. Shortly after her adoption she became ill and
was taken to the hospital and placed in the children's ward. A day or
two after being taken to this hospital her parents called me asking me
to visit the child. They explained that physically she was greatly
improved but something was wrong with her spirit and attitude. They
asked, 'Would you please try to find out what might be wrong?' Visiting
the little girl I called her attention to some children playing out in
the yard of a nearby school. I said something like this, 'Look at all
the girls and boys and see what fun they are having.' The little child
had not spoken to this point but now responded, 'I don't want to look
that way,' and then she started to weep. This was the answer as to why
her attitude was strange. She was being brought back to institutional
life and she didn't want that, having found parental love. Shortly she
was released from the hospital and restored to her new-found home.
Needless to say, her former spirit was restored. This illustrates our
life as Christians. Having found and experienced the love of God we do
not desire the old life. The spirit of adoption and family relationship
has gripped our hearts 'whereby we cry, Abba Father.' The old life and
its habitat frightens us and we say, 'I don't want to look that way.'

This is divine enablement freeing us from a life of disobedience. Thank
God for it; for if it were not so we would live in the old haunts and
'among the tombs' of a completely defeated life. Therefore, 'He that
raised Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by
His Spirit that dwelleth in you.'

The past few weeks our messages have concerned divine enablement to live
free from the spirit of judgment and divine enablement to be free from a
life of disobedience. Today our message concerns divine enablement to be
free from selfishness. The basic text for this facet of study is Romans
8:26: 'Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for we know not
what we should pray for as we ought; but the spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.' This verse
is not teaching about prayer life in general, as is commonly supposed.
Scripture is of no private interpretation. It must be taught in its
relationship to the subject matter of the context. The context in this
portion reveals that the subject matter concerns physical suffering.
Verses 23-25, 28 and 34-38 make this clear. Hear just a phrase or two of
these verses: 'Even we ourselves groan within ourselves'; 'Who shall
separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? ; 'We are
accounted as sheep for the slaughter'; etc. Thus Romans 8:26 is saying
the Holy Spirit 'lays hold together' (helpeth) with us relative to the
matter of physical sufferings. The Holy Spirit thus helps our
infirmities so that instead of groanings and sighings there will be
praise and glory. 2 Corinthians 12 gives us a very clear picture of
this. It is a testimony of Paul's experience. It is a testimony of the
divine enablement given him to praise God in the present circumstance
evidently ordained by God. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 'Most gladly therefore
will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest
upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when
I am weak, then am I strong.

This ill-taught philosophy that 'it is not God's will that we are sick,
etc.' if true places an awful indictment upon the Apostle Paul. He
declared it was God's will that he suffer, for in his infirmities the
Holy Spirit gave him victory so that he could say, 'Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, ' 'If I must needs glory, I will glory of the
things which concern mine infirmities. '

This is rather strange language in comparison to the voices of the
modern healing racket. Some of the sweetest and most powerful Christian
testimonies that have witnessed the Grace of God have come from the
vessels of clay, chosen by God to bear the thorns in the flesh. It is
the sustaining Grace of God that tells the greatest story. No little
wonder then the afflicted Apostle could write to the Corinthians and
tell them of the purpose for suffering. Listen to his message in 2
Corinthians 1:3-5:

'Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any
trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For
as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.'

May God thus help us all to appropriate to ourselves the divine
enablement offered in Romans 8:26. It is ours because of the Savior's
good work in resurrecting from among the dead to import to us His
resurrected life so that we may live 'unto the praise of His glory.'

*The Light of God Surrounds Me*
*The Love of God Enfolds Me*
*The Power of God Protects Me*
*The Presence of God Watches Over Me*
*Wherever I am God Is and Truly All is Well and Good*
*Totally Awesome!!!*

A Most Delightful Walk*
*Part 3 of 7*
*by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)*

*
If you have been reading the previous bulletins you have learned that
the good works spoken of in Ephesians 2:10 are Christ's. They were
before ordained. In these good works we should 'walk'. This week we
shall deal with His resurrection, verse 5, 'quickened us together'.

At first this verse may seem to teach otherwise, but careful examination
will show that the Holy Spirit is speaking of our Blessed Lord's
resurrection, and because of this resurrection and our having been
'quickened' with Him, we are divinely enabled to rise above the stigma
of any accusation that might wish to bring us before the court of God.
We are divinely enabled in three distinct areas of our everyday living.
They are:

1.Divine enablement to live free from the spirit of judgment.

2. Divine enablement to be free from a life of disobedience.

3. Divine enablement freeing us from a life of selfishness

These are three areas in natural living where all of us have trouble. We
should be interested, therefore, in the message of Holy Writ. This and
the two succeeding bulletins will present God's message relative to the
subject. Thus, we here present the Word of God's quickening power or
divine enablement relative to freedom from any spirit of judgment. What
do we mean by this spirit of judgment? We mean the accusing voice of the
law; the lightning, thunder and earthquaking of Mt. Sinai.

The Christian should only be concerned as to his or her standing before
God. If our standing before God is right, it will likewise be right
before the courts of earth. Evidently the Romans criticized Paul. His
answer to them was 'Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died,
yea rather, that is risen again.' Romans 8:34. You see, my friend, the
law had an accusing finger. It called for absolute holiness. Man could
not meet its demands. Paul tells us in Galatians 4:28 that the law in
its demands was much like Ishmael in his relationship to Isaac. He
persecuted Isaac. There was only one solution - that was to cast out the
bondwoman and her son Ishmael that there might be tranquillity and peace
in the home of Abraham.

Our heart is like Abraham's home. It cannot at the same time harbor the
law and salvation by grace and have rest. Paul, the apostle, tried this
as a new convert. He thought receiving Christ as Savior, plus being
obedient to the law, would produce tranquillity in his disturbed soul.
This was his experience in Arabia. Thus he wrote the masterpiece, Romans
7, picturing the life of law and grace, both seeking to be operative
within the human breast at the same time. What was his testimony of this
kind of life? Romans 7:24 tells us, 'O wretched man that I am! Who shall
deliver me from the body of this death?' The next verse gives the
answer. 'Through Jesus Christ our Lord.' who gives divine enablement to
live free from any law of condemnation. The first verses of Romans 8
make this so clear. Two most important statements are made. First,
'there is NO judgment to those in Christ Jesus.' But the justified
sinner says 'I still hear the demands of the Law- 'thou shalt not!' and
I still do fail its perfect demands even though I'm justified.' Then
comes that glorious message from God in verse two of Romans, the 8th
chapter, and this is the second important statement: 'The law of the
spirit of life has made me free.' Made free from what? Sin's hold on my
life? No, but free from the accusing voice of the law. Only the risen
life of he Savior operative within us can thus make us free.

*IF WE WOULD SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US, *
*IN ALL THE PERFECTIONS OF THE BELOVED IN WHOM *
*WE HAVE BEEN ENGRACED SO FULLY AND IN WHOM WE ARE LOVED SODEEPLY, WE
WOULD BE REFLECTING MORE OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN MADE TO BE IN CHRIST.*

A Most Delightful Walk*
*Part 4 of 7*
*by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)*
There comes this glorious message from God in Romans 8:2: 'The law of
the spirit of life has made me free.' Only the risen life of the Savior
operative within us can make us free. No wonder the poet wrote the
following verse:

'Let us love, and sing and wonder;
Let us praise the Savior's name.
He has hushed the law's loud thunder
He has quenched Mt. Sinai's flame;
He has bought us with His blood
He has brought us nigh to God.'

Wonderful story that of the maniac of Gadara. Jesus had healed the poor
devil-possessed being and he was now a respectable and accepted citizen
of Gadara's populace, but there was the accusing voice directed at the
Life that made him free. The residents of Gadara requested the Blessed
Savior to depart out of their coasts. He was obedient to their cries. He
went to the ship to depart and the divine record says, 'When He was come
into the ship, he that had been possessed of the devil prayed Him that
he might be with Him.' The new life in the restored maniac quelled so
much the cry of Gadara's residents that he but wanted one thing to be
with the Savior. This is divine enablement, my friend, freeing us from
the loud cry of the law's judgment. Instead of the cry 'O wretched man
that I am' comes the sweet consoling voice of the spirit of adoption
saying, ' Abba Father.'

For this good work of the risen Savior we rejoice and rise to serve Him
in 'faith which worketh by love.' Galatians 5:6.

If you would receive the full meaning of the following, you must have
read the previous part of this article.

Having been 'quickened' with Christ, i.e., resurrected with Him (Eph.
2:5), we have first divine enablement to live free from the spirit of
judgment, that is, free from the condemning voice of the law. Secondly,
we have divine enablement to be free from a life of disobedience. Romans
8:11 declares: 'But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the
dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also
quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.'

This is not a text to be used at a funeral. Paul is not speaking of our
dead bodies but our living bodies being quickened (Quicken your mortal
bodies). The subject of Romans 8 is that of the ministry of the Holy
Spirit in our lives while we are living. He is saying that being saved
you have the Holy Spirit. Verse 9. 'Now if any man have not the spirit
of Christ he is none of His.' Having the Holy Spirit as a believer
enables the believer to live a life of victory and obedience. It is most
natural to be disobedient. It is super- natural (above our nature) to be
obedient. From Adam we have received a fallen nature. This nature is
contrary to God's nature. Romans 7:15 says, 'For that which I do I allow
not; for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.' Again
in Romans 7:18, "For I know that in me (that is in my flesh,) dwelleth
no good thing.'

Children do not need teaching to do wrong; this comes naturally. They
need life and guidance to do right; this comes supernaturally. May I ask
you, which is easier, to tithe or not to tithe? To pray or not to pray?
To have a daily quiet time with God or not to have a daily quiet time?
To trust or doubt? To be actively engaged in God's work or not to be so
engaged? It may be thus illustrated: a young convert attending school
sat one Wednesday evening thinking about what he should do for the
evening. He had one of several things to do. One was study, another was
see his sweetheart, the third was prayer meeting. He was torn between
the alternatives. What should he do? He had trouble making a decision.
Finally he said , I'll flip a coin; if it is heads I'll study; if its
tails I'll visit my girl friend; if it stands on edge I'll go to prayer
meeting.' This some what depicts our fallen nature. It is natural to be
disobedient. We must, therefore, have the supernatural to live above
that which displeases God. It is His risen life that thus enables us.
The law could not do this. In fact, no law given could do this except
the law of life. Galatians 3:21 says, 'If there had been a law given
which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by
the law.'

A Most Delightful Walk*
*Part 2 of 7*
*by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)*

*
Rotherham's translation of Ephesians 2:10 is; 'in fact we are his
workmanship created in Christ Jesus upon a footing of good works, which
God prepared beforehand, that therein we might walk.' The footing of
good works is given in some of the preceding verses, namely, 5 and 6.
Here we are told we are 'quickened with Christ', 'raised with Christ,'
and 'seated with Christ.' For the matter of convenience we shall deal
with these in this and subsequent bulletins in this order: 1. Raised
with Christ. 2. Quickened with Christ. 3. Seated with Christ.

This message then shall deal with the subject of our being 'raised' with
Christ. This does not mean the resurrection as at first it might seem.
Being raised with Christ means the ascension. 'Quicken' in verse 5
speaks of His resurrection. What does it mean then to have ascended with
Christ? It means that we in Him have divine access into the presence of
God. Hebrews 4:14-16 gives us a picture of this access to God: 'Seeing
then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not
an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our
infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without
sin. Let us therefore come boldly into the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.'

This is a most blessed walk in which the Christian should rejoice. As I
carefully read these verses and meditate upon them I find two
outstanding blessings. One is 'an invitation to come boldly into the
presence of God.' Heb. 4:16. To better evaluate and appreciate this
invitation, the Christian should know something of the demands that God
made upon the high priest of the Old Testament both to qualify him for
that God-given call and to minister in the call. Not everyone could come
into the inner sanctuary at anytime and as they were. Please read
Leviticus 21:16-21 to get a picture of God's requisites of a man for the
office. Exodus 28:2-43 tells a little about the high priest's attire for
service. He could not come just as he happened, or as it please him to
come, but as the Scripture says 'after the pattern.' Not only so, but
the temple, the meeting place with God, must be exact. Consider the veil
of the temple; it must be as God designed. Its color alone was God's
choice. It was of blue, purple and scarlet. Exodus 26:31.

This veil pictures Christ. When He was crucified and His body rent, the
veil in the temple was also rent. See Hebrews 10:20. These colors speak
of His relationship to Heaven (Blue), to the kingly lineage (purple) and
to the human family and sacrifice (red). Liberals in their theology
would not so color the veil today. They could not, and would not, so
prepare the veil 'according to pattern.'

However, the believer today, whoever he or she may be, may be trusting
in the finished work of Christ and has the blessed invitation to come
'boldly' into God's presence. This does not mean 'without respect' or
'without reverence' but as the original language would suggest, 'with
freedom of speech.' It is a feeling of 'at home' or a oneness with our
God. He who has made this possible is our High Priest, as we are told in
Heb. 4:14, Jesus (the high priest's divinity). Thus the believer is
united with Heaven through Him and in Him and may come with joyous
liberty knowing we are righteous in Him and in His garments of
justification we are accepted and this 'without spot or wrinkle.' This
is our glorious privilege because as believers we are 'upon a footing of
good works,' not ours, but Christ's! In these good works, dear
Christian, walk and rejoice.

The second blessing that is ours as a result of our access to God as
pictured in Hebrews 4:14-16 is 'An invitation to come as we are. ' Verse
15. Here we are told that our High Priest can sympathize with us. This
He can do because 'He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without
sin,' (Or sin apart.) What does this mean? Could Jesus sympathize with
us knowing what it is to have an inherent fallen nature? He had no
fallen nature. The verse does not tell us that as Jesus he knew this
depravity. It tells the opposite. He, as Jesus, could in all points
sympathize with us 'apart from this sin' or 'sin apart.' Thus, the Greek
word 'dunamenon.' He, Jesus, was empowered or enabled to sympathize with
us. How was this? He was divine. He was God, and as God, He knew man's
fallen state. Does not Psalm 103:13-14 give us the answer: 'Like as a
father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For
He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust.' Jesus, as
Savior, felt the pangs of temptations. These temptations were tempered
to fit His person. Jesus, as the Jehovah and God, knew man's frame. Thus
this glorious Savior and High Priest can sympathize with us. Therefore
'come boldly' and 'come as we are.' 'He that is without fault cast the
first stone.' What a glorious position is ours 'in Him' and 'on the
footing of His good works.' Walk in them and rejoice in them dear child
of God. Because of this, glorify God in your good works, eternally
resting on His good works.

*A Most Delightful Walk*
*Part 1 of 7*
*by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)*
*

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10.

Sometime ago, while reading Ephesians devotionally, the words 'created
in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained' stood
out and became a challenge to my thinking. The question came to me,
'Have my good works been ordained of God?' Could this be true or is
Scripture speaking of the Savior's good works? After careful study of
the text it was learned that the word translated 'unto' is the
preposition 'upon' and when used with the dative case may thus be
translated. In other words, 'upon good works' rather than 'unto good works.'

Rotherham's translation seems to give the clearer meaning of the text:
'In fact we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus upon a footing
of good works, which God prepared beforehand, that therein we might
walk.' This translation gives us a different picture than what is
generally taught, i.e., that our good works were before ordained. Would
it not rather be that Christ's good works were before ordained? Should
we not rather 'walk' in His good works? This seems to be the message of
Ephesians, Chapter 2.

Ephesians is divided into two parts. The first three chapters, which are
doctrinal, and the last three chapters, which are practical. Here in
chapter 2, verses 1 through 3, we have our walk in unbelief; but in
verses 4 through 10, we have the Savior's good works before ordained.

What are these good works? They are His resurrection 'Quickened together
with Christ.' Verse 5; His ascension - 'Raised us up together.' Verse 6;
His being seated in mediatorial ministry -'Made us sit together.' Verse
6b. It is in these good works that we may rejoice and triumph in
Christian faith. Doing this we shall reflect His glory in our living. It
is in this that we should glory.

Think of it:

No.1 A New Life-'Quickened with Him'

No.2. A New Hope-'Raised with Him.'

No.3. A New Position-'Seated with Him.'

To this writer this spells out three major factors. We shall deal with
these in subsequent bulletins, trusting and praying that this message,
will prove a real blessing to you. They are divine access; divine
ability (enablement) and divine attainment. May I urge you as a child of
God to rejoice in your riches in the Savior. We are reckoned with Him in
death, resurrection, ascension and seating. No wonder the great apostle
cries out to the church, 'Blessed be the God and father of our Lord
Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the
heavenlies.'

*A FORM OF GODLINESS *
*By JON D. BEKEMEYER, Pastor *
*
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:5

One of the great perils of the last days is that people such as those
described in II Timothy 3 (covetous, blasphemers, false accusers,
fierce, traitors, etc.) also have a "form of godliness." It would be
good if all the enemies of the Lord would identify them-selves as such,
but instead, "they profess that they know God, but in works they deny
him" (Titus 1:16).

True godliness is heartfelt devotion toward God. It exhibits a life that
is pleasing to the Lord, because as the true believer seeks to live a
godly life, the Lord enables him to do just that. Godliness is produced
by the power of God.

A mere form of godliness is not enough. Unbelieving Israel had a form of
godliness. These religious people "followed after the law of
righteousness, " yet they did not attain it (Romans 9:31). They had at
"zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2).

So it is with those described in II Timothy 3. To them godliness has
nothing to do with the genuine working of God, it is simply a system.
They deny the power of true godliness.

Just as there are those who deny the power of true godliness, we are to
deny ungodliness. We live under grace today, and this grace enables us
to live godly lives in the midst of an evil world (Titus 2: 12).

May we be totally dissatisfied with mere outward form, and insist on
true godliness--- -the genuine working of God in our lives. He alone can
give the increase. He alone deserves the glory.

*
*THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT ... IS JOY *
*By IVAN L. BURGENER, Pastor *
*
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is
no law."

"Joy" is the second of these nine manifestations of the "fruit of the
spirit." These are to be virtues characteristic of the believer's life.
These are "fruit" of the spirit, but of what "spirit"? Perhaps your
translation seems to indicate God's "Holy Spirit" is meant because of
the capitalized "S." But many translations, including the 1611 Edition
of the King James Version, had no such capital here. And since the Greek
language offers no help by any such rules of capitalization, we are left
to the internal evidence of the text and the context to determine just
what "spirit" is meant.

Help is not far to seek if we notice that the "fruit of the spirit" is
in sharp contrast with the "works of the flesh" mentioned in verse 19
above. These sixteen listed works are just the start of a seemingly
endless list of manifestations of the flesh, that is the "old Adamic
nature." Paul cannot say of these, "against such there is no law"! The
Law of Moses clearly condemned them all in its ministry of pointing out
sin for what it really was. No wonder "the law was not made for a
righteous man .. ,"

Our text clearly contrasts the old and new natures and calls them by the
names "flesh" and "spirit" respectively. And while the law clearly
condemned the "works of the flesh, that same law had nothing to say
about the "fruit of the spirit" or the new nature in which the Galatian
believers were to "walk." Thus will joy be one of the spiritual virtues
filling our lives as we walk manifesting our new natures, being subject
to God and His Word!

*The Rightful Heir*
*Who is worthy to open the book?*
*Part 2 of 2*
*By John LaVier*
*

As the Lamb takes the book from the hand of the Throne-Sitter, the
cherubim and elders fall before Him in worship and praise. They sing
what is here called a new song, which is really the old song the
redeemed saints of God have ever loved to sing. In the words of the King
James Version these heavenly beings were singing about themselves, but
insofar as we know, these were unfallen creatures who had no need of
redemption. All other versions make their song impersonal such as the
American Revised Version: "Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open
the seals thereof; for thou wast slain, and did purchase unto God men of
every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and madest them to be
unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they shall reign upon the
earth." Even though we are not in view here, we, as members of the Body
of Christ, saved by the grace of God and redeemed by the blood of the
Lamb, will never tire of singing a like song, and we will certainly be
able to make it personal. He loved "us" and redeemed "us" by His blood
out of every people and nation.

Lamb of God! Thou now art seated
High upon Thy Father's throne;
All Thy gracious work completed,
All Thy mighty vict'ry won.
Ev'ry knee in heaven is bending
To the Lamb for sinners slain;
Ev'ry voice and harp is swelling,
Worthy is the Lamb to reign.

The singers are soon joined by the heavenly angelic host, their number,
ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, an
innumerable throng. Their theme is the same: "Worthy is the Lamb." It
would be good to note their sevenfold doxology and then to ask ourselves
some heart-searching questions. (1) The Lamb is worthy to receive power.
All power in heaven and in earth has been given to Him. He has
authority. Have we yielded our all to His control, to His authority? (2)
The Lamb is worthy to receive riches. He was rich but for our sake He
became poor so that we might be made rich. Have we given ourselves to
Him and done all we can to enrich Him? (3) The Lamb is worthy to receive
wisdom. Christ has been made unto us the wisdom of God. Have we given
Him our minds, our intellect, to be used on His behalf, and do we seek
His divine wisdom to guide us in all our affairs? (4) The Lamb is worthy
to receive strength. "Who is a strong Lord like unto thee?" Have we
given of our strength and energy to bring others to Him? Are we able to
say: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me?" (5)
The Lamb is worthy to receive honor. In heaven the Lamb is honored, but
on earth He is dishonored. Do we seek to live in such a way as to bring
honor to Him? (6) The Lamb is worthy to receive glory. To Him be glory
both now and forever. Do we endeavor in all things to give Him all the
glory? (7) The Lamb is worthy to receive blessing. "Bless the Lord, O my
soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Do we just seek
our own happiness or do we seek to bless the Lord, to make Him happy? He
is worthy!

The Lamb is here seen standing. As Head of the Church, Christ has been
seated at the Father's right hand. Now the Church age is ended, the
Church is safe home in glory and Christ's mediatorial work is done, and
He now stands to judge and to make war. The Lamb is not weak. He has
seven horns which denote His great power. In Daniel's visions there are
several references to horns and they speak of authority, governmental
authority. After His resurrection the Lord told the disciples, "All
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," and now the Lamb is
preparing to show that power. He stands, with the Title-Deed in hand and
possessing all power. None can gainsay Him as He is about to claim His
inheritance. He has incontestable right and unparalleled might.

The Lamb is also seen as Judge. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath
committed all judgment unto the Son" (John 5:22). He is seen as having
seven eyes and this speaks of His perfection of vision. He sees all,
nothing is hid from His eyes, and He knows all. In the seven horns and
seven eyes are the attributes of deity. The horns speak of omnipotence,
all power, and the eyes speak of omniscience, all knowledge. The
psalmist said, "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou
knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought
afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted
with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord,
thou knowest it altogether. ... Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high, I cannot attain unto it" (Psalm 139:1-6). Among men, right
judgment is not always rendered because all the facts may not be known.
With the Divine Judge there will be no miscarriage of justice, "For he
cometh to judge the earth; he shall judge the world with righteousness,
and the people with his truth" (Psalm 96:13). In thinking of the Judge,
all should take heed. Dealings with the Lord Jesus Christ are
inescapable; either we meet Him now and claim Him as our Saviour or we
will meet Him in that future day and then He will be our Judge.

This fifth chapter of Revelation is important and most outstanding for
several reasons. First of all, it does mark the ending of man's day and
the beginning of the Lord's Day. In fact, the book of the Revelation has
to do with that Day. This is what John referred to when he wrote: "I was
in the Spirit on the Lord's day" (1:10). He did not mean he was
meditating on the first day of the week. He meant he was projected in
spirit into that future Day of the Lord. That day begins here with the
Lord Himself rising to begin the process which will culminate in His
enthronement and with all things in subjection under His feet. He alone
is to be seen, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb for sinners slain. He
alone is worthy and is the Object of worship and praise by all. How
little we know of all this today. In our worship services there is
usually not a trace of genuine Spirit-directed worship. Man is always
most prominent, the flesh all too evident, and little or no reference to
the Lamb of God. He should be the subject of our songs, our speech, our
prayers, our thoughts.

A grand and glorious oratorio is spread before us in this chapter. It is
a veritable Hallelujah Chorus. First the cherubim and elders come on the
scene, falling before the Lamb with their harps and golden vials, and
singing "Thou art worthy." Soon they are joined by the angelic host,
thousands upon thousands, with their sevenfold ascription of praise. And
finally all creation joins in, saying, "Blessing, and honour, and glory,
and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb
for ever and ever." Our hearts are thrilled as the universe echoes and
re-echoes to this symphony of praise. The psalmist said, "Let every
thing that hath breath praise the Lord." What shall we say to all this?
We can only fall on our face in adoring worship and say, AMEN! HALLELUJAH!

*The Rightful Heir*
*Who is worthy to open the book?*
*Part 1 of 2*
*By John LaVier*
*
The title of the last book of the Bible is not "The Revelation of St.
John the Divine" as shown in the heading. The correct title is in the
very first verse. It is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." He is the
book's great theme and the dominant figure throughout, and all is
leading up to the grand and glorious consummation when He returns to
take unto Himself His great power and to reign.

Concerning that wonderful Person who is to be revealed the apostle
wrote, "In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"
(Colossians 2:3). Indeed, in Him is hidden all the fulness of the
Godhead, so it might be apropos to refer to our Lord Jesus as the hidden
Christ. In Old Testament times, as the pre-incarnate Christ, He was
hidden. There were a few times He appeared in what we call a theophany
but in the main He was hidden. When the fulness of time was come He was
hidden for nine months in the womb of the virgin, and after His birth He
was hidden in Egypt because of Herod's decree. On returning to the land
He was hidden for many years in the carpenter's home in Nazareth and we
have only one glimpse of Him, when at the age of twelve He went to
Jerusalem with His parents. At about the age of thirty He began His
public ministry and for a few brief years He went about doing the works
of the Father who sent Him. Rejected and crucified He was hidden for
three days and three nights in Joseph's tomb. After His resurrection He
was seen of them for forty days until His ascension, and now for many
centuries He has been hidden beyond the blue and discernible only to the
eye of faith. But praise His name, the day is coming when He will be
hidden no longer; there will be the revelation (Gr. apokalupsis) , the
unveiling of Jesus Christ. Then every eye shall see Him, and they also
which pierced Him. Then all creation will bow down before the unveiled
Christ in worship and wonder.

The fifth chapter of the Revelation is most important, and one should
have a good understanding of it, for it is the key to all that follows.
The word "and" at the beginning of this chapter ties it in with the
preceding. In the fourth chapter the inspired writer, the Apostle John,
has a glimpse of the throne in heaven and of the One seated on that
throne, who is the Lord God Almighty Himself. Now in 5:1 John sees a
book, or scroll, in the right hand of the Throne-Sitter. This book has
writing both within and without and is sealed with seven seals. What is
this book? It is, of course, a book of judgment, for as the seals are
broken, judgments are visited upon the earth. The day of grace has ended
and the day of judgment has begun. More importantly, however, the book
is the Title-Deed to the earth and all therein.

Our Lord, the great Creator, gave the title to this earth to Adam, but
because of his sin it was lost and now a usurper is in control. That
usurper is Satan, who is called the god of this world and the prince of
the power of the air, and we read the whole world lieth in the wicked
one. The world is now waiting for redemption to be an accomplished fact,
and to be brought back to its rightful owner. In Romans eight we read
that all creation is groaning and travailing in pain and is waiting for
redemption. And we read that even we, who have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, even we groan within ourselves, waiting for the redemption of
our bodies. The redemption price has been paid, but something more is
needed. It reminds us of Israel of old waiting to be delivered from
Egypt. The blood was on the doorposts which gave them safety in their
homes from the death angel. But now they needed power to be delivered
from their enemies and to get them out of the land of bondage. When they
had come safely through the Red Sea, with all their foes destroyed
behind them, theirs was a twofold redemption. They were redeemed by
blood, the blood of the passover lamb, and they were redeemed by power,
the mighty outstretched arm of Jehovah. The redemption price for earth
has been paid by Christ. Now this seven-sealed book gives to the one
worthy to open it the authority to manifest his power in dislodging the
usurper and claiming the purchased possession. This brings us to the
question as to who is worthy.

John had been gazing at the book and now his attention is diverted as he
sees a strong angel and hears him crying out, "Who is worthy to open the
book, and to loose the seals thereof?" There is no response, only a
great silence, for no one in heaven, earth, or hell is found worthy, and
John weeps. He doubtless knew something of the significance of that
book. If it remained sealed, redemption unaccomplished, the inheritance
unclaimed, then all the purposes of God in connection with earth and
mankind would remain unfulfilled. Little wonder that John wept. Would
that God would touch our hearts so that we also might weep over an
unredeemed world. But John's tears are soon allayed. One of the elders
tells him, "Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root
of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals
thereof." Notice the titles given to this One who alone is worthy: "The
Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "The Root of David." Certainly, these
titles are here most significant. Israel has long been set aside,
estranged from Jehovah, but now they are to be reconciled and God is to
begin again to work on their behalf, so Christ is given these titles
that speak of the renewal of His relationship to them. The reference to
the lion is also of interest. He is now about to show His kingly,
lionlike character and to manifest His power in subduing His foes and
claiming that which is rightfully His own.

At the word of the elder, John ceased weeping and turned to see this
Lion who was worthy and who had prevailed to open the book. What was his
surprise when he saw, not a Lion, but a Lamb; a Lamb that had been
slain, with the marks of sacrifice upon Him. This was the Lamb of God,
the Lamb foreordained before the foundation of the world, the Lamb
typified by every offering on every Jewish altar, the Lamb of God which
taketh away the sin of the world. As John looked, he began to understand
that the power to redeem belonged to the Person who had paid the price
to redeem. And what a price He paid; His life laid down and His precious
blood shed on the Cross of Calvary. The Hebrew epistle opens with these
words: "God ... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom
he hath appointed heir of all things." Now, as John watches, he sees the
Throne-Sitter place the book in the hands of the Lamb, for He has paid
the price. He is the appointed Heir, and He now holds the title to all.

*Once in a Lifetime*
*Part 2 of 2*
*By Charles Wages*
*

Another great "once for all time" event that God accomplishes in the
life of a believer is, we are

Baptized Once

Often times we come in contact with persons who tell of being "baptized"
several times. Also, we hear of some being "rebaptized" when joining a
different church or denomination. Also, there are several different ways
to be baptized in or with water. Even if we consider our Lord, He was
only baptized once in water. However, later He said to His disciples,

"But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened
(pressed) till it be accomplished! "
He was referring to His "baptism" on Calvary. His once for all death for
sinners!
When we consider Ephesians 4:5 which says,
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
we should ask ourselves, what is this "one baptism?" In 1 Corinthians
12:13, we are told what it is.
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews
or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit."

This is a once for all baptism by the Holy Spirit. This brings us to our
final thought. We are,

Placed in the Church Once

Again, it is common place for some people to join several churches in
their lifetime. There might be good and justifiable reasons on their
part. However, if only they could see once and for all that when they
believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, the Holy Spirit baptized
them into God's one church, the Body of Christ, what a difference it
would make in their life. Christ is the head of His church and we are
members forever.

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him
that filleth all in all." (Eph. 1:22-23

How wonderful to see that Christ died "once" for the sins of the world;
that when we, as sinners, trust His finished work at Calvary, we are
saved "once" and eternally; that the Holy Spirit baptizes us "once" into
the Church, which is His body; and we are added to that Church "once"
and forever.

Our prayer is that believers and unbelievers will read this article, not
once, but twice; especially the Scriptures given. May God richly bless
His Word.

*
*"Once for all, O sinner receive it;*
*Once for all, O brother believe it;*
*Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,*
*Christ hath redeemed us, once for all."*
*( Blessed)*

"Lord, this indestructible joy is mine. I don't need to pray for it or
plead with you to grant this joy to me. It is mine because You live in
me! I know that! So what am I to do? I am to open the gates and let that
joy flow out of me."

*Once in a Lifetime*
*Part 1 of 2*
*By Charles Wages*
*
We are told by philosophers that "history repeats itself." Is this
always true? Are there no once-in-a-lifetime occurrences? Someone has
aptly observed that if you put your foot in a flowing stream of water
that you could never accomplish the same thing in the same water again.
We often repeat the same words over and over again or tell the same
funny stories or jokes. Consider what could be said of our first parent,
Adam.

"Whatever troubles Adam had,
No one in days of yore;
Could say when he told a joke,
I've heard that one before."

Died Once

In great contrast to human history or human writings and speech, God
accomplishes great deeds only once for His planned and promised
purposes. Consider the great events and truths concerning the birth,
death, and resurrection of Christ.

"For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:
but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by
the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sin
of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time
without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:26-28)

In the passage above, the word "once" appears in each verse. In the book
of Hebrews, as a whole, the word "once" appears eleven times. This gives
great emphasis to the truths that are taught. The Lord Jesus Christ
"appeared once in the end of the world (age) to put away sin by the
sacrifice of himself" (vs. 26). It is appointed that men should die once
(vs. 27). When Christ died on Calvary it was a one time dying for the
sins of humanity (vs. 28). The Son of God will never die on the cross
again! In Romans, chapter 6 we are told,

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he
liveth unto God."
This great act of God was sufficient to save the whole world from sin.
It doesn't have to be repeated!

This brings us to our next point, that is, we only have to be Saved Once.

Saved once? Yes, we don't have to be saved over and over again. In
Romans 6:23, it is stated, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift
of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
In Colossians 2:10 we find our "completeness" in Christ.
"And ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power."
And in John 10:28, the Lord Jesus said,
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither
shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

*REPROBATE CONCERNING THE FAITH*
*By DICK WARE, Pastor *

*Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:6-9

In II Timothy chapter 3 , we see the characteristic of "the last days"
of the Dispensation of Grace, is a spiritual decadence in mankind.
Certain people are "reprobate concerning the faith," and are like Jannes
and Jambres (Pharaoh's magicians), who were counterfeiters and resistors
of the truth. The "reprobates" (disapproved) ones that are with us
today: have a form of Godliness, but deny its power; take people
captive; never lead to God's truth; resist the truth; are disapproved by
God, and will Come to a sudden end, Godly believers in the Lord Jesus
Christ are not told to work with these people, but to turn away from
them (Vr. 5).

I believe "the truth" and "the faith" in our context, is "the Body of
Truth for the Body of Christ", committed to the Apostle Paul. It's "the
Truth of the Gospel" Paul rebuked Peter, for not being consistent with
in Galatians, and what Paul also calls "my Gospel" in the same book.
It's the "ONE FAlTH" in Ephesians 4:5, which is "THE UNITY OF THE FAITH"
in 4:13. In II Tim. 3:10, it is what Paul calls "MY DOCTRINE", and he is
giving it as the answer to the confusion and division that plagues the
Body of Christ. Notice however, that vr. 10 doesn't end with Paul's
doctrine, but goes on to his "manner of life," etc.

Christians need to realize that Satan majors in religion. He has his
"false apostles", "deceitful workers", "apostles of Christ" and
"minister of righteousness" (II Corinthians 11:13-I5). These folks are
definitely "reprobate (disqualified) concerning THE FAITH". Satan is
opposing "the Body of Truth for the Body of Christ" committed to the
Apostle Paul. It's sad to say, but some believers are also found
counterfeiting and resisting this Body of Truth. Where do you stand
concerning THE FAITH?

THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD
by Russell S. Miller

*“Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father, and from our
Lord Jesus Christ(Eph.1:2).*

The above verse is the theme of all of the Epistles of St. Paul.
The words of this verse are found at the beginning of every one of
his letters. Even in Hebrews we find /grace/ to be the theme of
the Epistle.

So, which would you rather have the “grace� and peace of God, or
would you prefer to see the Lord Jesus Christ on that white
horse� of the Book of the Revelation?

*“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that
sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He
doth judge and make war(19:11-16).*

It is on account of the wickedness of men in seeking to run the
world without the Lord Jesus Christ that He judges the earth and makes war.

However, since we are living in the Day and Age of Grace, we may
enter His presence without fear of the wrath of God upon sin. This
does not mean that even the people of God have a license to sin,
far from it. It simply means that “He hath made us accepted in the
Beloved [One] (Eph.1:7). And Ephesians 3:12 states: In whom we
have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him
(Eph.3:12). He rules from the throne of grace (Heb.4:16) don't you see?
Now that we are made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph.2:13), "draw
nigh unto God, He will draw nigh unto you" (Jas.4:8). Just as our
“walk�, as Christians, is one of faith so salvation is received "by
grace through faith" in the finished work of Calvary's cross. Paul
therefore declares in his Epistle to the Corinthians with regards to
“the gospel by which ye are saved (ICor.15:1,2) :

"How that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SIN according to the Scriptures; And
that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to
the Scriptures" (ICor.15:3,4) .*

This redemption that is in Christ Jesus is ours by simple faith in Him.

"We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of His grace" (Eph.1:7)."

Therefore we can, and should, "draw nigh" unto Him, through faith
His blessed Word, the Bible. Read especially the epistles of St. Paul.
Herein is the grace and peace.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1)."

There is no peace in this world, so worth having, as "peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1).

TWO UNSUPPORTABLE ASSUMPTIONS *
*By late Pastor Win Johnson*

In his reading recently, this writer came across the following pungent
statement by one of America's foremost Bible teachers of the past
generation: "When turning thus to experience it is often recounted that
some individual has first been a Christian and then later, become
unsaved; but in every such instance, TWO UNSUPPORTABLE ASSUMPTIONS
appear. It could not be demonstrated finally that the person named was
saved in the first place, nor could it be established that he was
unsaved in the second place." We agree wholeheartedly.

Having been raised in an Arminian background, well do we recall hearing
of certain individuals who at one time were active in the Lord's work
but who had forsaken their former profession and were now unsaved. Their
experience was used to warn the rest of us of the danger of losing our
salvation. Little did we know in those days of the obvious fact that
salvation which can be earned by doing can also be lost by doing, while
salvation which is entirely God's doing, man can never undo.

Those who teach a "lose your salvation" doctrine find very few
Scriptures which even seem to support their view. Certainly, taking
Matthew 24:13 out of it's Tribulation context, cannot be made to teach
that salvation in this age depends upon our "enduring." Nor can John
15:2 which speaks of fruitless branches in the vine being "taken away,"
substantiate the teaching that salvation may be taken from those who are
not "fruitful."

On the other hand, the Word of God is crystal clear when it says: "By
grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God, NOT OF WORKS lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
*
*Don't trust to hold God's hand; let Him hold yours. *
*Let Him do the holding, and you the trusting. *
*-- Hammer William Webb-*


*Dear Lord of light, I praise You for bringing me out of darkness into
Your gracious light. Grant me grace to proclaim Your excellencies. Shine
Your light into the hearts I hope to reach. Grant them the miracle of
resting and trusting you in your high calling of us, in the Lord Jesus
we pray. Amen.*

*Perilous Times are Here*
*(Part 5) Conclusion*
*By Gregg Bing*
*

In our world today, we find more and more people turning away from the
truth. The majority of the people of the world never attend church at
all. Traffic is lighter on Sunday mornings than any other time during
the week. Of those who do attend church, most look for one that will
entertain them and make them feel good about themselves. As a result,
they never hear that they are sinners by nature and, thus, separated
from God (Eph. 2:1-3). They never hear of the wonderful love, mercy and
grace of God that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world
to die for their sins, and rise again unto eternal life. (Eph. 2:3-7).
They never hear that salvation is not obtained through any goodness in
them or any good works they do, but by God's grace, a free gift that is
received through simple faith in Christ and His finished work on the
cross of Calvary (Eph. 2:8-9). Instead of this wonderful good news, they
hear messages on current social or political issues, shallow messages
designed to boost their self-esteem, or "religious" teaching which is
contrary to God's Word.

How do we, as believers, respond to this sad trend? Paul's answer is
found in his final charge to Timothy:

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will
judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach
the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke,
exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Tim. 4:1-2)

It is the responsibility of every faithful pastor and teacher, in fact
of every faithful believer, to simply "Preach the Word!" Since Timothy
was serving as pastor in the church at Ephesus, this charge is of
particular importance to pastors. There is a great need for churches and
pastors/teachers to realize that their primary purpose is to preach and
teach God's Word that souls may be saved and that the saints may be
equipped to serve the Lord.

This charge from God to "preach the Word" is not limited to those who
stand behind a church pulpit. The word "preach" simply means to
"proclaim" or to "herald forth." This can be done by every believer;
sharing the truth of God's Word with a family member, a neighbor, a
fellow student, a co-worker, even with strangers we meet each day.

The Word of God is the only thing that has the power to change people's
lives, so this is what we must proclaim, even when it is not always easy
to do so. Paul told Timothy to "be ready in season and out of season."
There will be "in season" times when it is easy to preach the Word;
times when people are receptive to the Word and there are no negative
repercussions for doing so.

Unfortunately, these times are becoming less frequent. Most of the times
you will find to be "out of season" times when it is quite difficult to
proclaim the Word; times when people refuse to listen at all, times when
they will make fun of you, possibly even persecute you for your stand
for the truth. No matter what the circumstances, our charge remains the
same: Preach the Word! Perilous times are definitely here. The departure
from the truth of God's Word began in Paul's day. It has steadily grown
worse through the years and has brought about a spiritual decline in our
world today which can often be disheartening. But, we must not lose
heart (2 Cor. 4:1,7-16). Our God is still sovereign. He is working out
His eternal purpose through Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph. 3:11).

While others may increasingly depart from the truth, as believers we
must "hold fast" to the truth of God's Word, especially the revelation
of the mystery given by God to the Apostle Paul for this present
dispensation (2 Tim. 1:13-14). We must be careful to "rightly divide"
the Word of truth, that we may distinguish between God's purpose for the
nation Israel and His purpose for us today as members of the Church, the
Body of Christ (2 Tim. 2;15). We must "continue" in the things we have
learned, being faithful to remain under the sound of God's Word and
being obedient to His instructions (2 Tim. 3:14-17). We must be willing
to boldly "proclaim" the Word, for it is the truth of God, alone, that
has the power to touch the hearts and lives of the people around us (2
Tim. 4:2).

It is only as we remain firmly rooted and established in the truth of
God's Word, that we will be able to effectively serve the Lord in these
perilous times.

*Perilous Times are Here*
*(Part 4)*
*By Gregg Bing*
*

In part 3 we began looking at Paul's warning in 2 Timothy that, in the
last days of this present age of grace, "perilous times" will come;
times that present not only physical dangers but spiritual dangers as
well. These dangers are the result of more and more people departing
from the truth of God's Word, a trend that is evident today. We
considered the downhill slide that begins when men "stray from the
truth", continues with men "ever learning, but never being able to come
to a knowledge of the truth," and eventually reaches a point where men
"resist the truth." We conclude this study by looking at the final step
in this apostasy: the point when men will

Turn Their Ears Away from the Truth (4:4).

In the final chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul's last letter, Paul gives
Timothy (and us) a final charge. Paul knows that he is about to die as
he tells Timothy,

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of
my departure is at hand." (2 Timothy 4:6)

He also warns Timothy how far men will go in their departure from the truth.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but
according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they
will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away
from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

There will come a time when men will no longer "endure sound doctrine."
The word "endure" means to put up with or to bear with, meaning they
will refuse even to listen to sound doctrine. "Doctrine" simply means
teaching. "Sound doctrine" is that teaching which is necessary for our
spiritual health and growth. Sadly, Bible teaching has fallen out of
favor in many churches and denominations and is rarely heard in Sunday
school classrooms or from church pulpits. Why is this the case? Because
most people simply don't want to hear the teaching of God's Word.

"According to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they
will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away
from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

This distaste for the "sound teaching" of God's Word originates in the
desires of the flesh, that is our old sin nature. Those who follow the
selfish desires of their flesh develop "itching ears," meaning they want
their ears scratched or tickled with pleasing words, words that satisfy
their fleshly desires. They want to hear only what makes them feel good
about themselves.

Ahab, the king of Israel, was one of those people with "itching ears."
We read in 1 Kings 22 how Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, joined with
Ahab to fight against the Syrians. Before entering the battle,
Jehoshaphat asked Ahab to "inquire for the word of the Lord." So Ahab
gathered four hundred of his so-called "prophets" and asked them, "Shall
I go against Ramoth Gilead to fight, or shall I refrain?" Ahab's
prophets answered, "Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand
of the king." However, Jehoshaphat realized these men were not true
spokesmen for God; they were only telling Ahab what he wanted to hear;
so Jehoshaphat asked Ahab, "Is there not still a prophet of the LORD
here, that we may inquire of Him?" Ahab reluctantly answered, "There is
still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the
LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me,
but evil." (1 Kings 22:5-8).

More and more people today are like Ahab. They don't want to hear the
clear teaching of God's Word; it is offensive to them. The Word of God
does more than just teach; it also reproves (rebukes), corrects, and
instructs men regarding God's requirements for righteous living (2 Tim.
3:16). So, like Ahab, people today "heap up for themselves teachers" who
will tell them only what they want to hear. Ahab had four hundred such
false prophets. There are no shortage of churches and preachers today
who fall into this same category. Instead of preaching the truth of God,
they present shallow "feel-good" messages that will increase their
popularity. Their purpose is not to "equip the saints" to serve the Lord
(Eph. 4:11-12), but to provide another form of entertainment that will
draw the largest crowds.

The final stage of apostasy is that people will "turn their ears away
from the truth." This is their own choice, a willful decision on their
part; just as Ahab who refused to listen to Micaiah's warning from God
(1 Kings 22:26-27); just as the Jewish rulers who "stopped their ears"
and refused to listen to Stephen's admonition from God (Acts 7:57-58);
and just as all those in Asia who "turned away" from Paul (2 Tim. 1:15).
What these people don't realize is that once you turn your ears away
from the truth, you become vulnerable to any false teaching that comes
along, and you are easily "turned aside (by someone else) to fables (or
myths)" (2 Tim. 4:4).

* 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*

*Perilous Times are Here*
*(Part 3)*
*By Gregg Bing*

*

Those who initially neglect or reject the truth, will soon progress to
the point where they
Resist the Truth
(2 Tim. 3:8).

Paul used the example of Jannes and Jambres, whom most believe were two
of the court magicians who withstood Moses and Aaron when they were
brought before the Pharaoh of Egypt (Exo. 7-8). While we often focus on
the ability of these magicians to duplicate some of the signs God gave
Moses to perform (using their 'enchantments' ), Paul emphasized that they
"resisted" Moses, meaning they took a stand against God's prophet (or
spokesman). In resisting Moses, they resisted the Word of God. In the
gradual progression of men away from the truth, there comes a point when
men actively take a stand against the truth of God's Word, speaking
against it, campaigning against it, and seeking to suppress it so that
no one will hear and believe it. What would lead people to go this far?

Those who become adamant in their attacks against the truth of God's
Word are "men of corrupt minds" who are "disapproved concerning the
faith." Their minds have been corrupted by Satan, the "god of this age."
He has "blinded their minds" to the truth of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4) and
does everything in his power to keep them away from "the light of the
gospel of the glory of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:5). They are "disapproved" by
God "concerning the faith" because they have never trusted in the Lord
Jesus Christ as Savior.

Paul further describes them as "evil men and imposters (KJV 'seducers')"
who pose as religious men, some even claim to be ministers of Christ or
God, but they do so to deceive, being deceived themselves by Satan. Paul
warns that these imposters will "grow worse and worse." We see that
today in the religious world. We see denominations, churches, and
pastors that were once fundamental in their beliefs now rejecting many
basic truths of God's Word: the inspiration of the Scriptures, the
virgin birth of Christ, the deity of Jesus Christ, the creation of the
universe by God (cf. 1 Tim. 6:20), and even the blood of Christ as the
basis for our redemption.

We need to be aware of such opposition to the truth of God's Word, but
we need not despair because of it. Paul reminds us that their progress
will be limited and that one day their "folly" (foolishness) will be
manifest to all (2 Tim. 3:9).

Meanwhile, what must believers do to counteract those who resist the
truth? Paul instructed Timothy to "continue (abide, remain under) in the
things you have learned and been assured (convinced) of, knowing from
whom you have learned them" (2 Tim. 3:15). Timothy had learned from Paul
who served as an example, not only to Timothy but to us as well. Timothy
knew firsthand Paul's teaching, godly walk, faithful service, and
patient suffering for the cause of Christ (2 Tim. 3:10-11).

Timothy had learned from his godly mother and grandmother who taught him
the Scriptures from the time he was a young child (2 Tim. 3:15). These
Scriptures were not only able to make him "wise for salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus," they were also "profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"
that he might be "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2
Tim. 3:16-17).

Throughout history people have withstood and attacked the truth of God's
Word. King Jehoiakim went so far as to throw one of the scrolls of the
prophet Jeremiah in the fire (Jer. 36:23), but God simply had Jeremiah
record His words again. As we go further in these "last days" of the age
of grace, these attacks will continue, thus Paul directed Timothy to:

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in
faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was
committed to you, keep (guard) by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2
Tim. 1:13-14)

The "sound words" Paul refers to here include all Scripture, but they
refer specifically to the truth of the mystery, that message given by
revelation to the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation. Just as
God entrusted this message of grace initially to Paul, Paul entrusted it
to Timothy, and we are to entrust it to others as well (2 Tim. 2:2). It
is vital that we "hold fast" to this truth and "keep" (or guard) it, not
in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need men and
women, young people and children, who will take a stand for God's Word,
who will "not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul, His
prisoner" but will be willing to "share in the sufferings for the gospel
according to the power of God" (2 Tim. 1:8), knowing that "all who
desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).

Perilous Times are Here*
*(Part 2)*
*By Gregg Bing*
*

This progression begins when men
Stray from the Truth
(2 Tim. 2:18).

Paul warned Timothy to "shun profane and idle babblings for they will
increase to more ungodliness, and their message will spread like cancer
(literally 'gangrene') (2 Tim. 2:16-17). The word "profane" speaks of
that which is common, unholy, or ungodly. As believers, we are to avoid
such useless discussions for they only promote more ungodliness and
their destructive message will eat away at men's hearts like a vicious
disease.

Paul specifically names two men who engaged in such "babblings:"
Hymenaeus and Philetus. Their problem began when they "strayed
concerning the truth" (2 Tim. 2:18). To "stray" means to deviate from,
to err, or to miss the mark. Their "straying" was caused by a
dispensational error, "saying that the resurrection is already past."
This is a dangerous error for it can result in the "overthrow" of the
"faith of some." Not everyone is well-grounded in the truth of God's
Word, especially from a dispensational standpoint. When subjected to
teaching that "strays" from the truth, some will find their faith easily
shaken or overturned. Straying from the truth arises because believers
fail to follow the admonition Paul gives in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Be diligent
to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Too often, we are concerned with what men think of us when we should,
instead, earnestly present ourselves to God for His approval so that
when we stand before the Lord to be judged for our works of service for
Him, we can stand unashamed. God's approval will depend on our knowledge
of and obedience to the Scriptures, and we can only understand God's
Word as we approach it from a dispensational standpoint, "rightly
dividing the word of truth."

When Paul warns about those who have "a form of godliness" but "deny the
truth of it," he describes them as "ever learning but
Never Able to Come to the Knowledge of the Truth"
(2 Tim. 3:7).

Learning and education has been highly valued by men throughout history.
Paul said of the Greeks of his day that they "seek after wisdom" (1 Cor.
1:22). The people of the city of Athens "spent their time in nothing
else but either to tell or to hear some new thing" (Acts 17:21). They
were "ever learning," but learning what? Their focus was on the wisdom,
philosophies, and traditions of men.

The Jews, in their pursuit of knowledge, had this same problem; rather
than concentrate on the commandments of God, they spent most of their
time studying, discussing, and debating "the traditions of the elders"
(Matt. 15:2). In doing so, Jesus told them, "you have made the
commandment of God of no effect by your tradition" (Matt. 15:6).

Today, men have not changed much. In our society today, the so-called
"learned men," whether they are scientists, professors, politicians,
media, or entertainers, look down on those who believe in God, the
Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, Creation, etc. They stress education and
learning, but they are "never able to come to the knowledge of the
truth" because they reject the one source of absolute truth that we have
available to us: the Word of God. They profess themselves to be wise,
but in doing so they become fools because they neglect the wisdom and
knowledge of God found in His Word (Rom. 1:22). If only they would
realize that "God makes foolish the wisdom of this world" (1 Cor. 1:20)
for men can never come to know God through worldly wisdom. Instead, God
has chosen to save men through the "message of the cross:" that God
loved us, though we were sinners, and sent His only Son into this world
to be crucified for our sins and to rise again from the dead, thus
providing the gift of eternal life to all who will trust in Him. This
wonderful gospel message is the wisdom of God, yet it is looked at as
foolishness by the world.