GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE

*EQUIPPING THE SAINTS*
*Part 1 of 2*
*By Joel McGarvey*
*

In a few short weeks the staff of BDTLB will be packing up and heading
for Green Lake, Wisconsin where we will be joined by others for the
Grace Revival for Evangelism Conference. This year's theme is,
"Equipping the Saints." This is taken from Ephesians 4 where the Apostle
Paul instructs the Church concerning the gifts the risen and ascended
Lord had given to the Body of Christ.

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all
heavens, that He might fill all things.
And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets: and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the Body of Christ.
Ephesians 4: 1 0-12

It is interesting how the practical implications of these verses have
been lost to the average child of God. Much could be, and has been
written about the gifts listed in verse 11; we will not take time to
address that in this article. But the final gift listed is that of
pastor/teacher. Now anytime we are presented with a list of items given,
we must ask ourselves one simple question, "Why?" Why was the gift
given? In the case of Ephesians 4:11 , the answer to our question
immediately follows and unfolds the clear work of the pastor/teacher,
but more importantly, that of each member of the Body of Christ.

Fold 1: "For the perfecting of the saints." The Greek word translated
"perfecting" is found only one other time in the Scriptures, but the
usage here, combine with its other appearance, gives to us a good
understanding of the message the Apostle was conveying in the present
passage.

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we
wish, even your perfection. 2 Corinthians 13:9

The word perfection does not mean "perfect" as we use it today but,
rather, it spoke of the equipping, the attainment of a goal, or a state
such as maturity. In the Corinthian passage the Apostle is speaking of a
process through which he was pleased the saints had passed. Paul was
pleased that the Corinthian saints had reached, or attained to a certain
level of accomplishment. This may be best understood when compared to
any discipline in education. When students begin their years of
education they know little or nothing of the primary subjects of
English, arithmetic, history and science. But as the years pass by
slowly, the student grows as his mind expands with knowledge. What was
once little known becomes second nature and students graduate from high
school equipped to enter the world.

Parenting is this same process. When a child enters the world they are
unable to do little more than eat and cry. The parent assumes the
responsibility of nurturing or perfecting the child and this carries on
throughout the child's growing years. Instruction is built upon
instruction, and lesson upon lesson as the child's mind is expanded and
his experiences enlarged. Finally the day arrives when the child is
ready, is perfected, equipped to fly from the nest and venture out into
the real world.

Along this same line, the Lord has given to the pastor/teacher his role
to nurture, equip and perfect the saints. As the pastor he is to protect
them from error (Acts 20:28), and as the teacher he is to train his
congregation in the Word of God in sound doctrine. Many saints often
complain that going to church is like going to school. "I don't go to
church to go to school, I go to church to feel good." The fact is that
church is to be the training ground for the saints and the
Pastor/teacher is to be the "equipper/ perfector." This role is sadly
being lost in the church today and the result is a church that is fast
becoming sterile, it's losing its spiritual impact upon the community.
People know little, or nothing about the Word of God, but they feel
good. They are Biblically ignorant, but they're happy about it.

But then the question naturally arises, "Equipped/Perfected " for what?

Fold 2: The Ephesian verse continues, "for the work of the ministry."
Now the real impact of the gifts begins to become evident. The word
"for" indicates the "why" of the pastor's role as a "perfector." The
saints are nurtured along, trained, equipped and perfected to the end
that they are to carry on the work of the ministry. Many in the church
today look at much of the ministry as belonging to the pastor, after
all, isn't that why he is paid? An increasing number of people in the
church today are content to go to church on Sunday and to do their
"thing for God" and then live for themselves the rest of the week. If
someone is sick, in the hospital, or needs to hear the Gospel, then you
call the Pastor. But is this really the function of the pastor? I think not.

Nowhere in Scripture is the function of holding someone's hand, of
calling on the sick, or even the communicating of the Gospel said to be
the exclusive function of the Pastor. Yes, the Pastor is to visit the
sick, consol the hurting and share the Gospel, but that role does not
grow out of his calling to the pastorate but, rather, because he is a
child of God. But it is important to understand that these functions
belong to every member of the Body, not just the Pastor. This is the
"work of the ministry."

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the Apostle Paul relays that in Christ we have
all been made ambassadors of Jesus Christ and made the ministers of
reconciliation. As such, we have received the word of reconciliation.
This involves the presentation of the work of God in Christ in and
through Calvary: His death, burial and resurrection. It is the
proclamation of the Gospel that falls to every individual who has placed
their faith and trust in the finished work of Christ. Evangelism is not
the job of the preacher but, rather, it is the responsibility of every
born-again Christian.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? and how shall
they hear without a preacher?
Romans 10:13-14

The word "preacher" should not be understood as the so-called
professional standing before his congregation declaring the Scriptures.
The word has the idea of heralding divine truth, a proclaimer. Every
child of God who openly declares the Gospel of reconciliation to the
lost can rightfully be declared a "preacher. "

The challenge of Romans 10:14 is offered following the simple
declaration of the Gospel beginning with verse nine. Again, as in 1
Corinthians 15, the Gospel of salvation is simply the placing of one's
faith/belief/ trust in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord
Jesus Christ. To call upon Him in faith believing is the simple "way" of
salvation in this Age of Grace. But the challenge is given to those in
Christ as the question is posed: How can any call upon Him if they have
never heard? And more importantly, How can they hear unless someone
tells them? This, my friend, is the work of the ministry.

*
EQUIPPING THE SAINTS*
*Part 2 of 2*
*By Joel McGarvey*

*
Fold 3: This brings us to the third step in the unfolding answer to the
question "why?" The passage in Ephesians concludes with the words, "for
the edifying of the Body of Christ." The word translated "edifying" is a
term related to architecture, or construction and means "buildup" or to
"expand." Both of these thoughts are related to the overall picture
drawn in the passage. The Body of Christ is an invisible organism made
up of all saved individuals from the present dispensation. As such,
every time a soul comes to Christ, the Body of Christ is expanded, or
built up. Therefore, the child of God is to be a construction worker
(the work of the ministry) assisting in the overall expansion, or the
enlarging of the Body of Christ.

It can also be said that the pastor/teacher plays a role here in that it
is his primary function to teach the Word of God, to declare sound
doctrine in accordance with the Word of God rightly divided. In this the
Body of Christ is edified, or built up, or strengthened. This is an
increasingly neglected area in the postmodern church. Doctrine is being
set aside and replaced with a fleshly-based, feel-good sermon. I believe
most people would fail a test today if they were asked to answer
questions on what their church believes and why.

The role of the pastor/teacher is that of the instructor preparing his
class (the congregation) for ministry in the field. Every child of God
is to be a missionary in their home, at work, and in the community. The
preparation (equipping, perfecting) takes place in the local assembly
under the guiding hand of the pastor/teacher. From there the student
moves out into the community as an affective laborer for the Lord Jesus
Christ to do the work of the ministry and edifying the Body of Christ.

So now it is off to Green Lake, Wisconsin and the Grace Revival for
Evangelism Conference. As our theme states, our goal is to equip the
saints to do the work of evangelism, of sharing the glorious Gospel of
the Grace of God with a world of friends, relatives, co-workers, and
acquaintances that are headed to a Christless eternity in the Lake of Fire.

This year's conference will be different in several ways. First and
foremost, will be the daily "Bible Hour" with our teacher, Pastor Paul
Sadler from the Berean Bible Society. Pastor Paul will be teaching from
the Scriptures concerning the glorious Gospel of the Grace of God. I
know you will not want to miss Brother Sadler's insightful teaching of
the Scriptures on Wednesday thru Friday mornings.

Friday, the final session will be a "pep rally" of sorts. We will close
out the conference with some rousing music and great preaching. We want
everyone taking part in this year's conference to return to their homes
and churches excited about sharing the Gospel.

This past spring there was much talk, along with radio and billboard
advertising, of a coming Judgment Day. The radio preacher promoting this
teaching used his radio program to promote the date and guarantee its
occurrence. I'm sure that thousands of folks across the nation, and
perhaps around the world, believed the preacher's message and prepared
for their heavenly departure. The prophesied date arrived and passed
without incident. The originator then claimed that the event had indeed
occurred but that it was in a form differing from what he had proposed.
Now he has established October 20, 2011 as the end of the world.

Friends, it is sad how the misguided ramblings of a radio preacher could
stir up so much hope and activity only to pass by as so many predictions
had done in the past. Many caught up in the teachings, no doubt, became
disillusioned and have walked away from the Lord and the church. But
even worse than those who walked away are the countless souls who
watched this event unfold and now look upon Christianity with ridicule
and disdain.

But one fact remains firm: the Lord is coming again and will, in a
moment and in the twinkling of an eye, catch His Church away.

"For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord,
that we which are alive and remain unto the
coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which
are asleep.
For 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 with them in the clouds, to
meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all
sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead
in Christ shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall
be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

On the day described here, the Lord will come in the clouds and call His
Church home. On that day the fate of millions will be sealed. All those
who have heard the Gospel and rejected Christ will receive a delusion
from the Lord, believe the lie of Satan, and perish in a Christless
eternity in the Lake of Fire.

That day could come at anytime and it is for that reason that we who
know the truth and are in Christ Jesus need to be vigilant in our
responsibility to live for, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

We live in a nation that desperately needs Christ. Contrary to the
media, America is not a Christian nation. Some polls place the number of
truly born-again Christians between 7 and 10%. In a nation of over 300
million citizens, that leaves approximately 270 million Americans
without Christ (this figure makes the U.S. the third largest unreached
country in the world). That translates into the fact that 9 out of 10
folks we encounter on any given day are without Christ. America is a
nation desperately in need of missionaries.

Two things - First, accept my challenge to become an effective
ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a day certain ahead -
when the Lord will call His Church home and close the door upon this
present-day of Grace upon multitudes. Judgment Day is coming and the
knowledge of this truth ought to transform itself into action on our
part to share the Gospel. Second, if you haven't already planned to
attend the Grace Revival for Evangelism Conference in Green Lake, it's
not too late. I'd strongly urge you to consider attending the conference
and to take advantage of the training, fellowship, and encouragement
available. It's not too late to register.
Phone: 616-785-3618 October 4-7, 2011

*
**
*

** 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

Would you like to help this ministry? Consider trying to get one other
person to subscribe to the GRACE DAILY INSPIRATIONAL. This worldwide
ministry asks for no funds and is sent to glorify our precious Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ, AND TO HELP YOU TO GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE.

*The Righteousness of God*
*By Gregg Bing*
*
In Romans 10:1-4, the Apostle Paul expressed his heart's desire that his
people, Israel, might be saved. These people had a zeal for God, but it
was not according to knowledge. They were seeking to establish their own
righteousness by the works of the law, and in doing so they demonstrated
their ignorance of Gods righteousness. They failed to see that "Christ
is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

The law was not given to make men righteous. The law required perfect
and complete obedience to God's commands (Gal. 3:12); it had no power to
give life because it was dependent on the flesh, and the flesh is weak.
The law was given "that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world
may become guilty before God. ... by the law is the knowledge of sin"
(Rom. 3:19-20).

While the Mosaic Law certainly provided a standard of God's
righteousness, it was not the means by which sinful men could become
righteous. God has now revealed that righteousness is provided
completely apart from the law. God sent His Son into this world to make
known His righteousness to man. Certainly Jesus' life was an example of
righteousness, but it was the cross that truly demonstrated the
righteousness of God. God set forth His Son as a propitiation for our
sins through the shedding of His blood. Christ paid in full the penalty
for our sins, thus satisfying God's righteous requirements. He was made
sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor
5:21). This was the only way God could remain righteous Himself and
still be able to justify (declare righteous) sinful men. This leaves no
room for boasting on our part. Clearly justification is not by the works
of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on
Calvary (Rom. 3:28).

Have you submitted to the righteousness of God and trusted in Christ as
your Savior, or are you hopelessly pursuing a righteousness of your own
through the works of the law?

*THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK*

**Now blest in heavenly places*
*In Christ at God's right hand;*
*And filled with all His fulness*
*Complete in Him to stand.*
*Sing to the praise and glory*
*Of Him Who thus hath shown*
*Such gracious love and mercy,*
*To call us for His own."*
*----Wm Hallman*


*"HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL"*
*By C. R. Stam*
*

"He that is spiritual judgeth [discerneth] all things, yet he himself is
judged [discerned] of no man" (I Cor. 2:15).

The truly spiritual man is so far above the wisest sages of this world,
yes, so far above the mass of Christians with whom he comes into
contact, that he can understand them, but they can never quite
understand him.

We should all long to be truly spiritual, but what is true spirituality?

In the Pauline Epistles the human race is divided, by the Spirit, into
four classes: the natural man, the babe in Christ, the carnal Christian,
and the spiritual Christian.

All four of these are referred to in one passage of Scripture (I Cor.
2:14—3:4) and it should be noted that they are classified according to
their ability to appreciate and assimilate "the things of God" as
revealed in His Word.

Through diligent, prayerful study of the Word, and with a sincere desire
to obey it, the spiritual man has come to know God and the Lord Jesus
Christ more and more intimately. Babes in Christ and carnal believers
about him cannot "discern" him, simply because they have not come to
know God as he. But he, having grown to spiritual maturity, quite
understands them. He is among those of whom it is written:

"But strong meat [solid food] belongeth to them that are of full age,
even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14).

*The Spirit Which is of God*
*By John LaVier*
*
Several years ago we heard one of the Lord's servants make a rather
remarkable statement. He said, "I would not give you my spirit, even if
I could. Because if I did you would know too much about me."

We can all appreciate the above statement, for each of us would
undoubtedly shrink from having our fellow man know us as we really are.
And yet God has given us His Spirit. Why? Because He wants us to know
Him fully. He will hide nothing from us, for our greatest blessing is
the knowledge of Himself. So we read:

"But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered
into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who
love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the
Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man
knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?
Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God." (1
Cor. 2:9-11)

Verse 9 does not refer, as some suppose, to the wonders awaiting us in
heaven, for that is not the subject. The subject is the deep and
precious truths which God has for his full-grown children. Also, verse 9
should never be separated from verse 10. Many quote verse 9 alone and
then conclude that we must remain in ignorance, but verse 10 says that
the Spirit knows "the deep things of God" and He reveals them to those
who are willing to be taught. These deep things are found in the Word of
God, and we must study the Word in dependence upon the Holy Spirit and
then He will make them known. Yet many of God's people are like the
Corinthians and lack the knowledge. Therefore, they must be dealt with
as carnal instead of spiritual. They must be fed with milk instead of
meat. Instead of the "deep things" their knowledge of God and His Word
is very shallow. Surely this is inexcusable when God has given us of His
Spirit in order that we might be illumined and instructed.

"Now we have received, not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit
which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to
us of God." (1 Cor. 2:12)

We have received ... the Spirit which is of God. What a surprising and
wonderful thing that God should have given to us His Spirit to bring us
into communion with Himself and to open up to us His deep things. He
could not have given us a greater gift. How much do we appreciate it?
And do we indeed recognize the presence within us of the Spirit which is
of God?

What moved Thee to impart
Thy Spirit from above,
Therewith to fill our heart
With heavenly peace and love?
'Twas love, unbounded love to us
Moved Thee to give Thy Spirit thus.
*

Dear Lord Jesus, You came to give us life abundant. Please fill my life
to overflowing with the empowering work of Your Spirit. Lord, I am not
seeking personal benefits. I am asking to become a more effective
witness. I need the Holy Spirit's power that I might reflect the reality
of the risen Christ, in Your mighty name, Amen.

*UNITY *
*By Pastor John LaVier Retired, *
* *
*
The world is in despair of peace. The nations eye one another
distrustfully and fruitless truce talks are carried on while the killing
continues. There is much heard about the "United Nations" but there
appears to be little or no unity. A better name would be the "Disunited
Nations." The Bible teaches that sin is the cause of all the division,
hatred, strife, warfare and bloodshed.

The condition of the world should not surprise us when we realize that
Satan is the god of this age and the whole world lieth in the wicked
one. What more can be expected in a world where the rightful ruler has
been rejected and a usurper is on the throne. God divided the nations at
the tower of Babel and all of man's attempts to unite in failure. In the
end time, there will indeed be a great federation of nations, controlled
by Satan's man, but this will be smashed to smithereens at the second
coming of God's Man, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then He will be the great
Unifier and there will be real peace and unity among the nations.

As we turn our attention from the nations to consider that which bears
the name of Jesus Christ, do we find things any better? No! We behold an
apostate Christendom, and instead of unity, there is division and
subdivision, with the professing church split into innumerable
denominations and organizations. But here again we see man's endeavor to
unite. The liberals continue to talk about ecumenicity, and we can be
sure that just as there will be a federation of nations in the end time,
so there will be a federation of the various religious bodies. We have
read a booklet, "The Reappearance of the Christ," and in reading it, one
is forced to the conclusion that the "christ" they are waiting to appear
is Antichrist. According to them, he will bring together all the
"knowers of God" of whatever religious persuasion they may be. Yes,
there is coming such a great world church, united by the false christ,
but its end is to be consumed and destroyed by the brightness of the
Lord's coming.

But now let us look at so-called Evangelical Christianity, or
Fundamentalism, those who are really the children of God. Do we find
unity here? Sad to say, division, dissension, and discord seem to be
much in evidence. There are many attempts at union: the organizing of
"Associations, " "Fellowships, " etc., but we see little evidence of the
unity of the Spirit. Man is never satisfied with what God has provided;
man thinks he must add some work of his own to improve upon it. Instead
of being satisfied with the position God has given him, with membership
in the Body of Christ, man thinks he must have something else to join.
However, such unions among the churches can never bring real unity, any
more than the efforts of the nations to unite can never bring real
peace. Usually, the basis of fellowship in all such unions is a man-made
creed or doctrinal statement, to which all the members must subscribe.
Here again, man shows his dissatisfaction with what God has given. God
has given us His perfect Word, which is surely sufficient to govern our
fellowship, doctrine, conduct, etc., yet man thinks he must have
something in addition of his own devising. Naturally, every group fancy
themselves as the custodians, champions, and defenders of all truth, and
anyone who disagrees with them is a heretic.

Even among individual assemblies of God's people there are few places
where real unity may be found. How often we hear of church quarrels and
church splits, all the result of carnality. Many will battle to the last
ditch to have their own way or in defense of self, when they would not
fight at all in defense of God's truth. How often is trouble caused by a
preacher who is a Diotrophes, or more often than not, the trouble may
arise from papery in the pews and pusillanimity in the pulpit. May God
deliver us from these unholy wars which mar that unity which should be
kept in the bond of peace.

What is the answer? It is not "back to the unity of the early church" as
some tell us. If we go even as far as the church at Corinth, there we
find strifes and contentions and denominational divisions. No, it is not
by being led backward to Corinthian failure, but by being led forward to
the Ephesian doctrine of "the unity of the Spirit" that we find what is
needed. In the 4th chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle emphasizes two
unities. In Verse 13 he speaks of "the unity of the faith." This unity
is future and will only be realized in that day when Christ presents the
Church to Himself, "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing, but that it would be holy and without blemish." Never
this side of Heaven will we all see eye to eye on every point, but this
should not prevent us from keeping "the unity of the Spirit" mentioned
in Verse 3. This unity applies to the present, and is something we are
to keep with all possible endeavor. This is not something which man
produces. It is a unity already established by the Spirit of God
Himself, and we have only to recognize it and walk in the knowledge of it.

The idea of most in regard to visible fellowship and corporate unity is
that everybody should agree with them. Or, they say, we could have the
unity of Ephesians 4:3 if we were all in agreement concerning the seven
unities of the following verses. This is indeed to be desired, but it is
grievously apparent that there are many of the brethren who are in
doctrinal and dispensational agreement and yet without unity. Too often
Ephesians 4:2 has been overlooked. In this verse, we have the graces
essential to unity. There must be lowliness of mind, meekness and
gentleness, long suffering and patience, forbearance and forgiveness,
and above all love, which is the bond of perfectness. Only when these
graces abound can we have the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
When there is pride and haughtiness, and the desire for
self-aggrandizement , there can be no unity. There must be in each the
mind of Christ. This means true humility. In lowliness of mind, each is
to esteem others better than self. In honor we are to prefer one
another, recognizing that we are members of the one Body of Christ, and,
therefore, members one of another. Note I Corinthians 12:25, "That there
should be no schism in the body: but that the members should have the
same care one for another." This alone will produce unity.



"May God, Whose grace is irresistible and
all sufficient, be glorified!"

UNFEIGNED FAITH
*By MARVIN DUNCAN, Pastor *
*
Scripture Reading: I Timothy 1:5; II Timothy 1:5

Much of what men believe today is what they want to believe instead of
what God's Word teaches. Faith is somehow taken to mean just being
sincere in what you want to happen, or being sincere in what you think
God would have you do and if your faith (your belief in your own idea)
is strong enough, it will come to pass. This is far from what God's Word
teaches about faith. Romans 10:17 tells us that the faith that pleases
God comes from hearing, that is believing, the Word of God. God will
only do that which He has said He will do and God will accept a person
only on the basis He has proclaimed. Anything beyond what God has said
is not faith--- it is wishful-thinking.

It is this taking God at His Word that Paul speaks of as "UNFEIGNED
FAITH" in our text verses. This word, unfeigned, means genuine or
sincere. It is the sincere trust in what God has said about Himself and
about how a man can be justified in His sight that Paul was speaking
about when he wrote Timothy that "the end of the commandment is love out
of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith that is genuine
and sincere" (I Timothy I:5). This genuine faith does not go beyond what
God has said, but takes every word God has spoken and sincerely believes
God will do exactly as He has promised.

Paul was confident that this was the kind of faith Timothy had and his
sincere faith had been encouraged in him by his mother and his
grand-mother who both had this same genuine faith in what God had said
(II Timothy 1:5).

Is your faith based solely upon what God has said, or do you have some
areas of wishful-thinking involved in your faith? If there is any area
of your faith that is not exactly what God has said, you do not have
"UNFEIGNED FAITH."


*THOUGHT *

*Adversity is not simply a tool. Its God's most effective tool for the*
*advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we*
*see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into*
*periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this,*
*and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to*
*bear.*

*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. 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; Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 3:13-17; John 14:16-17; Colossians 1:1-8; and
1 Thessalonians 1:1-6. 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). Compare with
this, Deuteronomy 29:29. 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 and Ephesians 1:11. 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,
Colossians 1:21, Titus 1:7, and 2 Peter 2:10. Man is also held
responsible for accepting or rejecting Christ. See John 3:16-18. 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, 2:14-22, 3:1-9, and Colossians
1:24-26. God's church for today is a spiritual organism. The church is a
body of Holy Spirit baptized believers. See 1 Corinthians 12:13 and
Ephesians 4:5. This is the baptism that makes all believers of the
present dispensation one in Christ (Gal. 3:26-28). It is performed by
the operation of God (Col. 2:12). 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?

*

Life is a gift...
Live it...
Enjoy it...
Celebrate it...
And fulfill it..

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).

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). 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). 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). 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). "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord."
With these verses read Job 32:8 and 1 Corinthians 2:14.

"It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching (of the thing preached)
to save them that believe" (1 Cor. 1:21). 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. 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).
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). 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.

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: "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."

*Living Beyond Offense*
*1 Corinthians 10:23.33*
*

Paul warned against alliance with the world. He declared That in
Christ Jesus we are 'one bread' (loaf) Verse 17. Therefore we must not
be in union with any other pagan or non-Christian fellowship. In fact,
he states this to be impossible, 'Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's
table, and of the table of devils'; Verse 21.
In this lesson before us we, as Christians, are urged to live above
offense; offense to our fellow men and God. A key verse for proper
living is verse 31: 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever
ye do, do all to the glory of God. '
Anyone who knows the grace of God and the Word of God, knows we are
not under the law. Legalists may chant all they wish, condemn and
blaspheme the message of grace as they choose, but the fact remains: we
are in no way under law. A woman is never under the rule of a man she
has never married. We, as Gentiles, have never been under the law. The
law was given only to Israel. Psalm 147:19-20: 'He sheweth his word unto
Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so
with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them.
Praise ye the Lord!
In fact, since Calvary Israel is free from the law. Romans 7:4
declares: 'Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by
the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him
who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God'
Now when a man's wife is dead, that man has the moral right to remarry,
and in this case, the law having been set aside, the sinner is invited
to be married or united to another; to the risen Christ. It is for this
reason that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, 'All things are lawful for
me, ' and this is so; 'but all things are not expedient... .all this
edify not, ' i. e., they do not build us up.
In this light the great apostle invites the believer in the
Corinthian Church to be considerate of two persons as he lives in the
midst of a pagan world, FIRST -- be considerate of a weaker brother.
'For conscience sake.....conscience , I say, not thine
own, but of the other.' Verses 28-29.
What you do may not brother your conscience, but it might
another's. It is not proper to say 'I'll let my conscience be my guide!'
This may be unchristian, for often we must let another's conscience be
our guide. 'Take a little wine for thy stomach's sake and for thine oft
infirmities' , Paul tells Timothy. This, therefore, is in order maybe,
depending on the conscience of others. It would not do here because of
Christian conscience in this land; where Timothy lived it was no
offense. But we do not live in Asia. The conscience of others is a great
factor in what we do and say. I have often heard Christians say, 'I
don't care what others think, I'm going to do it anyway.' If this be
your attitude you are out of fellowship with your Savior. You are an
offense to another member of his precious body.
SECONDLY- be considerate of your Lord and Master. If He is not Lord
of all, He is not Lord at all. Paul's cry rings down through the ages:
'Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' God help us to test all
of our conduct with this spiritual axiom. If you can do what you are
doing to the glory of God, then you are at liberty to do it. Someone
asked Spurgeon if you could smoke to the glory of God? (For he smoked at
that time) He said 'yes'. Some students made placards which read:
'Spurgeon can smoke to the glory of God.' He read just one. Spurgeon
quite smoking. Do you not see? It was an offense both to man and God.
The need today in the Christian world is a walk that is different
from the world. One of joy and peace. A life constantly in tune with
heaven. One that spells salvation to an unbelieving world. A life that
is not an offense, 'neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the
church of God.' Verse 32. God help us to do as Paul says: 'Even as I
please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the
profit of many, that they may be saved.'

By the late Pastor Lloyd Peterson

The True Battle*
*by Anabel Gillham*
*

How I pray that these thoughts will be a source of strength to you, for
you, and through you (and all of those are different). Ponder them
carefully, prayerfully. Listen, the Lord is talking to you. . . .

Do you see that the Life in you that the enemy longs to crush is the
same as it was when I threw him from Heaven? His battle is against
Me—you are the battleground.

I am conforming your soul into the likeness of Christ. Because Satan, as
the Deceiver, knows what that will mean for him, he uses all of his
resources against that goal of Mine. He attacks through whatever
circumstance he can to defeat My plan and so keep you from setting your
mind on My provision for the battle. His goal is to keep you from
becoming conformed to the image of My Son and to keep you from walking
by faith.

You are no threat to Satan as you accept his lies and temptations, but
as you come closer and closer to the image he battles more intensely.
His goal is and always has been to crush Jesus Christ. That is why I
provided a way for you to die and be "born again," thus creating your
New Life in Christ Jesus. He is the One who will do battle. But you must
let Him and trust Him.

Dear One, you are My creation. I dwell within you. You must begin to
realize: The battle is Mine, not yours! I have delivered you.

Your salvation is in Christ Jesus . . .

His Life in you is your victory . . .

His strength is what will win the battle that rages against your mind as
the enemy seeks to destroy—longs to destroy—the temple of God . . . YOU!

Psalms 25:4-5
John 16:33
Romans 8:28-29
I Corinthians 6:19
Ephesians 2:10
Philippians 4:13

*

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

Our Purpose and Mission

The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging
Christians to believe what God says.

We read in Ephesians. 1:18 "The eyes of your understanding being
enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what
the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints," and in
Colossians 2:2 " That their hearts might be comforted, being knit
together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of
understanding, to the acknowledgment (epignosis) true knowledge of the
mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ".

God's Free Gift*
*Part 2 of 2 *
*By Pastor Ken Lawson*
*
The second reason is closely related to the first. Because of sin, our
so-called good life (outside of Christ) is simply the fruit of a fallen
nature. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made
alive." (I Corinthians 15:22) While the unregenerate life may be highly
esteemed by men, it is an abomination in the sight of God. We stand
before God in Adam condemned and worthy of death! Such a life in the
flesh does not have the glory of God as the driving motivation or the
Spirit of God as the empowering force.

What we need is a new birth-the imparting of divine life from above.
This regeneration by the Holy Ghost makes us new creatures in Christ and
able to produce good works toward God. Paul, the apostle exclaimed, "I
have been crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live
by the faith (faithfulness) of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave
himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) "By the grace of God I am what I am:
and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured
more abundantly than they all: yet not 1, but the grace of God which was
with me." (I Corinthians 15:10)

Thirdly, trying to live a good life in the flesh to merit heaven is a
manifestation of pride and unbelief-not faith. There were those in
Paul's day (as well as ours) who, while religious and zealous for God,
were - ignorant of-God's righteousness. They went about to establish
their own righteousness and did not submit themselves to the
righteousness of God. "For Christ is the end of the law for
righteousness to everyone that believeth." How sad that all of this
self-righteousness is leading countless souls to destruction when God
plainly told us "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be
justified in His sight." (Romans 10:3,4; 3:20)

Finally, if righteousness comes by obeying the law (living a good life)
then Christ died for nothing. (Galatians 2:21) The whole reason for
Christ shedding His precious blood on the cross is because our lives are
sinful and we are spiritually bankrupt-unable to pay the sin debt. This
truth is no more graphically shown to us than in Christ's agony in the
garden of Gethsemane. There while facing the horror of the cross, He
prayed saying, "0 Father, if it be possible, let this cup (of suffering)
pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew
26:39) And what was the Father's reply? Did He say, "This
substitutionary suffering plan is too costly to Me and My believed Son.
I am instituting my alternate plan for man's redemption?" It is evident
that God did not alter His plan, for Christ did drink of that cup. "He
was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities;
and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquities of us all." (Isaiah 53:5, 6)

But wait! Won't the teaching of salvation by grace through faith alone
produce a lax attitude toward good works and the Christian life? God
forbid! The commands which speak of glorifying God in the Christian's
life are all given to those who have already become children of God by
faith in Jesus Christ. Having become the recipients of eternal life by
faith alone, a realization of the love of Christ for the believers
should now motivate them to live not for themselves, but for Him which
died for them and rose again. This is far from inducing a negligent
attitude toward Christian behavior. The grace of God that brings
salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live
soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. We do this as we
look for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God, who
is our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is our purifying and confident
expectation. (II Corinthians 5:14,15; Titus 2:11-14)

How different is the grace-faith way from the law-works way! We who are
in Christ serve God and man out of love and gratitude for the gift
bestowed upon us freely by God. How tragic to see religious but lost
people hoping against hope that their good works will outweigh the bad
and that they will finally be received into heaven.

Let us not be like the foolish girl who thoughtlessly insulted her man
by trying to help pay for his gift of love. But let us reach out with
the hand of faith and receive by grace the free gift of eternal life.
Then we can truly say we have experience something of the romance of
redemption.

** 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.

THE INFINITE WORTH OF GOD'S AMAZING LOVE *
*By Pastor Robert Roosendaal*
*
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:7

The love scene takes on a total transformation as we examine God's love
as given in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. From the heart of God
flows the riches of His love, expressed by the Greek word
"agape"----shining forth with eternal splendor and glory. Think of its
surpassing beauty, purity and holiness. Our wonderful Lord who never
changes is also constant in exercising this divine quality of love. It
is expressed in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son ... " This love is the basis for Paul's declaration:
"Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). This
fabulous love overwhelms God's family as told in Romans 8:35--- Who
shall separate us from the love of Chris!...?" There is only one
answer---Absolutely nothing! What marvelous details of assurance: In
verse one there is "no more condemnation" and verse 29 guarantees "no
more separation" and through it all the promise that "all things work
together for good". Yes, Romans 8 is a gold mine of riches. What
kindness and comfort for God's child. This wonderful story of love goes
on and on as told in God's Word. How thankful we should be for God's
boundless provisions, praising God for all that has been done for us in
the Person of Christ His Son at Calvary where we behold the greatest
exhibition of love ever displayed.

John's lovely Gospel closes with the re-commissioning of Peter. As the
Lord tenderly probes the nature of Peter's love we detect Peter's
honesty, confessing that his love for the Christ was limited--- a
"phileo" love, a tender affection. It was Christ's amazing love and
compassion that reached out to a troubled and faltering Peter, restoring
him into fellowship and service. The Holy Spirit here draws our
attention to the wondrous love of God---man's love is a different story.
Let us be honest about it as Peter was! When David sinned by numbering
the children of Israel, God gave him three choices, and you will recall
that he very wisely chose to fall into the hands of God, for His mercy
is far greater than men. Christ was better at restoring preachers than
we would ever be.

* THOUGHT TO PONDER ON THIS WEEK, *

*

Without a doubt there is no greater, or more valuable possession that we
can hold in our hands than the word of God - The Holy Bible. And while
we hold, and read, and study God's word, we have no greater need than to
know how to handle it as God has intended that we handle it. For only
then will we handle the Bible properly. and only then will it be able to
effectually and fully function for us as "the word of truth' that it is,
and thereby be able to accomplish what God has designed it to accomplish
in our minds, and hearts, and lives.
_K. Blades





*God's Free Gift *
*Part 1 of 2*
*By Pastor Ken Lawson *
*
Years ago, the story was told of a service man who, being stationed in a
foreign land, fell in love with a beautiful girl. After a brief romance,
he was transferred to another country but promised to return the next
year. Throughout his absence he took out a substantial portion of his
paycheck each month to purchase a gift which would be a worthy token of
his love.

When the day finally came when they were united again, he removed a box
from his coat and presented her with the most beautiful jewel she had
ever seen. A troubled expression came over her face and she began
digging through her purse. "What are you doing, dear?" he asked. "Oh
honey, that is a very expensive gift and I think I should help pay for
it." Shocked and hurt, he stood there speechless, not knowing what to
say. She had missed the whole point. He didn't want her money, he wanted
her!

Like the foolish young girl in our illustration, many people today have
a distorted view of God's free gift of eternal life. Rather than
receiving it by faith alone, they insist on helping pay for it. As a
result they insult the grace of God and dishonor the blood of the cross.
Any attempt to add human works to God's plan of salvation only mars it,
so that it loses the character of a free gift and is rendered void.
While some may even acknowledge the fact that Christ died for our sins
and rose again, they maintain that it is still necessary to do their
part to complete God's plan of redemption. All the while being ignorant
of the fact that our Lord Jesus cried from the cross, "It is finished!"
There on that cruel tree God the Father was making our Savior's soul an
offering for sin-yours and mine!

God's holiness was so thoroughly satisfied with our Lord's
substitutionary death, for us, that He proved it by raising Him from the
dead, in power and great glory. This is our "canceled check" verifying
that the sin debt has been fully paid. Our responsibility is to honor
God by receiving the free gift. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and
thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31) The writer of Hebrews understood
something about this finished transaction when he wrote, "For by one
offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews
10:14)

The ways people say we are to help pay for our salvation are many and
varied: obey the commandments, follow the Golden Rule and the Sermon on
the Mount, give money to the church, be baptized and partake in church
sacraments, etc. But God says, "Not by works of righteousness which we
have done but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5) "For 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)
"Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law." (Romans 3:28)

Grace means that God delights to grant us special favor apart from
personal merit or worthiness. That is why salvation and eternal life are
so often spoken of as a gift in God's Word. No loving parent would
expect their child to earn or pay for their birthday presents.

But why can't I get to heaven by living a good life? Why does my
acceptance with God hinge on my faith in Christ's shed blood only? First
of all, you are making an assumption that it is possible to live a good
life. Our minds need to be reeducated concerning the holiness of God and
the sinfulness of man. The problem is our perspective. When we talk
about living a good life, we are thinking in comparison to
others---other sinners! Such a comparison is unwise, for Christ is holy,
harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. That is why Adam and Eve
were expelled from Eden for only one sin. When compared to Christ's
holiness, even the best children of Adam have sinned and fallen short of
the glory of God. To enjoy eternal fellowship with God in heaven, we
must share in Christ's righteousness, acceptance, and life. That is
where the free gift comes in.

Learning To Love God More*
*by Steve McVey *
*

I recently heard a sermon online about lamenting the fact that
Christians don't love God the way we ought to love Him. "How do you
expect to be used by God if you don't even fully love Him?" the
passionate preacher proclaimed. His message reminded me of the many
sermons just like it that I used to preach, but it reminded me even more
of the many years I struggled to love the Lord the way I felt I should.

It's a sincere endeavor to love the Lord, but so often is misguided. A
lawyer once came to Jesus and asked Him, "Teacher, which is the greatest
commandment in the law?" Notice what the man was asking about here. He
was asking about the Law. Jesus answered his question, saying, "You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
and with all your mind. This is the greatest and foremost commandment. "
In response to the man's question about the greatest law, Jesus answered
that it is to love God.

This verse has been abused many times by well meaning Christians because
they fail to understand its context. It's important to note that the man
was asking Jesus about the Law. As odd as it might seem, when we believe
our greatest need is to try to love God more, we set ourselves up for
failure. That's because of what the Law does to a person.
The Bible says that the Law stirs up sinful passions. (See Romans 7:4)
It stimulates rebellion against the very thing it demands. So if you
focus on how much you should love God, that law will condemn you and
caused you to be filled with a sense of guilt. It isn't possible to love
Him like we want to until we understand how much He loves us. Then, and
only then, we will find love for God swelling up within our hearts.

Haven't you found this to be true in your own life? When you've focused
on loving Him more, did you feel like you were succeeding? Or did you
find yourself literally praying for help to love Him more? "Lord, help
me to love you more" was evidence that you knew you were falling short
in that area.

The Bible says, "We love, because He first loved us." Do you want to
love God more? The key, then, is to focus on how much He loves you, not
on how much you love Him at any given moment in life. The most important
thing in your life isn't to struggle to love God more. By what power can
you do that? Haven't we all struggled in that area? The secret is to
begin to focus on how much your heavenly Father loves you.

As you grow in your understanding of the great love that He has for you,
you'll find that what happens is the love within you will be awakened
and motivated. In response to His love, it will grow and flourish and
you'll find yourself loving Him more and more and, for that matter, even
loving everybody else around you more and more too.

A legalistic view on the love relationship we have with our Father
shifts the focus away from His goodness and grace and puts the
responsibility on us. Grace reminds us that He is the initiator and we
are the responders. The Bible says that God loves us, it's all about His
love for us, and when we focus on that, instead of on our love for Him,
we will discover that knowing the love of God for us becomes the
catalyst for experiencing and enjoying His love in a deeper way than we
have ever known. We will find that our own love for Him grows by leaps
and bounds.

*
*We don't change God's message -- His message changes us.*

LIBERTY IN CHRIST*
*By JOHN McKAY, Pastor *
*
Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:4

What does it mean to be "in Christ"? Certainly there is a sense that it
means to be a believer in Him. There were many who believed in Christ
when He came to be the King of Israel. Paul refers to relatives being
"in Christ" before he was. This obviously must relate to the Kingdom
program when Christ (having come to minister only to the lost sheep of
the house of Israel), was trusted as the Anointed One. It is perfectly
clear that no one could be "in Christ" in the Pauline sense until after
the Apostle for this age was saved and given light in the Gospel of the
Grace of God.

What does it mean to be "in Christ" in the Pauline sense of that term?
It involves all of the truth of our Oneness with Christ, beginning with
the Baptism by the Holy Spirit into the One Body. This great spiritual
truth of the only Baptism for this age (Ephesians 4:5), reveals that We
are united with the Lord Jesus in His death, resurrection, and life in a
way too wonderful for us to fully comprehend now!

Our "Liberty in Christ" should be seen as a truly precious freedom from
sin, the Law, condemnation, and the bondage of other men's opinions. Not
only has the believer escaped these terrible things by trusting Christ,
he also has the unimaginable freedom of access into the presence of God
and the blessings of living by faith in His holy written Word. Did you
know you had such liberty? (See II Corinthians 3:17-18).

Although some legalists were trying to take away the Apostle's liberty
and bring him into bondage, they were condemned as "false" brethren
(Galatians 2:4). "Stand fast" (Galatians 5: I) in the "glorious liberty"
(Romans 8:21; I Corinthians 10:23ff).

*
*THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK*

*While we are to be encouragers*
*to each other, **
only Jesus can look into the hidden corners
of our hearts and see the tears,
frustrations, heartaches, loneliness, terror and agony that we *
*keep hidden from people.*
* Only Jesus can heal a broken heart and restore our joy. *
*-- Joanne Lowe*
The Difference Between Belief and Faith *
*By Pastor Timothy F. Conklin*
*
The Bible is very clear - saving faith originates through hearing the
Word of God. The Bible knows no other avenue or supply for faith which
saves. People cannot produce or will biblical faith. Only the Bible
produces saving faith. And Romans 10:17 makes it plain and clear that
biblical/saving faith comes specifically by hearing the Word of God.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God

One must appreciate that the Bible itself is a gracious gift of God. The
Divine revelation of the Scripture cannot be found anywhere else. What
God has revealed in the Bible is not knowable in any other way or from
any other source. In parallel with the gift or Scripture, one's initial
faith-when a person first believes- is likewise God's gracious gift.

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and this not
from yourselves it is the gift of God. (Ephesians
2:8, 9)

To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave
the right to become children of God-children born of natural descent,
nor of human decision, or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:12,13)

We know from Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please
God." The one thing a person absolutely must have in order to please God
is faith. More definitely, one's faith must be in His Son, Jesus Christ.
It is simply Satanic fraud to think a person can please God without
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, understanding who He is and what He did.

God has given us eternal life, and thus life is in his Son. He who
has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have
life. (1st John 5:11, 12)

God responds to faith because that is how he made us. He created us to
be a people of faith; a people centered and dependent on him, not
independent and self-centered.

God has chosen to limit his interaction with human beings by the law or
principle or element of faith. Faith in God is essential, irreplaceable.
Pleasing God is just not a matter of enthusiasm, dedication, education,
discipline, experience, will power, et al. It is a matter of faith.

But it is imperative one recognizes the subtle difference between belief
and faith. Merely "believing" is not enough! James 2:19 says the "Devil
himself believes ... and trembles." Do you believe you can get on a
plane and fly to Florida in just a few hours? Do you truly believe that?
Alright then, you are in Florida, yes? Of course not! That's silly.

Just believing doesn't accomplish anything.

Consider an electric lamp. The lamp is designed to give light. It is
structured and wired to do that very thing. But if it simply sits or
hangs in a room without the electricity plugged in and turned on, it
does nothing. Without electricity the lamp is useless as far as its
intended purpose is concerned.

Just so, God's purpose in creating humankind was for them to have faith
in his instructions and promises revealed in the Bible; to have faith
and obey his Word. This is why God created humankind. Do you believe in
John 3:16?

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I mean really believe it? Well, so what? Merely believing it won't do
you a bit of good.

How about horrible deadly, poison, some fatal neurotoxin? Do you believe
if you drink it or ingest it in some way you will surely die? You really
do believe that? Well then, are you dead?

You see, only when you act in faith in what you believe does it become
actual and effective. Only by acting upon your belief and allowing the
object of your faith to do what you believe it is capable of doing, only
then can you turn your belief into faith.

Note very carefully, your faith does not do anything to the whatever it
is you put your faith in. It simply allows your act of faith to permit
the object of your faith to accomplish its nature; the electricity gives
light, the poison kills.

When I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, it is not my faith that
accomplishes anything but Christ's accomplishments, who by the power and
authority to do what he alone can do, does it; namely, become your
Savior from sin and death.

Do you believe in benches and chairs? There is only one way for you to
turn your belief into faith - sit on a bench or a chair. Understand,
your faith does nothing for the bench or chair. Your faith in the bench
or chair only allows the bench or chair to accomplish its benchness or
chairness; its ability to support you when you sit down on it.

And note this well - the more confident you are in the object of your
faith, the less conscious you are of the faith you are exercising in
that object.

For Christians, where does saving or biblical faith come from? Ah yes,
faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The more you
"hear" the word of God, the more your faith will develop, because the
Word of God produces faith.

This was a lesson unheeded in Hebrews 4:2 ...

The message they heard was of no value to them, because those who
heard did not combine it with faith.

The Word of God, the message of the gospel, the good news that Jesus
saves, cannot profit you unless you "combine it with faith." Indeed, the
Bible will tell you what to believe, but you must put into action by
God's grace through faith what that belief is all about.

This is how God has decided to operate. He does not involve himself or
interact personally with people apart from faith. God restricts his
personal relationship with people to the issue of faith. To believe in
God may be a good thing, but to have faith in God is essential.

You say you believe in God? Very well, do you have faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ as YOUR Savior from sin?

The message of the gospel is that Jesus Christ is God's only Son who
became human --- the God-man --- to live, to die, to be buried, to be
raised from the dead and ascend into heaven in order to become YOUR
Savior from sin! Do you have faith in this!

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under
heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be
added to it and nothing taken from it. (Ecclesiastes 3:14)

Are you Saved?

And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

*Is Christ the person they see in you?

WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?*

Is the Christian life just a process of believing the Christian
doctrines, going to church, doing our "bit" for the church and Jesus? Is
that it?

Sad to say, that is about all that "it" is for many. Is this what
God had in mind when He gave His only Son to die on a cross? If it is,
then all the facts which we believe with incredible tenacity are nothing
more than evangelical fiction.

Jesus didn't die on a cross to give us facts of history, or His
story, as some have said. He gave us the facts concerning Himself in
order that the facts would function within and through us. The question
that looms large in my mind is, "How do these facts function?" How can I
as a believer have the fact of His indwelling function within me?

Ready? Here's how! Paul, the apostle, writing to the Thessalonians
in his first epistle, chapter 5, verse 18 says, "In every thing give
thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
This is not a suggestion of something we might think about as a good
idea. This is an imperative, a command.

How can we possibly "Give thanks in every situation," you ask? I
know of only one way. In the knowledge that He, the Lord Jesus, is in
absolute control of every circumstance with which we will ever be
confronted.

We have the privilege of thanking Him in advance for what He is
going to do. We can rest in His ability in response to our availability.

There is a catch. Verse 19 of 1 Thessalonians 5, "Quench not the
Spirit." Ominous words. Within the context, how does one "quench the
Spirit?" Quite simply, by not giving thanks. Another way to put it is to
grumble and complain. We cannot give thanks and whine at the same time.
It is impossible. If we want the activity of God to cease in our life,
all we need to do is grumble and complain.



1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you.


* Prayer for America *
*
"Heavenly Father, thank you for my country, the United States of
America, the only country in the world founded upon religious freedom
and your Word. Thank you for our founding fathers, Lord, who looked to
you for guidance to develop the kind of government that would be
pleasing to you. We need your wisdom to safeguard our freedom. May the
light of your word run swiftly throughout our country, and your love
burn brightly in our land. Give us a rebirth of freedom, in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."

JOHN 1:5
by Pastor Jim Krieg

As a person endeavors to teach God's Word to a Sunday school class or
some other large group, he may run into the difficulty of different
translations. To remedy this I would never recommend that we all hold to
only one translation as sacred. There is no perfect translation. I also
would not suggest comparing many translations and pronouncing the
majority opinion as correct. Each of us as believers needs to increase
our own scholarship and discernment of the Scriptures.

I was recently reminded of some difference in the translations in John
1:5 and decided to take a closer look at the word translated by some as
comprehend and by others as overcome.

John is speaking of the Word being God and life and light. In verse 5 he
says, "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not
katalambano it." What is the darkness not able to do to the light? Let
us take a concordance and look at the other places this word is used in
the New Testament.

First of all we see that it is a compound Greek word from the
preposition "kata" meaning down, and the verb "lambano" meaning to
take or receive. Notice that in this word the verb and the preposition
compliment each other, thereby intensifying the meaning of "lambano"
alone. Thus, the basic meaning would be to really take. Now let us
observe the word used throughout the New Testament and see how the basic
meaning is shaded by different contexts.

In Acts 4:13 the Jewish council took down in a mental sense, and hence,
understood, or or had comprehension that Peter and John were
scholastically untrained men. As Peter again stood before the Jewish
council having witnessed the events at Cornelius' house, he said, "I
truly understand that God is not a respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34).
In Ephesians 3:18, Paul prays that they might be able to comprehend, or
understand the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's Word (cf.
also Acts 25:25).

So we see that comprehend is a bona fide translation of this word when
used in a mental sense. But Paul uses "katalambano " in a different
sense also. In First Corinthians 9:24, Paul says that a person runs in
order that he might take down in a positive, physical sense, and hence
obtain the prize. Although the basic meaning of take down is still the
same, a translation of comprehend would not make sense in this context
as also Philippians 3:12, 13, and Romans 9:30, where obtain is the
preferred translation.

But again we see this word being used in a negative, physical context in
Mark 9:18. A father brings his son to the disciples saying he was held
by a dumb spirit, and when that spirit would take him down i.e., in a
negative sense, the boy would smash to the ground, foaming and gnashing
his teeth. We see here that the spirit took hold of and overpowered him.

Paul uses this word in a similar vein in First Thessalonians 5:4, where
he speaks of believers not being overcome by the day of the Lord as a
thief overcomes his victims.

Actually we see John using our word in John 12:35 again in respect to
darkness (skotia) as in John 1:5. He quotes Jesus as exhorting His
followers to "Walk as you have the light lest the darkness might
overcome [katalambano] you."

In light of these observations, especially as used in similar contexts,
we can concur that the idea being brought out in John 1:5 is that the
darkness is not able to overcome, overpower, or overtake the light which
is Christ.

We see John teaching a great principle of grace along with Paul that
believers who are rescued out of the darkness of sin and placed in the
light of Christ, can live without the dread of being overpowered by the
powers of darkness. (John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:8-9; Col.
1:12; 1 Thess. 5:5)

Why Do Good Men Disagree?*
*By S. Lee Homoki*
*

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face,
because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he
did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and
separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the
other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was
carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked
not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter
before them all, If thou, being a Jew, live after the manner of
Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compel thou the Gentiles to live
as do the Jews" (Gal. 2:11-14)?

Here we have a sad and troubling report of the Apostle Paul and the
Apostle Peter in conflict! I am sure that some will find this shocking
and disturbing. It seems unthinkable that two of the great heroes of the
faith - "Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ" -- would engage in a heated controversy and division! And
yet, it happened and it still happens today, even among good Christian
men and ministries.

To find an answer to the question, "Why do good men disagree?" -- is not
easy in every case. We know that most controversies are generated at an
emotional level and are, therefore, avoidable. We are reminded, "If it
be possible," we are to "live peaceably with all men" (Rom 12:18).
However, there are times when disagreement and separation is necessary.
We are to, "Fight the good fight of faith" (1Tim. 6:12). One such time
was Paul's confrontational disagreement with the Apostle Peter.

At the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), the questions, "What is the Gospel?"
and "What must a person do to be saved?" were settled. According to Dr.
C. I. Scofield, "Dispensationally, this the most important passage in
the New Testament. It gives the divine purpose for this age and for the
beginning of the next" (Page 1169). A transition was taking place. (See
my tract: "Have You Made the Transition?" - WWW. BDTLB.org). God was
shifting gears! A change was taking place because of the death, burial
and resurrection of Christ! "Christ is the end of the Law for
righteousness to every one that believeth" (Rom 10:4). If that means
anything, it means that neither Jews or Gentiles have to keep the Jewish
Law to be saved or holy! Salvation comes by "faith" in the faithfulness
of Christ (Gal. 2:16,20) and holiness comes by, "walking in the Spirit"
(Rom. 8:4). We are free from the Mosaic Law! We are "dead to the Law"
(Gal. 2:19). We are not bound by all those laws and ceremonies.

At this first church council, a great fight took place because the
Judaizers wanted to enslave the Gentile converts to their legalism (Acts
15:5). According to Galatians 2, Paul defended "that Gospel" which he
preached (Gal. 2:2) -- specifically the gospel which, "was not according
to man, for he had not received it from any man; he had not been taught
it." That gospel had come to him by direct "revelation" given to him
"by Jesus Christ" (Gal. 1:11-17). Concerning this gospel he warned,
"Though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8).

At the same time, James, Peter and John, (the "Pillars" of the Jerusalem
Church) "extended the right hands of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas" to
verify the authenticity of Paul's gospel being sent to the "heathen" and
to reaffirm Peter's apostolic authority to preach the Gospel to the Jews.

Both Paul and Peter had an active and fruitful ministry. They had
labored for a considerable time under the Scriptural guidelines set
forth in Acts 15 and Galatians 2. Both believed in the oneness of Jews
and Gentiles who believed in Christ. Peter testified, "God, which knows
the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, as He did
unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their
hearts by faith" (Acts 15:8-9). However, by the time Peter comes to the
Antioch Church, which was composed largely of Gentiles, Peter played the
part of a coward and a hypocrite because of the "fear of them...the
circumcision. " He believed one thing but behaved in a contrary manner.
He "walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel!" This is
what ignited the controversy between Paul and Peter! The very barrier
that once stood between both Jews and Gentiles - once removed by the
finished work of Christ - was in danger of being rebuilt (Gal. 2:18).

Lesson: The church cannot be run on legalism and be Christian in the
Biblical sense of the word! Though we are sympathetic to, and can
understand the pressure and intimidation brought to bear on Peter and
others -- (He even seduced Barnabas to frustrate the Gospel of God's
Grace (Gal. 2:13) - Peter was wrong and was to "blame." Truth cannot be
compromised without conflict. In this sad incident, we learn that it is
better to follow Paul than Peter. Peter stumbled and wobbled
occasionally in his spiritual life. His example is a reminder that we
all are "smeared with the same stick!" We need to "walk circumspectly,
not as fools, but as wise" (Eph. 5:15).

Thankfully, Peter recovered from this strong censure of the Apostle Paul
(2 Peter 3:15-16) and serves as an encouragement to all when the finger
of "blame" is pointed at us -- there is hope and grace of our recovery too!

Evangelist S. Lee Homoki

With Eternity's Values in View*
*(Part 5 of 5)*
*By Charles Wages*

*

Our theme throughout these lessons has been that "eternal life" is not
some "far distant hoped for possibility, " but rather a present,
permanent, position that every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has by
the marvelous, matchless grace of God. This truth is a scriptural "fact"
that should determine our every act.

Often the question is asked, "Do you think a person could be saved and
not know it?" Or conversely, could one be lost and not know it? These
seem to be "foolish" thoughts or questions, but, in fact, they have
tremendously important implications. A person could have been baptized
in infancy or joined a church, thinking it was necessary for salvation
or eternal life. Some even think they have "sinned away salvation" or
committed the "unpardonable sin." There are numerous misconceptions why
a person would not know whether they were saved or not. There is a
familiar passage of Scripture in 1 John 5:9-13,

"If we receive the witness of man, the witness of God is greater: for
this is the witness of God which He has testified of his Son. He that
believeth on the Son of God has the witness in himself : he that
believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the
record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God has
given to us eternal life, and this life is in the Son. He that hath the
Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These
things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of
God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe
on the name of the Son of God."

Verse 13 is the verse closely connected to our theme, "With Eternity's
Values in View." This verse is often referred to as an assurance of our
salvation. It surely does give us that assurance, however, it
specifically says, "that ye may know that you have eternal life."
Surely, "eternal life" and salvation are closely connected, however the
stress is on "eternal life," and further that we may "know."

Knowledge is a wonderful thing, but how much do we "know" about the
eternal life God has given to those who have believed? Knowledge is
often defined as "the fact or condition of knowing something with
familiarity gained through experience or association. " However, simply
stated, the real understanding of life and eternal life only comes
through His Word. It is a wonderful experience to feel like a believer
or even to rejoice in the eternal life God has so freely given, but we
can only "know for sure" because He has declared it! The apostle John
was led to write, " These things have I written unto you that believe on
the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life
and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

The emphasis in this verse seems to be on the expression, "that ye may
know that ye have eternal life." How can we "know" we have eternal life?
The answer is, "this is the record" (vs. 11) and "These things have I
written unto you" (vs. 13). It is recorded in God's Word! Therefore, we
can know!

Having and knowing we have eternal life is a wonderful experience and
feeling, but we "know" it because God says so. Knowing for sure we have
eternal life will amplify the values of this life naturally and
spiritually. The value we place on human life will increase, and our
desire to see them redeemed will be greater.

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that
is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal
life." (1 John 5:20)

The Apostle Paul knew, when he wrote under inspiration,

"For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to
keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12)


*
Dear Abba, Father, I thank You for washing away my sins. I praise You
for bringing me close to You. I desire to grow in intimacy with You.
Help me to see Your love more clearly, that I might respond in stronger
love to You. Remind me to cry out to You consistently and to pour out my
heart honestly, all by the blood of Christ, Amen.

With Eternity's Values in View (Part 4 of 5)*
*By Charles Wages*

*

We have seen previously that presently and positionally, we have eternal
life because we have trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour. The more we
continue to trust Him and give Him pre-eminence as the Lord Jesus
Christ, the more this eternal life becomes a reality to us. The more we
keep "eternal" values in view, the less burdensome and bothersome the
cares of the world become. When we realize that scripturally and
spiritually, we have been made "new creations" in Christ Jesus and that
"old things have passed away," it helps us to see what eternity holds in
store for all believers!

"Therefore if any many be in Christ, He is a new creature; old things
are passed away: Behold all things are become new. And all things are of
God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given
to us the ministry of reconciliation. " (2 Cor. 5:17-18)

When we see that by God's grace and power we have become "new creations"
in Christ Jesus, then it is easier to have the "new heavens" and "new
earth" in view. When we can see and believe what Romans 8:18 teaches:

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to
be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

we can surely keep "eternity's values in view." We all experience the
"sufferings of this present time." These "sufferings" of the present
include vainness (vanity), groaning, and travailing (with the old
creation) bondage (lack of liberty), and no hope.

However, the eternal life that God gives enables us to see beyond "this
vale of tears" and fully realize that,

"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Rom. 8:21)

The full and fulfilling realization that a believer has eternal life
affects our personal life and our prayer life. The apostle Paul's prayer
as recorded in Ephesians 1:15-23 was principally concerned with his
expectations of a heavenly life.

"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and
love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making
mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation
in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being
enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what
the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." (Eph. 1:15-18)

Verse 18 of this prayer is especially significant. It concerns and
emphasizes the eternal salvation that God gives to those who trust the
Lord Jesus Christ. We shouldn't take advantage of the "gift." We should
recognize the change that has taken place in our lives. We have "passed
from death unto life." To have "passed from death unto life implies a
change from one place to another. It also implies a change from one
person to another. That is, from Satan to the Saviour. The writer
visited a rest home to visit an elderly brother. The attendant at the
front office said, "Oh, he has "passed." I knew what she meant, whether
she did or not. It could spiritually be said of a lost sinner when he or
she accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, "they have passed." Romans
6:1-13 is a great teaching passage on death and life. It clearly teaches
that those who believe are "baptized" into His death and raised unto a
newness of life. It also emphasizes that believers "should walk in
newness of life" (vs. 4). This "newness of life" includes and involves
walking with "eternity's values in view." How wonderfully important
Colossians 3:1-4 becomes!

**
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on
things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life
is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear,
then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

With Eternity's Values in View *
*(Part 3 of 5)*
*By Charles Wages*

*

It is a Scriptural fact that before we can live with and for the Lord,
we must first die with Him! It was the apostle Paul, writing under the
inspiration of God, who wrote,

"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ
liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the
faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Gal. 2:20)

Then, we read in Romans 6:8,

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall also live with Him."

We have seen this is fact—that the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has
everlasting life as the gift of and from God! How is the believer to act
"with eternity's values in view?" Natural life can be a wonderful
experience, but because of the sin nature and its results, this natural
life is not always so wonderful. However, with "eternity's values in
view," life takes on a new perspective. The Scriptures advise us to:

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye
are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:2)

Natural life has the earth in view. Eternal life has heaven in view.
Natural life mainly has self in view, whereas eternal life has the
Saviour in view. With "eternity's values in view," we can better serve
our heavenly Father and be of service while living on earth. We must
constantly keep in mind that our Lord came to earth, died on a cross,
but went back to heaven. Ephesians 1:19-23 says,

"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who
believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Which he wrought
in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right
hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and
might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this
world, but also in that which is to come; 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."

Knowing and believing this wonderful truth, or rather believing and
knowing this glorious truth, enables us it to keep looking up." Humanly
and humorously, it has been said, "Keep looking up, especially when
there is only mud under your feet." "With eternity's values in view," we
can see more clearly the tasks or work that is at hand. Surely, it gives
a stronger desire to learn more, live better, and love stronger.

The more we look at the things of the world, the more we see Satan's
work. After all, Satan is the god of this world system or the "age" in
which we live.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the
god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, less
the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God
should shine unto them." (2 Cor. 4:3-4)

One of the main works of the devil is to blind people so they cannot see
the work of the Lord and believe the gospel of God's grace. Also, that
blinding work of the devil also affects the believer. It keeps the child
of God from "remembering" that the Lord has redeemed him or her from the
penalty of sin. In other words, it affects our sight. Note carefully
what God led Peter to write in 2 Peter 1:8-9:

"For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall
neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar
off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from the old sins."

Also note, it is said of this blindness, "he cannot see afar off." In
other words, the believer being blind of God's work in saving his soul,
cannot have "eternity's values in view!"

In the context of these verses in 2 Peter, the believers were told to
add to their faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness,
brotherly kindness and love (verses 5-7). These are "spiritual vitamins"
to enable us to see what's ahead! It is possible for a person to know
they are saved, know how they were saved, know from what they were
saved, but not know why they were saved. Sometimes a person can be like
the little bird that flies backward and only sees where he has been, but
not much about where he is going.

We have seen that the eternal life God so freely gives to those who
trust Him for salvation is a precious reality, a present protection, a
permanent position. All of these should have a prevailing effect on our
values in daily life. For example, the believer should have a "sound
mind" in spiritual and earthly matters. This can only be accomplished if
we have our thinking and decisions based on "sound doctrine." This sound
doctrine or teaching can only be found in God's Word and teaching based
thereon. This is especially vital when we are warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4,

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables."

One of the attributes of eternal life is that of a "sound mind." We read
in 2 Timothy 1:7,

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind."

Out of a "sound mind" comes "sound words" based on "sound doctrine."
This truth can be used in the life and experience of the child of God to
convince the unsaved of their great need of the Saviour. Paul, writing
to his son in the faith, said in Titus 1:9,

"Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

It should go without saying that "with eternity's values in view," our
lives will be more "wholesome" and useful. We will be more able to think
and act with more stability and steadfastness. The amusing story is told
of a young man who lost his job in the orange juice plant—he couldn't
concentrate! When our thinking goes astray we should remember to KEEP
LOOKING UP!

Think soberly, soundly, and with "eternity's values in view!"

Dear Lord Jesus, my victorious Lord, how often I attempt to be the one
who directs my life. I confess that when I lead, victory is not the
result. Lord, help me to count on You to lead me in Your triumph, even
in the difficult situations that I frequently encounter. In Your
triumphant name, I pray, Amen.

*With Eternity's Values in View
(Part 1 of 5)*
*By Charles Wages*

*
We often emphasize that "eternal life" is the happy privilege of all who
believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. How true and wonderful this
is! This is the "fact" that through "faith" in the finished work of
Christ on the cross, the vilest sinner can be saved! (Eph. 2:8-9)
However, we often seem to neglect the "effects" that eternal life has on
the believer.

What does it mean to have everlasting life? Are there changes in the
attitudes and actions of one who through faith in Christ has received
"eternal life?" Passing from death unto life is such a tremendous truth
that it should have a resounding effect on our lives. We often try to
visualize "life after death." What happens right after we die? Well, to
the believer, it is "absent from the body, and present with the Lord" (2
Cor. 5:8). However, we realize that before Christ came into our lives,
we were "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). When we believed the
truth of the gospel, God "quickened" (made alive) us and gave us eternal
life. We read in Ephesians 2:5-6 that,

"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together and made us sit
together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"

It is clearly taught in Scripture that before we were "saved by God's
grace," we were "dead in trespasses and sins." Physical death is what we
usually think of when we refer to "dying." It is true that "the wages of
sin is death," and "it is appointed unto men once to die." However,
death is referred to in several ways in the Scriptures. For example, the
Scriptures speak of individuals being dead while they live (l Tim. 5:6).
That is, they are "dead to Christ," but not dead with Christ! Then, the
wonderful truth becomes clear,

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that, we shall also live with
Him:" (Rom. 6:8)

Further we are admonished,

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but
alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 6:11)

It is this "newness of life," from the deadness of sin that produces the
"eternal life" that we possess the moment we trust the Lord Jesus Christ
as Saviour. Now, again, what is the meaning of this to the believer? The
eternal life, a gift from God, is a fact, but what about the "act" of
"fact"?

It is important to see that this eternal life that God gives us by His
grace is a present possession. Notice the statement of our Lord:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my Word, and believeth
on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

This present position and possession of eternal life will be ultimately
consummated as stated in Colossians 3:2-4,

"Set your affection on things above, not on things of the earth. For you
are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is
our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

This "eternal life" is not only a present possession, but it is an
eternal position. We are informed in Philippians 3:20-21:

"For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we
look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall change our vile
body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to
the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

Think of this! The saved sinner is a "heavenly citizen!" The instant a
person truly receives Christ as Saviour, his or her citizenship is
recorded in heaven! The apostle Paul is led to state this truth in these
terms in Ephesians 2:5-7,

"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together and made us sit
together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; That in the ages to come he
might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus."

This is the "blessed assurance" of the believer!

Not only is the "eternal life" our present possession, our present
position, but it is also our present protection. This life, this eternal
life that He has so freely given to the believer, and the full
realization or acceptance of it, guards the child of God from falling
for every false doctrine that arises. Colossian 2:6-8 is not only a
warning to the believer, but instruction in how to live for Him in this
wonderful eternal life.

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been
taught; abounding therein with thanksgiving. "

Finally, the eternal life we have as His children, should have a
wonderful and lasting effect on our lives. We need to realize and accept
the fact of present, eternal life, given to us by God through Christ.
Eternal life should produce "sound minds" to know and appreciate the
values that are eternal. This great truth of the present reality of
eternal life produces in the believer "what sunshine does for stained
glass windows."

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and an persuaded that he is
able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2
Tim. 1:12)


Thank You for cleansing me of all unrighteousness. Thank You for
clothing me in the righteousness of Your dear Son. Now I place my hope
in You for any and all progress in the path of righteousness. O Lord,
have Your way in my life, working Your will, by Your grace, through
Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.



-------
*With Eternity's Values in View (Part 2 of 5)*
*By Charles Wages*
*
We have seen previously that eternal life is a present position and
protection to one who has trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. This
is completely by the death of Christ on the Cross. It is not by our good
works whether religious or secular (Eph.2:8-9). Eternal life is in the
"here" as well as the "hereafter."

Seeing and believing this wonderful truth, we should not neglect the
"effects" that eternal life has on the believer. Are there changes in
the attitudes and actions of one who has received eternal life?

First, knowing one has eternal life should have an effect on one's
"personal" life. We have to believe and accept the devastating life of
the past. Ephesians 2:1-3 states:

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now
worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our
conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the
desires of the flesh and of the mind: and were by nature the children of
wrath, even as others."

This life before we were saved is called the "old man" in Colossians
3:1. Some of the characteristics of the "old man" are anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, filthy communication. There are many more too
numerous to mention. However, when a person trusts the Lord for
salvation, he or she becomes a "new" person in Christ!

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are told that,

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away: behold, all things are become new."

Notice the emphasis on the "new creation" and that "old things are
passed away." The "old man" has nothing to look forward to but death.
The "new man" now has eternal life and looks forward to an eternity in
the presence of the Lord! Again, it must be stressed that eternal life
is a present possession and should make a great change in our attitudes
and actions while we live on this earth.

This realization of present possession of "eternal life" should have an
effect on our "spiritual" life as well as our "personal" life although
they are closely related. An eternal connection with the Lord should be
accompanied by a spiritual communion with Him. Communion basically
involves fellowship. Fellowship with whom? 1 John 1:3 states,

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father,
and with his Son Jesus Christ."

We must have "communion" with the One who has given us eternal life.
This communion or fellowship is through the Holy Spirit and the Word of
God. (Rom. 8:26-27) Communion involves communication. We have to have
God's eternal life before we can have God's learning. The Scripture is
clear that the "natural" man (devoid of eternal life) cannot understand
the truth of God's Word.

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for
they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned."

The realization of our eternal life gives the believer a yearning for
learning. Learning more about this wonderful "eternal life" is a
wonderful journey! This journey includes communion with the Lord who
constantly and consistently loves us. Communion involves worship. One
must have "eternal life" before one can worship the eternal God. We are
told in Philippians 3:3,

"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."

This spiritual worship or communion should include:
Reading and studying God's Word (2 Tim. 2:15)
Prayer or communicating with God (1 Thess. 5:17)
Fellowshipping with believers (Heb. 10:25)The full realization that
eternal life is a present result of having trusted the Lord Jesus Christ
as Saviour brings stability and soundness to the child of God. This
results in sound values, sound minds, and real security to the believer.
Let's remember that the Scripture says,

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the
Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

*THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK*
*
Even when we receive something that doesn't seem good, we can be
grateful because we know there is more to it than we can see. What seems
like an imperfect gift may be the means by which God perfects us. —
Julie Ackerman

*PHILIPPIANS 4:1-7*
*Part 3 of 3 *
*By Pastor Paul Sadler*

* *
*THE PEACE OF GOD *
*
"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:5,6).

These passages indicate tempers must have been flaring at the assembly
and that some of the discussions had become heated. The word
"moderation" in the original has the idea of being gentle, mild
mannered, patient, etc. Paul's purpose in stating this was twofold.
First, it would help defuse the volatile situation at the assembly if
they simply were gentle and considerate of one another, so the problem
could be dealt with in a Christ-like manner. If they would merely stop
wanting to have their own way, it would help to resolve the
issue.Second, the apostle didn't want to see this assembly tarnish its
reputation before the world, which, up to this point in time had been
commendable. This is why he states, "Let your gentleness be known unto
all men." Once it is known that those Christians are fighting among
themselves, the person and work of Christ is disregarded in the eyes of
the world.

Undoubtedly, there were believers in this assembly who were confused and
anxious, not knowing what to do or where to turn for help. Paul knew
that those who were directly involved in the skirmish were only thinking
about defending themselves and had completely lost sight of how it was
affecting those around them and the long-term ramifications to the
Lord's work, not to mention the loss they were going to suffer at the
Judgment Seat of Christ. For the sake of those who were victims of the
circumstances Paul instructs them accordingly:

"The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God."

Essentially, the apostle is saying there is no need to become anxious or
worry yourself sick over recent events---"the Lord is at hand." He is
not saying the Lord's coming is at hand, instead the thought is,"the
Lord is present." These believers were to realize the Lord was not far
from any one of them. He is omnipresent- --a present help in time of
need! When a raging storm came up unexpectedly on the Sea of Galilee,
the disciples thought it was time to pack their bags for eternity when
the waves swept over the bow of the boat. But when the presence of the
Lord appeared on deck the fears and worries of the disciples dissipated
like the morning dew on a warm summer's day (Matt. 8:23-27). You see,
Paul wanted those who were troubled at Philippi to know that the Lord
was with them.

Furthermore, Paul tells them to pray, pray without ceasing! But in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God." There is nothing too small, nothing
too great, to lay before Him, as it has been said. The Lord is
interested in every aspect of our lives. Many times we go to the Lord in
prayer and simply pray about things in general. Supplication, on the
other hand, is more specific; it is seeking the face of God for example,
with a deep burden for the salvation shall receive of a particular lost
soul. Both are to be offered with thanksgiving because we know "And all
things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye KNOW "The
peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).

Most understand this peace to be a tranquil life where they "lie down
in green pastures" and the Lord leads them "beside the still waters" as
the Psalmist says. Paul, however, is speaking about the peace of God in
the midst of times of trouble and turmoil. It is resting in the
sovereignty of God, that He is in control of all things. Having this
peace is looking beyond the tragedy, knowing that at that day all things
are going to work out for our good and His glory. This is the peace of
God that passes all understanding; it will guard your heart and give you
peace of mind.

lNTERNAL PRIORITY
By Miles Stanford

"Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1 :27).

Beware! The world, both secular and religious, is seeking to destroy
your individuality by conforming you to the mass of faceless ones. But
our heritage and destiny in the Lord Jesus Christ is to be conformed to
His image - not at the loss of our individual personality, but by the
gain of His nature and character. "I in you"; "Christ liveth in me"
(John 15:4; Gal. 2:20).

"Something has got to be done in us as well as for us. We want to
proceed on the line of having things done for us, heaven intervening for
us, our difficulties removed for us, having a straight path made for us.
Heaven may be ready to come in, the Lord may be prepared to work for us,
but it is not sufficient for Him - and it would not prove good enough
for us - if that were all. The very principle of spiritual growth and
maturity demands that He keep the objective and the subjective balanced;
that is, that something is done in us as well as for us." - T.A.S.

"We are apt to think that if and when the circumstances and conditions
of our lives are changed and we are in another position than the one we
now occupy, then something will happen, the purpose of God will begin to
be fulfilled. But the Lord says, 'No, it is not circumstances, not
conditions, at all; it is you.' "

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work
in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).

*
**

*THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
**/_

**/If God didn't have a purpose for us, /**


**/we wouldn't be here./**

MAJORITIES OFTEN WRONG*
* by C. R. Stam*
* *
*
When St. Paul was at Ephesus his proclamation of the gospel caused such
a stir that the idol makers, who were losing money, protested until "the
whole city was filled with confusion." Soon somebody started a chant:
"Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" Others joined and the chorus swelled
until "all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great
is Diana of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:34), and the town clerk, referring
to the religion which surrounded this pagan goddess, said confidently:
"These things cannot be spoken against" (Ver .36).

But later, at Rome, the Apostle was informed, with reference to those
who had accepted the truths he had been proclaiming: "As concerning this
sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against" (Acts 28:22).

We wonder which side our readers would now prefer to be on: that of the
superstitious multitude or that of the minority who place their faith in
the Bible.

Millions worshipped the goddess Diana from a thousand years before
Christ to two centuries after, but who knows her today? Where is the
evidence of all the miracles she is supposed to have wrought? Her glory
is little more than a memory and the religion which revolved around her
name is a thing of the past.

But the Bible, for all these centuries and more, has stood unchanged and
unchangeable. It has weathered, not barely, but handsomely, all the
storms of criticism and opposition, and has proved to be indeed the Word
of God. Read the Bible and especially that part which is particularly
meant for us today: the Epistles of Paul. Depend upon it, act upon it
and don't hesitate to stand for it, even when in the minority, for where
the most vital truths are concerned, majorities have generally been wrong.

*

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, my victorious Lord, how often I attempt to be
the one who directs my life. I confess that when I lead, victory is not
the result. Lord, help me to count on You to lead me in Your triumph,
even in the difficult situations that I frequently encounter. In Your
triumphant name, I pray, Amen.

PHILIPPIANS 4:1-7*
*Part 2 of 3 *
*By Pastor Paul Sadler*
*

AN EXHORTATION TO UNITY

"So stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and
beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord" (Phil.4:1,2) .

It is noteworthy that Paul encouraged both of these women in regard to
the issue at hand. He "urges Euodias" and he also "urges Syntyche" to
stand fast and be of the same mind in the Lord. Usually when there is
conflict in the local church such as we have here there are problems on
both sides of the aisle. One normally raises a questionable issue while
the other one's response to it is anything but Christ-like. This begins
the descent into chaos, which oftentimes ends in a major division. Of
course, Paul was hoping to head off a major crisis before it happened.

Paul's solution to the problem was to "stand fast in the Lord." Notice
it does not say "stand fast for the Lord," but in Him. Euodias and
Syntyche had been given a position in Christ; therefore, they were
blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. They were
accepted in the Beloved, forgiven, eternally secure---complete in Him!
Whatever disagreements or shortcomings these two women may have had,
they were one in Christ. The best remedy for any dispute within the
local church is the acknowledgment of our oneness in Christ.

It has been said the local assembly is like a wagon wheel, the rim of
the wheel representing the circumference of the faith in which all born
again members are embraced and the members of the assembly representing
the spokes in the wheel. Thus, when one spoke is broken or warped, the
strength of the wheel is affected. We might say that the nearer the
spokes are to the hub, the nearer they are to each other. Christ, of
course, is the Hub, the center, soul, and bloodstream of all true
Christianity and all true Christian unity. It is IN HIM that we solve
our difficulties and find perfect harmony and unity.

You see, the apostle wanted Euodias and Syntyche to resolve their
differences by being of "the same mind in the Lord." Rather than
focusing on defending themselves, he wanted them to focus on the things
of the Lord. In so doing, they would be reunited in a common goal to
make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mystery. The end result
would be the restoration of unity within the assembly. If, however,these
two women refused to heed his counsel, Paul recruits the help of an
intermediary. Sometimes it takes a third party, who is more objective,
to give direction to those involved that have lost their spiritual compass.

"And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which
labored with me in the gospel" (vs. 3).

We would suggest that the mediator here was probably Timothy, which he
calls a "true yokefellow," one of many metaphors the apostle heaps on
this dear brother ( Phil.2:22). The term "yokefellow" according
to,Thayer has the idea of being united in a common relationship ---a
colleague. Paul refers to Timothy as his "own [i.e. true] son in the
faith" (I Tim. 1:2). This term "true" is only used by the apostle when
he referred to Timothy and Titus. As Paul was dictating this letter he
most likely paused and turned to Timothy, who was being sent to
Philippi, and said: "I implore thee, Timothy, true yokefellow, help
these [Gr. autos] women who labored with me in the gospel."

Paul isn't instructing Timothy to give Euodias and Syntyche a helping
hand in the work of the ministry to lighten their burden, but rather to
help them be of the same mind in the Lord. He wanted his colleague to
remind these sisters in the Lord of their position and oneness in
Christ. Paul adds how there was a time when they had labored with him in
the furtherance of the gospel. The term "labored" here is the same word
translated "strive" in Philippians 1:27. In track and field events each
athlete strives to do his part for the team. Paul's heart's desire was
to rekindle that team spirit these women once had in the Lord's service.
As the old saying goes, there is no "I" in team!

In addition to Euodias and Syntyche, the apostle instructs Timothy to
encourage "Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names
are in the book of life." It could well be that Paul mentions these
brethren in this context simply because they were disheartened over the
circumstances at Philippi. Strife within the local assembly is enough to
take the wind out of anyone's sails. A word of encouragement can go a
long way in restoring one who has a broken spirit. While many brethren
look for opportunities to criticize, it is far more honorable to be an
"encourager. " Paul was! No matter what the outcome at Philippi, he
reminds them that their "names are in the book of life."

The Scriptures teach that from the foundation of the world every name
has been recorded in the book of life. God has made reservations for
all! Interestingly, the "book of the living" is a record of those who
possess natural life, so when they die their name is removed
(Psa.69:27,28) , but there is an exception. Those who believe the gospel
in their lifetime receive eternal life; therefore their names are sealed
by the Holy Spirit on the basis of the finished work of Christ. With
this in mind, the names of Euodias, Syntyche, Clement, and the other
fellow laborers at Philippi are all permanently sealed in the book of
life for time and eternity.

Little wonder then, that Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and
again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4). It is significant that we are to
rejoice in the Lord, and with the above in mind, Paul adds, "again I say
rejoice." As we saw in an earlier lesson, we are to rejoice in the great
things He has done for us! You see, we are to rejoice that Christ loved
us and gave Himself for us. Rejoice that we have redemption, even the
forgiveness of our sins through His precious blood. We are to rejoice
that we're justified freely by His grace. This is why the apostle places
so much emphasis on this theme throughout the epistle Christ is the
source of our joy!

*PHILIPPIANS 4:1-7*
*Part 1 of 3 *
*By Pastor Paul Sadler*
*

The story is told that during the American Civil War, when the rival
armies were encamped on the opposite banks of the Potomac River, the
Union's band played one of its patriotic tunes, and the Confederate
musicians quickly struck up a melody dear to any Southerner's heart.
Then one of the bands started to play "Home, Sweet Home." The musical
competition ceased, and the musicians from the other army joined in.
Soon voices from both sides of the river could be heard singing, "There
is no place like home."

In similar fashion, the members of the Body of Christ have a home, a
home in heaven. While divisions have always plagued the Church, we all
have a common destiny. So when Paul opens Philippians 4 with the term
"there-fore, " he is prefacing what he was about to say on the preceding
passage where he established that we are citizens of heaven. He wanted
the saints at Philippi to remember and remember well that they belonged
to the Lord and were blessed with all spiritual blessings in the
heavenlies. Against this backdrop, the apostle is going to share with us
how to effectively deal with a problem between two believers when a
conflict arises within the local assembly. We might call this particular
portion that is under consideration- Problem Solving 101!

*
*ISOLATING THE PROBLEM *
*
"Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,
so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and
beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." Phil. 4:1,2

As we have seen, Paul hinted in the previous chapters that there was an
underlying conflict at Philippi, but he now isolates the problem and
names names. It involved two women in the assembly whose names were
Euodias and Syntyche, often referred to by humorists as "Odious" and
"Soon-touchy. " These two women had worked closely with Paul in the
furtherance of the gospel when the apostle first came to Philippi, but
in the course of time they became archenemies. Of course, Paul's
concern, and justifiably so, was that should this rift continue it could
eventually divide the assembly and greatly hinder the cause of Christ,
which is something God does not take lightly.

Having observed these types of conflicts over the years in the local
church, they usually begin between two dominant personalities in the
assembly who are both leaders in their own right, or could be. The very
thing that made them so effective in the Lord's service oftentimes
becomes the very thing that ends up dividing them. Since the fall,
disputes among the Lord's people have been all too common. For example:

"And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman
whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they
said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath He not spoken also
by us? And the LORD heard it" (Num. 12:1,2).

According to this passage, the conflict between Moses and Miriam arose
over his marriage to an Ethiopian woman. We are not told what happened
to Moses' first wife, Zipporah, but one thing is certain, Miriam and
Aaron weren't happy with this new union, at least that's how it appeared
on the surface. During times of conflict, it's important to remember
there is usually the "problem," and then there's the "real issue"
underlying it! That's exactly what we have here. The problem was
Miriam's displeasure with Moses' decision to take another wife, but the
real issue was his authority. She was jealous that Moses was the
Deliverer through whom God spoke!

"And the LORD heard it," and was displeased. As you continue to read the
narrative, it is interesting that God by passes the smokescreen and
deals directly with Miriam's rebellion. Under the law, questioning God's
ordained spokesman had serious consequences, as Miriam found out when
she became white as snow with leprosy for seven days (Num. 12:5-15).

As we pass from the law to the present age of Grace, conflicts between
believers persist to this very day, due to the fact that we still
possess a sin nature after we are saved. Needless to say, Satan is a
master at bringing out the worst in us. And, sadly, some believers play
right into his hand. Paul had seen this firsthand when he received the
report that Euodias and Syntyche weren't seeing eye-to-eye. This portion
of Scripture is a clinic in how to effectively deal with problems in the
local church.

"Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,
so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and
beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord" (Phil. 4:1,2).

Imagine these ladies sitting there listening to Epaphroditus read this
letter publicly and hearing their name read aloud. It would have
undoubtedly gotten their undivided attention. It is noteworthy that the
apostle didn't take sides. If he were to do so he would lose his
objectivity. Of course, by not taking sides he ran the risk of getting
shot at by both sides. But he was more than willing to take this
friendly fire if it meant resolving the problem.

As Paul ministered the gospel he did so with impartiality, a lesson
every spiritual leader is well served to remember. Notice how the
apostle includes Euodias and Syntyche in his greeting to the assembly at
Philippi. They, too. were "dearly beloved and longed for" and were also
his "joy and crown." Those Paul had won to Christ were his joy and his
crow of rejoicing, as he says in Thessalonians. At the Judgment Seat of
Christ, the Lord will acknowledge Paul's labor of love in evangelizing
the lost; they will be his, "crown of rejoicing." The same is, true of
all those who have a love for lost souls.

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in
the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our
glory and joy" (I Thes 2:19,20).

Like many of those at Thessalonica, Paul had personally brought Euodias
(flagrant) and Syntyche (fortunate) to Christ when he first visited
Philippi (Acts 16:12,13). These two women had faithfully served the Lord
together for many years, but something came between them. Before we
consider how Paul handled this problem, we first need to consider what
the problem may have been. While we are not told the nature of the
conflict, we can conclude it did not involve a dispute over a major
doctrinal issue, simply because the apostle doesn't instruct the
assembly to separate from one or both of these women, as he did with the
church at Rome.

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them"
(Rom. 16:17).

Nor was the problem of an immoral nature such as we witness at Corinth.
In that case Paul instructed the Corinthians to put the offender out of
the assembly until a time of repentance (l Cor. 5:1-7). Thankfully, this
cannot be said of Euodias and Syntyche. The issue was probably over a
secondary doctrine of the faith or jealousy. Perhaps one was preferred
above the other or one of the two ladies received what the other one
felt was unwarranted praise. Whatever the case, the quarrel was causing
disunity within the assembly. Some were apparently already taking sides.
The battle lines were drawn and reinforcements were being recruited to
shore up the frontlines on each side. In all likelihood it was one of
those cases where you could cut the atmosphere with a knife.