GraceNTheTruth@ COX.NET~OUR ASSURANCES UNDER GRACE

The God of Peace 
By K. Blades
Part 4 of 7

Once again, there is nothing abstract, mystical, or mysterious to this. Instead both prayer itself and its tranquilizing ministry are functions of the intelligent, information-based functioning of our inner man, which God has designed to be both the source and the foundation for the Godly lives that He has purposed us to live with Him.

Accordingly, therefore, prayer and its tranquilizing ministry are functions of Godly thinking. With this being so, the mechanics of prayer's tranquility are easily described. Indeed they are just what Isaiah declared to Israel in Isaiah 26:3 regarding God's provision for the peace of their inner man, ...

     Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
      whose mind is stayed on thee: because he
      trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)

So it is then that as we intelligently and doctrinally commune with our Father in prayer, it functions to keep our minds and hearts sober and sound in godliness, instead of the opposite. Through prayer we deliberately and pointedly hold ourselves accountable to sound doctrine that we have learned as "sons." In so doing "the doctrine which is according to godliness" controls and governs our thinking; stabilizing it, adjusting it, and thereby settling our minds and hearts.

Moreover this is something that prayer does especially when our minds and hearts have become unsettled by some situation, circumstance, or event with the result that we are upset, disturbed, distressed, and lacking inner peace. This, once again, is prayer's tranquilizing ministry. And it is something that we should deeply appreciate and enjoy when we are experiencing any of the afflictions belonging to "the sufferings of this present time" and/or any of "the sufferings of Christ."

Godly Peace

Now as was previously stated, specific living words of the living God are designed by God to effectually work within us to displace what is disturbing our inner man and replace it with Godly thinking that produces peace. And indeed this is accomplished by specific living words of the living God. In fact they are the very same words that live and operate in God's own mind. They are the very words that form and comprise His thinking about us and about our situation, which in turn has Him in a state of peace and contentment regarding us.

It may seem almost silly to put it this way, but the truth of the matter is that neither God our Father, nor the Lord Jesus Christ, nor the Spirit of God within us, become distressed when we encounter and experience disturbing situations. With God there is no onset of anxiety or worry; no racing of the mind; no 'fight or flight response'; no wringing of the hands, pacing of the floor, sleepless nights, or any other product of distress and uneasiness of mind. Instead our Father, our Lord, and the Spirit within us, are at peace within themselves regarding us.

Yet this is not simply because God is God, and anything but contentment is impossible for Him. For though God is God, He is not a detached, impersonal, or unaffected God, as He clearly testifies. Rather He has a direct, interactive and personal relationship with His creation as a whole, and more specifically with His people. Because of this God is personally affected by what occurs, having not only purposed and designed for this to be so, but also having enabled it to be so. And this is true both in His program with Israel and with us in this present dispensation of His grace. With this being so God acts and reacts with real actions and reactions; not merely with sentiments that are anthropopathisms in description, but not true sentiments in nature. For God is not only the "true" God, He is also the "living God." As such God lives and has a living, involved relationship both to us and with us. So much so that He is neither a casual, nor detached, nor unaffected observer of us or of what occurs with us. Instead God is genuinely touched by us and by what occurs with us; and this is true and real with God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Ghost that dwells in us.

So it is, therefore, that God is genuinely touched by any and all of the disturbing and distressing things that we may encounter in our lives.

Now though God is genuinely affected by them, He is not disturbed and distressed by them. For operating within Him is some particular peace-producing and peace-maintaining knowledge, which is the product of His own counsel and purpose regarding us as His "sons." And on the basis of this particular knowledge God thinks differently about our situations and circumstances than we do. Hence His mind generates responses to our situations that differ from those that are typically generated by our natural minds. Consequently with this particular knowledge operating within Him, God is not distressed regarding us. Instead, He is at peace and content.


..neither God our
              Father, nor the Lord
              Jesus Christ, nor
              the Spirit of God 
              within us, become 
              distressed when we
              encounter and
              experience disturb-
              ing situations.

     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".

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:" 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

The God of Peace
By K. Blade
Part  2 of 7 

Moreover in the outworking of our sonship edification, (as we progress through its curriculum for our godly edifying, processing its numerous forms of doctrine and so growing and maturing), we encounter God presenting Himself to us as "the God of peace" in various contexts and for various reasons. For example,...

     "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:33)

      "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Amen. (Romans 16:20)

       "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (II Corinthians 13:11 )

         "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 6:23)

          "Those things, which ye have both learned,and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9)

           "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (II Thessalonians 3:16)

God is indeed "the God of peace." And though realizing this is not something that is exclusive to us in this present dispensation of God's grace, there is a real sense in which we today are to have a special understanding and appreciation for God as such. For the fact is that knowing God as "the God of peace," deeply appreciating Him as such, and hence loving Him as such, is a definite and preplanned objective in our sonship education and edification. It is not only one of the specific ways in which we as "sons" have intimacy of fellowship with God our Father, it is also one of the primary ways in which we learn about the excellency of the power of God's word operating within us. Moreover this particular aspect of our education and edification provides for the development within us of an increasing ability to trust in, and operate upon, the power of the effectual working of God's word within us no matter what.

Wherefore our God and Father presents Himself to us as "the God of peace" a number of times and in several different contexts. With this being so, as we proceed through the curriculum for our sonship edification we are taught to understand and appreciate the issue of "peace" in a number of different ways, ranging from the fundamental issue of having "peace with God" being justified in His sight, to the issue of possessing complete inner peace,  along with joy, even when encountering the most extreme adversities from the Satanic policy of evil against us.

Therefore the "peace" that God extends to us is manifold and varied, existing in many forms. Yet of all its forms and occurrences, one of the most fundamental is the Godly peace for our inner man that our Father wants us to possess when we experience disquieting, disturbing, and trying circumstances in the details of our lives. And though this is a fundamental matter, and we are taught about it right from the outset of our sonship edification, it is also something that God has designed for us to benefit from throughout the growth and maturing of our Christian lives. In view of this the Godly peace that our Father extends to us is far-reaching and mighty in its capacity, being able to deal effectually with whatsoever may come our way as we progress through our sonship edification. 

Wherefore it behooves us to be certain that we understand and appreciate the issue of possessing such Godly peace. Especially the particular mechanism by which God has purposed for us to acquire it and enjoy it, and also through which we are to grow to love Him as "the God of peace." And the mechanism for all of this is the direct communion and fellowship we are able to have, and should have, with our Father through prayer.


Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at  GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.  


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

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

The God of Peace 
By K. Blades
 Part 3 of 7

Peace and the Role of Prayer

Prayer truly is designed to be an integral component of our peace. For this reason when we are in the initial stage of our sonship edification and the apostle Paul deals with us about properly responding to tribulation in our lives, he teaches us to be,...

     Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (Romans 12:12)

Likewise in God's program with Israel is this so. Hence, for example, as James says to the members of the remnant of Israel,. . .

     Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. (James 5:13a)

Prayer, therefore, is a pivotal mechanism for producing peace when needed. It is designed to have a tranquilizing ministry to it. And as we partake of its tranquilizing ministry, and benefit from it amid the details of our lives, we come to know, understand, appreciate, and love our God and Father as "the God of peace" that He is.

Now before considering this any further, there is an important matter that needs to be addressed regarding prayer itself.

An Intelligent Communion; Not an Abstract or Mystical Experience

Unfortunately a lot of Christians lack a real solid and clear understanding of what prayer is. Hence their ability to appreciate its tranquilizing ministry, and fully benefit from it, is hindered. Moreover there is also much misunderstanding, misinformation, and erroneous teaching about prayer today, which contributes to a lack of proper understanding and so compounds the problem all the more. Because of this a lot of Christians actually look upon prayer as something different from what it really is. Likewise many seek to obtain benefits from it that either do not exist, or that do not pertain to what God is doing today.

Now when Christians learn the need to be "rightly dividing the word of truth" in accordance with the great dispensational change that God has made, this certainly goes a long way towards rectifying the problem. For at least they are no longer trying to operate upon doctrines and promises about prayer, and examples of it, that pertain to God's program and dealings with Israel, and not to us in this present dispensation of His grace.

Yet this does not clear up all the misunderstanding and misinformation about prayer. For often times the very nature of prayer itself is either not clearly understood, or it is badly misunderstood. And sadly this seems to be on the rise today, with prayer more frequently being taught and described as something other than what it really is. Consequently instead of prayer being understood to be an intelligent, thoughtful activity that we participate in with God, in which we have heart-to-heart fellowship based upon specific knowledge that God has given to us in His word, Christians are given to understand it to be something other than this; something more lofty and transcendental in nature; something more experiential. 

Hence increasingly prayer is being looked upon, and actually taught to be, 'an incomprehensible experience that transcends our knowing,' through which one 'feels God's presence' or 'experiences contact with God' in an inscrutable way and on a 'higher or different level of consciousness.' Though expressions and descriptions like these are normally encountered in mysticism, idolatry, the occult, and mystical forms of men's religions, such ideas and thinking about prayer also exist 'under the umbrella of Christianity.' Sometimes even among ones known for being 'Bible-believing' and 'fundamentalists. '

However neither the tranquilizing ministry of prayer, nor prayer itself, is some unintelligent or abstract or inscrutable experience. It is not some mindless, or mind-emptying experience by which one achieves a state of mental relaxation and inner peace. Hence it is not a yoga-like exercise or practice. Nor is it a transcendental meditation of any kind. Neither is it some process for the abstraction, or the distraction, of the mind; nor a practice involving the concentration of the mind by which a mind-over-matter state is reached, through which our disquieting thoughts and overwrought emotions are mastered. Nor is it a relaxation technique; or a calming exercise.

The tranquilizing ministry of prayer is also not some mystical, mysterious, and unexplainable experience. It is not an ethereal thing, which is beyond comprehension; or something that takes place unconsciously, passively, magically, or subliminally. Hence it is not an experience in which you just let the Spirit of God infuse you with a calming sensation, as you shut out all outside distractions and concerns by focusing upon God in prayer; intoning His holy name, letting go, and feeling the Spirit take control.

Instead the tranquilizing ministry of prayer is a function of what prayer itself is: i.e. intelligent, communicative communion and fellowship with God based upon specific knowledge that God has given to us in His word. There is nothing abstract, inscrutable, or mystical about it. In accordance with this, the tranquilizing ministry of prayer is the product of intelligent, thoughtful communion with God, by which our minds are actively occupied with knowledge, understanding, and thoughts that God has designed to produce peace. To put it more pointedly, the tranquilizing ministry of prayer is the product of specifically designed living words of the living God effectually working within us to displace what is disturbing our inner man and replacing it with intelligent Godly thinking that produces peace.

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

    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 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".

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:" 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

The God of Peace
By K. Blades
Part 1 of 7

Peace. Even the sound of the word has something soothing and pleasant about it. Though not strictly classified as an onomatopoetic word, it  possesses the essential quality of such, both in English as well as in other languages. It has no sharpness in sound nor in appearance; no jarring impact occurs when it is spoken, heard, or read. Rather in accordance with its meaning it possesses the exact opposite features, being quiet in sound and gentle on contact.

Hence in meaning and in sound the word "peace" is welcomed by our inner man. It is no intruder or unwanted guest. Of all the visitors that come 'knocking on the door of our mind,' peace is one that we long to see and readily receive. It is the most welcome of guests. Moreover we want it to reside with us; to make itself at home with us. It can never overstay its welcome, for it is always welcome. Because of this we are grieved whenever peace takes its leave, and when unwanted guests arrive to take its place in our minds. We are not at ease and relaxed when we are intruded upon by such characters as stress, distress, grief, sorrow, perplexity, anxiety; carefulness, worry, fear, dread, despair, and the like. Their visits are always unsettling and up-setting. Hence we long to see them leave, and for peace to pay us a visit again.

Peace, therefore, is something we much desire. We also view it as a most precious commodity. For often we will seek it at great cost; sometimes even at all costs. This is because there is little that compares with 'being at peace,' both in our inner man and in our relationships with others. In view of this, being 'at peace' is often the consummate expression used by psychologists and the like when referring to what best characterizes 'good mental health.'

Now peace in its various forms and occurrences is not only something that we naturally desire in the details of our lives, it is also something that God Himself wants us to possess. Hence He has fully provided for us to have it, and as such He both deliberately and constantly extends it to us. In fact understanding and appreciating the reality of this is so fundamental to our relationship with God, and to our fellowship with Him in our daily lives, that He has Paul preface each of his epistles to us with this very offering by saying,..

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ:"


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

    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 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".

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 
 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

PEACE - THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 
By FLOYD BAKER, Pastor 


Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22
 
Some years ago as we stood in a funeral home, the daughter of the woman who had passed away, declared, ''I'm amazed at the peace I have at a time like this." I trust that each one of us have experienced such peace in our lives during those times of heartache and difficulty. There are some who may not understand the peace that we have and may look at us with wonder; not knowing the source from which it comes.
 
Our verse in Galatians 5:22 reveals the very source of this peace as we read, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Though our focus is upon peace we see that it does not stand alone but is part of, and dependent on, love. Without Spirit-produced love we will not enjoy this peace in our lives.
 
Peace is an inward tranquility but nonetheless is manifested in the outward man as well. What is also important is that this is not simply a resignation to the fact that we can't change the circumstances, but rather to know that God is at work in our lives conforming us more, and more, to His image. Without this realization we will miss out on the opportunity to grow spiritually. As we face each new testing our faith will enable us to look to God and again enjoy His peace. Only the child of God can have this peace because it is the "Fruit of the Spirit," and cannot be generated in the flesh. It begins with faith in the finished work of Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit as we see in Ephesians 1:13, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." 

We have so much to be thankful for every day.
God continually  provides for all our needs.
 So let’s make Thanksgiving a  year-long celebration. 
—David C. McCasland

The Word of God is so needed in our world today, especially in our own USA, if this devotion has been a blessing and encouragement to you, pass it on to a friend.

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

"THE WORD OF HIS POWER"
by Russel S. Miller 

God is so powerful that by simply speaking, He created "Heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is" (Ex.20:11). Yes, the Universe was brought immediately into being: "by the Word of His power" (Heb.1:3; Ii Pet.3:5)! And neither was His power confined to the animal creation, for He "breathed into the nostrils" of Adam, "the breath of life, and man became a living soul" (Gen.2:7). He is so powerful that He can "inspire" mere men to write exactly what He wants them to write, in a Book that we call the Bible (I Tim.3:16). So powerful that to enter the stream of humanity and become a man, He was "born of a virgin" (Matt.1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35), which, with men is a total impossibility. And again, to show His mighty power, after "He [had] by the grace of God, tasted death for every man" (Heb.2:9) HE AROSE FROM THE DEAD (Rom.4:25). 

God is so powerful that when we believe on Christ, He makes us one with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection; saves us for time and eternity, and nothing can separate us from His love. This is why the Apostle Paul defends the doctrine of eternal security in his Epistle to the Romans: 

"FOR I AM PERSUADED, THAT NEITHER DEATH, NOR LIFE, NOR ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME, NOR HEIGHT, NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD" (Rom.8:38,39). 

Some people don’t believe in the Bible and all it says about Creation, the Inspiration of the Scriptures, the Virgin Birth of Christ, His resurrection from the dead, and the Lord’s Return to catch us away to be with Him for all eternity, but those who do, can say with the Apostle Paul: 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). 

By the "word" of His power He shall catch us away to be with Him eternally. 

"LOOKING FOR THAT BLESSED HOPE, AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF THE GREAT GOD AND OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST" (Tit.2:13; I Thes.4:13-18). 

"In whom WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph.1:7). 

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at  GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.  

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

THE LAW MISUNDERSTOOD
by C. R. Stam 


There are three misconceptions that most people entertain about the law of God and its Ten Commandments: 

Most people have a vague notion that the law always was in existence and that it must have been given to the first man, Adam, or soon after. Actually, God gave the law to Moses for Israel about 1500 B.C., after about 2500 years of human history had elapsed (John 1:17). So mankind lived on earth for about 2500 years without the law or the Ten Commandments. 

Most people suppose that the law and the Ten Commandments were given to mankind in general, while, in fact, it was given to Israel alone (Deuteronomy 5:2,3). 

Most people suppose that the law and the Ten Commandments were given to help us to do right. Even some clergymen teach this, although the Bible clearly teaches that they were given to show us that we are guilty sinners. It is true that the law, while given to Israel, also shows the Gentile that he is a sinner. This is why Romans 3:19 says: 

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought in guilty before God.” 

But most important of all: Few people realize that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins to deliver us from the just condemnation of the law. This is taught in the following Scriptures: 

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…” (Gal.3:13).

“For God hath made Him to be sin for us, [Christ] who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (Ii Cor.5:21). 

“For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are NOT UNDER THE LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE” (Rom.6:14). 

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at  GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.  

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

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

The Wisdom Of This World 
      by Pastor C.  R. Stam      

“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (I Cor. 1:20).

This challenge was hurled at the intellectual world of nineteen hundred years ago, so famous for its philosophy, literature and art. Nor are these the words of one who himself lacked the benefits of higher learning.Rather, they flowed from the pen of one of the most learned men, one of the greatest thinkers of all time: the Apostle Paul. More than this, they are found in that Book of books, the Bible, which has withstood, not barely but magnificently, all the attacks of a thousand critics through centuries of time. This Book says:

“The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (I Cor. 3:19).
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov.9:10).

Actually, the “intellectuals” in any age are those who assent to the theories of those who agree with each other that they are intellectual! Dissent from them and you have automatically branded yourself an illiterate!

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

“And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
“That no flesh should glory in His presence” (I Cor.1:27-29).

    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,  


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. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

But Now 
 by Pastor C. R. Stam
    
The words “but now” are found in many places in the Bible, but most often in the Epistles of Paul. These two words are deeply significant, for they indicate a change in program. If my secretary is transcribing some dictation and I say: “But now I would like you to take a letter,” this indicates a change in program.

So it is with this phrase as we find it in Rom. 3:21: “But  now the righteous- ness of God without the law is manifested.”Prior to this time God’s people were under the Law. There was no other way to approach Him. But though under the Law, they constantly broke the Law, so that those who sought salvation by the Law stood before God condemned rather than justified. Thus the Apostle says in Verse 20:


“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested”(Ver. 21).

How can this be? How can a man be declared righteous apart from the Law? The answer, the only answer is, by grace through faith in Christ. Though perfect and sinless, Christ died for sin. Whose sin? Yours and mine. Thus as Paul declares in Acts 13:38, 39:

“Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all who believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28).

    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, 

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. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

THE BOOK OF LIFE 
BY PASTOR RICHARD A. MAZEK,

Scripture Reading: Psalm 68:28 

This is a subject upon which there has indeed been much discussion, disagreement, and traditional ignorance. Many zealously sing, "There's a new name written down in Glory, and it's mine." They truly believe that their names were written in the Lord's Book of Life the moment they trusted Christ as their Saviour. Yet does this old tradition really stand up to the test of Scripture? The pastors here at the Berean Church do not believe so. The Apostle Paul only uses this term once in his Epistles (Phil. 4:3), and even then it is not in reference to initial salvation. Whose names then are written in the Book of Life, and when are they recorded therein?
 
Psalm 68:27,28 sets forth the prayer of David concerning his enemies and is also a prophetic reference to the prayer of the believing remnant of Israel in the Great Tribulation. Here we find the statement that both the just and the unjust are recorded in the Book of the Living (Life). For how could they be blotted out if they were not already written therein?
 
The second half of our question now needs to be posed. 
When are these names written in God's Book of Life?
 
We believe that Psalm 139:15,16 clearly gives us the answer. "Psa 139:15  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Psa 139:16  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them."  Verse 16 re-affirms Psalm 68 by telling us that, "in thy Book all men (proper rendering) were written." Yes, but when does this take place? The context clearly points to the conception and pre-natal state of all men. Our conclusion then is that all men are written in the "Book of Life" the moment they are physically conceived. 

Scripture Reading: Revelation 20: 11-15 

The Scriptures also clearly state that men are blotted or taken out of the Book of Life. Paul and Moses both prayed that their names be blotted out of this great book (Ex. 32:32; Rom. 9: 1-3) for the sake of Israel. Although we know the Lord could not grant these requests, the fact still remains that names are, and will be, blotted out of God's Book.
 
When, then is a man's name blotted out of the Book of Life? Let us answer this question by first of all citing a Scripture reference that reveals to us how a man may remain in the Book of Life (Rev. 3:5). Of course this portion is here referring to the Dispensation of Judgment, and the overcomers here recorded, will be the elect, the Tribulation Saints (1 John 2:13,14: 5:4, 5). Yet the principle cited here is trans-dispensational. Any saved person from any dispensation will and does remain in the Lamb's Book of Life.
 
Now, upon this premise, let us answer our question. All men have a chance to be saved up until the moment they die, but after death (physical) there is no second chance (Heb. 9:27). Thus, their names must then be blotted out of the Book of Life for Rev. 20: 11-15 clearly shows that all who have died in their sins are not found in this eternal book. Consequently, if a man dies in his sins (in any dispensation), he is then blotted out of God's Book of Life.
 
There is however, one exception to this rule, and it is found in Rev. 13:8, and 17:8 (read proper rendering of this verse). Here we find the followers of the Anti-Christ as being blotted out of the Book of Life before their physical death. Why? The Lord, under the regulations of this dispensation (Tribulation), hears Israel's prayer (Ps. 68:27, 28) and answers it (I John 3:22) by blotting out these names before their decease. May the Lord help us to better comprehend these precious truths! 
 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 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".

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

*LIFE'S PURPOSE*
*By Miles Stanford*
*
"For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9).

Our Lord the Vine provides all that His branches will ever need for 
fruit-bearing. All provision is according to our Father's riches in 
glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:19).

"Christian growth is the becoming real in ourselves, of what is already 
true of us in the Lord Jesus. 'I am the vine, ye are the branches,' He 
says. But the vine furnishes the branches, not only with the principle 
of life, but with the type of life. No pressure or molding from without 
is needed to shape them to the pattern of the parent stock. Every 
minutest peculiarity of form, and color, and taste, and fragrance is 
determined by the root, and developed from it. A true believer, 
therefore, will ask no better thing of the Lord than that the life also 
of Jesus may be made manifest in his body (II Cor. 4:11). For such a 
manifestation will, by a necessary principle, be the unfolding within 
him of every needed element of joy and sorrow, of suffering and 
triumph." - A.J.G .

"Straining, driving effort does not accomplish the work God gives a man 
to do; we must partake of Christ so fully that He more than fills the 
life. It will then be not overwork but overflow."

"And ye are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and 
power" (Col. 2:10).


Should this Inspirational series has been a blessing and encouragement 
to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who 
maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled 
world. It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as 
many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and 
all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

*GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET*

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.


Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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.

Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:

2Co 5:16-21  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.  Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.   Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

*What are you passing through at present? Are you been persecuted?
Call unto God! He is ready to answer you. He has done it in past, and He 
can still do it again. Rely on Him, and He will give you rest from all 
your troubles.*

SCRIPTURES FOR TODAY

2Co 4:17 Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us 
an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.(gw)

Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are 
not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.(isv)

2Co 6:4 Instead, in every way we demonstrate that we are God's servants 
by tremendous endurance in the midst of difficulties, hardships, and 
calamities;(isv)

Rom 7:25 I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me! So I am 
obedient to God's standards with my mind, but I am obedient to sin's 
standards with my corrupt nature.(gw)
by "PARIS" gracenthetruth

Important Contrasts in the Bible 
                  by Pastor John Fredericksen
      

      When parents are blessed with both a daughter and a son, there are obvious differences. Each has his or her own distinct looks, clothing,goals, and requirements. Both are recognized for their God-given differences, and loved separately, yet equally. Even after they have children of their own, this continues to be true. In a similar way, God established two distinctly different programs and peoples in the Bible. One is the children of Israel, who were given the Mosaic Law as their instructions and to whom nearly two thirds of the Bible was written, and the other is the sons and daughters of God in the Body of Christ, who are under Grace.



The Nation of Israel

There are several specific reasons why God made the nation of Israel His“special people” (Deut. 7:6). It begins with the persistent rebellion of man very early in history. We learn from Romans 1:21-32that even “when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God.” Mankind plunged so deeply into idolatry and immorality that they sank to the level where “they did not like to retain God in their knowledge.”Since man was created as a free moral agent with choice, God did not force man to have a relationship with Him. However, He was not willing to stand idly by and allow the entire human race to foolishly run down a course leading to the eternal Lake of Fire, so He intervened by establishing the nation of Israel.

When Abram was called to become the father of Israel, God promised him three things: “I will make of thee a great nation… and make thy name great… and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:2-3). The first two promises amount to using the nation of Israel as an undeniable witness of God to an unbelieving world. Repeatedly, the Scripture tell us this was one of the primary purposes for Israel as a nation and all she encountered in history. Solomon’s prayer was “that all people of the earth may know thy name…” (I Kings 8:43). Hezekiah prayed that the Lord would deliver them from enemies “that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only” (II Kings 19:19).Ezekiel was told to predict a future when enemies will “come up against my people of Israel…that the heathen may know me” (Ezek. 38:16).Likewise, Isaiah predicts a day when “all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob” (Isa.49:26). Even those who do not want to retain the knowledge of God have heard of the Lord parting the Red Sea and providing a host of miracles for Israel. Israel has been God’s witness to the world.

The third promise to Abram was to bless all the families of the earth through him and his seed. Ultimately, this was fulfilled in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, coming as the Son of Man and Son of God to pay the ransom for the sins of all mankind. Salvation is now available to all because God used Israel to produce a needed Savior.



The Mosaic Law of Israel

It is imperative that we understand to whom the Law of Moses was given,what it involved, and why it was given. The Lord told Moses, “I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments…that thou mayest teach them [to Israel]” (Ex. 24:12). These laws were given only to the nation of Israel. They were not given to, nor intended for,Gentiles of the past or present. Moreover, many further misunderstand the scope of the Law of Moses. It was far more than the Ten Commandments; it included volumes of strict requirements governing the social, civil,dietary, and worship life of Israel. It was an entire package to be obeyed.No one was allowed to pick and choose certain requirements and ignore others.

God had several important purposes for giving these laws. They were to be a testimony to all who “hear all these statutes, and say,Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people…who hath God so nigh unto them” (Deut. 4:5-8). It was intended to draw lost souls back to God, but it was never intended as a way to merit eternal life. Paul taught, “Ye could not be justified [from sin] by the law of Moses” because it was given that “all the world may become guilty before God… for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom.3:19,20). The law was a beautiful system for Israel, but even Peter acknowledged that it was a heavy “yoke…which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear” (Acts 15:10). God’s ultimate purpose for the law was to prove man’s guilt, to prove his inability to be righteous through good works, and to become “our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Gal.3:24). It is absolutely not intended for the practice of believers today

How Long Did the Mosaic Law Last?

The Lord Jesus clearly said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 15:24). He told His disciples, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles…but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:5-6). In the early chapters of Acts, it is clear that Israel was still the exclusive focus of ministry (Acts2:5,22,36; 3:12,25; 7:2,51,52; 11:19,20). Moreover, these Jewish believers were still operating under the law. The Lord Jesus taught, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do” (Matt. 23:1,2). They were still to keep the law because Christ said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law… but to fulfill” (Matt. 5:17).


For many present-day Christians, much confusion exists because they incorrectly attempt to apply instructions or promises that were given exclusively to Israel under the law. Only Israel was to “take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat…or drink…but seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:25-33). Only Israel was promised, “And these signs shall follow them that believe… In my name shall they cast out devils… speak with new tongues… they shall lay hands on the sick” (Mark 16:17,18). Only Israel was promised, “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13,14; 16:23; Matt. 18:19). When we read the Old Testament, the Gospel accounts, and the early chapters of Acts, we are not to claim promises or instruction intended exclusively for Israel. These books were included as part of our present-day Bible because God intended them “for our learning” (Rom. 15:4). Let’s learn the lessons God intended without claiming Israel’s promises.


The Body of Christ

Believers today are not part of the nation of Israel. In the early part of the Book of Acts, God set Israel aside from her favored and exalted position due to repeated waywardness (Rom. 11:11,12). Today, “There is neither Jew nor Greek…for ye are all one in Christ” (Gal. 3:28).Those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ today are placed into a new group of believers called “the church, which is His Body” or the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). This is a brand new group of believers that began with the Apostle Paul. Dr. C. I. Scofield said it well in his reference Bible when he wrote: “In his [Paul’s] writings alone we find the doctrine, position, walk, and destiny of the Church.” 1

The Apostle Paul teaches us, “Ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). God saves us by His grace (Eph. 2:8,9), keeps us Growing in God’s Grace secure because grace “reign[s]” (Rom. 5:21),and grace provides a lasting daily peace “wherein we stand” (Rom.5:1,2). Finally, “…the grace of God [is]… teaching us that,denying ungodliness… we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,in this present world” (Titus 2:11-13). As we live in this current Age of Grace, we are to depend on grace in every area of our lives, and look consistently for our promises and instructions in the letters of the Apostle Paul.

Israel (under the law), and the Body of Christ (under grace), are like a brother and sister. God is the Father of both, yet each is distinctly different. These differences are not intended to be diluted until they are indistinguishable. We are to recognize, respect, and maintain these distinctions. This is a key to understanding our Bible.

Notes:
1 Taken from notes on Ephesians 3:6 

Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

Walking in Him 
By Pastor  L. Peterson
Ephesians 1:18


It should be the heartfelt desire of all believers to know the will of God. While volumes have been written and spoken on this subject, it seems to me that most have missed telling us that we are God's will. Let's look at Ephesians 1:18.

Eph 1:18 (KJV) 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.

Looking at the word enlightened, we find that this may be fully rendered having had light thrown upon, or having had illuminated to the eyes of your heart. The construction of this is as such that prior to giving to them a spirit of wisdom and revelation, they had their eyes of their hearts enlightened. This can be interpreted to include their initial salvation when the Lord transferred them from darkness to light. Furthermore, it implies that the results continued.

Since the passive voice used indicates that one other than themselves, namely, God the Holy Spirit, had enlightened them. There is no way for those who are in the sphere of darkness to be launched into the sphere of light part from God Himself doing the launching. The eyes of a depraved heart are blind, totally incapable. God the Holy Spirit, according to sovereign election, had and continued to enlighten their hearts. (Eph. 4:18)

Paul says that the object of enlightenment is "that ye may know" better rendered "unto the end that you may know" that you may know three key things? We need to recognize that God's sovereign enlightening, this was not an end in itself, but was unto the end that they might be knowledgeable regarding their spiritual eyes. God will give via the Spirit, minds of wisdom and insight into the Truth for the Church.

The first specific aspect of the Mystery which Paul wants them to know is "what is the hope of his calling," This means the expectation, anticipation and that which is looked forward to. The word "calling" as used here, means a summons, an irresistible invitation, and a non-disobeyable order to come. Now lets put this in an amplified translation, God has given to believers spiritual enlightenment to know the hope, expectation and anticipation that belongs to His sovereign calling, summons and irresistible invitation.

The calling is Gods sovereign purpose of making man alive in Christ and members of His Body, the Church. (Romans 8:30; Phil. 3:14; Phil 1:21)

The second specific aspect which Paul desires them to know is "what is the richness of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." Since the word for "richness" is in the singular, speaking of only one things that belongs to the glory of His inheritance, it should be translated rich, opulent, and profuse the glory is which belongs to God's inheritance. This word defines the quality of the "glory" which in turn, describes God's inheritance.

Now let us look a the statement "his inheritance in the saints." The possessive pronoun "his" clearly indicates that this inheritance belongs to God. It is an inheritance which God has in the sphere of the saints, i.e. the saints themselves are the inheritance. Rich, opulent, and profuse glory surrounds and circumscribes God's inheritance, the saints. Apart from what God has done for us saints, "having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ...Eph. 1:3 having foreordained us unto a position of sons.. and having made us heirs" with Christ, we would not be a rich and glorious inheritance (vs 3,5,11). Paul wants all the saints to know that God has sovereignly made them a rich-in-glory "inheritance" or possession for Himself. We are God's will. 

PRAISE THE LORD

Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

PEACE IN THE EYE OF THE STORM 
by Dale E. Price 

The storm is terrible. We have been struggling against the winds and the sea for hours in our small boat. There is no sign of it letting up, and the waves are beginning to crash over our bow. We're losing the battle. I am truly frightened. 

How can He sleep through all this? Can't He feel the water sloshing in the bottom of the boat? Doesn't He know how perilous our situation is? Doesn't He care? Finally, I can't stand it, so I tell John to wake Him up. John shakes Him awake and tells Him we're about to die. But the Master is not afraid. Instead, He rebukes us for our lack of faith. He turns His face into the wind and rebukes the wind and the sea. At His command, the storm ceases, and the sea is calm. 

We're amazed! Who is this man that can calm the storm? 

On September 11, violent aggression crashed against our homeland. Waves of darkness, anger, sorrow, and fear assaulted our sense of safety and security. The winds of hate and violence tear at us, trying to rob us of our peace and joy. As believers in Christ Jesus, what can we learn from the disciples' experience described in Matthew 8:23-27? Three questions come to mind.

*    How could Jesus sleep in the midst of the storm? 

Throughout Jesus' life we find Him at peace when circumstances cast others into a sea of doubt and fear. What did He know that they didn't? He knew and believed what He had taught in the Sermon on the Mount, that we are more precious to God than all of the rest of creation. He also knew that His life on earth was truly in the Father's hands. He knew God's prophetic Word that "He will command His angels concerning You to guard You in all Your ways. They will bear You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone" (Psalm 21:11-12). Jesus could rest peacefully because He was resting in the hands of His loving Father, the hands of the God of all creation. 

*    Didn't He care about their fears? 

I John 4:18 tells us that "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear ... " He cared about their fears, but He cared more about their faith. In this world, we will have trouble. Do we believe that God is in control of every breath, every heartbeat, and every day of our life on earth? Romans 8:37-39 tells us that in the midst of famine, persecution, or the sword, we are more than conquerors. There is nothing in the vast universe that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus!

*    Why did Jesus rebuke them for their lack of faith? 

It was evening when they set out in that boat. The disciples had witnessed Jesus' miraculous healing throughout the day. Who did they think was in the boat with them? He rebuked them because their faith in Him did not extend to their immediate perilous circumstance. When we believe in Jesus Christ as God's only begotten Son, the image (exact representation) of the Father, full of grace and truth, we believe that our eternity is in His hands. Is it too much to ask that we trust Him with the troubles of this life? The reason we can walk through this life without fear is that we know the one that is in our boat, and we know the one whose boat it is. 

Each of us must face our own doubts, fears, and insecurities in the midst of this storm tearing at our homeland. When we find His peace in the eye of the storm, we must lift our eyes to see those still struggling against the tempest. We must seek the ministry God has for us in our hour of national and international distress. I believe that there are three critical roles for believers and for Christian ministries as we confront this present darkness. 

1. We must shine in the midst of the darkness. The greater the darkness, the more brilliant we must shine. If we only shine within the walls of our local assemblies or in our Christian camp facilities nestled in beautiful canyons or perched on lofty mountaintops, who will see? The pain and the loss of September 11 are still rippling through the lives of our friends and neighbors. We must actively demonstrate compassion, gentleness, peace, and love within our communities. Doors of opportunity for hospitality and gracious giving are open to us now. We must actively seek for those doors and then walk through them boldly. 

2. We must be places of safety and security. The families of America need to know that there are still places of beauty where they and their children can be out of harm's way. Local assemblies must reach out to individuals and families in their communities to provide the Word of Truth, spoken in love, from hearts filled with God's compassion. In Christian camps, our selection and preparation of staff, our health and safety programs, the security of our grounds and facilities, and our emergency response procedure are all critical to creating and maintaining a safe camp environment for all our guests. We must remember that camp, in order to be camp, will never be totally risk-free. But we must be both diligent and prudent in our efforts to ensure that every child or family who attends our fellowship, every camper, or guest at our camps will be safe while in our care. 

3. We must be places with an answer. Peter tells us in his first epistle that we are always to be ready" ... to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." When we can rest like Jesus in the midst of the storm people will ask why. Doors of ministry opportunity will open for us in the midst of the despair and devastation caused by sinful men. Children and families will come to us whose world has been turned upside down. Lives built on the shifting sands of wealth and false expectations of peace have been shaken. We need to bring them to the Rock, the Chief Cornerstone. They need to find in Him an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast. They need to know that this anchor holds through every storm this life can throw at us. The spontaneous singing of "God Bless America" across our nation has moved many of us with hope for a true revival. I pray that they will all come to know, through Jesus Christ, the God to whom they are appealing. 

*   Does the Lord still have power over the storm? 

When Jesus calmed the wind and the sea, He demonstrated His authority and power over the storm. Does He have power over the winds of violence and waves of hatred assaulting us now? I believe that this storm, like the storm that terrified the disciples two thousand years ago, will test our faith. We must never forget that as believers in the Lord Jesus we are in His boat. We must rest in His peace. In the end, this storm will prove anew the demonstration of the power and love of God and an opportunity for believers to be God's loving ambassadors sharing the truth of the Gospel of God's Grace.

"No true patriot should ever forget what one of our Founders 
once remarked (and I paraphrase):
 He who would give up Freedom for security 
will find he shall have neither Freedom nor security."--Tool, Texas

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN
  by Russell S. Miller
    
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (I Cor.15:3,4).

There is, in fact, only one way of salvation in this day and age of grace in which we live today: Christ's death upon that cross. In the above passage we read that "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS" and it is upon the basis of this one Sacrifice that God saves souls today. Thus the extreme importance of trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour! His death upon Calvary's cross is the only means of salvation from sin's consequences. The Lord Jesus "made peace" for every believer "through the blood of His cross" (Col.1:20). Listen to the Apostle's declaration to the Ephesians:

"BUT NOW IN CHRIST JESUS YE WHO SOMETIMES WERE FAR OFF ARE MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST" (Eph.2:13).

Our communion with God today is based upon the blood of Christ (I Cor.10:16; Heb.10:19; Eph.3:12). In Hebrews alone there are twenty-two references to the blood of Christ whether in type or antitype (Heb.2:14; 9:7-25; 10:4,19,29; 11:28; 12:4,24; 13:11,12,20). "AND WITHOUT [THE] SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION" (Heb.9:22). Such is our access to God.

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh" (Heb.10,19,20). 

"According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" (Eph.3:11,12). 

The Apostle Paul uses the Greek word, katallagee, rendered "atonement" once (Rom.5:11) and "reconciliation" three times in his epistles (Rom.11:15; Ii Cor.5:18,19), in speaking about the basis of the only way into God's presence today.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom.5:1,2).

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US.

Much more then, BEING NOW JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, MUCH MORE, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

"And not only so, but WE ALSO JOY IN GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement? (Rom.5:9-11).

So we have here the blessed truth that "Christ died for our sins"; that we are "justified by His blood"; that we are "saved from wrath" through the death of Christ, and not by our own works. And we are "reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Rom.5:10). "His life" at the right hand of God is the manifest evidence of His resurrection and His Almighty power to save those that believe. The fact that "He ever liveth to make intercession for us"  keeps us for time and eternity (Heb. 7:25; Rom.8:34). So, whether we like it or not, even changing our minds cannot change His mind about our salvation in Christ Jesus.

No, God does not change His mind regarding those who place their faith in His Son. Jesus Christ is the Eternal God and "whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever" (Ecc.3:14; Rom.8:35-39). 

It is therefore not a conditional salvation that Christ wrought upon the tree, but a perfect and complete redemption was fully accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross. If there had been any other way surely "the only wise God" would have known. "If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law" (Gal.3:21). But there was no other way! None other can save you from Hell and the Lake of Fire. Oh, keep this in memory and don't ever forget that "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS" because this is the only way to heaven.

    Our Purpose and Mission

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


Message  "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material   "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method   "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission   "To Make All See"  Eph. 3:9

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13. 

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" 

We are wiling to help you on this journey just give us a call,  1 623 546 8866, Paris

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET


REJOICING IN GOD'S WORD 
By ROBERT E. HANNA, Pastor 


Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 15: 16 

The true believer receives God's Word with joy and thanksgiving, knowing full well that his faithful dedication to the ministry will bring pain and suffering, ridicule and persecution, Separation from our tormentors is part and parcel of our walk of faith as we rely upon God to avenge, Recognition, reception and retention of God's Holy Word brings us comfort, confidence and conformation, enabling us to constantly function according to His declared will and purpose. 

The Psalmist declared, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119: II). Rejoicing in God's Word is an experience that knows no dispensational boundaries. However, the circumstances under which Jeremiah expressed his delight were unlike those in which we find ourselves today. Our apostle enjoins us to "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ... " (Colossians 3:15,16a). Our rejoicing is even more full than that of Jeremiah for we have knowledge of greater truths from God than had the prophets. Our spiritual blessings transcend those of any prior saints. To us have been revealed secrets never before made known. 

The Apostle Paul has revealed to us "even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:26,27). We have the knowledge of God's holy decrees in our hearts, as well as "Christ in us"! 


Glory be to God for fulfilling His promises in raising Jesus Christ from the dead. Nevertheless, does His resurrection have any meaning to you? Has it had any impact in your life? Have you experienced the work of salvation that Jesus Christ perfected in His resurrection? 

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at  GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.  

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

I TESTIFY IN THE LORD
By Pastor Ivan Burgener


"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord that you henceforth walk not as Gentiles walk (Eph. 4:17). Spiritual growth is to be evident in our walk. In the One Body all growth is "out of" Christ as the Head. Growth depends on "supply," and the supply depends on "the effectual working in the measure of every part," that is, the unity, function, and cooperation of all members (Eph. 4:15,16). Col. 2:19 puts it well, "......the Head, out of Whom all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God." This is edifying and building up the Body Christ!

The energy for this growth comes from God Who "works (energizes) all things" according to His eternal purpose (Eph. 1:11). The great expression of the working of His mighty power was when He raised Christ from the dead. That same power seated Christ "at His own right hand in the heavenlies...far above all" (1:19,20). Paul said his gift for service was by "the effectual working of His power" (3:7). And his prayer for us was that this same power would "work in us" (3:20). Finally, we read of "the effectual working...of every part" (4:16).

Thus Paul warned how Gentiles walk "in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (4:17,18). Romans tells of the whole creation made "subject to vanity" (8:20), and how Gentiles turned a deaf ear toward God. "For when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their reasoning and their foolish heart was darkened" (Rom. 1:21). Three times in that chapter it tells of God's response to their rebellion. He "gave them up to uncleanness ...gave them up to vile affections...gave them over to a reprobate mind" (1:24,26,28). This explains their walk, "according to the course of this age, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2), "who being past feeling have given themselves over to licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." (Eph. 4:19.) Vanity expressed itself by darkened  ...alienated ...ignorance...blindness... a dulled conscience...licentiousness... uncleanness... greediness."  Walk not as Gentiles walk!

The cross that ended the earthly life of Jesus now 
puts an end to the sinner;
and the power that raised Christ from the dead
now raises him to a new life along with Christ. 

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at  GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ. 

Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET


Capitalizing on Confusion 
                by Pastor Ricky Kurth

      Depending on when your monthly Searchlight arrives, the Mayan calendar deadline for the end of the world has either come and gone,or else it is looming in the imminent future.  All the hoopla that surrounded this gloomy prediction got me to wondering if there might not be some way that Christians could capitalize on yet another failed non-Biblical prophetic expectation.  After all, last year when the Rapture failed to take place on the date designated by a popular radio Bible teacher, God’s people were able to take advantage of this by pointing out that, when it comes to the Second Coming of Christ, the Bible says that“of that day and hour knoweth no man” (Matt. 24:36).  Those that knew the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming were also able to point out that the date of the former is just as unsearchable in Scripture as that of the latter.  Surely there has to be a way to similarly benefit from the failure of the Mayan calendar disaster as well.

I wonder if what we are looking for might be found in Isaiah 41:21-24. There, God Almighty thunders forth a challenge to all the false gods of the nations, daring them to “produce your cause,” that is, to produce“strong reasons” why anyone should believe they are God.  If you are wondering what kind of reasons He had in mind, the Lord went on to say,“let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen…

“Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods….”

This challenge went unanswered in Isaiah’s day, of course, for only the God of the Bible knows the future, something He has proved over and over again in Scripture, and something that the failed predictions of others serve to magnify.

With all this in mind, why not put together a short mental list of fulfilled Bible prophecies, and mark Isaiah 41 in your Bible?  That way when the subject of the Mayan calendar comes up the day after the December 21st deadline (as you know it will!), you can capitalize on the biggest non-story of the year by reminding people that the challenge of Isaiah 41 has still gone unanswered, and that the God of the Bible is still the only God worthy of worship.  Let’s determine to be ready to offer “a word in season” (Isa. 50:4) to all who are disillusioned by the gods of the nations, and are in desperate need of the God who sent His Son to die for their sins.


Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:

2Co 5:16-21  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.  Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.   Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

THE SUPREME IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S WORD TO THE BELIEVER
  by C. R. Stam
   
    

The Bible will always have first place in the life of the spiritual Christian.

It is of utmost importance that we understand this, for some who feel themselves quite spiritual give much time to prayer, but little, if any, to the study of the Word. Such have actually fallen for the subtle trick of the adversary to play upon their natural human pride and cause them to exalt self and push God into the back ground.

In saying this we do not for one moment minimize the importance of prayer; we only stress the supreme importance of the holy Word of God. In this we are surely Scriptural, for David says, by inspiration:

"For Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name" (Psa.138:2).

Of those who would still object and place first emphasis upon prayer rather than upon the Word, we would ask one simple question: Which is the more important, what we have to say to God or what He has to say to us? There can be but one answer to this question, for obviously what God has to say to us is infinitely more important than anything we might have to say to Him. Our prayers are as fraught with failure as we are, but the Word of God is infallible, immutable and eternal.

Yet some, having fallen for one of Satan's "devices" and feeling quite spiritual about it, are like the talkative person to whom one listens and listens, occasionally nodding his head, but receiving little or no opportunity to "get a word in edgewise." They do all the talking, but give little time listening to what God has to say to them.


GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

Keep Your Eye on the Finish Line 
                                by Pastor Ricky Kurth


“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).

Here in John 4, the Lord was just beginning His ministry, but He already had His eye on the finish line. What a great example for us!It is so easy to get caught up in the details of everyday life and give little or no thought to life’s end. As Pastor Stam used to say, “Most people live for this life as if it were never going to end, and they live for the next life as if it were never going to begin, when the very opposite is the case!” Too often this is true of God’s people as well.

Of course, as grace believers we are not just interested in what the Lord Jesus would do. Since we follow Paul as he followed Christ (I Cor.11:1), we look to Paul as our example. But this is how he lived his life as well! He talked about how it was his goal, as he says, to “finish my course” (Acts 20:24). He too lived his life with his eye on the finish line!

If you are wondering what it means to live like this, notice that the Lord said that while on life’s journey, He made it His “meat” to do God’s will. The Bible word “meat” speaks of food of any kind, and food is the most important thing in your physical life. If you don’t believe that, just try going without it for a few days! This writer has a friend who says that while fasting, he will sometimes go to the grocery store just to gaze upon food! Thus the Lord was saying that continuing to do the will of His Father was the most important thing in life, and the way to live with the finish line in view.

How about you, dear Christian friend? Are you living your life with your eye on the finish line? It is important to notice that while the Lord talked about the finish line at the beginning of His ministry, Paul spoke of it as he neared the end of his life. And so if you are a young Christian, it is not too early to start living with the finish line in view, and if you are a “seasoned citizen” in the kingdom of God, it is not too late!                    

Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:

2Co 5:16-21  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.  Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.   Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

NEED, THEN SUPPLY 
By Miles Stanford

"Not as though I had already attained ... but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12).
 
The heavenly Husbandman develops a believer on the same principle that He does a tree: planting, growth, consolidation, rest, and then more growth. There are stages. We are shown our sin and need-self. Then we hunger for freedom and life--Christ. This is a progression. At first, we consider the shocking revelation of self the greatest of calamities; later, we realize that it is the pathway to the blessed revelation of our life in the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
"Before we can take on the likeness of the Lord Jesus, we must see ourselves and know how we look; we must be brought into the place where we are not dismayed nor cast down when we discover how little we are conformed to His image. It is only as we see our need, that we can be supplied." - C.McI.
 
"It does us no good, but only discourages us if we see our failures and shortages and do not behold the beauty of Christ, and apprehend and experience our sufficiency in Him. On the other hand, if we see only what we are in Him and do not discern our defects; if we do not apprehend that which must be appropriated and worked out in us; if we do not see all that must be put off, and that Christ must be put on in actual control and manifestation, we become self-satisfied and puffed up --- we lose our invaluable 'need.''' - C.McI.
 
"I certainly do count everything as loss compared with the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:8, Wms.). 

Should this Inspirational series has  been a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at  GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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.

    Our Purpose and Mission

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

Message  "CHRIST" Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:28
Material   "All Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Method   "Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth, 2 Tim. 2:15
Mission   "To Make All See"  Eph. 3:9

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Eph.2:13. 

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" 

We are wiling to help you on this journey just give us a call,  1 623 546 8866, Paris

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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."

Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:

2Co 5:16-21  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.  Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.   Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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.

    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. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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)
Fellow shipping 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

     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 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".

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 o help you on this journey just give us a call,  1 623 546 8866, Paris

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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.
         
     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 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".

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.

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

FACT FINDING  
By Miles Stanford
  
 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (II Pet. 1:2).
 
We cannot too highly value and appreciate heart-hunger for the Word. It is of the Spirit of Truth. We may have been born again without knowing much of the Bible, but we certainly are not going to grow to any extent apart from a careful and persistent study of the Word of God. Yes, the maturing believer is a Spirit---dependent student of the Scriptures, "whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (II Pet. 1.4).
 
"Christian progress is not a question of attaining to some abstract standard, or of pressing through to some far-off goal. It is wholly a question of seeing God's standard in God's Word. You advance spiritually by finding out what you really are (in Christ), not by trying to become what you hope to be. That goal you will never reach, however earnestly you may strive. 

"It is when you see you are dead unto sin that you die to it (daily); it is when you see you are risen that you arise; it is when you see you are a 'new creation' in Him that you (progressively) grow. Seeing the accomplished fact in the Word determines the pathway to the realizing of that fact. The end is reached by seeing, not by desiring or working. The only possibility of spiritual progress lies in our discovering the truth as God sees it; the truth concerning Christ, the truth concerning ourselves in Christ."  -W.N.
 
"Come and see the works of God" (Ps. 66:5 ). 

Should this Inspirational series has  been a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at  GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET


SOVEREIGN POWER
By Dick Johnson

ROMANS 9:21
Hath not the potter power over the clay,
of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Most believers will profess that God is omnipotent (all powerful--Revelation 1:8), omniscient (all knowing--Psalms 33:13-15), omnipresent (everywhere present--Psalms 139:7,8), and immutable (unchanging--James 1:17.) However, our walk, our worship, and our prayers often actually reveal our lack of under-standing or disbelief of these sovereign attributes of God. Some-times we behave as if God is not watching, or we worship God in a manner that glorifies us instead of Him, or we pray as if we can sway God's thinking one way or the other or even change His mind.

When God's sovereignty is examined, many believers go to great lengths to prove that God's sovereign power and will are limited, especially in the case of salvation. They conclude that our will controls our destiny because a loving God could not save some and not others by His own choosing. This attitude is rebuked in Romans 9:18-21 "Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He wiII He hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth He yet find fault" For who hath resisted His wiII? Nay but, 0 man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why has thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?

God is sovereign in every respect. For a proper attitude of worship, we should accept by faith the full measure of His Sovereignty, and believe without doubt that God is using His almighty power to work out His plan that He established in eternity past.

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET

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.
 
Our Purpose and Mission

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

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" 

OUR COMMISSION IN THE AGE OF GRACE IS:

2Co 5:16-21  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.  Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.   Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

GraceNTheTruth@COX.NET