GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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THE BIBLE - GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD - Part 1 of 3
By Jack Trumm


When reading the Bible, can we be sure that it is accurate? Can we read it with the assurance that it is the truth? Or is there error in it? So, therefore, do we need to interpret some things written in the Bible, simply because there are those that would say the Bible was written by man, therefore there could be error in the Bible?

What is amazing is that people will subscribe to a daily newspaper and read it from one end to the other, and believe every word it says, and not question it, yet it was written by man. People will subscribe to a monthly magazine and read it cover to cover and believe what it says. Yet, it was written by man.

There are those who will go to a library and get a book that is based on a true story, not question it, yet it was written by man. If one purchases a product that needs to be assembled, he is informed to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning to assemble it. Yet the instructions were written by man.

But, when it comes to the Bible (God's Word) some will say, it was written by man therefore there could be error in it and therefore we need to interpret or come to the conclusion that some of it might not even be true. So then, was the Bible written by man? Yes, it was written by man, but not by man's own knowledge or his own ability. Rather, it was written by men through inspiration from God. As Paul the apostle to the Gentiles tells us, "all scripture (the Bible, or God's Word) is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3: 16)

The word inspiration is taken from the Greek word (theopneustos) which translated means "divinely breathed in". What God has done was to breathe into the hearts and minds of those men that He had chosen to write down those things concerning Himself that He would have us to know, and that word would be the Bible or God's Word, not man's word. Look also at the first two words of this verse, "all scripture" and especially the word "ALL". Notice it does not say "some scripture" but rather ALL SCRIPTURE. This means that every word in the Bible was given by inspiration of God.

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THE BIBLE - GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD - Part  2 of 3
By Jack Trumm


Luke tells us (concerning Israel, God's covenant people) what God's plan was for them: "But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your (Israel's) sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and he shall send Jesus Christ, which was before preached unto you, whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, WHICH GOD HATH SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people (Israel). Yea, AND ALL THE PROPHETS FROM SAMUEL AND THOSE THAT FOLLOW AFTER, AS MANY AS HAVE SPOKEN, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you (Israel) first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:18-26)

What these verses tell us is that God inspired (or told man by revelation) to write down things concerning Israel and concerning our Lord Jesus Christ's coming to cleanse them and then reign over them, making Israel the instrument of blessing to the rest of the nations. This process of revelation began at the beginning of the world "since the world began" (verse 21). What was prophesied concerning Israel? Verses 19 and 20 tell us that if Israel as a nation would have been obedient to God by repenting of the murder of Jesus Christ, God would have at that time forgiven the nation and sent His son back to them. Jesus Christ would have immediately returned to reign over them as their King. God would have used the nation Israel as a blessing to all other nations of the earth. " ... and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (verse 25) "unto you first ... " (verse 26).

This does not sound like something that man could come up with by his own knowledge, and even if he could, how would he carry it out?

We also know that Israel as a nation failed to adhere to the word of God.

So what God has done is to set that program with Israel aside for the time being. Since they (as a nation) would not believe the claims of Jesus Christ, nor the witness of God the Father, nor the witness of the Holy Spirit in His coming at Pentecost, they have been temporarily broken off and set aside in unbelief.
" ... because of unbelief they were broken off'. (Romans 11:20)

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THE BIBLE - GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD - Part  3 of 3
By Jack Trumm



Because of Israel's unbelief, God has revealed a new program to Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles (or nations). "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. How that BY REVELATION he made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not  made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who as less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ". (Ephesians 3: 1-9)

Notice Paul says it was REVEALED to him from God concerning the mystery of Christ. It was not by his own knowledge or ability that he wrote these things.

This brings up the question, What was revealed to Paul? "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ BY THE GOSPEL" (Verse 6). What gospel? The gospel which was not made known in ages past, "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men" (verse 5). What was the message of this gospel? "Moreover, brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand, by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4).

What is so beautiful about this revealed message is that we can be saved by just believing it. "By which also ye are saved" (verse 2).

Paul speaks of himself in this way, "And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (or what He accomplished in the cross). And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (I Corinthians 2: 1-5) We are also told, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. BUT GOD HATH REVEALED THEM UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that  WE MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS THAT ARE FREELY GIVEN TO US OF GOD. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. " (I Corinthians 2:9-13)

So I would conclude by asking again, is the Bible man's word or is it God's Word? Yes, the Bible was penned by man, but it was not man's word, it is GOD'S WORD. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD." (Romans 1 0: 17)

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STEPPING UP TO STEPPING DOWN
By Charles W. Wages,


Taking on new responsibilities is always an adventure and challenge. However, the laying down of those responsibilities is possibly a more difficult task. There will always be beginnings and endings in a lifetime. That is the reason for this editorial.

There is no higher calling in anyone's life than being a minister (servant) of God's Word. The ministering of the Word is as broad as humanity itself and isn't the personal domain of any individual or group. It ranges from the home to the heavens.

The writer of this "departure" note came to know the Lord as Saviour as a young man and immediately entered the ministry of teaching and preaching to young people and then further as responsibilities grew. By the grace of God, and the help of a faithful pastor, Brother Ike T. Sidebottom, I have had the privilege and blessings of being His servant for 64 years, in giving out the message of the Gospel of Grace and the giving forth of the teaching of the dispensation of the mystery, by spoken word and the printed page.

In all these years I have also had the privilege of serving as pastor. Forty-four of those years were spent with this congregation of saints here in Fort Worth; twenty years were spent in Denton County as pastor, radio minister, and evangelistic Bible teacher.

There have been other ministry related opportunities across these years. The educational opportunities have afforded a springboard of living and learning to give out the Word. Serving as teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent of a growing suburban school district afforded many opportunities of "defending the faith" and giving the gospel. These opportunities opened doors to be a witness and testimony to the wonderful grace of God.

A ministry of 64 years involved all the ups and downs, the highlights and heartaches, the suffering and the glory that accompanies living and trying, by God's grace to serve Him. The results are all to the praise and glory of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.

As to the ministry of the Timely Messenger, and related books and pamphlets, there are many faithful saints who will be rewarded for their faithful continued work and support. It was my privilege to be serving as Associate Pastor with Brother Sidebottom when he began the Timely Messenger. My wife and I helped with the first printings, and have had the privilege of contributing lessons in the Timely Messenger all these years. There are many who have served to help in the giving out of the Word through the Timely Messenger. Quenton Goyne has given his time and talent in printing the Timely Messenger all these years. He was a professional printer, but gave his time on the side to be our printer, serving without any financial pay - just the blessing of giving out the Word for His glory. Even in his retirement years, he continues to do the printing. Through many years my wife, Beverly, did the typing and preparing for the printer; before the days of computers. Now much work is saved through the computer. Others have joined to help with the mailing out. Many have contributed articles and Bible study lessons through these years. Many of you readers have helped support this printing ministry with your offerings and prayers, and helping to distribute to others. Your letters and words of encouragement have meant much to us through the years. To all of you, I give my heartfelt thanks for your labor of love.

Having said all that is needed to be said, your long-time editor and friend, is stepping down after having the privilege of "stepping up" to the most wonderful and rewarding work of using this as one means of giving out the Word. This issue will be my last issue as editor of the Timely Messenger. It is left in capable and faithful hands and will continue, by God's grace. Brother Gregg Bing will be the editor beginning in January.

We ask you to continue to pray for this printing ministry and, pray for Brother Gregg. We also ask that you continue to remember Beverly and I as we carry out what the Lord has for us to do.

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."  (Acts 20:24)

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CHOSEN, CREATED, COMPLETE
By John D. LaVier


These three words tell us of what is ours in Christ, and they should be unspeakably precious to every child of God. If we would meditate upon them, and gain some insight of the wonders wrapped up in them, surely our lives would become much more fragrant and fruitful.

CHOSEN:  The first is found in Ephesians 1:4: "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world." Not only was this true of those to whom Paul wrote, but it is equally true of every member of the Body of Christ. "But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (2 Thess. 2:13). How thankful we should be that it is God who has done the choosing. Men change their minds, and often, because of imperfect knowledge, they later regret some choice that they have made, but the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Precious thought! Chosen by God in the ageless past; long, long before we were born. He who knows the end from the beginning, and to whom the future is as clear as the present, saw us then and chose us in Christ and ordained us to eternal life. Not because of any goodness in ourselves, for we had none. It was all "according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph. 1:5), and "according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7). "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Tim. 1:9).

When an athlete prepares to high jump, he takes a long start, and we can imagine something of the great purpose that God has for us when we see how He began to choose us for it so long ago.

CREATED:  Next, in Ephesians 2:10 we see that "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Notice how in these passages the practical side is kept in view. "Chosen ... that we should be holy and without blame." "Created ... unto good works," or as we have in Ephesians 4:24, "Created in righteousness and true holiness." Surely our calling and conduct should closely correspond.

We have not only been chosen in Christ, but we have been created in Christ. "Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). We are out of Adam, the old creation, and into Christ, the new creation. What a mighty change! What a glorious transformation!

Creation is the work of God. It is He who, by His word, brought the universe into being; and He who, having chosen us, one day spake the same life giving words and light broke upon our darkened souls. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6). We could not create ourselves. God is the Great Creator; salvation is of the Lord.

COMPLETE:  Finally, in Colossians 2:10, it is written, "And ye are complete in Him." Note the "ye are." It is not "ye can be complete in Him," nor even "ye shall be complete in Him," but "ye are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." We are perfect and entire, wanting nothing. We are filled full. Nothing can be added that can make our standing before God any more perfect or acceptable than it already is, for we stand before God in all the perfections of His own Blessed and Beloved and Perfect Son, The Lord Jesus Christ.

Complete in Thee! No work of mine
May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;
Thy blood hath pardon, bought for me,
And I am now complete in Thee.

Dear Savior, when before Thy bar
All tribes and tongues assembled are,
Among Thy chosen will I be,
At thy right hand--complete in Thee.


Chosen, Created, Complete; but all in Christ. We are forever linked to Him, and every blessing that we have and enjoy flows from Him. We have nothing in ourselves, but we have everything in Him, so let us magnify the Lord and exalt His Name together; not by lip alone, but by life; by works as well as words.

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ONE NEW MAN
By Jim Roberts
Associate Pastor
Peace Church - Indiahoma, OK

In the first chapter of the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul enumerates many of the spiritual blessings that believers possess today. Then he makes the glorious announcement that the Lord Jesus Christ now serves as the Head over all things to the Church which is His Body.

In Ephesians, Chapter 2, Paul reminds Gentile believers of two things that used to be the case in regard to their spiritual state. In addition to being at one time dead in trespasses and sins, Paul says that Gentiles were also aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise.

In response to our lethal state of sin, Paul concludes that God now makes us alive in Christ and has raised us up to sit in the heavenly places in Christ. In response to the fact that we were at one time strangers from Israel's covenants of promise, however, Paul does not conclude that we have now been made partakers in those covenants. On the contrary, Paul concludes that we have now been brought near to God apart from the covenants by the blood of Christ. Beginning in verse 11, we read:

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)

Paul goes on to say that when Christ died on the cross, He abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances. In other words, Christ abolished the rituals of the law which had caused such a wall of separation between the Jews and the Gentiles. When God instituted the temple worship at Mt. Sinai, He made it clear that no one could participate without being circumcised. Now Paul says that the shed blood of Christ has abolished that requirement. When Christ died on the cross, He fulfilled all of the righteous requirements of the Law and abolished the rituals of the Law which were but a shadow of things to come.

It is particularly interesting to note, however, that even though the rituals of the Law were abolished at the cross, they were practiced by the Jews all the way through the Acts period. In Acts 15, it is recorded that the Apostle Paul appeared before the Jerusalem church to discuss this very issue.

Paul declared before the elders in Jerusalem that God was saving uncircumcised Gentiles, and he maintained that it was not part of Gods plan or purpose for the Gentiles to be circumcised. The Jerusalem elders agreed and sent out a letter stating that the Gentiles would not be required to observe the rituals of the Law. Thus, the wall of separation between the Jews and the Gentiles was reinforced at this meeting. In Acts, Chapter 21, Paul was accused of teaching Jews that they did not have to observe the rituals of the Law, but since that was not the case, Paul agreed to go into the temple at Jerusalem and participate in some of the rituals of the Law.

Clearly, the rituals of the Law were very much a part of Israel's covenants, and they drove a wedge between the Jews and the Gentiles. This was true during the Old Testament times, and it was also true during the Acts period, as God offered Israel the New Covenant Kingdom.

The rituals of the Law, which had created this wall of separation, were abolished at the cross. However, it was not until Israel's covenants were set aside that Paul was free to reveal this monumental truth. In Ephesians 2 he said:

For (Christ) Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (Ephesians 2:14-16)

During the Acts period, the Gentiles were grafted into Israel's New Covenant hope (Romans 11:17). As a grafted branch, they maintained their own identity and yielded their own particular fruit. Therefore, the Gentiles could never be one with Israel under the terms of Israel's covenants (Romans 11:27). However, when Israel's covenants were temporarily set aside at the end of the Acts period, the Apostle Paul was free to announce the glorious truth concerning the Church which is the Body of Christ. Paul said that Christ had abolished the rituals of the Law at the cross so that He could create in Himself one new man in one body through the cross.

When we consider the overwhelming consequences of this revelation which was given through the Apostle Paul, we have to say with the apostle:

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-15, 21)

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SEATED IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES
By Jim Roberts


In Ephesians, Chapter 2, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we were at one time dead in trespasses and sins as we walked according to the course of this world system. But God, because of His great love, intervened and saved us by His mercy and through His grace. Then God did something that was totally unexpected when He raised us up to sit in the heavenly places. Verse 6 says:

(God) raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.


Of course, this sounds rather odd to us at first. How can we stand on this earth while being seated in the heavenly places? In this statement Paul is actually teaching a very important doctrine. There is a difference between the way we are in the natural world and the way God sees us in Christ. If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we are far from perfect, but God does not see our imperfections when He sees us in Christ. Notice that we are not seated in the heavenly places with Christ, but we are seated in the heavenly places in Christ.

God could never accept or fellowship with that which has even a spot of sin. The Old Testament sacrifices had to be without spot and without blemish. The Lord Jesus, Himself, was the spotless lamb of God. Peter said that we were not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot or blemish.
 
God requires absolute righteousness. Part of the good news for us is that when we put our faith in Christ, we are baptized into Christ and His righteousness. From that moment of faith, we are added to the Church which is the Body of Christ, and God sees us in the heavenly places and in the righteousness of Christ. Ephesians 5 says that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for the Church, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Paul put it this way in Colossians 1:

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight. (Colossians 1:21-22)


Some have said that Paul was simply building upon the doctrines of the Lord Jesus when he emphasized the heavenly realms. They point out that Jesus taught His followers to lay up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can corrupt. They refer to the fact that Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. They also cite Jesus conversation with Nicodemus where Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again, or more literally, that he had to be born from above.

However, when Jesus told his disciples to lay up treasures in heaven, He went on to say that they should not worry about earthly provisions because God was going to give all of these things to those who seek first the kingdom of God. Their hope was clearly based in a future earthly kingdom.

When the Lord Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world, He was saying that the world system of His earthly kingdom would not be anything like our present world system. Satan directs the affairs of our present world system as the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). Satan is the god of our present age (2 Corinthians 4:4), and Satan is the head of the rulers of the darkness of our present age (Ephesians 6:12). The Lord Jesus was telling Pilate that His kingdom would bring in a new age with a new world system which will be free from Satan's influence. Again, we see that Jesus consistently taught the hope of a future earthly kingdom.

When the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born from above, He was telling Nicodemus that he needed to be born spiritually into the kingdom in heaven before he could hope to be part of the kingdom from heaven. The Lord knew and encouraged the fact that Nicodemus was looking for the earthly kingdom of God.

In comparison, as the Apostle Paul wrote to the saints at Ephesus, he was writing to members of the Church which is the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), and he never mentioned Christs earthly kingdom at all. In fact, he taught that the Church will be blessed in the heavenly places throughout the ages to come.

(God has) raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ( Ephesians 2:6-7)

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TURNING POINTS
PART 1 of 2
By Charles W. Wages

Turning points occur in everyone's life. They can be natural or spiritual; immediate or gradual; big or little; for good or bad. Whatever their magnitude or importance, they play a large part in our lives and in our attitudes toward God and man.

Our thoughts about turning points will be mainly of a spiritual nature, however the spiritual largely determines our attitude and manner of living in our natural estate. The Scriptures, especially in the epistles of Paul, speak of very dramatic and important turning points. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 is an excellent example of a spiritual turning point.

For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

Many of these people had been pagan Gentiles who worshipped all kinds of idols. Through the Word preached by Paul and the testimony of true believers they turned to God from their idols. This was a tremendous turning point that would affect their lives, and others, throughout their lifetime and into glory. The word convert means being turned around. Someone or something is going one direction in time and when converted they head in the opposite direction. They once faced Satan and self and now they face the Saviour.

One of the great passages of Scripture that clearly teaches a turning around is Ephesians, chapter 2. The first three verses tells us what we were by nature, how we walked and talked, and to whom we owed allegiance. What a dreary and degrading picture. Satan, the prince of the power of the air, was our master. We were his children in disobedience. Our character was determined by his character. Our conduct was determined by his conduct or manner of living, our conversation or speech was fashioned after his, and our course or direction was determined by him. What a miserable picture. What a miserable life.

BUT GOD

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). (Eph. 2:4-5)

There can be no real turning point in ones spiritual life apart from the power of God. God exercises that power when we give up our own efforts and trust Him. The little preposition for in Ephesians 2:4 shows us why God is so willing to help all who look to Him. His mercy is shown because of His great love for sinners. In times past we were:

      .dead in trespasses and sins
      .walked according to the course of this world
      .lived according to the lusts of the flesh
      .fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind
      .were by nature the children of wrath.

All of these, and more, because we were under the influence of the prince of the power of the air. This ruler is Satan.

But God enters the picture, and what a difference! This is also where the turning point takes place. The lost sinner becomes a saved saint. This does not come about by our own goodness or works (Eph. 2:8-9), but because of His mercy, grace, and love for sinners. God does the loving, giving, and the work needed for salvation. We, as sinners, do the receiving, and then begin to accomplish the good works He has appointed for His children. What does this accomplish in our turned around lives? We become new creations in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17). This work of God allows the newly created individual to begin a new walk in a new direction.

Another great turning point is brought to our attention in Titus 3:3-7.

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Again, we must consider what we were before God, through Christ, came into our lives and turned us around:

      .we were foolish instead of sensible
      .we were disobedient instead of submissive
      .we were deceived instead of self disciplined.
      .we were serving lust and pleasures instead of being servants of God
      .we were living in malice and envy instead of doing good works
      .we were hating one another instead of showing the love of God.

Dear Lord, my deliverer,
I praise You for rescuing me from the bondage of sin.
 I rejoice that You have brought me into
 the richness of fellowship with You.
 What a gracious plan You have provided
— to make all of this available by means of Your faithful promises!
Amen

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TURNING POINTS
PART 2 of 2
By Charles W. Wages



But After

What a turning point! What caused this change of direction, this conversion? Titus 3:4 and 6 tells us,

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

When you read Titus 3 verses 4 and 6 together, you get the full meaning of what causes the dramatic change in ones life. The statement in verse 5 lets us know again that we had nothing to do with this change other than to accept it as a free gift of God. When we read the expression But after, we are forced to think of but before. It is not a pretty picture. Sin never is pretty. We don't like to think of being foolish, disobedient, deceived, lustful, envious, malicious, and hateful. These, though, are the results of letting Satan rule our lives. These are the qualities of a life without God. We see them mirrored in our society in every form of evil imaginable. A complete change is needed to get out of this mess. That can only be accomplished by the power of God who can turn our lives around and let us look to the future. In Titus 3:7 we are informed,

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Once we looked toward no hope now we face the future with a new hope. That hope is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
In Ephesians 2:11-13, we read of another great turning point.

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

These verses teach a great dispensational truth that the devil would just delight in covering up from Gods children. He has done a pretty good job so far. Many of Gods children know very little of Gods great plan for this age of grace. We are told in these verses that in time past the Gentiles had no hope and were without God in the world. It was through Gods chosen people, Israel, that the Christ (Messiah) was to come. The only way to truly worship God was through His plan and purpose for Israel (the circumcision). Gentiles were considered aliens and strangers from the commonwealth of Israel and the covenants and promises made to them. The Gentiles were without hope and without Christ, except in relation to Israels hope.

But Now

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

Another great turning point! It is characterized by the expression in Christ Jesus. This makes the difference. All is changed and turned around when we see we are now in Christ Jesus. Not just in the world, but in Christ Jesus! This great turning point in Gods dealing with humankind came about by Christs death, not just His life. His beautiful, sinless life did not break down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, but the shedding of His blood at Calvary. This brought Jew and Gentile together in one joint body.

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. (Eph. 3:6)

Now, this joint body is known as the Church, the body of Christ. This was not only a great turning point in Gods plan and purpose for the ages, but can make a great change in our lives today. We, as believers, are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. What a position! What a future!

Yes, when we accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, He completely turned us around. We once served Satan and self, now we serve the Saviour. Once, the many churches of man confused us, now we are secure in His Church, the body of Christ. What a change, what a hope, what a future!

Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. (Rom. 16:25-27)

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

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WHOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS?
By  the late Pastor Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:9

The apostle Paul defined Israel's self-imposed barrier to securing salvation: "They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3). And Paul declares, regarding his own spiritual condition, as "not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9). "I know that in me, (that is, in my flesh), dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18 ).

The prophet Isaiah describes the condition of natural man: "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). And David stated, "In thy [God's] sight shall no man living be justified" (Psalms 143:2). It is clear that man, by his own efforts, cannot attain to righteousness. This state of affairs has been pondered since time immemorial. Job asked, "How should man be just with God?" (Job 9:2.) The answer can come only from God Himself. He sent His Son and " ... made Him to be sin for us, [Him] who knew no sin: THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM" (2 Corinthians 5:21). We, being saved by grace, are "in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us ... righteousness" (I Cor. 1:30).

That righteousness is attained by faith, and is the only way acceptable to God, has always been the one approach. "Even Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Galatians 3:6).

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SEVEN MARKS OF A BIBLE CHRISTIAN
By John LaVier



1.  Gods people are a SAVED people.

Theirs is not a hope-so salvation, but a know-so salvation. They know on the authority of Gods own Holy Word. 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 (1 John 5:13). Having believed, they are saved from sin. They are saved from the wages of sin, which is death. They are saved from the lake of fire, and the blackness of darkness forever. They are saved, not by their own works, but by God, Who hath SAVED us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9).


2.   Gods people are a SANCTIFIED people.

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through SANCTIFICATION of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Like the Corinthians, they were sinners of the deepest dye, yet now it may be said of them: But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11). Sanctification is that work of the Holy Spirit by which the believer, even before he is conscious of his justification, is set apart to God. It is based upon the redemptive work of Christ. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10). Christ Himself becomes the believers sanctification. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).


3.   Gods people are a SEPARATED people.

Just as God of old put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel (Exodus 11:7), so there is today a difference between the people of God and the people of the world. Jesus said, If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you (John 15:19). The separation is to be manifested by Gods people, for the Lords command is, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye SEPARATE, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17). Though in the world, Gods people are not of the world, and they are to walk in separation from the evil that surrounds them.


4.   Gods people are a SPIRITUAL people.

Paul wrote, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the SPIRIT, if so be that the SPIRIT of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the SPIRIT of Christ, he is none of his (Romans 8:9). All of Gods people are indwelt by the Spirit, and their bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. They are taught by the Spirit (John 14:26), they are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14), and they are empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8 ). They should all be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 ) and manifest the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).


5.   Gods people are a SEALED people.

The believer is instructed, And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are SEALED unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). Then 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. The words after that ye believed are in the Greek only one word pisteusantes, which means believing. Simultaneously with their believing the gospel, Gods people are sealed. First, the seal signifies a finished transaction. The work of our redemption has been completed. Jesus cried, It is finished (John 19:30). The seal also signifies ownership. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). They belong to God. His seal is upon them. Finally, the seal signifies security. They are sealed unto the day of redemption. There will be a safe delivery of Gods purchased possession at the end of the line. They are safe and secure in Christ. Sealed in Him so that all the legions of hell cannot touch them.


6.   Gods people are a SEATED people.

The Lord Jesus, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). Those who have trusted Him and are resting in His finished and all-perfect work, are also seated with Him. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us SIT together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6). The saved are, in very truth, a heavenly people. Their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Their citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Their home is in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1). Their blessings are in heaven (Ephesians 1:3). Their inheritance is in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). They are seated in heaven. As members of the Body, they are there with the Head, seated at the Fathers 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.


7.   Gods people are a SATISFIED people.

The prophet asked, Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? (Isaiah 55:2) Many there are today who are giving all their time and attention to the things of earth; seeking satisfaction in that which satisfieth not. How happy are those who have found Him Who alone can satisfy. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he SATISFIETH the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (Psalms 107:8-9). Lasting joy, and peace, and satisfaction is to be found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies. Daily, hourly, moment by moment, He satisfies. All through life's journey, He satisfies, and when Gods children close their eyes to this earthly scene, and open them in the realms of endless glory Ah! then, their satisfaction will be complete. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be SATISFIED, when I awake, with thy likeness (Psalms 17:15).

O Glorious Lord, what a good reminder this is of the desperate condition I was in when You justified me. I was not merely needy; I was spiritually dead. I thank You for burying that old life with Jesus in His tomb. I praise You for raising me with Christ to a new life. I rejoice in the radical nature of Your saving grace. Lord, by the power of the resurrection, lead me in the reality of newness of life, in Jesus name, Amen.

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GRIEVE NOT THE SPIRIT
by C. R. Stam




The first lesson each believer in Christ should learn is that immediately upon believing he is given everlasting life. Referring to this fact Ephesians 1:13,14 says:

"In whom ye also trusted, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also having believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise."

Mark well, the believer is not sealed by the Holy Spirit, but "with" the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself is the seal. Every sincere believer in Christ, then, should rejoice in an accomplished redemption and rest in the fact that the Holy Spirit will keep him eternally safe.

But while we cannot lose the Holy Spirit we can, and often do, grieve the Holy Spirit, as we read in Eph. 4:30. This is why we are told in Rom. 8:26 that the Spirit "helpeth our infirmities" and makes intercession for us, that we might live lives which please and honor God.

The wonderful fact is, however, that "nothing," not even an aggrieved Spirit shall "separate us from the love of God" (Rom. 8:38,39). Thus in the same breath with which the Apostle exhorts us not to grieve the Spirit he again reassures us that this same Spirit keeps us eternally safe:

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30).

Does this encourage careless living? Those who think so have missed the whole point of Paul’s appeal. The Apostle does not warn the believer that if he grieves the Spirit he will be lost. Rather, in grace he exhorts:

"Do not grieve the very Spirit who in mercy and love has sealed you as forever His own. Do not repay such love with such ingratitude."

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THE GOD OF PEACE
By John D. LaVier

The name God of Peace is used three times in the New Testament Scriptures: Romans 16:20, Philippians 4:9, and Hebrews 13:20. This name stands in contrast to God as He revealed Himself to Israel in the Old Testament. There He is many times called the Lord of Hosts. This is a warriors name. He is the Lord of the fighting armies and over and over again He fought on behalf of His people.

This name stands also in vivid contrast to the worlds past, which has known little of peace. From the very beginning of mans history upon the earth, even until the present moment, it has been a continued story of nation being pitted against nation and kingdom against kingdom. Strong nations and mighty empires have appeared upon the scene, flourished for a season, and then vanished away. They have fallen by two causes: (1) an inner decay of pride, envy, greed and lust, and (2) a strong enemy from without that warred against them and won.

As one reviews the worlds past history, as well as the present, when our armies are at war in Iraq, the Israelis and Palestinians killing each other, and the terrorists doing their dastardly work everywhere, the question arises: Shall this condition continue always, with nations rising, shining, sinning, sinking? It is then the name God of Peace comes to mind as the prophecy of a better day. God wants peace and in His own day and way He shall bring peace to the world.

Back in the days of the now defunct League of Nations, when many were congratulating themselves on the fact they had outlawed war, it was my privilege as a young man to speak in a certain denominational church. The subject assigned was World Peace. I was brash enough to tell them that in spite of mans rosy dreams and schemes, there would be no real peace until the Prince of Peace returned to rule and reign. At the close the pastor publicly took me to task, asserting that it was the duty of Christians to work for peace and brotherhood among men. He said: We pray Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven and when we thus pray we are praying for peace on earth. Later I called his attention to the three words just prior to the words he had just quoted. Those three words are: Thy kingdom come! Thank God, that kingdom is coming! Then Gods will shall be done in earth, and not before. Then the God of Peace shall send the Prince of Peace and He will usher in an era of universal tranquility. Then men shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, and they shall learn war no more.

The blessed name God of Peace stands also in contrast to Satan, who is the real god of war. For six thousand years this arch-criminal has instigated war and strife among the nations. Satan wants war and God wants peace, but the question of who shall win is never in doubt. It may seem that Satan is having his way but he has nigh well run his malevolent course. Listen to what the apostle says in Romans 16:20, And the God of Peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The God of Peace shall bring war against Satan, and then Satan will be shut up and sealed under lock and key, so that he can no longer deceive and seduce the nations of the world. Israel and the nations will then enjoy peace, when Satan is imprisoned and Christ enthroned.

Meanwhile, the believer may enjoy peace even in a world where there is no peace. The God of Peace sent His Son to die on Calvary and He made peace by the blood of His Cross. Then we read in Hebrews 13:20 that the God of Peace brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus. Christ Himself becomes the believers peace. Then as we entrust our all to Him we have the Peace of God which passeth all understanding garrisoning our hearts and minds. And. too, we have the blessed promise: And the God of Peace shall be with you.

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OUR BLESSED HOPE
PART 1 OF 2
By Gregg Bing

Early this year, while driving down the highway, I noticed a billboard with this message: Jesus is coming (Matthew 24). The statement is certainly true; the Lord Jesus Christ will one day come back to this earth to establish His kingdom, and He will rule and reign for a thousand years. However, the message conveyed by this billboard seems to indicate a misunderstanding of what we, as believers today, should be looking forward to. The hope, or expectation, of an earthly kingdom belongs to the people of Israel, just as God promised them in the Old Testament Scriptures (Exodus 19:5-6, 2 Samuel 7:8-16, Ezekiel 37, etc.). When Christ returns, they will rule and reign with Him on the earth (Revelation 1:5-7, 20:4-6).

During this present dispensation of grace, God is no longer dealing with Israel as a nation, but with the Church, the body of Christ. The hope of believers today cannot be found in the Old Testament Scriptures, or even in the teachings of Jesus, such as is found in Matthew 24. Our hope is found only in the writings of the Apostle Paul, Gods spokesman for this present age. In Titus 2:13, Paul refers to our hope as a blessed hope ... the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This appearing does not refer to His coming back to the earth to establish His kingdom, but to His appearing in the air, to catch His church up into glory (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 ). Paul makes mention of this blessed hope in writing to the saints at Philippi as he describes what believers should be eagerly waiting for.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)

In these verses we find four important aspects of our blessed hope, a hope that is distinct from that of Gods earthly people, Israel.

Our Hope is Laid Up in
A PLACE

For our citizenship is in heaven

To begin with, the place of our hope is heaven. We are not looking forward to Christs return to earth to establish His kingdom and rule and reign. This is Israels hope; a hope that will one day be realized just as Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 24. The Apostle Paul plainly declares our citizenship is in heaven. God the Father has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians. 1:3). We have been identified with Christ in His death, His burial, His resurrection, and even more, in His ascension, for God has raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians. 2:6). Our hope is not an earthly hope or an earthly kingdom, as so many Christians seem to be focusing on today, but a hope which is laid up for you in heaven (Colossians 1:5). We are not to be waiting for Jesus return to the earth, but for His return in the air to catch us up to be with Him in heaven, our eternal home.

Our Hope Looks to
A PERSON

... from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we tend to focus too much on the place of our hope, and forget that our hope is actually a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. The word hope means our expectation, that which we confidently wait for. We are to eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Our confidence is in Him because of who He is, our great God and Savior (Titus 2:13), and because of what He has done for us, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).

Currently the Lord Jesus Christ is seated in the heavenlies (Colossians 3:1-2). As far as His relationship to Israel is concerned, He is waiting for His kingdom, the time when all things will be subjected to Him (Hebrews 2:5-9) and all His enemies will be made His footstool (Hebrews 10:12-13). This wait, this delay, is the result of Israels rejection of Him (John 1:11). When Christ came and was presented to Israel as their King, they crucified Him, declaring, we will not have this Man to reign over us (Luke 9:14). Following His ascension, they also rejected the ministry of the Holy Spirit during the Acts period, in a sense crucifying the Son of God all over again (Hebrews 6:6). As a result of all this, the nation of Israel was temporarily blinded, and their kingdom hope and promises were postponed.

Today, God is calling out a new body of believers, the Church, the body of Christ, in which there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Colossians 3:11). As Paul writes of this body, He emphasizes that we have a new relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is not particularly our King, though He is King of kings and Lord of lords; He is our Head, the Head over all things to the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23). What a wonderful relationship we have with Him; a vital relationship, for we, as His body, are dependent on Him for our every need (Ephesians 4:15-16). The blessed hope of the Church of this age is that when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:3-4), and thus we shall always be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

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OUR BLESSED HOPE
PART 2 OF 2
By Gregg Bing


Our Hope Fulfills
A PURPOSE

who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body

Before we can be with the Lord, we must be like the Lord. We cannot enter into His holy presence in these lowly bodies, or more literally, these bodies of humiliation. Our bodies, which we have through natural birth, are received from Adam, thus we receive the same nature that he had a sin nature. If we are to be with the Lord, these bodies must be transformed; they must be thoroughly changed. This is the change that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15, commonly referred to as the resurrection chapter.

    Behold, I tell 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 trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:51-57)

Note the use of the word must in verse 53. The Greek word used here is dei, a verb which speaks of that which is a necessity. In order for our blessed hope to be fully realized, it is necessary that our old bodies be changed. Our current bodies, which are sown in corruption, mortality, dishonor, and weakness, will be raised in incorruption, immortality, glory, and power (1 Cor. 15:42-45). They will be conformed to His (Christs) glorious body, or more literally, to the body of His glory. So that when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. For, as we have borne the image of the man of dust (Adam), we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (the Lord Jesus Christ) (1 Cor. 15:49).

As we consider the nature of our present bodies, we realize that we would not want to live forever in these bodies. This is why Paul refers to them as tents or temporary dwelling places (2 Cor. 5:1). God has prepared new bodies for us, not a temporary dwelling place, but a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1,5). What a glorious purpose God has for us, to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).

Our Hope Rests in
A POWER

according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself

Gods purpose for us, to be conformed to the image of His Son, does not depend upon us, anymore than our salvation depended on us. Our hope rests upon our Lord Jesus Christ, who is able, even to subdue all things to Himself. When Christ was raised from the dead He was also seated at His Fathers 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 age but also in that which is to come (Eph. 1:20-21). God put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Eph. 1:22-23).

When Christ returns to this earth, as described in Matthew 24, He will subdue all things to Himself: all enemies, all kingdoms, all nations, and all people. He will rule and reign over the whole earth with a rod of iron. What is even more important is that He has power to subdue all things to Himself in the spiritual realm as well. On the cross, He subdued sin, by taking it all upon Himself and paying its full penalty (1 Pet. 2:24). He subdued Satan, the one who had the power of death, rendering Him powerless (Heb. 2:14). By His resurrection, He subdued death, securing victory and eternal life (1 Cor. 15:54-57). This One who is able, who has the power to subdue all things to Himself, is the One whose working will transform our bodies of humiliation and conform them to the body of His glory. When this, our blessed hope, is realized, the last enemy, death, will be destroyed (literally: rendered powerless) (1 Cor. 15:26).

While Christs return to this earth is a wonderful event and the very real hope of the nation of Israel, it is not our blessed hope. It is not what we, as members of the Church, the body of Christ, are to look forward to, with eager expectation. It is not what is promised to us. We miss such a blessing when we try to take Israels hope for our own and ignore the wonderful hope that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is so important that we walk worthy of the calling which we have in Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:1), and understanding our unique hope is a key element in our walk for the Lord (Eph. 4:3-6).

    "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14)