GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ SHOULD CHRIST'S BODY WORK? (2 of 3 ) JULY 17, 2006


SHOULD CHRIST'S BODY WORK? - (Part 2 of 3)

We saw in part one how our salvation in Christ Jesus is a pure gift from God, 'not of works, lest any man should boast.' As a poet has put it:

     'I'll not work my soul to save,
      For that my God has done;
      But I'll work like any slave,
      For love to God's dear Son.'

On the other hand, the Scriptures (especially the Pauline epistles) make it equally clear that God does have a 'maintenance program' for believers in this age of grace, spoken of in this way: 'This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.' A few verses later, Paul says nearly the same thing: 'And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful' (Titus 3:8 and 14).

Mr. Kenneth S. Wuest renders Titus 3:8 more closely to the Greek text in this manner: '. . . and concerning these things I desire you to be strongly assertive, in order that those who have believed God may take careful thought to go forward in good works.' The idea conveyed here is that the one who has been saved without human works of any kind be now occupied with 'good works' in his daily life.

Commenting on this important theme, in his remarks on Eph.2:8-10, Mr. Charles Welch, in his excellent commentary, 'In Heavenly Places', states:

'There are some teachers, who, because they have recognized the utter impossibility of good works ever being admitted as a procuring or a qualifying cause of our acceptance, seem to have developed an antipathy to good works altogether, as though Paul had not continued 'not of works . . . unto good works.' Works are the visible fruit on the tree, making it evident that the invisible root is alive and active. (Emphasis ours.) 'By their fruits ye shall know them' is a principle true for all time. Just as balance is exhibited in the epistle as a whole, so is it in its parts. To emphasize the complete exclusion of works as the cause of salvation is right; to omit reference to the need to produce good works after salvation is wrong. The only thing that is true is proportionate emphasis upon both doctrines.' ( P. 220 )

I think that it is important here to define what 'good works' are. Very evidently they are connected with the believer's walk in Christ, and therefore relate to 'fruit' in the believer's life. Note the prayer of Paul for the believers in Colossae: '. . . that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge (full knowledge, lit.) of God' (Col. 1:10). If 'good works' are related to 'being fruitful,' and these in turn relate to our daily 'walk,' do we not find a key in the words of Paul to the believers in Thessalonica? 'Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and your labor of love. . . in our Lord Jesus Christ.' (l Thessalonians 1:3.)

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul affirms that it is 'faith which worketh by love' (Galatians 5:6). We are also told that 'it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure' (Philippians 2:13). Can we say then that the 'good works' which each one of us who are in Christ should be 'careful to maintain' are the expressions of God's faith and love in our character and our conduct? Think about it!

Grace, Peace and Love, Pastor Paul Hume

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ SHOULD CHRIST'S BODY WORK? (3 of 3 ) JULY 18, 2006


SHOULD CHRIST'S BODY WORK? - (Part 3 of 3)

Someone has well said, 'A 'Christian should be like a watch: well regulated and full of good works!' In the light of the Word of God, this is true. 'Good works' are God's 'maintenance program' for every member of the Body of Christ in this present dispensation of the grace of God. (Remember again Titus 2:11-14, 3:8, 14, as well as Ephesians 2:8-10, Colossians 1:9-12, Galatians 6: 9-10, and Philippians 2:12-16.)

We have also observed that there is a real connection between 'the fruit of the spirit' (Galatians 5:22-23), 'faith which worketh by love' (Galatians 5:6), and 'being fruitful in every good work' (Colossians 1:10). Hence, we can construct a sort of equation like this:

THE INDWELLING SPIRIT +- FAITH = LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

What are these 'good works'? Are they several activities in which we can engage, like going to church, singing in the choir, teaching a Sunday School class, visiting the sick, serving at a church dinner, or helping a needy neighbor? These are all good, but they are not necessarily 'good works'. We know that 'he that desireth the office of a bishop (overseer), desireth a good work' (I Timothy 3:1). Yet not all spiritual leaders in local churches are performing 'good works'; because they are not in right relation with God.

Now Paul, for example, gives no list of 'good works' because they are not in his epistles. He does mention 'the work of ministering (serving)' in Ephesians 4:12, which every believer in Christ should engage in. He also makes it clear that each member of the Body of Christ has a specific function (Ephesians 4:7-16). He speaks of praying for one another (Ephesians 6:18 ), performing with our hands what is good (Ephesians 4:28 ), 'contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality' (Romans 12:13), and bearing 'one another's burdens' (Galatians 6:2). These are all 'good,' and they are 'works' in the sense that it takes activity to engage in them.

What makes a 'work' good? The best answer we can give is this: a 'good work' is any activity which a believer in Christ does in the name of Christ and in dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Thus  Paul exhorts: 'And whatsoever ye do in word or deed (work), do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him' (Colossians 3:17). He also encourages us by saying: 'Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain (fruitless) in the Lord' (I Corinthians 15:58 ).

     'If I can do some good today,
      If I can serve along life's way,
      If I can something helpful say,
         Lord, show me how.
      If I can right a human wrong,
      If I can help to make one strong,
      If I can cheer with smile or song,
         Lord, show me how.
      If I can aid one in distress,
      If I can make a burden less,
      If I can spread more happiness,
         Lord, show me how. '
                  (GRENVillE KlEISER)

Beloved, let us seek to 'maintain good works' for the glory of God!
Grace, Peace and Love,
Pastor  Paul Hume

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ PATH TO PROXIMITY JULY 19, 2006


PATH TO PROXIMITY
By Miles Stanford

"God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency, may abound to every good work" (2 Cor. 9:8 ).

Suffering takes us in condition where truth has us in position.

"We will never learn any truth in experience excepting in the deepening knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the lack of this which is the cause of weakness among believers; bare doctrine is not personal fellowship with Him. We have that which is lovely and full of blessing in Him; but if we are to know it as such; to prove its truth, to enjoy it always, it must be in taking these things as connected with Him."-J.N.D.

"The passive power of faith needs for its sustenance closer communion with the Father than its active energy. Action, as it were, nerves us to the conflict; but quiet endurance of wrong, or suffering of any kind, which neither friend nor foe sees, but only God, this indeed needs divine power, and without God's support none would bear the strain. Many a saint has shown the courage of faith before his enemies, as Elijah when he faced Ahab, but who, like him, quails and flees, where there is nothing to do, but quietly trust in God."

"There is but one thought with our Father in disciplining us, namely, to make our trials an opportunity for our heart to learn and discover more of His love, and the resources which are in Him as He has revealed them to us in His Son," -J .B.S.

"There is no way of learning faith except by trial. It is God's school of faith, and it is far better for us to learn to trust our Father than to enjoy life."

"As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (2 Cor. 6:10).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ GRACE AND MERCY JULY 20, 2006


GRACE AND MERCY
By Miles Stanford

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

If and when the trial comes, you will find Him waiting there.

"We should always be prepared for circumstances that will arise, and for blessings that are to come, without foreseeing what these circumstances and blessings will be. This preparation consists in attention to present responsibility, and acceptance of present discipline.

"If day by day we first seek divine direction, and then follow it, we shall be ready, when new circumstances arise, for the new blessings which will be offered. Today should be preparation for tomorrow. The only proof that we shall be equal to tomorrow's test is that we are meeting today's test believingly and courageously. The only evidence that we shall be willing for God's will tomorrow is that we are subject to His will today."-W.G.S.

"Our Lord has special reserves of grace for special needs. If ever you feel that you could not go through a certain trial, that if you had to face that, you just could not go through with it, you are taking on something that you have no right to take on.

"If the Lord calls you to go through fire or water, He has a special reserve of grace for you in that. And that grace will be from the throne of grace. It is the throne above, mediating grace for need and suffering as it is required." -T.A-S.

"Let us... come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ BEHOLD, THE MAN! JULY 21, 2006


BEHOLD, THE MAN!

"[God] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6.)

There aren't many truly happy Christians simply because there aren't many who really abide in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our risen Lord is the source of our happiness as we rest in Him - triumphant over circumstances; not hopelessly underneath them.  Happy is the abiding believer, "hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3).

"I must not only see my position in the Lord Jesus, but I must come near to the One who set me there. Many are disappointed that after hearing with delight and receiving the truth of their position they are not more affected by it.

"The reason is that they rest too much in the position and have not occupied themselves increasingly with their risen Lord; have not drawn nearer to Him, and recognized Him as the only One who can make it all experiential in them." -J .B.S.

"Is the living Person now in heavenly glory really the Object of our hearts? For some time after I knew the Saviour I used to think of Him as One who had lived and died on earth long years ago, and I well remember the day when I knelt down with a dear brother who prayed that we might know the Lord Jesus as a living Person in heavenly glory, and it dawned upon me that there was a present Object for my heart in heaven. Our hearts will never be satisfied until that glorified Lord Jesus becomes our Object bright and fair."-C.A.C.

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ THE POWER OF THOUGHTS JULY 24, 2006


THE POWER OF THOUGHTS

Do you ever think about what you’re thinking about? The Bible speaks much about the importance of our thoughts. The psalmist David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14).

All of us experience what some have called “self talk” – the internal conversation we have with ourselves every day. What kind of thoughts dominate your mind most of the time? Are they primarily encouraging thoughts or negative ones? The Bible says that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. ( See Proverbs 23:7)

Thoughts are the seeds of our lifestyle. Whatever possesses our mind will soon be expressed by our words and eventually experienced in our actions. Paul wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 ).

Would you like to see a radical change for the better in your life? It may happen if you begin to think differently. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” Paul wrote to one group. (See Romans 12:1-2) Truth sets us free to enjoy life to the fullest, but negative thoughts are impregnated with doubts and lies which always lead to internal bondage.

Thoughts are the thermostat which set the temperature of our faith. Chronic sour thoughts will produce a sour lifestyle. Faith oriented, hope-filled thoughts pave the way for God to work in our lives.

From a prison cell, with the threat of death hanging over him, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord. I’ll say it again – rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) To rejoice is a choice. It is a decision that sometimes defies logic because it isn’t based on external circumstances. Instead, it comes from thinking the right thoughts grounded in God’s truth. It comes from embracing the truth about our Father’s great love and unending favor toward us. It is born from the realization that nothing can separate us from the love of our Abba – nothing.

--Steve McVey

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ THE DOCTRINE OF ASSURANCE JULY 25, 2006


THE DOCTRINE OF ASSURANCE
By Pastor Robert Hanna

Scripture Reading: Titus 2: 13

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:14-16). This declaration alone should provide the believer with unqualified assurance of his salvation. Our apostle tells us, "After that ye believed, YE WERE SEALED with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:13b,14). The transaction is completed, our position certain. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit Himself.

The Apostle Paul's declaration of his own confidence should be echoed by every child of God. "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 Timothy 1:12b). He fervently prayed for the saints, "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God" (Colossians 2:2). He affirms our certain expectation of eternally dwelling in glory, "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" (Colossians 3:3, 4). "These things have I written unto you that who believe on the Name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (I John 5: 13).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ SCRIPTURE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE JULY 26, 2006


SCRIPTURE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE - I Corinthians 15:3,4
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" (ICor15:3,4).

Well do I remember that night, many years ago now, when I first trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I recall how the minister opened the inspired Scriptures to share God's truth with a lost sinner. How kind he was to tell me of the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus. Opening the pages of holy Writ he showed me verse by verse my sinful condition before a holy God, and God's remedy for it.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom.3:23).

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom.6:23).

Finally when he laid that Book open before me at St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, I knew that I must trust Christ as my Saviour:

"For I delivered unto you first at 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" (ICor15.3,4).

I praise God for that man, that night, when I was convinced by the Spirit of God concerning "the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (IITim.2:10). How wonderful the peace that came into my troubled soul - "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1). I found peace because the Holy Spirit in conjunction with the Scriptures opened my blind eyes to see how fully I had been identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection -- baptized into Jesus Christ Himself (Rom.6:3; 4;l; ICor.12:13). And because of the finished work of Christ at Calvary, there is no doubt about the eternal security of the believer in Christ today. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom.6:23).

Praise the Lord indeed, for this passage of Scripture has changed my life, my outlook on life, and my eternal destiny, and because the Apostle Paul's epistles are written to "saints," believers in Jesus Christ become -- "saints" Won't you trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour and experience the change that Holy Scripture will make in your life?

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ AFFLICTION'S EFFECT JULY 27, 2006


AFFLICTION'S EFFECT
By Miles Stanford

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ" (Phil. 3:7).

Our Father has many reasons for administering trial --- all good. Trial teaches us the futility of the old life, and the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus --- our new life.

"The Christian suffers the same calamities as others, perhaps even worse; he faces difficulties and losses in the things of this life; he has to be prepared to meet death itself. In all these circumstances he is calm and trustful; he is not only sure of ultimately going to heaven, but already abides there and enjoys something of it in his own heart.

"God is real to him and ever near. He knows a peace which passes all understanding, and he experiences a joy which no man can take from him. This, surely, should be our testimony in the world, but it can only be as the Lord Jesus Himself lives out this life in us."-H.F.

"The world is divided into two things---pleasures and afflictions; I am more afraid of the pleasures than the afflictions. In afflictions you turn to the Lord. The danger is of being carried away by the very favors God has given to man."

"Those who suffer from chastening ought to be before the Father, owning His hand; and He who has wounded will heal. The Lord Jesus did not take the cup which He had to drink from us, from man, nor from Satan; but from His Father's hand."

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord" (Phil. 3:8 ).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ IT'S YOUR ATTITUDE JULY 28, 2006


IT'S YOUR ATTITUDE

No, bless your heart, you haven't done anything to hurt my feelings.

      I would appreciate it, though, if you would give me a moment or two of your time. What I have to say is important and, who can tell, it might prove to be a wonderful turning point in your life. I well remember the day when, not only my outlook, but my whole direction in life was completely changed. What an experience! I've never ceased to thank God for it!

     I once thought, as many people do today - perhaps you do - that one must keep the law, the ten commandments, to please God and be sure of heaven. The law, I thought, was God's rule of life, given to help us to be good and gain heaven at last. How wrong I was! In fact God's Word tells us again and again, in the plainest language, that the law was not given to help us to be good, but to show us that we are bad and need a Savior.

     Romans 3:19 says that the law was given "that every mouth may be stopped and that all the world may become guilty before God." Chapter 5, Verse 20, of the same book says that "the law entered that the offense might abound" and Galatians 3:19 says "It was added because of transgressions." This is why we read in Romans 3:20:

"Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His [God's] sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

      Friend, if you want to be saved from the just penalty of sin, remember this: There is one thing that God, as Judge of all, expects from you. He expects you to stop saying things in your own defense It is not sin that keeps men out of heaven, it's their attitude. God, in His love, has made full provision for sin. He paid its penalty Himself But He has made no provision for a self-righteous attitude.

     Sometimes, you know, the defendant comes to the place where his attorney says to him: "It will be to your advantage to plead guilty and throw yourself upon the mercy of the court."

This is exactly our position. How can we talk about our law-keeping when we are all so guilty of law-breaking? Keep defending yourself and God will never save you, for He will have no boasting in heaven - especially false boasting. But confess your guilt and throw yourself upon the mercy of God and He will graciously forgive and justify you through Christ. This is why St. Paul exclaimed to one of his audiences:

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man [Christ] is preached unto you THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS; and by Him all that believe are JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:38,39).

     Does this mean that it doesn't matter how we live: that the believer in Christ has a license to sin? By no means! Grace produces better living than the law ever did. In Romans 8:3,4 we read that Christ accomplished "what the law could not do":

"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Similarly, we read in Titus 2:11,12:

"For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men."Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."

     Thanks for taking the time to read this. It is my earnest prayer that you will simply, but sincerely, trust Christ as your Savior and accept eternal life as the free gift of God, if you have not already done so.

"For there is no difference...for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him, for WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED" (Rom. 10:12,13).

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"  (Rom. 6:23)

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? JULY 29, 2006


WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
by C. R. Stam

We have shown in a previous article that God is for sinners and desires their good. We have shown how He proved this by paying for their sins Himself as God the Son at Calvary. But if this is true, how much more must it be so with regard to His own children who have trusted Christ as their Savior?

How often -- and how significantly -- the Apostle Paul uses the words "for us" in this connection!

In Eph. 5:2 we read that "Christ... loved us, and hath given Himself for us." In Rom. 5:8 we are told that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." In II Cor. 5:21: "[God] hath made Him to be sin for us." And in Gal. 3:13 we read: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us."

And the love that brought Him down from heaven to die in shame and disgrace for our sins is not affected by our many failures as Christians now. In Heb. 9:24 we read that our Lord has ascended to heaven "now to appear in the presence of God for us." In Rom. 8:34 we learn that He is "at the right hand of God" to "make intercession for us." And in Heb. 7:25 we read that He is able to save us "to the uttermost" because "He ever lives to make intercession for us."

Our failures now, after having trusted Christ as Savior, may -- and should -- trouble our consciences and thus hinder our fellowship with God, but this does not change the fact that we are God’s dear children through faith in Christ, who died for all our sins. Unworthy though we still may be, therefore, God would have us come into His presence to be spiritually renewed.

"What shall we then say to these things? IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?" (Rom. 8:31).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ "PEACE ON EARTH" JULY 30, 2006


"PEACE ON EARTH"
By Miles Stanford

"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts" (Col. 3:15).

Peace does not, and cannot, exist in the fallen Adam life; and as long as the old man reigns within, there is going to be turmoil both within and without. The path of the Cross is alone the path of peace.

"The moment came when the Lord Jesus could say, 'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you' (John 14:27). This could only be on the ground of His death, for the man in Adam could never give up his will: to do so would be to give up his very existence. But the death of the Lord Jesus is - judicially, and for faith - the end of that man, and the Christian walking in the Spirit owns him no more.

"The believer can thus, and only thus, have freedom from the tyranny of sin as he reckons himself to have died unto sin, and to be alive unto God as one 'alive from the dead.' He presents his body a living sacrifice unto God, and proves what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Thus walking, the peace of the Lord Jesus becomes an experiential reality in the heart of the believer. Thank God! we are no longer linked with the fallen Adam, and the Holy Spirit has placed us in union with Christ risen and glorified."-C.A.C.

"The more clearly we enter, by faith, into objective truth, or what is true of us in the Lord Jesus, the deeper, more experiential and practical will be the Spirit's subjective work in us, and the more complete will be the manifestation of the moral effect in our life and character." -C.H.M.

"Both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one" (Heb. 2:11).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ ~Walking With God~ JULY 31, 2006


~Walking With God~
By Steve McVey

I recently realized why I find myself frustrated at times in my walk with God. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s simple, really. The problem is that God apparently likes to stroll and, for the most part, I’m not a stroller by nature. “Do you want to run around with me today?” I sometimes ask my wife before I start out on errands. Running around – that’s my style.

I like to run around and get things done. I want to make things happen. My Father, on the other hand, refuses to be rushed by His impatient boy. I really identify with what one man I recently read had to say on the subject: “I feel like running, but life is on a stroll. That’s how God works.” “Yep, I’m with you a hundred percent,” I thought as I read his words.

The irony of it all is that I, a man who constantly teaches people how to rest in Christ, still struggles with this. I even wrote a book on the subject (The Godward Gaze). Maybe I’ll go back and read that book again.

I love the practice of contemplative prayer each morning. It soothes my soul, calming my anxious thoughts and bringing me into the awareness of basking in Love too big to explain or even understand. If I let that early morning time slip, I feel the difference all through the day. It’s not a legalistic practice for me. It’s something I do because I love being loved and to be honest, as much or more than that, I love feeling loved by my heavenly Father.

I want to learn to live in that place of awareness all day. Sometimes I do pretty well with it, then at others I take on the role of deity and try to manage every detail of my own life with perfection and exact precision. I work to make life fit my schedule and that’s when I start to slip.

Do you experience this type problem in your life? I don’t think I’m alone in this. Patience isn’t one of the top virtues in the life of most Christians. It has always been a challenge for people of faith. That’s why a child named Ishmael was born. That’s why there was once an Apostle named Matthias that nobody ever heard about again. Believe me, we’re not alone.

What’s the answer? It’s to keep learning the lesson, again and again if necessary. When we find ourselves rushed, anxious and tapping our fingernails on the table while we wait for God to hurry and catch up, we need to stop. Stop and realize what we’re doing, then acknowledge our hyperactive frenzy before our Father. Yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and affirm the truth that we don’t control life in any way. We must intentionally choose to relax our grip on our circumstances and slow down our pace again.

Life will be much easier on us all when we learn once and for all that we won’t make God run. He’s going to do what He’s going to do, so we might as well slow down and enjoy the walk.

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ ~THE TRUTH~ AUGUST 1, 2006


~THE TRUTH~
by C. R. Stam

The Bible is unique among books as Christ was among men, in that it is the only book that claims repeatedly and consistently to be the truth.

It begins with the majestic words: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” It does not argue the case; it simply states it. The sacramental introduction to the prophecies is: “Thus saith the Lord,” and a hundred fulfilled prophecies prove that the Bible is indeed the Word of God — the truth.

Without apology it refers to:

The “manifestation of the truth” (IICor.4:2).

The “knowledge of the truth” (IITim.3:7).

Those who “have erred concerning the truth” (II Tim.2:18 ).

Those who “resist the truth” (IITim.3:8 ).

Those who “hold [hold down, suppress] the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom.1: 18 ).

Those who “turn away their ears from the truth” (IITim.4:4).

Those who “believe and know the truth” (ITim.4:3).

Those who “acknowledge the truth” (Tit.1:1).

Our Lord said to His Father: “Thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).

Paul wrote to those who were saved when they “heard the word of truth, the gospel of [their] salvation” (Eph.1:13).

Where the truth is concerned God’s Word is all we need, for:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction in righteousness;

“That the man of God may be perfect [complete], THOROUGHLY FURNISHED unto all good works” (II Tim.3:16,17).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ "THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" AUGUST 2, 2006


"THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS"
by C. R. Stam

St. Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans, refers to those who receive “the abundance of grace” and “the gift of righteousness” (Rom.5:17) which God in love bestows upon all who trust in His Son for salvation.

The Bible declares that no man can ever stand uncondemned in the sight of God, the Judge of all, unless he receives righteousness as the gift of God's grace.

Quoting from the Psalms, the Apostle says in Romans 3:10; “It is written, there is none righteous, no, not one”. This is why Paul pitied those who continued to go about “to establish their own righteousness” (Rom.10:3). He knew that their struggle was utterly futile, that they needed to be saved (See Verse One).

Let us thank God that the Lord Jesus Christ took the condemnation and judgment of our sins upon Himself at Calvary so that His righteousness might be imputed to us by grace through faith. Regarding Abraham’s justification before God, the Apostle says: “What saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Rom.4:3).

Abraham’s justification, of course, was based on the fact that Christ was to die for sin, but Christ’s death is now past; it is an historical fact. Thus righteousness is now proclaimed through Christ and offered to all as a gift. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom.5:8 ). “God hath made Him to be sin for us…that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (IICor.5:21).

But we must receive this righteousness as a gift, for “to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, HIS FAITH is counted for righteousness” (Rom.4:5).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

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.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
___________________________________