GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

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


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

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

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

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

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

Further we are admonished,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the "blessed assurance" of the believer!

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

With Eternity's Values in View (Part 2 of 5)
By Charles Wages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

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



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

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

Then, we read in Romans 6:8,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Apostle Paul knew, when he wrote under inspiration,

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

Why Do Good Men Disagree?
By S. Lee Homoki


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evangelist S. Lee Homoki

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

JOHN 1:5
by Pastor Jim Krieg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

LIBERTY IN CHRIST
By JOHN McKAY, Pastor

 Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:4

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

The Difference Between Belief and Faith
By Pastor Timothy F. Conklin

The Bible is very clear - saving faith originates through hearing the Word of God. The Bible knows no other avenue or supply for faith which saves. People cannot produce or will biblical faith. Only the Bible produces saving faith. And Romans 10:17 makes it plain and clear that biblical/saving faith comes specifically by hearing the Word of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just believing doesn't accomplish anything.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Are you Saved?

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

THE INFINITE WORTH OF GOD'S AMAZING LOVE
By Pastor Robert Roosendaal

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:7

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

Learning To Love God More
by Steve McVey


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

God's Free Gift
Part 1 of 2
By Pastor Ken Lawson

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

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

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

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

The ways people say we are to help pay for our salvation are many and varied: obey the commandments, follow the Golden Rule and the Sermon on the Mount, give money to the church, be baptized and partake in church sacraments, etc. But God says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5) "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8, 9) "Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:28 )

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

God's Free Gift
Part 2 of 2
By Pastor Ken Lawson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[nChrist]

______________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
Please share this Inspirational with others.
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________________

The True Battle
by Anabel Gillham


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

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

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

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

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

Your salvation is in Christ Jesus . . .

His Life in you is your victory . . .

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

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