GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

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

WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP
By PAUL SADLER, Pastor


Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 15:51,52

In 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 the Apostle Paul addresses the subject of the Rapture of the Church. Here the Apostle reveals to us a number of important truths concerning this blessed event. First, he tells us, "we shall not all sleep." Paul here reveals that there shall be one generation of believers that will not see death when Christ returns in the secret coming for the Church, the Body of Christ. It should also be noted that in referring to this truth he is not making a reference to those who have gone on before us that they are in a state of soul sleep. When the word "sleep" is used in relation to death it refers to the body. Let God's Word minister to us and not the theologian. In Matthew 27:52 it states, "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints that slept arose."

Secondly, Paul tells us, "we shall all be changed." Christ is going to catch us off the earth to go home to Glory with Him. Please note, God is not going to alter the law of gravity, it shall not be changed, but we the believer shall be changed. We will be given our glorified, resurrected bodies which are fashioned like unto His glorious body.

Thirdly, this catching away and change will take place "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." In less than a split second we will be with the Lord. It is my personal belief that on earth at the time of the Rapture automobiles will not be going off bridges or planes falling from the sky or trains colliding. God is not the author of confusion, also we must remember this is a secret coming, the world shall not see or understand. For the saint of God we have a blessed Hope, let us begin to live for Him in light and expectation of the Rapture.

[nChrist]

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

COMBAT SOLDIERS
By Miles Stanford



"Thou. therefore. endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3).

What if there were conscientious objectors in the Lord's army? Actually, our Lord does not have any non-combatant soldiers whatsoever in His service, since the battle line extends from the front all the way to the rear; to say nothing of the fact that we are all camped in enemy territory.

"Luther, speaking to the young preachers of his day, said: 'I did not learn to preach Christ all at once. The devil has been my best professor of exegetical and experiential theology. Before that great schoolmaster took me in hand, I was an unweaned child, not a grown man. It was my combats with sin and with Satan that made me a true minister of the New Testament. It is always a great grace to me, and to my people, for me to be able to say to them: "I know this text is true! I know it for certain to be true!" Without incessant combat, and pain, and sweat, and blood, no ignorant stripling of a student ever yet became an effective preacher."

"Every bit of truth we receive, if we receive it in faith, will take us into conflict and will be established through conflict. It will be worthless until there has been this process. Take any position the Lord calls you to take, and, if you are taking it with Him, you are going through things in it, and there will be an element added by reason of the pressure. You have taken a position, yes; but you have not really received as yet, the true value of it has not yet been established. You have not come into the real significance of the truth until there has been some sore conflict in relation to it." - T.A-S.

"I bear willing witness that I owe more to the fire, and the hammer, and the file, than to anything else in my Lord's workshop. When my schoolroom is darkened, I see most."-C.H.S.

"We also exult in our sufferings, knowing as we do, that suffering produces fortitude; fortitude, ripeness of character" (Rom. 5:3, Wey.).

[nChrist]

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

READY TO DEPART
By JON D. BEKEMEYER, Pastor


Reading: II Timothy 4:6-8

The marathon runner has a rigorous life. He must maintain diet, get proper rest, and push his body to the limits of endurance (in spite of pain) as he trains for the race. Then, on the day of the race, he must follow the rules and follow the course. The rules and the course are set up by others.

The Apostle Paul was ever conscious of the fact that he was on a course set up by God Almighty (I Corinthians 9:23,24). He did not choose to be beaten, scoffed at, stoned or thrown in jail; but all these things were a part of his course. It is not that God caused these things to happen ---they were caused by wicked men. But  these difficulties were allowed by God and used for His glory.

These circumstances did not deter Paul because his goal was to "apprehend that for which (he was) apprehended of Christ" (Phil. 3:12) . He desired to finish his course with joy (Acts 20:24) Because of all this, at the end of his life, Paul was ready to depart. He had finished the job. He could truthfully write "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith".

As believers, we, like Paul, have a course of service. We must follow the rules as set forth in Paul's epistles. "And if a man strive for the masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully" (II Timothy 2:5). Also, we must follow our course. To Archippus it is written, "Take heed to the ministry thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it." We would do well to heed the same admonition so that we may finish the course with joy.

[nChrist]

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

Indestructible Joy
By Anabel Gillham

Can you relate...

Something will happen and the joy will be fairly ripped from our breast, thrown on the ground, stomped and crushed and torn, and we stand there, confused and hurt, and empty—devoid of joy.


But a word will be said
a small sound will come
a tender touch
and from somewhere deep
within there is a tiny ember.



You know what it is! And you find tears streaming down your face, for welling up inside from that ember comes JOY—the joy you thought was gone forever. This joy is a "knowing," it is not a "feeling." It is knowing that He has everything under control. It is knowing that He loves me, that He lives in me, and that I am secure in Him. Paul knew this joy; he mentioned it fourteen times in his letter to the Philippians and he was in prison at the time. What do you suppose his cell looked like? Light and airy? Clean, nice bed, adequate bathroom facilities and nourishing meals? I don't think so. What were the circumstances in Paul's life? No stress? No enemies? Abounding comfort? Everything going his way? Skipping happily down "the yellow brick road?" What was he going through? Let's look:

Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
2 Corinthians 11:24-29

To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
1 Corinthians 4:11- 13


The joy that Paul was telling us about was obviously indestructible! He wrote to us about having joy while he was enduring indescribable pain, isolation, disappointments—all of the things he listed. Then he gives us the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit and it is all encompassing as you think about it:

Love. Joy gives me beautiful songs of love.
Peace. Joy frees me from anxiety.
Patience. Joy causes me to realize that God has everything under control.
Kindness. Joy frees me from hateful, gruff, unkind words and opens the gates of compassion and tenderness.
Goodness. Joy makes serving others a pleasure.
Faithfulness. Joy gives contentment in the most adverse circumstances.
Gentleness. Joy gives me calmness under pressure.
Self-control. Joy sets me free so I don't have to play games any longer for other people. I know wherein my joy lies. "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
"Lord, this indestructible joy is mine. I don't need to pray for it or plead with you to grant this joy to me. It is mine because You live in me! I know that! So what am I to do? I am to open the gates and let that joy flow out of me. I keep it all dammed up inside—letting my inhibition and pride control this river of joy. I pray for courage, dear Lord. If I smile at someone—no matter how brusque they look, generally they smile back. And if I just had the gumption to twirl around in the street, dancing with pure joy, I think some folks might just dance with me or encourage me. I can just hear them: "Go to it, Girl!" "Great!" And they would clap and cheer. Of course there are those others, but I can ignore those who think I'm crazy! Right, Lord? Amen."
Joy! It is mine—today—forever because He is forever and He lives in me!
My joy—my peace—is no one's responsibility but my own! No harsh or unkind word, no slight, no wrong committed by anyone can rob me of my joy and peace—unless I let it!
"Lord, You have given me the power to refuse any word and defuse any act that would rob me of my joy and peace. May I be alert and aware of Your power within me. Thank You. Amen."
For Lifetime Guarantee, that's Grace.

[nChrist]

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

"RESTING IN HIS REST"
By M. Stanford


"Now the just shall live by faith" (Heb. 10:38 ).


Until we grow beyond the childish realm of sight and feelings we cannot go forward; up and down, and sideways, but not forward.

"Our Father wants us in the place where we do not depend upon feelings; where, though we do not behold Him, though we do not sense Him, we shall 'endure as beholding Him who is invisible.' He wants us where we can trust Him through darkness and apparent separation, as unflinchingly as in light and fellowship; where we know that His banner, Love, is always floating over us, though it is so dark that we cannot see it.

"There is no grace in delighting in the presence and favor of the Father when they are resting consciously and continuously upon us; for this rejoicing comes from sight and feelings. But there is precious grace in that delight which is not dependent upon His favors, nor upon our enjoyment of them; but which is wholly dependent and has its source in the Father's explicit Word, and His eternal faithfulness." --C.H.Macl.

"When circumstances seem impossible, when all signs of grace in you seem at their lowest ebb, when temptation is fiercest, when love and joy and hope seem well nigh extinguished in your heart, then rest, without feeling and without emotion, in the Father's faithfulness; abide in the fact that He loves you infinitely, and even now is working in you faithfully; and honor Him, and put the enemy to flight by taking to yourself the words of Job: 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.' 'I have prayed for thee' (says the One who ever lives to make intercession for us) 'that thy faith fail not.' " --D.T.

"Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward" (Heb. 10:35).

[nChrist]

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

Perilous Times are Here
(Part 1)
By Gregg Bing


In the Apostle Paul's last letter to Timothy, he instructed him to "know this, that in the last days perilous times will come" (2 Tim. 3:1). The "last days" Paul had in mind were not the "last days" Joel prophesied of (Joel 2:28-32) or the "last days" Jesus taught His disciples about (Matt. 24). Paul spoke of the last days of this present dispensation of grace. The word "perilous" typically means dangerous, however, it also speaks of that which is difficult or hard to bear, even fierce or savage. Paul wanted to impress upon Timothy how crucial it was to understand the increasing dangers and difficulties believers would face in the last days of this present church age.

With increasing crime rates, new strains of disease, and growing terrorist threats, it is clear we are certainly living in "perilous times" today, but is this what Paul had in mind? When we continue reading in 2 Timothy, chapter 3, we find a different type of peril.

"For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" (2 Tim. 3:2-5)

The physical dangers associated with crime and terrorism are simply a reflection of a deeper problem, a spiritual problem. Spiritual decline in the world has an adverse effect upon the hearts and lives of men leading to selfishness, pride, inability to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with other people (even family members), and a lack of self-control. People can become so out of control that they become like brute beasts, centered only on their own pleasure without regard for the feelings or needs of others.

What could cause such a moral and ethical decline? The answer to this question and the real issue is found in verse 5: "Having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Tim. 3:5)

It's not that religion will disappear from society. On the contrary, religion will abound during the last days, for religion is what Paul calls "having a form of godliness." The word "form" speaks of merely the outward appearance or show of godliness (devotion to God). More and more we will find that those who have a "form of godliness" will deny its power.

What is the "power of godliness?" It is that which enables a person to have a real relationship with God, a heart of true devotion to Him, as evidenced by a godly walk that pleases and honors the Lord. The "power of godliness" is the Word of God, the "power of God unto salvation." The "power of godliness" is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who gave Himself for us, "the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." The "power of godliness" is the finished work that Christ accomplished on our behalf through His death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead. These are the things that man's religion denies.

The Jews of Jesus' day had departed from the Law which laid out God's instructions on how they were to worship Him. They had turned the true worship of God into nothing more than a man-made religion— "the Jews' religion" or Judaism (Gal. 1:13-14). Instead of adhering to the commandments of God, they pursued their own religious traditions, "the traditions of the elders" (Matt. 15:1-6).

Having departed from the Word of God as a basis for their faith, when their Messiah came, as prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures, they did not recognize Him. Jesus was not their idea of what the Messiah would be like. Considering themselves to be righteous, they were offended when Jesus exposed their sins and their need of a Savior. Thus, they denied "the Holy One and the Just" (Acts 3:14) and delivered Him up to the Romans to be crucified. In order to try and justify their actions, the Jews also denied the greatest proof that Jesus of Nazareth truly was both Lord and Christ: His resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:32-36 with Acts 4:2).

Religious people today deny the very same things: the Word of God, the Son of God, and the Salvation of God provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, just as with the Jews, it all begins with a denial of the Word of God. This is what Paul warns Timothy (and us) about in his last letter. This departure from the Word of Truth is what has led to the "perilous times" we are experiencing in these "last days" of the dispensation of God's grace. However, this departure does not happen all at once; it is a gradual progression, a progression Paul outlines in the book of 2 Timothy.

[nChrist]

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

Perilous Times are Here
(Part 2)
By Gregg Bing


This progression begins when men
Stray from the Truth
(2 Tim. 2:18 ).

Paul warned Timothy to "shun profane and idle babblings for they will increase to more ungodliness, and their message will spread like cancer (literally 'gangrene') (2 Tim. 2:16-17). The word "profane" speaks of that which is common, unholy, or ungodly. As believers, we are to avoid such useless discussions for they only promote more ungodliness and their destructive message will eat away at men's hearts like a vicious disease.

Paul specifically names two men who engaged in such "babblings:" Hymenaeus and Philetus. Their problem began when they "strayed concerning the truth" (2 Tim. 2:18 ). To "stray" means to deviate from, to err, or to miss the mark. Their "straying" was caused by a dispensational error, "saying that the resurrection is already past." This is a dangerous error for it can result in the "overthrow" of the "faith of some." Not everyone is well-grounded in the truth of God's Word, especially from a dispensational standpoint. When subjected to teaching that "strays" from the truth, some will find their faith easily shaken or overturned. Straying from the truth arises because believers fail to follow the admonition Paul gives in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Too often, we are concerned with what men think of us when we should, instead, earnestly present ourselves to God for His approval so that when we stand before the Lord to be judged for our works of service for Him, we can stand unashamed. God's approval will depend on our knowledge of and obedience to the Scriptures, and we can only understand God's Word as we approach it from a dispensational standpoint, "rightly dividing the word of truth."

When Paul warns about those who have "a form of godliness" but "deny the truth of it," he describes them as "ever learning but
Never Able to Come to the Knowledge of the Truth"
(2 Tim. 3:7).

Learning and education has been highly valued by men throughout history. Paul said of the Greeks of his day that they "seek after wisdom" (1 Cor. 1:22). The people of the city of Athens "spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing" (Acts 17:21). They were "ever learning," but learning what? Their focus was on the wisdom, philosophies, and traditions of men.

The Jews, in their pursuit of knowledge, had this same problem; rather than concentrate on the commandments of God, they spent most of their time studying, discussing, and debating "the traditions of the elders" (Matt. 15:2). In doing so, Jesus told them, "you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition" (Matt. 15:6).

Today, men have not changed much. In our society today, the so-called "learned men," whether they are scientists, professors, politicians, media, or entertainers, look down on those who believe in God, the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, Creation, etc. They stress education and learning, but they are "never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" because they reject the one source of absolute truth that we have available to us: the Word of God. They profess themselves to be wise, but in doing so they become fools because they neglect the wisdom and knowledge of God found in His Word (Rom. 1:22). If only they would realize that "God makes foolish the wisdom of this world" (1 Cor. 1:20) for men can never come to know God through worldly wisdom. Instead, God has chosen to save men through the "message of the cross:" that God loved us, though we were sinners, and sent His only Son into this world to be crucified for our sins and to rise again from the dead, thus providing the gift of eternal life to all who will trust in Him. This wonderful gospel message is the wisdom of God, yet it is looked at as foolishness by the world.

[nChrist]

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

Perilous Times are Here
(Part 3)
By Gregg Bing



Those who initially neglect or reject the truth, will soon progress to the point where they
Resist the Truth
(2 Tim. 3:8 ).

Paul used the example of Jannes and Jambres, whom most believe were two of the court magicians who withstood Moses and Aaron when they were brought before the Pharaoh of Egypt (Exo. 7-8 ). While we often focus on the ability of these magicians to duplicate some of the signs God gave Moses to perform (using their 'enchantments'), Paul emphasized that they "resisted" Moses, meaning they took a stand against God's prophet (or spokesman). In resisting Moses, they resisted the Word of God. In the gradual progression of men away from the truth, there comes a point when men actively take a stand against the truth of God's Word, speaking against it, campaigning against it, and seeking to suppress it so that no one will hear and believe it. What would lead people to go this far?

Those who become adamant in their attacks against the truth of God's Word are "men of corrupt minds" who are "disapproved concerning the faith." Their minds have been corrupted by Satan, the "god of this age." He has "blinded their minds" to the truth of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4) and does everything in his power to keep them away from "the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:5). They are "disapproved" by God "concerning the faith" because they have never trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

Paul further describes them as "evil men and imposters (KJV 'seducers')" who pose as religious men, some even claim to be ministers of Christ or God, but they do so to deceive, being deceived themselves by Satan. Paul warns that these imposters will "grow worse and worse." We see that today in the religious world. We see denominations, churches, and pastors that were once fundamental in their beliefs now rejecting many basic truths of God's Word: the inspiration of the Scriptures, the virgin birth of Christ, the deity of Jesus Christ, the creation of the universe by God (cf. 1 Tim. 6:20), and even the blood of Christ as the basis for our redemption.

We need to be aware of such opposition to the truth of God's Word, but we need not despair because of it. Paul reminds us that their progress will be limited and that one day their "folly" (foolishness) will be manifest to all (2 Tim. 3:9).

Meanwhile, what must believers do to counteract those who resist the truth? Paul instructed Timothy to "continue (abide, remain under) in the things you have learned and been assured (convinced) of, knowing from whom you have learned them" (2 Tim. 3:15). Timothy had learned from Paul who served as an example, not only to Timothy but to us as well. Timothy knew firsthand Paul's teaching, godly walk, faithful service, and patient suffering for the cause of Christ (2 Tim. 3:10-11).

Timothy had learned from his godly mother and grandmother who taught him the Scriptures from the time he was a young child (2 Tim. 3:15). These Scriptures were not only able to make him "wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus," they were also "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" that he might be "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Throughout history people have withstood and attacked the truth of God's Word. King Jehoiakim went so far as to throw one of the scrolls of the prophet Jeremiah in the fire (Jer. 36:23), but God simply had Jeremiah record His words again. As we go further in these "last days" of the age of grace, these attacks will continue, thus Paul directed Timothy to:

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep (guard) by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2 Tim. 1:13-14)

The "sound words" Paul refers to here include all Scripture, but they refer specifically to the truth of the mystery, that message given by revelation to the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation. Just as God entrusted this message of grace initially to Paul, Paul entrusted it to Timothy, and we are to entrust it to others as well (2 Tim. 2:2). It is vital that we "hold fast" to this truth and "keep" (or guard) it, not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need men and women, young people and children, who will take a stand for God's Word, who will "not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul, His prisoner" but will be willing to "share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Tim. 1:8 ), knowing that "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).

[nChrist]

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

Perilous Times are Here
(Part 4)
By Gregg Bing



In part 3 we began looking at Paul's warning in 2 Timothy that, in the last days of this present age of grace, "perilous times" will come; times that present not only physical dangers but spiritual dangers as well. These dangers are the result of more and more people departing from the truth of God's Word, a trend that is evident today. We considered the downhill slide that begins when men "stray from the truth", continues with men "ever learning, but never being able to come to a knowledge of the truth," and eventually reaches a point where men "resist the truth." We conclude this study by looking at the final step in this apostasy: the point when men will

Turn Their Ears Away from the Truth (4:4).

In the final chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul's last letter, Paul gives Timothy (and us) a final charge. Paul knows that he is about to die as he tells Timothy,

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand." (2 Timothy 4:6)

He also warns Timothy how far men will go in their departure from the truth.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

There will come a time when men will no longer "endure sound doctrine." The word "endure" means to put up with or to bear with, meaning they will refuse even to listen to sound doctrine. "Doctrine" simply means teaching. "Sound doctrine" is that teaching which is necessary for our spiritual health and growth. Sadly, Bible teaching has fallen out of favor in many churches and denominations and is rarely heard in Sunday school classrooms or from church pulpits. Why is this the case? Because most people simply don't want to hear the teaching of God's Word.

"According to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

This distaste for the "sound teaching" of God's Word originates in the desires of the flesh, that is our old sin nature. Those who follow the selfish desires of their flesh develop "itching ears," meaning they want their ears scratched or tickled with pleasing words, words that satisfy their fleshly desires. They want to hear only what makes them feel good about themselves.

Ahab, the king of Israel, was one of those people with "itching ears." We read in 1 Kings 22 how Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, joined with Ahab to fight against the Syrians. Before entering the battle, Jehoshaphat asked Ahab to "inquire for the word of the Lord." So Ahab gathered four hundred of his so-called "prophets" and asked them, "Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to fight, or shall I refrain?" Ahab's prophets answered, "Go up, for the Lord  will deliver it into the hand of the king." However, Jehoshaphat realized these men were not true spokesmen for God; they were only telling Ahab what he wanted to hear; so Jehoshaphat asked Ahab, "Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?" Ahab reluctantly answered, "There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil." (1 Kings 22:5-8 ).

More and more people today are like Ahab. They don't want to hear the clear teaching of God's Word; it is offensive to them. The Word of God does more than just teach; it also reproves (rebukes), corrects, and instructs men regarding God's requirements for righteous living (2 Tim. 3:16). So, like Ahab, people today "heap up for themselves teachers" who will tell them only what they want to hear. Ahab had four hundred such false prophets. There are no shortage of churches and preachers today who fall into this same category. Instead of preaching the truth of God, they present shallow "feel-good" messages that will increase their popularity. Their purpose is not to "equip the saints" to serve the Lord (Eph. 4:11-12), but to provide another form of entertainment that will draw the largest crowds.

The final stage of apostasy is that people will "turn their ears away from the truth." This is their own choice, a willful decision on their part; just as Ahab who refused to listen to Micaiah's warning from God (1 Kings 22:26-27); just as the Jewish rulers who "stopped their ears" and refused to listen to Stephen's admonition from God (Acts 7:57-58 ); and just as all those in Asia who "turned away" from Paul (2 Tim. 1:15). What these people don't realize is that once you turn your ears away from the truth, you become vulnerable to any false teaching that comes along, and you are easily "turned aside (by someone else) to fables (or myths)" (2 Tim. 4:4).

[nChrist]

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

Perilous Times are Here
(Part 5) Conclusion
By Gregg Bing


In our world today, we find more and more people turning away from the truth. The majority of the people of the world never attend church at all. Traffic is lighter on Sunday mornings than any other time during the week. Of those who do attend church, most look for one that will entertain them and make them feel good about themselves. As a result, they never hear that they are sinners by nature and, thus, separated from God (Eph. 2:1-3). They never hear of the wonderful love, mercy and grace of God that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die for their sins, and rise again unto eternal life. (Eph. 2:3-7). They never hear that salvation is not obtained through any goodness in them or any good works they do, but by God's grace, a free gift that is received through simple faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross of Calvary (Eph. 2:8-9). Instead of this wonderful good news, they hear messages on current social or political issues, shallow messages designed to boost their self-esteem, or "religious" teaching which is contrary to God's Word.

How do we, as believers, respond to this sad trend? Paul's answer is found in his final charge to Timothy:

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Tim. 4:1-2)

It is the responsibility of every faithful pastor and teacher, in fact of every faithful believer, to simply "Preach the Word!" Since Timothy was serving as pastor in the church at Ephesus, this charge is of particular importance to pastors. There is a great need for churches and pastors/teachers to realize that their primary purpose is to preach and teach God's Word that souls may be saved and that the saints may be equipped to serve the Lord.

This charge from God to "preach the Word" is not limited to those who stand behind a church pulpit. The word "preach" simply means to "proclaim" or to "herald forth." This can be done by every believer; sharing the truth of God's Word with a family member, a neighbor, a fellow student, a co-worker, even with strangers we meet each day.

The Word of God is the only thing that has the power to change people's lives, so this is what we must proclaim, even when it is not always easy to do so. Paul told Timothy to "be ready in season and out of season." There will be "in season" times when it is easy to preach the Word; times when people are receptive to the Word and there are no negative repercussions for doing so.

Unfortunately, these times are becoming less frequent. Most of the times you will find to be "out of season" times when it is quite difficult to proclaim the Word; times when people refuse to listen at all, times when they will make fun of you, possibly even persecute you for your stand for the truth. No matter what the circumstances, our charge remains the same: Preach the Word! Perilous times are definitely here. The departure from the truth of God's Word began in Paul's day. It has steadily grown worse through the years and has brought about a spiritual decline in our world today which can often be disheartening. But, we must not lose heart (2 Cor. 4:1,7-16). Our God is still sovereign. He is working out His eternal purpose through Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph. 3:11).

While others may increasingly depart from the truth, as believers we must "hold fast" to the truth of God's Word, especially the revelation of the mystery given by God to the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation (2 Tim. 1:13-14). We must be careful to "rightly divide" the Word of truth, that we may distinguish between God's purpose for the nation Israel and His purpose for us today as members of the Church, the Body of Christ (2 Tim. 2;15). We must "continue" in the things we have learned, being faithful to remain under the sound of God's Word and being obedient to His instructions (2 Tim. 3:14-17). We must be willing to boldly "proclaim" the Word, for it is the truth of God, alone, that has the power to touch the hearts and lives of the people around us (2 Tim. 4:2).

It is only as we remain firmly rooted and established in the truth of God's Word, that we will be able to effectively serve the Lord in these perilous times.

[nChrist]

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

TWO UNSUPPORTABLE ASSUMPTIONS
By late Pastor Win Johnson



In his reading recently, this writer came across the following pungent statement by one of America's foremost Bible teachers of the past generation: "When turning thus to experience it is often recounted that some individual has first been a Christian and then later, become unsaved; but in every such instance, TWO UNSUPPORTABLE ASSUMPTIONS appear. It could not be demonstrated finally that the person named was saved in the first place, nor could it be established that he was unsaved in the second place." We agree wholeheartedly.

Having been raised in an Arminian background, well do we recall hearing of certain individuals who at one time were active in the Lord's work but who had forsaken their former profession and were now unsaved. Their experience was used to warn the rest of us of the danger of losing our salvation. Little did we know in those days of the obvious fact that salvation which can be earned by doing can also be lost by doing, while salvation which is entirely God's doing, man can never undo.

Those who teach a "lose your salvation" doctrine find very few Scriptures which even seem to support their view. Certainly, taking Matthew 24:13 out of it's Tribulation context, cannot be made to teach that salvation in this age depends upon our "enduring." Nor can John 15:2 which speaks of fruitless branches in the vine being "taken away," substantiate the teaching that salvation may be taken from those who are not "fruitful."

On the other hand, the Word of God is crystal clear when it says: "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).

[nChrist]

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

REPROBATE CONCERNING THE FAITH
By DICK WARE, Pastor


Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:6-9

In II Timothy chapter 3 , we see the characteristic of "the last days" of the Dispensation of Grace, is a spiritual decadence in mankind. Certain people are "reprobate concerning the faith," and are like Jannes and Jambres (Pharaoh's magicians), who were counterfeiters and resistors of the truth. The "reprobates" (disapproved) ones that are with us today: have a form of Godliness, but deny its power; take people captive; never lead to God's truth; resist the truth; are disapproved by God, and will Come to a sudden end, Godly believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are not told to work with these people, but to turn away from them (Vr. 5).

I believe "the truth" and "the faith" in our context, is "the Body of Truth for the Body of Christ", committed to the Apostle Paul. It's "the Truth of the Gospel" Paul rebuked Peter, for not being consistent with in Galatians, and what Paul also calls "my Gospel" in the same book. It's the "ONE FAlTH" in Ephesians 4:5, which is "THE UNITY OF THE FAITH" in 4:13. In II Tim. 3:10, it is what Paul calls "MY DOCTRINE", and he is giving it as the answer to the confusion and division that plagues the Body of Christ. Notice however, that vr. 10 doesn't end with Paul's doctrine, but goes on to his "manner of life," etc.

Christians need to realize that Satan majors in religion. He has his "false apostles", "deceitful workers", "apostles of Christ" and "minister of righteousness" (II Corinthians 11:13-15). These folks are definitely "reprobate (disqualified) concerning THE FAITH". Satan is opposing "the Body of Truth for the Body of Christ" committed to the Apostle Paul. It's sad to say, but some believers are also found counterfeiting and resisting this Body of Truth. Where do you stand concerning THE FAITH?

[nChrist]

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

THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD
by Russell S. Miller

    “Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1:2).

    The above verse is the theme of all of the Epistles of St. Paul. The words of this verse are found at the beginning of every one of his letters. Even in Hebrews we find “grace” to be the theme of  the Epistle.

    So, which would you rather have the “grace” and “peace” of God, or would you prefer to see the Lord Jesus Christ on that “white horse” of the Book of the Revelation?

    “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war” (19:11-16).

    It is on account of the wickedness of men in seeking to run the world without the Lord Jesus Christ that He judges the earth and makes war.

    However, since we are living in the Day and Age of Grace, we may enter His presence without fear of the wrath of God upon sin. This does not mean that even the people of God have a license to sin, far from it. It simply means that “He hath made us accepted in the Beloved [One]” (Eph. 1:7). And Ephesians 3:12 states: “In whom we  have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him”  (Eph. 3:12). He rules from the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16) don’t you see? Now that we are “made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13), "draw nigh unto God, He will draw nigh unto you" (Jas. 4:8 ). Just as our “walk”, as Christians, is one of faith so salvation is received "by grace through faith" in the finished  work of Calvary's cross. Paul therefore declares in his Epistle to  the Corinthians with regards to “the gospel by which ye are  saved…” (I Cor. 15:1,2):

    "How that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SIN according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the  third day according  to the Scriptures" (I Cor. 15:3,4).

    This redemption that is in Christ Jesus is ours by simple faith in Him.

    "We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7)."

    Therefore we can, and should, "draw nigh" unto Him, through faith His blessed Word, the Bible. Read especially the epistles of St. Paul. Herein is the grace and peace.

   "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1)."

    There is no peace in this world, so worth having, as "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1).

[nChrist]

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

Once in a Lifetime
Part 1 of 2
By Charles Wages


We are told by philosophers that "history repeats itself." Is this always true? Are there no once-in-a-lifetime occurrences? Someone has aptly observed that if you put your foot in a flowing stream of water that you could never accomplish the same thing in the same water again. We often repeat the same words over and over again or tell the same funny stories or jokes. Consider what could be said of our first parent, Adam.

"Whatever troubles Adam had,
No one in days of yore;
Could say when he told a joke,
I've heard that one before."

Died Once

In great contrast to human history or human writings and speech, God accomplishes great deeds only once for His planned and promised purposes. Consider the great events and truths concerning the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.

"For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sin of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:26-28 )

In the passage above, the word "once" appears in each verse. In the book of Hebrews, as a whole, the word "once" appears eleven times. This gives great emphasis to the truths that are taught. The Lord Jesus Christ "appeared once in the end of the world (age) to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (vs. 26). It is appointed that men should die once (vs. 27). When Christ died on Calvary it was a one time dying for the sins of humanity (vs. 28 ). The Son of God will never die on the cross again! In Romans, chapter 6 we are told,

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God."
This great act of God was sufficient to save the whole world from sin. It doesn't have to be repeated!

This brings us to our next point, that is, we only have to be Saved Once.

Saved once? Yes, we don't have to be saved over and over again. In Romans 6:23, it is stated, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
In Colossians 2:10 we find our "completeness" in Christ.
"And ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power."
And in John 10:28, the Lord Jesus said,
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

[nChrist]

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

Once in a Lifetime
Part 2 of 2
By Charles Wages


Another great "once for all time" event that God accomplishes in the life of a believer is, we are

Baptized Once

Often times we come in contact with persons who tell of being "baptized" several times. Also, we hear of some being "rebaptized" when joining a different church or denomination. Also, there are several different ways to be baptized in or with water. Even if we consider our Lord, He was only baptized once in water. However, later He said to His disciples,

"But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened (pressed) till it be accomplished!"
He was referring to His "baptism" on Calvary. His once for all death for sinners!
When we consider Ephesians 4:5 which says,
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
we should ask ourselves, what is this "one baptism?" In 1 Corinthians 12:13, we are told what it is.
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."

This is a once for all baptism by the Holy Spirit. This brings us to our final thought. We are,

Placed in the Church Once

Again, it is common place for some people to join several churches in their lifetime. There might be good and justifiable reasons on their part. However, if only they could see once and for all that when they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, the Holy Spirit baptized them into God's one church, the Body of Christ, what a difference it would make in their life. Christ is the head of His church and we are members forever.

"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." (Eph. 1:22-23

How wonderful to see that Christ died "once" for the sins of the world; that when we, as sinners, trust His finished work at Calvary, we are saved "once" and eternally; that the Holy Spirit baptizes us "once" into the Church, which is His body; and we are added to that Church "once" and forever.

Our prayer is that believers and unbelievers will read this article, not once, but twice; especially the Scriptures given. May God richly bless His Word.

"Once for all, O sinner receive it;
Once for all, O brother believe it;
Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,
Christ hath redeemed us, once for all."
( Blessed)