GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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The Rightful Heir - Who is worthy to open the book?
Part 1 of 2
By John LaVier

The title of the last book of the Bible is not "The Revelation of St. John the Divine" as shown in the heading. The correct title is in the very first verse. It is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." He is the book's great theme and the dominant figure throughout, and all is leading up to the grand and glorious consummation when He returns to take unto Himself His great power and to reign.

Concerning that wonderful Person who is to be revealed the apostle wrote, "In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Indeed, in Him is hidden all the fulness of the Godhead, so it might be apropos to refer to our Lord Jesus as the hidden Christ. In Old Testament times, as the pre-incarnate Christ, He was hidden. There were a few times He appeared in what we call a theophany but in the main He was hidden. When the fulness of time was come He was hidden for nine months in the womb of the virgin, and after His birth He was hidden in Egypt because of Herod's decree. On returning to the land He was hidden for many years in the carpenter's home in Nazareth and we have only one glimpse of Him, when at the age of twelve He went to Jerusalem with His parents. At about the age of thirty He began His public ministry and for a few brief years He went about doing the works of the Father who sent Him. Rejected and crucified He was hidden for three days and three nights in Joseph's tomb. After His resurrection He was seen of them for forty days until His ascension, and now for many centuries He has been hidden beyond the blue and discernible only to the eye of faith. But praise His name, the day is coming when He will be hidden no longer; there will be the revelation (Gr. apokalupsis), the unveiling of Jesus Christ. Then every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him. Then all creation will bow down before the unveiled Christ in worship and wonder.

The fifth chapter of the Revelation is most important, and one should have a good understanding of it, for it is the key to all that follows. The word "and" at the beginning of this chapter ties it in with the preceding. In the fourth chapter the inspired writer, the Apostle John, has a glimpse of the throne in heaven and of the One seated on that throne, who is the Lord God Almighty Himself. Now in 5:1 John sees a book, or scroll, in the right hand of the Throne-Sitter. This book has writing both within and without and is sealed with seven seals. What is this book? It is, of course, a book of judgment, for as the seals are broken, judgments are visited upon the earth. The day of grace has ended and the day of judgment has begun. More importantly, however, the book is the Title-Deed to the earth and all therein.

Our Lord, the great Creator, gave the title to this earth to Adam, but because of his sin it was lost and now a usurper is in control. That usurper is Satan, who is called the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air, and we read the whole world lieth in the wicked one. The world is now waiting for redemption to be an accomplished fact, and to be brought back to its rightful owner. In Romans eight we read that all creation is groaning and travailing in pain and is waiting for redemption. And we read that even we, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we groan within ourselves, waiting for the redemption of our bodies. The redemption price has been paid, but something more is needed. It reminds us of Israel of old waiting to be delivered from Egypt. The blood was on the doorposts which gave them safety in their homes from the death angel. But now they needed power to be delivered from their enemies and to get them out of the land of bondage. When they had come safely through the Red Sea, with all their foes destroyed behind them, theirs was a twofold redemption. They were redeemed by blood, the blood of the passover lamb, and they were redeemed by power, the mighty outstretched arm of Jehovah. The redemption price for earth has been paid by Christ. Now this seven-sealed book gives to the one worthy to open it the authority to manifest his power in dislodging the usurper and claiming the purchased possession. This brings us to the question as to who is worthy.

John had been gazing at the book and now his attention is diverted as he sees a strong angel and hears him crying out, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" There is no response, only a great silence, for no one in heaven, earth, or hell is found worthy, and John weeps. He doubtless knew something of the significance of that book. If it remained sealed, redemption unaccomplished, the inheritance unclaimed, then all the purposes of God in connection with earth and mankind would remain unfulfilled. Little wonder that John wept. Would that God would touch our hearts so that we also might weep over an unredeemed world. But John's tears are soon allayed. One of the elders tells him, "Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." Notice the titles given to this One who alone is worthy: "The Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "The Root of David." Certainly, these titles are here most significant. Israel has long been set aside, estranged from Jehovah, but now they are to be reconciled and God is to begin again to work on their behalf, so Christ is given these titles that speak of the renewal of His relationship to them. The reference to the lion is also of interest. He is now about to show His kingly, lionlike character and to manifest His power in subduing His foes and claiming that which is rightfully His own.

At the word of the elder, John ceased weeping and turned to see this Lion who was worthy and who had prevailed to open the book. What was his surprise when he saw, not a Lion, but a Lamb; a Lamb that had been slain, with the marks of sacrifice upon Him. This was the Lamb of God, the Lamb foreordained before the foundation of the world, the Lamb typified by every offering on every Jewish altar, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. As John looked, he began to understand that the power to redeem belonged to the Person who had paid the price to redeem. And what a price He paid; His life laid down and His precious blood shed on the Cross of Calvary. The Hebrew epistle opens with these words: "God ... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things." Now, as John watches, he sees the Throne-Sitter place the book in the hands of the Lamb, for He has paid the price. He is the appointed Heir, and He now holds the title to all.

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The Rightful Heir - Who is worthy to open the book? Part 2 of 2
By John LaVier


As the Lamb takes the book from the hand of the Throne-Sitter, the cherubim and elders fall before Him in worship and praise. They sing what is here called a new song, which is really the old song the redeemed saints of God have ever loved to sing. In the words of the King James Version these heavenly beings were singing about themselves, but insofar as we know, these were unfallen creatures who had no need of redemption. All other versions make their song impersonal such as the American Revised Version: "Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain, and did purchase unto God men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they shall reign upon the earth." Even though we are not in view here, we, as members of the Body of Christ, saved by the grace of God and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, will never tire of singing a like song, and we will certainly be able to make it personal. He loved "us" and redeemed "us" by His blood out of every people and nation.

Lamb of God! Thou now art seated
High upon Thy Father's throne;
All Thy gracious work completed,
All Thy mighty vict'ry won.
Ev'ry knee in heaven is bending
To the Lamb for sinners slain;
Ev'ry voice and harp is swelling,
Worthy is the Lamb to reign.

The singers are soon joined by the heavenly angelic host, their number, ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, an innumerable throng. Their theme is the same: "Worthy is the Lamb." It would be good to note their sevenfold doxology and then to ask ourselves some heart-searching questions. (1) The Lamb is worthy to receive power. All power in heaven and in earth has been given to Him. He has authority. Have we yielded our all to His control, to His authority? (2) The Lamb is worthy to receive riches. He was rich but for our sake He became poor so that we might be made rich. Have we given ourselves to Him and done all we can to enrich Him? (3) The Lamb is worthy to receive wisdom. Christ has been made unto us the wisdom of God. Have we given Him our minds, our intellect, to be used on His behalf, and do we seek His divine wisdom to guide us in all our affairs? (4) The Lamb is worthy to receive strength. "Who is a strong Lord like unto thee?" Have we given of our strength and energy to bring others to Him? Are we able to say: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me?" (5) The Lamb is worthy to receive honor. In heaven the Lamb is honored, but on earth He is dishonored. Do we seek to live in such a way as to bring honor to Him? (6) The Lamb is worthy to receive glory. To Him be glory both now and forever. Do we endeavor in all things to give Him all the glory? (7) The Lamb is worthy to receive blessing. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Do we just seek our own happiness or do we seek to bless the Lord, to make Him happy? He is worthy!

The Lamb is here seen standing. As Head of the Church, Christ has been seated at the Father's right hand. Now the Church age is ended, the Church is safe home in glory and Christ's mediatorial work is done, and He now stands to judge and to make war. The Lamb is not weak. He has seven horns which denote His great power. In Daniel's visions there are several references to horns and they speak of authority, governmental authority. After His resurrection the Lord told the disciples, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," and now the Lamb is preparing to show that power. He stands, with the Title-Deed in hand and possessing all power. None can gainsay Him as He is about to claim His inheritance. He has incontestable right and unparalleled might.

The Lamb is also seen as Judge. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son" (John 5:22). He is seen as having seven eyes and this speaks of His perfection of vision. He sees all, nothing is hid from His eyes, and He knows all. In the seven horns and seven eyes are the attributes of deity. The horns speak of omnipotence, all power, and the eyes speak of omniscience, all knowledge. The psalmist said, "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. ... Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it" (Psalm 139:1-6). Among men, right judgment is not always rendered because all the facts may not be known. With the Divine Judge there will be no miscarriage of justice, "For he cometh to judge the earth; he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth" (Psalm 96:13). In thinking of the Judge, all should take heed. Dealings with the Lord Jesus Christ are inescapable; either we meet Him now and claim Him as our Saviour or we will meet Him in that future day and then He will be our Judge.

This fifth chapter of Revelation is important and most outstanding for several reasons. First of all, it does mark the ending of man's day and the beginning of the Lord's Day. In fact, the book of the Revelation has to do with that Day. This is what John referred to when he wrote: "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day" (1:10). He did not mean he was meditating on the first day of the week. He meant he was projected in spirit into that future Day of the Lord. That day begins here with the Lord Himself rising to begin the process which will culminate in His enthronement and with all things in subjection under His feet. He alone is to be seen, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb for sinners slain. He alone is worthy and is the Object of worship and praise by all. How little we know of all this today. In our worship services there is usually not a trace of genuine Spirit-directed worship. Man is always most prominent, the flesh all too evident, and little or no reference to the Lamb of God. He should be the subject of our songs, our speech, our prayers, our thoughts.

A grand and glorious oratorio is spread before us in this chapter. It is a veritable Hallelujah Chorus. First the cherubim and elders come on the scene, falling before the Lamb with their harps and golden vials, and singing "Thou art worthy." Soon they are joined by the angelic host, thousands upon thousands, with their sevenfold ascription of praise. And finally all creation joins in, saying, "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Our hearts are thrilled as the universe echoes and re-echoes to this symphony of praise. The psalmist said, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord." What shall we say to all this? We can only fall on our face in adoring worship and say, AMEN! HALLELUJAH!

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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT ... IS JOY
By IVAN L. BURGENER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

"Joy" is the second of these nine manifestations of the "fruit of the spirit." These are to be virtues characteristic of the believer's life. These are "fruit" of the spirit, but of what "spirit"? Perhaps your translation seems to indicate God's "Holy Spirit" is meant because of the capitalized "S." But many translations, including the 1611 Edition of the King James Version, had no such capital here. And since the Greek language offers no help by any such rules of capitalization, we are left to the internal evidence of the text and the context to determine just what "spirit" is meant.

Help is not far to seek if we notice that the "fruit of the spirit" is in sharp contrast with the "works of the flesh" mentioned in verse 19 above. These sixteen listed works are just the start of a seemingly endless list of manifestations of the flesh, that is the "old Adamic nature." Paul cannot say of these, "against such there is no law"! The Law of Moses clearly condemned them all in its ministry of pointing out sin for what it really was. No wonder "the law was not made for a righteous man .. ,"

Our text clearly contrasts the old and new natures and calls them by the names "flesh" and "spirit" respectively. And while the law clearly condemned the "works of the flesh, that same law had nothing to say about the "fruit of the spirit" or the new nature in which the Galatian believers were to "walk." Thus will joy be one of the spiritual virtues filling our lives as we walk manifesting our new natures, being subject to God and His Word!

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A FORM OF GODLINESS
By JON D. BEKEMEYER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:5

One of the great perils of the last days is that people such as those described in II Timothy 3 (covetous, blasphemers, false accusers, fierce, traitors, etc.) also have a "form of godliness." It would be good if all the enemies of the Lord would identify themselves as such, but instead, "they profess that they know God, but in works they deny him" (Titus 1:16).

True godliness is heartfelt devotion toward God. It exhibits a life that is pleasing to the Lord, because as the true believer seeks to live a godly life, the Lord enables him to do just that. Godliness is produced by the power of God.

A mere form of godliness is not enough. Unbelieving Israel had a form of godliness.  These religious people "followed after the law of righteousness," yet they did not attain it (Romans 9:31). They had at "zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2).

So it is with those described in II Timothy 3. To them godliness has nothing to do with the genuine working of God, it is simply a system. They deny the power of true godliness.

Just as there are those who deny the power of true godliness, we are to deny ungodliness. We live under grace today, and this grace enables us to live godly lives in the midst of an evil world (Titus 2: 12).

May we be totally dissatisfied with mere outward form, and insist on true godliness----the genuine working of God in our lives. He alone can give the increase. He alone deserves the glory.

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A Most Delightful Walk
Part 1 of 7
by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)


"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10.

Sometime ago, while reading Ephesians devotionally, the words 'created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained' stood out and became a challenge to my thinking. The question came to me, 'Have my good works been ordained of God?' Could this be true or is Scripture speaking of the Savior's good works? After careful study of the text it was learned that the word translated 'unto' is the preposition 'upon' and when used with the dative case may thus be translated. In other words, 'upon good works' rather than 'unto good works.'

Rotherham's translation seems to give the clearer meaning of the text: 'In fact we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus upon a footing of good works, which God prepared beforehand, that therein we might walk.' This translation gives us a different picture than what is generally taught, i.e., that our good works were before ordained. Would it not rather be that Christ's good works were before ordained? Should we not rather 'walk' in His good works? This seems to be the message of Ephesians, Chapter 2.

Ephesians is divided into two parts. The first three chapters, which are doctrinal, and the last three chapters, which are practical. Here in chapter 2, verses 1 through 3, we have our walk in unbelief; but in verses 4 through 10, we have the Savior's good works before ordained.

What are these good works? They are His resurrection 'Quickened together with Christ.' Verse 5; His ascension - 'Raised us up together.' Verse 6; His being seated in mediatorial ministry -'Made us sit together.' Verse 6b. It is in these good works that we may rejoice and triumph in Christian faith. Doing this we shall reflect His glory in our living. It is in this that we should glory.

Think of it:

No.1 A New Life-'Quickened with Him'

No.2. A New Hope-'Raised with Him.'

No.3. A New Position-'Seated with Him.'

To this writer this spells out three major factors. We shall deal with these in subsequent bulletins, trusting and praying that this message, will prove a real blessing to you. They are divine access; divine ability (enablement) and divine attainment. May I urge you as a child of God to rejoice in your riches in the Savior. We are reckoned with Him in death, resurrection, ascension and seating. No wonder the great apostle cries out to the church, 'Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies.'

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A Most Delightful Walk
Part 2 of 7
by: Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)


Rotherham's translation of Ephesians 2:10 is; 'in fact we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus upon a footing of good works, which God prepared beforehand, that therein we might walk.' The footing of good works is given in some of the preceding verses, namely, 5 and 6. Here we are told we are 'quickened with Christ', 'raised with Christ,' and 'seated with Christ.' For the matter of convenience we shall deal with these in this and subsequent bulletins in this order: 1. Raised with Christ. 2. Quickened with Christ. 3. Seated with Christ.

This message then shall deal with the subject of our being 'raised' with Christ. This does not mean the resurrection as at first it might seem. Being raised with Christ means the ascension. 'Quicken' in verse 5 speaks of His resurrection. What does it mean then to have ascended with Christ? It means that we in Him have divine access into the presence of God. Hebrews 4:14-16 gives us a picture of this access to God: 'Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly into the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.'

This is a most blessed walk in which the Christian should rejoice. As I carefully read these verses and meditate upon them I find two outstanding blessings. One is 'an invitation to come boldly into the presence of God.' Heb. 4:16. To better evaluate and appreciate this invitation, the Christian should know something of the demands that God made upon the high priest of the Old Testament both to qualify him for that God-given call and to minister in the call. Not everyone could come into the inner sanctuary at anytime and as they were. Please read Leviticus 21:16-21 to get a picture of God's requisites of a man for the office. Exodus 28:2-43 tells a little about the high priest's attire for service. He could not come just as he happened, or as it please him to come, but as the Scripture says 'after the pattern.' Not only so, but the temple, the meeting place with God, must be exact. Consider the veil of the temple; it must be as God designed. Its color alone was God's choice. It was of blue, purple and scarlet. Exodus 26:31.

This veil pictures Christ. When He was crucified and His body rent, the veil in the temple was also rent. See Hebrews 10:20. These colors speak of His relationship to Heaven (Blue), to the kingly lineage (purple) and to the human family and sacrifice (red). Liberals in their theology would not so color the veil today. They could not, and would not, so prepare the veil 'according to pattern.'

However, the believer today, whoever he or she may be, may be trusting in the finished work of Christ and has the blessed invitation to come 'boldly' into God's presence. This does not mean 'without respect' or 'without reverence' but as the original language would suggest, 'with freedom of speech.' It is a feeling of 'at home' or a oneness with our God. He who has made this possible is our High Priest, as we are told in Heb. 4:14, Jesus (the high priest's divinity). Thus the believer is united with Heaven through Him and in Him and may come with joyous liberty knowing we are righteous in Him and in His garments of justification we are accepted and this 'without spot or wrinkle.' This is our glorious privilege because as believers we are 'upon a footing of good works,' not ours, but Christ's! In these good works, dear Christian, walk and rejoice.

The second blessing that is ours as a result of our access to God as pictured in Hebrews 4:14-16 is 'An invitation to come as we are. ' Verse 15. Here we are told that our High Priest can sympathize with us. This He can do because 'He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin,' (Or sin apart.) What does this mean? Could Jesus sympathize with us knowing what it is to have an inherent fallen nature? He had no fallen nature. The verse does not tell us that as Jesus he knew this depravity. It tells the opposite. He, as Jesus, could in all points sympathize with us 'apart from this sin' or 'sin apart.' Thus, the Greek word 'dunamenon.' He, Jesus, was empowered or enabled to sympathize with us. How was this? He was divine. He was God, and as God, He knew man's fallen state. Does not Psalm 103:13-14 give us the answer: 'Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust.' Jesus, as Savior, felt the pangs of temptations. These temptations were tempered to fit His person. Jesus, as the Jehovah and God, knew man's frame. Thus this glorious Savior and High Priest can sympathize with us. Therefore 'come boldly' and 'come as we are.' 'He that is without fault cast the first stone.' What a glorious position is ours 'in Him' and 'on the footing of His good works.' Walk in them and rejoice in them dear child of God. Because of this, glorify God in your good works, eternally resting on His good works.

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A Most Delightful Walk
Part 4 of 7
by:  Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)



There comes this glorious message from God in Romans 8:2: 'The law of the spirit of life has made me free.' Only the risen life of the Savior operative within us can make us free. No wonder the poet wrote the following verse:

'Let us love, and sing and wonder;
Let us praise the Savior's name.
He has hushed the law's loud thunder
He has quenched Mt. Sinai's flame;
He has bought us with His blood
He has brought us nigh to God.'

Wonderful story that of the maniac of Gadara. Jesus had healed the poor devil-possessed being and he was now a respectable and accepted citizen of Gadara's populace, but there was the accusing voice directed at the Life that made him free. The residents of Gadara requested the Blessed Savior to depart out of their coasts. He was obedient to their cries. He went to the ship to depart and the divine record says, 'When He was come into the ship, he that had been possessed of the devil prayed Him that he might be with Him.' The new life in the restored maniac quelled so much the cry of Gadara's residents that he but wanted one thing to be with the Savior. This is divine enablement, my friend, freeing us from the loud cry of the law's judgment. Instead of the cry 'O wretched man that I am' comes the sweet consoling voice of the spirit of adoption saying, ' Abba Father.'

For this good work of the risen Savior we rejoice and rise to serve Him in 'faith which worketh by love.' Galatians 5:6.

If you would receive the full meaning of the following, you must have read the previous part of this article.

Having been 'quickened' with Christ, i.e., resurrected with Him (Eph. 2:5), we have first divine enablement to live free from the spirit of judgment, that is, free from the condemning voice of the law. Secondly, we have divine enablement to be free from a life of disobedience. Romans 8:11 declares: 'But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.'

This is not a text to be used at a funeral. Paul is not speaking of our dead bodies but our living bodies being quickened (Quicken your mortal bodies). The subject of Romans 8 is that of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives while we are living. He is saying that being saved you have the Holy Spirit. Verse 9. 'Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of His.' Having the Holy Spirit as a believer enables the believer to live a life of victory and obedience. It is most natural to be disobedient. It is supernatural (above our nature) to be obedient. From Adam we have received a fallen nature. This nature is contrary to God's nature. Romans 7:15 says, 'For that which I do I allow not; for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.' Again in Romans 7:18, "For I know that in me (that is in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.'

Children do not need teaching to do wrong; this comes naturally. They need life and guidance to do right; this comes supernaturally. May I ask you, which is easier, to tithe or not to tithe? To pray or not to pray? To have a daily quiet time with God or not to have a daily quiet time? To trust or doubt? To be actively engaged in God's work or not to be so engaged? It may be thus illustrated: a young convert attending school sat one Wednesday evening thinking about what he should do for the evening. He had one of several things to do. One was study, another was see his sweetheart, the third was prayer meeting. He was torn between the alternatives. What should he do? He had trouble making a decision. Finally he said , I'll flip a coin; if it is heads I'll study; if its tails I'll visit my girl friend; if it stands on edge I'll go to prayer meeting.' This some what depicts our fallen nature. It is natural to be disobedient. We must, therefore, have the supernatural to live above that which displeases God. It is His risen life that thus enables us. The law could not do this. In fact, no law given could do this except the law of life. Galatians 3:21 says, 'If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.'

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A Most Delightful Walk
Part 5 of 7
by:  Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)



Some years ago it was my privilege to win a family to the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. I was privileged to fellowship with them in many other delightful experiences, among which was the adopting of a little girl. This girl must have been about four years of age when she was taken from the orphanage to live in a new home and in family life. She had been in the orphanage long enough so that when brought into this new life where she was given more intimate and personal attention she cherished it much more than the average child could possible appreciate. Shortly after her adoption she became ill and was taken to the hospital and placed in the children's ward. A day or two after being taken to this hospital her parents called me asking me to visit the child. They explained that physically she was greatly improved but something was wrong with her spirit and attitude. They asked, 'Would you please try to find out what might be wrong?' Visiting the little girl I called her attention to some children playing out in the yard of a nearby school. I said something like this, 'Look at all the girls and boys and see what fun they are having.' The little child had not spoken to this point but now responded, 'I don't want to look that way,' and then she started to weep. This was the answer as to why her attitude was strange. She was being brought back to institutional life and she didn't want that, having found parental love. Shortly she was released from the hospital and restored to her new-found home. Needless to say, her former spirit was restored. This illustrates our life as Christians. Having found and experienced the love of God we do not desire the old life. The spirit of adoption and family relationship has gripped our hearts 'whereby we cry, Abba Father.' The old life and its habitat frightens us and we say, 'I don't want to look that way.'

This is divine enablement freeing us from a life of disobedience. Thank God for it; for if it were not so we would live in the old haunts and 'among the tombs' of a completely defeated life. Therefore, 'He that raised Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.'

The past few weeks our messages have concerned divine enablement to live free from the spirit of judgment and divine enablement to be free from a life of disobedience. Today our message concerns divine enablement to be free from selfishness. The basic text for this facet of study is Romans 8:26: 'Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.' This verse is not teaching about prayer life in general, as is commonly supposed. Scripture is of no private interpretation. It must be taught in its relationship to the subject matter of the context. The context in this portion reveals that the subject matter concerns physical suffering. Verses 23-25, 28 and 34-38 make this clear. Hear just a phrase or two of these verses: 'Even we ourselves groan within ourselves'; 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? ; 'We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter'; etc. Thus Romans 8:26 is saying the Holy Spirit 'lays hold together' (helpeth) with us relative to the matter of physical sufferings. The Holy Spirit thus helps our infirmities so that instead of groanings and sighings there will be praise and glory. 2 Corinthians 12 gives us a very clear picture of this. It is a testimony of Paul's experience. It is a testimony of the divine enablement given him to praise God in the present circumstance evidently ordained by God. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 'Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.

This ill-taught philosophy that 'it is not God's will that we are sick, etc.' if true places an awful indictment upon the Apostle Paul. He declared it was God's will that he suffer, for in his infirmities the Holy Spirit gave him victory so that he could say, 'Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,' 'If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.'

This is rather strange language in comparison to the voices of the modern healing racket. Some of the sweetest and most powerful Christian testimonies that have witnessed the Grace of God have come from the vessels of clay, chosen by God to bear the thorns in the flesh. It is the sustaining Grace of God that tells the greatest story. No little wonder then the afflicted Apostle could write to the Corinthians and tell them of the purpose for suffering. Listen to his message in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5:

'Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.'

May God thus help us all to appropriate to ourselves the divine enablement offered in Romans 8:26. It is ours because of the Savior's good work in resurrecting from among the dead to import to us His resurrected life so that we may live 'unto the praise of His glory.'

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A Most Delightful Walk
Part 6 of 7
by:  Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)


A few weeks ago we started this series on the text Ephesians 2:10. Three distinct divisions were given for study based on verses 5 and 6 of this chapter. They were, and are, as follows:

1. Quickened with Christ.
2. Raised with Christ.
3. Seated with Christ

This and next week's bulletin will concern the third and last division. Our being seated with Christ in the glories means divine attainment. Dr. A.H. Strong, the Baptist theologian has well said: 'In the person of the ascended Christ, glorified humanity has attained the throne of the universe.'

The divine attainment is twofold: that which is positional and that which is practical. Our message today will concern the positional. The Greek word chosen by the Holy Spirit to picture our glorified position is sugkathizo. It means 'to cause to sit with' or 'seated in company with.' It pictures our being in the same position and on the same level with the one with whom we are seated. It may be illustrated in this way: a child totally foreign to a certain family may be adopted into that family. If the child is legally adopted into this family by due process of court or legal action, that child has equal rights with any child that may have been or might be born into that family. They are in this sense seated together. A true believer in the finished work of Christ, regardless of his or her spiritual maturity, is 'accepted in the Beloved' and seated with Him. The poet's word is right in saying;

Near, nearer I cannot be,
For in the person of His Son I am as near as He.
Dear, dearer I cannot be,
For in the person of His Son,
I am as dear as He.

Our being seated with the glorified Savior likewise means that there will be no more judgment for sin as far as the believer is concerned. 'Seated with Christ' implies a finished transaction. For this age of Grace, and in relationship to the believer, the Savior is seated. All work is finished. There is no judgment to come. This is not so of Israel as a nation; judgment is coming to them. Is it not interesting to note that when Stephen (God's last witness to Israel in offering to them their Messiah) was dying, he saw the Son of man standing on the right hand of God? He is standing as a judge, for here they (Israel) committed the so-called 'unpardonable sin.' They must now await the tribulation judgment. It is also interesting to note position; Scripture so declares in Isaiah 3:13. 'The Lord standeth....to judge the people.' Note that when God judges Israel in tribulation He pictures the Savior in this position.

Revelation 5:6 says, 'And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and the four beasts and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb and it had been slain.' The preceding verse calls Him the 'Lion of the tribe of Judah' for He is about to come in judgment of Israel and usher in the tribulation period. To the church this is not true. He is seated, for Hebrews declares; 'When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high.' Hebrews 1:3.

To you then that are saved, judgment is forever past. 'There is therefore no judgment to those in Christ Jesus.' Romans 8:1. I am well acquainted with the Scripture that speaks of 'the judgment seat of Christ.' This, however, has nothing to do with sin and thank God for that.

To you who are not saved, it means that Christ has died for your sins. You cannot come with your good works for salvation. One payment has been made. It is all finished. If you are unsaved and are reading this message, you should accept the finished work and rejoice for your position in Christ. If you are already a Christian, you should 'rest' in this finished work and rejoice forevermore that you are 'seated with Christ' and 'complete' in Him.

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A Most Delightful Walk
Part 7 of 7
by:  Pastor L. Peterson (Ephesians 2:10)


Our message today concerns divine attainment by our being 'seated with Christ.' This is a continued message from last week's bulletin. The message of last week told us that there were two great blessings by this relationship with our Savior. They were the positional and the practical or our everyday experience as a result of the position in Christ. There are two distinct practicalities.

First, because of being seated with Christ we have the blessed assurance that all things pertaining to our life here on earth must work together for good. Romans 8:28 TELLS US: 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.' This is a wonderful verse but it is not too often really understood. It is so easy for both the believer and the unbeliever to refer to this verse when troubles come. This the believer has a right to do; the unsaved does not have this right. This verse definitely states 'to them that love God....who are the called according to His purpose.' However, the Christian has no right to attach boundaries of time to this verse. If a Christian thinks all things are for good for his life, he is certainly mistaken. A precious family left motherless because of death's cold tentacles certainly is for no good if we think only of this life. This verse has no time limit. If you will carefully notice, verse 29 reads us into eternity. 'For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate....' 'All things' for the child of God are for good if we include eternity, or life beyond his earthly calling. Life does not end with the cessation of earth's activities. Thank God for that. Thus, what a real blessing for every child of God to know that our Heavenly Father permits life's experiences for some purpose beyond the grave.

May I ask you to consider something else as related to the 'all things' of Romans 8:28? Open your Bible and look at the 'all things' of verse 32. Could it be that the 'all things' referred to are those given us by the Holy Spirit in verses 29 and 30? God foreknew, that is, on the basis of His decrees; not that He foreknew we would have innate within us the moral fiber to accept Christ. Oh, no! But because of His decrees He foreknew. Thus He predestinated, called, justified and glorified us. Again I ask, could these be the 'all things' of Romans 8:28? They are indeed wonderful. The little things along life's way could be the means to accomplish His desired end of glorification. How grand then to rest each case with God knowing indeed that these so-called happenings are ordained of God and for the believer's good. There is real rest in accepting this. We may have to wait to realize the answers but by a walk of faith we rest in God knowing that some day we shall realize.

In the second place, there is the real and practical blessing in being seated with Christ in that the fear of death is removed. Hebrews 2:14,15 says; 'Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.' It does not say death is removed. It is not Scriptural to say there is no death to a believer. That is erroneous. 1 Cor. 15:26 says, 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.' Death is still stalking the land. As a pastor I hear the death groans every week. The Word of God does teach, however, that 'the fear' of death may be removed. We may, because of our position and association with Christ, be delivered from the fear of death. God gives grace for even this translation from earth's sphere to Heaven's glory. The hymn writer wrote 'He giveth grace' and 'He giveth and giveth again.' For our bodies to experience the 'sting' gives triumphant glory to the spirit knowing that we are seated with Him in the glories.

It is glorious to be a Christian and to walk in the blessing of the finished work of Christ. Thank God nothing remains to be done to complete our eternal redemption. 'Ye are complete in Him,' 'raised with Christ' 'ascended with Christ' and 'seated with Christ.' Glory in these facts, dear child of God. Walk about always magnifying the Magnificent One because of His good works!

Amen and love,
Pastor Lloyd Peterson

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"NOT ASHAMED"
by C.R. Stam



The Apostle Paul uses three wonderful phrases in Romans One: "I am debtor" (Ver.14), "I am ready" (Ver.15), and "I am not ashamed" (Ver.16).

As God's appointed Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul declared: "I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise".

The gospel now was no longer to be confined to Israel, but was to go to all nations, and Paul felt himself a debtor to proclaim it, first because God had appointed him to do so, and second, because he held in his hands that which would save the lost. He was morally obligated -- and so are Christians today.

Notice: the Apostle did not say, "I am debtor, but" and then begin to give a thousand excuses, as so many Christians do. He said: "I am debtor...SO..." and his fidelity to his call is seen as he adds: "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel" (Rom. 1:15).

Oh, that the millions of Christians today would join Paul and say: "I AM READY to preach the gospel with all that is in me".

But in Verse 16, the Apostle explains why he was ready to put his all into proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; unto the Jew first and also to the Greek [Gentile or Nations]" (Rom. 1:16).

Many thousands of Jews had already come to trust Christ as Saviour, but the good news of Christ's finished work of redemption was -- and is -- "the power of God unto salvation to EVERY ONE that believeth".

Surely there is no other way. None of the pagan religions can give the assurance of salvation. They all represent efforts to find or earn salvation. Only the gospel, the good news of our Lord's payment for sin can give us the knowledge, the assurance and the joy of salvation from sin.

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ENCOURAGEMENT TO A WEARY SOLDIER
by C. R. Stam



During his ministry at Corinth, the strain of battle began telling on the Apostle Paul. He found himself haunted by fear and depression. Later he wrote of it.

"I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" (I Cor. 2:3).

It must not be supposed that fearlessness was characteristic of a nature so sensitive as Paul's. On the contrary, he was often afraid. His, by the grace of God, was rather the courage that went on braving dangers in spite of his fears.

After having left the synagogue at Corinth, the strain of meeting, week after week, right next door, with all the embarrassing situations inevitably involved, may well have caused some of his followers, and possible himself, to question the wisdom and propriety of the step he had taken, adding to his mental depression (though this step, moving into the home of Justus, next door, was most appropriate under the circumstances). But the Lord was to endorse the act again in an unmistakable way.

It would appear from several passages in the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians (especially II Thessalonians 3:1,2), that this letter was written while Paul was becoming apprehensive about the work at Corinth and that it was after this that the Lord appeared to him in a vision to encourage him.

Let the reader try to place himself in Paul's position while reading Verses 9,10 of Acts 18 so as to appreciate its force more fully:

"Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, BE NOT AFRAID,--BUT SPEAK,--AND HOLD NOT THY PEACE:--FOR I AM WITH THEE,--AND NO MAN SHALL SET ON THEE TO HURT THEE;--FOR I HAVE MUCH PEOPLE IN THIS CITY."

Ah, tomorrow he could begin the work anew, assured in advance of the outcome! Whether he "continued" in Corinth (Verse 11) a year and six months longer or all together is perhaps impossible to ascertain, but we know that his ministry there was exceedingly fruitful.

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Be Not Ignorant
By Charles Wages



The apostle Paul uses the expression "I would not have you ignorant" six times in addressing four cities—Rome, Corinth, Colosse, and Thessalonica.

The word "ignorant" simply means "without knowledge" and doesn't necessarily mean that a person is unlearned or retarded in normal knowledge. It does mean, though, that we all stand in need of instruction from God's word, and it is not God's will for us to be without knowledge.

In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul states, "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure above strength insomuch that we despaired even of life." In reading and studying 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, we find that death and resurrection stand out clearly. We are told that we have "the sentence of death in ourselves" that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead.

This "sentence of death" was the direct result of sin. Romans 5:12 states: "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Certainly, we should know that this sentence of judgment is beyond our control, therefore we should "not trust in ourselves" to save our own selves or to keep ourselves saved.

God would have everyone know that He has delivered His creation from the "sentence of death" through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He lets us know that there is a continuous deliverance from this death. In 2 Corinthians 1:10, we are instructed that deliverance is threefold: past, present, and future. It is stated that "God delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver."

It would be wonderful if everyone was fully aware of the fact that they are sinners by nature and that they are "dead" in trespasses and sins, but that through Christ's death on the cross of Calvary they could be delivered from this death into a newness of life.

We must continue to give forth God's Word that men will "not be ignorant" of their lost condition and then inform them how they may be saved.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, the apostle introduces the great truth about the Lord's coming for His Church, by saying, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren."

Again the fact of death and resurrection stands out clearly. This great theme is given that we should "sorrow not as others who have no hope" and that we should "comfort one another with these words."

The majority of people in the world, even the religious world, are ignorant of our Lord's appearing to gather His own unto Himself. No wonder there is so much sorrow—no wonder there is so little comfort. If people would only know and believe that "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

The widespread ignorance of believing people concerning the "blessed hope" of the Church is causing despair and a sense of "giving up." Many of God's saints are "without knowledge" when it comes to His plans for His Church and for their individual lives. I am sure we are all ignorant of many things, but God is willing to reveal the wonders of His Word to us as we are willing to yield to Him and learn.

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CHILDREN, GROW UP!
By Pastor Ivan Burgener


"That: We may  be no longer children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up unto Him in all things, Who is the Head, even Christ: from Whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies..." (Ephesians 4:14.16.)

There is both a risk and a tendency for those young in the faith, here called children (really babies), to come short of the spiritual growth God intends. To accomplish this growth the glorified Lord has given gifts "for the perfecting of the saints to the work of the ministry and the building up of the body of Christ." These provisions are "until we all come in the unity of the faith...the full knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (mature) man...." This is the goal for every member of the body of Christ and for the body as a whole.

The Corinthians had not grown, for Paul had to write, "I...could not speak to you as to spiritual (people), but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with solid food, for until now you were not able, neither now are you able" (1 Cor. 3:1-2). Of the Hebrew believers we read "when...you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again...the first principles of the oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of solid food, for everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe" (Heb. 5:12-13). In all cases, God has made abundant provision for spiritual growth, but neglect seems to get the upper hand!

How shall such growth be accomplished? By "speaking the truth in love...." Here Paul coined a new word, one we do not have in English. He said simply, "truthing in love," that is, by living every act, motion, and motive in love according to and in clear expression of the truth. Elsewhere he wrote, "having renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 4:2). That's it!

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GUARDED AND GUIDED
By Miles Stanford


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

How difficult it is for the hungry heart to adjust to the Father's pace. He is so deliberate and thorough, while our need is so pressing and paramount. Apart from never being behind time, our Father is an eternity ahead of time! We have but to see in the Word what He has accomplished on our behalf in the Lord Jesus, and then quietly rely upon Him, "according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).

"God will perfect that which concerneth His own; and even where there are mistakes and failures, as alas! there are in abundance with all of us, the Lord's rich grace abounds over all, and actually takes occasion from our very mistakes to shine out all the more brightly---- though, assuredly, the mistakes and failures must produce their own painful and humiliating results.

"It is the remembrance of this which alone can give calm repose in the midst of the most discouraging circumstances. If we take the eye of faith off God, our souls must soon be overwhelmed. It is our privilege to be able, in our little measure, to thank God in view of everything, and take refuge in His eternal counsels, which must be made good despite all the unbelief of man, and all the malice of Satan." -C.H.M.

"May God give us to increasingly know Him! If we had only to learn what we are, we should surely be cast down, and sink into despondency; but His object in giving us a knowledge of ourselves and of His grace, is to give us an expected end."

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Ps. 23:6).