GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

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

GOD'S WORD TO US
by C.  R. Stam


In charging Timothy to "preach the Word," the Apostle does not mean, as some have supposed, that the pastor should draw his sermon material equally from all parts of the Bible. True, "all Scripture" is given so that the "man of God" may be fully equipped for his ministry. But in this same letter the Apostle Paul indicates that the Scriptures must be "rightly divided" (Second Timothy 2:15) and that his own God-given message is the Word of God in particular for the present dispensation of grace (See Second Timothy 1:7-14; 2:7-9). Thus the Apostle declares by inspiration that believers are established by "my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" (Romans 16:25).

How often the Apostle insists that his message is the Word of God! To the Thessalonian believers he writes with joy:
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God..." (First Thessalonians 2:13).

Thus the Apostle writes to Timothy, in this his last letter:
"Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me..." (Second Timothy 1:13).

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men..." (2:2).
"Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel" (2:8 ).

The charge to "preach the Word," therefore, refers to "all Scripture" in general, but to Paul's God-given message in particular. This is obvious, for it is in urging Timothy to faithfully carry on in his place that the Apostle charges him to "preach the Word."

[nChrist]

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

HUMILITY AND WISDOM
By Pastor Robert Hanna

Scripture Reading: I Kings 3:5-14

In his epistle to the Romans Paul exhorts, "Be not wise in your own conceits" (Romans 12:16). Certainly this is good advice, as is the apostle's admonition to the Corinthians: "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise" (I Corinthians 3:18 ).

Solomon, when he became king, exemplified the acknowledgment of this truth. In response to God's offer, "Ask what I shall give thee," the new ruler of all Israel pled, "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in ... Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad." God graciously granted Solomon's expressed desire, and in addition He bestowed the gifts of riches, honor and the conditional promise of a long life.

The prayer of Solomon and the answer thereto, serve to illustrate the great contrast between the weakness of the flesh and the strength of the Spirit. If we are to be filled, we must first be emptied out. Paul said, "When I am weak (in human strength), then am I (truly) strong-able, powerful in divine strength" (II Corinthians 12:10, Ampl. N. T.).

Even as King Solomon, we in the dispensation of the grace of God will reap even greater spiritual riches than we can comprehend-if we present ourselves before Him as the helpless children that we are. "(He) is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think ... " (Ephesians 3:20.)

[nChrist]

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

THE GOD OF MIGHT AND MIRACLES
By  Pastor Paul Hume



Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41; .Psalm 147:18

We often hear John Peterson's hymn, "It Took A Miracle." The words in this hymn indeed reveal the sovereignty of our God in relation to the affairs even of "Nature."

     "My Father is omnipotent,
     And that you can't deny;
     A God of might and miracles,
     'Tis written in the sky."

In Mark's inspired account of the sudden storm on the Sea of Galilee, let us examine those wondrous words of our Lord when He commanded the winds and the waves: "Peace, be still!" A more exact translation reads: "Silence! Be muzzled!" Obviously He was not merely speaking out into the air. He was commanding Satan, the one who was behind this ferocious storm. We see in Job 1:19 that even Satan can control the weather. But where was God in this storm? True, in the Person of the Lord Jesus, He was in the boat with His frightened disciples. But what about the Father? Yes, He knew well what His beloved Son was going through, but He also knew that His Son had the authority over the winds and the waves to command them to be still. "And there was (came to be) a great calm." No wonder the disciples said one to another, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Far further investigation about His obvious control of the elements, turn to the prophecy of the book of the Revelation. Here we are given glimpses of things which definitely will take place in the heavens and on this earth during the future "Day of the Lord" (Rev. 1:10). See His control of the elements, and the sun, and the stars in chapters 6, 8, and 16! Is He in control today--during this Dispensation when He is "silent?" Indeed He is! No wonder the devout believer in Christ can find complete comfort in the words of Romans 8:28--even in relation to the weather and circumstances!

     "Wondrous sovereign of the sea,
     Jesus, Savior, pilot me."

[nChrist]

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

FULFILLED LAW
By Miles Stanford


"For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law but under grace" (Rom. 6:14).

The believer's attitude toward the law is that it is "holy.. .and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12). He does not belittle it by refusing to be under it; he honors it by acknowledging its fulfillment. "For I, through the law, am dead to the law, that I might live unto God" (Gal. 2:19).

"If I say I am under law, and stop there, I am left in spiritual anarchy. If I say I am under law and under grace, I am in the current Galatian heresy which seeks to combine law and grace. But if I say I am not under the law but under grace, I am giving a biblical and Christian testimony." - C.I.S.

"Our identification with Christ in His death places us in perfect reconciliation to a violated law. God has said, 'The soul that sinneth, it shall die.' The believer has sinned, and has died in Christ's death. The law has said, 'Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.' None have continued in obedience. But Christ has been 'made a curse for us'; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.' Hence, crucified with Christ, we have been accursed in Him. Not one jot or tittle has then passed away from the law, but all has been fulfilled. - A.J.G.

"If, then, when you died with Christ, you put away the childish lessons of outward things, why, as though you still lived in outward things, do you submit yourselves to decrees?" (Col. 2:20, Wey.).

[nChrist]

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

SEALED WITH THE SPIRIT
by C. R. Stam



"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise" (Eph. 1:13).

Most careful commentaries of the Bible make it clear that the words "after that," in the above passage, actually have an immediate result in view. Upon hearing (or heeding) we believed, and upon believing we were sealed with the Spirit.

What is perhaps even more important to note, is the fact that upon believing "the gospel of... salvation," we are "sealed with" the "Holy Spirit," not "by" the Spirit. There is a difference between the two, which can be simply illustrated.

Here is a housewife, let us say, who is "putting up" jam or preserves and sealing each jar with wax. Now, the jars are being sealed by the woman, but she is sealing them with wax. Thus the Holy Spirit does not merely cause believers to be sealed and made secure. Rather He Himself is the Seal that keeps us eternally secure as God’s beloved children. We are sealed, not "by the Spirit," but "with the Spirit," -- the Spirit Himself the Seal!

It is wonderful indeed to know that before the bar of God, the simplest believer in Christ has been fully justified (Acts 13:38,39). But this is a court action, a matter of law and justice. Besides this, the Spirit, who first brought the sinner under conviction, now gives him life -- eternal life. This is why Rom. 8:2 tells us that "the law of the Spirit, [that] of life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Thank God for the Spirit, who convicts, regenerates and seals every believer in Christ!

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

[nChrist]

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

THE MARCH OF TIME
By Miles Stanford


"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him" (Ps. 37:7).

The difference between knowing the Lord Jesus as Savior and knowing Him as Life, is the better part of a lifetime; even for the hungriest of hearts. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14).

"In receiving the Word of God by faith, there is first, light; then exercise of conscience; third, prayer---you are cast on God; fourth, the work of the Spirit to lead you into it.

"Not one of us is beyond the work of the Spirit in us. Many think, because they have the light of a truth that they are in the power and reality of it. No! you may have all the Bible, have much light, but there is no growth beyond the measure of the Spirit's work in us."

"Conception of a truth is one thing, and execution is quite another. Grace may have been furnished you with a true conception, but you must wait on the Lord to carry it out by His Spirit. The working out of a true conception is the real discipline."

"Do not be discouraged because you may not carry out your purpose at once; God will carry it out, but you must keep in the place where you will be preserved, in the circle of His interests.

"Moses had to wait forty years to carry out his purpose, which was a right one, though in the first flush the flesh sought to carry it out; but in the Lord's time, how fully every purpose of his heart was met ---all the way to the Mount of Transfiguration!"

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." (Hosea 6:3)

[nChrist]

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

THE FAITH THAT SAVES
By Pastor Paul Hume


Scripture Reading: Mark 11:22; Gal. 2:20;  Heb.12:1-2


It has been truly said that Satan has a counterfeit for almost everything that God does (except to give Life). The Apostle Paul speaks of "another gospel" (2 Cor. 11:4a; Gal 1:6,9), "another Jesus" (2 Cor. 11:4b: much of Christendom today worships this "Jesus!"), "another spirit" (2 Cor. 11:4c: how prevalent is this "spirit" now); "false apostles of Christ" (2 Cor. 11:13: witness the Mormons and their chief apostle, Joseph Smith!), and "ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11: 15: how many priests and ministers fall into this category today!).

Obviously, therefore, there must be a counterfeit faith. We know there are many false "faiths" today ..the apostate Protestant "faith," the Roman Catholic "faith," and the Jehovah's Witnesses "faith" (and the like). Yes, many of the people involved in these false systems have "faith." I heard a liberal preacher on the radio only yesterday broadcasting from a popular church which is only four blocks from our church and exhorting his hearers that the way to keep one's life from being empty is to "have faith in God." This sounds real good. It even sounds Biblical!'

Did not our Lord exhort his wondering disciples in Mark 11:22, "Have faith in God?" But a more accurate rendering of this command makes the meaning clearer: "Hold to the faith of God!" True; saving faith is not naturally generated. All of us have a "natural faith:" e..g., we believe that the cooks in the restaurant where we are eating haven't put poison in our food; we trust the car in which we ride; we believe what history tells us about out great country, and etc. But the kind of faith which our Lord speaks of is identical to that which Paul speaks of: "...justified by the faith of Christ" (Gal. 2:16); "...I live by (or in) the faith of the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20); "...boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" (Eph. 3:12).

We have a blessed truth in Hebrews 12:2: "Look away (from all else) unto Jesus, the Author (that is, the Originator) and Finisher (that is, the Completer) of faith." True, saving faith comes from God in Christ Jesus. This faith saves. This faith sanctifies. This faith sustains. This faith pleases God. Does this faith operate in you?

[nChrist]

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

ALL GLORY TO GOD
By Miles Stanford


"Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

The present and eternal ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son; the past, present, and future ministry of the Son is to glorify the Father. Our life and ministry will bring glory to our Father to the extent that we abide in the Son, and are controlled by the Holy Spirit.

"When one's ministry or outreach flows from close communion with the Father, one's influence and moral authority will be recognized. Moreover, such a workman is not carried beyond what he has received from the Lord, so that his ministry finds sanction in hearts without any pressure." -J.N.D.

"The object of all Christian life and ministry, of whatever kind, must surely be to bring glory to God. Any lesser motive is inferior. If this were kept in the forefront of our thinking and praying, it would have two beneficial results. The hectic strain would be taken out of our lives and service, and spontaneous fruitfulness would follow.

"We can aim to meet the needs of people as a primary objective, and fret because so many of our efforts prove abortive. We may secretly pride ourselves on our ability to minister, or on our efficient service, and reap nothing but frustration. It is only when our whole outlook is made radiant by His glory, because we are hungry to do His will and that only, that our activities will be quickened into new life, and others be truly blessed." -J.C.M.

"He [Abraham] ... was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom. 4:20).

[nChrist]

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

LOOK AND LIVE!
By Miles Stanford


"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18 ).

As the plant to the sun, we look to the Son for growth!

"What is the good of a man being ennobled, made a prince of, if he feels he has gained no more or sensible acquisition by it? This is the disappointment which souls feel without being able to account for it; and they are subject to nights of wrestling, because they have rested in their grand title, instead of in the means of supporting their titles, which is dependence on, and ever deepening acquaintance with, the One who has conferred them." -J .B.S.

"I cannot conceive anything more satisfying or cheering to the heart than the consciousness that I may not only draw near, but that I draw near in answer to the thought and interest that the Lord Jesus has about me, and that I draw nigh to enjoy myself in His presence where there is so much thought and interest about me. It is there my heart goes out in acknowledgment of Him in answer to His deep, gracious, and everlasting love."

"By means of the Word, look to the Lord Jesus in faith. Exercise the blessed trust that He is yours, and that He has given Himself to you, and that you have a claim to all that is in Him. It is His purpose to work out His image in you. Behold Him with the joyful and certain expectation: the glory that I behold in Him is destined for me!" -A.M.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).

[nChrist]

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

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 1 of 4
By Joel McGarvey



During the 60's and 70's, many wandered in search for the meaning of life. They asked themselves questions such as, "Who am I?" and, "Why am I here?" Unfortunately, many sought the answers to these questions in drugs and alcohol, thus never discovering their purpose. The modern-day religious search is not in the negative elements of the past. We know that lasting answers cannot be found in the mind-altering effects of drugs and alcohol. We are older and wiser than we were thirty and forty years ago. And so today we turn to the emotions and intellect of the present.

The religious community has been absorbed of late, whether individually or as a corporate body, seeking to find its purpose. A whole industry has sprung up around this notion of discovering the purpose of one's life or church. Books, notebooks, posters and trinkets geared to this journey of discovery can be found in most religious bookstores.

But must the church spend thousands of dollars buying books to discover its purpose in life? Is a forty-day odyssey of discovery really necessary? Or can the purpose of life for each individual child of God, as well as the corporate body, be found in a much simpler fashion?

In the spiritual realm, using the measurement of God's Word, can we, should we, trust the writings and schemes of man that are based primarily on human reasoning and logic? True, we all use a degree of these each day to guide us in many of the decisions we must make. A little common sense and a little logic can go a long way in helping us find solutions to daily questions. But in the scheme of eternity, in the overall plan of God for our lives, should we rely upon anything limited by its very nature? Or is there a far greater source of direction available to the child of God?

What is the source that every child of God should rely upon? And what is our purpose in life? What should the driving purpose be in the life of each individual who has put his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ? What should the purpose be in driving each child of God and the Church?

The first word in our name, Bible, reveals the source we turn to and seek to follow here at Bible Doctrines to Live By. It is to the Bible alone that we must turn to find God's direction for our lives. The Bible is the Word of God, not only in name but in fact. The Apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The three words, "inspiration of God," are actually one word in the Greek - theopneustos - and literally means "the breath of God" or "God breathed." Thus, when we use the term, "the Word of God," to speak of the Bible, we are literally declaring that the Bible is the very Word of God. As such, then, the Scriptures are the only absolute source of direction available to mankind. All else is merely thoughts of man and naturally flawed by the very limited thought process available to man. As wise as man may believe he is, he is still far from the mind of God. Note how Isaiah compared the thoughts of man to those of God: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:7-9). The Apostle Paul wrote, concerning the so-called wisdom of this world, "Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1 Cor. 1:20). The brilliance of man is seen as mere foolishness when held in comparison to the mind of God.

[nChrist]

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

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 2 of 4
By Joel McGarvey



The problem with the world and especially the Church today is its attempt to address the issues of the day from a purely humanistic point of view and not the Word of God. Within the Church there is a growing tendency toward this humanistic approach rather than a purely Biblical one. Even well-intentioned saints gain more of their direction in life from their neighbors, fellow workers and television than they do the Word of God. Oprah and Dr. Phil are top-rated television programs known for the advice and counsel freely dispensed. The advice may sound good and logical, but if it isn't based squarely upon the Word of God, its value is extremely limited, if not worthless.

In my years as a pastor I can't begin to count how many times I was told in the course of a counseling setting that actions taken were okay because it made one feel good. "It can't be wrong if I feel good; can it?" "Everyone is doing it." "I (he/she) deserve(s) it." I found that the greatest source of advice sought after and followed (even by believers) was from fellow workers, not the Scriptures nor even the counsel of Biblically-based saints of God. The sad thing is that often the party involved would admit that it may be contrary to Scripture but they were going to press forward anyway because they felt good.

Friends, if the Word of God is not our only source of direction, then our compass will never point true. Any source apart from Scripture is man's thoughts and those will change with every blowing wind. If we are truly to find our purpose in life, our direction, then we would do well to spend time in the Word and in prayer, seeking the Lord's direction for our life and not the thinking of man.

So what does the Word hold out as our purpose in life? From the very creation, man's purpose has been to glorify and give praise to our Heavenly Father. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20). "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God" (Phil. 1:11). "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Pet. 4:11).

Our very lives, the way we conduct ourselves (in private and public), is to bring honor and glory to the Father. How important is it that our lives and lips are united as one? The Scriptures have as much or more to say about the conduct or walk, as it does the work of the believer. Even in this present Age of Grace there are many instructions - commands given to the saints of God in how they are to live in this world.

- Glorify the Word -

So the first "purpose" of the saints is to glorify God through their lives and in their worship of Him. This may run counter to what has been the driving force in the lives of many - generally referred to as the "American dream." From the time a child is old enough to walk, he is encouraged to strive for success in the world which is measured by the size of one's possessions and the amount of money in the bank. But this is not our purpose; this is not the reason we were created. We were created to bring glory to the Father and serve Him with our whole heart and mind. I may add that this mentality is what, I believe, is being used by Satan to keep men and women out of the ministry. Sons and daughters are encouraged to choose a profession and seek a college education with dollars in view. It is said that this is true success. The ministry is not encouraged, and is often discouraged, because of the smaller wages involved. Obviously a forty-hour work week is to be preferred over the 24/7/365 of the pastor or missionary. This is not to imply that well-paying professions are out of the will of God, for that is not necessarily the case. But to choose wealth over ministry certainly is a choice that is not glorifying God.

Then beyond the worship, glory and praise come those daily deeds that are outlined for us in Scripture in order to provide us with yet another daily driving purpose. It is in these that we find purpose and meaning to our lives. To discover these, let us take a simple journey through some of Paul's writings and gather a list of things that we are instructed to carry out.

[nChrist]

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

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 3 of 4
By Joel McGarvey



- Study the Word -

There is no better place to begin than 2 Timothy 2:15, where the Apostle instructs us to study the Word of God. We begin here, for without a proper foundation gained through the study of God's Word, a proper walk and work would be empty and useless, if not impossible. One must spend time daily in the Scriptures if he is to be truly approved of God. In a parallel passage, the Apostle prayed for the saints at Philippi that they might "approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:10). Again, it was the Apostle's desire that the saints be grounded in the Word of God and especially the Word rightly divided. But in his letter to the Colossae church, Paul wrote directly concerning the place of the Word in relation to man's so-called wisdom. "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col. 2:7-8 ). Here "the faith" (one's Biblical belief system) is placed in contrast to human reason and tradition. In fact, the reader will notice the caution given against all that is not after or according to Christ or His Word.

- Preach the Word-

If the child of God is going to find his purpose for life, it can only be done as he seeks to study the Word of God. All else is merely the so-called wisdom of man and is flawed at best.

But what do we do with the Scripture after studying it and growing in knowledge? The answer to this can be gained by examining the words of Paul to the saints at Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of Ephesus and told them that the risen Christ had given certain gifts to the Church. (It is not our intent to discuss the details of these gifts and their functions down through history.) In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul wrote that the gifts were given for the purpose of perfecting, or educating/training, the saints "for the work of the ministry." (We wrote of this "professional" mentality in a previous article so we will not spend a lot of time addressing it here. But contrary to popular opinion, the work of the ministry belongs to the saints of God and not just to a band of professionals/pastors.) This work of the ministry involves all areas of the believer's life, and in every case it includes the application of the Word of God. It includes the obvious areas such as the various teaching ministries in and through the local church, giving of one's finances, visiting the sick, encouraging the saints, and praying and caring for one another (Rom. 12:4-21; 1 Cor. 12:12-25). Certainly the work of the ministry extends to the saints of God, our earthly spiritual family. To this end, the saints are instructed to reach out in love to those who are hurting, to rejoice with those that rejoice and grieve with those that grieve. This is not to the exclusion of correction or discipline when that is called for. The failure to discipline is not an act of grace, but rather of hatred (Prov. 13:24), as well as a disregard of Scripture (Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-7, 11-13; 2 Thess. 3:6,14; 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13). The work of the ministry is wide and varied and belongs to all of the saints of God. It always amuses me that that most of those who criticize the pastor for not visiting enough don't visit at all unless it is a very close relative or friend.

Paul's words to Timothy, "Preach the Word" (2 Tim. 4:2), form an excellent foundation for what we are to be doing on a day-to-day basis as part of the work of the ministry. We are to take the Word that we have studied and live it out and share it with others. This forms what I believe to be the very heart of our purpose, for it comes from the very heart of our Heavenly Father. Keep this in mind when it's used in conjunction with Paul's instruction to the saints of Ephesus. There the work of the ministry was to be carried out for the edifying (building up or expanding) of the Body of Christ. This enlarging is the increasing or expanding of the Body through soul winning. In other words, the saints of God are called upon to be soul winners - to be sharing the saving Gospel of the Grace of God with a lost and dying world.

Consider Paul's words to the saints at Corinth when he spoke of the ministry that had been given to them. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:17-21). It will be noticed that he stated they had been given the "ministry of reconciliation," and then he explained what it was by telling them what the Father had done through the Son at Calvary. This was the work of Christ on behalf of the lost: paying the price of sin. To the Romans, Paul called that work of Christ our "propitiation," the full satisfying of the Father's righteousness through the finished work of the Son. Then to the Corinthian saints, Paul stated that to them had been given the "word of reconciliation." You see, friends, we have been given an awesome task to share Christ with a lost world, a world that is headed for the Lake of Fire.

Once again the point is driven home that this ministry belongs to everyone who names the name of Christ as Savior. Someone may point to the Church and ask, "Who is the minister of the Church?" Some may respond by pointing to the Pastor, but this would not be totally accurate. He is the Pastor, but every child of God is to be a minister (servant) of God. Every saved individual has been given the ministry of reconciliation and is, therefore, a minister. As a minister of God, an ambassador of reconciliation, every child of God is to preach the Word.

Again to Timothy, the Apostle wrote, "Be instant in season, out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2). The Apostle Peter would give similar instructions to the saints when he wrote, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15). The idea is a prepared people ready at all times to tell others of the hope they have and how they received it. Peter stated that this readiness sanctified the Lord in their hearts. By this he meant that through their ready willingness, they were consecrating or setting the Lord apart in their daily living. Paul urged the same thing when he gave the instruction to make Christ preeminent (Col. 1:18 ). As we set Christ apart, or make Him preeminent in our lives, we are, first of all, glorifying Him above all else, and secondly, serving him wholeheartedly (Col. 3:17,23).

[nChrist]

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

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 4 of 4
By Joel McGarvey



- Live the Word -



Another related instruction would again be found in Paul's words to the saints at Colossae: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Col. 4:5-6). Here conduct and words are to come together as one, and in a spiritual wisdom, be lived out before those who know not Christ ("are without"). This term is used to designate all those who are without Christ. In the Old Testament it is often used to designate those who were unclean or outside of Israel (outside the camp) (see Lev. 13:46; 14:40; Num. 5:3-4; Deut. 23:12; Josh. 6:23). Certainly this wisdom is the knowledge gained from the study of the Word of God. Our intent is not to speak of the believer's conduct in this article, but, suffice it to say, godly conduct and faithful soul winning go hand-in-hand.

Much more could be listed regarding the purpose that is driving the life of the Church, the Body of Christ, individually as well as corporately. One thing is obvious in all that has been presented here: our purpose is Christ, to share the glorious Gospel of the Grace of God with a lost and dying world.

It is not necessary to spend days in an odyssey of discovery. All that is necessary is to get into the Word of God, read it, study it and put it into practice. This is the purpose the Lord has given to each and every saint. This is what is to be driving the life of the believer. A search or desire for anything else is purely an attempt to satisfy the flesh rather than seeking to please the Spirit.

The purpose-driven life is a life lived in the Spirit, for the glory of the Father, sharing the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Gospel of the Grace of God with others. It is only as we fulfill this service through our lives that our lives will truly be purpose driven.

[nChrist]

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

The Ministry of Comfort
by Paul M. Sadler,


 Scripture Reading:

 "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort."
 -- II Corinthians 1:3

 Since the entrance of sin into the world, the way of man has been anything but easy.  Job seemed to have his finger on the pulse of the matter when he wrote, "... man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward."  It is interesting though, that when calamity strikes, men are quick to blame God, or to ask why He allows such occurrences in their lives.  But shall we blame God for what man has brought upon himself?  God forbid!  Man is a product of his own folly.

 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).

 Some claim that if they had been back in the garden everything would have been different.  I certainly have no reason to doubt them.  In all probability, they would have pushed Adam aside to reach the forbidden fruit before he did!  You see, God saw the entire human race in Adam, as only He could do.  So when Adam stretched forth his hand to partake of the forbidden fruit, each of us were reaching for it as well -- we are his posterity, thus we share in his guilt.  God could have condemned the whole human race to the Lake of Fire and have been perfectly justified in so doing.  Thankfully, we did not receive what we justly deserved, for "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psa. 103:8 ).

HOW GOD COMFORTS US

 "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" (II Cor. 1:4).

 Here, of course, the Apostle refers to believers.  Our heavenly Father knows that we are frail creatures of dust, overwhelmed with sorrow, sickness and even death; not to mention the spiritual upheavals that come our way.  Always sympathetic to our plight, He walks with us every step of life's journey comforting us in all our tribulations.  The tribulation cited here by the Apostle Paul is not a reference to the Tribulation Period known as The Time of Jacob's Trouble.  Paul is speaking of the personal tribulations he had encountered due to spiritual conflicts and poor health.  Personal trials come in all forms: criticism, rejection, financial setbacks, sickness, bereavement, etc.

 When sorrow overwhelms us like an ocean tide the Lord in His goodness is always present to comfort us in our time of need.  But exactly how does God comfort us in the dispensation of Grace?  We know for instance that the heavens are silent and that neither the Lord nor any of His angelic host visibly appear to minister to the saints today.  During the administration of Grace the Lord, first of all, comforts us through His Word.

 For example, some years ago death took my great-grandmother.  She always held a very special place in my heart and even to this day I get choked up sometimes when I think of her.  My sense of loss would be difficult to bear except for the consolation I have received from the Word of God.  The Lord has shown me that I need not sorrow as others who have no hope.  Some day soon the trump will sound and the dead in Christ will be raised.  Then we will be caught up together with all those departed loved ones who were saved, and so shall we ever be with the Lord!  Little wonder Paul says, "Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

 Another way the Lord comforts us is by bringing someone into our lives at just the right moment to encourage us in those times of despair.  Surely we have a precedent for this in the life of Paul himself.  The intensity of the spiritual warfare at Ephesus and Macedonia had taken its toll on the Apostle, both physically and spiritually.  "Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus" (II Cor. 7:5-7).  The arrival of Titus was a direct result of Divine intervention to not only encourage Paul, but also that he might lend assistance in the work.

 Finally, God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but rather that we might comfort others.  It has been given to us to carry on a ministry of encouragement to those who are in any trouble.  Think of it, having already been the recipients of God's consolation, He uses us to put our arm around that dear Christian friend who is perhaps facing his first surgery and tell him, "we too had this same surgery a few years ago and the Lord saw us through it."  With hope we can face any thing.  That's why God has revealed to us the Blessed Hope that one day soon we shall be with Him.  Truly He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.  AMEN!

[nChrist]

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

FULLNESS OF LIFE
By Miles Stanford


"To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:19).

Our Father's fullness of supply infinitely exceeds the sum of our needs. Positionally it is so: "For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him." Conditionally it is so: "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Col. 2:9,10; Rom. 8.32).

"As to the Gospel and the work of the Lord Jesus, I do not find that it is adequately apprehended that the benefit conferred by the Father is far beyond the need of the sinner. You cannot measure the benefit by the need. You may ask, 'Does it not cover the need?' It does; but you get no clue to the benefit from the measure of the need. You cannot find it in your own thoughts or expectations; it cannot be found anywhere save in our Father's heart. It is 'above all that we ask or think.....'

"How little, indeed, do we enter into the fullness of the benefits of the Gospel! The elder brother in Luke 15 did not object to his brother being forgiven, but it was unwelcome to him to see the wonderful excess of grace bestowed on him by the Father. 'Thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.' Many have the sense of forgiveness without the knowledge of His abundance."----J.B.S.

"We shall never be able to glorify God, if we only take what we need."

"Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory" (Eph. 3:20, 21).