GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ BY LAW OR BY GRACE? OCT. 5, 2006


BY LAW OR BY GRACE?
By Pastor Bob Hanna

Over time, there has existed constant conflict among denominations and sectarian organizations re the eternal destiny of man and the path toward the goal. Many are convinced that faithful keeping of the ten commandments is sufficient to open the door to paradise. Others believe that a mixture of human endeavor and divine faith will accomplish the purpose. God gives us the clue to our ability to qualify on the strength of our own efforts. "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). The apostle Paul revealed to the Jews the insufficiency of law keeping for salvation as he preached in the synagogue, presenting their Messiah as the only way of salvation: "By Him [Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which; ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:39).

Of course, the Israelites, like so many people today, continued to rely on their own performance despite Paul's revelation. "For they [Israel] being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth" (Rom.. 10:3,4). Peter, addressing the Sanhedrin, announced, "Neither is there salvation in any other [than Jesus Christ]: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

The law was once a part of the salvation formula, but never was it the vehicle. It served only as affirmation of faith, proving sincerity and dedication.. It was always by grace through faith that salvation was obtained. In the dispensation of the grace of God, the law is no more in force. Christ has fulfilled the law, "Having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross" (Colossians 2:13,14). Paul writes, "Sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14)..

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ SCRIPTURAL CONFUSION OCT. 6, 2006


SCRIPTURAL CONFUSION
By Pastor Bob Hanna

God has provided for our comfort and security, His plan, purpose, demands, blessings, requirements and final, eternal destiny. We have, as it were, a complete road map to guide us through the course of our entire lifespan in accordance with His will. We are in possession of His complete revelation in convenient form: the Holy Bible. The Book is to be found in nearly every place where human beings dwell. It is cherished by many as though it were a talisman or phylactery. Millions of churchgoers carry it in and out of their respective places of worship once a week. It is loosely quoted, carelessly studied and ignorantly disrespected for what it is: the Word of God.

The vast majority of believers rely on the utterances of preachers, evangelists and other platform speakers as the authority re God's communication with His people. The result is that there is needless frustration, fear, doubt and insecurity tormenting their lives. In the course of his missionary journeys the Apostle Paul preached in the Jewish synagogue in Berea, having just spoken to the church at Thessalonica. The writer of the Book of Acts writes, "These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17: 11). Good advice! The Bereans listened attentively to Paul's address, then they turned to the real authority (the Scriptures) for verification.

Paul instructed young Pastor Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Two excellent guidelines: rely on the Scriptures as the one true authority for confirmation, and make a concentrated effort ("study to") to properly allocate ("rightly divide") the word of truth. To rightly divide the word of truth is to define what is spoken, to whom it is spoken, under what circumstances, with what intent and in what context and time frame. Unless one studies Scripture for himself, he will never gain the knowledge and confidence to mature into a testimony pleasing to God.

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ TREASURED TRIALS OCT. 7, 2006


TREASURED TRIALS
By Miles Stanford

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6).

The Blesser sends trials because the trials are blessings. Most covet the "blessing" of having the trial removed.

"I find the brightest summer is when the winter has been longest and most severe. The wheat, the best grain, passes a winter in the soil. The bud, the blossom, or fruit, most fragrant of Christ, is the one which nobody knows what it cost me but Himself; and where one had hardly noticed it; like the beautiful wild flowers in the hedgerow, contending with bushes and briars, to shed their fragrance on the unthankful or unthinking traveller going by."

"I think we are sometimes ready to say to the Lord----Could you not have taught me without subjecting me to so much sorrow and humiliation? The answer I have had is, You could not be effectually taught any other way. The Lord knows the nature of the obstacle in me which He has to overcome: a less efficient hand might think that it could be dealt with in some other way.

"A weakness be it bodily or otherwise, is sometimes allowed to continue in order that there may be dependence, and when there is dependence, the weakness becomes a gain; the grit---the trying thing---is superseded by a pearl of great price." -J.B.S.

"The God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect [mature], establish, strengthen, settle you" (1 Pet. 5:10).

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ FREE-BORN OCT. 8, 2006


FREE-BORN
By Miles Stanford

"For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God" (Gal. 2:19, ASV).

No true believer expects the Law to give life, yet many expect it to govern life. Too few realize that their death on the Cross separated them from the entire principle of law, and that their resurrection united them to the Lord Jesus, "full of grace and truth" (John I:14).

"All of the Lord's commands to me are according to the new nature I already have. He is my life, and all His words are the expression of that life. Therefore when His words are given to me, they only give me the authority to do what my new nature likes to do. 'A new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you" (1 John 2:8). -J.N.D.

"Does our Father mock us by bidding us do what He knows we are unable to do? No! He gives commands we cannot perform in our strength, that we may know what we ought to request from Him."

"Legalism is an effort to shape oneself to given laws or rules. Seeking to urge oneself into conformity to law, the old man is before the eye, and satisfaction is felt according as there is conformity to a given standard.

"The moment legality is sanctioned, it must be with reference to that which needs to be made subject. This is not Christian, because as believers we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, against which there is no law."

"Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty with which Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Gal. 5:1).

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ HAND CRAFTED OCT. 9, 2006


HAND CRAFTED
By Miles Stanford

"Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hand" (Ps. 31:14,15).

The environment necessary for one's growth, and the enablement necessary for one's service, are both in the hands of one's Creator. "So He fed them according to the integrity of His heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of His hands" (Ps. 78:72).

"What we have all to do is to walk closely and quietly with the Lord Jesus, and the blessing will come when He has established His work. There is a sifting government of God as well as a perfect redemption, and He is full of patience. His purpose is glory; His ways are the wilderness."

"There are various ways in which as saints we are tried, but through all circumstances God is threading our way, occupying Himself with us, our particular characters, etc., to instruct and develop us. What we want is to realize that our Father loves us so much that He has taken such pains to make us 'partakers of His holiness' (Heb. 12:10). We are apt not to believe the activity of His love. Some trouble comes on us; our Father has been watching us individually for weeks, months, years; watching us to bring this trouble which He sees is needed." -H.H.S.

"How varied are the ways in which our Father bringeth down and lifteth up! We have to learn the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in the bright day as well as in the sorrowful day. If He is everything to me in my brightest day there is no fear but He will be my chief joy in the day of sorrow."

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6).

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ THE REAL ENEMY OCT.10 2006


THE REAL ENEMY
By Miles Stanford

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

Hatred for others comes easy for some; but to fully hate one's old man comes hard for all. The Lord Jesus loves us too much to allow us to go on loving ourselves.

"The Christian's victory is not over others, but over himself. His sword is drawn, not to slay his fellowman, but to slay himself. He wins by losing. He triumphs by being defeated. He lives by dying. His crown is a crown of thorns. His throne is a Cross. His weapon is not strength but weakness.

"His victory is not found in establishing his own cause but in establishing that of his fellowmen; the poor, the sick, the disinherited, the brokenhearted, the wayward, the lost. This may be foolishness to men. But we must not forget that 'the foolishness of God is stronger than men' (1 Cor. 1:25).-F.J..H.

"How blessed it is to know, and at the same time how solemn to realize, that the sin of the child of God is against his Father, and that it is the love of relationship that is called into exercise about it---love which acts towards us 'for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Heb. 12:10).

"It is impossible that He should treat it lightly; and it will be impossible in the end for any one of His own to treat it lightly either. Grace abides towards us; and because grace abides, sin cannot be permitted to have sway over the objects of it." - W.K.

"Let not sin, therefore, reign ... " (Rom. 6:12).

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ ALL GLORY TO GOD OCT.11 2006


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).

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ Walking by Faith, Not by Sight OCT.12, 2006


Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

We walk by faith, not by sight . . . while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  (2Co_5:7 and 2Co_4:18)

The Christian life is a walk. It is comprised of day by day steps from where we are to where the Lord wants us to go (both spiritually and geographically). This walk is undertaken by faith, not by sight. "We walk by faith, not by sight."

Walking by sight is the natural manner by which human beings walk. This is true both for literal walking, as well as for taking the proverbial journey through life. When engaged in physical walking, people rely upon visual data (along with input from other human senses: like sound, smell, and touch). Likewise, as the unredeemed are engaged in their trek through life, they set their course and proceed by that which their natural abilities provide. We who know the Lord Jesus Christ cannot walk in this manner in His kingdom. We must walk by faith, by depending upon our Lord, His word, and the work of grace by His Holy Spirit. Spiritual progress is made "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen."

So often, things are not as they appear to be in the natural. Consider Joseph being sold to slave traders by his jealous and deceitful brothers. It did not look like Joseph was being groomed to be Prime Minister in Egypt. Think of Pharoah and his army closing in on Israel, as they were trapped beside the Red Sea. It did not look like Israel would be delivered, while the Egyptian army would be destroyed. Remember young David standing before gigantic Goliath. It did not look like the giant would be defeated, while David would enjoy a thorough victory. Only eyes of faith could really appreciate what was actually happening.

The cross of our Lord Jesus is undoubtedly the greatest example of things not always being what they appear to be. As Jesus hung upon the cross, it appeared that godless men had defeated the most godly man that ever lived. "Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst . . . Him . . . you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death" (Act_2:22-23). Yet, in fact, God was at work, preparing a resurrection victory over sin and death for all who would believe. "Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it" (Act_2:24).

Heavenly Father, I want to walk with You by faith. I desire to respond to the circumstances of life by what You have said in Your word and by what You are able to do. Too many times, I have set my course by sight, relying upon the appearance of things. Teach me to trust in You more and more, in Jesus name, Amen.
-----Hoekstra

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ SIMPLICITY IN CHRIST OCT.13, 2006


SIMPLICITY IN CHRIST
By John N. Baker

Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 11:3

The word "simplicity" as used in II Corinthians 11:3 can be interpreted to mean singleness or single-minded. The gospel of grace is simple indeed. Man has attempted to make it complex. Paul was single-minded in the gospel he proclaimed. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). Here is singleness of purpose and mind. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (l Corinthians l:l8). Note the simplicity of this gospel which confounds the wise of this world. "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (l Corinthians 2:2).. Once again, Paul expresses his singleness of purpose and mind. "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ ... " (Galatians 6:14).

The lesson in all of this for us is that we must be very careful to maintain the simplicity of the gospel with singleness of mind to make it known to a lost and dying world. It is very easy to get caught up in trying to learn the deep things of God and lose sight of the simplicity of the gospel of our salvation and our primary responsibility to make this gospel known to the lost. We must take every care to keep the gospel simple and proclaim it with singleness of mind. Our minds must not be "corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ MADE NIGH IN CHRIST OCT.14, 2006


MADE NIGH IN CHRIST
By RUSSELL S. MILLER,

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:I3

God gave up the Gentiles in Genesis eleven when He saved Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). The vile affections wherein they sinned wickedly against themselves were, and still are today, an abomination to the Lord. These impure and unnatural sins brought God's wrath upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19), and the Lord is no less displeased with such sinners today.

But He chose Abraham through whom to bless the world.

"Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Rom. 4:3). Remarkable difference!

When our Lord Jesus Christ came upon this earthly scene He found His own people as far from God as the Gentiles. In the temple He quoted Isaiah 56:7 regarding the deplorable conditions there: "My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Mark 11:17).

And because this attitude toward the Messiah continued, God set the nation aside to raise up that other Apostle, who said to the saved Gentiles at Ephesians:
     "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:13).

It is because these Gentiles were saved, they had trusted in the finished work of Calvary's cross and were "made nigh by the blood of Christ", that they were "in Christ Jesus". It is this same "believing", upon which believers today are "baptized into Jesus Christ".

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

Perhaps now you'll believe.

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ IN THE HEAVENLIES IN CHRIST OCT.15, 2006


IN THE HEAVENLIES IN CHRIST
By DONALD A. WEBB

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3

Every believer in this age of grace has been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ! No wonder Paul begins with the eulogy: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..."! What are these blessings? They are all the things that we believers have been given positionally in Christ in this dispensation of grace. They are spiritual in nature, and we possess them right now in the heavenlies, as contrasted with the spiritual but earthly blessings which national Israel looks forward to possessing on earth in the kingdom (millennium). The first chapter of Ephesians expounds the nature of these blessings. Verse 4:... holy and without blame before Him .... " Verse 5: ... the adoption of sons [or sonship] .... " Verse 6:.... accepted in the Beloved .... " Verse 7:... redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins .... " Verses 13 and 14:... sealed with the Holy Spirit...until the redemption of the purchased possession. Yes, all these spiritual, positional blessings are ours; they also include our justification, our peace, our liberty from the power of sin through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (our new nature), our security, and our hope, which things every believer possesses from the very moment he trusts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!

It is very interesting to note that this phrase "in the heavenlies" is used no less than five times in the Ephesian Epistle. The next two occurrences are 1:20 and 2:6, where we see our Lord seated there and we in Him! Fourth is 3:10, where we see that the angelic host learn of God's manifold wisdom---by the Church! Finally is 6:12, where we learn that our warfare is against spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies. May we truly walk worthy of this heavenly calling to which we have been called.

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ BABES IN CHRIST OCT.16, 2006


BABES IN CHRIST
By MARVIN DUNCAN,

Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 3:I

There are a number of conditions that the Apostle Paul connects with our being "IN CHRIST." Our salvation is "IN CHRIST." Our standing is "IN CHRIST," and in I Corinthians 3:1, Paul speaks of a condition every believer experiences at his salvation, our being "BABES IN CHRIST."

To understand this condition we must recognize that salvation is spoken of as A NEW BIRTH. We are born physically into the family of Adam and upon receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we experienced a SPIRITUAL BIRTH. Paul speaks of our being "A NEW CREATION" in II Corinthians 5:17. Just as in our physical life, so it is with our spiritual life. We all start at birth as babies and develop through stages, to maturity; first a babe, then a child and on to maturity through feeding on spiritual food and exercising the spiritual man.

One of the mistakes many Christians make is to expect the newly saved individual to be able to handle life's trials and the old habits as if he were a mature spiritual individual, without ever having been taught the Word of God or experiencing the faithfulness of God to strengthen and convict him in his daily walk. None of the men in Scripture automatically changed overnight from their worldly attitudes to spiritual attitudes.

Abraham is a good example of spiritual growth over a number of years. Early in his spiritual life he made many errors and failed to trust God completely, yet in his later life, after seeing God's faithfulness in doing what He promised, Abraham was able to trust God even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his only son.

It is this progressive growth toward maturity that Paul is speaking of in our text verse. These Corinthians had been born into God's family some five years earlier, but they had not grown They were still "BABES."

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ OF HIM ARE YE IN CHRIST OCT.17, 2006


OF HIM ARE YE IN CHRIST
By Russell Miller

Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 1:30

To be out of Adam and "in Christ" is a very marvelous thing. No human effort or merit could accomplish such a thing. But the Lord Jesus Christ, through His finished work of redemption, has reversed what the devil through Adam wrought for mankind. The Bible plainly describes what we were in Adam and how "the works of the flesh" degrade his descendants.

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Tit. 3:3-5).

In what Christ accomplished is our position and standing "in Him", and instead of sin and unbelief Paul declares: "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification. and redemption" (I Cor. 1:30).

Praise the Lord. Now, by the grace of God, we may enter the presence of God's holiness without fear, for His wrath was poured out against sin upon His Son. This glorious position by virtue of just simply being "in Christ" is ours to enjoy forever. What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord!  May we never lose sight of it, nor what He did for us on that cruel cross.

"That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (I Cor. 1:31).

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ RECONCILIATION IN CHRIST OCT.18, 2006


RECONCILIATION IN CHRIST
By RALPH BALOG

Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:19

When Christ died for the sins of the whole world on the cross of Calvary, it was not only God the Son dying but also the Father "in Christ" reconciling the world unto Himself. Such a truth can be reflected upon over and over and over again - without fully comprehending what all took place at the cross of Calvary. According to Eph. 2:7 it will take the ages of the ages for God to shew us what He did for us "in Christ" when God's part of reconciliation took place.

How many countless billions of human beings have passed through this temporary life not understanding that God had reconciled them to Himself because of Christ's sacrifice of Himself for them!

Don't we rejoice to hear when a marriage that has had problems is now fully reconciled? So, too, when enemies become friends. Yet why doesn't the world rejoice in the fact that God has reconciled them to Himself? Sin, my friend.. Also, the god of this world blinds human minds. Nevertheless, God's truth continues to be truth regardless of what men say or do. Let us as ambassadors beseech the unsaved: "Be ye reconciled to God." He has done more than His share in this possible union. His work is fully done. Believe that the Creator, God the Son, died in your place as your sin Bearer, and the Word of God assures that "reconciliation in Christ" is then complete. That is salvation full and free.

"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".

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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

[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational ~ GODLY LIVING IN CHRIST OCT.19, 2006


GODLY LIVING IN CHRIST
By Pastor John McKay

Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3: 12


A Greek proverb states, "He who does not get thrashed, does not get educated.." Depending on the student's attitude, of course, discipline is vitally important in any achieving or learning process.

The Lord teaches us how to live. He first gives us the warning, " ....let none of you suffer as ... an evildoer ... " and " ... what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (I Peter 4:15 and 2:19-20). It is evident that the Christian exercised by discipline from God's Hand, has profit, holiness, and the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Being "thrashed" by the Lord's gracious and tender Hand is proof that we are His children. It is definitely a part of the Christian life ("godly living"). See Hebrews 12:6-11.

Our own passage, II Timothy 3:12, has a second consideration. " ... all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Each believer will have a differing degree of suffering or trouble according to the will of God. To know who we are "in Christ" and what we have in Him, will not only bring us to conflict with evil (the spiritual warfare), but will enable us to "abide under the will of God" and not try to get out from under what He appoints. We must hold up in a courageous manner when suffering to obtain the benefit that Christ wants us to have. "If we suffer ('go through suffering' patiently'), we shall also reign with Him ... " (II Timothy 2:12). Don't thrash yourself, but accept God's thrashing. It will teach us godly living, and provide more reward for God's glory. See I Peter 3:17.

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

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

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

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