GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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GUARD HIS TESTIMONIES
RALPH F. BALOG, Bible Teacher

Scripture Reading: Psalms 119:2; I Timothy 6:20

Guarding God's testimonies is not as the world would guard a valuable treasure. They would use physical force, if necessary, with elaborate security systems.

We keep God's testimonies and the sacred trust of the Pauline revelation by a Spirit-led mind. Paul wrote in Phil. 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." It is in your mind that the spiritual warfare takes place. And the solution to sure victory is to read the Spirit's Word, rightly divided. When the truth of God's Word gets hold of us it will seem the natural thing to guard God's truth for today by our actions either orally or in writing.

The Psalmist shows in verse 5 of Psalm 119 that he did not have the light from God's Word that we now have. But he knew that he would not be ashamed (sounds like the O.T. version of II Tim. 2:15) when he had respect unto all God's commandments.

The weapons in our warfare to guard God's testimonies will be those in II Cor. 10:4: "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." Of course these "weapons" are the Word of God, that is, using the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17).

So in our command to "keep that which is committed to our trust" we learn our responsibility is to allow God, via His precious Word, to work through us.

The battle is the Lord's and we will be victorious using His Word, rightly divided. Ineffective "swordsmen" are slain in battle - physically and spiritually. May we be as those in Heb. 5:14: "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil".

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"FROM FAITH TO FAITH"
by Russell S. Miller



"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17).

What does Paul mean by the phrase, "from faith to faith", in this passage? His words in Galatians 3:23-25 may give us food for thought and substance to our faith:

"BUT BEFORE FAITH CAME, WE WERE KEPT UNDER THE LAW, SHUT UP UNTO THE FAITH WHICH SHOULD AFTERWARDS BE REVEALED.

"Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

"BUT AFTER THAT FAITH IS COME, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER" (Gal.3:23-25).

Hence, the Apostle's use of the phrase, "on whom the ends of the ages are arrived", and the Greek word, telos, in I Corinthians 10:11, is pertinent here, for Paul's gospel is the unveiling of God's "eternal purpose" in Christ. In his epistles alone we learn that "the time of reformation" had come as "works" gave place to the Age of Grace (Heb.9:10-14). This, then, and the passage in Galatians, gives us additional light and understanding upon our text, "from faith to faith", in Romans 1:17. When God does something, it affects the whole Universe as is evidenced in the Epistles of Saint Paul concerning the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His finished work on Calvary's cross.

"FOR HE HATH MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, [CHRIST] WHO KNEW NO SIN; THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM" (IICor.5:21).

Therefore in Paul's gospel, both Jews and Gentiles can "now" live "without the law":

"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

"WHOM GOD HATH SET FORTH TO BE A PROPITIATION THROUGH FAITH IN HIS BLOOD, TO DECLARE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS THAT ARE PAST, THROUGH THE FORBEARANCE OF GOD:

"TO DECLARE, I SAY, AT THIS TIME HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS: THAT HE MIGHT BE JUST, AND THE JUSTIFIER OF HIM THAT BELIEVETH IN JESUS" (Rom.3:24-26).

Thus in Hebrews 9:26 Paul's words about our Saviour, and His finished work of redemption, are most significant:

"For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

In the book of Romans we see that God's righteous standards are maintained, "from faith to faith". Whereas God once required obedience to the Law of Moses for acceptance with Him, now, in this Age of Grace, you must accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior today, for His righteousness is "witnessed" by the Law and the prophets:

"EVEN THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD WHICH IS BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST UNTO ALL AND UPON ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE..." (Rom.3: 21,22).

How important Paul's words are then, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." (Acts 16:31), and do it today.

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The Saviour Supplies
By Charles Wages

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

There is no doubt that God knows everything. This is hard for us to understand when we know so little. We think that God must attend to such large matters that pertain to this vast universe that He couldn't be too concerned with our everyday needs. The beautiful passage of Scripture in Matthew 6:25-34 shows the Lord's deep concern and compassion for even the smallest detail of life. He uses as examples, birds, flowers, and even the grass of the field. Three times in these ten verses, He said, "be not anxious" and in another He asks the question, "Why are ye anxious?" Why should we be anxious when He knows our needs?

When we see that God can provide our needs without our help, if He desires, it should make us thankful, trustful, and grateful. Some have shown that the "toil not" and "spin not" of verse 28 could refer to the work of men and women, however, we could see that God can perform in anyone's life that will trust Him. Also, it must be seen that He knows our needs before they occur and before we know them! God not only knows the future of Israel, the future of the nations, the future of the Body of Christ (the Church), the future of the devil, and the future of the heavens and the earth, He also knows the immediate need of every individual!

In order to let us know just how much He loves us, God sent His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to this earth to live for us, die for us, and ascend to heaven for us. It is wonderful to see that He showed Himself in the most common places—a stable, a wedding feast, the marketplace, the home, and in other places that were of common interest to people. Today, though not here on earth in person, the Lord is with us in our work, our places of business, school, the home, the supermarket, and other places of interest to people. He is with us in Church and Sunday School, but not there only.

Being with us in common places, He ministers to our common needs. He considers the "outward man" and provides clothing for warmth and protection. Everything we wear, including man-made materials, came originally from God's provision in nature. He knows that the stomach needs food. Think of the vast amount of foodstuff there is in this earth! The problem of hungry people is not in God providing, but in man's distribution and misuse. Above all, God provides for the "inward man" the spiritual food so necessary. His wonderful Word is sufficient to provide for everything the believer needs!

The Lord Jesus, having been "tempted (tested) in all points like as we are, yet without sin," can be with us in our common disappointments. Hebrews 2:18 says,

"For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted."

The familiar account in John 21 of Peter and the disciples going fishing provides a remarkable example of the Lord's interest in everyday affairs. Peter said, "I go a fishing." The others said, "We also go with thee." The Bible tells us "that night they caught nothing." What a common occurrence, but what a common disappointment.

Was the resurrected Christ interested? Definitely and positively. We are told that, "when the morning came, Jesus stood on the shore." He was interested and He was there. He also understood their common disappointment and satisfied their common need. When they came to land they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Also, He said, "bring of the fish that ye have now caught." The net was full of 153 great fish and was not broken!

In conclusion, one more thing should be considered. Why does God often provide more than we need? We probably will never know the full answer here on earth, but some things are evident. First of all, it is to show His great love for us. It is an abundant love. God loves us beyond our utmost comprehension. That love cannot be measured. Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17-19 that all saints may be able "to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge."

Second, God wants us to share what we have with others. Someone has aptly said, "If you want to be good to yourself, try being good to others." Not only should we have a good disposition to others, but there should be a good distribution to others.

Thirdly, God gives us abundantly to meet the needs of the future. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that the needs of the fallen man were taken care of for the morrow as well as his immediate need of medical attention. When Jesus fed the five thousand with the five loaves and two fishes, we are told that "they did eat, and were all filled; and there was taken up of fragments that remained, twelve baskets" (Luke 9:17).

Many today are disappointed when they cannot find salvation, rest, and peace for their troubled souls. Some try to work for their own redemption, some turn to religion and join churches, some turn to worldly pleasure, drugs, including drinking, and some give up completely in total despair, despondency, and disappointment.

Can God meet this need? Definitely and positively. That's precisely why Christ came to earth, died on the cross, and came forth from the grave. He did all this in order for all humanity to be saved—for you to be saved! "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

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UNIQUE IDENTITY
By Miles Stanford


"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17).

All the "religions" of Christendom are mainly Judaistic, and the present-day Church is not far behind.

"The teachings of the kingdom (as illustrated in the Sermon on the Mount) have not yet been applied to any man. Since they anticipate the binding of Satan, a purified earth, the restoration of Israel, and the personal reign of the King, they cannot be applied until God's appointed time when these accompanying conditions on the earth have been brought to pass.

"The kingdom laws will be addressed to Israel and beyond them to all nations which will enter the kingdom. It will be the first and only universal reign of righteousness and peace in the history of the world. One nation was in view when the Law of Moses was in force on the earth; the individual is in view during this age of grace; and the whole social structure of mankind will be in view when the kingdom is established on earth.

"Christianity is totally opposed to Judaism, and any mixture of the two must result in the loss of all that is vital in the present plan of salvation. One made its appeal to the limited resources of the natural man and conditioned his life on the earth; the other sets aside the natural man, secures a whole new creation in Christ Jesus, and counsels that new being in his pilgrim journey to his heavenly home.

"The Jewish nation is the center of all things related to the earth. The Church is foreign to the earth and related to it only as a witnessing people. They are strangers and pilgrims, ambassadors whose citizenship is in heaven."---L.S.C.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile) .. .for ye are all one (new creation) in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28 ).

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OUR ONLY BOAST
by C. R. Stam


“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Gal. 6:14).

 St. Paul was once a proud Pharisee, smug in his self-righteousness. In Philippians 3:5,6, he lists some of the things in which he took great pride:

 “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”

But everything was changed since that day when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Suddenly he had seen himself a lost, condemned sinner in the sight of a holy God and had tasted the matchless grace that could reach down from heaven and save even him. He knew now that he could not stand before God in himself, or “on his own two feet,” as we say. His only safety before the bar of God was to take refuge in Christ, as he says in Verse 9:

 “And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Now he knew, as we all should know, that he really had nothing to boast of as far as his own standing before God was concerned. For the rest of his life, however, he did constantly boast of one thing: the cross, where the Christ he had so bitterly persecuted had died for his sins that he (Paul) might be justified before God. All else of which Paul boasted was embraced in the cross of Christ. This too is really the only thing we have to boast of and the most godly saint will enthusiastically join Paul in saying:

 “BUT GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY, SAVE IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY WHOM THE WORLD IS CRUCIFIED UNTO ME, AND I UNTO THE WORLD.”

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PIONEERING
By M. Stanford



"An instrument for honorable uses, consecrated, useful for the Master, and ready for any good service" (2 Tim. 2:21, Wms.).

To be a leader one must be a dependent one, a led one; one who is looking away (from all that would distract) to Jesus, who is the Leader and the Source of our faith" (Heb. 12:2).

"One of the greatest needs in the Church today is for authoritative, spiritual, and sacrificial leadership. Authoritative, because people love to be led by one who knows where he is going and who inspires their confidence. Spiritual, because a leadership which is carnal and explainable in terms of the natural, be it ever so competent, can result in sterility and spiritual bankruptcy. Sacrificial, because its source is the life of One who gave Himself a sacrifice, and stated that the path of leadership was by the lonely road of sacrificial service."---O.S.

"The standard and measure of spiritual leaders has to be ahead of others, and as human nature generally likes not to be disturbed, but would seek the easy way, the pioneer is often a bit too much for people. His is not the easy way, and because the whole nature of man is either downward or to a quiet and happy snugness, the leader is not always popular. The pioneer is therefore not always appreciated, but often very much otherwise. He is quite contrary to this mediocre gravitation. A part of the price of leadership is loneliness," ---T.A.S.

"Paul could say, 'I am glad to spend and to be spent for your sakes, notwithstanding the more earnestly I love you the less I be loved'; not, I will help you as long as you love me. People hurt you; you are not appreciated? Well, so be it! Spend and be spent the more!"

"The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient" (2 Tim. 2:24)

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GOOD HOPE THROUGH GRACE
JOHN McKAY, Pastor



Scripture Reading: II Thessalonians 2:16

Are you sorry that you came to know the GRACE OF GOD? The word grace usually means unmerited favor or showing kindness. Everybody wants favor and kindness. It carries the idea of producing joy in both the giver and receiver.

Someone may complain that since the grace of God has come to them, they don't have as much fun as they had before they became a Christian. This is of course, extreme foolishness. God does not take away from the Christian any GOOD thing! "God... giveth us richly ALL THINGS to enjoy." If what we were doing before we were saved was sin, then it could not be fun in an absolute sense. Sin might have seemed fun because of a certain pleasure in it, but the consequences bring trouble and grief. Judgment (in one way or another) always follows sin, and God is always the determiner of what sin is.

Instead of complaining that you don't have as much "fun" as you previously had, you should consider that "...your Father...maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Also we should dwell on what we are and what we will be in the Lord Jesus. Our POSITION IN CHRIST will take away complaints and grumbling to be replaced with joy and singing. After all things considered, we not only have Heaven and glorification coming in the future, but we have forgiveness, justification, fellowship with God, and numberless blessings right now! Although we are not called to fun, there is plenty of fun and true joy just living for the Lord Jesus!! "...our Lord Jesus...hath given us everlasting consolation and GOOD HOPE THROUGH GRACE..." Do you have this favor and kindness?

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ATTITUDE
By Miles Stanford


"I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude ... saying, Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent REIGNETH" (Rev. 19:6).


Once we become aware that our sovereign Father is reigning and is in full control, our faith becomes a set attitude and we are able to honor Him by resting in His faithfulness under all circumstances.

"Joseph gives a wonderful example of a man who does not know what God is doing and yet who by faith cooperates with Him at every step of the way. At each phase of his experience, even when perhaps he was most bewildered, Joseph gave God the cooperation which He requires for the fulfillment of His purpose. This relationship can only come by faith. It does not necessarily entail an under-standing of the procedure of things, but it certainly cannot be given unless we are absolutely convinced of the Father's supreme control over all.

"The man who imagines that things have got out of the Father's hands, that they are not working out as He intended, or that Satan or his agents are really in control, is the man who is not in a position to give the Father the required cooperation in it all. This is unbelief. And unbelief is the greatest hindrance we can offer to the Father's working. This cooperation is a matter of heart-attitude, of spirit, and means that we go quietly on, cheerfully and faithfully glorifying the Father where we are, not fretting or praying to be moved somewhere else." -T.A-S.

"The strength of the vessel can be demonstrated only by the hurricane, and the power of the Gospel can be fully shown only when the believer is subjected to some fiery trial. If the Father would make manifest the fact that 'He giveth songs in the night,' He must first make it night." --W.T.

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him" (Rev. 19:7).

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The Love of Christ
by Paul M. Sadler,


    Scripture Reading:

    "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."     -- Ephesians 3:19

    The passage before us is a treasure chest of truth. Paul contrasts the spiritual knowledge of the believer ("to know"), with human knowledge ("passeth knowledge"). We are living in a time when a  high premium has been placed on intellectualism. Technology is advancing so rapidly that a product is barely to the marketplace before it is obsolete. Human knowledge has progressed to the point where man has now created small micro chips, the size of a pencil eraser, that can store volumes of information. While man glories in his accomplishments in the area of high tech, God is still the infinite One in knowledge overall. I read recently that if man were to build a computer capable of performing the functions of the human brain (memory, reasoning, thinking, functional control, etc.) it would have to be the size of the Empire State Building. How would you like to carry that around on your shoulders? While human knowledge has benefited us all in areas of medicine, science, and travel, man through human wisdom can never know God nor understand the things of God (I Cor. 1:20,21).

    Those who are saved, however, have at their disposal a spiritual knowledge that far surpasses human knowledge. Having the eyes of our spiritual understanding opened, we are now able to comprehend the Word of God. It is from God's Word that we first learned of the love of Christ. It was Christ's love for us that sent Him to Calvary to die for our sins, to redeem us back to God (Rom. 5:8 ). His love also keeps us secure, for as the Apostle says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. 8:35). The love of Christ constrains us or motivates us to serve Him. We can never repay what he has done for us, but out of gratitude for what He has accomplished for us we should desire to live for Him (II Cor. 5:14,15). With this knowledge of the love of Christ we can enjoy the fullness of God.

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"GLORY"


People today have lost hope. They are anxious about the past; they are anxious about the present; and they are anxious about the future. Fear grips their hearts and minds as they witness the government crumbling, the job market disappearing, and the family unit being torn to pieces. Disillusioned young people, in total rebellion, turn to drugs and alcohol. They join gangs, drop out of school, and commit horrible crimes. Without hope and without Christ, they tread down dead-end streets. Walking according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), they fulfill the desires of the flesh and the mind (Ephesians 2:1-3).

The believer in Jesus Christ, however, has HOPE. He has a future. He has something to look forward to. We must learn that hope in the scriptures does not involve any element of uncertainty. Scriptural hope means to expect with ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE all God has purposed for the believer. The Apostle Paul states in Romans 5:2 that the child of God is to " .. rejoice in HOPE of the glory of God."

The logical question to raise at this point is, What is the HOPE OF THE GLORY OF GOD? Why should we rejoice?

Hebrews 1:2-3 tells us God has appointed the Lord Jesus Christ heir of all things. He is the heir of all that God owns. ALL THINGS were created by Christ and for Christ (Colossians 1:16) for "of Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To whom be GLORY forever" (Romans 11:36). Everything that exists will find its true meaning only when it comes under the final control of Jesus Christ. What a day of GLORY that will be!

One day soon, the GLORIOUS Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel. The trumpet of God will sound. The dead in Christ will rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thessalonians 4:14-17). In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, God will change our natural body to a spiritual body. Gone forever are corruption, dishonor, and weakness; here to stay are incorruption, GLORY and power (I Cor. 15:42-44. " ... we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His GLORIOUS body, according to the working whereby HE IS ABLE even to subdue all things unto Himself" (Philippians 3:20-21). Conformed to the image of Christ--Oh, that will be GLORY (Romans 8:29-30)!

When Christ, who is our life, appears, we shall appear WITH HIM in GLORY (Colossians 3:1-4). We will be manifested as sons of God, heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. We will be GLORIFIED together with Him--Oh, that will be GLORY (Romans 8:17)! The troubles, trials, and tears we may experience in this life are nothing compared to the GLORY that will be revealed in us at the Lord's coming (Romans 8:18).

Two thousand years ago, the Lord of GLORY, Creator and Heir of all things, was born of a virgin and laid in a cattle stall because there was no room for Him in the inn. He laid aside His GLORY and became poor to make us rich--one day we will be GLORIFIED. At Calvary's cross, He bore the penalty for our sin, was buried, and arose triumphantly the third day. He laid down His life FOR us. He gives His life TO us. He lives His Life THROUGH us.

Can you look back in faith and see that God's grace has saved you? Can you look forward in Hope and see GLORY awaiting you? Can you look at your life today and know Christ, the HOPE OF GLORY, lives within you (Colossians 1:27)? "The life which I NOW live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" Galatians 2:20.
--- BY UNKNOWN

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The Wonders of His Grace
by Paul M. Sadler,



Scripture Reading:

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." -- II Corinthians 8:9

Whether the occasion is a holiday, a birthday celebration, or a graduation, it is customary to give a gift. While some gifts are given out of necessity, for the most part, a gift is an expression of our love. We normally bestow these tokens of our affection on those whom we feel deserve the honor. But God's ways are not our ways. He gave the gift of His beloved Son to His enemies. That's a true love story! Oh, the wonder of His grace that God sent His only begotten Son, the Son of His love, to save sinners like you and me while we were fleeing from the glory of His presence. Little wonder the Apostle Paul says, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (II Cor. 9:15).

The word "unspeakable" here has the idea of "indescribable." The gifts I've received through the years were all describable. Some may have been a little harder to describe than others, but describable nonetheless! But the gift of God's dear Son is indescribable. Who can explain the incarnation, how the eternal Son of God left heaven's glory and took upon Himself the form of human flesh, yet was not tainted with our sin. Who can explain how Christ was wholly God and wholly human in one person? These wonders can only be received through the eye of faith.

The manger and the Cross stand at the two extremes of our Lord's life, but they are connected by the tapestry of redemption. Hence, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." A love story that ends with a death is tragic; in contrast, the death of Christ is the greatest demonstration of love this world has ever seen. How much does God love you? He gave His only begotten Son to die on your behalf. You see, Christ wasn't dying for His sin, He knew no sin; He was dying for your sins and my sins at Calvary. He was made sin for us that we might receive the righteousness of God in Him. Have you trusted Him?

Surely you would never think of paying for a gift; why, the giver would be highly offended -- how much more so with God. The payment for your sins has already been furnished by the Giver; simply receive Him as a gift from God. If you have, then why not thank Him today for His unspeakable gift? After all, this is the Gift that includes all others!

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NOT DYING FOR LACK OF LOVE
by C. R. Stam



It has been said that "the world is dying for the lack of a little bit of love." When this statement is examined in the light of Scripture, however, it is found to be the exact opposite of the truth. Listen to what God’s Word says about this:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

"God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8 ).

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (I John 4:9,10).

Many about us are dying in their sins, but not "for the lack of a little bit of love." It is rather because they reject the great love that God has manifested to us in His Son. We are told in John 1:10,11 that "He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." This is the problem: men are rejecting His love. "And this is the condemnation," says John, "that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light" (John 3:19).

But while others reject Him, you may accept Him as your Savior and know the joy of sins forgiven and of everlasting life, for "as many as received Him, to them gave He the power [Lit., right] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12).

"The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on Him" (John 3:35,36).

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

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INEXPRESSIBLE JOY
by C. R. Stam


             Have you ever noticed that the Apostle Paul never speaks of his love for Christ? Rather he keeps talking about Christ's wonderful love to him. Neither does he exhort us to love Christ, but keeps telling us how Christ loved -- and loves, us. This is consistent with the message specially committed to him: "The Gospel of the Grace of God" (Acts 20:24).

           The Law said: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" (Matt. 22:37). This is the very essence of the law. And we should love God, but the law cannot produce love, so God comes to us in grace and say: "I love you". This is why Paul's epistles are so filled with "the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:29).

 The fact that God deals with us in grace does not mean that believers should not, or do not, love Him. The very opposite is true, for love begets love. It is when men come to know the love of Christ that their hearts respond to him in love.

 Peter, like Paul, had once been a strict observer of the Law, but had since come to know the love of Christ in growing measure. The result: A deep love for Christ and the overflowing joy that accompanies such love. This is why we find in I Peter 1:8 those touching words that naturally overflow from the heart and lips of one who has come to know the love of Christ: "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory".

 Yes, knowing and loving Christ does indeed bring inexpressible joy, but we cannot love him by trying. We must accept His love for us in faith so that our hearts may naturally respond.

[nChrist]

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SALVATION FROM START TO FINISH
By HAROLD STEINBRON



Scripture Reading: II Timothy 1:9-12

"Before the World began"; that's how long ago God scheduled my life, salvation, and place in His glorious presence. Sometimes I'd worry and fret about whether I was going to make it through to next weeks pay-day! As I look back now over many years, to that concern about lasting until pay-day, I wonder, did I really believe God had known me before He made the world! I think not! It was a theory with me, I knew the Bible stated it, but it had not been reckoned SO by me. Unbelief must be a very serious insult to the One who planned by existence long before my parents were born! My God was too small!

The person who truly lays hold of the Eternal God and truly believes what these verses teach will truly thank God even when everything that could go wrong does; and at the worst possible time---and then the bottom falls out! The peace of God that only the God of peace can bestow will bring an inner calm and freedom from turmoil that will be apparent to those about us.

Verse 12 mentions suffering "these things". One would assume that God's choice servant who wrote half our New Testament would live a trouble-free, leisurely life. Not So! "My Grace is sufficient for thee", was God's answer to Paul's request for relief from a grievous thorn in the flesh. God is apparently wanting to inform us that since He has planned our Life and eternity from start to finish, we must not shrink from hardship, bodily suffering, or rejection by our fellow man. The holy calling is not unto ease, but unto faithfulness unto Him who called us.

[nChrist]

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ALWAYS ABOUNDING
by C. R. Stam



"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I Cor. 15:58 ).

We should note carefully that the Apostle Paul here addresses only his brethren in Christ, those who have truly been born again -- born into the family of God.

Furthermore, he sent this appeal to Christians everywhere: to "all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (I Cor. 1:2). He knew that there is a tendency among all believers to be tempted to abandon the work of the Lord through discouragement or carelessness, so he pleads with us to be "stedfast" and "unmoveable," reminding us that our labor is "not in vain in the Lord."

How we need this exhortation! We do not soon abandon our businesses or homes. We toil on in spite of difficulties and obstacles, and when the outlook is darkest we often work the hardest. Sometimes our bodies suffer for it, but we do not immediately give up.

And how much more urgent is the work of the Lord! Souls are perishing all about us for whom Christ died. It is our plain duty to pray for them and tell them of His love. It is our responsibility to toil and sacrifice that they may hear and believe the good news. What shall we say when some day we stand before our Savior if we have been satisfied merely to know Him ourselves? And what will He say?

Let us then be up and doing, "always abounding in the work of the Lord." Life is too short to fritter away the precious moments God has given us to proclaim His saving grace. Let us tell them, then, by lip and by life, by our testimony and by our behavior, that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" and that "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).