GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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WHY GOD'S CHILDREN SUFFER
by C.  R. Stam


 Contrary to common belief, the Bible does not teach that all men are the children of God. Our Lord said to the religious leaders of His day: "Ye are of your father the devil"(John 8:44), but to the Christian believers at Galatia St. Paul wrote: "Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:26).

 As the children of Adam, it is not strange that we should have to bear suffering; for sorrow, sickness and death entered the world through sin (Rom. 5:12). But some people wonder why God's children, whose greatest desire is to please Him, should have to suffer along with others.

 There are several reasons for this. In the case of Job, God allowed His servant to suffer to prove to Satan that Job did not live a godly life for personal gain -- and Job was richly rewarded later for all he had borne.

 Further, God's people could not be of much spiritual help to others if they were exempt from the sufferings which others have to bear. In such a case the unsaved would say: "Yes, you can talk! You don't know what it is to suffer disappointments, sickness and pain, as we do."

 Then too, it must be remembered that even the most godly saint is not perfect and must at times be disciplined, "for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth" (Heb. 12:6). This is done for our good, to keep us from sin and its consequences.

 Finally, suffering and adversity tend to make God's children pray more and lean harder on Him, and herein lies their spiritual strength and blessing. St. Paul said: "I take pleasure in infirmities... for when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Cor. 12:10).

 But there is a great twofold advantage which the suffering Christian has over others. First, his sufferings are only temporary and, second, they earn eternal glory for him.

 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Cor. 4:17).

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Who Is Your Strength?
by Anabel Gillham



Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. - II Corinthians 3:5

They will be held guilty, they whose strength is their god. -Habakkuk 1:11

God's characteristics -- His immutability, His omnipotence, His omnipresence His omniscience -- were, of course, available for me and to me, but I was holding up pretty well with my own immutability, omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience.

You see, I had performed all my life to gain acceptance from others, and I had really been quite successful. I always looked to Anabel as the "author and finisher" of my strength.

Omnipotent

I was powerful. I could do it! In fact, I used to say that by the time I was 22 years old I had learned two things very well: 1) I can learn; and 2) once I know how, I can do it. Nothing was too difficult for me to undertake. Oh, I might hesitate to accept the task of washing windows on the Empire State Building, but then out of my mouth would come the all-too-familiar words: "Of course, I'll do it."

Omniscient

I was wise. On the Dean's honor roll. Who's Who. I knew what I needed, what I wanted -- and I had the tenacity to keep performing until I got it. That didn't wane as I became a part of the "real" world, either. I left college with my tennis racquet under my arm and a tank filled with self-sufficiency. I moved away from the protection of my loving parents, the familiar streets of dear old Poteau, and the comfortable life of home. I didn't have a placard around my neck, but it was emblazoned in my thought-life: I can do it!

Omnipresent

I was on the scene -- God wasn't. His omnipresence didn't impress me all that much. I needed physical proof of His presence, and I didn't have it. So I depended on the strongest person I knew . . . Anabel.

Immutable

As far as being immutable -- unchangeable -- I was able to meet life, to roll with the punches and change if it was needed. I was in control. Why should that change? I was certainly not going to stop performing.


God's constant presence?
God's wisdom?
God's power? Those attributes weren't doing me one whit of good, and since my own strength was what I depended on, by definition my strength was my god.

Let's just say that my attitude was, "I'll call You if I need You, God." And I never really thought through that mindset. You see, what I was saying (ignorantly . . . thankfully) was this: "God, I have learned to do this, this, and this quite well. I'm still working on this one, but You're helping me and pretty soon I'll get the hang of it. Now this one is still real hard, but if You'll just keep working with me I'll eventually conquer it, too; and then guess what, God? I won't need You at all!" (How presumptuous of me!)

After years in an unhappy marriage, after having a profoundly retarded son, after financial frugality that seemed to take the joy out of life, after dealing with the unpleasant people that I couldn't control or make go away . . . I began to need Him. I began to realize, for the first time in my life, that my strength was not working. My life was changing me from "the leading female role" to an introverted behind-the-scenes stagehand. In fact, I pretty much lost all interest in going to the plays. The performer was about at the end of her ability to perform!

Then I came across Habakkuk 1:11, and it was as real to me as Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. That came, of course, after years of performing and after more pathetic years of failing. But even then there was still enough life in this strong woman to "kick at the goads!" I couldn't kick much longer, though. I was just too tired of trying.

Well, today I have a new verse, a new theme song: The woman who has come to know that You are her strength is a woman who is blessed (Psalm 84:5-7).

I've come to know this, but it was a very difficult lesson for me to learn. I had played "god" for a long time and was loathe to give up control. I was so sure of my ability. But God, through His patience and wonderful guiding hand in my life, brought me to the point where I can say very comfortably with Paul, "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Who is your strength?

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A Faithful God In An Unpredictable World
Steve McVey


Jennifer and Paul were discussing personal problems they were having one day. Jennifer said, "I can't make sense out of life. You do your best. You trust that God will work everything out. Then life falls apart anyway. It seems like what I do makes no difference."

I understood her frustration. I've felt the same way at times. Believing that I've covered all the bases, I've found myself sometimes bewildered, sometimes depressed, and sometimes even feeling resentment toward God when things didn't unfold as I had expected. We often expect life to fit within our sense of human justice, but it often doesn't work out that way.

G. K. Chesterton said that one problem he had with Christianity has to do with cause and effect. He observed that ninety percent of the time life works on the basis of cause and effect, but the other ten percent it didn't. That troubled him.

When I read his comment, I thought how I'd be okay with the 90/10 percentages he observed. My life hasn't seemed to work that way. It has seemed to me that things haven't worked out according to cause and effect more often than they have. I've noticed the same with others.

A family I knew reared their children in the same way. One grew up to be a responsible Christian with a professional position. The other ended up in jail for selling drugs. One Christian lady I know prayed for her husband to bust Christ, and he miraculously was converted. Another friend faithfully prayed the same prayer for her husband. One day he came home and announced he wanted a divorce to marry the younger woman he had been having an affair with for two years. One friend I have was healed of a life-threatening disease. Another gifted friend who was an author, a preacher, and an intellectual, died far too young, in my opinion.

How are any of us supposed to get through such an unpredictable life? How do we remain at peace in a world where everything can suddenly change in a moment? Martin Luther embraced a verse that answers that question. It is the verse that ushered in the Reformation.

"The just shall live by faith." It's that simple. We must choose to walk by faith in God. We have reason to know that our Father is a loving God, so nothing happens in our lives that He doesn't permit. He is a sovereign God, so nothing happens that He can't control. He is an omniscient God, so nothing happens that He didn't already know about in advance.

The question is, "Will we trust Him?" Some Christians think that faith means if we believe hard enough, things will turn out the way we want. Their faith is in faith. It's an approach to problems that combines a mix of secular positive thinking with a religious flair.

Authentic faith isn't intense, religious positive thinking that is intended to produce a certain outcome. Biblical faith means that we trust in God. Period. Not in a particular result. Not in a happy ending. Faith simply means that we trust Him, knowing that whatever the outcome may be, life will still be okay because He is in control.

Are you facing situations that make no sense? If so, relax. God is in control. He loves you and will always work all things in your life together for good. Don't mistake wishful thinking for biblical faith. Faith means that we rest in the fact that we are one with Christ - that a loving Abba is our Father who controls it all --- that the Holy Spirit will sustain us no matter what happens. Your life isn't a result of cause and effect. Your life is Christ. He has it all planned already. So let go of your attempt to control your own destiny and trust Him. He will guide you safely home.

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PRAYER PROMISES
By  Pastor Joel Finck

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:22; Philippians 4:6, 7 ; Ephesians 3:20

It is popular these days to "claim" the great prayer promises of Scripture, regardless of to whom these promises were addressed. For example, we read in Matthew 21:22, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." This is certainly a remarkable promise, and countless thousands have attempted to claim it as their own. However, many have experienced great disappointment when their prayers went unanswered. Some suffer great disillusionment and conclude that "the Bible just doesn't work." Others undergo spiritual depression as well meaning "friends" tell them that they "just didn't have enough faith." If a few cases, some have even turned against God, concluding that He went back on His promise.

The solution to all these problems, of course, is to "rightly divide the word of truth." Christ's promise to His disciples in Matthew's gospel pertained specifically to them as participants in the kingdom program for Israel. God's prayer promises to the body of Christ in this dispensation are found in Paul's epistles, and in these, we never read that God will give us whatsoever we ask. Rather, God promises us that when we truly leave our requests with Him, then "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). Sometimes God's withholding of what we ask is actually blessing in disguise, "for we know not what we should pray for as we ought" (Romans 8:26). Who knows what trouble we would heap to ourselves if we got everything we asked for? But praise God, He gives peace to the trusting child!

We emphasized the fact that in this dispensation of grace, God does not always give us what we pray for, but He does promise peace when we leave our worries with Him (Philippians 4:6,7). But just because God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we want them answered doesn't mean we should stop praying. Paul instructs us to "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). Neither does it mean that God does not answer our prayers at all. Indeed, one of the greatest prayer promises in all the Bible is found in today's text.

"Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20). Meditate on these words for a moment. Our God is certainly able to give us what we pray for, but Paul does not stop there. God is able to go far beyond our short-sighted requests and give us what is truly needed in our lives. Imagine a billionaire telling you, "ask what ever you want, and I will give it to you." Now imagine this same billionaire being someone who knew you intimately and loved you with all his heart, and saying, "trust me and I can do far more for you than you could ask or even imagine." Which of these would be a better promise? The wise man would choose the second.

This is exactly what God has done for His children today. He does not promise to give us whatever we ask, as He promised the twelve apostles of Israel. Instead, He tells us to leave our cares and requests with Him, then trust Him to do what is best. Do this by faith, and you will find true peace and blessing!

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TEACHING THE TRUTH
GIVEN TO NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES
PART 1 OF 3
By Pastor E.R. Campbell


As those who have had considerable experience in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering, and knowing that each part must be precisely fitted and designed to carry out its specific junction in relation to the whole, it distresses us to see people failing to distinguish between the various parts of the Bible. The vast majority, in this humanistic era in which we live, don't seem to recognize that each part is fitted and designed to fulfill a given function in God's total purpose for the ages.

First, we want to reaffirm the fact that the 66 books in the Bible ARE THE WORD OF GOD. This is a fact which the Holy Spirit has settled! It is not a question which is open for debate in our own mind nor at CANYONVIEW BIBLE SEMINARY. we feel that it is important to emphasize our unrelenting stand for the Divine inspiration of the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, in view of the weird things the unlearned say about those who honestly endeavor to distinguish the things which differ (2 Peter 3:15-16; Phil. 1:10). For those who discern to whom and during what age each portion of the Bible was written, it is a consistent whole. Those who refuse to make this discernment, and at the same time claim that the Bible does not contradict itself, thereby manifest their ignorance of its contents. Such naivete is inexcusable for one who professes to be a student of the Bible.

Second, we affirm on the basis of the Bible itself that it contains a record of what God has said to and for men from the beginning (Gen. 1:1) unto the time when Jesus Christ will give over the Kingdom to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24). Looking at it from our vantage point, it contains many messages which were given in the past, a distinct message for the present, and a prophetic message for the future.

The truth revealed for a given period of time is not proportionate to the length of the period. The first eleven chapters in the Book of Genesis give us a very brief record which covers the span of time from the creation of the universe to the time when God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees (1800 B.C. prox.). During this period of time God gave specific instructions to several different individuals, particularly, to Adam, Eve, Cain, and to Noah and his sons. These instructions primarily applied to what they were to do in their immediate environment.

The second period of time that is clearly recognizable in the Old Testament covers the span from Abraham's departure from Ur of the Chaldees unto the departure of his descendants from Egypt (Gen. 12:1 - Exod. 24:3). During this period God gave instructions to Abraham in keeping with his circumstances, made promises to him pertaining to his seed and their land, and instructed Moses to lead them out of their awful situation in Egypt. This period of time extended over approximately 400 years.

The third period covered the span from the giving of the Law to Israel (1400 B.C. prox.) unto the coming and death of Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:19; 23-24). The historical setting within which Jesus spoke that which is in the Synoptic Gospels was in this Law period. During this period, approximately 1400 years, God governed Israel through the Mosaic Law conjoined with the prophets. God's message during this period was designed to make Israel conscious of the exceeding sinfulness of sin (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13). Jesus Christ's message, spoken during the latter part of this period, was a heightened version of the Law for the coming Kingdom (Matt. 5:17-48.). These intensified laws will govern those living in the Messianic Kingdom, a time when "creation itself will be freed from the bondage of corruption," i.e., from the curse resulting from Adam's sin (Rom. 8:21).

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TEACHING THE TRUTH
GIVEN TO NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES
PART 2 OF 3
By Pastor E.R. Campbell



The fourth period covers the span from the resurrection of Jesus Christ unto the miraculous saving and commissioning of Paul as the Apostle of the Church (Acts 9:1-17). During this period of time the Twelve Apostles were offering the Messianic Kingdom to the nation of Israel with its accompanying sign gifts (Acts 3:18-26). Continuous resistance to their message culminated in the death of Stephen, the epitome of their rejection of Christ and His Kingdom, and the point at which God began to reveal the distinctly new unprophesied Church. The message in the early chapters of Acts up to the public ministry of the Apostle Paul (Acts 11:26) primarily pertains to the offer and extension of the earthly Kingdom and not the Church. Grievous error results, which is very inconsistent with Paul's later epistles, when Church doctrine is based on these early chapters.

The fifth period covers the span from the beginning of Paul's public ministry to the final laying aside of the nation of Israel (Acts 11:26; 13:9, 13; 28:26-28.). During this period Paul was still preaching the Gospel first to the Jews (Acts 13:14-41; 14: 1; 17:1-3, 10, 17; Rom. 1:16). At this time he still possessed the power to perform miracles (Acts 13:11; 14:3, 9; 15:12), which were associated with his Messiah-verifying ministry to the nation of Israel (Acts 9:15). During this time the Truth of the Mystery was being progressively revealed to him (Gal. 1:12; 1 Cor. 2: 6-10; 2 Cor. 12:1, 7). On the one hand, Paul was confirming the fact to Israel that Jesus of Nazareth was the prophesied Messiah and King (Acts 13:23, 38; 17:2-3,7; 18:5), and, on the other hand, he was proclaiming Him as the unprophesied Head of something new, His Body, the Church (1 Cor. 11:3; 12:13).

The sixth period covers the span from the laying aside of the nation of Israel (Acts 28:28.) to the writing of the last books included in the New Testament canon (60-90 A.D. prox.). Subsequent to God's final dealing with Israel as a nation (following the Book of Acts) there are no more sign gifts, miracles cease. Sign gifts were an integral part of God's dealing with Israel, but this dealing having ceased until the fulness of the Gentiles comes (Rom. 11:25), sign gifts likewise have ceased to exist. During this period physical entities, which were very significant in conjunction with Israel, appear to give way to their spiritual counterparts, spiritual circumcision and baptism (Col. 2:11-12). The Mystery, which was progressively revealed to the Apostle Paul, reached its ultimate and final revelation in the epistles he wrote during this period (Eph. 3:2-9; Col. 1:25-28.).

Having given a brief resume of how God has spoken to men in different times and circumstances in the course of Divine history, in accordance with His eternal purpose, now let us focus our attention on that which He spoke through the Apostle Paul (Gal. 1:12) to the New Testament churches. Since we live, move, and minister in the same church age it is 100% logical that our message and ministry should, as exactly as possible, conform to that which was given to these churches. As we teach that which Paul taught, and as we don't teach that which he did not teach, why do some who profess the Name of Christ think that what we do is strange? From the positive point of view, what Paul taught the New Testament churches is the norm and standard for this present Church age (2 Tim. 2:2). From the negative point of view, what is beyond and contrary to what Paul taught is "another gospel"  Gal. 1: 6), or a perverted gospel . Gal.1:7), and the one teaching it is to be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9).

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TEACHING THE TRUTH
GIVEN TO NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES
PART  3  OF 3
By Pastor E.R. Campbell



Now let us consider the epistles which were written by the Apostle Paul. We will list these in the general order in which they were most likely written. The majority of Paul's Epistles were addressed to churches, namely, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. Four of his epistles were addressed to individuals, namely, Philemon, Titus, and 1 & 2 Timothy. One of his epistles was written to Jewish believers who had leaders, namely, Hebrews (13:7, 17, 24), which was apparently sent to one or more churches in Judea (Acts 26:20). Thus we may affirm that ten of Paul's Epistles were written directly to churches to give them the Truth necessary for their development and maturity.

Three of the four epistles Paul addressed to individuals were written to his co-laborers, Titus and Timothy. These epistles, though addressed to individuals, with a minimal amount of personal instruction in them, primarily pertain to churches. They emphasize the need to guard against false teaching, to hold fast to sound teaching, and to maintain good works. They give us invaluable information on how a church is to function and govern itself.

The fourth of the individual epistles was actually addressed to both Philemon and the church which met in his house (vv. 1-2). Its message is directed toward a given believer in the church at Colossae, but it is applicable to all believers in like circumstances in all churches. In conclusion, even though four of Paul's Epistles were addressed to individuals, their contents universally apply to all New Testament churches.

Since there are some who don't believe the Book of Hebrews was written by the Apostle Paul, and who don't believe that the contents of this book are for the Church, we want to briefly touch on this issue, hoping to be able to deal with it more fully in the future.

In order to understand the Pauline authorship of the Book of Hebrews it is imperative that we identify with Paul, the Jew, who was hated unto death by many of his brethren according to the flesh (Acts 21:31; 23:12). We need to sit where he sat, walk where he walked, and become oriented with him in our perception of those who were his kinsmen (Rom. 10:1). Paul himself personally knew what it was to hate Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and to persecute His followers unto death (Acts 9: 1-2; 1 Tim. 1:13). He was aware of the fact that it took a Damascus Road miracle, the personal appearance of Jesus Christ, to effect his conversion. He knew the struggle involved in turning from the Law, and the sense of security it afforded, to the despised and rejected Messiah. He personally knew the ostracism and consequences of such a change. Positing the fact that Paul thoroughly knew the mind-set of those to whom he was writing, that he was a masterful communicator of the Gospel committed unto him (Gal. 1:12), both the anonymity and contents of Hebrews are what we would expect.

We who major in teaching the Truth given to the New Testament churches through the Apostle Paul are normal, on target, and accomplishing the will of God. Those who teach another gospel, a perverted gospel, and beyond that which Paul preached, are abnormal, off target, and beating the air (1 Cor. 9:26) .

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Why Do l
Exist?
Part 1 of 2
By Bill Gillham


D0 you remember, the story of Pinocchio?  I recalled enough of it to suspect a parallel between Pinocchio and us, so I picked the book up at the library. Sure enough, Geppetto lovingly fashioned Pinocchio for fellowship with him and poured his sacrificial love on to him. But, Pinocchio rebelled against his creator and authored a declaration of independence; he did things his way. He is aptly called a "dummy" and humans who think that living in rebellion against our Creator are as well. In the end Pinocchio was transformed and became his creator's precious son. We all have a lot in common with 'ol Pinocchio. Ultimately he said, "How ridiculous I was when I was a puppet! And how glad I am that I have become a well behaved [son]."

Have you ever pondered a question such as the title of this article, Why Do I Exist? We exist for the same reasons that Pinocchio was fashioned by his creator. God lovingly recreated you for His own pleasure and He is so proud of His handiwork. Now He wants you to bring honor ("glory" is the biblical term) to His name (His reputation). You can identify with that. How did you feel when you first saw your child, that you helped bring into the world? Proud enough to take pictures and show them to your friends, I'll bet! How did you acquire that trait? You got it from our Father. God has a special feeling for His kids, and He has passed that trait along to you.

Can you imagine how proud He was as He recreated you in Christ (Eph. 2:10)? Imagine Him holding you when you were born into His forever-family and showing you to all the angels. I like to think of Him as a proud daddy (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6), with a grin from ear to ear which says, "Look what I did!" You think this is a far-fetched idea? No way! If you, an earthly parent, experience such a self-sacrificing love for your kids, consider how much greater the Father's love is for you (Heb.12:10). You have never given up your only son that you might give birth to another child (much less one who insists on squirming out of your lap so he might live in rebellious independence like Pinocchio).

How fathomless is His love for you; and oh, how wrong are those people who believe the Father harbors hostility towards His recreated children; that He will one day humiliate us publicly for our sins as if they were not under the blood. What a grotesque image Satan has sold to some of us about our relationship to our Father. Indeed, some Christians have such a wrong view of Him that they feel He scowIs at the mention of their name. Many in Christ even fear the very thing Christ has conquered ... death. They cling to planet earth as if they prefer it over being with Jesus. It would seem their attitude is I'm sure I enjoy a greater happiness here than I ever could with You, Jesus. I have so much to live for.

Look at that... Pinocchio still lives, gang!

God created you in His image, and since He is Spirit so are you. You are a spirit-critter who lives in an earthsuit that will age some seventy years (give or take a few years)and then it dies and the spirit-critter ejects. All dead spirit-critters will eject to exist in the realm of darkness forever; live spirit-critters will eject to live in heaven with Jesus. If you are in Christ, you  will never die; only your body will die.

Both the lost and the saved have a human nature. Although the terms human nature and sin nature are eons apart, some believe that they are synonyms! Ever heard a Christian say, "My human nature took over and I sinned"? That's wrong thinking. To have a human nature is not bad, it's good! Let's reason together about that. .. Jesus had a human nature (Phil. 2:7). Adam was created with a human nature. So it can't be bad to have one. Without a human nature you could never have been recreated in Christ. Think about it: gorillas do not have that privilege.

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Why Do l
Exist?
Part 2 of 2
By Bill Gillham



The word nature means the basic characteristics of something. Birds have a flying nature; hogs have a mud-wallowing nature. Let's examine a few of the characteristics of a human nature. Humans are comprised of spirit, soul (personality), and body; we have needs in each of these three areas which motivate us toward realizing that Christ alone is the only trustworthy Source of our supply. But look, the world has taught us "Pinocchio" philosophy: that we must be our own source.

Let's examine a few of your human needs. The Creator implanted in your spirit the basic need to know God. He created your mind with the need to have understanding and peace; your will needs the freedom to choose; your emotions need to experience loving and being loved; your body needs gratification of its various appetites. Although this is not an exhaustive list, these needs are part of your human nature; all of them are godly and good. The rub is that the devil is trying to get you to satisfy them by rebelling against your Creator and "doing it your way", just like Pinocchio, which brings us to the topic of the sin nature.

Only "un-recreated" humans have a sin nature. Your sin nature was crucified in Christ (Rom. 6:6). Although it's true that we all were originally born with a sin nature, new creations in Christ no longer have one. Satan creates much confusion about the meaning of the term sin nature. The sin nature's basic characteristics can be summed up by this attitude: Jesus, You are a party pooper and I refuse to let You control me. I run my life. I have needs which I want to fulfill my way; way; I have the right to go where I want to go and do what I want to do. I do things my way. You will readily see that new creatures in Christ no longer have this sin nature. Granted we sin, but we do not yearn to live like that.

Christians have a new nature; we are "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Pet. 1:4). We were reborn in Christ as new spirit-critters (2 Cor. 5:17). We are now spirit, sons and daughters of the living God (Jn.1:12). Our spiritual characteristics have been radically changed. We died in one kingdom and were born into another. The indisputable evidence of your new nature is a deep yearning, an inner longing to obey Jesus Christ, to please Him, to hunger for an intimate, loving relationship with Him. Self-examination before the Lord will reveal this to be true for all new creations in Christ. This longing is a thirst which can only be slaked by the indwelling Spirit of Christ Himself.

Think about it. These things being true, you and I can now snuggle up to the God of the entire universe - without fear- as the loving Dad that He is to us. My Father delights in me since I am "without spot or blemish," forever in His presence and favor because of Christ's finished work. I am "the righteousness of God in Christ," a partaker of [His] divine nature." I am holy; my sins are forgiven, gone ... my guilt has vanished. There is nothing that can prevent my spending the rest of my earthly life, as well as eternity, in intimate union with God (Col. 2:2-3 ). The coast is clear! The way has been paved! The glory of such truth! I am totally, unconditionally loved by my Creator! Think about it: "Pinocchio" has repented and now experiences life ... life abundant. " ... Through [His] death He [rendered] powerless him who had the power of death ... the devil; and [delivered] those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives" (Heb. 2:14-15). Death? Fear death? Are you kidding? "Come on death; your teeth have been pulled. You don't scare me one whit. I am alive! It's impossible for me to die!"

So "Why You Exist?" It can be summed up in three words ... TO GLORIFY GOD (Rom. 15:6, 1 Peter 4:15). Does your lifestyle demonstrate a pursuit of that worthy goal? If not, you are missing your purpose. You and I have been lovingly recreated and abundantly endowed with grace and favor at the cost of Jesus' life, By this we are now equipped (and indeed yearn) to spend our lives bringing honor to His blessed name (reputation).

Any Christian who walks in the truths described above simply has to talk about it. He would feel like he would pop if he couldn't praise the Lord or share his joy with others as the Holy Spirit leads. He's like "Old Faithful;" he has to erupt regularly to release the river of Living Water within. When he does, those with eyes to see will glorify God. Listen, folks don't travel to Old Faithful to give honor to a hole in the ground, but to see the fountain which pours forth from that hole. The Holy Spirit is a tour guide who brings travelers into contact I with you so you can honor the Fountain Who is in you by letting Him live through you, Christian.

Why do you exist? You exist to glorify God. Are you pursuing this ... or are you playing Pinocchio?

[nChrist]

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Hardwired for Triumph
By Steve McVey



Biotechnology teaches us that our DNA is a blueprint of who we are as physical beings. All of your physical features are nothing less than an expression of the programming that existed in your DNA from the moment you were conceived. DNA defines your physical nature.

In the same way, the Bible teaches that you have a spiritual nature. When you received the life of Jesus Christ, your nature was transformed. The Bible says that you became "a partaker of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). You might say that you received a GNA, with the G standing for  "God."  His life became yours. That makes you different from most people.

     Your life pulsates with divine power because of the presence of Jesus Christ within you. At the core of your being, you are hardwired for triumph because God "always causes (you) to triumph in Christ Jesus" (2 Corinthians 2:14). Christ is in you and will live His life through you. What greater assurance of victory can a person have?

The Apostle Paul affirmed, "I can do all things through Christ who  strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Jesus Christ is your strength, your wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:30), and your assurance of victory in life. (See 1 Corinthians 15:57) You don't have to go through life with a defeated attitude. When you recognize and rest in who you really are, things can change!

Christians aren't who we used to be. It is important for us to understand that or we will be held back by the debilitating mind set of our old life. The person you were before you met Christ  died. (See Galatians 2:20) You are now a brand new person (see 2 Corinthians 5:17)who is capable of dreaming new dreams and living a life you could have never lived without Christ.

     "According to your faith be it unto you," Jesus told one man who desperately needed to see his circumstances change. (See Matthew 9:29) Christ wanted to do something wonderful in this blind man's life, but it was necessary for the man to trust Him.

     The foundation for your optimism is Jesus Christ. Faith in Him is the conduit through which He is able to pour out into your life all the good He has planned for you to be, to have and to do. It all boils down to one simple question: Do you believe that God wants you to experience and enjoy His blessings or not?

As you look down the path that lies ahead for you, do you anticipate good things from God? Do you expect things to become better or worse? Make no mistake about it - what we believe about God's working in our lives in this arena has an inestimable effect on how we move ahead and what we will experience and enjoy in the coming days.

Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, when the journey from Egypt to Canaan should have taken only 11 days. Why did it take them so long to enter into the Promised Land? The Bible says, "they were notable to enter because of unbelief' (Hebrews 3:19). With paradise only 11 days away, they lived in self-imposed misery for 40 years, all because they refused to believe God.

How long have you wandered in circles? Maybe, like Israel, you've been in the wilderness for many years. God says through Isaiah that it's time for you to accept and appropriate good news. Get ready, good news has arrived. Your Father is bringing you out of the wilderness.

Will you believe God? You aren't like those in the world, outside of Christ. You have an anointing by the enabling grace of Christ within you to live a supernatural life. Will you accept and appropriate the good news? Will you lay hold on the hope of fulfilling the God given dreams of your heart? Trust Him and watch the great things He will accomplish!

[nChrist]

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THE HIGHEST EXPRESSION OF FAITH
by C. R. Stam

    In Rom. 8:26 we read what our hearts must often confess to be true:

"...We know not what we should pray for as we ought..."

But the Apostle hastens to explain that the Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will of God, adding:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

Believers may not receive whatever they ask for in the darkness of this age, but

"God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (II Cor. 9:8).

We may not receive whatever we ask for, but by His grace we may have so much more than this, that the Apostle, in contemplating it, breaks forth in a doxology:

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

"Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Eph. 3:20,21).

In the light of all this the highest expression of faith today is found in the words of Paul in Phil. 4:6,7:

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing -- but in everything -- by prayer and supplication -- with thanksgiving -- let your requests be made known unto God -- and..."

"And" what?

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive"?

NO!!

"...and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [garrison] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

[nChrist]

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THERE IS BUT ONE FAITH FOR THE BODY
PART 1 of 5
By Pastor Byron Richardson


Faith is another spiritual element which might need some elucidation. On  its face it might appear that only one kind of faith has been dispensed  among men. That would be impossible, since all have not heard and  believed the same report ( Rom. 10:14) .

Surely, no one would claim that Noah's faith, as strong as it was, could  equal the abounding faith which Paul delivered, and which is God's own  unlimited transmitted Faith. Even Peter's faith could not measure up to  this kind of Faith. James referred to a diluted type of faith, as compared even with Peter's faith (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 3:18). The Unity of  Faith will lead eventually to the fulness of Christ (Eph. 4:13).

Faith, as we know it from Paul, did not exist among men before it was  revealed to him (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:23, 25). Faith, which was exercised  by the patriarchs was acceptable for them, but it was of a relatively  reduced quality when compared with Paul's Faith.

Paul pursued some earthly Kingdom tenets for a short while after he  acquired knowledge of the New Covenant (Acts 28:8). This he did to  vindicate his claim to Apostleship. Also, he accepted the earthly Kingdom environment into which he was introduced. Acts does not reflect  the Body anywhere, and it contains little relating to the New Covenant.

Redemptive Blood is mentioned only once in Acts (20:24). Justification  also is referred to once (13:39). We should not expect to find much Grace in a Kingdom oriented book (13:43; 15:11; 18:27; 20:24). We must  realize that Faith and Grace have existed since Abel, but that they have  increased steadily since then (Gen. 6:8; John 1:17; Rom. 5:2; Titus 2:11; Heb. 4:16; 11:4; 1 Pet. 4:10).

Paul did not compromise when he followed contemporary Kingdom teachings.  Acts bridges the gap between Israel's earthly Kingdom of Heaven, and her  heavenly New Covenant Kingdom, but not the Body. For the sake of the Jews Paul did things which might be questioned under Grace (Acts 16:1-3;  21:20-26; 28:8). Every vestige of the earthly Kingdom of Heaven vanished  in his prison epistles, but New Covenant principles remained as the  basis for his teaching.

[nChrist]

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THERE IS BUT ONE FAITH FOR THE BODY
PART 2 of 5
By Pastor Byron Richardson



Water baptisms were Mosaic purification ceremonies, many of which were  associated with the Priesthood of Israel. It also extended into other  areas as well (2 Chron. 30:17-18; Mark 7:4; Jno. 2:6; 11:55). This part  of the Law has been transferred by some into the New Covenant, and even  into the Body. Baptismal regeneration as practiced by John the Baptist,  Peter at Pentecost and other Kingdom adherents has invaded modern  Christendom, thereby adding to the confusion.

For centuries orthodox religions have tried to establish, extend,  advance, build and bring in the Kingdom. Nearly every church had adopted  this as its objective. This strong impulse comes from prior ages which  stressed good works, instead of the Grace of the New Covenant or the  Body. This is but another flagrant case of inserting extraneous issues,  which sabotage God's orderly processes.

We should shun even the slightest deviations from truth, however  innocent they might appear to be. The Seven-fold Unity should be our  constant guide and stay. By neglecting this precious heritage we could  be guilty of perpetuating legalism without being aware of it, or of its  consequences.

Our Lord will not reign over the earth for only a thousand years, which  is but a day in God's sight (Kingdom of Heaven). His final rule will  extend over the entire universe in perpetuity (Isa. 9:7; Dan. 4:3; Luke  1:32-33; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 11:15). It should be obvious that the earthly  Kingdom of Heaven (Millennium), the heavenly New Covenant Kingdom and  the Kingdom of God are among things that differ. The Kingdom of Heaven  (Millennium) will be stationed in the present world, but it will not be  of this world (Jno. 17:14; 18:36).

The ONE Faith as stated in our text is the only Faith which has been  designated as a free GIFT (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 2:8). This astounding fact is  found only in Paul's writings. Such Faith cannot be earned, measured,  equated, produced, reduced or mixed with other kinds. We are of the  opinion that this Faith inures to the sole benefit of members of the  Body, since only Paul mentions it.

[nChrist]

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THERE IS BUT ONE FAITH FOR THE BODY
PART 3 of 5
By Pastor Byron Richardson



The quality of Faith varies proportionately with the amount of  revelation available in each dispensation. We search in vain for  evidence to corroborate our erroneous assumption that the faithful from every dispensation are eligible to dwell in the Heaven of Heavens. The New Covenant opened the door to the New Heaven only.

Furthermore, we were surprised to learn that no part of Heaven became available to Israel, until the Apostle John opened it to them under the  New Covenant (Jno. 1:12, 29; 3:16; 14:2-3; 20:31; 1 Jno, 3:1), Even then the prospect was only a heavenly City. All segments of God's plan must  be reconciled, or we shall be vulnerable to Satan's vicious attacks upon  the truth, caused by ignorance of God's Word.

This particular brand of Faith may be cited as the very essence of divine Faith, It exceeds all human faith, which can be measured by human deportment. Such limited faith tends to vacillate considerably. God's  innate Faith is constant, and it is not subject to man's estimation.

Certain saints express more faith than do others, who are less saturated with the Word rightly divided (2 Cor. 10:13). This vicarious Faith is  the same in kind to each recipient, but it differs materially in degree  from person to person. The results depend upon individual responses  (Rom, 12:1).

God imparts His own Faith through His Word illuminated by the Holy  Spirit (Rom. 10:17; 12:3), In this unilateral transaction God's  intrinsic Faith displaces human faith, when it is permitted to do so.

God is the author of all types of faith which have been dispensed in all  eras (Heb. 12:2). He bestows unprecedented Faith upon the Body, over and  above that of the New Covenant. Such superb Faith cannot be questioned,  since it is God's perfect Faith bestowed as a legacy. As stated, this  Faith is conferred upon the Body in proportion to each member's ability  and willingness to assimilate His Word (Rom. 10:17) It is not imputed to  members of the Body, as it is under the New Covenant. It is transferred to that select group without any change in its original character and  intrinsic value.

[nChrist]

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THERE IS BUT ONE FAITH FOR THE BODY
PART 4 of 5
By Pastor Byron Richardson


According to Paul's Gospel, human faith is mediocre as with the Faith  which is granted to us as a free Gift (Eph. 2:8). This substitutive type  of Faith is potent enough to make God's Righteousness ours as a free  GIFT (Rom. 5:17; 9:30; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9). The kind of  faith imputed under the New Covenant results in a lesser position than  does that under the Body. The superior Faith allocated to the Body is  not imputed faith, as it is under the New Covenant, but it is a  substituted Faith (1 Jno. 5:4).

Most evangelists expect outbursts of emotion to accompany regenerative  experiences. Many converts become disturbed because their initial  impressions did not meet their expectations. They came to them as a  still small voice, rather than in an earth shaking tumult (1 Kings  19:11-12). First contacts with the Gospel often are mild and  disappointing. The twelve Apostles were called into service without  ostentation. There is no record that Paul's converts responded with  hilarity.

When Nicodemus was convicted of his spiritual need there was no  spectacular display of either agony or ecstasy. Spiritual relationships  are established when one changes ones attitudes and views toward  spiritual matters. No outward signs of emotion are required for entering  into the fellowship, either of the New Covenant or the Body. Such  demonstrations belong to Israel and the earthly Kingdom.

A full response and commitment to the truths presented are all that is  needed. Outward testimonials of an internal, abiding power and peace  usually appear gradually, as each candidate grows in Grace and knowledge  of truth. The Word is like a planted seed, which generates, sprouts,  buds and blossoms in order to produce fruit, flower or foliage.

Portions of the so-called Gospels, Acts, James and Revelation do exhibit  signs and fleshly manifestations. However, all  of them are associated directly with the earthly Kingdom of Heaven for  Israel. They have no privity with the New Covenant or the Body.

Some of these visible Kingdom demonstrations are: healings, visions,  dreams etc. (Acts 9:3, 12:7, 16:9). Under Grace most believers begin  their new life in an unassuming manner, and proceed on their spiritual  path without much fanfare. God works in decency and order in this matter  also. However, emotionalism does play an important part in our spiritual  experiences later. No thrills can equal those which come through God's  Word and the Holy Spirit.